The idea of pest invasion in a home doesn’t go too well with so many homeowners. Terming pests as annoying and frustrating is actually more of an understatement. Pests such as rats and cockroaches cause so much damage leaving you feeling so disappointed and agitated. The presence of pests in your home only means one thing, your home is dirty. Pests, for instance, rats dwell in a filthy area where they can easily get food.
Your kitchen cleanliness shouldn’t be anything short of spectacular cleanliness. The kitchen is sensitive because this is where you are likely to find many cockroaches and rodents coming out of there hiding places in search of food. So how do you deal with a pest infestation? This is a question that occupies the mind of many homeowners who have no clue on how to tame these menace-causing creatures. However, here are some great ways of dealing with a pest infestation.
The Cause Of The Infestation.
The first step of dealing with a pest infestation is finding out what caused it. Cockroaches, flies, and rodents are some common pests that infest so many houses. These three pests are attracted by a rather filthy surrounding. Flies are dangerous since they can easily spread diseases. Rodents on the other hand feast on so many things including garments, wood, and even rubber. However, having a cluttered and an unhygienic set up has to be the leading reason as to why pests will come knocking at your door.
Your house, in particular, the kitchen area has to have top-notch tidiness and sanity. This will greatly help keep rodents and cockroaches at bay. After cooking your meals, ensure all the utensils are cleaned especially at night since that’s when rodents and cockroaches crawl out of their hiding to look for food. Any leftover food and all water jerrycans should always remain tightly closed.
Determine the kind of pests that have invaded your house.
In some cases, you may only have one type of pest that has infested your home while in other cases you may have several pests playing around in your home. The remedy of dealing with pests vary depending on the pests, in a nutshell, the approach of eradicating pests is different for every pest. This will help you determine which action steps you shall take. For instance, if you are dealing with rodents’ infestation, you will be able to know whether to buy traps or buy poison that will kill the rodents or call in a professional exterminator. However, choose a course of action that will bear you positive results. While at it, also find out how far the infestation has extended so that you can come up with an effective method.
Have all entries points properly sealed.
Pests don’t just find a way to your house miraculously. Rats squeeze their way to your home in any tiny hole they will find. One or two rats that will invade your house will start multiplying and within no time you have an empire of rats to deal with. The same applies to cockroaches. Flies will use even the tiniest of holes to gain access to your home meaning that you have to ensure all openings are tightly sealed. It will be very prudent for you to pay great attention when sealing your door frames and window frames. This is to ensure there isn’t any space for any pest to use to gain access to your home. If you have pipes that run in and out of your house, you should ensure that they are properly closed. This helps trap the pests in your house giving you a better shot at dealing with them.
Embrace a clean environment.
When dealing with a pest infestation, one of the remedies include ensuring your environment looks nothing less than tidy and clean. First and foremost, ensure your litter bins are emptied and remain clean. Essentially, this ensures that the rodents have no food hence they will starve or forced to move to another environment. Nevertheless, ensure that the grass in your yard remains short and that any stagnant water is immediately drained. The essence of doing this is that you are eliminating the breeding ground for mosquitoes which can be very detrimental to your health especially during rainy season. A clean surrounding keeps many pests at bay.
Don’t allow fruits to overripe.
Fruits that are overripe tend to attract a lot of flies most of the times. Fruits such as bananas easily ripen when placed in the fruit basket for such a long time. This means you will have many flies to deal with. To add on that, cockroaches will love to take a bite of your fruits so it would be prudent for you to keep your fruits in a safe place that no rat or cockroach will reach.
Call an exterminator.
If the pest infestation is too difficult for you to handle there’s always an option for you to call in a professional pest exterminator. If you had employed your own techniques and they aren’t really bearing any results, then it’s high time you seek help from pests control department in your area. These guys will not only help you eradicate the pests but will also teach you on measures to prevent pest infestation in your house.
The above method will come in handy as you try to deal with these destructive creatures. Pests such as termites are very destructive as they eat away wood. Dealing with pest infestation is very tasking and involves a lot of patience. Rodents can be clever and sometimes they can’t easily walk into a trap as easily as you might think, so patience is very important. However, ensure you have employed preventive measures so as to ensure that you don’t deal with another pest infestation in your house. These pests can really deny you peace and joy in your home if they aren’t dealt with in a proper manner. Conclusively, prevention is always better than cure.
A sponge is such a simple item that most people just use for washing dishes. In as much as they are primarily meant for dish-washing, sponges can be used for so many other purposes. These water-absorbent squares can be re-purposed to do various other activities. Sponge hacks are very interesting and the fact that sponges are relatively affordable means that you should really try these hacks out. The beauty of repurposing an item is that you get to save some coins at the end of the day. Some of these sponge hacks may seem pretty unfamiliar to many people but once you get to know them they will thrill and fascinate you so much. So, what are these sponge hacks? Here are some great and amazing ways a kitchen sponge can be reused.
Cleaning Your Microwave
Who could ever have thought that your dirty microwave can be given a touch of sparkling cleanliness by using a sponge? The food particles that get stuck in your microwave can really make you avoid using it to warm up your food. However, someone came up with a hack to ensure these food particles don’t in any way prevent you from enjoying the services of your electronic device. Dip the sponge in water then place it in the microwave and let it sit there for approximately three minutes. Remember to switch it on. After three minutes, don’t take the sponge out yet. Let it sit there for a few more minutes. The steam in your microwave will help loosen up the food particles that had stuck. From there you can easily remove the food particles thus your microwave becomes spectacularly clean.
Cleaning Glass Blades or Shutter
There are surfaces that are tricky to clean, such surfaces may include shutter, blinds and even fan blades. There are expensive methods of cleaning these surfaces but when you have a kitchen sponge you can clean such surfaces and save yourself a lot of money. All you need is two sponges and a pair of tongs. Right below the scrubber of your sponge, make a deep but slightly narrow cut. The cut shouldn’t be too narrow neither should it be too wide, just the right size to fit the edge of the tong. Make a cut on both the sponge. On the edge of the tongs, place the sponge such that the scrubbing side of the sponge faces outside. Hold the glass surface or the fan blade between the two sponges and move the tong vertically such that it picks any dust present.
Cleaning Oven Racks or Grill Grates
Cleaning grill grates is not a joke especially when you don’t have the right tools thus this process becomes hard and time-consuming. However, someone discovered an easy and fast way of cleaning cooking grills and oven by using a kitchen sponge. Using a paper cut, cut your sponge vertically and horizontally to create several squares. But don’t make deep cuts. You can then use the slit sponge to effectively clean your oily grill grates and even oven racks. This method is very effective as you are able to remove dirt even in corners that seem unreachable.
Use as a Nail Polish Remover
As a lady, if the process of removing nail polish doesn’t intrigue you maybe because you have to buy a nail polish every other time then you should try this hack and just see how efficient it will work for you. Take a sponge that doesn’t have the scrubbing surface and fold it then put it in an airtight glass jar. Pour all the contents of the nail polish bottle into the container with the sponge. Afterward, stick your fingers into the sponge one by one. Remember to swirl your fingers so as to completely remove all the nail polish from your nails. When you are done, tightly close the glass jar and put it safely until the next time you will need to remove nail polish from your nails.
Great as Ice Packs
This sponge hack is very creative and definitely helps you save some money. If you are a gym person or a sportsperson, then you can definitely agree that ice packs are something that you regularly use. Kitchen sponges can be used to make some reliable and efficient ice packs. Dip the sponge in a roughly large bowl that has water. Let the sponge absorb water for some time before taking it out. Squeeze it lightly before putting it in a ziplock bag and putting it in a freezer. After three hours, you will have yourself an ice pack that you can use to relieve painful muscles, aching joints or even swells on your body. What a hack.
Dryer Sheets DIY
Knowing how to turn kitchen sponge into dryer sheets will make you ditch all those dryer sheets sold in the stores which are actually expensive compared to this method. All you need is water, thin sponges and fabric softener, it looks simple already, doesn’t it? Into an airtight container, pour one cup of water and half a cup of fabric softener. Gently stir them together to get a dissolved mixture. Dip the thin kitchen sponge into the container with the solution, then close the container tightly and store it in the laundry room. When doing your laundry, take one sponge and throw it in the dryer together with the wet clothes and run the dryer machine. When you are done with the laundry, put the sponge back into the container and you can use it again.
Kitchen sponges have these and more other functions. Other ways include the curling of hair, seed germination, and others. You can go online and learn the various ways you can turn a simple kitchen sponge into a tool that can be used and re-used. However, always ensure that your kitchen sponge remains in very clean conditions since a dirty sponge can easily be a breeding ground for bacteria. Try these great and fun tips today.
Every home appliance was manufactured to serve a certain distinct purpose. These appliances have really come in handy as they have made work so easier. For instance, a coffee maker has made the process of preparing coffee take less time, washing the dishes has become easier and fun thanks to the dishwasher. These appliances have become a necessity amongst most modern homeowners. Do you know one appliance can perform another task other than the intended one? The essence of these hacks is that you don’t have to buy one too many appliances whereas you can have a reduced number of appliances since one device can perform several functions. Here are some great hacks about home appliances.
Coffee maker.
It goes without saying that a coffee maker is a home appliance with a very distinct function, which is obviously making coffee. An intelligent and creative chef can attest that with access to only a coffee maker, he can prepare some great meals. A coffee maker can be used to boil eggs or even rice thus eliminating the need of having a rice cooker. Other than that, it can also be used to cook complex dishes. Isn’t it fascinating knowing how much a coffee maker can do other than making coffee?
Cleaning of jeans.
Most people don’t often wash their favorite pair of jeans as they tend to fade away with time. Well, freezer, yes freezer, is ultimately your best solution. All you need to do is put your pair of jeans in an impervious bag and store it in this home appliance for some time. Bacteria don’t tend to survive very well in cold surroundings so the cold temperatures in the freezer will kill any bacteria present in your pair of jeans. This method not only eliminates bacteria but also the smell of dirty jeans leaving your jeans smelling new. Nevertheless, if you have a computer hard disk that has crushed you can put it into the freezer and it will get revived, for a short time though, but you should be able to retrieve important files. Also, you can use your freezer to recharge NiMh and NiCd batteries when they are dead.
The dishwasher is your best solution.
A dishwasher is an appliance that was designed to perform a number of duties but most people only relate dishwasher with dishes. This appliance can clean just about anything. It has the capability of killing bacteria while ensuring that original shape of items remains to be so. This appliance is designed to be gentle thus you can clean items that can easily lose their shape when put in the washing machine. Dishwashing machine is your best bet when it comes to cleaning not only dishes but also other items.
Rice cooker.
This is an appliance with the potential of doing a number of activities, but don’t let its name restrict you. Steamed towels are very popular with high-end restaurants or even spa. These towels are used to relax the body prior to a body massage. Also, these towels can be used to wipe hands as they are capable of killing bacteria. However, cabinets used to warm these towels are rather expensive. There won’t be any need to buy a towel-warming cabinet while you have a rice cooker. You can easily warm and steam your towels using a rice cooker. Furthermore, there is a wide range of food that you can prepare using a rice cooker.
Use the oven to dehydrate food.
The expensive cost of commercial dehydrators should not deny you the chance to enjoy the pleasant taste of dried food and fruits. If you have an oven then you can easily enjoy your dried meals round the clock. All you need to do is stack numerous cooling racks above each other. These racks are separated by balls of aluminum foil which are placed on the corners. You will probably need to remove the oven racks so that you can place the racks with the fruits on the bottom. Then remember to set the temperatures to 200 degrees then leave the fruits there for approximately six hours. From there you will be able to enjoy the sweet taste of dried fruits.
Disinfecting your sponges.
Sponges are a very useful tool in the kitchen. Sponges are used to clean dishes and in the process, they can get bacteria if they are not properly maintained. It wouldn’t be such a good idea to clean your dishes with a dirty sponge that is host to numerous bacteria. To ensure your kitchen sponge is clean and bacteria free, dip in water then lightly squeeze it. Put it in the microwave and let it sit there for two minutes. To have clean utensils you will have to use a kill sponge and your microwave will help you sanitize your kitchen sponge.
Dying of fabric.
Turns out that the microwave cannot only be used warm cold food but can also be used to speed up the process of dying fabric. This is a rather interesting hack. A microwave impressively accelerates the dying reaction from hours to just minutes making it so convenient and reliable so much. Interestingly, a microwave is the recommended way of dying fabric.
Washing brushes.
Besides keeping your dishes in a sparkling mode, you can also use your dishwasher to clean your brushes which include paint brushes as well as makeup brushes. A dishwasher can also be used to clean computer keyboard, but you will need to be careful about how you go about it. Place it facing downwards and remember to skip the drying cycle. It should stay there for a few days before you attach it back to your computer.
Without any doubt, these hacks are very interesting and fun to implement. When purchasing a home appliance be sure to opt for an appliance that will serve you in various ways so that the appliance becomes more efficient. The survivability of these appliances entirely depends on how you maintain and use them. Always ensure you give top-notch maintenance.
The clean state of your roof and gutter is an aspect that any homeowner can never afford to overlook. Gutters are very useful as they are used to drain water from the roof whenever it rains. During this process, a lot of tree leaves and other objects may find their way into the gutter thus compromising the efficiency of your gutter. If debris continues to accumulate in the gutter, this will lead to clogged gutters that will lead to the creation of ice dams on the roof that will force water to drip into your house through the roof.
Having a clean roof is essential too since a clean roof speaks volumes about the beauty of your house. Algae, moss, and lichen are very common on many roofs and they gradually reduce the beauty of your roof. Here are some helpful tips that can help you keep your roof and gutters in very good conditions.
How to clean gutters.
Before even cleaning your gutters, you need to set aside a day that is favorable in terms of weather, preferably choose a calm day with fewer winds and less sunny. Gutter cleaning process requires several tools which include:
Ladder
Gloves
Safety goggles
Brush
Garbage bag
Hosepipe
The best place to start your gutter cleaning process is the drain outlets this is because all the leaves and dirt will accumulate there. The ladder will give you a very good access to the gutters whereby you will have an easy way of eliminating the dirt. Using a ladder can be a risky affair sometimes so always have someone to hold it as you step on it.
The trowel is useful since it’s used to scoop up all the dirt and dumped into the garbage bag. Alternatively, you can use your hands to scoop up the debris, however, be careful not to get harmed by nails and other objects even if you have gloves on. With the help of a brush, you will be able to remove any silt or debris that seems stubborn.
The hosepipe has pressure attachment that will help you remove all the loose debris making your gutter clean. You should repeat this process for every gutter length and at the end of it all, you gutter should be debris free. If your gutter is not properly slanted, there will be a problem when it comes to drainage of water. This means that you will have stagnant water and debris in your gutters to worry about. Stagnated water in your gutter is a good breeding ground for mosquitoes, also it promotes the creation of ice dams that destroy your rooftop. You can call a plumber and have it fixed or you can do it yourself.
How to clean a roof.
Ways of cleaning a roof may vary depending on the type of roof you have. However, the process is basically similar, also, the tools required are all but the same. Weather is an aspect that you need to factor in before choosing a day to give your roof some cleaning services. The tools required are:
Safety glasses.
Non-slippery shoes.
Protective gloves.
Brush with hard bristles.
Garbage bag
Bleaching chemicals.
With the help of the ladder, you will be able to access the top of your roof from where you will be able to sweep off twigs and leaves or you can pick them up using your hand and putting them in a garbage bag. Moss creates an appealing visual effect when it grows on a roof but it can be very hazardous.
The process of removing moss can be laborious, a trowel and a brush will come in handy during this process. You should never let moss grow extensively on your roof so you should remove it as soon as it appears. If your roof is tiled, you will have to remove each tile and remove the moss using a brush. Remember to properly fix the tiles after cleaning so as to avoid having leakage when it rains.
Moss can be disposed of anywhere but for environment cleanliness purpose, dispose of it in a litter bin. Algae are fond of building up in shingle roofs. Algae are harmful as they make shingles lose their strength with time thus making them absorb a lot of heat. So how do you deal with this? A mixture of water and bleach is your best bet. As a precaution, avoid using bleach made of chlorine as they are detrimental to your shingles. Spray the solution on a small segment of your roof and thoroughly scrub to remove the algae on your shingles.
However, always stand on a dry path since the bleach solution can be very harmful to you. After a thorough scrubbing, remember to rinse the roof using clean water. The bleach solution is also harmful to your plants, so if by any chance it will get to your flowers it will be advisable if you water your plants before and after washing your roof. This will reduce the negative impact of bleach chemicals on plants.
Roof cleaning is very paramount as it can make your roof look appealing and attractive from a distance away. This process increases the survivability of your roof as it eliminates the possibility of leakages. Cases of leakage can make your roof get damaged very easily. If by any means, the process of cleaning gutter and roof seems very laborious to you, you can seek professional help at a pocket-friendly cost.
Whenever you want to undertake the process of cleaning your gutters and roof, always ensure you have protective gear on. A very clean and well-maintained rooftop will have you admiring it always as you drive or walk towards your home. In a nutshell, if your accord your gutters and roof the best maintenance, they will remain in good shape for many years hence you won’t have the bear the cost of replacing gutters every now and then. Bear in mind that maintenance is key.
It is very difficult for one to get their kids to do some chores or simple cleaning around the house without some frowning involved. The thought of entering your kid’s rooms is just tiring. Having to take a peek at their bathroom is another nightmare all by itself. However hard you think it is, it may turn out to be a walk in the park for you. No age is too young for them to start cleaning as long as you can communicate with them. Here are some very simple ways to help your kids learn how to clean your home.
It doesn’t have to be a serious ordeal.
Scolding your kids for them to do chores around the house will not help them at all. Punishing them using chores will make them hate those chores even more and in turn become rebellious. Explain to them why they have to do their chores and give them a hand as well. A good leader does not just sit around pointing out what is to be done, instead, he helps out to show that he is part of the team too.
Start your kids early.
Do not wait until your kids are teenagers so that they can start handling chores. Start with them when they are toddlers but with minimal work, as they are not strong enough to handle complicated work. You could even come up with a song for them as they are sweeping those crumbs into the dustpan. This will be fun to them and it will act as bonding time between you and them. It is not advisable that you let them work for long, as they will get bored and hate the whole experience.
Get some reward cards.
You don’t have to give tips every time your kids do chores but you could make it fun by leaving behind reward cards two to three times when they finish with their chores. Place the cards where they are visible and at the point of the end of the chore. For instance, you could hang one on your trash can outside for them to site it as they are throwing out the trash or sneak up on them as they are doing the dishes and place the card on the kitchen table. This will act as a form of encouragement for them.
Come up with a duty roster.
Just as you may have a menu for your meals, come up with a duty schedule for your whole family. Distribute the chores and divide them into daily activities. Do not overwhelm them with chores as they also have their schoolwork and playtime of their own. You could secure thirty minutes or one hour of their time for chores. Be sure to make that hour fun. As you assign the chores, make sure you don’t give the younger kids dangerous chores like cleaning the kitchen area and if you do, it should be under strict supervision to prevent accidents.
Do not be bossy about it.
There are many ways to kill a rat. Cleaning doesn’t have to be done your way. If your kid is to vacuum then wash the dishes later, do not insist on him to vacuum first then wash dishes later. Let him feel independent and choose what to begin with first. Agitating him in that way will lower his confidence or even get him angry. Assign the chores and only help if asked to since kids are different. Some children prefer doing the chores alone so give them their space to do it.
Set an example as a parent.
You cannot tell your kids to do chores whereas the same chores are difficult for you to do. Kids look up to their parents or guardians. If you are lazy, they will also be lazy. Imitation starts from when they are toddlers. You may be folding laundry and notice your daughter trying to hold her own too as she carefully observes what you are doing. Start with yourself and teach them the tradition of always cleaning after themselves. By doing so, you will not even have to assign them chores or force them to clean their rooms.
Appreciate their work.
Always have time to check on them as they work and give a cheer here and there. If at all you could be at work and come home an intact house with everything clean, show them some appreciation by praising their efforts. Make them their favorite meal or take them out for pizza. Do not do that frequently as it may imply that they will only be appreciated once they do chores. Even if you find a messy house, ask why before jumping on their necks to scold them for it
They don’t have to be perfect.
It takes time before perfecting something. You wouldn’t expect the dishes to be entirely clean after the first few washes from your child. Accept the fact that your dishes will have traces of grease, your bathroom will not be spotless and their beds will be halfway made. Kids learn as they grow and perfection is a learning process for them. Encourage them and you will notice them trying harder and harder. Encouragement acts as a motivator.
Start small.
Start your kids with chores that do not require too many steps as they may get distracted along the way. Vacuuming sounds easy but for you to teach your kid how to put it on the vacuum and afterward put it off and dispose of the dirt from the vacuum bag would be very complicated for them. Switch the vacuum on for them and after they are done, help them get rid of the dirtbag. You can teach them the other steps after they get used to the first step and that is vacuuming.
All of us learned about chores from our parents or relatives and we are perfect because of their long patience. Study your child’s ability before handing them the chore. Do not assign the same chore to one of your children but instead interchange them after some time. Be sure to make it fun and accept mistakes. No one is perfect after all.
Unlike some other fly species, fruit flies seem to be very harmless. Their size and the fact that they can’t bite is a good cover. Frankly, most people get rid of them just because they are a nuisance. They seem to materialize out of thin air and beat you to the fruit bowl. But that is just considering their numbers, their association with rotten food exposes them to various bacteria and viruses. In return, they can spread them throughout your home. Additionally, they are extremely fertile and breed so fast by laying many eggs that eliminating them might seem impossible. Fruit flies fly and land on any surface in your home—including things that get into your mouth. Consequently, these places become a possible site for bacteria to breed, hence increasing your chances of infection. Therefore, it is important to know how to get rid of the little devils.
On the other hand, it is one thing to know how to kill fruit flies, yet what is more important is knowing how to prevent them in the first place. Honestly, fruit flies are not things you’d like spending your time dealing with. Save yourself the trouble by cleaning your counter to prevent them from turning into a snack bar for the pests. You should also cover up or store your fruits and food properly. Dealing with odor immediately by cleaning drains and garbage bin will play a big role in cutting the crap. Otherwise, if they have already infested your home, there are various ways you can eliminate them. But before that, it is worth mentioning that a lazy approach to their control will not help. Consistency is key in pest control. Here are clever ways you can use to totally eliminate fruit flies from your home.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great household product to have around the house. It works miracles in your home, including killing fruit flies. Simply take a bowl and pour some apple cider vinegar in it. Next, wrap the bowl tightly with a plastic cover. Using fork tines make holes on it, you want to make a way for them to come in and not get out. Therefore, do not make them too big. Then set the trap where the flies gather and when you come back, you’ll find some of them trapped. Apple cider vinegar is irresistible to fruit flies. Apparently, they love the smell of fermentation and the vinegar imitates that.
Use Traps
There are several traps you can easily make with things you already have at home. One of the traps is using a bottle with a funnel on top. You can use your kitchen funnel, or if the thought doesn’t sit well with you, roll out a piece of paper. If you don’t know how to make a funnel, you can easily check for tutorials. Fruit flies will have a hard time getting out of the bottle since it is half empty. You can either have vinegar or spoilt fruit that you already have in the bottle. Better still, if you are near the end of your balsamic vinegar you can use too. Balsamic vinegar can be expensive, therefore, just a bit of it would do.
Clean The Drain
If you’ve been wondering where fruit flies appear from, one of the places is your drain. They like congregating and breeding there. What better way to deal with them than destroying their breeding site? Not that it’s the only place but the war is won by half. However you can’t just go round it blindly, you need to be sure the eggs are destroyed. Therefore, boil a mixture of equal parts of vinegar and water. Then slowly pour the mixture down the drain ensuring it passes through the sides. Repeat the same process for a week to ensure you destroy them completely. Unlike what most people think, fruit flies have a longer lifespan. They can exist for over a week.
Dishwashing Soap and Vinegar
A mixture of vinegar and soap also gets the job done. Vinegar is what attracts them. Then the soap breaks the surface tension of the vinegar in which the flies might use to get out of the trap. Therefore, making them drown in the solution. If you lack vinegar for whatever reason, you can also use beer. When the soap dish is added, the flies won’t be able to detect it. Then place the trap where flies are dominant.
Use Wine
If you think you are the only one who loves wine, try forgetting your bottle open. Fruit flies love wine too. To be specific, red wine cuts the deal. It only gets better; you don’t have to add anything else to it. You will, of course, have to make a trap. The bottle funnel trap will work perfectly.
Spray Essential Oil
There are various natural essential oils that are offensive to fruit flies. They will not lead them to their death but will keep them away. Plus you will be killing two birds with one stone since some of these essential oils have a pleasant scent. Some of the essential oil to try is lavender, cinnamon, or lemongrass. Simply fill a spray bottle with hot water and around ten drops essential oil of your choice. Shake the bottle well and spray in areas infested by the pests. If the spray bottle doesn’t cut it for you, you can use a diffuser. Use it to waft the fragrance in your home and instantly drive away the flies.
Sugar, Milk, and Pepper
You can also get rid of the annoying flies by making a concoction of milk, sugar, and pepper. Simply combine some milk, with 2 ounces of ground pepper and 4 ounces of raw sugar, and then stir for a few minutes. Cover it with a plastic bag and punch some holes on it.
With these clever tips, you can take back control of your kitchen. Remember to be patient and consistent since it may take more than one try to eradicate them completely.
Roof cleaning is not something to do regularly; considering the risks associated and the city’s hustle and bustle. Chances are there are countless things you are supposed or would rather do. However, you can’t wholly ignore the fact that there’s a roof on your home that obviously gets dirty over time. And unless you clean it, the dirt is going nowhere. As a result of dirt and paint pilled off, your whole house will look dingy. Who wants to own a house that neighbors and passers-by take a double take for the wrong reasons? By now, you ought to know that you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
But if you are not doing it for the looks, think about the expenses involved in repairing your roof. Mostly, natural rainfall is enough to wash off the appearance of dirt. But there’s a catch; your rooftop makes a perfect environment for the growth of algae, fungus, and moss. Now those are trickier to get rid off by rain. Additionally, letting your roof get overridden by moss and algae goes much deeper than appearance.
They actually damage your roof by eating up and rooting your shingles and wood; shortening its life. Also, when your roof is covered up with mold, it is unable to reflect the sun’s ray off of it. Therefore, your home reflects more heat than it should. So cleaning your roof is more economical than having it repaired. With that, if you are planning to clean your roof, it’s only reasonable to know your way around it. To increase your curb appeal and home value, here are some dos and don’ts to consider while you are at it.
Take proper precaution
Do: Since roof washing is not in your top 10 things to do on a Sunday afternoon, it’s only fair to take the necessary precautions. Most people think washing the roof is simple. What can it take? Just taking soap and throwing it up there, and then rinse it with water. If you have the same mentality, don’t even think of washing it. There are precautions you should take to ensure you are safe while cleaning. Consequently, you will need more than a ladder to get it done. If you can do the job on top of the roof while maintaining three points of contact, then do it—it can be quite a sight.
Don’t: if you notice it is too risky for you, at no point should you take the chance. The fall might not claim your life but there can be dire consequences. You safety takes preeminence. Majorly, know what you are doing or get someone who does.
Check the roof
Do: check your roof first for any damage before you start the cleaning process. If you have a helper it would be great. An extra set of eyes cut the work by half. If the shingles are damaged or there is leakage, consult a professional to prevent further damage.
Don’t: do not ignore repairing any damage on your roof. Importantly, don’t even begin washing if there’s one. A single, small damage is cheaper to repair than when it’s bigger.
High volume, low pressure
Do: As much as you want to have a clean roof, you don’t want to damage it. Soft cleaning is very essential. As mentioned earlier, rain does a good job of cleaning your roof. Nevertheless, if you don’t do maintenance, you might have stains to deal with too. The unattractive, dark stains on your roof are caused by algae. As a result, you might be tempted to wrongly scrub it away. Or you might blissfully use a pressure washer. It gets the work done but problem is, it doesn’t know the difference between the algae and loose shingles. It can tear, uplift, or dislodge your shingles. With that said, now the job looks overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. You can get suppliers that will do the work for you really. And all you’ll have to do is use high volume water with low pressure.
Don’t: never use a pressure washer on your shingles. When damaged, they are expensive to repair.
Assess the surrounding area
Do: It is important to assess the surrounding area of your roof. It sounds like a no-brainer but you’ll be surprised by how many people ignore to do this. It’s vital for endless reasons. With houses so close to each other, the dirty water can find its way into your neighbor’s compound. Worse still, if you are using products that are harmful to plants, you will destroy them. Assessing the area also helps you get round cleaning easier because you’ll have an idea of where you’ll start and end. Meanwhile, be sure to cut off any extra limb tree from your roof for easy cleaning. You will also be able to take notice of potential dangerous area in your site. For instance power lines and unsafe roof access areas.
Don’t: never ignore your landscape and the surrounding areas to prevent accidents and damage.
When to clean
Do: No doubt it’s not every day you wake up thinking of cleaning your roof. In fact, if it was just for aesthetic purposes, most would have just left it to be the mess it’s supposed to be. Unlike vacuuming your house, roof cleaning is more efficient under certain conditions. Try to clean your roof on a calm cloudy day. When there is no threat of rain and no wind is blowing.
Don’t: Avoid working in extremely cold or hot weather. Extreme weather conditions might damage the shingles or prevent them from sealing properly. When you work on a sunny day, when using bleach, it is quickly evaporated. This will, therefore, limit its cleaning effect.
Prevent growth
Do: When it comes to your roof, you should embrace the cliché, prevention is better than cure. Use the necessary chemicals to keep algae at bay. Also, trim the tree branches overlying on your roof, and keep your gutter clean to allow proper drainage.
Don’t: avoid letting dirt accumulate and cause damage for you to take control.
Be sure to take the necessary precautions while you are at it. If you are unsure about something concerning your roof, you can consult with a professional.
It is a no-brainer that germs at home are bad news. They are small living organisms that cause diseases in your body. Majorly, they include bacteria, virus, fungi, and protozoa. They are found in all kinds of places and can easily spread from one person to another if hygiene is not observed. Unfortunately, since they are invisible to bare eyes, most people wholly ignore they exist. Well, you might have gotten away with that severally but if it’s the flu season, you have to disinfect your home. Unless you are a fan of washing handkerchiefs, you’d be grateful you read this.
However, before you even think of disinfecting your home, it is important to take precautions. I don’t mean you live your life so tight up but simply develop good habits. Consider the small things, sometimes it’s all that matters. For instance, you should wash your hands regularly. By doing just that, solves your problem by half. It helps prevent the spread of germs to your home from various places. This is a habit you’d want to also instill in your kids since they find everything else to eat but their food. Otherwise, regular disinfecting your home will be a big step in ensuring you and your family live healthy lives.
While plain water and soap do a great job of cleaning your home, there are situations that they won’t do the trick. There are sensitive areas such as kitchen, bathroom and other high traffic areas that need to be disinfected regularly. Viruses such as flu can breed very well in bathrooms because of the warm steamy atmosphere that germs love. Therefore, be sure to stock up on the right supplies to get the job well done. And you can also go green by using natural means of disinfecting. Here are some ways you can use to disinfect your home.
Washing
You can start sterilizing your home by washing house linens such as towels, and clothes that can harbor germs. Taking much care of tablecloth and towels. If you are going to wipe down your surface using a dirty tablecloth, it beats the whole purpose of doing it. It is important you wash your household linen properly with the disinfectant that’s working for you. Additionally, something that helps kill germs is the use of hot water. While you are washing, try to set the highest temperature that the cloth instruction allows. For those that are soiled, you can soak and bleach them before putting them in the washer.
Soaking
Soaking both your surfaces and clothes will cut down the time needed for a complete job. Soaking is done mostly on stained surfaces. Although for a much easier time, it is better for you to deal with stains as soon as they happen. It is another way of reducing the number of germs you will have to deal within your home. Furthermore, it is much effective to disinfect a surface that’s already clear.
Water, Soap and Detergent
After your surface or linen is stainless, you can now clean it wholly. Plain water and soap do a good job of cleaning. Although to maximize cleaning and minimize time spent on the task, a detergent will come in handy. The detergent helps to break down any organic matter and make cleaning simpler. Most detergent products really work and are worth the investment. Since they not only make work easy but also maximize the cleaning process by breaking down slime, which can harbor germs.
Antibacterial Spray
Since you are sanitizing, what better man for the job than an antibacterial spray. You should, however, know that disinfecting should only be done on a clean surface. Otherwise, your work will be in vain. Therefore, for the antibacterial spray to be effective, ensure you have cleaned the surface. The best feature about the spray—apart from the fact that it can kill germs; it’s effective to use on hard to reach areas or irregular shapes. Before using it though, ensure you read the instructions for antibacterial sprays range from each other. For instance, some will require to air dry while other will need a wipe to remove excess residue. Yet with all of them, you should rinse after spraying.
Disinfectant Wipes
Disinfectant wipes are as effective as an antibacterial spray. However, they are not so practical to use in certain areas, such as wiping the toilet flush. They are best used to wipe large, flat and easy to reach places like your kitchen counter. But of course, feel free to use wherever you want. You use by simply treating it as you would a sponge. Try to always have a pack in your kitchen so that you may disinfect after every meal preparation.
Natural Disinfectants
For some reason, you might lack commercial disinfectant but there’s no reason to panic. There are numerous household ingredients that can suffice as a disinfectant. And anyway, disinfectants are so many in the market all claiming to be the best; you can do with the reduced pressure. Here are some of them.
Vinegar
Vinegar is the one thing that should not lack in your home; in fact, lacking it should be made illegal. It comes through in many ways to solve cleaning emergencies at home. Its household uses are endless, plus it works miracles as a disinfectant. Furthermore, it’s affordable, biodegradable, and non-toxic and has been used as a disinfectant for years.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is used to for many applications and among them is disinfecting. Unlike vinegar, hydrogen peroxide doesn’t have a strong scent. It is a colorless and odorless liquid that has bleaching properties. Plus it’s non-toxic and, can be used to disinfect literally anything; from your toothbrush, wounds or kitchen counter. However, you need to store the bottle in a dark place because it becomes unstable in contact with light.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
It is mostly used for cosmetic and skincare purposes and still makes a great household cleanser. This is because it is naturally antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal. Both natural and manufactured products get the job done. Settle for the one you are most comfortable with and be proud of your healthy home.
The things we consider the hardest are most likely to be done in a simpler way and actually work. Some of us view the kitchen as a room for the experts only and shy away. The very complex things you see being done in the cooking channels are as easy as a walk in the park if you try some of these simple kitchen hacks. They are suitable for saving time and money. You can call them shortcuts that really go a long way.
1. Keep Your Tomatoes Fresh
The most nagging problem in the kitchen is finding your tomatoes rotten after some time. We buy enough tomatoes to last us through the week but before it ends, you start seeing rotten sports on them. Keeping them in the fridge is not the solution because eventually, they will still go bad after some days. What you should do is, when buying tomatoes, be sure to mix both raw and ripe tomatoes. Buy some lemons as well and put them together in one basket. Be sure to place a lemon in the middle of four tomatoes. The lemon slows down the ripening process making the tomatoes stay fresh for longer.
2. How to Store Your Coriander
Putting coriander stem in water won’t keep them fresh. They wither after some time and turn yellow. The best way to ensure that they stay fresh for up to 10 days is very simple. Buy your coriander and cut off the roots. Do not cut up to the stem. Wash them thoroughly and put them in a container. Seal the container tightly to make sure no air goes inside. Store them in the fridge and only open it when you need to take some out and use it. Close the container and return to the fridge for use on another day. Your coriander will stay fresh up to two weeks or more. Remember, store in the fridge and not the freezer.
3. Slice Your Onions Without Tearing Up
Every time you slice an onion, you always find yourself ‘crying’. The smell of the onions irritates our eyes which causes us to tear up. A helmet could work yes, but having to go to the store and buy a helmet yet you don’t own a bike could seem awkward to yourself. It is also expensive to incur unnecessary costs. To avoid all this, peel your onions and soak them in salty water twenty minutes before you cook and that will do the trick.
4. Need to Store Peeled Potatoes?
For instance, you go to prepare dinner, you have already peeled your potatoes ready to be cooked then, a friend pops in with the takeaway food. That situation is tempting and you suddenly feel like you don’t want to cook anymore. What will happen to your potatoes? If you leave them like that, they will turn black by morning and you don’t want to boil them. Just wash them well and put in a bowl with water then place small slices of bread on the water. Bread floats on water while the potatoes are underneath the water. By the next day morning, the potatoes will still be very fresh, as the bread will have sacked up the gas that causes them to darken.
5. Do Not Throw Out Your Jars
Most if not all stores, sell empty jars for us to buy and store spices, sugar, salt and other things in them. To avoid these costs, just improvise on what you already have. The empty Nutella and honey jars can come in handy. Simply remove their labels and put nametags of what you want to keep in them. This is a good form of cost-saving.
6. Peel Tomatoes With Less Hustle
Sorting tomatoes peels on the side of your plate as you are having dinner is a lot of work. You could even lose appetite while at it. You don’t have to keep doing that. If you don’t prefer blending your tomatoes, you could opt for this very simple hack. Soak your tomatoes in hot water for thirty minutes. This will soften their skin making it easy to peel with your hands. Peeling with a knife is not a good idea as you might deeply cut out some part of the tomato, leaving you with a very small tomato.
7. Replace Plastic Bags With Containers
Storing food leftovers in plastic bags and placing them on the shelves look a bit messy. The entire kitchen tends to look clustered just because of that shelve. The best way to avoid this is to get rid of plastic bags and opt for containers. Foodstuff like beans and peas can be put in cereal containers instead. If you need to have plastic bags around, get a drawer for them.
8. Do Not Throw Out Leftover Bread
For the lovers of bread, you do not have to throw the one remaining piece every day. Dry the bread and put it in a jar in form of crumbs. After a few times of drying your leftover bread, your jar will be full and you can use the crumbs to fry chicken or make meatballs. You will have saved the cash that you could have used to buy breadcrumbs from the store.
9. Preserving Your Tomato Paste
Whether in the fridge or not, tomato paste seems to go bad soon as you have unsealed the can. You end up throwing away a merely used can of paste. To prevent this, simply pour some little olive oil on the paste. The oil prevents bacteria from forming on the paste keeping it fresh for longer. You could use cooking oil too in case you are out of olive oil.
The Bottom Line
These simple hacks are a lifesaver for almost every situation. Some of the hacks are basic science that we learned in our early school days. Do not attempt any hack that you are not sure of to prevent loss or damage to your stuff.
First patented in 2004, the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, a melamine foam sponge—which was billed as one of Time Magazine’s “Coolest Inventions” of that year—has since been busy removing dirt, grime, and sticky stains from everything from shoes to stovetops.
Learn more about how this unique sponge works, the many ways in which you can utilize its cleaning powers, and a few things you should never use a Magic Eraser to clean.
How Does A Magic Eraser Work, Anyway?
Although a Magic Eraser looks like an ordinary sponge in many ways, this unique cleaning tool is actually made from melamine foam. Melamine resin is a versatile plastic that is created by mixing melamine with formaldehyde; when this resin is used to create foam, the final product is an ultra-fine abrasive that’s similar to sandpaper. Adding the power of water retention to this microscopically gritty sponge gives it a cleaning power that is truly magical.
Ten Ways To Use Your Magic Eraser
In addition to the seemingly obvious uses for a Magic Eraser (like scrubbing soap scum out of showers and sinks, cleaning scuff marks from walls, and wiping burned-on spills from an induction cooktop) there are dozens of other situations in which a Magic Eraser is truly a secret weapon.
1. Erase Crayon or Marker From Your Walls
If you have children (or have hosted children) who tend to view your bare walls as a canvas, don’t fear cleanup—the Magic Eraser can handle both waxy crayons and penetrating markers, even permanent markers.
2. Remove Rusty Residue from Porcelain
For households with hard or iron-heavy water, rust stains on porcelain can be tough to get rid of. But a Magic Eraser makes short work of these stubborn red and brown streaks, easily restoring your bath, shower, or tub to like-new condition.
3. Refresh Grout and Caulk
If your tile is looking dingy, a good scrubbing with a Magic Eraser may be enough to bring back that bright white grout. And if you’ve caulked around the edge of your sink, shower, or tub, this eraser can remove stains and grime that could potentially degrade the caulk seal over time.
4. Protect Walls from Artwork
By cutting a tiny slice from a Magic Eraser and using it as a “bumper” behind shelves or mounted artwork, you’ll avoid scratches and scuff marks on your walls. Just attach the Magic Eraser to your frame with a tiny bit of superglue (which you can later use a Magic Eraser to remove!)
5. Eliminate Sticky Residue From Just About Anything
Whether you have hairspray build-up on your curling or straightening iron, the sticky remnants of a label on a glass jar, or another type of hard-to-remove stickiness, a Magic Eraser can break down these gluey bonds quickly.
6. Detail Your Car
Whether you’ve got a dusty dashboard, a smeared windshield, or sticky leather seats, a Magic Eraser can give your car that brand-new appearance again (albeit without the new-car smell).
7. Remove Stains From Fabric
If you’re dealing with a stubborn stain that even pricey laundry detergent won’t remove, try using a Magic Eraser. Often, this abrasive surface can be just the trick for stains that seem impervious to other cleaning agents. It can even remove blood stains in some cases.
8. Shine Your Car’s Headlights
Over time and with exposure to salt, hard water, and road dust, your vehicle’s headlights can become dingy and dull. A few quick swipes with a Magic Eraser may be all that’s needed to restore your headlights to new.
9. Try Your Toilet Tank
One fun experiment involves placing a Magic Eraser in your toilet’s water tank. As the Magic Eraser remains waterlogged, it will slowly release its micro-abrasive particles as it dissolves, helping keep your toilet bowl clean and sparkling.
10. Shine Your Silver
Because silver is generally hard enough to resist scratching, it’s a great candidate for a good cleaning with a Magic Eraser. Remove tarnish, water spots, and other discolorations without using harmful chemicals or tarnish removers.
Five Things To Avoid Cleaning With a Magic Eraser
While a Magic Eraser can seem like a fairly innocuous cleaning tool, its micro-abrasive surface isn’t a good idea for certain materials. Here are just five of the things you should never use your Magic Eraser to clean.
Your Car
The abrasive surface of a Magic Eraser is almost certain to leave tiny scratches in your car’s paint job. Resist the urge to use a Magic Eraser to get your vehicle super-clean; instead, opt for cleaning tools that are specifically designed for vehicles.
Your Kitchen Counters (Usually)
Some countertop surfaces are quite delicate. Using a Magic Eraser on marble or granite countertops can scratch them; and while you may not notice this damage at first, over time, the use of abrasive cleaning products can lead to pitting, discoloration, and cracks.
Your Television or Computer Screen
You wouldn’t use sandpaper to clean your television, would you? Because a Magic Eraser’s micro-scrubbers rely on the same physical principles as fine-grained sandpaper, using one of these sponges to wipe down your television or computer screen could give you permanent wipe marks. (However, using the Magic Eraser to clean the keyboard is just fine.)
Fine China
Magic Erasers are so good at removing surface dust and grime, they’re a poor choice to use to clean fine china or other delicate dishes, as they may scratch the surface or remove patterns.
Anything You Haven’t Tested First
Unless you’ve used a Magic Eraser on a certain surface before (or know, beyond a doubt, that the surface is Magic-Eraser safe), it’s a good idea to do a small spot test in an inconspicuous area. This test will reveal whether the Magic Eraser might damage the surface and help you avoid causing a much larger mess than the one you’re trying to clean.
With these Magic Eraser tips, tricks, and cautions, you’re ready for just about any cleaning project that comes your way! But if you’re ready to take the next step toward improving your home environment, consider hiring an outside cleaning company like Companion Maids. Our flexible scheduling and experienced staffers can help you get your home into ship-shape on your schedule and at your convenience.
