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Effective cleaning hacks that save time and effort

Effective cleaning hacks that save time and effort

Cleaning is a cumbersome task. And the more cluttered your living spaces are, the harder it becomes to maintain a clean house. Also, buying commercial products for cleaning different types of surfaces is not always a feasible idea. Alternatively, you can check out some simple hacks to repurpose commonly found ingredients in the panty for daily cleaning needs. Here are 20 fun cleaning hacks that help you save time and effort while keeping the house squeaky clean.

Rubber gloves hack
You can efficiently scrape off pet fur and dander from furniture and furnishings by running a rubber glove over the surface. The material causes fur to ball up and collect neatly into the gloves.

Start at the top
Always start at the top. Dust the ceiling first before you go for a round of vacuuming and mopping. Also, start from within the house and move outward so you don’t miss a spot or clean an area twice.

Steam clean hack
The grime that sticks to the base and underside of microwaves and ovens hardens over time, making it difficult to scrub off. Simply place a bowl of lemon juice inside and turn on the appliance and allow the steam to soften the grime. Take a clean cloth and gently rub off the stains.

Blot stains instead of rubbing
Carpet stains are a real pain. But many people use soap to scrub it off and end up spreading the stain. Instead, use paper towels to absorb the excess liquids and blot the leftover stains using club soda and a microfiber cloth.

Use a pillowcase for fans
Instead of wiping down the fan blades, causing the dust to disperse in all directions, gently clean it over with a pillowcase. This way, the dust settles inside the pillowcase and doesn’t fall on the furniture or floor.

Play dough hack
Use a small ball of play dough to pick up minute particles off surfaces. The sticky, gooey texture of the dough picks up stuff like glitter, small bits of glass, and even micro dust particles leaving the area spot clean.

Baking soda freshener hack
Smelly shoes are a real nuisance, especially during spring. Simply sprinkle some baking soda thoroughly inside after every use to neutralize this odor.

Coffee filter scrub
Used coffee filters can be repurposed as a one-time scrub for cleaning your windows and glass surfaces installed around the house.

Vinegar glass solution
Vinegar is an extra versatile solution that can be repurposed for cleaning drinking vessels. It effectively removes any leftover detergent stains and eliminates unpleasant odors.

Dish soap scrub hack
Pots and pans coated with burnt food stains? Simply add some hot water and a few drops of dish soap and leave it to soak for 30 minutes. Empty the vessel and then scrub off leftover grime with ease.

Baby wipes clean hack
Baby wipes can be used to wipe coffee tables and chair handles. These pieces of cloth contain a gentle solution that even dries off quickly.

Lemon vinegar scent hack
Toss a few slices of lemon and add vinegar to the opening to clean the garbage disposal. This hack will suppress any odor that emanates from the appliance in a matter of minutes.

Sanitize cutting boards
Chopping boards tend to smell and also stain with repeated use. All you need is a slice of lemon and a soap-water solution. Dip the lemon in the dish soap solution and scrub the board surface thoroughly to remove the smell and dirt.

Baby powder solution hack
Baby powder mixed with some dish soap creates a potent solution that easily removes oil stains from different types of fabric. Apply the solution and leave it for a while to disperse the oil stains before washing the fabric.

Tea cleaning hack
If wooden surfaces around the house look dull, you can create a potent tea solution to polish and brighten the surfaces. It’s a great alternative to commercial furniture wax or varnish.

Wax paper wipe hack
Water faucets and taps collect stains over time. You can use wax paper to scrub off these stains and restore their shine.

Vegetable oil vinegar solution
Vegetable oil and vinegar make an excellent solution for cleaning wood floors. The solution cleans and restores the natural shine to the surface.

Cornstarch surface cleaner
Cornstarch solution can be used to clean your silverware and restore its natural shine without the use of any chemicals.

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The 5 Best Times to Drink Water in a Day

Are you looking for the best time to drink water? Many don't drink enough water and fail to realize the importance of drinking enough. Since staying hydrated is essential for our health and well-being, choosing the right time to drink water makes a big difference. So if you want to improve your daily water intake, investing in a quality 1L filter water bottle and some Icelandic Glacial natural spring water is a great way to start. The importance of water for the human body Water is essential for your body's overall health and well-being, regardless of where you are. It helps to regulate the body's temperature, lubricate the joints, and flush out toxins. Water is even more important at home as it is necessary for a wide range of activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Your body needs water to help keep all its systems functioning properly. Not only does water maintain hydration levels, but it also helps transport nutrients to cells and remove waste from organs. Without adequate water, your body can suffer from dehydration, leading to headaches, fatigue, constipation, and a weakened immune system. Furthermore, drinking enough water can reduce your risk of certain diseases, such as kidney stones and urinary tract infections. By drinking the recommended daily intake of eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, you can help keep your body functioning optimally and feel its best. Best times to drink water Upon waking up Drinking water first thing in the morning is essential for our body's needs. Not only does it help to rehydrate us after a long night of sleep, but it also helps to kickstart our metabolism and flush out toxins. Additionally, it can help to improve your overall mood and energy levels. If you're not a fan of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime for a bit of extra flavor and a healthy dose of Vitamin C. If you struggle with remembering to drink water throughout the day, setting yourself reminders or leaving a glass of water by your bedside at home can help ensure that you stay hydrated throughout the day. Before and after exercise Drinking water before and after exercise is essential to help keep your body well-hydrated. When you exercise, your body needs extra fluids to stay hydrated and perform at its best. Water keeps you hydrated and helps regulate your body temperature, provides energy and nutrients to the cells, and even improves your mood. Drinking water before and after exercise is critical to keep your body hydrated. About two hours before exercising, aim for about 16-20 ounces of water. This will allow for adequate hydration and let your body absorb water. Ensure you sip water at regular intervals to prevent dehydration and fatigue. For vigorous activities like running or biking, it's recommended to drink 8-12 ounces of water every 15 minutes. After exercise, rehydrate with 8-12 ounces of water for every pound lost during exercise. This can help replenish any fluids lost through sweat and electrolytes that are also lost during physical activity. Staying hydrated while exercising is essential to staying healthy and keeping your body in shape. Access to cold, filtered water in your home can help you reach your hydration needs more easily. So, always keep a full water bottle to stay hydrated. Before meals Drinking water before meals is a great way to meet your body's needs. When it comes to eating, water can help reduce feelings of hunger, making it easier to practice portion control. Additionally, having a glass of water or two before a meal can help you feel fuller, leading to fewer calories overall. It also helps the body absorb nutrients from food more efficiently. Drinking water before meals also helps to regulate digestion and keep your system running smoothly. Drinking water before a meal helps break down the food in your stomach so that the body can easily digest it. The water also helps reduce stomach acidity, meaning your stomach won't have to work as hard to digest your food. Finally, drinking water before meals can help increase metabolism and energy levels, giving you an extra boost throughout the day. Staying hydrated with water throughout the day is essential for home health and well-being. Drinking a glass of water before each meal is an easy way to ensure that your body gets the fluids it needs while also helping to regulate digestion and metabolism. Mid-afternoon As the day progresses, you may feel a slump in energy levels around midafternoon. During this time, drinking plenty of water is essential to boost your energy levels. Home and work can become very demanding in the afternoon, so one must ensure their body is hydrated. Water helps your brain and muscles stay energized, which can help you stay productive. If you want to stay alert and focused during the afternoon, drink a glass or two of water. Before bedtime Drinking water before bedtime is one of the best things you can do for your body. Not only will it help you stay hydrated, but it can also rejuvenate your body's natural functioning and ensure you get proper rest. Drinking water before bedtime can also help support digestion and ensure your body has the energy to rest properly and recover. Tips to ensure you're drinking enough water: Carry a water bottle with you during the day. Set reminders Keep a pitcher of water on your home desk or kitchen counter. Make sure you know your body's needs for water and adjust accordingly. Add flavors to your water, like cucumber or lemon slices, for extra flavor. Invest in a smart water bottle. These bottles are crucial for home & needs. They have sensors that track your drinking habits. It can be convenient for home and on-the-go use. Not only is it better for the environment, but it will also help track how much water you drink.

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10 tips for a smooth moving experience

An individual may be required to move within the same neighborhood, city, or to another state for various reasons. In either case, the process is usually accompanied by mixed emotions, including excitement and nervousness. Several variables further heighten the emotions to look into when an individual moves, which could be time-consuming. However, with the right practices, one can ensure the process is worry-free. Here are 10 helpful tips to ensure a smooth moving experience. Set a timeline The first essential tip to remember is that any packing and moving process requires a timeline. Without this, the entire procedure usually goes haywire. The individual should start planning at least two months in advance, depending on their belongings and other work, as it gives them ample time to handle all the necessary tasks without needing to rush. The person should also split timelines into specific phases, such as packing, sorting, hiring movers, and unpacking. Declutter Decluttering a space and downsizing belongings is one the best ways to make the moving process more seamless. Before moving, an individual should evaluate their possessions and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. One can get rid of items that they have not used in the past year or longer. Doing so can reduce the number of items that need to be packed, which could save on costs and make the new space feel less crowded and more organized. Purchase packing supplies One will require packing supplies in advance to ensure a smooth moving experience. A few recommended products include packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and furniture covers. Keeping the materials handy can help avoid last-minute scrambling and ensure a more efficient packing process. Create an essentials box While one might have several things packed in boxes, one must create an essentials box first. The box should contain everything they might require immediately upon arrival at their new home. A few essentials in the carton may include toiletries, documentation, a change of clothes, and other items one may require during the first day or two in the new space. Hire professional movers If one has the budget, one ought to consider hiring professional movers. Such professionals are helpful when it comes to heavy lifting and transporting belongings. One should conduct ample research to find the ideal moving service. This includes reading customers' reviews, obtaining multiple quotes, discussing timelines, and other essential information before hiring a company. A professional mover onboard will help streamline the packing and moving process and offer increased peace of mind. Notify the relevant authorities If one is moving, one should notify the relevant authorities about the move. They should update their address with the post office and also notify the bank and insurance company. One should also change the address for any subscriptions they may have, including magazines and food supplies. One can also inform their family, friends, employer, or school about the updated contact information as required. Label boxes clearly It's easy to remember what went into the box when packing it. However, when there are several boxes at the new home, one is likely to get confused about the location of each item, making the unpacking experience extremely difficult. Therefore, one must properly label each box to make them easier to identify. For example, one can use color-coded labels or detailed descriptions and also mark fragile items. The individual can also use these notes to indicate which room each box belongs to. Protect valuables, plants, and pets One may have valuables such as jewelry, important documents, and heirlooms in their possession. These must be packed separately and transported personally to avoid misplacing them. Moreover, if an individual has plants and pets, they can make special arrangements for their transport. There are various services available to help keep plants safe and pets safe while moving from one home to another. Inspect the new home Before initiating the moving process, one should ensure the new home is properly inspected. An essential check includes seeing if the paperwork is in order and checking for pre-existing damages or issues that need to be addressed by the renter or seller. These should be documented and communicated with the previous homeowner or landlord and resolved accordingly. Dispose of packing materials properly Once one has moved into the new home and unpacked all of one's belongings, one must ensure the packaging materials are disposed of properly. Multiple moving companies offer services like taking away used boxes and packing materials. One can also try and recycle them according to the local guidelines. Alternatively, one can repurpose some of the packing materials to create DIY crafts for their new space.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
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Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
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Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
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Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
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Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
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Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
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