Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn’t Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied.

It might sound surprising, but there are some wrong ways of cleaning your home. While your living spaces may look cleaner even with these ineffective methods, you might just help the breeding of bacteria or set yourself up for more cleaning! So, take a minute to think about your cleaning routine and how you can make it more effective. Avoid these cleaning mistakes to make your home look fresher and cleaner for a long time. Using too much laundry detergent or softener Using too much detergent doesn’t make your clothes cleaner. Instead, you may find traces of leftover detergent after the wash. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fabric softener, as too much softener may make the fabrics stiff and greasy. Overloading the dishwasher Adding too many utensils to your dishwasher may affect its ability to clean well. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when loading the dishwasher. Using the same rag everywhere Even if your rag or cleaning cloth does not look old, it must be replaced regularly to avoid spreading dirt or germs across surfaces. You may switch to a microfiber towel in combination with a disinfectant spray. Not cleaning out the vacuum It is important to regularly clean out the waste bag in your vacuum cleaner to effectively clean up a space.

Renovating a home is an exciting event for most people. The project brings about a ton of benefits. Individuals could install new things they’ve always wanted in various spaces, apply a fresh coat of paint to brighten their home, and even improve their backyard. It also enables one to remove elements that have overstayed their welcome. But here are six mistakes people make during renovations that they ought to avoid. Forcing DIY hacks Getting work done without professional help is a great way to reduce costs while renovating a home. This includes hanging wallpaper, painting walls, moving furniture, and light wood staining or finishing. But someone not experienced with more significant components such as electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, or the structure should not attempt to do it themselves. Doing so may lead to larger, costlier issues and may also put them in harm’s way. Hiring a professional to get such jobs done will ensure that the work is done effectively. Setting unrealistic budgets and timeframe A contractor quill quotes a certain amount of money and time to complete the renovation project. However, most renovation projects will take longer than the stipulated time. The job may also cost more, considering unforeseen damages and changes in the layout.

How does your lawn look right now? Do you long for lusher, more substantial grass? It’s not just you. Every lawn owner wishes to have a relaxing evening sitting on a lush green lawn after a hectic day. But you must realize that managing a lawn is a difficult task. However, it is not an impossible one. These lawn care techniques can improve your lawn and make the grass look greener. Aerate the soil This will enhance drainage and promote growth. The roots will receive more moisture and air. Aerating the soil in the summer helps prevent dry areas. Doing so in the winter or spring, when it’s wetter, can lead to the collection of extra mud. You need a garden fork to aerate the soil. You could also walk across the yard with a lawn aerator. Use fertilizers and organic manure Maintaining a lush, healthy lawn requires regular maintenance. The best advice is to fertilize your grass only when it’s raining so that the root properly absorbs the fertilizer. If you’re not expecting rain soon, water your plants adequately once fertilizer is applied. Within a week or so, you will notice a greener lawn. Applying organic manure to maintain soil health can also help.

Home improvement projects are an exciting way to spruce up your space. But they can be fraught with mistakes. Whether you are an expert or it is your first time taking up a home improvement project, the possibility of making mistakes exists. While some errors can be easily rectified, others might end up costing you heavily. It hence becomes important to be aware of the common pitfalls that come along with a renovation project. Skipping paperwork Filing paperwork for building permits is a crucial task. Remodeling projects require permits, and not taking care of this paperwork is a common home improvement mistake often made by many. City inspectors can check in on your project to make sure it was executed properly and that the installation was done safely. Anyone who tells you permits are not necessary is setting you up for steep fines. If you want to avoid reopening ceilings and walls, take care of the paperwork before you go around installing anything. Not planning for unexpected outcomes One thing that you need to accept when it comes to remodeling projects is that things might not go as planned. There could be unexpected mistakes, roof leaks, or measurement errors that can pose a problem.

Gardening is one of the most beloved hobbies for multiple reasons. To begin with, this is an activity in which one is surrounded by greenery, fresh air, and, above all, positive vibes. Additionally, gardening is a great exercise as it makes one stretch and sweat. Gardening involves several aspects, such as irrigation, using fertilizers, planting seeds, and taking care of growing plants and one must avoid making certain common gardening mistakes in the process. Planting too early or too late It is important to be mindful of the temperatures and climate at which specific seeds sprout. For instance, kale seeds sprout in warmer temperatures. So, if one goes ahead and sows them too early in the spring, they will not do well. In fact, such seeds will end up rotting. On the other hand, if certain seeds are planted too late, then the plants may freeze before their fruits have time to mature. To avoid planting too early or late, one needs to always know the soil temperature in their garden. Therefore, using a soil thermometer can be helpful to prevent this common gardening mistake. Underwatering or overwatering Watering is another facet of gardening that needs the perfect balance. Underwatering the soil, or forgetting to do so at the right moments during the day, can leave the roots dried up.

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene is necessary for the well-being of everyone in a household, including the bathroom space. However, many people unknowingly make common bathroom cleaning mistakes. Doing so could make the bathroom much dirtier than it previously was. Thus, it is important to ensure each space is cleaned thoroughly and in the right manner. Here are 10 common mistakes and how to avoid them for a truly spotless bathroom. Neglecting regular cleaning One of the most common mistakes people make is neglecting regular bathroom cleaning. Waiting too long between cleaning sessions allows dirt, grime, and mold to accumulate, making the cleaning process more challenging and time-consuming. To avoid this, set a routine and adhere to it. A weekly or bi-weekly cleaning schedule can aid in keeping the bathroom consistently clean. Using the wrong cleaning products Using the wrong cleaning products can be counterproductive and potentially damage surfaces in the bathroom. For instance, abrasive cleaners can scratch and dull shiny fixtures, while harsh chemicals may harm grout or sealant. It’s essential to select appropriate cleaning products based on the specific surfaces that are being cleaned. Mild, non-abrasive, and pH-balanced cleaners are generally safe for most bathroom surfaces. Neglecting ventilation Proper ventilation is crucial in preventing mold and mildew growth in the bathroom.

Laundry is an unavoidable household chore, and while it might appear simple enough, there is a right and a wrong way of doing it. Do it correctly and clothes can look new for a long time. Do it the wrong way and one might even end up ruining the washing machine and dryer. Here are some quick don’ts that seem harmless at first but could end up costing a lot. Overloading the Washing Machine One of the most prevalent laundry mistakes is overloading the washing machine. Trying to cram too many clothes into a single load might seem efficient, but it can result in insufficient water circulation and detergent distribution. This leads to inadequate cleaning and can even damage the washing machine over time. To avoid this, leave some room in the drum for clothes to move freely. Overloading not only compromises cleanliness but also increases wear and tear on the machine, potentially shortening its lifespan. Ignoring Fabric Care Labels Each piece of clothing comes with a fabric care label that provides valuable instructions on washing, drying, and maintaining the item. Ignoring these labels can be a costly mistake. Fabrics vary widely, and improper care can lead to shrinkage, fading, or stretching.

Paper towels are quite handy and convenient. Many reach out for a paper towel to clean up any mess, whether it is spilled juice or splattered sauce. However, the convenience and use of paper towels is limited. This is because some surfaces are not very responsive to paper-based cleaning wipes. Also, cleaning everything with these single-use items can be damaging, wasteful, and not environmentally friendly. Here are common things that shouldn’t be cleaned with paper towels. Electronic gadgets All paper towels have abrasive surfaces. Even the ones marketed as soft have some level of grainy texture. When used to wipe electronic gadgets, paper towels can leave behind micro-scratches. This happens explicitly when dust or grime is wiped off the screens of phones, tablets, laptops, or televisions. Opting for microfiber or suede cloth is better in such cases. Windows and mirrors It is common to use glass-cleaning solutions and paper towels to wipe dust and grime from windows and mirrors. However, the paper towels leave streaks and lint on the glass surfaces. So, it is better to use microfiber cloth, which is effective in keeping mirrors and windows sparkling clean. Moreover, using a cloth will not cause any wastage. Dusty moldings The surface of the architectural moldings around the house does not get cleaned even with the use of several paper towels, leading to paper wastage.

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.