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6 common laundry mistakes to avoid

6 common laundry mistakes to avoid

One of the most basic rules of doing laundry is to put whites and colors in separate loads. But there is more to laundry than just picking clothes based on their color. Sometimes one can make certain mistakes that can damage the clothes and cost them a lot of money. Hence, here are some common laundry mistakes that can lead to damaged clothes, followed by tips on how one can avoid them. Using more laundry detergent than necessary Usually, people believe that adding more laundry detergent equals cleaner clothes. But this is far from the truth. In most cases, adding extra laundry detergent can lead to the development of extra suds that can remain on the clothes after the wash. So, when one wears these clothes, the sticky suds layer on the clothes can attract more dust and bacteria, affecting the quality of the clothes and compromising one’s immune system. Hence, its imperative to use the recommended quantity of detergent according to the laundry load. Not sorting the load by material One of the most common laundry mistakes that can damage clothes is not sorting them based on their material. While putting white, light-colored, and dark clothes in separate loads can prove beneficial, segregating these clothes based on their fabric material can prevent damage and abrasion.
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12 most common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid

12 most common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid

Gathering around a BBQ grill, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat and other BBQ items and the laughter of friends and family create cherished memories. But to truly master the art of outdoor cooking, one must be aware of common mistakes that can hinder the grilling experience. By recognizing and rectifying these mistakes, one can elevate one’s culinary skills and ensure safety and make delicious and perfectly cooked meals each time. Forgetting to preheat Preheating the griller kills any residual bacteria and ensures an even heat distribution, thus enabling better searing and preventing food from sticking. Preheat the grill for about 10–15 minutes before starting up. Neglecting cleaning and maintenance Proper maintenance of one’s BBQ grill is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Ignoring regular cleaning and maintenance can lead to a buildup of grease, blockages in the burners, charred debris, and rust, which can affect the flavor of one’s food and even pose safety hazards. Overcrowding the grill Placing too many items on the grill at once can result in uneven cooking and inadequate searing. Each item needs sufficient space to allow the heat to circulate and ensure proper caramelization. If necessary, one should grill in batches to allow each piece of meat or vegetable to cook evenly.
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15 common home renovation mistakes to avoid

15 common home renovation mistakes to avoid

Renovating a home can be a thrilling endeavor, promising to breathe new life into one’s living space, amplify its value, and tailor it to one’s unique needs. But without meticulous planning and execution, this endeavor can morph into a costly and frustrating nightmare. As a homeowner, understanding renovation pitfalls is important to avoid unnecessary stress, delays, and financial setbacks. Here are some common home renovation mistakes to avoid for a smooth process. Ignoring permits and regulations Neglecting to obtain the necessary permits and ignoring local building codes can lead to fines, delays, and even having to undo completed work. One should check with the local authorities and ensure that one’s renovation adheres to the required regulations. Neglecting structural issues Before embarking on cosmetic renovations, one should address any underlying structural issues in their home. These may include foundation problems, roofing issues, or termite damage. Addressing these issues early on will prevent further damage and ensure safety. Failing to plan for contingencies Home renovations can quickly become more expensive than what was initially anticipated. In addition to the costs of materials and labor, one should factor in additional expenses like permits, inspections, shipping, and other unforeseen costs. One can set aside a contingency budget of around 10-15% of the project cost.
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7 common mistakes to avoid while buying furniture

7 common mistakes to avoid while buying furniture

Redecorating the home with new furniture is always exciting. It gives one the chance to redesign the space based on their current needs and preferences. Exciting as it is, this process may often also feel tedious. As a result, many people end up rushing the process, purchasing furniture pieces they regret in the future. Here is a list of seven common mistakes people make when buying furniture and how to avoid them. Looking for the cheapest options Many people look for the cheapest options when buying furniture. However, this could end up costing them more in the long run. While it may be an immediate money-saver, the furniture pieces may need to be replaced sooner. When buying furniture, consider the frequency of its use, along with its material and build quality to pick pieces that will last long. Eyeballing measurements One must always carefully measure the furniture being purchased. Additionally, it is important to measure the dimensions of the room it will be placed in and the size of the doorways and hallways. Eyeballing these measurements is a common mistake to avoid as it may mean the furniture cannot be brought into the room, or does not fit in its intended space, which may cause one to return the piece and/or lose their deposit.
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7 unusual ways to keep mosquitoes away

7 unusual ways to keep mosquitoes away

Mosquitoes are carriers of dangerous diseases like dengue, malaria, and West Nile Virus, making it crucial to avoid their presence in and around the house. A Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) study found over 1,000 cases of mosquito-borne infections nationwide last year. Mosquitoes tend to be vectors of a variety of viruses. Therefore, to avoid mosquito-driven infections, here are some unconventional yet practical ways to keep them at bay. Spreading out coffee grounds One of the most weird ways to keep mosquitoes away is using coffee grounds. These are surprisingly efficacious in repelling mosquitoes anywhere. Mosquitoes tend to breed in stagnant pools and puddles of water. To inhibit the breeding, one can spread coffee grounds on the surface of such pools and puddles. The grounds form a barrier that prevents oxygen from entering the water surface. This results in the suffocation and elimination of mosquitoes and their larvae underneath the surface. Apart from preventing larvae from growing into adult mosquitoes, this method is also an eco-friendly way to keep mosquitoes at bay. Adding piñon wood to one’s wood stack Mosquitoes find certain odors incredibly repulsive, and the scent of piñon wood is one of them. Piñon wood tends to work like incense, another common tool used to drive mosquitoes away, and gives off a strong aroma that mosquitoes cannot stand.
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8 mistakes to avoid while moving into a new home

8 mistakes to avoid while moving into a new home

Moving into a new home is always a special experience. At the same time, it is also regarded as one of the most stressful times in one’s life. Individuals must simultaneously pay attention to many things, from packing and cleaning to saying goodbye to their old home, which makes it a bittersweet episode. To make this transition smoother, we have discussed eight mistakes one must avoid while moving into a new home. Not verifying if the new home is ready to move into Individuals must check whether their new home is ready to move into before moving day. If the property or the space around it is undergoing renovations, it increases the risk of injuries, accidents, and allergies. Not having the utilities up and running For a hassle-free living experience, one must ensure that utilities like gas, water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are up and running. Failing to do so may cause frustration, unexpected delays, and increased expenses during the initial days in the new home. Failing to hire a mover Moving homes is a long and cumbersome process. Instead of trying to navigate the journey independently, individuals must hire a moving company. These professional services make the packing process stress-free by bringing their own resources, from boxes and protection material to moving trucks.
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7 kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid

7 kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid

Renovating kitchens every now and then keeps their look fresh and attractive for longer periods. It is often believed that newly renovated kitchens can also inspire chefs to come up with incredible culinary ideas. However, kitchen renovations can be typically expensive, which is why one must get them right in the first attempt. Certain remodeling mistakes can debilitate the look of a kitchen. Here are some of the most common kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid: Not setting a budget Before undertaking any renovation project, the first critical step is to make a budget. One needs to decide what features of their kitchen are most important and worth upgrading. Some people may want more cabinet and drawer space to store their cutlery, while others may want a designated pantry to store more food than the refrigerator can handle. Some individuals may simply want to have additional lighting in their kitchen. Whatever the requirement, one needs to create and stick to a budget so they do not waste a lot of money on the remodeling. Choosing kitchen appliances after installing the cabinetry Choosing the appliances after installing the cabinetry is a massive remodeling mistake. Usually, kitchen remodeling involves a lot of measurements and precision tools.
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6 common carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid

6 common carpet cleaning mistakes to avoid

Carpets and rugs not only provide thermal insulation and warmth to a space, but they also elevate a room’s aesthetic appeal. They are among the most used home furnishings, especially in colder places, and when maintained well, they last longer and retain their texture. Since carpets are quite textured and heavy, one may find it difficult to clean them and end up making certain mistakes. These are mentioned below and should be avoided: 1. Scrubbing to remove stains Carpet stains are icky and sticky and quite an eye-sore, especially if they are very visible. So naturally, people use quite a bit of elbow grease and a heavy-duty brush to scrub off fresh stains and get rid of them quickly. While this may work the first few times, this method stops being effective after a while and damages carpets. Carpet fibers, like most kinds of fabric, cannot resist sustained, prolonged abrasions through scrubbing, squeezing, and aggressive rubbing. In fact, scrubbing stains is not even an effective tactic, as it just causes the stain and liquid to permeate further into the carpet fabric layer. 2. Using a low-quality vacuum cleaner Vacuuming is an effective way to clean carpets, as it is one of the easiest ways to do the task.
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6 most common roofing mistakes to avoid

6 most common roofing mistakes to avoid

Roofing projects are complex, so they are better left to the pros. When a roof is not fixed or repaired correctly, it can risk extensive damage to the whole property and take away the house’s curb appeal. Furthermore, improper installation can lead to concerns like higher utility bills, ventilation errors, and dry rot. If a person still wants to go ahead and undertake the roofing project, they should avoid these six common mistakes. Placing new asphalt over the old layer Placing new asphalt over the previous layer is a big roofing mistake people should avoid when working on renovation plans. New over old might work out well for certain roofing systems, but it is usually the wrong way. Placing new asphalt over the old layer is illegal in some places and more expensive. When installers do this, they risk missing a problem in the old roof, which could lead to higher repair and replacement costs later. Additionally, this practice can lead to the roof structure shouldering more burden than it was designed to. So, individuals should first get the roof inspected and avoid applying a new asphalt layer over the old one. Installing a slate roof without researching While a slate roof demands little to no maintenance, replacing it can be tricky.
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10 common window and door maintenance mistakes to avoid

10 common window and door maintenance mistakes to avoid

Doors and windows are perhaps the most fundamental architectural elements of one’s home. They are important in controlling light, ventilation, and even movement in and out of the house. Many people, however, fail to maintain them properly, causing wear and tear and compromising their integrity. This could lead to expensive repairs or replacements in the future. Here are ten common window and door maintenance mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Not cleaning regularly One must clean the doors and windows regularly to keep them looking clean and ensure their proper functioning. This includes wiping down the screen or surface and removing any dirt or debris that collects in the tracks or hinges. Skipping this could increase the risk of corrosion or limit their movement. Using harsh chemicals to clean One should pay close attention to the cleaners being used. Harsh or abrasive products and tools, such as ammonia-based cleaners and sponges, can damage the doors’ and windows’ surfaces, affecting their appearance. Therefore, it is best to use a gentle cleaner with a soft microfiber cloth or a lint-free towel to avoid streaks or scratches and keep them looking fresh as new. Forgetting about lubricants Once in a while, using a lubricant on the moving parts of doors and windows can also help.
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Top 5 cat foods that are recommended by vets

Cats are strict carnivores by nature, and their bodies cannot digest a carbohydrate-rich diet. And pet parents must feed them a nutritionally balanced diet matching their weight, age, lifestyle, and current health condition. Look for food with animal protein as the prime ingredient and has fatty acids, essential amino acids, and minerals. If you are unsure of what food to choose, you can consider the following vet-recommended food for your cats: Human-Grade Fresh, Wet Cat Food by Smalls Smalls is an ultra-high protein USDA-certified cat food subscription service that uses humanely harvested and human-grade ingredients. Trained chefs prepare the food avoiding cheaper fillers like carbs and grains that add volume and reduce cost. The food does not contain any preservatives. You can choose from chicken, a combination of chicken and turkey, beef, or fish for fresh food. Freeze-dried raw cat food is available in turkey, duck, and chicken flavors. While fresh meals can go to the freezer, freeze-dried raw food can be in the pantry. One package may last five meals, and you must read the instructions to store the leftover package properly to avoid contamination. The approximate cost of Smalls cat food is $2.50 to $3.50 daily. Pro Plan® Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food by Purina® Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Weight Management Cat food is available without a prescription and is a less expensive alternative for weight loss diets.
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Top 5 luxury watches to check out

Owning a luxury watch is not always a symbol of wealth or power. A handcrafted watch is a work of art, craftsmanship, and precision mechanics. It can be a statement or serve as a family heirloom. Owning a luxury watch is every horologist’s dream. When taken good care of, these watches last incredibly long. If you want to invest in one, you can choose from the world’s leading luxury watch brands like: Patek Phillipe Geneva invented the world’s first wristwatch. Patek Phillipe continues to make the most luxurious watches liked by famous, high-profile men and women. Their expertise lies in making watches with various mechanisms that sometimes may take multiple years to complete. Apart from common complications like date and time zones, some outstanding features include minute repeaters, tourbillons, and split-second chronographs. Their watches contain top-class material for the base and inner mechanics, delicately set precious stones, enamel painting, and engraving. Every watch is sleek, classy, and luxurious. Patek Phillipe does not sell directly but through 78 authorized dealers across the country. Some of the timeless luxury watches from Patek Phillipe include: Nautilus Aquanaut Calatrava Complications Grand Complications Golden Ellipse Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin, based in Switzerland, is the oldest watchmaker and has been in the business since 1755.
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Top 3 types of mattresses to relieve back pain

An extremely soft or firm mattress or one that is worn out can affect sleep quality and make one feel tired the next day. Further, if used for a long period, it can lead to issues with spine alignment and even strain the back muscles. If suffering from back pain, it is important to pick a mattress that helps relieve the ache and provides adequate support to the spine. So here are the best options: Latex Latex is a natural rubber that can be combined with other natural and even synthetic products to create a comfortable and durable mattress. Latex is naturally elastic and buoyant, and in mattresses, it can help support the sleeper’s lower back, weight, shape, and different sleeping positions. It facilitates adequate spine alignment and helps take the pressure off the heavier parts of the body. Latex mattresses bounce back to their original shape pretty quickly, and this factor ensures good support for all sleeping positions, making it ideal for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. What makes this one of the top mattresses for back pain is that its springy nature enables smoother movement, and sleepers can change their positions without difficulty. The mattress can retain its shape for many years.
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5 foods that help improve lung health

Our lungs help us receive oxygen and release carbon dioxide through breathing. The body’s natural defense system protects the lungs from infections, germs, and other pathogens. But you can also improve lung health by making specific lifestyle changes like following an active lifestyle and breathing fresh air. Further, the right nutrition plan is crucial. The following foods have essential nutrients that keep the lungs healthy and lower the risk of diseases: High-fiber foods Inflammation is among the leading causes of lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and fiber can help fight inflammation. A molecule in the blood called C-reactive protein (CRP) indicates inflammation in the body. Fiber-rich foods can contain CRP levels and protect the lungs. Fiber can also improve gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids. Some fiber-rich foods that promote healthy lungs are apples, artichokes, beans, berries, brown rice, quinoa, sweet potatoes, peas, cereal, and whole-grain bread. Vitamin C-rich foods Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that protects our cells from oxidative stress. It also has properties that protect the lungs from free radicals. Research shows that people who lack vitamin C may have decreased lung function, which may lead to infections.

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