7 mistakes people make when cleaning window blinds

7 mistakes people make when cleaning window blinds

Cleaning window blinds is an important part of house cleaning, as they can carry a lot of dust and dirt. This can also irritate the humans living in the house, especially if they have asthma or other respiratory issues. Though cleaning the window blinds is an easy job, people could make some mistakes that may lead to their deterioration. Here are some of the mistakes people make when cleaning window blinds.

Using harsh chemicals
Some homeowners resort to using industrial power cleaners that remove the stain from the blinds and any scratches or discoloration that happens on the blinds. However, it is important to know that only a professional cleaner can efficiently handle the harsh cleaning chemicals that keep the blinds clean. Therefore, if the window blinds are stained or need deep cleaning, it is best to leave it to a professional to do the job properly.

Ignoring the instruction manual
Every manufacturer provides a user manual along with window blinds to help the user use the blinds effectively and maintain them for a longer time. These manuals contain detailed cleaning instructions, which makes it much easier for the homeowner to know how to maintain these blinds. They also provide information on how to clean stains and collected dust that may lead to discoloration in the blinds.

Using too much water
While water is necessary for properly cleaning the blinds, it is also important to know that too much water can damage them. Any sponge soaked in water used on the blinds for cleanup can easily leave stains on some fabric shades and cause discoloration in some cases. Also, in the case of wooden blinds, it can cause warping as the wood can soak up all the water used while cleaning with a sponge. So, it is advised to always wring out any excess water from cleaning rags or cloths before wiping these window blinds.

Taking too long to clean
If any liquid is accidentally spilled on the shades and is not cleaned immediately, it can lead to staining. The liquid can set in the fibers of the fabric and leave a deep-seated stain, which can only be removed by a professional cleaner. To avoid this, quickly try to soak up the spilled liquid with a cloth. Then, use a light cleaning solution to draw out the liquid that has soaked into the fabric. Some spot-cleaning treatments can also be used in such scenarios to ensure the staining is not permanent and can easily be removed.

Ignoring spot-treating
One of the first few steps to take after reading the instructions manual is to spot-treat the blinds before applying any cleaning solution. Spot treating means applying a cleaning solution to an area on the blind that is not easily visible. This is done to ensure that the cleaning agent does not leave any stain on the blinds. If, after the spot treatment, one notices any discoloration or fading on the fabric, wood, vinyl, or aluminum, then it means that the cleaning agent has not worked well for the blinds, and it is better to change it.

Closing the blinds completely
During the cleaning process, one may make the mistake of closing the blinds completely and wiping them clean with a cloth just like that. However, when one opens the blinds again, one will notice that there is still some dirt and dust on the parts of the slats that were hidden when they got shut.

Not vacuuming
One of the easiest ways to clean the blinds is to use the simple method of vacuuming first. This great hack can help one clean the blinds most efficiently. One doesn’t have to use the vacuum for the whole cleaning, but just as the first step. This way, all the dry and loose dust can easily be removed, and then one can use the appropriate cleaning agent to remove the rest of the grime.

These tips can easily be applied at home, but don’t forget that a professional cleaning service may come in handy when one needs to deep clean the house without taking too much effort. One can also schedule the cleaning once every couple of weeks to ensure there is not too much dirt accumulation.

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Top 7 indoor purifiers for improving air quality

Air quality in and around structures can be affected by pollutants like asbestos, carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, radon, pesticides, indoor particulate matter, tobacco, volatile organic compounds, and wood smoke. Purifier devices are the safest and most trusted options for improving air quality. The country's air purifier market was 2.17 billion in 2020, with a growth estimation of 8.6% by 2028. Here are seven of the best indoor air purifiers to consider for your home: Blue Pure 211+ by Blueair Blueair air purifiers are reliable, and the Blue Pure 211+ can remove a wide range of pollutants and particles trapped in your home. This device has a fabric filter for dust and larger particles and a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter for smaller particles like mold and bacteria. Another filter is activated by carbon that can remove other dust and odors. Blue Pure 211+ is a compact machine that has proven effective for removing airborne pollutants across 540 sq. ft., and replacements will cost around $70. Airmega AP-1512HH by Coway Coway has been leading the air purifier market for quite some time. The Airmega AP-1512HH is effective for a 361 sq. ft room size and has four filters: HEPA, washable, odor, and bipolar ion. This air purifier is the only one with ionizing functions, along with a programmable timer, four fan speeds, and a filter indicator light. It is a compact machine and one of the market's most highly rated and reviewed air purifiers. Replacement costs are also low. The company runs out of stock frequently; if you are keen on this, track its availability. Macro Pro True HEPA Air Purifier by DREO DREO's Macro Pro is an ideal low-cost air purifier with ultra-fine, HEPA, and pelletized activated carbon filters that can remove odors caused by dogs and a lot of dust. The device has three fan speeds and three additional and separate modes for sleep, turbo, and auto. DREO is fitted with sensors that can adjust the mode and speed settings based on the current air quality in the room. The replacements cost around $30. Core 400S by Levoit Levoit's Core 400S has three filtration stages: nylon, an H13 True HEPA, and activated carbon. The maximum effective room size for this air purifier is 403 sq. ft. You may have to replace the filter every six months for one year at about $50. Levoit claims the Levoit Core 4005 can capture about 99.97% of airborne particles and close to 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. This device can also capture smoke, fumes, pet odors, and cooking smells. HM400 HealthMate® by Austin Air If you want an air purifier that works in larger room sizes and is durable, you can consider the Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate. This device can remove pet dander and chemical and gaseous pollutants for a large room size of 938 sq. ft. The Austin Air HM 400 Healthmate has already been tested and proved to remove volatile organic compounds. While this air purifier is slightly higher on the cost side, it is a durable machine. Pure Cool™ Purifying Tower Fan and TP04 Air Purifier by Dyson It is a standing purifying tower fan that detects air quality in real-time. The activated carbon filter removes odors and gases, and a Glass HEPA filter captures minute allergens and pollutants. This smart machine delivers pure air throughout the room at 77 gallons per second, and it can be operated through a voice-enabled app. Dyson's combination of purification and powerful fan speed makes this product a must-buy. You can set it to nighttime mode, which functions in quiet settings with a dimmed display. HPA300 True HEPA Allergen Remover by Honeywell Honeywell's HPA 300 can purify an area of 465 sq. ft. with a disposable pre-filter and a true HEPA filter. This portable device is easy to use, has four-speed settings, and works almost silently, even in high fan speed settings. Allergens trapped in the house are effectively removed thanks to this durable product. The Honeywell HPA has one of the highest ratings for removing dust, pollen, and smoke. However, the device may need a good amount of maintenance, and replacements are expensive. The need for air purifiers The Environmental Protection Agency says that immediate exposure to household pollutants can lead to headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and irritation in the eyes, nose, or throat. While treatment can cure them, the symptoms may relapse when they come back home. The impact of air quality on people with allergies and sensitivities could be more than cold-like symptoms. Prolonged and continuous exposure to household pollutants can cause respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancer. Hence using an air purifier reduces the risk of such diseases. In addition, it can also remove microorganisms and protect you from viral and bacterial infections. Other methods to improve air quality Apart from using an air purifier to remove existing pollutants, pay attention to the household things and remove potential pollutants. Keep the house well ventilated. Check pipes, tanks, and water supply channels for any water leaks that may cause molds. Use professional cleaners to clean your home thoroughly.

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6 worst moving mistakes to avoid

Moving is perhaps one of the most stressful things to do. Expecting to pack up all of one’s belongings into a few boxes and haul them from one place to another, only to open them up and set them again, can be exhausting. So it comes as no surprise that most people make mistakes during this time, some of which can turn out to be extremely costly or time-consuming. Mistakes to avoid Here are a few moving mistakes one can avoid: 1. Not researching the moving company This is perhaps one of the most common mistakes people make when moving. Assuming that all moving companies offer the same level of service and professionalism can be a grave error and put all of one’s precious belongings at risk. To avoid this, one must do their due diligence to find the right moving company. This involves asking for referrals, reading reviews, getting price estimates from several companies, and comparing them to see which one fares better. It can be made easier by referring to online directories that host detailed lists of professional and reputable moving companies so people can find the best match for the job. 2. Trying DIY everything There’s nothing better than the feeling of achieving certain tasks alone. A moving job, however, is not one of them. There’s a lot more to moving than meets the eye, making it very difficult to execute by oneself or with the help of a few friends. Most moves require professional help. Although this can be expensive, the splurge is well worth it. One should start by planning the move to decide whether one needs this help. See how many things need to move to the next house, and calculate how long this will take. Take stock of the number of heavy items that need to be moved. A DIY-moving job may do the trick if it’s a small move. However, if there’s a truck full of heavy items, it might be better to call a professional moving company. 3. Forgetting to schedule enough time to pack Packing takes a lot of time, especially when one wants to do it well. Not scheduling enough time to pack all of one’s belongings can result in stress and panic, which can be difficult to deal with. This can be avoided by planning the move well. Don’t start packing too soon, but don’t wait until the last minute, either. For most people, packing a studio or one-bedroom apartment will take about two days, a two-bedroom apartment will take around three days, and a three-bedroom home will take around five days to a week. Pencil in some extra time to gently wrap and protect any delicate items. 4. Failing to declutter There’s no better time to declutter than during a move. After all, what’s the point of packing, moving, and unpacking things one no longer needs? However, many people end up holding onto things they do not need anymore, which ends up wasting time and money. The solution? Take some time to sort everything out into separate bins. Create four piles here: keep, donate, recycle, and toss. Get rid of things that haven’t been used in the past year or two. Organize a garage sale or simply donate the items to clear up space and prepare for a lighter move! 5. Not packing a moving essentials bag The hassle of having to hunt for essentials (documents, wallets, phones, chargers, and the like) is rather well known. Always pack a moving essentials bag to make light of this struggle. This rucksack, duffel bag, or suitcase should contain all the items one cannot afford to lose and will be needed within the first couple of days of the move, such as cash, cards, paperwork, basic toiletries, some snacks, chargers, pet food, a change of clothes, etc. Every family member must have their essentials bag to make the moving experience as smooth as possible. 6. Overlooking the budget It’s impossible to create a budget that includes every little expenditure throughout the move. However, one must create and work with a rough budget to ensure that they are not overspending during moving. Do this by using a moving-cost calculator. These tools offer estimates based on the distance of the move and the number of things that need to be hauled. Factor in certain additional costs here as well, such as the cost of moving supplies, food deliveries, and a few days off of work.

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