8 cleaning mistakes that make the house dirtier

8 cleaning mistakes that make the house dirtier

Keeping your surroundings clean and free of dust and germs is essential. Most people undertake cleaning rituals as a part of their daily chores. However, without realizing it, they may be doing more harm than good while going about the cleaning tasks. These common cleaning mistakes we often make leave behind a trail of dirt, allergens, and grime. Here’s a list of eight things to avoid doing when cleaning your home: Reusing sponges without disinfecting Most of us reach out for the sponge without even thinking twice, especially when wiping kitchen countertops and bathroom sink tops. Sponges are good absorbers of grime, but they are also perfect for facilitating the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. When you repeatedly use the same sponge, it is easy for the bacterial growth to get transferred to your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Such a mistake is common but one that can prove to be enormously costly. The solution is to use microfiber clothes to wipe these commonly exposed surfaces instead of a sponge. But if you love the sponge, make sure that you disinfect it from time to time. Also, ensure that you change the sponge or the microfiber cloth every month. Ignoring common touchpoints Every house has common touchpoints, like the door knobs or the taps. While dusting, cleaning, and mopping, we usually forget these points, leaving them open for breeding germs. The ideal solution is to use a disinfectant spray and a clean cloth to wipe and dry them. This way, you keep them away from germs. Putting chopping boards in dishwashers The dishwasher has made our lives easy and comfortable. But certain items should not be placed in the machine because they will not be cleaned properly. One such item is the cutting and chopping board. This board should not be ideally cleaned using a bar of dish soap and water.
Top 4 air purifiers and how to choose the best one

Top 4 air purifiers and how to choose the best one

With increasing sensitivity to allergens and rising pollution levels, air purifiers have become essential appliances. According to Bloomberg, the air purifier market will likely exceed $7 billion by 2032. This is not surprising at all, given how polluted the indoor environment can be, with the principal sources being dust, fires, car emissions, and cooking. Today you can find all kinds of purifiers, so here is all you need to know before buying one:  Top air purifiers Here are some of the best options for your home: Levoit LV-H132 One of the top-rated purifiers, the LV H132 by Levoit, is compact and small, with a capacity for filtering up to 129 square feet. It has a HEPA filter (or high-efficiency particulate air filter) capable of eliminating 99.97% of pollen, dust, odor, smoke, pet dander, and mold spores. It promises an outstanding performance backed by features like a three-stage filtration arrangement consisting of a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a pre-filter. Additionally, it comes with three fan settings, allowing you to control the purifier’s volume and speed. Furthermore, it is so tiny that you can easily place it on your desk. Levoit VeSync Core 400S Smart air purifier While most top purifiers on this list effectively eliminate pollutants from the air, the VeSync Core 400S by Levoit goes one step further and allows you to check the air quality indoors as well as outdoors. It has a VeSync app that provides real-time data about your home’s air quality, and you can also synchronize the unit with voice assistants. Besides that, it has an Auto Mode that conserves a lot of energy by automatically adjusting the fan speed according to the current air quality. Apart from these high-tech capabilities, the VeSync Core 400S possesses all the necessary features of a purifier, including a HEPA filter, and it can circulate air 5 times per hour with a wide cleaning radius of up to 403 square feet.
10 Black Friday Washer and Dryer Deals to Look Forward To In 2023

10 Black Friday Washer and Dryer Deals to Look Forward To In 2023

Owning a washer and dryer helps one better control over their laundry cycle. These machines, however, can be rather expensive. That said, with Black Friday around the corner, many brands are gearing up to host exciting deals on their appliances. Now may be the perfect time to invest in a laundry solution to upgrade the home. Inspired by last year’s sales, here are 10 deals on washers and dryers to expect on Black Friday 2023. Front-load washing machines Front-load washing machines have a door at the front of the unit, and a horizontal drum. In case of restricted space, it can easily be stacked on top of a front-load drying unit. Top deals on front-load washing machines on Black Friday 2022 included: 1. Samsung’s high-efficiency stackable steam cycle front-load washer hosted a whopping 35% discount, bringing its price down to $648. It can easily clean a 15-pound load and is equipped with an allergen cycle to kill germs and dust mites. 2. LG also offered a 33% discount on its stackable smart washer. Originally $1199, customers could get it for just $798 on Black Friday. The model has 10 different wash cycles, with one that is equipped to clean clothes in just 15 minutes. Top-load washing machines As the name suggests, top-load washing machines have a door on top of the unit that can be used to load or unload the machine. It has a vertical drum that is capable of deep water washing and soaking. They tend to be cheaper in comparison to front-load washing machines. However, they cannot be stacked on top of a dryer. Last year, these brands offered significant discounts on their top-load washing machines: 3. GE’s high-efficiency Impeller Top-load washer was offered at a 35% discount, bringing its price down to $848. The appliance has a luxurious finish and is equipped with a unique automatic detergent dispenser that can hold up to 50 lbs of detergent.
10 things to avoid when attending a funeral

10 things to avoid when attending a funeral

Funerals are a place to be quiet and respectful. While most people understand this, every funeral has different traditions and customs that one may not know. As a result, a guest may unintentionally offend someone else, including the host. Therefore, individuals must always keep a few points in mind when attending these occasions. The things one should not do at a funeral are straightforward for people to understand and remember. Arriving late Being on time or early is a golden rule when attending a funeral. One should arrive early to settle in before the service begins. Being late would mean interrupting the proceedings by having to look for a seat. If a person does turn up late, they should enter discreetly and quietly and look for a seat in the back to avoid disturbing the funeral setting. Dressing inappropriately Funerals are sad and serious occasions. Therefore, guests should not experiment with dress codes and styles. The most accepted attire at such an event is black. One should wear dark neutrals if they do not have black, but avoid dressing in business casual and steer clear of jeans and flip-flops. Wearing something suited for the event, such as formal attire, is advisable to ensure one does not offend anyone at the funeral home. Being rude to the family While this one might seem obvious, it is easy to forget when at a funeral. One should remember that a family is going through a challenging time during a funeral and may need the love and support of their family members and friends. So, people should be nice to the family and not say anything rude. One should offer their condolences to the bereaved, then move out and let them speak with the other guests at the venue. Taking photos or videos Many people take photos and videos of the funeral service.
Multiple sclerosis – Foods to avoid for better management

Multiple sclerosis – Foods to avoid for better management

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin, the protective cover of the nerves. While scientists do not exactly know what causes this disorder, it is often attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Doctor-recommended treatments help control symptoms like vision loss, impaired coordination, and fatigue, but patients must also watch what they eat. Certain foods could trigger the condition or worsen symptoms and should be avoided. Saturated fats Foods with saturated fats are said to impact neurological health in the long run. They are often linked to inflammation and high levels of bad cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Since people with multiple sclerosis already have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems than others, they should avoid saturated fat as much as possible. This includes unhealthy fats like coconut oil, full-fat dairy, palm oil, and red meat. Instead, one should choose a low-fat nutrition plan to manage the symptoms. Sugar An excessive amount of sugar is linked to diabetes, kidney damage, rapid heartbeat, vision problems, and more. It may also contribute to nerve damage, which is already a problem in multiple sclerosis. Excess sugar may cause frequent blood sugar fluctuations, contributing to fatigue, especially in patients with this neurological condition. The fatigue may worsen when one does not exercise. So, patients must think twice before reaching for that bar of chocolate, sports drink, or even breakfast muesli. Cow’s milk Cow’s milk is one of the most important things to avoid with this disorder as it is high in saturated fats. It stimulates the body’s immune cells, which may lead to lesions or scars in the nervous system. Specific proteins in milk are said to trigger autoimmune reactions, especially in people with multiple sclerosis. It may also lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal problems, such as flatulence, gas, and bloating.
Top 10 jewelry deals to look for on Black Friday 2022

Top 10 jewelry deals to look for on Black Friday 2022

Are you researching deals on jewelry that might be available this Black Friday? You have come to the right place. Jewelry is an elegant accessory required to accentuate your look. It also makes for a great gift. While brands have not announced their sales yet, we have compiled a list of ten jewelry deals you can expect in 2022 based on last year’s trends. This should make your shopping super easy. Swarovski This deal might be too hard to resist. You could get up to 49% off Swarovski jewelry, plus free prime shipping on Amazon. Also, expect up to 50% off selected pieces and watch styles on the brand’s official website. JCPenney Like last year, you might be able to bag $15 off sterling silver and gemstone jewelry at JCPenney. You may also be able to get up to 75% off on fine jewelry on top of other discounts. 10K or 14K gold bracelets were available for $169.99 to $799.99, and you could get 80% off on all fashion jewelry in silver. Searching for authentic or lab-created gemstones? They might be available for $19.99 each at JCPenney. The store also offered some exclusive deals on diamond jewelry, so you might want to look at their website. Jared Looking for elegant necklaces? Expect up to 50% off at Jared. They have necklaces in gold, diamond, birthstone, and other precious metals. And you can choose from various brands, including Le Vian and John Hardy. Macy’s Last year, Macy’s offered an excellent collection of jewelry priced at $29.99 and below. So, bookmark their page and return when Black Friday arrives if you want to get quality jewelry at low prices. Zales Another great offer last year was 25% off everything at Zales. The store functions both online and offline and has a fantastic collection of rings, bracelets, earrings, and more.
4 must-have hair styling tools

4 must-have hair styling tools

Our tresses, in many ways, define us and reflect our personalities. Most of us pay a lot of attention to our hair and treat it as our best accessory. From going minimalistic by tying a knot to experimenting with different styles, there’s a lot that can be done with our hair. Thankfully, technological advancement has given us innumerable hair styling tools. Here are four such must-have tools that will help achieve that perfect look: Airwrap Dyson The Airwrap is one styling tool that should be a part of your accessories kit, thanks to the salon-like hairstyle you achieve every time you use it. This tool works on damp or semi-dry hair, which is in contrast to traditional hair styling tools. The dryer comes as an attachment with the Airwrap; hence, you do not have to use any other styling tool here.   The base styler has six interchangeable attachments. These include the pre-styling dryer, a round brush to give volume to your tresses, two curling barrels, and two smoothing brushes, one has softer bristles, and the other has firmer bristles. The advanced tool has four curling barrels.  Not just that, the Dyson Airwrap Styler comes in a trendy storage tan case, making it quite easy to store all the attachments and the main tool safely for next time. Best features:    The Airwrap is a smart tool wherein the heat is intelligently controlled.   It is also easy to handle with user-friendly and easy-to-understand features.   The styler uses anti-static negative ions, which means it is kind to your mane. The power-driven airflow sucks the hair strands and styles them accordingly without exposing them to high heat conditions.   It can be used with ease on short and long hair.   This one-in-all device supports simultaneous straightening and curling. So, if you have frizzy hair, you can use this tool to straighten them.
9 Important Things to Check When Buying an RV

9 Important Things to Check When Buying an RV

More than 9 million people in the country own a recreational vehicle or an RV. The RV industry impacts approximately $140 million of the country’s economy. Millions in the country are looking into buying an RV, with the number expected to grow steadily over the years. But, as with any other vehicle, multiple factors need to be considered when buying an RV. Finances, the vehicle’s condition, model, and capacity are just a few of those factors. Flat or blown-up tires Don’t overlook the tires. Start with checking that the tires aren’t too old. Prefer new tires with the RV as much as possible. And don’t be fooled by how old or new the tires look. Go a step ahead and cross-check the age of the tires instead of just assuming they are new based on their appearance. It is important to note that a blow-up in an RV can be even more tragic than a car. Experts suggest changing RV tires every 5 years to be safe from catastrophes. The DOT label present on the sidewall will give you the information you need about the tire’s age. The four-digit code on the label indicates the week and year the tire was manufactured. Slide out Everyone loves the space and convenience a slide-out provides. However, this also means the equipment is more vulnerable to rusting, corroding, and wearing out. If the RV has been constantly treated with timely checks and maintenance work, of course, you won’t be able to find any issues with the slide-out. However, if you experience obstruction, a screeching noise, or other similar indications, know that a deeper look is necessary. Timely lubrication of the side arms helps extend the life span of the equipment. And if all of this has been skipped, it can result in more breakage, malfunctioning, and a range of other trouble.
7 obvious signs indicating the need for home renovations

7 obvious signs indicating the need for home renovations

No matter how sophisticated or modern your house is, a little TLC now and then is necessary to maintain the property and ensure all its occupants are safe. You can ideally schedule a thorough home inspection where professionals point out some of the more glaring problems to tackle. But, even without that, some obvious signs of damage in and around the house will likely indicate the urgent need for a full home renovation. Water damage Water damage is a major sign of trouble that you should not ignore. A leak will result in additional problems, including growing mold, rotten materials, and rust. Water damage is common along the sidewalls and the roof, where the materials are constantly exposed to the weather, and major issues like roof leaks can result in costly repairs. If you spot a small leak in any of these areas, call a handyperson to assess its severity. Often, spotting a problem early eliminates the need for expensive repairs. The floor space is compromised The foundation of the house tends to weaken over time due to the weight and pressure on it. If you notice some of your furniture looking out of place or angled, check the floorboard underneath for damage. Also, if there is a basement underneath, you must ensure that the boards don’t cave in by replacing these panels at the earliest. Delaying repairs only increases the pressure on the foundation. Plus, some homes in areas prone to flooding are built on elevated stilts, exposing the foundation boards to more damage. Ensure you schedule regular home safety inspections where an expert checks and certifies the living spaces safe for residential purposes. Old windows and doors Loose window joints or cracked frames are some of the most obvious signs of internal wood damage. As the wooden elements are exposed to the weather outside and temperature changes indoors, these changes force the wood to expand and contract multiple times.
Black Friday 2023 – 10 Tablet Deals to Expect

Black Friday 2023 – 10 Tablet Deals to Expect

The excitement that surfaces during the Black Friday sale isn’t limited to electronic devices like laptops and smartphones. Customers also look forward to festive sales where they can upgrade to or purchase a full-fledged tablet. While one of the primary purposes of a tablet is to own a bigger screen, other features make a tablet worth the price. Here are some deals one could expect on smart tablets at the upcoming Black Friday sale. iOS interface Some users may require a tablet that runs on iOS, which they can find from Apple. Two notable tablets in this regard include: 1. The iPad Air M1  was also among the notable devices that went on sale during Black Friday last year. The tablet was available on Amazon with a decent discount of $50 during the sale. Interested shoppers can keep an eye on the device during this year’s Black Friday sale for a potential discount. The tablet boasts a powerful M1 chip, 5G capabilities, and a liquid Retina display, ensuring exceptional overall performance for productivity and creativity. 2. iOS enthusiasts should also check out the latest iPad Pro series. The previous mega sale saw retailers slash prices by about $200. So, one can look for it when the busiest sale of the year goes live, hoping for better deals. A power chipset, substantial battery life, and powerful speakers are some perks we usually see in the iPad Pro series. Affordable tablets Users can expect and follow a ton of affordable tablet deals for Black Friday this year. Here are two impressive deals from last year. 1.  During last year’s Black Friday sale, Walmart offered the Lenovo Tab M8 at a discounted price of $79 from its original price of $119. As for the features, the tablet comes with 32GB of storage, 3GB of RAM, and Android 11.
6 Amazing Budget Tablets Under $100 to Buy in 2023

6 Amazing Budget Tablets Under $100 to Buy in 2023

Tablets are more portable than laptops and offer a bigger workspace than phones, making them perfect for those who are always on the move. With the shopping season approaching, now is the time to start shortlisting models! The market has several options, each with unique functions and features. Below, we have listed six fantastic tablets under $100 for those on a budget. We have also discussed a few premium models at the end. Lenovo 1. Lenovo Tab M8 ($99): The Lenovo Tab M8 is one of the best choices for the budget-conscious. It has a battery life of over 14 hours, an eight-inch display, a MediaTek Helio A22 Processor, and up to 32 GB of eMMC storage. 2. Lenovo Tab M7 ($79.99): The M7 by Lenovo has been ranked one of the best seven-inch tablets under $100. The device has a MediaTek CPU and 16 GB of storage. It offers decent color accuracy, smart visuals, and a battery life of up to ten hours. Samsung 3. Samsung Galaxy Tab E Lite ($75): This model is ideal for those looking for an affordable tab for children. For less than $100, users enjoy the benefits of Android 4.4 KitKat OS and a quad-core 1.4 GHz clock processor. It offers up to 32 GB of storage and a battery life of up to nine hours. Amazon 4. Amazon Fire HD 8 ($99.99): The Amazon Fire HD 8 is a budget best-seller. Its impressive display and Dolby stereo surround sound create a magical experience without breaking the bank. The tab also features wireless charging and a battery life of up to 12 hours. Winsing 5. Winsing Android Tablet ($59.98): This Winsing device is perfect for those looking for a big-screen tablet on a budget. It has a ten-inch display, decent speakers, and a battery life of up to ten hours.
Avoid these 7 common mistakes when buying an EV

Avoid these 7 common mistakes when buying an EV

The popularity of electric vehicles (EV) has been steadily rising over the past few years. Due to high consumer demand, many leading automakers have launched new lineups of electric cars. As a result, there are options available for consumers to choose from in their preferred segment. While this has made purchasing an EV easier, it has also increased the likelihood of making buying mistakes that may lead to financial loss. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a satisfying purchase experience. Forgetting to learn about the incentives Buying an electric car is a smart and responsible decision for both the environment and the wallet. The federal government offers incentives to electric car buyers, with clean vehicle tax credits of up to $7,500 available for eligible vehicles. However, this is only applicable to the first few thousand electric vehicles each carmaker sells in the market. So, it’s important to research which car manufacturers are eligible and whether they have exceeded the sales threshold before making a purchase decision. Additionally, check with the state to see if they offer any incentive programs. Taking advantage of this incentive can make owning an electric car more beneficial. Ignoring driving habits and requirements This is another common mistake that can be easily avoided when buying an electric vehicle. Many EV buyers forget to take into consideration their driving habits and the specific purpose for which they plan to buy a car. Some people opt for an EV for occasional short trips, while others may require it for daily commutes or longer trips. It’s essential to ascertain the purpose because electric cars have certain limitations in terms of charging time and range. Thus, for those planning to buy an EV for longer commutes or road trips, a plug-in hybrid or hybrid vehicle with both gasoline and electric features may be a better choice than a fully electric vehicle.