5 Handy Vacuuming Tips For Hassle-Free Cleaning

May 22, 2018 by 2 Comments

Every home needs a vacuum cleaner. It is one of the best and efficient ways to clean almost anything. Whether it is floor cleaning or you have got to dust off the dirt from the decoration pieces, the vacuum cleaner is there to help you out. The better part is that now robotic vacuum cleaners are available, that can perform essential tasks without your assistance. There are several types of vacuums available to do specific tasks. You can check online stores for the availability of each one of them.

But there are times when vacuum cleaners are not enough. Sometimes, they are not able to reach congested areas, and then you have got to take these matter in your hand.

Here are some tips for helping you out in your necessary everyday chores.

Vacuum multiple times

Usually, vacuuming just one time is not enough. There is so much stuff that gets stuck on the carpets, and we typically do not even notice, unless we sit and stare at the rug for a long time. If you have a pet, the situation gets worse, as they have hair all over the place and most of the time vacuum cleaner does not even get them. Try to vacuum in a criss cross manner, and the do the same multiple time.

Change the vacuum bag regularly

Never leave the dirtbag unattended for weeks. If you are using vacuum cleaner daily, then change the bag on a regular basis. Changing the pack after an extended period can make the vacuum hose all clogged up and even in the worse situation it can do some permanent damage. Try changing the bag once it is 3/4th full. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a container, the clean the canister before you start cleaning and then clean it again once you are done.

Pick up the small objects

Before you start vacuuming, glance at your room. Pick small things up from the floor; otherwise, it gets stuck inside the vacuum hose and then it will affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Small Legos, plastic toys, coins are the most dangerous things, that should be taken care of. These things are so little and are usually neglected by people, but they can cause the most damage.

Cleaning tough spots

Every house has a sneaky place that is just so hard to clean, and they are usually left dirty. You can use some DIY technique to solve this problem. First of all check the shape of the area, if it is small and you cannot reach it directly, you can use small cardboard to wrap around the vacuum hose, and they start vacuuming. If cardboard is not available, you can also use the toilet paper roll.

Steam cleaning

Best results are always produced through steam cleaning. There is Cheap Vacuum Cleaner available in the market and online stores that can perform regular vacuuming as well as steam vacuuming. It uses hot water to clean the stubborn marks, rather than strong chemicals that damage the color of carpets and hardwood floors.

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Guide To Water Leak Detection In Our Homes

May 15, 2018 by 1 Comment

 

Water is an essential part of everyday life. It is also something that most people take for granted.

Simply turn on the tap and there it is! But although you may not think about it, water is not free. Every drop of water you use will cost you money. IN fact, a leaking faucet will cost you between $60 and $100 per year!

If you have 2 or more leaks you can imagine how quickly this can add up!

Of course, when you have an obvious leak you simply call your local Sydney plumber and have the fault rectified. But what do you do if you think you have a leak but are not sure?

Signs Of A Leak

If you discover the warning signs you can stop a leak before it causes any significant damage or costs you an excessive amount of funds. It is worth noting that your insurance will not always cover a water leak.

  • Water Pressure drops – because the water is escaping somewhere it shouldn’t be.
  • Your water bill rises sharply – but your water usage has remained the same.
  • Damp patches – these maybe from a leaking roof but, depending on where they are located they can also be a result of leaking pipes.

Detecting The Leak

There are several ways in which you can confirm the leak and then track it down. This can be a time consuming process but you need to do it!

  • Shut Off Your Faucets

The first step is to locate your main water meter. Then you must shut all your faucets and make sure any appliance that uses water is turned off.

In theory you should be using no water. You can then look at the dial on your water meter. If it is turning then you’re using water. This means you have a leak somewhere!

  • Visual Inspection

The next step must be to verify the visible connections in your home. You need to check that every faucet is off and not dripping. Even the slightest drip can cause a movement in the water meter.

Ideally you should check the pipes joining your appliances to the water supply; they could be dripping at any spot!

You should also look at all the visible pipes you can find. Run your fingers gently along them, particularly at the joints to establish if they are wet or not.

Don’t forget to check the floor under any joins in your pipes. These can tell you there is a leak even if the pipe seems dry.

  • Turn Off Valves

If nothing is obviously wrong then you need to shut off every valve you can find in your home. You can then check the water meter again to see if it is still moving.

You should have a valve just before every faucet or appliance. If you turn all of these off and the meter is still moving then you know you have a fault in the pipe.

Unfortunately much of the pipes will be hidden and you may need specialist help to track and replace the faulty pipe.

If the meter doesn’t move then you can turn the valves on one at a time until it does; this will tell you the leak is at that valve or between it and the connected appliances.

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Tips to keep pet hair under control

May 11, 2018 by Leave a Comment

 

It is wonderful to have a pet in the home but pets require a lot of care and attention. When you bring home a pet, you need to commit yourself to their wellbeing. It also means dealing with fur and hair they leave around the house. It is a never-ending battle to keep the fur off the furniture, clothing, and floor. If you are looking for tips to keep the pet hair under control, you have come to the right place.

Tips to keep pet hair under control

 

  • Brush: You need to embrace your grooming responsibilities. Give your pet a quick brushing outdoors every day and save the time spent on vacuuming every week. With regular brushing, you will notice a reduction in the amount of fur inside your house.
  • Use washable slipcovers: You or any of your guests would not like to sit on a sofa covered with pet hair. Invest in furniture covers which are made for this purpose. Choose washable slipcovers which can be easily maintained. You can remove them when your guests visit and simply toss them in the laundry.
  • Use throw rugs: If you manage to place rugs strategically inside your home, you will be able to find a solution to this problem. The rugs will help prevent the fur from spreading it into the house. You can place the rug at the entrance of your house. Choose rugs that are easy to wash and maintain.
  • Keep them clean: Make it a point to wipe the feet of your pet after they have stepped outdoors. This ensures that the entire house remains clean.
  • Cover up the pet: This is something not many would like to do but covering your pet helps keep the house clean. You can dress up the pet in a cute t-shirt and keep the fur off.

 

 

You can never completely get rid of the pet fur inside your home. Take small steps every day and ensure that the pet is brushed outdoors and there is minimal fur in the home. You need to vacuum the space regularly with a quality vacuum cleaner in order to achieve higher results. Choose a pet hair vacuum that fits your needs and maintain a routine of cleaning the furniture, carpet, and floor. There are a number of options available in the market. The vacuum is easy to use and it carries multiple features. Compare the top vacuums available for you and make the right choice. You can also compare the prices of the products easily and ensure that you are investing in a vacuum that is sufficient for your needs. The quality vacuum will keep your floor and carpet pet hair free and reduce your stress. The vacuum only takes a few minutes to clean up the entire space. It is not necessary for you to use the vacuum every single day, you can set up a routine and vacuum the floor once every three days or a week.

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Tankless Water Heater

April 28, 2018 by Leave a Comment

If you are someone who is looking for a water heater then we suggest you go for the tankless ones becomes with a tankless water heater, you can save yourself some space, some energy and the best thing is that these heaters are more effective and efficient. The tankless water heaters are better than the traditional water heaters because they provide hot water immediately and you don’t even have to keep an extra water reservoir for that.

So, if you genuinely want to have a water heater that can work for you for a long time and is cost effective then yes, the tankless water heater is what you want to buy right at the moment. Also, if you are confused on which heater should help you buy then you can always check for the reviews of tankless water heaters online as that will make things clearer for you.

 

Now, if you are planning to buy a tankless water heater, then you need to stick a little longer to this article because we are now going to jot down a few ways that can help you get the best out of this heater.

You Need To Give Your Water Heater A Regular Checkup

It is an undeniable fact that when you keep a regular check on a specific product, it then works for you for a longer time and same is the case with the tankless water heater, you have to maintain it on regular basis in order to get the best out of it. Regular checkups include annual cleaning of the heat exchange elements. You should clean these elements every now and then to ensure the removal of mineral deposit buildup. If that mineral deposit is not removed at the right time, then the performance of your tankless water heater may become poor, and that is something no one would want. So, make sure that you are properly cleaning your heater, and if you don’t feel like doing it yourself then you can always hire a professional for that.

“Flushing” Of Your Tankless Water Heater

The cleaning process of a tankless water heater is also known as the flushing process. This process requires you to drain total three water valves and close them temporarily. Now, the basic purpose of the flushing process is to get rid of the mineral deposits on the filters of your water heater. These deposits can severely hinder the performance of your heater, and there are chances that you will then have to buy a new water heater for yourself. So, if you don’t want to waste your money and if you want your heater to work for you for a longer time, then you have to do the flushing of your water heater. This process needs a little technical knowledge, but once you learn about it, things will get easier for you but on the other hand if you don’t think you can do it on your own then again, you can always hire a specialist for that.

 

These are the two basic things that you have to do in order to get the best out of your tankless water heater. Basically, it all falls back to the cleaning process. You have to make sure that your water heater is clean both internally and externally to get the best performance out of it.

 

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7 Best Smelling Laundry Detergent Products with Natural Oils

April 20, 2018 by Leave a Comment

The longest lasting and best smelling laundry detergent should effectively clean stains, and work as a fabric softener. You might enjoy some fresh or floral flavors, but you begin your search by looking for the product that cleans all the stains that you and your family are exposed to.

If someone from your family has an allergy, then your search for the best smelling laundry detergent narrows down. You might believe you can only purchase products which have no smell at all. However, detergents with natural oils might be hypoallergenic if you know the substances you’re sensitive to. Detergents with natural oils are also suitable for those with sensitive skins who constantly run from irritation. Below you can discover more about 7 of the best smelling laundry detergent products and why customers appreciate them.

Lavender: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent

A detergent which contains surfactants (compounds which help the detergent mix with laundry for cleaning purposes) from plants and essential oils. These also provide the detergent with a subtle but fresh lavender flavor. It also works as a stain pre-treater which is compatible with most washing machines. You can check this review to see more of how the natural ingredients of Mrs. Meyer’s detergent work.

The product doesn’t leave the clothes stiff. Customers and reviewers are impressed of this detergent as it breaks the cliché that products with natural oils might not always provide remarkable results. You use one tablespoon per load. Manufacturers claim that it lasts up to 68 loads.

Lily of the Valley: The Laundress Signature Detergent

If you enjoy romantic and delicate aromas, then you will find no less than for of them in the Laundress Signature Detergent. It contains natural fragrances from lily of the valley, jasmine, citrus and sandalwood essential oils. Moreover, it allows you to effectively clean cashmere or even silk. The detergent may contain many natural ingredients. Yet, it is also concentrated enough to last for up to 64 washes.

Such a product whitens and brightens laundry, while preserving intense color. The stain-fighting enzymes help you clean wash laundry and towels while preserving their softness. You can us it in all water temperatures and for all skin allergies.

Geranium Blossoms and Vanilla: Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Even though it has 100% natural scents, the Seventh-Generation detergent doesn’t stand out for its aroma. The product impresses because it fights tough stains with 96% plant-based ingredients. The detergent even has a USDA certification for its quality and ingredients. As per its manufacturers, the product lasts up to 53 medium loads per bottle in a standard or high efficiency (HE) washing machine.

Geranium blossoms and vanilla fragrances are subtle but long lasting and hypoallergenic. You can use it for children, those with sensitive skin and who avoid synthetic ingredients. You will also feel gentle eucalyptus, lavender and citrus fragrances.

Beach Sage: Method 4x Concentrated Laundry Detergent

Some customers have confirmed that this detergent is suitable for those with sensitive skin who no longer develop irritations. The aroma and cleaning power are natural-based and hypoallergenic. The detergent even comes in a 100% PCR (post-consumer recycled) materials bottle. You can use it for all laundry colors. However, it has been confirmed as being highly efficient when it comes to keeping white fabrics white.

The concentrated detergent can be used for all types of machines and cleans dirt and stains efficiently, according to manufacturers. On the other side, clients praise it for lasting for over 50 medium loads. The detergent is a bit pricey, but you can find discounts in supermarkets or online shops.

Lavender & Vanilla: Grab Green Natural 3-in-1 Laundry Detergent Pods

There are so many flavors to this detergent derived from essential oils. You will recognize lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus and patchouli. The product is non-toxic, not tested on animals and contains no phosphates, dyes and chlorine. You can use it for septic systems and all water temperatures. It brightens clothing and towels without leaving them stiff.

Customers mention that the detergent isn’t disappointing even for those who have just switched from synthetic mainstream detergents to bio products. The smell is not intense but lasts for a few days on your clothes.

Lavender: Earth Friendly Products Ecos 2x Liquid Laundry Detergent

Those looking for balance between intensity and subtilty will prefer a detergent with a lavender flavor that lasts just enough to remind you that your clothes are fresh and clean. The all-natural product is free of phosphate, cocamide, DEA, dye, petroleum derivates and chlorine. You will us a product which is safe for both the environment and your skin. It also contains a fabric softener which protect your clothes.

Amazon customers even publish videos to notify others of their satisfaction. Many notice the immediate smell which remains on clothing even if they are air dried. Some confirm that it doesn’t irritate adult or baby skin.

Frankincense Myrrh: Indigo Wild Zum Clean Laundry Soap

It might not look friendly and colored, but this detergent is Amazon’s Choice in its category. It cleans based on coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, baking soda, natural borax and other essential oils. Also, it’s concentrated, so it also works for high-efficiency machines, as well as regular. Producers claim it’s parabens, phosphates, sulfates and petrochemicals-free.

You can also enjoy sea salt or orange fragrances, if you’re not a fan of frankincense myrrh. However, you should use this detergent with care, as it might leave a white residue if you pour too much in your washing machine.

Wrapping Up

Millions of Americans use detergents every day. Some of them are still in search of the perfect product or are disappointed by detergents which fail to remove dirt or stains. Moreover, many run from the powerful and too resistant synthetic odors.

You can find your best smelling laundry detergent in the above list and try its effects on different laundry types. Then, share your opinion with us!

Filed Under: home, natural Tagged With: , ,

Roto-Rooter 101 (Unclogging the Bathroom Sink)

April 3, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Have you ever had a clogged sink or bathtub? If you are like me, the answer is yes, all the time yes.  The bathroom sink is the major pain in my house, and there is not much that seems to help. On a regular yet irregular basis, it gets clogged up and fills with water and whatever else was going on at the time.
We recently tried Roto-Rooter, and as you can tell this is NOT a staged photo. For real.
I have no idea why it keeps clogging up, we’ve snaked it, pulled the U-shaped thing out and replaced it, the whole nine. Who knows? Not me, that’s for sure.
So, after this clog, we followed the directions on the Roto-Rooter bottle, and pured half the bottle down the drain. After it cleared, we poured hot water down the drain as requested. It did indeed keep it clog free for quite some time.
There are quite a few options of Roto–Rooter products. You can check out thesite, http://rotorooter-products.com to see the full line of options.
Here is a video with some tips on unclogging a stubborn sink from Roto-Rooter;

If you end up in a sticky situation, it’s always good to have some Roto-Rooter on hand. Having to run out to the store with a clogged-up sink is never fun- and you know it’s likely to happen with you have a house full of guests or you are running out the door (or some such mess, it’s always something).

Head to the website, and see which product best fits your need. Keep some on hand for your next emergency, it will make your life that much easier.

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5 Effective Ways To Increase Value Of Your Old House

March 28, 2018 by 1 Comment

The housing market can be quite tricky. Even the smallest things can have an impact on the overall value of your home. Your house is an investment. You must be willing to put in money if you expect to get the best deal for it. There’s so much you can do to spruce up the look of your home, but the trick lies in knowing what investments will bring back high returns. If you are looking to increase the value of your old house, the following five tips will help you get there with ease.

1. Upgrade your Kitchen and bathroom

Any expert worth their salt will tell you the kitchen should be the first room to consider for an upgrade. It is the heart of every home, and families will spend a lot of their time here. You can start by replacing your old appliances with new stainless steel ones.

Even tiny details such as replacing your sink or even using shiny knobs for your cabinet doors can have a great impact on your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. You can add some upgrade technology aplience in your kitchen such , microwave oven, food vacuum sealer and so on. You may explore more than 15+ Best Vacuum Sealer Reviews and Buyer Guide at Vacuum Mania

Your bathroom should come a close second in the order of importance. Invest in new tiles and proper lighting. If you can’t afford to replace the tub, you can always re-glaze it to save money. Remember the more bathrooms you have, the better. So if the space allows you to add an extra one, by all means, do it.

2. Install a swimming pool

Installing a swimming pool is an assured way of increasing the resale value of your home. Who doesn’t want to live in a home with a pool? It would be a dream come true for any homeowner. The increase in resale value will, however, depend on a number of factors including whether neighboring homes have swimming pools, the climate in the area and the condition of the pool.

You may not have control over the first two, but you can ensure that your pool is in good condition before a resale by cleaning it as often as you can. If it still looks bad after cleaning, you should consider getting a better pool cleaner. You may find out the lastest more than 10+ best pool vacuum reviews and buyer guide at vacuummania

3. Focus on repairs and maintenance

Before you can consider investing in expensive upgrades, cover the basics first: Address repairs and maintenance issues. No buyer will be quick to buy a house that will require additional money for repairs after purchase. Deal with any plumbing leaks, drafty windows, and those rusty old gutters.

Making the necessary repairs and maintenance around your house is not always about the money. Sometimes it has everything to with presentation. Your house is likely to grab the attention of the buyer, broker or agent if it’s in tip-top shape.

4. Improve your home’s curb appeal

The exterior of the house also matters a great deal. It is the first thing a buyer will see when they pull up in your driveway. Create a good first impression by improving the look of your exterior space. It’s time to fix that broken mailbox and to clean up your messy yard.

A fresh coat of paint can also go a long way in sprucing up your home’s exterior. If your budget doesn’t allow you to fix much of the exterior, at least do something about the walkway from the car to your entry door. Planting flowers along the way is easy and effective.

5. Clean and declutter

A dirty house is not likely to sell no matter how great it is. Cleaning may not cost you much in terms of money and time, but it offers a great return on investment. Such a simple DIY task could deliver around 3 to 5% return on investment according to consumer reports.

Cleanliness goes hand in hand with organization. Keeping many unnecessary things around the house will make it look cluttered and untidy. It will also make the house appear tinier. It is important to tidy things up by decluttering. It will not only look good but also help create the illusion of space.

In conclusion

You may not be able to do everything as far as sprucing up the look of your house is concerned. Investing too much money may not make much sense from a financial point of view. But you can achieve so much by focusing on the five key areas above.

Besides, it’s not always about the money; sometimes it’s the little inexpensive things you do that make all the difference.

 

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Roto-Rooter 101 (Unclogging the Bathroom Sink)

March 15, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Have you ever had a clogged sink or bathtub? If you are like me, the answer is yes, all the time yes.  The bathroom sink is the major pain in my house, and there is not much that seems to help. On a regular yet irregular basis, it gets clogged up and fills with water and whatever else was going on at the time.
We recently tried Roto-Rooter, and as you can tell this is NOT a staged photo. For real.
I have no idea why it keeps clogging up, we’ve snaked it, pulled the U-shaped thing out and replaced it, the whole nine. Who knows? Not me, that’s for sure.
So, after this clog, we followed the directions on the Roto-Rooter bottle, and pured half the bottle down the drain. After it cleared, we poured hot water down the drain as requested. It did indeed keep it clog free for quite some time.
There are quite a few options of Roto–Rooter products. You can check out thesite, http://rotorooter-products.com to see the full line of options.
Here is a video with some tips on unclogging a stubborn sink from Roto-Rooter;

If you end up in a sticky situation, it’s always good to have some Roto-Rooter on hand. Having to run out to the store with a clogged-up sink is never fun- and you know it’s likely to happen with you have a house full of guests or you are running out the door (or some such mess, it’s always something).

Head to the website, and see which product best fits your need. Keep some on hand for your next emergency, it will make your life that much easier.

Filed Under: home Tagged With: , ,