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.

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.

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.

Most households today have vacuum cleaner as they are one of the most important cleaning tools. But not everyone uses the appliance properly. Improper use and handling of vacuum cleaners can result in its malfunctioning and reduction in shelf life. This can lead to replacing it with a new one and the cycle repeats without realizing that all a vacuum cleaner need is some TLC. So, avoiding these 5 mistakes will ensure a vacuum cleaner’s longevity. Using the wrong attachment Vacuum cleaners come with variety of attachments including crevice tools, dusting brushes, and other extension tools to reach inaccessible corners and ceilings. Using these attachments on the wrong surfaces will not only make vacuuming tedious, but it may also damage the cleaning tools. Vacuuming with a filled dust bag or canister This is one of the common mistakes made while using a vacuum cleaner. Not emptying the vacuum cleaner’s dust collection bag or canister can reduce the suction power and even put load on the motor. This can decrease the longevity of the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners come with ‘check/change bag’ indication. So, make sure to empty the bag as soon as it is full. Vacuuming hard objects Although vacuum cleaners have a powerful motor, they are made to suck in dust and debris.

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.

Ultraviolet water filtration is the process that offers one of the most cost-effective ways to purify water, thereby protecting drinking water against biological contaminants. Ultraviolet or UV protect against water-borne viruses, bacteria, molds, and other pathogenic diseases. Viruses such as hepatitis virus that is known to be highly resistant to chlorine treatment can be relatively eliminated through UV treatment. Let us have a look at how UV water filtration works Invisible Ultraviolet light is emitted from a UV light source that has an output of roughly 254 nanometers, producing radiation that has a significantly greater density than the radiation in the sunlight. The flow chamber contains the light source through which water passes. This exposes the water to the UV light. The light source used in such water filtration system is usually a mercury vapor lamp, also called as the germicidal lamp. An electric arc present in the filtration system vaporizes the mercury present in the lamp. The mercury present inside the lamp vaporizes, thus producing UV rays of short wavelength. These lamps are made out of special quartz glass that permits short UV rays of around 2530 A (Armstrong unit). The wavelength of such short magnitude is achieved due to the low pressure inside the lamp.

Mason jars are a huge hit in home decor. The modest molded glass jar has been used just to preserve food but also in lighting, accents, and even for a great display. This article examines some great ways in which we can use Mason jars and incorporate them effectively and beautifully into home decor: Using Mason jars as soap dispensers: Add a vintage touch to the modest, basic space of the kitchen by making cute dispensers with these pretty-looking, functional Manson jars. What you need: Mason Jar, empty soap bottle with a pump, water-resistant glue and a spray paint (just for styling). What you need to do: On the lid at the back of the Mason jar (upside down), draw a circle the size of the soap bottle pump. Then, place a small screwdriver inside the circle and tap the screwdriver by using a hammer. Continue until you get a smooth perfect circle shape. Now just make sure that the opening of the soap bottle fits within and inside the circle of the lid. Next, cut off the soap bottle just below the thread (it is easy to do so a hand saw). Now attach the top of the soap bottle on the underside of the lid with a good amount of glue, and once it dries, screw the soap pump into the lid.

Decorating your own home like you want it to be in your dream is what everyone wants. In fact, nowadays, having a beautiful and elegant house is a matter of prestige. Nobody wants to live in a wrecked house with old fashioned furniture, ancient floor tiles or dull wall paints. But in order to do get the perfect abode, you might be concerned about the investment too. An elegant house demands a good amount of cash. Does this mean that everyone else will be deprived of implementing such dreams in reality? The answer is a big no. There is a huge range of budget-friendly home decor ideas that one may easily find and put in use. All of these ideas are very simple and pocket-friendly. You may mix and match them together for a better and complete home decor idea. Have canvas walls: Have you ever thought of making your house more artistic and less mainstream? If yes, then here is the best idea you are looking for. Canvas walls are very interesting to watch and make as well. It keeps your expenditure within your budget and there is a minimal amount of labor needed. This idea focuses on using canvases (large ones or a few small ones hung together in a haphazard manner); you may draw and color anything on them that seems to be artistic.

Grilling season picks up once again as the temperatures continue to rise. This is the perfect opportunity for home cooks to explore some delicious outdoor cooking recipes. Yes, we are talking about mouthwatering barbeques and platters. But know that using a grill or cooking over a barbeque pit is serious stuff. It is not something that you do every day, so it pays to know the common mistakes that might happen in the process. Not knowing the different types of grills Gas-powered grills are easy to start and feature dedicated knobs that control the heat more efficiently. Grill charcoal BBQ appliances add a certain depth and flavor to the meats and veggies. Pellet grills are a new concept that does away with charcoal and gas as fuel sources. For example, the Traeger Ranger Pellet Portable Grill takes up 184 sq. in. worth of cooking space or half a small table. It can easily handle an entire rib eye steak or the equivalent of 6 burgers or 10 hot dogs in one go. The Traeger Ranger grill also features a latched lid, griddle included, and digital controllers to regulate cooking temperature. Not cleaning the grill properly Cooking different types of meat over high heat will leave residue behind that sticks to the grill.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sliding window blinds are gaining popularity because of their versatility and style. They offer an ideal solution for spaces needing privacy, light control, and energy efficiency while enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic appeal. Going for sliding windows might be one of the best options for window replacement or home remodeling. Let’s delve into the benefits of sliding window blinds, the different types available, and how to choose and maintain them. Advantages of sliding window blinds Privacy Sliding window blinds provide excellent privacy, making them perfect for areas such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and other spaces that require privacy. Light control Sliding window blinds offer excellent light control, making them ideal for spaces needing varying lighting levels, such as media rooms or home offices. Energy efficiency Such window blinds help conserve energy by minimizing heat loss in the winter and reducing heat gain in the summer, making them a practical choice for energy-efficient spaces. Style and aesthetics These window treatments are available in various materials like vinyl and wood, colors, and styles, making them a perfect option for adding style and aesthetics to any room. They can elevate a space’s look and feel while serving a functional purpose. Types of sliding window blinds There are several types of sliding window blinds to choose from, each with its own features and benefits.

During housecleaning, people mostly follow their normal cleaning routine. Although this routine may seem like second nature, some cleaning habits adapted over the years may do more harm than good. It may also include leaving behind bacteria, grime, and dust that may create more work later and lead to health conditions, worsening allergies, and other health problems. Keep reading to learn about some common cleaning mistakes to stay away from. Mistakes to avoid while cleaning In most cases, the goal of the cleaning routine is to finish the task as soon as possible and move on to more critical chores. However, this could lead to a few mistakes that make the house dirtier. Some such common mistakes are listed below. Usage of dirty cleaning tools A cleaning routine is only as good as the cleaning tools one uses. Hence, using the right tools and ensuring they are clean is important. It may help avoid spreading bacteria, dust, and dirt throughout the house. Therefore, to avoid such mistakes, one must regularly wash the cleaning cloth, scrub brushes, and mop heads after every use. Furthermore, one can also sanitize germy items such as toilet brushes and empty the vacuum for optimum cleaning.