Professional cleaners are known for transforming even the messiest spaces into pristine havens. Behind their magic lies a carefully curated selection of cleaning products that prove their effectiveness time and again. So, if you want to take your house cleaning chore to a professional level, it’s time to invest in the right tools. From white vinegar to window squeegee, here are five expert-recommended deep cleaning products to make your cleaning tasks fruitful. White vinegar White vinegar is a natural and affordable cleaning agent. It’s a multipurpose solution that cuts through grease, grime, and mineral deposits. When mixed with water, white vinegar can be used to clean windows, countertops, and floors and even remove stubborn stains. Furthermore, it works as a natural deodorizer, eliminating unpleasant odors in various areas of your home. Castile soap Castile soap, made from natural plant oils, is a gentle yet effective cleaner that professionals often recommend. It’s biodegradable, non-toxic, and can be used for various cleaning tasks. For instance, you can use it to wash floors, countertops, carpets, walls, wood flooring, and even laundry. The soap is available in liquid and bar forms and can be easily diluted with water for different needs. Scented versions of castile soap with disinfecting essential oils like eucalyptus or tea tree are popular.

Most individuals have their own tried-and-tested methods of cleaning their home space. When it comes to cleaning routines, one cannot be entirely sure if their preferred cleaning methods or products are effective or not. So, it makes sense to review home cleaning methods occasionally and improve them by avoiding mistakes to ensure better results and a cleaner environment. Here are a few common home cleaning mistakes to avoid. Not cleaning your cleaning tools Forgetting to clean up supplies is a common mistake many individuals make while cleaning their homes. Your cleaning routine is effective only when you regularly wash the cleaning cloths and wipes, scrub out the brushes, and sanitize and clean mop heads and toilet brushes. Furthermore, don’t forget to empty your vacuum cleaners, clean the attachments, and change the filter regularly. Not cleaning up the surface before disinfecting Most people think that disinfecting is the same as cleaning. However, technically this is not true. Before you disinfect any surface, clean it well to eliminate dust, debris, and other particles. If you don’t do this, the dust and dirt will prevent your disinfectant from effectively killing off the germs from the surface. Not cleaning your wooden chopping boards Individuals use chopping boards to slice raw vegetables, fruits, and meat.

There are numerous ways to maintain your home, from small DIY projects to large-scale renovations that require tearing down existing structures. Surprisingly, homeowners in the country typically spend approximately $15,000 on these renovation projects, so it’s natural to want to get it right. So, if you’re set to embark on a home renovation journey, and wish to save time and money, here are six common mistakes you should avoid. Under-budgeting Setting a budget is one of the first steps homeowners should take when considering a renovation project. Since these plans often cost more than one estimate, adding a 10-20% safety net into the budget is essential to help cover unexpected costs. Buying cheap materials Cheap materials tend to fall apart sooner. Invest in durable, high-quality materials that need not be replaced within a few years. Measuring incorrectly This is particularly important for homeowners carrying out DIY renovation projects. Incorrect measurements can compromise the integrity and overall quality of one’s project. Stick to the adage “measure twice, but cut once” – this will help reduce delays and save money. Failing to check neighborhood guidelines Many homes are governed by guidelines laid down by the neighborhood association or historical commission regulations. These generally apply to exterior home elements.

Removing laundry odor at home is essential to keep the clothes smelling fresh and clean. Unpleasant odors can arise from various sources, such as sweat, mildew, or lingering cooking smells. Effectively removing laundry odor at home involves a combination of proper sorting, washing, and maintenance practices. Following these steps and incorporating preventative measures ensures the clothes always smell fresh and clean. Check out some easy to follow expert suggestions. Sorting and Pre-Treatment Separate laundry into whites, colors, and delicate. Next pre-treat stains with stain removers before washing. Also, choose a high-quality laundry detergent that suits the washing machine and water hardness. Avoid using excess detergent, as it can leave a soapy residue that traps odors. Use the hottest water temperature recommended for all clothes. Hot water helps to dissolve oils and dirt, which can cause odor buildup. Establish a regular laundry routine to prevent odors from accumulating. Avoid letting wet laundry sit in the machine for an extended period, as this can promote mold and mildew growth. Proper Washing Machine Maintenance Regularly clean the washing machine, including the detergent drawer and drum. Use a washing machine cleaner or a vinegar and baking soda mixture to remove mold and mildew buildup.

Jewelry is among the most prized possessions for several households owing to its sheer elegance and value. Unfortunately, FBI estimates suggest that approximately $100 million worth of jewelry gets stolen each year nationwide. Although security systems can help detect and prevent such crimes, one should still exercise caution while leaving jewelry at home, as failure of such systems can increase the risk of jewelry theft. Here are some places to avoid hiding jewelry at home: In the freezer It is estimated that over one in four people hide their jewelry in the freezer. Therefore, burglars are typically well-versed with this tactic and may remember to check the freezer while trying to steal jewelry. Under the mattress The mattress is a seemingly safe place to hide precious items, as it can easily conceal the belongings kept underneath it. Unfortunately, since most individuals have discovered the effectiveness of this hiding place, hiding jewelry underneath the mattress has become common in households, and one of the spots burglars would be sure to check. The toilet water tank The toilet tank is a risky place to hide jewelry as it may be easily discovered. Also, there is a high chance of the jewelry to get tarnished due to moisture.

Bedbugs are among the peskiest pests and quite hard to get rid of. If they hang on to a person’s clothing or personal belongings, they can easily infest their homes, cars, etc. So, steering clear of bed bugs is crucial to avoid their bites and prevent one’s personal space from getting infested. One way to avoid catching bed bugs is to stay careful at a few hotspots where these insects usually lurk. These include the following: 1. Public transport Public transport seats, such as subway cars, cabs, and buses, are among the most common lurking places for bed bugs. They can easily hop on one’s clothing or personal items, like bags. One can avoid this by keeping their belongings carefully, not on the cushions, and checking their belongings properly upon reaching home. 2. Hotels Even though hotel beds are cleaned and disinfected before every check-in, the seats in a hotel’s waiting areas and lounge areas are usually not; chances are, these seats might be concealing bed bugs. So, it is best to avoid using these seats and keep luggage away from them when visiting hotels. 3. Office break rooms Bed bugs can thrive in office environments, especially in areas like break rooms where many people gather at once.

Moving into a new home can be exciting. It provides individuals with an opportunity to explore a new neighborhood and meet new people. However, the entire process of moving out and moving in can be pretty complex and chaotic. As a result, many people make mistakes that cost them more money and lead to hassle. Here are five such mistakes one must try to avoid when moving into a new home. Packing at the last minute One of the most common mistakes individuals make when moving is procrastinating packing. Packing at the last moment can lead to chaos and disorganization. For convenience, individuals should pack early, starting with the rarely used items and gradually moving to the essentials. Beginning early gives one enough time to label the boxes and organize their belongings well. Not hiring professional movers Seeking help from friends and family for moving may seem cost-effective, but it can be more stressful and chaotic. Professional movers can perform this task more efficiently. They transport delicate items using the appropriate equipment and expertise, providing peace of mind. Not keeping a checklist It is easy to misplace or lose items amid the hustle and bustle of moving. Hence, when packing, individuals must keep a checklist.

Moving to a new home is an exciting, albeit challenging, process. While many people are attracted to the idea of starting anew in a different place, the actual move requires a fair amount of planning and organizing. To get a head start on one’s move, packing well is crucial. However, many people continue to make packing mistakes during this process. This article sheds light on four common packing mistakes one can avoid while moving. Waiting until the last minute to pack Packing is an art and a science. Beginning this process too late can lead to unnecessary rushing on moving day. It is also likely to be more disorganized, making setting up one’s new home difficult. Ideally, one must start two weeks to a month before the moving day. Begin packing less-used items and wrapping them up properly. Recognize items that are no longer needed and donate them to charity, give them to friends and family, or set up a yard sale for them. This process will help declutter and make space for new things in the house. Mislabeling or not labeling the boxes Labeling the boxes correctly is an essential part of the packing process. Skipping this step or doing a shoddy job can create a lot of confusion and lengthen the unpacking process.

Bad lighting can break the functionality and ambience of a home, while good lighting elevates it. Some common home lighting mistakes can be addressed by simple research and maybe some advice from a professional. It is important to consider the three types of lighting—accent, ambient, and task—when choosing lighting options for the home. Here are six mistakes that are quite common when it comes to choosing home lighting and should be avoided. Installing recessed lighting High ceilings are impressive enough; cramming them with recessed lighting is unnecessary. It tends to make the room look dull and uninviting, not to mention it only serves the purpose of ambient lighting, making it quite non-functional. If creating a warm, cozy, and functional vibe is the agenda, don’t depend on recessed lights alone. Use scones for the walls, floor lamps for corners, and chandeliers or pendant lights for the ceiling to give the room character. Not considering task lighting While ambient and accent lighting add to the allure and feel of the room, task lighting is the more functional aspect of lighting. Illuminating the kitchen or workspace with direct lights, bright enough to avoid shadows or dark spots, is called task lighting. These can be achieved in reading corners by adding floor lamps and pendant lights, and under-cabinet lighting or track lights for kitchen spaces.

Dealing with a trash bag can be messy and annoying, especially when it bursts at the seams with trash and constantly slips. That said, there are quite a few effective and simple ways, such as using everyday things like rubber bands, binder clips, velcro strips, and hooks, to keep a trash bag from caving in. These tips will help save a lot of time and mess and keep trash bags secured in bins. 1. Try the double knot technique This one does the job well. The double knot technique involves tying an initial knot and securing it with a second one. This simple approach adds an extra layer of reliability, significantly reducing the likelihood of the bag slipping into the trash can. The double knot technique is a quick and foolproof method suitable for everyone. What’s best is that one doesn’t need additional things to secure the bag. 2. Use rubber bands This tip involves positioning a few rubber bands around the top rim of the trash can before securing the bag. The rubber bands add an element of grip, preventing the bag from sliding down the sides of the can. This cost-effective and readily available solution is a go-to for quick fixes.