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.

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.

The sight of a pest infestation at home could get etched in one’s memory for a long time. And from that moment on, one can’t help but constantly think about potential ways to get rid of these bugs or rodents. While pest control is an excellent solution, doing it incorrectly can worsen the existing infestation and lead to a lot of hassle. Below are seven pest control mistakes one should avoid. Not determining the cause The first mistake is not determining the cause of the problem. For example, on seeing a couple of spiders in the basement, some people immediately spray pesticide to get rid of them. However, one needs to find where the spiders are coming from. If they are emerging out of gaps in windows, seams, and foundations, one must seal these gaps to keep infestations away. Only spraying ants On seeing a trail of ants at home, some immediately spray them. However, ants come from colonies, meaning a new batch could return in a few days. Therefore, individuals must use indoor baiting techniques instead to solve this problem. The ants will bring the bait back to their nest, which could help eliminate or drive away the colony.

Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks. 1. Sage Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks. 2. Lemongrass The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants.

Moving homes can be a stressful endeavor. With several jobs to manage simultaneously, it can get overwhelming. From packing to hiring professional movers, every task needs to be handled properly to ensure a smooth move with as few problems as possible. One way to ensure a hassle-free relocation is to avoid several common mistakes while moving. This article lists a few common mistakes one can try to avoid while moving. Not planning well A common mistake many commit is not planning the move adequately. To ensure a smooth relocation, one can start by making a checklist of important tasks. These tasks can be ones that need to be accomplished prior to moving as well as after moving. A detailed checklist will help avoid missing crucial details, such as remembering to switch off utilities in the previous house or applying for an address change at the post office. Packing at the last minute Irrespective of whether one is moving from a bigger house or a smaller space, it’s a blunder to put off packing until the last minute. Not spacing out the relocation process over a few days or weeks may lead to chaos and disorganization. This means there will not be enough time to be careful with one’s possessions.

Owning a home is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. Every home space needs to evolve continually to suit the needs and preferences of its occupants. While complete renovations and remodeling can be expensive, there are several tips and tricks to keep the home looking fresh and welcoming. Continue reading to discover ten easy home improvement hacks that can make any home space a haven that reflects one’s style and comfort. Paint the front door-  The front door is often the first thing guests notice when they enter a home. So, transform it in a way that contributes to the curb appeal of a space and creates an impression. Paint the front door a bright, inviting color. For those unwilling to take on the whole door, begin by painting the door knob or investing in a vintage piece for a stylish touch. Add string lights-  String lights are a beautiful addition to any space. They also work well outdoors, hung over the patio or porch. Moreover, they can transform any outdoor space into an extra hosting area for guests, particularly in the warmer months. Get glass cabinet inserts-  Old wood cabinets can lose their glossy feature with time. Add some excitement to the house by replacing them with glass cabinet inserts.

Taking out the trash every day is a simple chore, which can quickly turn messy, with trash bags falling into the bin before one has had the chance to tie them up. The wrong bag size or just an excessive load can make the bag slip into the trash can and create a mess. This leads to additional cleanup. However, one can prevent trash bags from slipping in the following ways: 1. Try double bagging This technique involves placing two bags in a trash can. One can simply insert a trash bag in the can, then place another bag over it, letting friction created by the first bag prevent both bags from slipping down the edge of the can. Double bagging is commonly used by janitors in commercial and office spaces and is more sanitary and effective in preventing odors, especially when dealing with organic trash. 2. Get trash cans with grippers Trash cans could come equipped with grippers or textured bottoms on the inside to prevent bags from slipping. The unique pattern of the bin provides the necessary friction and grip to help the bag stay in place. Some cans also come with rubber bottoms that hold the trash bag firmly.