An individual might find it easy to see dust around the house and sweep it in within a few minutes, but it’s much harder to know when the air in a home requires purification. While one may not notice it at first, poor indoor air quality could be hazardous to their health. So, it is important to take measures to ensure the air inside the home is always clean. Here are seven ways to keep the indoor air quality clean. Change the AC filter An air-conditioning system works year-round to ensure it maintains an ideal temperature at home. It also filters out pollutants while cycling through the air. Therefore, it is important to change the AC air filters regularly to ensure the dust particles do not create trouble for the individual where indoor air quality is concerned. Use cooking vents Several indoor air pollutants often originate from the kitchen. A gas stove may release harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are dangerous when inhaled. Even electric burners generate the same contaminants at lower levels. Therefore, when an individual is cooking, they should turn on the kitchen vents so that the air is filtered and fresh air circulates in each.

The sight of a pest infestation at home could get etched in one’s memory for a long time. And from that moment on, one can’t help but constantly think about potential ways to get rid of these bugs or rodents. While pest control is an excellent solution, doing it incorrectly can worsen the existing infestation and lead to a lot of hassle. Below are seven pest control mistakes one should avoid. Not determining the cause The first mistake is not determining the cause of the problem. For example, on seeing a couple of spiders in the basement, some people immediately spray pesticide to get rid of them. However, one needs to find where the spiders are coming from. If they are emerging out of gaps in windows, seams, and foundations, one must seal these gaps to keep infestations away. Only spraying ants On seeing a trail of ants at home, some immediately spray them. However, ants come from colonies, meaning a new batch could return in a few days. Therefore, individuals must use indoor baiting techniques instead to solve this problem. The ants will bring the bait back to their nest, which could help eliminate or drive away the colony.

Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks. 1. Sage Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks. 2. Lemongrass The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants.

Moving homes can be a stressful endeavor. With several jobs to manage simultaneously, it can get overwhelming. From packing to hiring professional movers, every task needs to be handled properly to ensure a smooth move with as few problems as possible. One way to ensure a hassle-free relocation is to avoid several common mistakes while moving. This article lists a few common mistakes one can try to avoid while moving. Not planning well A common mistake many commit is not planning the move adequately. To ensure a smooth relocation, one can start by making a checklist of important tasks. These tasks can be ones that need to be accomplished prior to moving as well as after moving. A detailed checklist will help avoid missing crucial details, such as remembering to switch off utilities in the previous house or applying for an address change at the post office. Packing at the last minute Irrespective of whether one is moving from a bigger house or a smaller space, it’s a blunder to put off packing until the last minute. Not spacing out the relocation process over a few days or weeks may lead to chaos and disorganization. This means there will not be enough time to be careful with one’s possessions.

Owning a home is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. Every home space needs to evolve continually to suit the needs and preferences of its occupants. While complete renovations and remodeling can be expensive, there are several tips and tricks to keep the home looking fresh and welcoming. Continue reading to discover ten easy home improvement hacks that can make any home space a haven that reflects one’s style and comfort. Paint the front door- The front door is often the first thing guests notice when they enter a home. So, transform it in a way that contributes to the curb appeal of a space and creates an impression. Paint the front door a bright, inviting color. For those unwilling to take on the whole door, begin by painting the door knob or investing in a vintage piece for a stylish touch. Add string lights- String lights are a beautiful addition to any space. They also work well outdoors, hung over the patio or porch. Moreover, they can transform any outdoor space into an extra hosting area for guests, particularly in the warmer months. Get glass cabinet inserts- Old wood cabinets can lose their glossy feature with time. Add some excitement to the house by replacing them with glass cabinet inserts.

Taking out the trash every day is a simple chore, which can quickly turn messy, with trash bags falling into the bin before one has had the chance to tie them up. The wrong bag size or just an excessive load can make the bag slip into the trash can and create a mess. This leads to additional cleanup. However, one can prevent trash bags from slipping in the following ways: 1. Try double bagging This technique involves placing two bags in a trash can. One can simply insert a trash bag in the can, then place another bag over it, letting friction created by the first bag prevent both bags from slipping down the edge of the can. Double bagging is commonly used by janitors in commercial and office spaces and is more sanitary and effective in preventing odors, especially when dealing with organic trash. 2. Get trash cans with grippers Trash cans could come equipped with grippers or textured bottoms on the inside to prevent bags from slipping. The unique pattern of the bin provides the necessary friction and grip to help the bag stay in place. Some cans also come with rubber bottoms that hold the trash bag firmly.

Garbage bags and cans are vital in maintaining cleanliness and general hygiene, providing a designated space for waste disposal. Furthermore, these essential tools are also used to pack clothes, shoes, and other items or keep things dry when traveling. Proper usage of garbage bags is important to ensure the safety of their contents. Improper usage may lead to breakage and leaks, creating a mess. Check out some helpful tips below for using garbage bags effectively. Use heavy-duty bags One of the first tips to ensure the bag is safe is to use heavy-duty options, such as a thick, black garbage bag. These can carry significantly more weight than thinner options, reducing the possibility of tearing or breaking. Similarly, outdoor garbage bags carry more weight than their flimsy counterparts, showing increased resistance to tearing or breakage. Consider large or extra-large bags One should always use large or extra-large bags in a garbage can. These bags help one collect more waste inside in comparison to smaller options. Since the bag can store more, this helps in reducing the number of garbage bags used each month, potentially leading to cost savings. Try garbage bags with ties People usually shop for cost-effective bags. However, when doing so, they might miss out on essential features like ties that help securely seal the bag.

Dishwashers are kitchen appliances that simplify the task of cleaning dishes by efficiently washing and sanitizing them. Besides the cleaning task, these appliances also keep one’s dishes organized. However, the effectiveness of a dishwasher primarily depends on proper usage. Not using it correctly could hamper its overall performance and even lead to wear and tear in a short period. Therefore, avoid the common mistakes listed below to boost the performance and longevity of one’s dishwasher. Overcrowding the rack While a dishwasher is designed to handle dishes easily, there is a limit on how many dishes can be placed during a cycle. Overcrowding the rack may affect the machine’s capacity to clean its contents thoroughly. Placing too many dishes on the appliance may lead to water and detergent getting trapped between tight spaces. It may result in uneven cleaning, with dishes coming out dirty. Therefore, one should space items to ensure the dishes are cleaned as expected. Running partial loads While overcrowding the dishwasher can harm the appliance, it is equally important to avoid running partial loads. Though this may effectively clean the dishes, the process consumes high quantities of water and energy. To avoid this, one should ensure they adequately fill the appliance and use it only when necessary.

Each season brings its own delights, but the occasional severe storms that tag along can cause a lot of trouble, especially by knocking out power grids. With the storms lasting from hours to days, households have to make arrangements to get essential appliances running. Here, a backup home generator can help in dealing with such situations. However, while purchasing a generator, one may want to avoid the following common mistakes: 1. Skipping a power audit Conducting a power audit is a key step before buying a home generator. This will help one determine the right seized generator that would work for the house. Otherwise, the generator may not be able to handle the power load for the entire household. With a power audit, the total wattage and amperes required in a generator will also become clear. To conduct an audit, one can simply add up the wattages of all the appliances and electrical fittings in the house. Another option is to hire a professional technician for a more accurate assessment. 2. Ignoring fuel availability and source Another common mistake while buying a home generator is not checking the fuel source and its availability. Generators typically run on diesel, propane, gasoline, or propane.

A stunning entrance can leave a lasting impression on visitors. Even though doors are such an important part of homes, people often forget to pay enough attention when choosing them. This can lead to wonky aesthetics, safety issues, and higher energy costs as well. To help one choose the right front door for their house, here are some of the most common mistakes they should avoid while making a purchase decision: 1. Choosing the wrong material To ensure one gets a strong, durable door that keeps the home safe, it is important to carefully consider its material. One can choose from the following common materials: Fiberglass: This material is durable and easy to clean. One can choose between two types of fiberglass doors—with and without glass panels—depending on their daylight requirements. This material gives a sleek finish to the home and is known for being energy efficient. Steel: For those living in regions with harsh weather, steel doors can be perfect. They require very little maintenance and often feature an added layer of foam for enhanced energy efficiency. Wood: A classic choice, wood has been the favored material for doors around the world. Thanks to its warm, natural appearance, it gives a welcoming finish to every home.