Keeping the house clean is challenging. No matter how often you vacuum, mop, or wipe down a surface, dust accumulates just as quickly and repeatedly. You can even occasionally hire professionals to do the job or invest in modern cleaning solutions. Still, your effort and money might be in vain if you don’t pay attention to some common cleaning blunders. Below, we’ve listed nine mistakes you must avoid when cleaning your home.

Using the same cloth
Dust, pet dander, and airborne pollutants collect on various surfaces inside the home. But not every surface can be thoroughly cleaned with the same piece of cloth. It’s advisable to use a microfiber cloth for cleaning kitchen and home appliances as it efficiently removes stains and smudges and is gentle on glass and plastic surfaces. Large-size washcloths are best for kitchen counters and furniture surfaces. Using different cloths prevents dust and grime from cross-contaminating surfaces and keeps the indoors spotless.

Using cleaning products excessively
Cleaning solutions are laced with chemicals and strong industrial compounds synthesized to tackle the dirt. However, using them excessively or mixing two products can trigger an adverse toxic reaction. If two formulas react upon contact, they may release fumes, which, if inhaled, can cause serious health complications. Most cleaning products are manufactured for individual use, so never mix them with another solution to increase their efficacy.

Using abrasive products on tiles
Porcelain tiles lose their sheen and texture if repeatedly exposed to abrasive materials. Industrial-strength cleaners with a strong formula can rob them of their pearlescent shine. Even abrasive cloths designed to pick up microscopic dirt particles are too harsh for porcelain tiles. So, it’s always best to use a light sponge to wipe down these tiles and apply minimal cleaning products. You can even buy tile cleaners with specific formulas that are suitable for such surfaces.

Not using a disinfectant
Simply cleaning won’t suffice. Environmental pollutants and allergens linger around even after using industrial-strength cleaner formulas. That’s why it’s necessary to follow up with a coat of disinfectant. Spraying the surface with a disinfectant after cleaning eliminates most germs and allergens, preventing bacterial and viral infections from spreading.

Rubbing stains
Rubbing stains is one of the most common and significant home cleaning mistakes, especially if the stain is on a cloth or fabric. Rubbing the stain pushes the leftover residue deep into the fabric, making it impossible to remove it after a couple of hot washes and dry cycles. Experts recommend using a little liquid soap and a clean cloth to dab and absorb such stains. Once the stain is absorbed, the fabric should be soaked in a stain remover solution. You can scrub off the residue while holding the fabric immersed in the solution.

Spraying directly on electronic devices
TVs, entertainment systems, and smart gadgets installed at home require utmost care and attention to maintain their performance and increase their life. Unfortunately, many homeowners make the silly mistake of using a cleaner spray directly on the electronic device. Even if the device is switched off, spraying a cleaning solution directly on its surface is never a good idea. You should first spray the solution onto a microfiber cloth designed for electronics and then gently wipe the surface clean.

Not cleaning from top to bottom
Sweeping and mopping the floors should ideally be the last task. That’s because the dirt and grime you wipe off appliances, furniture, and furnishings settle on the floor. So, if you’ve already mopped, you’ll have to unnecessarily mop again. The same idea applies when cleaning multiple rooms: start from one end of the house and proceed in one direction to prevent dirt from moving around from one room to another and back again.

Cleaning in a cooped-up environment
Always open a window or door of the room before you start cleaning. Sweeping and mopping debris off surfaces releases microscopic allergens in the air, and inhaling these substances increases the risk of allergies or infections that trigger respiratory ailments. Industrial cleaning products also release toxic fumes that should not be inhaled continuously in a closed environment. Besides opening a window or door, turn on the air purifier in the room to absorb these allergens if you have one.

Not emptying the vacuum
Dust bags inside a vacuum cleaner can store a limited quantity of dirt and debris. Not emptying them regularly affects their suction and leads to other problems. For example, the cleaner might overheat or catch fire due to excess debris in the dust bag. It’s advisable to empty the bag after every use and clean the vacuum nozzles. Remember that, besides dust, the vacuum also picks up microfibers and lint from cloth surfaces like carpets and furnishings around the home. This causes the bags to fill up faster than estimated.

Simple things like using the correct type of cloth, cleaning formula, and accessories can make all the difference in achieving a clean and tidy home. The frequency of cleaning can differ depending on the home’s general layout and size. Planning and organizing the cleaning schedule will dramatically impact the efficiency of a cleaning job.

Someone rightly said: “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” A garden is a gateway to your home in several unique ways — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Gardening is associated with better air quality, enhanced home aesthetics, and reduced stress and anxiety. However, it is a long-term activity that requires considerable planning and patience. So, if you have a spacious courtyard, here are some quick tips for facilitating a beautiful garden at your gateway:

Enrich your soil
The primary step to creating a beautiful garden is to replenish your soil with the essential nutrients. This means investing in good-quality compost, preferably vermicompost containing wigglers, redworms, and other soil products like coco peat and soil manure.

Plan color themes
It helps to plan the colors you would like in your garden and how these should be organized. For example, you could alternate between contrasting shades of light and dark or grow flowers of the same shades together. Planning the color themes in advance can help you set up a subtle yet vibrant garden.

Weeding out is the way
Weeds eat into your garden space and compete with other plants for food and nutrition. Moreover, they can ruin your garden’s aesthetics. Monitor your garden for the growth of weeds and eliminate them regularly to ensure that your garden is healthy and appealing.

Make your garden appear bigger
Some tricks can deceive your visitors into believing that your garden is huge. You can blur the boundaries between your garden and the surrounding areas, such as your patio. Consider growing plants of different, uneven sizes at your garden perimeters or growing rows of plants of different heights across your garden.

Ensure proper drainage
An aesthetic garden requires a proper drainage system to prevent stench and maintain hygiene. A well-planned gutter system is also essential to ensure a good harvest and adequate soil aeration. Premier gutter installers like Leafguard® study your home and garden perfectly and design a drainage system well-suited to your requirements. Leafguard® is the country’s most trusted gutter system company to prevent clogging and facilitate proper drainage.

Final words:
Creating a beautiful garden is a long-term but unquestionably a ‘fruitful’ goal. An aesthetic garden symbolizes warmth, creating a positive first impression among visitors. Planning, perseverance, and nurturing are the sure-fire solutions to creating a visually appealing garden. So, are you ready to set up your beautiful getaway at your gateway?

Home improvement projects are exhausting but can be extremely fun if they are thought through and well-researched. If you want to do some renovation or add a new touch to your home, we recommend starting with something small and seeing how far your DIY skills and ambition take you. Of course, the sky’s the limit but let’s start with your door for now. Here are some easy home improvement hacks that you can try.

Statement doors
This is the first thing anyone notices about your home, so wouldn’t it make sense to work your DIY magic here? Statement doors are a rage right now, and the beauty of it is that while it’s in style, you don’t have to follow any particular style or design. Just go with what resonates with your home decor style. Color it bright, add an expensive door knob, make it look vintage – endless choices to make a statement in your home.

Lighting
This is very important. Make sure you invest time, money, and energy into adding warmth and ambiance to your home with just the right lighting. The lamps are great; hanging lights are super, too – ensure you can create a comforting and homely vibe. Wouldn’t it be lovely if your guests felt right at home when they visited?

Paint color and texture
This doesn’t have to be too much. Unless, of course, you are looking to follow any particular theme, a well-painted home does combine everything. If you’re not a fan of any textured walls, pick a pastel, calming color that you can add to your wall. Accessorize the wall with the right paintings, wall hangings, and shelves, and you have an elegant setup.

Flooring
You’d be surprised at how much character this adds to your home. You can choose several options like wooden, marble, or tiles and decide what theme you would like to go for. Of course, you also must consider factors like budget, cleanliness, accessibility, and such. The marble looks great but costs a fortune! Wood adds a beautiful rustic feel, but it can be prone to termites, or if you live in a humid region, it may spoil the wood. So, pick wisely.

Window treatments
This is a great idea to add some pop of color to otherwise plain wall paint. You can try out just using bright, bold colors or even look at painting the windows with some design. 

Some home-improvement hacks can cause structural damage or result in a botched repair job, requiring a contractor to assess the damage. Only professional services are equipped with the tools, resources, and experience to tackle mold removal, repair cracks in roofing foundations, and provide lasting waterproofing solutions. When home-improvement hacks fail, it is advisable to call experts and ask for a quote to promptly deal with the problem.

People renovate their homes to improve the functionality of the space. Some people also renovate to change the aesthetic of their house and give it a new look. In either case, home renovations can be exciting and exhausting at the same time. It is a lengthy process that requires your utmost attention. That being said, things can go wrong; home renovation mistakes can cost you your time, money, and effort, and therefore, should be avoided.

Deciding on an unrealistic budget
One of the biggest errors that many homeowners make during renovation is not deciding and sticking to a fixed budget. When you are renovating your home, it’s easy to go over and above the budget that you have decided. What you need to do when deciding on a budget before you start your renovations is to make sure that you have some leeway. This way, even if you go overboard on your initial budget, you will not have to spend out of pocket. Experts usually suggest having an extra 20% added to your budget to tackle any additional renovations or hidden costs that may come up.

Signing on the first contractor
Many people choose to work with the first contractor they come across instead of comparing different options and quotes. To avoid this home renovation mistake, talk to multiple contractors. This step is crucial because it allows you to understand the cost of different products and services cost. A little due diligence can save you a world of trouble. Take notes each time you talk to a contractor and compare them before you decide to settle on one. Don’t forget to ask questions about licenses, insurance, experience, and even customer satisfaction. These aspects will also aid in your decision-making process.

Using poor-quality materials
Home renovations are not a frequent occurrence. They are expensive as well as tedious for those living in the space. This makes it essential to use quality materials and products. This way you won’t have to undertake renovations for years on end and you will be able to have peace of mind.

Sticking to the latest trends
Many people spend a lot of time and money making this home renovation mistake. While it’s completely okay to make all the latest and trending renovations to your place, remember that trends keep changing. If you decide to refurbish your home only based on trends, it may soon be out of vogue. What you instead need to do is find the right combination of what’s trending and what’s classic to enhance the look of your home.

Bathing and showering are one of the most common practices across the globe. We’ve been doing it ever since we were little children. It helps us stay clean and healthy while helping us relax and remain stress-free for some time. Another thing that makes bathing and showering fun is that there are no strict rules to it. That being said, there are definitely some things that we’ve been doing wrong and should avoid.

Taking long showers
It’s natural to want to take a long, hot shower after a day at work. Hot showers are not only soothing, but they also get rid of all the day’s dirt and grime. Unfortunately, if you stay in the shower for too long, you may also be getting rid of all the essential and natural oils that the body produces. These natural oils protect the skin and prevent it from peeling and cracking. The ideal amount of time to spend in the shower is roughly 10 minutes. Anything more, and you could be doing more bad than good.

Excessive scrubbing
Another showering and bathing mistake is scrubbing ourselves too hard. Using a loofah to scrub your hands and back, and digging your nails into the scalp can damage your skin. It can lead to redness, rashes, and even dryness. Instead of using loofahs or scrubbing too furiously, simply use your hands to gently massage and clean yourself.

Using too much soap
We enjoy using soaps and body washes while in the shower. But it is important to remember that soap can contain lots of chemicals. If used for long periods on your body, the chemicals can lead to damage. So, instead of lathering up and building foam on your body, use a little bit of soap both on your body and your head.

Using a harsh towel
Your skin is sensitive after you get out of the shower. Using a harsh towel can lead to irritation and rid the skin of essential oils. Instead, opt for a soft towel with a higher thread count. These are much gentler on the skin.

If you’re looking for a tub, especially one that is safe for the elderly and those who suffer from arthritic conditions, try Safe Step Walk-In Tub. This tub has a low step, which makes it very safe to use. It comes with a door, over 10 shower jets, and a hand shower for ease of use.

Lawn care and gardening can be hands-on jobs. It is not enough to simply plant some seeds, water the lawn a few times, and expect the best results. You can maintain a lush green lawn, but you need to be patient. Right from the first day of planting the grass to pursuing regular mowing, weed trimming, and every other activity, you need to put in the work. Here are a few useful tips to make lawn care easier for you.

Seeds or sod, both work!
You can buy grass seeds that are bioengineered to suit a particular climate. For the best results, consider using seasonal seeds. However, this is a time-consuming process. It takes a couple of months to grow a full lush green lawn. A quicker alternative is to consider a more expensive but quick sod plantation. You can also install pre-grown garden patches to quickly transform the layout. Either way, you end up with a lush green garden.

Leaves cleanup and weed trimming
Go easy on the cleanup, as natural leaves can help the soil fertilize and retain nutrients to improve grass quality. Get rid of unwanted debris and dried leaves with a mower instead of using a heavy rake. But be aggressive with weeds, as it can become difficult to uproot them once the roots grow strong. Consider applying pre-emergent herbicides to counter weed growth in the hotter months. If the saplings continue to mature by spring, it’s time to switch to weed killers, which can be applied evenly across the lawn.

Water early in the morning
Flooding the lawn will force the soil to retain more water and the grass to burrow its roots deeply. But sparsely watering the lawn can force the grass to go dry and not root into the soil before the sapling even matures. Either way will not be beneficial. Water once sufficiently early in the morning so that the grass absorbs as much as possible before peak noonday heat.

Maintain a proper mowing height
Lawn experts suggest keeping the grass mowing height only a couple of inches shorter than its actual growth. It’s best to avoid using an extremely high voltage, gas-powered lawn mower. Cutting too close to the roots might force out the grass saplings. You can trim them lightly instead.

Aerate the lawn
As the soil gets compacted, lesser nutrients penetrate and nourish the grass. Compacted soil also makes it difficult for the water to penetrate to the roots. So, aerate the entire lawn at least a few times every year to allow the soil to absorb nutrients.

While focusing on your yard, don’t forget about the roof. Searching “roof replacement contractors near me” online will list companies that replace or repair broken roofs, eliminating dangers like water leaks. 

If creating a lush green yard soils your clothes, and you need something new, check out Tommy Bahama’s t-shirts, dresses, shoes, and more. Some online stores’ clearance sales will help get these at bargain prices.

You may love a squeaky clean home. To get the job done, you may even have all the essential tools, including the mop, vacuum cleaner, and a broomstick. However, taking the initiative to clean the home thoroughly is no easy feat. The job is tedious and time-consuming. Sometimes, to keep the house clean, people end up making their living space dirtier. Here are five cleaning mistakes that make your home dirtier.

Rubbing a stain before blotting
Dropping food or beverages on the floor is a common accident in all households. For most people, the first instinct is to scrub such stains instantly. But doing so can cause the spill to spread and lodge its composition deeper into the floor material. Instead, you must blot the stain with a clean white cloth to extract the residue. You must then use an appropriate stain removal method based on the material of your floor.

Disinfecting before cleaning
Disinfectants are cleaning agents that can eliminate germs. However, the floor is generally masked with a layer of dust and germs. If you use a disinfectant when there is dust on the floor, it may prevent the chemical from working effectively. Therefore, you must sweep off any dust before disinfecting the floor.

Using a sponge to clean surfaces
If you use a sponge to clean surfaces like the dining table or the kitchen counter, it’s time to stop. A sponge used regularly to clean such surfaces might be unhygienic and infested with bacteria. If you insist on using a sponge, disinfect it regularly. Alternatively, you can use a microfiber cloth to clean these regions of your home.

One cleaning cloth for multiple surfaces
While using a single cloth to clean all areas of your home may seem like the easy way out, it is unhygienic. Using the same cleaning product may trigger the spread of germs and harmful bacteria from one surface to the next and may lead to diseases. Use a different cleaning cloth for each room and wash them after using them.

Poor ventilation while cleaning
Cleaning products contain chemicals like ammonia and bleach that may release fumes when applied on a surface. And without proper ventilation, these fumes will circulate inside your home. Inhaling them can lead to irritation in your airway and other health complications. Therefore, you must open the windows, switch on the exhaust, or use an air purifier to ventilate the room, especially when you clean your home.

Disinfecting your home becomes easier when you use products like Clorox®. The brand’s laundry Fabric Disinfectant and Fabric Sanitizer kill most microbes from the fabric. The products are also effective in eliminating odor without compromising the fabric quality. Clorox® also offers a range of cleaning products like disinfectant wipes, bleaches, laundry sanitizers, and multi-purpose cleaners. These cleaners are effective against common microbes like salmonella, and E.coli.

If you are planning to hire professional services for cleaning your home, you may check out SERVPRO’s cleanup services that include cleaning of air ducts and HVAC, carpet and upholstery, and odor removal, among other services. However, it is best to compare all the available popular services for cleaning your home before you hire any service.

Additionally, your chimney is an important part of your house. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, all chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year with a wire brush, broom, and dustpan to keep your home hygienic and clean. Alternatively, you can look up professional chimney cleaning services near you.

You should use good quality products like Amway’s cleaning supplies for a clean and fresh home. From Amway’s laundry detergents and disinfectants to air treatment products, you can find a 360° solution for all your cleaning needs.

The air in our homes is not perpetually clean. There are many chemicals, harmful gases, dust, and other airborne allergens that degrade the air quality in your home. These pollutants often stem from external factors and even the appliances you use at home. Furthermore, such pollutants can deteriorate health and trigger several health problems when inhaled. Therefore, here are 11 ways to keep the indoor air quality in your home clean.

Open the windows
Opening the window will let oxygen in and remove any harmful toxins in the air. It can even help keep the room breezy in the summers.

Do not use aerosol sprays
Aerosol sprays release harmful chemicals into the air. So you must use non-aerosol versions when it comes to hair sprays, furniture polish, and deodorants.

Mop hard floor surfaces
Mopping surfaces made from hardwood, vinyl floors, tile, or other toughened materials with a disinfectant will keep your home free of allergens.

Inspect the air vents
HVAC systems filter out harmful substances from the air to keep the atmosphere inside your room clean. Clean such air vents periodically to ensure they are working properly.

Use exhausts
Moisture in your home can lead to mildew, bugs, bacteria, and mold. Use the exhaust in the bathroom, kitchen, or use a dehumidifier. It will ensure moisture levels are kept in check.

Vacuum the carpets
Flooring, especially the ones with carpets and rugs, may collect disease-causing allergens. Vacuuming the carpets regularly can help keep the risk from such allergens at a minimum.

Check the furniture
Avoid furniture that is treated with formaldehyde and stuck with toxic glue. They contain harmful chemicals that can trigger several health conditions.

Use zero-VOC paint
Before painting your home, ensure the label reads “zero VOC” or “low COV.” These have a low content of harmful chemicals and leave the air quality of your home unaffected.

Add plants to rooms
Plants help purify the air naturally by taking in the harmful gases and releasing fresh air into the atmosphere. Plants can also help lighten your mood if you are stressed.

Buy an air purifier
Air purifiers draw in harmful pollutants from the air and release cleaner air in the room.

Use fragrant-free cleaning products
Scented cleaning products may trigger symptoms in those with asthma and allergies. Use natural cleaning agents like baking soda and lemon instead.

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes even hardwood. Though the vacuum cleaner is a versatile tool, you may be relying a little too much on it for cleaning, ending up vacuuming things you probably shouldn’t. After all, they are not indestructible and undoubtedly not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should never vacuum the following things.

Used coffee grounds
Those who drink coffee are probably aware of how tough it is to clean coffee grounds from the machine. But don’t leave the cleaning duty for the vacuum. They can block the pipes, destroy the motor, and result in the growth of mildew inside the vacuum. For dry grounds, pick them with a dustpan and brush. If they are wet, clean them with a paper towel or washable microfiber cloth. You can even use coffee grounds to make compost.

Wet foods
Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But fresh foods like salads or baked beans should not be vacuumed. Wet foods can clog the pipes and ruin the motor because of the moisture they contain. Sometimes, the food you vacuumed may even start to smell bad. Stay away from the mess by wiping away wet food spills with an absorbent cloth.

Coins and large pieces of glass
You may never vacuum a coin on purpose, but be careful to check the floors when vacuuming. Small and heavy objects like screws or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag, and damage the internal parts. Use thick gloves to pick large pieces of glass, while for the smaller ones, press bread slices over the shards.

Clumps of hair
If you vacuum hair clumps, over time, the machine will clog, and you will need to clean it all out to get it started again. Save yourself from cleaning such a mess by sweeping the clumps up with a brush. If they’re stuck on your rug or carpet, just pick them up with bare hands. 

Electrical cords
Running a vacuum cleaner with a spinning brush over an electrical cord is not a good idea. The suction that forces the dirt up into your vacuum cleaner could damage the exterior of the cord. It will eventually make it obsolete and unsafe to use.

Today, most American households have a vacuum cleaner. But not everyone knows how to use the appliance properly. Many people misuse their vacuum cleaners, which interferes with the machine’s ability to clean properly and causes it to stop working prematurely. Fortunately, most of these mistakes are avoidable, regardless of the type of vacuum cleaner one owns. This article points out some common mistakes vacuum owners make and explains how to avoid them.

Not emptying the dust bag on time
If you operate a vacuum cleaner while its dust container is full, the appliance will not pick up dirt and dust as effectively as it used to. Plus, the airflow within the vacuum will get restricted, causing the motor to overheat, decreasing the appliance’s longevity. To avoid this, empty the dust bag well before it’s full or after every use.

Incorrectly assuming the motor is broken
If your vacuum cleaner suddenly stops working while you’re cleaning, that doesn’t necessarily mean its motor is gone for good. Oftentimes, vacuum cleaners shut off automatically as soon as the motor overheats to prevent a hazardous incident. The motor usually overheats when the dust bag is full, or hair or fiber gets entangled in the brush roll. So, you need to empty the bag or clean the brush roll and try restarting.

Vacuuming up wrong objects
Bear in mind that vacuum cleaners are typically made for cleaning everyday dirt and dust. If you use it to remove larger objects in your way, like a penny, screw, or a piece of stone, the appliance may get damaged. Also, avoid running regular vacuums over water or other liquids, as it may cause electrocution and severe damage to the appliance.

Delaying or skipping maintenance
To ensure your vacuum cleaner runs smoothly for multiple years, you must invest time in maintenance, including emptying the dirt container, cleaning the brush roll, and washing or replacing filters. Note that filters trap fine dust and dirt particles and may not do the job properly if they’re already full of these particles.

Failing to use the right attachment
There’s a reason most vacuum cleaners come with dusting brushes, crevice tools, extension wands, and various other attachments. They help you clean the ceiling and other hard-to-reach areas in your home. Read the instruction manual and use the attachments as directed to get the best cleaning results.