Cleaning

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Have you ever felt like you’re not alone in your home—and not in a cute, Casper the Friendly Ghost kind of way? Maybe you’ve heard the odd scuttle in the night or noticed things aren’t quite where you left them. Before you call the Ghostbusters, let’s consider a more earthly explanation: your house might be hosting some uninvited guests. From sneaky spiders to cheeky rodents, here are the tell-tale signs that you might be sharing your pad with some pesky roommates.

Hello, Spiderwebs!

Nope, not talking about the Halloween decorations you forgot to take down. Real spiderwebs, especially in the corners of ceilings or in less-frequented areas of your home, are classic signs you’ve got spiders. While they do a great job at catching even less-welcome bugs (looking at you, mosquitoes), their webs can be quite the eyesore and a tad spooky to walk into unexpectedly. Regular web-clearing and keeping areas clutter-free can dissuade these eight-legged tenants from settling in, and if you have a real infestation, you might want to invest in some spider dust.

Mysterious Midnight Munchies

Ever find peculiar nibbles on your pantry items or suspicious holes in food packaging? That’s textbook rodent behavior. Mice and rats are not picky eaters and will gnaw through just about anything they can get their tiny paws on. If you notice these signs, it’s probably time to audit your home for entry points and consider some rodent-proof containers for your snacks. Remember, it’s your midnight cheese, not theirs!

The Sounds of Silence? More Like Scritching

If the walls are ‘talking’—scratch that, scratching—at night, you might have critters in the attic or between the walls. The usual suspects can be anything from squirrels to raccoons, especially in cooler months when they’re seeking warm shelters. Quieting these noisy nuisances might require sealing off entry points and a chat with pest control.

Ant Armies on the March

Spotting a lone ant is one thing, but a full-blown ant parade in your kitchen is a sure sign you’ve got company. Ants are social insects, so seeing one means there is more hiding out of sight. Keeping surfaces clean and free of sticky residues can help keep these tiny invaders at bay.

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Odd Smells and Stains

Unexplained stains on walls or ceilings can be a sign of pests with poor manners. Certain critters, like mice or larger vermin, can leave greasy marks along walls and strong odors from there… let’s just say, less-than-sanitary living habits. If your home starts smelling more like a zoo than a potpourri shop, it’s time to investigate.

Bug Out With Bug Tech

For every pest problem, there’s a tech solution that doesn’t involve turning your home into a scene from a sci-fi extermination flick. Ultrasonic pest repellers, for example, can drive pests away using high-frequency sound waves that are inaudible and harmless to humans and pets but unbearable to smaller critters. It’s like having an invisible shield around your home, keeping the creepy-crawlies at bay.

Check for Tracks

A little detective work can go a long way. Look for tracks or droppings in dusty areas of your home, like the basement or in attic corners. Tracks can tell you the size of your intruder and help pest control experts determine the best course of action. Plus, it’s a bit like playing detective, minus the noir trench coat.

Moisture Matters

Many pests are attracted to moisture, so a damp basement or a leaking pipe can quickly become party central for critters. Keeping your home dry and well-ventilated can cut off their water supply and encourage them to move out. Consider a dehumidifier for particularly damp areas—it’s like telling uninvited guests the bar’s closed.

Listen to The Pets

Your pets often notice houseguests before you do. If your cat is obsessively staring at a spot on the wall, or your dog suddenly starts sniffing around the baseboards, they might be onto something. Pets can hear and smell things we can’t, so take their hints seriously.

Sudden Allergy Flare-Ups

If you or your family members suddenly start experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms, it could be a sign that you’re sharing your home with hidden pests. Many critters, such as dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents, can leave behind droppings or shed skins that become airborne and trigger allergic reactions or asthma. Pay attention to when and where symptoms occur, as these clues can help you pinpoint the source of the problem. Keeping your home clean, reducing clutter, and using air purifiers can help reduce these allergens and make your living space more comfortable and truly yours.

Spotting these signs early can be the key to keeping your home a family-only zone and not a biodiversity hotspot. So keep your eyes peeled, stay on top of maintenance, and maybe invest in some pest-deterring tech!

Friends, how do you keep creepy crawlers at bay in your own homes? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Spring has finally sprung, and it’s time to put those winter blues behind us. The warm weather and fresh blooms are the perfect excuses for a deep clean and decluttering of our homes.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With a bit of preparation and a positive attitude, you can turn this into a fun and money-saving experience. By taking the time to declutter and reorganize, you’ll not only have a cleaner home. But you’ll also be able to get rid of items you no longer need and make room for things that truly bring joy to your life. And who doesn’t want that? 

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1. Make A Plan

The first step to a successful spring clean is to make a plan. This can be as simple as creating a list of rooms or areas you want to focus on. Or as detailed as scheduling specific tasks for each day. Having a plan in place will help you stay organized and motivated. And ensures you don’t miss any important areas. Check out these spring cleaning must-dos if you’re unsure where to start.

2. Make Sure You Have Supplies

Before you start your spring clean, make sure you have all the supplies you need. This includes cleaning products, storage containers, and trash bags, to name a few. You may also want to invest in a few new tools. Like a vacuum or steam cleaner to help you get the job done more efficiently. If you have any areas crying out for a deep clean, consider upholstery cleaning services. 

3. Focus On Functionality

Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of clutter and dirt; it’s also about making your home more functional. Take this opportunity to reorganize your spaces so that they work better for you and your family. For example, you can rearrange your furniture to create more space or install shelves to make better use of your vertical storage. If you need some inspiration, check out Marie Kondo. She’ll show you how to streamline your belongings, so you only hold onto things that bring you joy. 

4. Go Room By Room

Tackling your entire home all at once can be overwhelming. Make the process more manageable by focusing on one room at a time. Start with the most cluttered space and work your way through the rest of your home. As you go, make a pile of items you no longer need. And once you’ve finished cleaning, you can decide whether to donate, sell, or trash them.

5. Get Creative With Storage Solutions

Finally, it’s time to get creative with your storage solutions. Instead of spending money on new furniture or storage containers, look for ways to repurpose what you already have. For example, you can use wine crates as shelving or hang pots and pans from a kitchen rack. By getting creative, you’ll not only save money but also add a unique touch to your home. Youtube and Pinterest are home to millions of repurposing ideas to help you get DIYing. 

Conclusion

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. Following these simple tips can turn it into a fun and satisfying experience. So grab a glass of lemonade, put on your favorite playlist, and get started. And don’t forget to share yours before and after photos with us! We’d love to see the transformation you’ve made. Happy cleaning!

There is a lot of talk about creating a healthier environment for this generation and beyond. This can be done through concerted efforts aimed at sustainability and contributing to a greener world. Indeed, it starts at home, and one way this is possible is by paying attention to your home’s cleaning supplies. What factors influence you to purchase them? The household cleaning supplies market has a projected growth of 3.53% from now to 2026. And here are some considerations to make when giving your money to the industry.

Factor in multipurpose functions

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In many households, this is a crucial factor to consider before purchasing. Multipurpose cleaners allow you to limit the number of varieties of cleaning supplies needed for the home. Meanwhile, from a cost angle, it is a budget-friendly approach. Too many different household cleaning products can also increase the risk of indoor pollution.

This is because different cleaning supplies have their unique chemical compositions. Therefore, when you use them all at the same time, there is a chance of producing harmful gases indoors. On the contrary, a multipurpose cleaner reduces that risk and, in effect, protects you and other house occupants from allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Indeed, multipurpose cleaners are easy on the pocket and may be better for your home’s indoor air.

Are they generally safe for household use?

When you search online, you will find a long list of unsafe household cleaning supplies. The question, however, is why they continue to be sold under the household cleaning description. The decision rests entirely with consumers and their knowledge of these problematic cleaning supplies. Perhaps, it is why some households prefer homemade cleaning mixtures made up of vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

It would help if you always considered safety when buying cleaning products for your home. Even when you rely on professional cleaners, asking questions about their products’ safety is important. This helps resolve any concerns or doubts you may have. Fortunately, some cleaning services like Highland Park Housekeeping are environmentally conscious about their products.

Consider the smell or the fragrance

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Some household cleaning products have pungent chemical smells. Others are too fragrant and may irritate occupants with respiratory allergies or sensitive skin. According to studies, some highly fragranced cleaning supplies are there to camouflage dangerous chemicals. Did you know that the popular fragrance in cleaning supplies known as HICC and Lilial are banned in European countries? In the US, however, they are not.

The tip is to find the perfect balance when buying your household cleaning supplies. Sometimes, a clean, non-fragranced product is your best bet. Mild smells like lemon are also worth considering because there are fewer reports of irritation and allergies. Better yet, rely on cleaning agents with smells that aren’t too overwhelming to you and others in the house. This is particularly important when you have young children, aging adults, and pets at home. People with compromised health may also be unable to tolerate these strong smells.

How long should you keep your old fridge? Most households insist that with the right amount of care, refrigerators can last well above 15 years. However, not all fridges are made the same. 

If you have purchased a second-hand fridge or are still using the hand-me-down appliances that your relatives gave you when you move out, it’s time to think of the long-term consequences of keeping the same old fridge. 

First of all, the most important question you need to ask yourself is: How do I get rid of my fridge when I don’t want it anymore? Indeed, pollution and environmental damages are the most commonly overlooked risks with old appliances. The truth is that your old fridge doesn’t belong in the bin or in a landfill. Specialist recycling and metal scrapping center, such as Norstar, can make use of the metal parts inside your appliances. Alternatively, you can also reach out to your local repair company to find out if they want to use parts for repairs. 

But even if your fridge is still in working condition, you want to think about how it can affect your household, health, and neighbors. 

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#1. It doesn’t keep your food safe

The reason why we use fridges is that they can help us conserve our favorite ingredients for longer. If you choose to cook from scratch regularly to boost your health and control what you eat, you want to use ingredients that are safe for consumption. 

Old fridges can sometimes struggle to control temperatures. If you find that some of your ingredients can develop mold patches or unpleasant smells inside the fridge, it could be a sign that they are exposed to fluctuating temperatures. Fresh meat and fish, especially, are the first to go bad when the fridge temperature increases. You may believe they are still safe to cook, but they could already have attracted bacterial growth. 

#2. It is too loud

Old refrigerating systems can get loud as the defrost timer, condenser fan, or compressor becomes more worn. It’s a good idea to get your fridge checked for issues when it develops abnormal noises. However, it can be a good idea to measure the sounds when the repairman doesn’t find any damage except for old age. 

Dirty compressors can be loud without affecting their functions. Compressors typically make low humming noises, so you may be so used to the noise that you don’t register it anymore. If your fridge emits sounds of 70 dB or over, it’s time to worry. Fridges tend to register sounds around 55 dB to 60dB. For comparison, 60dB is the sound of a normal conversation inside an office or a busy household. It is unlikely to disrupt your home or your neighbors. However, if your fridge becomes louder and reaches 80dB or over, it can lead to noise pollution. For reference, 80dB is the sound of a hairdryer, and 90dB is a lawnmower. Imagine how your neighbors must feel if the fridge next door to their apartment is as loud as a lawnmower!

#3. It has mold growth

Mold can appear in extreme temperatures, including the inside of your fridge. If you have a fridge with multiple drawers, expert hygienists recommend emptying and cleaning your drawers and shelves with safe products at least once a month. 

Mold can develop in damp spots where food residues are left untouched for several weeks. The vegetable drawer in the fridge is the most commonplace for mold spores to appear. So how do you best keep your fridge sanitized without putting your food at risk?

Soapy water will remove the dirt, while you can use cotton buds to clear the back wall. Sanitize the surface using baking soda and vinegar, which are safe for your food. Make sure to dry all compartments before placing them back inside the fridge. 

#4. It is not energy-efficient

Depending on size and model, you can expect the average fridge to consume around 150 and 800 kWh per year. For instance, a large side-by-side American-style fridge would run an annual cost of around $104. On the other hand, a smaller fridge model may cost only $65 per year. 

Where does energy efficiency come into play? An energy-efficient appliance is likely to cut kWh consumption by half or more for compact fridges. On the other hand, old refrigerators are less likely to be energy-saving, as they can consume up to 2,000kWh per year. For comparison, it’s more than twice the cost of an XXL side-by-side fridge. 

You may think that keeping your old fridge can save you money in the long term. However, it’s a false economy. Indeed, the old appliance could prove to be more expensive to run than modern models. Additionally, it could severely affect your health and contribute to housing noise pollution. 

Housework is never anyone’s favorite pastime, but it has to be done. And sometimes, you just don’t have the time to spend hours on it. That’s where this blog post comes in. We’re going to share some tips with you on how to get your housework done quickly and easily. So sit back, relax, and let us show you how it’s done.

Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels

Someone Say Shortcuts?

One great way is to use shortcuts. There are all sorts of shortcuts for cleaning, cooking, and more. You can also get help from technology. For instance, there are many apps these days that can help with grocery lists, meal planning, and even recipes. 

Organization Is Life 

Start by making a list of the tasks you need to do. This will help you stay organized and focused. Then, work in an organized fashion. This will minimize the chances of having to go back and fix something later on. Next, create a plan of action by deciding which rooms you’re going to clean and what tasks you’re going to do. Start with the rooms that you use the most. Tackle those first so that you don’t have to keep going back to them.

Eat The Elephant One Bite At A Time

Break down each task into smaller steps so it’s easier to accomplish. For example, instead of trying to vacuum the entire house in one go, break it down into rooms or areas. Vacuum one room at a time, or even just one section of a room. This will help keep your momentum going and prevent you from getting too tired or overwhelmed.

Time’s Up 

Set a timer for yourself, and try to complete as many tasks as possible within that time frame. If you’re having trouble getting started, try setting a timer for ten minutes and just cleaning until the time is up. If you don’t get everything done in that amount of time, at least you’ll have made progress and will feel better about your efforts! The next day, set another timer for ten minutes and pick up where you left off. It may take you several days to finish the job, but at least it won’t feel quite as daunting because each task is so short-lived. Work in bursts. Tackle one task at a time, then take a break before moving on to the next one.

Be Prepared Before You Start 

Choose the right tools for the job. If you have the right tools, it’ll make your work go faster and more easily. Make sure you have all of the supplies you need before starting. This will help save time later on.

Do It To The Beat

Use music to help get you in the groove. Listening to upbeat music can help make household chores more enjoyable and less of a chore.

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Delegate And Bribes

Ask your spouse or kids to help out with some of the housework tasks. You can even create a chore chart if that helps motivate them. But, let’s be honest, bribery is also a very, very good trump card. “Reward” your kids if they complete the tasks with either treats or pocket money. 

Don’t Count Yourself Out 

Reward yourself for getting things done, such as taking a bath or watching TV after finishing up all your chores. Then, sweeten the “self-reward” with a glass of wine or bubbly while relaxing. 

Dinner In Minutes 

If you can’t imagine spending hours in the kitchen cooking up a storm, learn how to do things fast with nifty quick meals. There are hundreds of dinner recipes on the internet that can be done in under an hour or even half an hour, like this red snapper recipe. 

Clean As You Go

Wash your dishes as soon as you use them. This will save you from having to scrub them later on. Or better yet, get a dishwasher. It will save you time, water and kill more germs than the regular route. 

Eliminate Excuses 

Consider investing in an air purifier if dust allergies are causing problems with your housework routine. Many people find that their symptoms improve when they use one of these devices on a regular basis to remove harmful airborne particles from their home environments.

Keep It Simple 

Finally, try not to overthink things. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. If you find yourself getting distracted by the task at hand, take a minute to step back and evaluate what you’re trying to accomplish.

When it comes down to it, housework is not that difficult if you follow these simple tips. Just remember: keep your head in the game! And don’t forget about those who depend on you most each day—your family members or loved ones.

Please note, this post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own, thank you.

With a new warm-weather season at hand, it’s time to conquer those deep-cleaning chores, both indoors and out, that help you and your family enjoy a clean and comfortable home this coming warm weather season.

Personally, I love seasonal cleaning- it helps me prepare my outdoor spaces in a non-chaotic, orderly, and somewhat fun manner. And what better way to usher in the upcoming fall season than a clean, orderly home?

With this in mind, I want to share with you all how I break down my own season chores as part of my Seasonal Cleaning Checklist. A list to help you get your home in its healthiest shape before the summer starts. But even with Summer now upon us, there’s still plenty of time to get these healthful cleaning hacks underway. Here’s how to get started:

Summer Home Maintenance

I also like to perform a general outdoor maintenance checklist to include making sure the caulking around windows and doors is in proper order and inspect external doors and garage doors for gaps that can cause drafts. I also like to make sure the exterior windows are cleaned and, weather permitting, touching-up paint as needed.

Another area of measure includes cleaning gutters and making sure to examine and repair exterior spigots as needed. There’s also flooring for homes like my own that contain commercial flooring, including lvt tile and accessory dwelling units. Finally, make sure to clean out birdhouses and feeders. Then purchase fresh feed accordingly.

Roofs

One of the lessons I learned first and foremost as a homeowner was to maintain the integrity and value of my home by valuing my home’s roof. Maintaining your roof allows you to maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior, maximize and protect your dwellings investment, help prevent health issues within your home, and save money over time preventing higher energy bills at home.

All of which start with a clean, properly maintained roof at home! And for homeowners who are seeking a more singular less weekend warrior approach to roof maintenance this season, then you should definitely look into seasonal roofing services before the official start to winter this season.

With professional roof servicing being typically quoted by the square foot and tile type. However, the size of the job, roof pitch, landscaping, and overall severity of the stains are also factors that can influence the overall cost. Costs are as necessary as they are affordable to most homeowners at home.

Let’s also not forget how slippery leaves can be after spring rains. Why risk the potential hazards of slips and falls when you can trust the care of one of your home’s best lines of defense with professionals? After all, the upfront costs of having your roof professionally cleared and cleaned, along with gutter cleaning services, can help maintain the value of your home. Which will help, later on, prevent costly repairs later in the year?

Decks and Patios

Springtime has us all longing for those beautiful backyard get-togethers, barbecues and times spent running through the sprinkler. But before you start sending out the invitations to your first warm-weather bash of the year, you will want to thoroughly spring clean your decks and patios to get them entertainment ready.

Starting with giving your outdoor spaces a proper sweep to remove any remaining leaves from the fall, and removing any debris that has made its way to your outdoor spaces before returning planters or adding additional greenery and annuals to your planters this season.

It’s also a great idea to powerwash the entire deck or patio to help break up and tackle any stains or oily spots on your common outdoor surfaces. Using a stiff broom or scrub brush, can help remove stains. This is also a great time to replace any planks and flooring beyond basic repair. Including dock products from lumber companies.

Follow these repairs by cleaning off your outdoor patio furniture by removing any cushions or textiles from the furniture and wash them according to their specific directions. Making sure to wipe down the furniture to remove any excess dirt and debris. Replace any furniture or cushions that are unable to be cleaned or broken. And the best accessory for a newly power-washed deck or patio area? New patio furniture, of course. Shopping for new patio furniture? Here’s a guide to help you purchase the best patio furniture for your home this season

The season for outdoor entertaining is upon us, celebrate with a beautifully clean patio or deck, but with a few simple outdoor Spring cleaning sessions, your outdoor entertaining spaces will be entertainment ready long before warm weather season hits!

Friends, those are the three seasonal chores you should be attending to this season at home. Now I want to ask, what are seasonal chores you are currently undertaking at home to prep your home this fall? Share your thoughts below!

Please note, this post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own, thank you.

With a new warm-weather season at hand, it’s time to conquer those deep-cleaning chores, both indoors and out, that help you and your family enjoy a clean and comfortable home this coming warm weather season.

Personally, I love seasonal cleaning- it helps me prepare my outdoor spaces in a non-chaotic, orderly, and somewhat fun manner. And what better way to usher in the upcoming fall season than a clean, orderly home?

With this in mind, I want to share with you all how I break down my own season chores as part of my Seasonal Cleaning Checklist. A list to help you get your home in its healthiest shape before the summer starts. But even with Summer now upon us, there’s still plenty of time to get these healthful cleaning hacks underway. Here’s how to get started:

Summer Maintenance

I also like to perform a general outdoor maintenance checklist to include making sure the caulking around windows and doors is in proper order and inspect external doors and garage doors for gaps that can cause drafts. I also like to make sure the exterior windows are cleaned and, weather permitting, touching-up paint as needed.

Another area of measure includes cleaning gutters and making sure to examine and repair exterior spigots as needed. There’s also flooring for homes like my own that contain commercial flooring, including lvt tile. Finally, make sure to clean out birdhouses and feeders. Then purchase new feed accordingly.

Roofs

One of the lessons I learned first and foremost as a homeowner was to maintain the integrity and value of my home by valuing my home’s roof. Maintaining your roof allows you to maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior, maximize and protect your dwellings investment, help prevent health issues within your home, and save money over time preventing higher energy bills at home.

All of which start with a clean, properly maintained roof at home! And for homeowners who are seeking a more singular less weekend warrior approach to roof maintenance this season, then you should definitely look into seasonal roofing services before the official start to winter this season.

With professional roof servicing being typically quoted by the square foot and tile type. However, the size of the job, roof pitch, landscaping, and overall severity of the stains are also factors that can influence the overall cost. Costs as necessary as they are affordable to most homeowners at home.

Let’s also not forget how slippery leaves can be after spring rains. Why risk the potential hazards of slips and falls when you can trust the care of one of your home’s best lines of defense with professionals? After all, the upfront costs of having your roof professionally cleared and cleaned, along with gutter cleaning services, can help maintain the value of your home. Which will help, later on, prevent costly repairs later in the year?

Decks and Patios

Springtime has us all longing for those beautiful backyard get-togethers, barbecues and times spent running through the sprinkler. But before you start sending out the invitations to your first warm-weather bash of the year, you will want to thoroughly spring clean your decks and patios to get them entertainment ready.

Starting with giving your outdoor spaces a proper sweep to remove any remaining leaves from the fall, and removing any debris that has made its way to your outdoor spaces before returning planters or adding additional greenery and annuals to your planters this season.

It’s also a great idea to powerwash the entire deck or patio to help break up and tackle any stains or oily spots on your common outdoor surfaces. Using a stiff broom or scrub brush, can help remove stains. This is also a great time to replace any planks and flooring beyond basic repair. Including dock products from Decks & Docks Lumber Company.

Follow these repairs by cleaning off your outdoor patio furniture by removing any cushions or textiles from the furniture and wash them according to their specific directions. Making sure to wipe down the furniture to remove any excess dirt and debris. Replace any furniture or cushions that are unable to be cleaned or broken. And the best accessory for a newly power-washed deck or patio area? New patio furniture, of course. Shopping for new patio furniture? Here’s a guide to help you purchase the best patio furniture for your home this season

The season for outdoor entertaining is upon us, celebrate with a beautifully clean patio or deck, but with a few simple outdoor Spring cleaning sessions, your outdoor entertaining spaces will be entertainment ready long before warm weather season hits!

Friends, those are the three seasonal chores you should be attending to at home before the start of Spring this month. Now I want to ask, what are seasonal chores you are currently undertaking at home to prep your home this fall? Share your thoughts below!