Category: Home

You may have invested some serious cash into it if you have bought a new pool table and so you should take care of it well too, right? The first thing you should consider safeguarding your pool table is to get a good cover for it, which will offer adequate protection. Covering your pool table with a good cover will ensure both durability and playability of your pool table. Here are a few things to consider on choosing a good cover for the pool table.

Should the pool table be covered or not

Pool table covers will function as dental floss you use. We all know that we should use it to protect our teeth, and many of us already have it, but only a very few ultimately use it. However, when we do not use it, we can see that the results are unwelcoming.

If you leave your pool table uncovered, then there are some unwelcoming things that may happen to your valuable investment too. Say for example, if you have some pets around, then may try to scratch on the smooth surface of the table and it may also be exposed to pet hair on its way to the table. Even if the pets usually do not get on to the table, the pet hair can find its ways to get on to it. In addition to the same, there can also be chances of tears on the surface due to the claws of pet animals.

However, it is not just the pets posing threats to your pool tables. If your table lies under natural light, then it is also possible that the sun’s rays can damage your table to a bigger extent. A good table cover made of quality material will keep your pool table protected from this as well as other harmful elements like rain, heat, snow, dust, and so on. However, the member that an outdoor pool table cover is only as good as how you use it.

Do not be the like who tend to buy a good cover and pile it beneath the table without taking care to spread it over the table while it is not used. After each use, please take a minute to put the cover on and appropriately tie it down to the legs of the pool table to make sure that it is kept secured there.

How to buy a good quality table cover?

Always take care of the pool tables by getting a good quality table cover. When it comes to quality, the actual requirement is to get a pool table cover made with appropriate material. There are a variety of materials used to make pool table covers, ranging from cotton to polyester, canvas, vinyl, and so on.

If you have installed the pool table in an open space, then make sure that the cover you use is weatherproof also. It should offer adequate protection from heat, water, snow, dust, etc.  Vinyl is ideally the most waterproof material which is can effectively protect the pool table from all types of mold, mildew, etc.

Heat pumps are probably one of the best heating and cooling systems you can have in your home. They are generally more energy-saving, which allows you to save money from your monthly bills.

However, if your heat pump is not well-maintained, you will be using 10-25% more energy than you could have saved. On top of that, your heat pump may not last longer than you think. It will also be bad in terms of your health and comfortability as your heat pump is no longer working at its best.

All these things are what make heat pump maintenance very important, and below are five simple tips to keep your heat pump well-maintained:

Prevent excess build-up from happening

Ice and snow can sometimes clog up your heat pump without you noticing. This will then block the airflow, make your heat pump work with lesser efficiency, and even lead to the system breaking down. So, to prevent this, here’s what you can do:

Turn off the unit to clear away any debris. Be very careful that you don’t damage the heat pump. You should also check the condenser and make sure it’s clear of snow and that it’s undamaged. Continue clearing away snow as much as you can, especially if it’s surrounding your unit.

You also have the option to create a free-standing cover to protect the heat pump from the snow during winter and intense heat during the summer. Just make sure to provide a 2-foot clearance.

Clean or change filters as needed

Dirty air filters will cause your system to work harder than required because they restrict airflow. This results in a higher electrical bill. At the same time makes you uncomfortable because your desired temperature is not maintained.

Besides this, dust and dirt build-up may affect your system and may cause total breakdown.

So, clean or change your filters regularly depending on how often you use them, how dusty your environment is, and if you have furry pets. But generally, it’s usually recommended to do this once every 1-2 months, and do not go over three months without changing your air filters.

Check on the unit placement

Upon the installation of your heat pump, you always need to consider the location. As much as possible, you should choose an area where it’s easy for you to check the heat pump and do some maintenance.

It’s almost always recommended not to install the unit near driveways, vegetation areas, or in areas with large equipment.

Other tips will include:

• Select an open space
• Avoid vibration and direct sunlight
• Don’t cover the heat pump
• Clean the gutters to prevent water leakage
• There should be drainage
• Place it in an area where it won’t disturb others.

The better the placement of your heat pump, the safe it will be from any outside accidents that might damage it.

Clean outdoor coils

Condenser coils facilitate heat transfers, which is the number one reason why your heat pump is working. Therefore, it’s essential to keep it clean so your heat pump continues to perform well.

By cleaning your condenser coils, you’ll benefit on:

• Improved comfort
• Lower electrical bills
• Lesser repairs and maintenance
• Extended system lifespan
• Better indoor air quality

Seek professional help

Lastly, and probably the most important, seek professional help. Heat pumps may be following a simple system, but it’s a very complex technology. And maintaining it without furthering the damage can be challenging.

If you’re not familiar with heat pumps, you should call a professional. If you had your heat pump installed by an Auckland heat pump installer, they could do some repairs and check-ups, too.

Wrap Up

Heat pumps provide us with excellent benefits. It improves your quality of life by improving air quality, saving energy, and saving you money.

If used correctly and maintained well, it’s a significant investment.

So follow the five simple tips above to get your money’s worth. After all, heat pumps are not that cheap.

Only one thing beats the thought of retirement, and that is retirement with enough money to live life your way! If the conundrum of how to get some extra cash into your possession during this time is a current thing for you, keep reading for more about help in the form of a reverse mortgage! Also known by its other name, a retirement home loan, it is a great financial solution for the retirement years. For once, something that sounds too good to be true, is realistically true!

Let’s talk about the basic concepts

To be clear: a reverse home loan is still a loan, and every loan still comes with its own set of terms and conditions. It also means that standard legal conditions will be valid, and that interest on the money you borrow is an inescapable factor. Although this particular kind of loan lets you forego monthly payments, you will be obligated to pay back the full amount at the end of the loan period. If you find that you are unable to do so when the time comes, the house will be sold to make up the costs to the lender. This is standard, and you should be clear that you understand this upfront.

This is where the value of the reverse mortgage calculator comes in. This handy tool is used by lenders to determine the value of your house when you apply for a reverse home loan. Factors like the age, condition and location of the house all come into play during this evaluation process. Bear in mind that there are laws in place that cap the amount you are legally allowed to borrow, so the reverse mortgage calculator is also useful in calculating what percentage of your home’s value you may borrow, based on your current financial standings.

Show me the money!

Once the reverse mortgage calculator has done its thing and your lender has approved your application, you will have to choose in what form you would like to receive your money. You do have options! The first is to have it all paid over in one lump sum, with no further claims to payouts. How you manage the large amount will then be your responsibility. You could also access smaller amounts you need, as the need for them comes up, in a line of credit, or you could arrange for regular monthly payments, which is the most popular choice. The latter allows for budgeting and predictability, which is what people like about it.

Payment terms

The one major thing that sets reverse home loans apart from regular loans, is the fact that you do not have to make regular monthly paybacks. The very design of the loan is intended to help you supplement your finances during retirement, and you will not need to pay any money back, as long as you live in the house full-time. People love a reverse home loan for its flexibility, as they often feel that they have more control over the loan period and their liquid cash.

Are you trying to downsize? Is your home full of clutter? It’s time to get organized.

Let us help you tackle the need to get organized. If you have too many items or more space than you can manage, this piece is for you.

Do not get overwhelmed! This is how to downsize and declutter your home:

Step 1: Assess your Needs

First things first. Take inventory.

What is your goal? What do you need to accomplish that goal? If your goal is to downsize or declutter, you have a lot of work to do.

Think of items you use every day or things you might want to repurchase in the future. It is best to keep those items that are useful to you. Get rid of old paperwork or those boxing gloves you never used.

If you have not used it within the last six months, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Ask yourself, “does this spark joy?” If not, its time to toss it!

Step 2: Donate or Sell Unused Items

Get all your things out and in the open. That way you can see everything you own. It might surprise you how many things you have accumulated over the years.

If you forgot about an item or rarely use it, its time to donate! Use this method to go through your entire house and your belongings. Keep only what you need and regularly use.

If you’re downsizing your home, consider what rooms you will not have in the new house. If there is not a place for it, get rid of it!

Make three piles, one to sell, one to donate, and one to trash. This is a great way to downsize without feeling guilty! Make some extra cash or donate old items, in good condition, to a charity you love.

Step 3: Get Organized

Downsizing means everything should have a place in your home. There is no need for clutter or forgotten items.

If your goal is to downsize or declutter your home, make sure you can visualize where a particular item will be placed. Take into account what you need AND what you have space for.

There are many storage solutions for your home to help you get organized in your new space. Tip: use clear storage boxes so you can always see what you have and what you need!

Do you have things you are saving or cannot bear to part with? Then its time for hide-away storage. Use a storage space to keep your items safe and out of sight, keeping your home clutter-free.

Step 4: Use Multifunctional Furniture

If you are downsizing your home, your old furniture is probably too big for your new space. Use multifunctional furniture to keep your space open or designate rooms for duel purposes.

Keep a futon in the office space in case you have guests. Or, get a bed or coffee table that doubles as storage. All your furniture should serve a purpose in a small space.

As a plus, buying multifunctional furniture will save you money!

Step 5: Go Digital

Digitize what you can. That means paperwork, photos, and important paperwork.

You can upload your photos and documents to an external hard drive or save them virtually on Google Drive. Going paperless will free up space in your home without getting rid of important papers.

When you go digital you minimize your clutter and create a long-term solution. Your documents or old photos are safe and easy to access when you need them.

Step 6: Maximize Vertical Space

Vertical space often goes unused. When you maximize the use of vertical space, things become less cluttered.

Create vertical space in your home with shelving units, storage solutions, and taller furniture. The use of vertical space will ensure that every item has a place. Your home will feel less bulky and cluttered with slim furniture.

Think of your closet space; shoes quickly get cluttered on the floor. Use the back of the door or hang shelving systems up the wall to store shoes or purses. Bring this mentality to the rest of your home.

Step 7: Organize as You Unpack

When you only keep the items you have space for, it will be easy to decorate and organize your new home.

Instead of dumping boxes out all over your home, pack up the boxes by room and space so you know what goes where. When you begin to unpack in your new space, you will be able to organize as you go.

Set an organized precedent in your new home. Ensure that every item has a place in a visible location.

Step 8: Enjoy

Your new home or decluttered space is finished. All your hard work is done!

Enjoy the minimalism and clean feel of your home. Everything has a place and day to day life is easier when you always know where to find things.

Do not forget to make organization a habit!

This is How to Downsize!

Embrace minimalism! Keep only what you need, love, and use regularly. Minimalism is a lifestyle choice, after all.

If you are moving into a smaller space or are looking for a cleaner, clutter-free home, these tips will help you achieve your goal. Do not forget to stop accumulating items that will clutter your home.

Keep this article in your favorites so you remember how to downsize! For more tips on cleaning or home organization, check out our site.

Carpets can bring a nice and comforting atmosphere to a house.

However, when you have kids, the chances that the floor becomes a playground rises drastically. While crawling, walking, and playing, toddlers and kids can leave various stains that get into the carpet fiber and damage the carpet in the long run. The stains as well become a perfect place for germs to spread.

Moreover, not all carpet cleaners are baby-friendly, that is why it is important to find a solution that will not only remove stains but as well will not affect the health and safety of your children.

This article intends to help parents that are searching for an effective carpet cleaning method for common kids stains like markers, dirt, food, and others.

Types Of Carpets

The cleaning solution varies depending on the material. To avoid the damage of the fibers or the dye of your rug, it is crucial if your carpet has synthetic or natural fiber.

Such synthetic materials as nylon, polyester, or triexta are usually easy to clean and do not require special treatment. Simple steam cleaning or spot scrubbing will do the job. However, DIY cleaning does not disinfect the surface.

Wool, silk, jute, sea-grass, and other organic materials are prone to staining. Moreover, incorrect treatment might cost you a new rug. To avoid such unpleasant situations, we recommend it to use professional detergents and equipment.

According to pressurized hot-water extraction (PHWE) professional Dmitri Kara, the method archives up to 99% of dirt and grime removal from fabrics that can withstand the pressure and suction cycle, which is the perfect solutions for your toddler or infant bedroom.

Various companies offer equipment rental, however, the equipment is complex in use. It might take you more time to understand how to use the machine rather than clean the carpet.

Consider Professionals

They train tradesmen to remove various types of stains and know what detergents to use. Most commonly, they use the water extraction method that not only removes stains but sanitizes the rug. Besides, they can use a stain repellent that will protect your carpets from further staining. All the detergents they use are kids-friendly.

If you still consider cleaning the natural carpets yourself, then you should know several things:

• Before cleaning, test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous section of your carpet;
• The stains should be treated immediately, otherwise, there is a chance of permanent staining;
• Do not scrub the stains. That way you only rub the spot in, which makes the cleaning process even harder;

What Cleaning Products To Avoid

The effectiveness of the carpet cleaning detergents is explained by the high contents of chemicals that “dissolve” stains. Yes, they are effective but they can be extremely harmful to kids in different ways, like skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems like allergies and asthma, eczemas. Similarly, the team at We’re All About Cats explains that these products can cause harm to our furry friends too: “Cleaning products containing bleach or ammonia can burn our pets’ paws if they come into contact with them, and they can even be fatal if swallowed.”

To ensure your kids’ and pets’ health, we recommend:

• Avoid detergents that have such warnings as “hazardous,” “dangerous,” “highly flammable,” or “irritating”. This is a clear sign that they do not include baby-friendly ingredients.
• Avoid detergents that have hydrofluoric acid, butane, propane, glycol ethers, quaternary ammonium chloride, and sodium hydroxide in the ingredients list.

As an alternative, you might buy green or eco-friendly products based on natural ingredients.

Use regular products that you can find in any household, such as lemon, baking soda, white vinegar, club soda, borax, and hydrogen peroxide. More on those in the next part.

Common Stains And How To Remove Them

Food Stains

What you need:

• Vinegar;
• Water,
• Sponge;
• Soap.

In the situation with food stains,

1) Use a mixture of water and vinegar on your carpet.

2) Keep in mind the material of the carpet. If it is a natural fiber, then the proportions are following – ¼ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of water. For synthetic fibers – ½  cup white vinegar with 1 cup of water.

3) Apply the solution on the spot with a sponge, wash it off with soap and let it dry. If the stain doesn’t come off, try applying hydrogen peroxide.

Chewing Gum

What you need:

• Plastic bag;
• Ice cubes;
• Knife;
• Lemon juice;
• Soap;
• Toothbrush.

1. Put ice cubes in a plastic bag and let it harden the chewing gum for around 30 min.
2. Remove the gum with the knife using a pulling motion. Hardened gum should come off in a solid piece.
3. If there are any small pieces left, squeeze some lemon juice to remove them with a piece of cloth.
4. Use the toothbrush to collect the leftovers and finish cleaning the area with soap and warm water mixture.

Glitter

What you need:

• Vacuum;
• Sticky roll.

Vacuum the rug thoroughly and use the roll to collect the leftovers. You can as well use a tape.

Mud

What you need:

• Vacuum cleaner;
• Sponge;
• Towel;
• Soap.

1. Collect the dried mud with the vacuum cleaner.
2. When you have collected all the hardened pieces of mud, you would want to remove the remaining dirt that is clinging to the fiber. To do that, make a bubbly mixture of soap and water and apply it to the stain. The remaining mud should lift off.
3. Carefully blot the area with a dry towel.

Permanent Markers

What you need:

• Rubbing alcohol;
• Cotton balls.

1. Apply some alcohol on a cotton ball and dab it in the stained area. You would want to do it in small sections, to avoid further staining.
2. When the marker comes off on the wet cotton ball, take a dry one and start blotting the stain.
3. Repeat the process until the stain fully comes off.

The kitchen is one of the most crucial places in the house. Some designers refer to it as the heart of the home. People not only eat there, but minds congregate and trade ideas and stories.

That’s why this is the one room that should never be dirty.

Healthline recently published the kitchen as becoming the dirtiest room in the house. People often think that spaces like the garage or living room are the dirtiest.

But the National Sanitation Foundation insists that any room that stores food is a risk. And these rooms-kitchens-require frequent cleaning.

If you’re looking for ways to tidy up the kitchen, read on. We take a look at some kitchen cleaning tips that get the job done.

Clean as you cook

It will help if you discipline yourself when it comes to cleaning. This may be challenging at first, but it will only get better as you move along.

The next thing you know, you will be doing it without much thought.

Clean your fridge regularly

A good rule of thumb is to be diligent every day to prevent cross-contamination and ickiness in general. Clean up any spills that occur right away with a cloth moistened with food-safe antibacterial spray.

And what we usually tell our clients at Planet Maids Cleaning Services NYC is to ensure that their meat packaging is not leaking. Please put it in a sealable storage bag or container until such time that you’ll cook it.

Take the grease off kitchen walls

How often you’ll give your backsplashes and cupboards a deep clean usually depends on how often you cook.

It is common for the oil to splatter on the wall when you’re cooking. But that doesn’t mean that you should let it be. The grease and grime can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which could lead to food poisoning.

What you can do is soften the grease and grime using a clean sponged that is soaked in warm, soapy water. Use it to wipe away the grease and then dry it with a clean dish towel.

Stubborn stains may call for a baking soda spot treatment or a spritz of distilled white vinegar.

Remove the grease on your stove

Kitchens can get pretty messy if you don’t have the time to stay on top of them. And nothing seems to build up more quickly than grease on your stovetop and stove eyes.

Even if you don’t cook that often, grease somehow manages to appear.

However, you don’t want the room you prepare and eat your food to be covered in spatters and grime. Learn how to remove grease from your stove and its eyes.

Don’t neglect your microwave

All it takes is one round of leftovers or burnt bag of popcorn to turn a sparkling clean microwave into a grimy, smelly mess. The key to having a clean microwave is regular maintenance.

Unlike other kitchen appliances, you can clean a microwave using everyday pantry supplies. This includes baking soda, dish soap, and vinegar.

Wash the dishes right away

When it comes to dishes, which is easier?

A lot of things are happening in the kitchen – cooking, frying, throwing the food away, so it’s no wonder that smells are a natural occurrence there.

If you ever felt (and you most certainly did) that you want to leave the kitchen immediately due to some horrible smell, then you need to check out these tips on how to get rid of the smells fast and how to reduce them to a minimum.

Reduce trash odors

Of course, you shouldn’t wait for too long until you take out the trash from the kitchen – the more it’s inside the room, the stinkier it will be.

However, sometimes it’s not the actual trash that stinks – it’s the trash can. From time to time, sprinkle it with baking soda, and then spray it with a disinfecting spray to get rid of bacteria.

You can also use lemon or orange rinds to refresh the trash can. Use a few pieces every two weeks and run them through the can. The acid inside this citric fruit will break up the grease and leave a fresh scent.

Dry the sponge

Wet sponges can stink a lot, so it’s best to give it a good squeeze after every use. Store it in a place where there’s good airflow – it will not only prevent the smells but it will also prolong the sponge’s life. And don’t forget to clean the sponge in the dishwasher every once in a while. 

Microwave odors

You cook almost everything in the microwave, so it’s no wonder it could start giving off various unpleasant smells after a while.

To get rid of the lingering smells, boil one-quarter of water together with lemon slices in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Wipeout any remains of the wood inside the microwave and leave the microwave door open to let the inside dry completely.

Exhaust fan

You should use your exhaust fan whenever you cook to prevent unnecessary smells coming from cooking. It’s even better to switch the fan on every time you use the oven or even the cooktop. In case you don’t have an exhaust fan, think about getting one – it’s a great help in preventing odors from filling the kitchen and even spreading through your home when cooking.

Dishwasher smells

The dishwasher gets filled with various smells – just think about how many different food remains find their way inside the dishwasher and give off smells while you’re waiting to fill in the dishwasher so that you can turn it on. Even the dishwashers of the highest quality can give off smells because sometimes food particles find their way inside the dishwasher parts and stay there to rot and smell.

To give your dishwasher a proper clean, you first need to empty it – remove even the bottom rack. Use a clean microfiber cloth to remove any debris. Then place a glass cup of white vinegar on the top rack between the prongs for glasses. Rin the dishwasher through a single cycle and set the highest possible temperature. After the cycle is finished, leave the door open for one hour so that the dishwasher dry out completely. White vinegar inside it would have broken up grease and neutralize the odors. Still, if you don’t like the scent of fresh vinegar, you can mask it later with a few drops of essential oil. Repeat this cleaning process for times a year.

However, sometimes a dishwasher part breaks or cracks, allowing the food particles to get inside the cracks – there’s not a lot you can do about it but to look for dishwasher spare parts. It’s the only sure way you will get rid of the smell and that your dishwasher will continue functioning properly.

Refrigerator odors

The refrigerator can give off truly horrid smells if there’s food that’s gone off or if you don’t store the food properly.

The obvious thing is to make sure every meal or any type of food is stored inside a container with secured lids or at least wrapped in material that doesn’t give off smells. Every couple of days, check your fridge to see if there’s any spoiled food you need to get rid of.

Also, baking soda is a great tool in fighting fridge odors – place an open box of baking soda in both the fridge and the freezer. It will neutralize the smells.

When you’re cleaning the fridge, be very thorough – clean the cracks and crevices on the shelves, side doors, and crispers. You wouldn’t believe how many crumbs or spills stay there causing unpleasant smells.

Cutting boards

You use cutting boards every day to chop and cut various types of food, so all of that remains on the cutting boards. Sometimes even sanitizing it can’t remove the strong smell of garlic or onion. To freshen up plastic cutting boards, put them in the dishwasher. As far as wood cutting boards go, scrub them with a lemon half that you previously dipped in salt.

The kitchen sink

A lot of gunk ends up in the sink, resulting in a very specific smell coming from it. First, scour the drain by pouring a cup of salt, then pour a cup of baking soda. Next, boil water in a kettle and pour it into the drain – that will activate the salt-baking soda mix. Leave it for a couple of minutes and then run cold water for a whole minute. It will wash away the residue and leave the drain clean and odor-free.

Freshen up the kitchen

In case you don’t like the smell of yesterday’s meal you cooked, a spritz of homemade air freshener could help. Pour three-quarters of water in a spray bottle, add two tablespoons of vodka or rubbing alcohol to it, and add 10 or more drops of essential oil of any scent you like. keep it under the sink for a quick fix.

Bottom line

Kitchen odors can have various sources – only regular and thorough cleaning and maintenance can prevent the odors from spreading.

Staircase of a house not only provides the solution in the form of the vertical circulation but also the essential indication of the overall design for the home. The modern-day staircases comprise of first-class features and you can get extraordinary staircase designs with little efforts. In this article we will discuss a few designs you can consider for your staircase.

The trending list of designs