17 Essential Cleaning Products to Consider Buying

17 Essential Cleaning Products to Consider Buying

Besides ensuring hygienic living conditions, a clean home is essential to facilitate a sense of peace and calm and prevent chaos. While home cleaning is often considered tiresome, it can be a fun group activity when all the inhabitants of a home collaborate in the process. Moreover, using the right cleaning products can ensure hassle-free and efficient cleaning and reduce manual effort. Following are some must-have cleaning products that can make life easy for homeowners: Microfiber cloths Microfiber cloths contain several positively charged polyester fibers and negatively charged nylon fibers, which help collect grease, grime, dust, and bacteria. Moreover, they are easier to clean than sponges and paper towels, facilitating better hygiene. Stacking up these microfiber cloths separately in a dedicated space is advisable so that they do not accumulate dust. Extendable microfiber duster Cleaning higher surfaces can be challenging, often requiring one to climb on stools or chairs. However, extendable microfiber dusters significantly reduce one’s effort in the process. These microfiber dusters can reach significant heights, such as fan blades and the tops of wardrobes, and ensure thorough dusting. All-purpose cleaner All-purpose cleaners are go-to cleaning products to clean multiple surfaces and areas, including furniture, bathroom, kitchen, and floors, and ensure a tidy home. Although specific cleaners should also be a part of one’s cleaning kit, it is not always possible to carry out extensive cleaning. Moreover, an all-purpose cleaner comes in handy when any cleaning product gets over, and the surface remains to be cleaned. Collapsible bucket These buckets are spacious when one requires them for cleaning and space-efficient when not in use. Collapsible buckets may be tucked away in a corner and can help one utilize space, especially in smaller homes. Baking soda This product is not only useful in fluffing up one’s cakes and pastries but also in facilitating a spick-and-span home.
10 things one should never clean with paper towels

10 things one should never clean with paper towels

Paper towels are a common household item, being versatile and easy to use for quick cleanup in the kitchen and other spaces. However, they should be avoided when trying to clean certain things, as the chemical composition and physical nature of paper towels may not work well for all surfaces. So, to help one avoid irreversible damage, here is a look at 10 things that should never be cleaned with a paper towel: 1. Glass surfaces Glass surfaces, such as mirrors and windows, are smooth and can scratch easily. Even tiny scratches on them can ruin their appearance. So, additional care is required when wiping these surfaces. If paper towels are used to clean them, they may leave behind lint and streaks on the glass. So, to achieve a streak-free shine, it is better to use a newspaper or a microfiber cloth with a glass cleaner. These alternatives can make the glass surfaces look crystal clear without leaving behind scratches or streaks. 2. Eyewear Eyewear, such as eyeglasses and sunglasses, need to be free from smudges and scratches to provide a clear vision. Additionally, they have a sensitive surface that can get scratched easily, also affecting their utility. So, using paper towels to clean eyewear can leave behind fine scratches because even though they seem gentle, paper towels can be abrasive in nature. These fine scratches can then affect the vision. So, to clean eyewear and ensure it stays scratch-free, it is best to use a clean, soft cloth that is specifically designed for that purpose. 3. Screens of electronics Whether it is a television, computer monitor, or a smartphone, using paper towels can damage the screens by leaving scratches behind. This can ruin the clarity and visual experience when using the electronics. As paper towels are abrasive in nature, it is best to avoid using them on screens.
7 latest fashion trends of 2022

7 latest fashion trends of 2022

Seasons change, and so do fashion trends. 2022 is no exception to this established rule. Each season gives birth to a new style that transforms into a trend and further sets the year’s mood. From minimalistic accessories and bold monochrome outfits to colossal platform boots and oversized totes, one can find something to suit their comfort level. One can see the blend of traditional and modern fashion this season. Let’s look at the latest trends: Comfortable dresses Dresses have been a woman’s go-to option for any occasion – casual or formal. Trends might change, but your style remains personal. That said, depending on your comfort level and personal style, you can opt for short or long maxi dresses with bold prints and patterns. Akris Punto has become a popular brand among women. Check out their women’s dress collection; it has something for everyone. You can try out their light cotton dresses in different patterns and styles, which are perfect for a casual day out with friends and a formal office meeting. Besides that, browse through their collection of T-shirts, jackets, pants, blouses, skirts, coats, and dresses. The tailor-made fit, colors, and fabric perfectly blend to give you a comfortable experience. Athleisure or loungewear The Athleisure clothing style combines the sturdiness of athletic gear with the comfort of casual clothes. The resultant outfits are thus suitable for not only high-intensity workouts but also casual lunch dates. This new fashion trend has been taking the world market by storm since 2019, and the year 2022 has not been able to escape its charm. Athleisure differs from regular athletic wear because the collection is not limited to merely tank tops and yoga pants. The clothing style includes shorts, sweatpants, sneakers, leggings, gym tanks, jackets, and tights. The shades are warm and pleasant to the eyes.
13 common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid

13 common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid

Cleaning the bathroom is an arduous chore most people would rather avoid. Yet, it’s necessary to maintain a hygienic and pleasant living environment. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when washing the bathroom. These mistakes complicate the job and even reduce cleaning efficiency, increasing the risk of spreading infections and diseases. This comprehensive guide lists these common mistakes and provides a few practical solutions to avoid repeating them in the future. Neglecting regular cleaning Maintaining good hygiene is a continuous task, especially when multiple family members share a washroom. These areas accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria quickly with repeated use. Failing to sanitize them regularly allows common contaminants to build up, making cleaning more challenging in the long run. The best solution is to follow a cleaning schedule and tackle bathroom cleaning at least once a week. Not ventilating properly Bathrooms should have proper ventilation to prevent gases and odors from accumulating when one uses the facility. Improper ventilation can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, pathogens that thrive in unclean, humid environments. The spores released by these tiny organisms can harm one’s health. Persistent growth can also leave the bathroom surfaces discolored. One should switch on the bathroom fan or open a window after using the facility to prevent moisture and gases from accumulating. It’s also a good idea to leave the bathroom door open briefly to air out the space. Using harsh chemicals Bathroom tiles and fittings are made with materials that are not very resistant to harsh cleaning compounds. While it’s essential to use cleaning products to maintain hygiene, harsh solutions can erode surfaces and release fumes that pose health risks. Common mistakes include using bleach on colored grout or mixing different cleaning products. It’s better to opt for a mild, eco-friendly cleaner that is safe for regular use.
9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

9 must-try styling hacks for a trendy look

For most people, achieving a fashionable look that stands out can be incredibly challenging, especially in a hurry. Celebrities and fashion influencers often turn up to events looking flawless; have you ever wondered how they manage to do so every time? Why by using fashion hacks, of course! To come to your rescue, here are some styling hacks that you can incorporate into your daily outfit-planning routine to look effortlessly stylish. Pick the right accessories It may seem generic, but it is still important to pick the right accessories to ensure your outfits have the best look. Three accessories can effortlessly upgrade any look. The best ones you can try are sunglasses, a belt, and a bag. Match these items with other outfit elements for a seamless flow. You can also go with options that have striking design elements that can elevate simple outfits and attract attention. Match the skirts with boots It is one of the best styling hacks popularized by many fashionistas – matching the boots with dresses or maxi skirts. Typically, dresses or skirts in delicate materials like lace look spectacular with solid, edgy boots. Mixing two opposite styles is one of the most genius ways to look fashionable. How? You look even more fragile and delicate when you pair a delicate lace with chunky boots. So, if you wish to make your dresses and skirts look less preppy and more wearable, this is one of the best tips. Knot a plaid button-down shirt to bring attention on the waist Midi skirts look fab with a plaid shirt, which is something that most of us already have in our wardrobe. You can tie the shirt in the middle to give shape to the midriff and look more sophisticated and polished. If you do not want your belly on display, you can wear a spaghetti top or a turtle neck, depending on the weather.
10 essential cleaning tools every home should have

10 essential cleaning tools every home should have

If you’re planning to move to a new place or simply want to upgrade your cleaning supplies, there are some essential tools that you should keep within reach. These items will simplify your cleaning tasks and reduce your stress levels. Whether you enjoy cleaning or not, possessing these necessary tools will enhance your productivity and speed. Moreover, they are affordable and won’t put a dent in your wallet. Read on to learn more. Microfiber dusters Cleaning delicate and breakable items such as photo frames, light fixtures, and other knick-knacks with a cloth can be tricky. If you use a cloth, you know how troublesome it is to wipe it. To avoid damaging these delicate items while cleaning, use microfiber dusters. These are made of fine microfiber strands that lift off dust easily. Moreover, these are light and fluffy. You can simply use the handle to clean off everything without moving them. So there is no risk of breaking or damaging. Pan scrapers Sometimes you may forget to grease a baking dish or set a timer while cooking. This could lead to food residue sticking to the bottom of the pan with such intensity that aggressive scrubbing also does not help. Instead of wasting time scrubbing repeatedly, pan scrapers are an efficient way to clean a pan. All you need is some soap and hot water. Scrape the pan with these scrapers before putting them in the dishwasher. The scrapers are versatile enough to be used for any type of pot or pan. Power scrubber Also known as a drill brush set, these are great for getting rid of stains, dust, or anything else. These have brushes and sponges attached to a drill. So instead of using elbow grease, you can use the high-speed drill to make your shower squeaky clean quicker than ever.
8 common mistakes to avoid while washing a car

8 common mistakes to avoid while washing a car

Cars are complex machines that include several components and panels. This is why, cleaning cars can be a deceptively complicated thing to do. Unsurprisingly, people make several common mistakes while washing their cars. These mistakes can somewhat spoil a vehicle’s appearance. Many individuals rely on automobile cleaning professionals to get the job done for them. Nevertheless, if one chooses to clean their cars by themselves, here are some of the common cleaning mistakes to avoid: Washing a car under direct sunlight A common misconception associated with cleaning cars is that doing it under direct sunlight is effective as the heat helps dry the surfaces quickly. However, doing so actually spoils a car’s appearance. When one cleans a car and leaves it under the blazing sun, the water evaporates faster than one can wipe the watermarks off. This leaves the watermarks on the car’s body and, after they dry, the watermarks tend to give the car’s body a flaky appearance. Instead, one can simply wait for the cooler times during the day to clean their vehicle. If possible, one should use the early morning or late evening period to do the job. Also, one should avoid keeping their vehicle out in the sun for too long. A car cover can help in the absence of a shaded parking lot. Washing parts in the wrong order One might wonder what the order of cleaning has to do with the overall washing process. The answer’s quite simple: the tires are the dirtiest components of a car, so washing them last can result in sand and mud getting stuck onto the body, which one may have cleaned first. To avoid double work, people can wash the tires first, followed by a quick rinsing of the overall body with water to get the dirt out.
Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Top 9 alternative uses for trash bags

Trash bags are one of the most common things one will find in a person’s house. These bags help get rid of garbage like stale food and debris efficiently. But that’s not the only purpose they serve. The compact, lightweight, and cost-effective nature of trash bags lets us use them for other reasons too. These nine uses for trash bags other than getting rid of trash from the house are truly amazing. To collect items One of the most basic roles of a trash bag is to collect waste in a single place. But one could also use it to collect other items in their home, such as stored vegetables, cans, bottles, or fruits. Small items like old toys, blankets, and backup appliances could also be kept safe in a plastic bag. However, people should not forget to cover any sharp edges as this could tear the bag and cause the items to fall. Protection against the rain If it’s pouring on a day someone needs to travel, they could always use a trash bag to keep important things dry. It could be anything, like food, clothes, documentation, and electronics that are sensitive to water. A person could also seal important belongings in a trash bag if they ever need to cross a river while camping. Further, people can keep their shoes and feet dry in rainy weather or a wet region by stepping into trash bags and tying them shut against their shins. Ponchos Even if someone has an umbrella with them, harsh weather may wet their clothes. A trash bag could help in this situation. All one needs to do is take a large trash bag, cut holes for their head and arms, and wear it like a shirt. This temporary raincoat should help protect the individual against wet weather.
7 easy ways to accessorize any outfit

7 easy ways to accessorize any outfit

Accessories tend to not only enhance your attire but also make you appear vibrant. Be it a casual chic look or an utter formal attire, adding some flash and bling just infuses life into your overall appearance. However, your accessories can perform their assigned role correctly only if perfectly styled. Here are some easy techniques and tips you can apply to up your fashion game and bring the best out of your outfit: Do not pile up on accessories at a time Most people commit the mistake of donning all the available accessories at once with an outfit. It must be noted that as far as accessories are concerned, less is always more. The purpose of using accessories is to highlight your outfit. However, if you adorn your outfit with several accessories like a watch, scarf, jewelry, sunglasses, hat, etc., all at once, none of them will stand out, making your outfit look cluttered and even awful. Highlight neutral clothes with bold accessories While neutral-colored clothes can look dull and understated, they are also the most perfect ones to be used as a field for experiments. If your wardrobe is filled with neutral colors like olive, navy, beige, white, or black, now is the time to boost them by pairing them up with some bold-colored accessories. Here are a few methods to do that: Pair a navy or black dress with a thin hot pink or red belt. Highlight your dull olive or khaki clothes using a flashy yellow or orange scarf. Add some hue to your colorless white blouse by pairing it with big drop earrings or a multicolored statement necklace. Don’t be too matchy While it could be tempting to pair up the blue polka dots of your dress with some matching blue shoes, a blue necklace, and blue earrings, it would make the outfit too predictable, boring, and even childish.
9 habits and lifestyle choices that trigger heartburn

9 habits and lifestyle choices that trigger heartburn

Acid reflux, commonly referred to as heartburn, is a discomfort that most adults experience on a regular basis. The stomach holds digestive juices that break down the foods and beverages consumed before moving them along the digestive tract. When these juices flow back up the esophagus, the resulting burning sensation and discomfort is called acid reflux. Here are some known causes, triggers, and habits that may inadvertently worsen the condition. Having a large meal The body can only absorb and process a certain amount of nutrients from foods and beverages consumed daily. Overeating only adds extra calories that remain unprocessed and adds to the body mass index, triggering the risk of high body fat, among other complications. Putting pressure on the stomach forces the gastric foods back up the esophagus. This happens as the esophageal sphincter relaxes, opening the valve connecting the end of the esophagus with the top of the stomach. The acidity content of these gastric juices is extremely high, and the upwards regurgitation is what triggers painful heartburn. Instead of having a large meal, doctors advise splitting up the same food into smaller portions and having smaller meals every couple of hours. Wearing clothing that presses against the stomach Wearing tight fitting clothes may be a stylish fashion choice, but this habit can trigger heartburn. Tight pants, jeans, or wearing tight accessories like belts and waistbands press against the stomach. Even if you don’t consume heavy meals and avoid beverages that lead to acidity, this extra pressure from tight fitting clothing pushes the stomach acids upwards. The added pressure also leaves the esophageal sphincter open, resulting in acid reflux. Taking a nap after having food One of the worst and severely underrated triggers of acid reflux is taking a nap immediately after having a small or large meal.
Avoid These 12 Triggers to Manage Lupus

Avoid These 12 Triggers to Manage Lupus

A chronic autoimmune condition, lupus affects millions of people around the world. It is a disease wherein the immune system is triggered to attack the healthy tissues causing increased inflammation, pain, and damage to different organs and body parts. Different people experience varying symptoms in varying degrees, including skin rashes, joint pain, fever, fatigue, and problems related to kidneys. Although there is no cure for the condition, it is essential to manage it with the help of lifestyle changes and proper treatment. Sun exposure Prolonged sun or UV light exposure is among the most common causes of flare-ups and worsening symptoms in lupus patients. The ultraviolet radiation in sunlight cause joint pain, skin rashes, and fatigue in lupus patients. Some treatments for the condition also increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. To protect against any damage from the sun, people with lupus are advised to wear protective clothing like hats, long-sleeved shirts, and full-length pants. It is also essential not to skip board spectrum sunscreens as they can help prevent sun damage. Remember to use sun protection with a minimum SPF of 30. Stress Stress is a common trigger for lupus and can worsen its symptoms. When the body is stressed, it releases hormones that can increase inflammatory levels and further weaken the immune system. Regular practice of relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, and breathwork can help people with lupus avoid high-stress levels. Prioritizing peace and self-care can help patients avoid the subsequent fallout caused by stress. Infections Infections can trigger lupus flares and result in worsening symptoms. The weakened immune system of lupus patients makes them more susceptible to infections. They must take all the necessary steps to help them stay infection-free. Vaccinations for preventable diseases, frequently washing hands, and avoiding contact with sick people are some basics of avoiding infections.
Common foods that can cause and reduce water retention

Common foods that can cause and reduce water retention

Water retention is a common issue characterized by the excessive accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. This can lead to swelling, discomfort, puffy face, swollen eyelids, and bloating. Various factors can cause water retention, including hormonal changes, ongoing treatments, and certain medical conditions; however, food also plays a significant role. So, here are a few common foods that can cause water retention and those that help manage the issue: Foods that cause water retention Salty snacks One of the most significant contributors to water retention is the intake of high-sodium or salty foods. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in the body. However, an excess of sodium can increase water retention. This is because the body retains water to dilute the excess sodium, leading to swelling and bloating. So, salty snacks like potato chips, nachos, burgers, pizzas, pickles, and instant noodles are notorious for their high sodium content and should be limited to reduce fluid retention. Caffeine Caffeine, usually found in coffee and some energy drinks, acts as a diuretic, causing an increase in urine production. This disrupts the balance of fluids within the body and leads to swelling. So, one should avoid or limit the intake of caffeinated beverages when experiencing fluid retention. Canned foods Canned soups, refried beans, and vegetables are often packed with sodium to enhance flavor and preserve the foods. Eating such foods regularly can lead to increased water retention. So, one should consider opting for homemade soups with fresh ingredients and less salt as an alternative. Processed meats Processed meats like bacon, salami, sausages, and deli meats are rich in sodium and additives that can exacerbate water retention. As an alternative, one can consider choosing lean protein sources such as grilled chicken or turkey breast or plant-based options like tofu, tempeh, or legumes like lentils and chickpeas, which have lower amounts of sodium.