Sometimes a drain gives warning signs that it’s about to clog. For example, you notice water pooling around your feet when you take a shower or the sink takes longer to drain when you wash dishes. Depending on what is stuck in your drain, you could also smell unpleasant odors. While dealing with a clogged drain is not always pleasant, the good news is that you may be able to unclog it yourself.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Trying to Unclog a Drain
If you see hair in the shower or food particles that didn’t go down the garbage disposal in the kitchen sink, you may remove it by hand and think that is the end of your clogged drain problem. Unfortunately, that is rarely the case. A product such as Liquid Plumber or plunging the clogged drain manually may also fail to produce results.
Home Remedies You Can Try
You will need to do something quickly or risk having a pipe burst. One of these do-it-yourself strategies may work for you:
Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar into the drain. The mix should contain one-third of a cup of each ingredient that you pour into a measuring cup. You will know the two ingredients are mixing together as they should when they start fizzing inside of the cup. Be sure to pour the mixture down the drain immediately to avoid it overflowing and making a mess. After the baking soda and vinegar has sat for an hour, pour a cup of hot water down the drain.
Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. If you are fortunate enough to own a shop vac with wet and dry settings, it might help you clear your clogged drain. You will first need to adjust the setting to vacuum liquids. Next, cover the vent and create a tight seal over your drain. A head from an old plunger will work well for this purpose. You should now turn the vacuum cleaner to its highest setting for liquids to see if it can get the job done. Although there is no guarantee that it will work, it is always worth a shot.
Use a bent wire hanger. This is an old trick, but it can still be an effective one. Find an old wire hanger and bend one end of it into a small hook. Holding the hanger from the large end, insert the hook into the drain by pushing it down as far as you can. The goal is to pull out as much junk as you can without pushing it further down the drain. Once you have as much as you think you can retrieve, run hot water over the drain.
Use a drain snake. A drain snake is a simple piece of equipment that you can buy at any hardware store. Once you have it home, place it down the drain to attempt to loosen whatever is causing the clog in the first place. You will first need to remove the bottom of your drain and place a bucket underneath it to catch anything that the drain snake loosens.
Use sodium hydroxide. Also known as caustic soda, this chemical is available at any hardware store. However, you need to use extreme caution if you choose to work with it since it can cause chemical burns if you don’t protect yourself with gloves. Start the process by pouring three-quarters of a gallon of cold water into a large bucket and then add three cups of the sodium hydroxide. Use a large wooden spoon to mix the ingredient with the water. It should start fizzing and getting warmer right away. You should now pour the entire bucket of water and sodium hydroxide into the clogged drain and wait approximately 30 minutes. The last step is to use a bucket full of boiling water to flush the drain.
Avoid Clogged Drains With Regular Maid Service
A clogged drain can be a nuisance besides taking time and money to fix. The good news is that you can prevent them entirely by arranging for regular Chicago housecleaning services from Companion Maids. We can clean your drains during each visit or on a schedule that you determine. Companion Maids offers customers the option of a one-time service or having maids clean your home weekly, every other week, or every four weeks.
Why You Should Choose Companion Maids for Your Housecleaning Needs
Trust and superior service are two of the top things that a cleaning service can provide to its customers. We are happy to let you know that our customers consistently give us high rankings in these and several other areas. Our company has received a Superior Service Award from Angie’s List, a watchdog organization for consumer rights that provides information and reviews on thousands of companies nationwide. This award is so prestigious that only the top five percent of businesses in all categories are eligible to receive it.
Are you ready to put messes and clogged drains behind you? Book with Companion Maids today.
Whether you get blood stains on clothes, furniture, carpets, or another area of your home, it can be distressing to see a continual reminder of an accident. Depending on the amount of blood and how long it had to soak in, you may be able to remove it with one or more of the tips that we outline below.
Removing Blood Stains From Clothes
The first thing to do when blood has splattered onto clothes is to remove them and soak them in cold water. Next, you can pre-treat the garment by placing liquid detergent into the cold water and allowing it to sit for up to five minutes. You may need to push down on the item of clothing with one hand to ensure that it remains fully under water.
You are ready at this point to wash the blood-stained clothing with other clothing items or sheets and towels. The other items you wash with the pre-treated clothing should be as close to its color as possible. There is no need to rinse the water or detergent off the piece of clothing with the blood stain before you put it in the wash machine with the rest of the items.
Run a load of clothes through the wash machine as you normally would but make sure the dial is set to cold water. Unfortunately, using warm or hot water will cause the stain to set into the clothing rather than remove it. If the bloodstain does not come out completely when the load has gone through a drying cycle, you can try to repeat the same process. You may need to hire a maid service if you do not want to do this yourself.
Removing Blood Stains From Furniture
If your child had a nose bleed while sitting on the sofa or your cat got a claw stuck and left a little blood behind, you might think the stains are impossible to remove. While some will be difficult to get rid of entirely, others will come up with the right combination of elbow grease and cleaning product. Keep in mind that blood is always easier to clean up when it is fresh and has not yet had the opportunity to dry and harden on the surface of your furniture.
Many home goods, discount, and online stores sell cleaning products designed only for removing blood stains. These products work by making the properties of the stain water-soluble so you can simply wipe it up. At Companion Maids, we encourage you to research several blood removal cleaning products and to read the reviews about each product. With so many options available, it really becomes a matter of preference as to which one you will buy. You can even use a magic eraser.
You also have the option of trying to remove the blood stain without special cleaning products. Here are some tips that can help:
Pour hydrogen peroxide on the blood stain. This is a common trick in the medical and veterinary fields.
Spray window cleaner on the blood stain before you attempt to wash the fabric. You will need a cloth to rub the window cleaner gently into the stain.
If the fabrics of your furniture are washable, try pouring salt water on the blood-stained area.
For removable pieces of furniture such as couch cushions, place several inches of water in the bathtub and then add a denture cleaning tablet. The blood-stained item can remain in the bucket for up to one hour before you remove it and wash it by hand.
Try rubbing lava soap on the stain and then return in three hours to see if the stain is gone.
Tips For Removing Blood Stains From Carpets
The first step in getting blood out of carpet is to saturate the area with cold water. After allowing the cold water to sit for several minutes, try to blot out the stain with a clean rag. Be sure not to use a wiping motion since this will spread the stain rather than remove it. A wet/dry vacuum cleaner can also work on a blood stain that has not set in yet. As an alternative to water, you can try using a tablespoon of ammonia and the same blotting process.
You may need to buy a carpet cleaner if neither of the above methods is effective at removing a blood stain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the back of the can, which will likely call for you to sprinkle some cleaning product onto your carpet, allow it to sit for a specified time, and vacuum the area.
Hiring A Maid Service
What each of the above tips have in common is that they may or may not be effective while still costing you time and money. It could be a better use of both resources to contact Companion Maids for a one-time cleaning session. We use strong, professional-grade cleaning supplies that you probably don’t have access to as a consumer. We have also made a significant investment in heavy-duty cleaning equipment such as wet/dry vacuum cleaners.
The likelihood of getting a blood stain out of your furniture or carpet is much higher when you work with us. Companion Maids also offers laundry services as an add-on to regular cleaning sessions. Whether you have concerns about set-in stains or not, the best way to prevent your home from becoming dirty and cluttered is to arrange for regular maid service. For your convenience, we offer cleaning packages every seven, 14, or 28 days.
We welcome you to call our office in Chicago at 773-346-6714 to learn more about how we can clean your home and reduce the stress in your life. You can also request services by completing this form.
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.
Living standards in cities are skyrocketing by the day. Saving water as you clean is a great idea to cut costs. Additionally, conserving water is a noble act since it’s a precious resource that none of us can do without. Surprisingly, with the much water, we have on the planet, it is not limitless, especially the freshwater needed for human survival.
The earth is made up of 70% percent water. In spite of that, only 1% is fresh. The rest is salty and 2% is in the form of ice and glacier. Therefore, some areas experience drought now more than before because of climate change. As little and unnecessary as it may seem, little adjustments to cut back on the water goes a long way to help maintain balance the ecology.
With the next generation in mind, here is our list of ways of saving water as you clean:
Fix Leaks
The moment you notice water leakage in your home as you clean, you should repair it. The first instinct that kicks in is to take a bucket and tap the water. Well, that is thoughtful and you will save water; however, you will still need to fix the leakage as a long-term solution. If you can’t do it yourself, then call for a professional plumber. It’s for your safety. For instance, when you need to go out, the water might overflow. Definitely, that will not be cutting backwater or cost and worse still, you may expose yourself and family to health issues. Water leakage can do more damage than it’s necessary to your exposed structure too.
Turn Off The Tap As You Clean
Turning off the tap when not necessarily using it is the simplest and effective way to save water. Most people have underestimated how much of a difference they can make by turning off the tap on certain occasions. You can maintain white teeth and a beautiful smile and conserve water at the same time. Turn off the tap as you are brushing your teeth. As you are washing your hands, also turn off the tap as you do the scrubbing. Save water by washing vegetables in a basin instead of a running faucet.
Shower Bucket
Showers bucket is useful when you are trying to balance the temperature of your water. Mostly, we let the water run until the water heats up, wasting gallons of water in the process. The water you have trapped can be used to water your plants or flush the toilet. As you are cleaning your bathtub too, it is good you trap the water in the bucket, instead of letting the faucet run.
Take The Car to a Car Wash
As we are doing our general cleaning or tidying up the garage, it is tempting for you to clean your car. In fact, most do, and there’s no harm to it. Yet, taking your car to a car wash saves so much water than you could have. The water is usually recycled. Next time you feel your car needs a wash, take it to the car wash. Chances stand that it will be cleaner than if you could have done it.
Water Outdoor Plants in The Morning
As you are cleaning, you may want to skip watering the plants for the afternoon or evening when you are relaxing. But watering them in the morning might prove more effective in many ways. For example, in the morning the soil will allow the water to pass through to the roots without losing too much of it to evaporation. The presence of dew also helps in conserving water. When you water in the morning, you also give the plant time to dry off before nightfall. Otherwise, too much of water overnight might cause molding.
Install a Water Meter
When you clean, it is not easy to notice when you are misusing water. In fact, that might be the last thing on your mind. The water meter though will show how much water you have used and the bill you are to pay. This, in a big way, creates an incentive to use less water. This device also helps to detect leakages in pipes. You get a win-win situation.
Use a Dishwasher When Full
Dishwashers do a good job of saving water, and more importantly, when loaded fully. For instance, an energy-efficient dishwasher will use only 4 gallons of water. While handwashing uses up to 20 gallons of water, or even more if the faucet is left running as you are it. If you lack a dishwasher, just fill up the sink and wash your dishes all at once.
Use Your Cleaning Water For Your Plants
Household wash water, also called ‘gray water’ can totally be used to water your plants without causing any harm. It is important for you to know that gray water from dishwashing might contain food remains which may attract rodents and is also visually unpleasant. Therefore, your rinse water from laundry and dishwashing is perfect for irrigation. Whereas, soapy water from dishes is better left to flush the toilet.
Use Water From Water Butts
A water butt is a gadget that can be instilled in your gutter downpipe. After you collect rainwater from the room, you can now use it effectively for cleaning your car, windows, watering plants or topping up fish pods. It greatly helps in conserving water that could otherwise be used from the tap.
Install a ‘Cistern Displacement Device’ in Your Toilet
This helps in cutting down the amount of water flushed down the toilet pan. As you clean your toilet, you will probably flush it more than once. Normally, water-efficient dual-flush toilets will use six liters of water for a full flush. This is an improvement from the old single flush toilets that used 13 liters of water. You can save even much more water by instilling a cistern displacement device. Just place it in the cistern of your toilet and save a whopping 7,300 liters a year.
The Bottom Line
With the above ways of saving water, you should be making a great difference and avoiding a lot of water wastage at home.
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.
Valentines is such a special day for any typical lovebirds. They all look forward to having a great time as they take the time to reflect on how far they have come. Men, in particular, go out of their way and do a lot of things to impress their lovers. Valentines can be celebrated both indoors or outdoors, either way, the most important thing is how you spend that day with your loved one. Having Valentine date night at your home is purely romantic and classy. For a date night at home, a lot of time is invested in preparation such that one barely remembers about cleaning process thereafter. You shouldn’t be surprised when you wake up and find your house all messed up. However, have no fears, here are some great tips that will help you clean up after a date night on Valentines Day or any other date night.
Chocolate is inevitable.
Chocolate is such an essential item during Valentines. Some think it’s archaic and cliché but chocolate has been used to grace such occasions by couple world widely. Thus, chocolate stains on the carpet or sofa during a date night sounds like an inevitable thing. Unlike liquids, chocolate takes time before it soaks into a piece of fabric. To get rid of a chocolate stain, scrape the chocolate from the fabric using a spoon then rub some liquid detergent. Then wash the fabric with hot water. Chocolate stains are easy to deal with.
Red wine has to grace valentine.
Valentine sounds incomplete if a bottle or two of wine haven’t been popped up already. In the midst of the making merry, red wine spill may find its way on the floor or even the carpet. Dealing with red wine stains on a carpet is not the best activity to kick-start your morning the following day. Blot up the stained area using an absorbent piece of fabric. Gently scrub using a brush with soft bristles so as not to damage the fabric of your carpet. For a garment stained with red wine, apply salt on the stained spot then soak the garment overnight. From there, wash clean the garment.
Divide and conquer.
A date night of just two people will leave your house looking all dirty and disorganized. Your kitchen will look messed up, the sink full of dishes that need to be attended to. Cleaning up process seems to be tiring and definitely time-consuming. The best mechanism to employ during cleaning is divide and conquer. Identify the various tasks that need to be done that day. From there, start with the task that is less time-consuming. Work your way up to the tasks that consume more time. This technique helps you plan instead of doing things without some sort of organization.
Candle wax on the dinner table.
Candles add an array of beauty and elegance to any romantic dinner. A candlelit dinner is just the perfect set up for a valentine date night but you have to deal with the menace of wax. Well, candles may melt on your dining table if they aren’t properly mountedmounter. A word of caution; don’t be tempted to scratch the wax off the dining table as this will only but destroy your expensive dining table. The best remedy to melted wax is putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and then putting the bag on the wax. Eventually, the wax becomes brittle and making it easy to peel it off.
Lipstick Stains.
Lipstick stains aren’t that inevitable during a date night. If you won’t have lipstick stains on your clothes then you won’t miss them in the glasses you used to drink your wine. For glasses, white vinegar and warm, soapy water will do the trick. For fabric stained with lipstick, lay the stained surface face down on an absorbent cloth. Dab the stain from the back then using a makeup remover wipe, work the liquid from the wipe into the garment. Rotate the cloth as the lipstick continues to be absorbed. Work on the liquid until all the lipstick gets absorbed completely. Then wash the garment in warm water with detergent.
Hire a professional cleaner.
It could be the following day you and your date have to head to work very early or maybe you have to head somewhere else to continue with yourValentine celebrations. In such a scenario it could be impossible to wake up and perform house chores hence it would be advisable you call in a professional cleaner. This will save you a lot of hassle. However, be sure to leave the cleaner with precise instructions on the tasks to be performed. It’s also advisable to call in trusted and reputable professional cleaners company.
Identify your motivating factor.
Like stated before, cleaning up process sometimes makes someone feel tired and drenched already even before starting to clean. Before you begin any task, it’s better you have some motivation in you. Different people draw their motivation to perform house chores from different things. Mostly, music works for various people. Turn up the volume of your radio and psyche yourself up as you commence the process of cleaning up your house. Research has proven that music has a direct influence on your motivation. When you are fully motivated and psyched up you will be surprised by how soon you will finish the tasks ahead of you.
The post Valentine activities can be overwhelming and cumbersome mostly because very little attention is thrown that way during preparation. If people took time and thought of how they will clean up their house after throwing a party or after having guests coming over for dinner then they would have an easy time. Next time as you plan to have a date night with your lover, also plan how you will clean up your house after the whole occasion has ended. In a nutshell, these tips will work efficiently for you when executed effectively. Plan ahead and save yourself unnecessary troubles on your date and after your date is long gone and you are left to clean.
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.
Almost everyone has a certain garment that they truly adore and not a single weekend goes without them wearing it. Having favorite clothes is a practice that has been in existence since time immemorial. The beauty of having favorite clothes is that it boosts your self-esteem as you step out because it makes you feel attractive and smartly dressed. Clothes, however, are prone to wear and tear when worn for a certain period of time.
Saying goodbye to your favorite clothing is never an easy thing and replacing it isn’t easy either. However, the key to ensuring your favorite garment gives you service for a long time is maintenance, truly maintenance is of the essence. It goes without saying, how you wash and care for your clothes determines how long it will serve you. Have no worries though, here are some great tips that will help you preserve your favorite clothing guarantying it lasts for a longer period.
How do you wash your clothes?
In all honesty, the leading cause of wear and tear of clothes is regular washing. At the same time, you can’t forsake washing your clothes. Different clothes are made from different materials thus they should be washed differently. There’s always a tag on clothes that have precise instructions on how to wash that garment, strictly adhere to these instructions.
Always be careful when using bleach lest it ruins the color of your favorite cloth, use an alternative that will be safe on your fabric. Jackets and jeans should be zipped up before putting them in a washer thus preventing the garment from flailing around. Jeans and blouses that are dark tend to fade when washed; it’s thus advisable to wash these garments inside-out to ensure they retain their color even after being washed. To top on that, avoid washing your favorite cloth too often as these will reduce the effects of wear and tear brought about by frequent laundering.
Mending skills are very crucial.
Simple mending skills will not only help you keep your favorite clothes in order but they will also help you avoid repair costs. Buttons of your favorite shirt or the zipper of your jeans could come off and if there are not properly fixed your cloth could be ruined. All you need is a sewing kit that contains threads and a variety of needles. As you stitch your clothe remember to use a thread that matches the color of your clothing. When you notice a small patch on your cloth act immediately and stitch it up. Sewing is simple and has been simplified further by the easy access to tutorials found online. A stitch in time will help you prolong the life of your favorite clothes.
Handle that iron box with care.
There’s nothing frustrating like burning your favorite shirt or blouse during ironing. If you aren’t careful with the amount of heat you are using there’s a good chance you will end up ruining your favorite garment. Different fabrics have different levels of heat degree required during ironing. Always be aware of the level of heat required to iron your cloth lest you’ll destroy your best garment. It would also be great if you leant some basic ironing tips to help you iron the right way.
Don’t wear it too often.
Wearing your favorite outfit so often means you will have to wash it frequently thus increasing the effects of wear and tear, eventually, you will have to say goodbye to your favorite cloth sooner than you had anticipated. Rotate your outfits such that there’s adequate time between when an outfit is worn and when it will be worn next. Arrange all your clothes in your closet in a manner that washed clothes are arranged at the back ensuring other clothes get a chance to be worn as well. Rotating your clothes reduces frequent washing hence your favorite cloth lasts longer.
Proper storage is key.
How your store your cloth largely determines how long your cloth will serve you. As stated earlier, maintenance is very paramount and it should never be underestimated in the quest to ensure your favorite cloth serves you for long. There are clothes such as woolen sweaters that don’t need hangers as it will make them stretch out. Woolen sweaters need to be folded and put on a shelf, this helps maintain their original shape. For clothes that need hangers, ensure you use a hanger of the correct size and shape.
Use the dryer sparingly.
The dryer is definitely your worst enemy when it comes to maintaining clothes. Dryers do a lot of damage but still offer some good services. The heat produced by a dryer burns the cloth making it shrink and fade with time. Alternatively, embrace the technique of line drying, this ensures your clothes don’t shrink due to the heat that causes the elastic fiber to break. However, if you can’t do without a dryer you can alter its settings so that it doesn’t adversely affect your clothes. You can reduce the temperature or reduce the time such that you take your clothes out of the dryer while they are still damp and then hang them on a line. This minimizes shrinking meaning your clothes stay in good shape for a longer period.
Seek dry cleaning services.
For some people, maintaining certain garments require a lot of specialized attention and they are afraid they will mess up the cloth if they wash it themselves. In such an instance, seek professional dry-cleaning services as they know how to handle different fabrics.
At one point you will have to retire your favorite clothing but before then a lot of emphases has to be put on how you maintain it so as to experience a lot of benefits. You can save yourself the hassle of buying clothes every now and then by simply putting these tips into place. As you wash your cloth remember to check the instructions written by the manufacturer. So, the next time you adorn your favorite cloth, bear in mind that its lifespan entirely depends on how you handle it.
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.
All it takes is to be a normal human for you to always crave for a clean house. But what is that you always say when it’s cleaning time: that watching your favorite series as you eat your popcorns is more enticing? Well, true, but there are things you just don’t put away. One of them is cleaning. As much you are a lazy homeowner having a dirty house is bad news and no one will understand that it is your nature.
Besides which, you are exposing your family to health risks. This is because the dirt will eventually accumulate causing germs. We get it, cleaning might be hard and thankless since things just get dirty all over again but you can’t entirely ignore the fact that dirt is going nowhere if you don’t clean it. Often cleaning your house might seem impossible-especially if cleaning is not your favorite activity- but it’s achievable.
If you are reading this, albeit you are already wondering how the spots you’ve been ignoring since last year are going to get cleaned. I also know how embarrassing it can get to confess to someone you hate cleaning. You rather undergo a personality transplant and join in with your friends as they drink to how much cleaning they have done. You don’t have to stress anymore. The following are hacks for the lazy homeowner that will help you clean smart and have some time left to watch that movie or sleep.
Invest in storage
Invest in a decorative basket or ottoman. It will go a long way in helping you maintain the organization of your home. Nothing screams messy louder than clutter, therefore, fool people that yours is a perfectly clean home by hiding small stuff in drawers. A floor that has only furniture and few accessories gives a good vibe. Also, ensure that the storage unit that you place your supplies is close to where you need them. For instance, place a bottle of bleach in the toilet. I can’t remember the many times I’ve talked myself out of cleaning because the bottle of bleach was upstairs.
Cleaning faucets
There are many annoying things about cleaning the bathroom and kitchen. One of them is cleaning the faucets. I mean, not only are watermarks, fingerprints, and oil marks difficult to remove but also they always come back too easily. These are the reasons why we talk ourselves out of cleaning things like faucets. Regardless, it shouldn’t serve as an excuse, there are easy brilliant hacks to solve the problem. For example, using a wax paper. It’s resilient and waterproof. Taking advantage of its diverse properties, you can keep your faucets spotless for up to one week. Try rubbing down your faucets with wax paper after their next cleaning. They will be clean plus be shiny for long.
Clean your microwave
Oh boy, what can be more repulsive than the stink of cooked-on food wafting from your microwave? Cleaning your microwave is not something you can ignore for long, it will always catch up with you. For an easy fix, pour two cups of water and lemon slices or vinegar into a microwave-safe bowl. Nuke it for three minutes on full power. The steam will loosen the grime and gunk, making the cleaning as easy as wiping down the interior.
Entertain yourself
While house chores are not considered as a hobby by many, if done right, they can actually be very relaxing, entertaining and distressing. With the hustle of city life and trying to live up to our lifestyle with prices skyrocketing by day, we hardly get time to entertain ourselves. Well, guess what, housework time can also be that time when you get down. Turn up some lively cleaning music that will put you in the mood. Then you can now be in the moment as you clean and have fun too.
Religiously use plastic and foil liners
If you are not using this already, then you better come on board. Plastic and foil liners are totally God-sent. Instead of using containers to store frozen items, use plastic wrap and aluminum foil for or parchment paper for your oven. This is also a good time to get a liner for your microwave. Then you can just peel off the liner after use, and your utensil is clean again. Lining up your appliances not only gives you an easier time when cleaning it but also takes longer before it needs cleaning.
Simplify your closet
You know the drill. Organize your closet but after looking for the dinner outfit, you are back to square one. It doesn’t have to be like that though. Sometimes less is more. If you are too lazy to clean and organize your clothes, having less can reap huge rewards in keeping your closet in a sane state. Chances are, your closet is full of clothes you don’t wear anymore. Whether they are too small or just out of trend, you’ll be much better donating them. After purging, look for a simple system and maintain them.
Fluffy socks Are The Thing
Though dragging your legs as you walk was highly condemned by mom as you grew, it was fun. When you are around the house, put on those fluffy socks and you can compensate for the childhood fun you missed. This will prevent you from mopping or vacuuming the house often because the socks will ensure that you walk around without leaving dirt. They are better than walking with shoes from outside all over the house. Then you can just remove them and toss them in the washing machine. As we are at it, you can also get an anti-microbial mat. It will trap any dirt coming from outside before it reaches your home. Isn’t it amazing? Every lazy homeowner is probably smilling at this one.
Invest in air fresheners
Having clean or fragranced air in your home is one of the simplest was to fool anyone of having a clean home. It shows that the owner is connected to their space and without doing anything else, it brings an amazing ambiance. You can also get a houseplant to further purify your air.
Squeegee your bathroom after use
The bathroom can get really gross if you let it. Just like your kitchen, it is wise to clean your bathroom immediately it gets used since you are a lazy homeowner and will hardly set time aside just to give your bathroom a deep clean. You will be grateful you didn’t keep it off for weeks before it accumulates grime. And if you are feeling too lazy, spray your door or tile with no-wipe cleaner.
So there you are, you lazy homeowner, you have no excuse to live in a dirty house. If things get too difficult to do, hiring a cleaning service once every two weeks is always an attractive option.
