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.
7 cruises to avoid

7 cruises to avoid

A cruise vacation can be exciting, with all kinds of onboard events to look forward to and a charming itinerary filled with nightlight, buffets, and the open seas. However, not every cruise package is created equal, and some trips on the sea can be underwhelming. So, it is important to do a little research before booking a cruise and choose top-rated options. Further, here are a few cruises to avoid for a hassle-free vacation: 1. Short cruises during spring break A cruise trip during spring break can seem ideal because of the perfect weather in places like the Caribbean. Even the ports are not too crowded, and one can take kids along during their school break. However, even college students get a break during this time and tend to book cruise trips. So, the cruise ship can get overwhelming and chaotic because of the noise and non-stop partying. Instead, one should book a cruise to the Caribbean during January if they want a more relaxing experience at the sea. If one must book one during spring break, they should look for less party-centric cruise lines. 2. First and last Alaska cruises of the season Destinations like Alaska are perfect spots for tourists because of the rainy weather and luscious green mountains they can experience. Here, cruises that sail in May and September are comparatively cheaper than June, July, and August packages. But for new travelers, this might not be the ideal cruise destination in May and September. This is because there is a high chance of experiencing bad weather during these months, with May being slightly colder and September bringing heavy rains in the region. It may also disappoint shoppers as the port shops at the beginning of the season are usually not fully stocked yet. Further, by September, these shops usually run out of prime goods and do not restock until next spring.
5 stages of Huntington’s disease

5 stages of Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is a rare and inherited health disorder that causes the brain’s nerve cells to progressively break down over time. As the cells degenerate, a person’s functional abilities start to decline. Additionally, their movements, cognitive ability, and mental health are also affected. It is similar to having ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease simultaneously. These symptoms develop gradually over the course of several years as the disease progresses through multiple stages. Causes of Huntington’s disease Huntington’s disease is a genetic health disorder. It results from a difference or mutation in a particular gene. This difference is generally inherited. Thus, Huntington’s disease runs in the family. Also, it is an autosomal dominant disorder. This implies that only one copy of the different gene is enough for a person to develop this disorder. Thus, a child has a 50% chance of inheriting the nontypical gene from a parent, who may pass along a healthy or nontypical copy of the gene. Therefore, if both parents have Huntington’s disease, there is a 100% chance that their child may have it, too. Progression of Huntington’s disease The atypical gene that causes Huntington’s disease is present in a person at birth. However, the symptoms do not start manifesting at that time. The breakdown of the nerve cells occurs slowly over time. As a result, the neurological damage happens at a slow pace. It can be years or decades before the signs of Huntington’s disease are detected in the early stages. Most of the symptoms of Huntington’s disease become noticeable between the ages of 30 and 50. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe and debilitating, advancing through its five stages. However, in some cases, the symptoms may appear before the age of 20, which is known as juvenile Huntington’s disease. 5 stages of Huntington’s disease Stage 1:
11 ways to safeguard oneself from home title theft

11 ways to safeguard oneself from home title theft

A home title is the most important legal document for owning a house. It is physical evidence of ownership of land, apartment, house, or other real estate. A title document includes information about the property, from boundaries to ownership history. One has to produce this document to rent out, issue a mortgage loan, or sell the property. But title theft is a real concern, and here are some ways to protect oneself from it. Can a home title be stolen? Yes, a title document can be stolen and misused. Home title theft may not always involve the physical theft of a paper document, but it can involve fraudulent actions that result in a theft of one’s rights related to the said property. Some common ways this is done include impersonating legal entities, breaching data, intercepting personal emails, hacking records and public Wi-Fi, and more. How can a home title be misused? The title deed is recorded in the local government’s land records or registrar’s office. A scammer may manipulate the record and use it to undertake property-related transactions. These transactions include registering a fake deed, selling or renting the property without the owner’s consent or knowledge, or obtaining mortgages. If left unreported or ignored, the valid property owner may face financial losses and be stuck with the burden of proving their ownership, which can quickly become a lengthy and costly legal process. 11 ways to protect oneself from home title theft Here are some steps to safeguard against home title theft: Regularly check the property title Obtaining a copy of one’s property’s title from one’s local county recorder’s office or through an online service is advisable. One should review it for accuracy and ensure no unauthorized changes or transfers have occurred. Title insurance One of the best ways to secure one’s home title is to purchase insurance from a legitimate title company.
9 types of resorts to avoid

9 types of resorts to avoid

Resorts are among the most popular accommodations for individuals, couples, and families on vacation. With their lush gardens, swimming pools, and overall laidback vibe, resorts are the perfect destinations for relaxation. However, not all resorts offer the best facilities and services, making some of them not worth the money. Say, a lack of cleanliness, improper security for guests, or poor service can make the stay unpleasant. So, here are some resorts one should avoid: 1. Resorts with poor housekeeping services Many budget-friendly resorts may compromise on cleanliness. Often, their staff may have not undergone proper training to keep rooms clean and sanitized at all times. So, one must not settle for unclean accommodation when they plan their vacation. While making holiday plans and booking accommodation online, one must check customer reviews to see if anyone has complained about unclean rooms, lobbies, pools, or hallways. Upon finding multiple complaints of poor housekeeping services, one should reconsider their decision to book a stay at the resort in question. 2. Poorly rated resorts Online ratings and reviews play an important role in the service and hospitality sectors. One can simply look up the name of a resort, and they will find everything there is to know about it through online ratings given by former guests. Along with guest ratings, one can read through good and bad stay experiences in reviews and understand what to expect during their stay. So, resort ratings can act as a meaningful reference point for those looking to book a stay. Resorts with poor ratings and reviews must be avoided, especially if a large number of guests have given the resort a negative review. Here, the chances of an unpleasant stay are higher. 3. Resorts with bad security Vacationers often take their families, including children, to resorts to get access to a variety of amenities in one place.
9 common payroll mistakes and how to avoid them

9 common payroll mistakes and how to avoid them

  Managing payroll can be a complex affair that demands a lot of effort, documentation, and tracking. The ever-changing rules and guidelines have made the modern payroll management landscape more complicated than ever. As a result, errors arise that could result in delays in payments for employees, which may hurt businesses and prove costly for owners. To manage payroll processes more effectively, take a look at some common payroll mistakes and simple ways to avoid them.  Misclassifying employees and contractors  Every business must carefully categorize its employees (as employees or independent contractors) to dock the right pay. Errors while doing this result in having to look through old payment records to make adjustments to employee pay. It could lead to dissent among the team and cost the business. Moreover, according to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), all employees must get overtime pay for any hours worked over 40 hours per week unless they are explicitly classified as exempt. Making errors here could lead to FLSA-related fines for employers. To manage this, hire reputed payroll service providers and avoid listing freelancers as employees. Only hire contractors and freelancers through leasing companies to avoid any penalties for misclassification. Making calculation errors Making errors in payroll calculations can also cost businesses money and labor. These generally include overpaying or underpaying employees, making faulty retroactive payments, missing the first paycheck for new hires, deducting the wrong amount for benefits, etc. According to a study by the American Productivity & Quality Center, these errors take anywhere between two to ten days to be resolved. This can add to the team’s stress, as well as to the employee’s frustration. If this happens, ensure that an employee payroll error letter is sent with complete transparency regarding what happened and the measures taken to rectify the error.
ADHD – Causes, Symptoms, and Foods to Avoid

ADHD – Causes, Symptoms, and Foods to Avoid

Neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood can challenge children’s intellectual growth and development. Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure the child’s steady progress. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, involving difficulty paying attention, severe restlessness, and impulsive behavior. Today, several types of therapies are being implemented to help children with ADHD perform better in the academic and personal spheres. Here’s everything to know about ADHD: What Causes ADHD? Genetic predisposition Adoption studies have shown that genetic factors play a significant role in the onset of ADHD. In most cases, individuals inherit this condition from their parents. About one-third to 50% of children with parents affected by ADHD inherit the disorder. Brain injury Children suffering from a severe head injury affecting the brain are likely to develop ADHD. In such scenarios wherein ADHD is caused by trauma, the condition is called secondary ADHD. Exposure to harmful substances during pregnancy Studies have shown that the chances of developing ADHD were higher among children whose mothers had been exposed to harmful substances like lead during pregnancy. Maternal stress and trauma during pregnancy Children whose mothers have undergone immense stress or trauma while pregnant are susceptible to being diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Premature birth Some studies have demonstrated that children born prematurely will likely develop ADHD symptoms during childhood. Symptoms of ADHD Fidgeting Individuals with ADHD may engage in constant fidgeting, including tapping their feet, drumming their fingers, and being unable to sit still for long periods. Anxiety ADHD involves restlessness and severe hyperactivity, which can trigger anxiety, particularly among adults grappling with the condition. Such anxiety is typically caused by distressing thoughts repeatedly playing on their minds and can worsen other ADHD symptoms. Extreme difficulty paying attention One of the most prominent symptoms of ADHD is the inability to pay attention to events around the person.
20 Uncomplicated Hacks for Home Improvement

20 Uncomplicated Hacks for Home Improvement

If you’re about to remodel your home, you can find many stylish and functional ideas online. These ideas are easy to apply, irrespective of whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or someone performing home renovation for the first time. Moreover, they’re budget-friendly, so you wouldn’t have to use up your savings. From quick organization tricks to décor upgrades, here are a few easy hacks for home improvement you can try. Maximize closet space Utilize space-saving organizers, such as hanging shoe racks, cascading hangers, and drawer dividers, to optimize your closet’s storage capacity and keep items easily accessible. You can also install hooks or a pegboard for additional hanging space. Redesign the kitchen cabinets Installing pull-out shelves or lazy Susans inside cabinets will maximize space and improve organization. Similarly, using drawer organizers for cutlery, utensils, and small kitchen tools will keep everything tidy and within reach. You can also label containers or use clear storage bins for better visibility. Create a command center Consider creating a centralized command center near your entryway to keep track of schedules, messages, and keys. This center can have a bulletin board, wall calendar, and hooks for better functionality and organization. If necessary, install a charging station for electronics and a mail sorter to manage incoming correspondence. Revamp your garage storage Transform your cluttered garage into an organized space by installing shelving units, pegboards, and hooks. Utilize overhead storage racks to keep seasonal items or bulky equipment out of the way. Like the kitchen, your garage can have clear storage bins. Declutter with style Home renovation is the best time to declutter your home and remove unnecessary items. Embrace minimalist design principles by donating or selling things you no longer need. Adopting a “less is more” approach will create a clean and visually appealing environment. Install mirrors for illusion Hang mirrors strategically to create an illusion of a larger space and enhance natural light.