Laundry is an unavoidable household chore, and while it might appear simple enough, there is a right and a wrong way of doing it. Do it correctly and clothes can look new for a long time. Do it the wrong way and one might even end up ruining the washing machine and dryer. Here are some quick don’ts that seem harmless at first but could end up costing a lot. Overloading the Washing Machine One of the most prevalent laundry mistakes is overloading the washing machine. Trying to cram too many clothes into a single load might seem efficient, but it can result in insufficient water circulation and detergent distribution. This leads to inadequate cleaning and can even damage the washing machine over time. To avoid this, leave some room in the drum for clothes to move freely. Overloading not only compromises cleanliness but also increases wear and tear on the machine, potentially shortening its lifespan. Ignoring Fabric Care Labels Each piece of clothing comes with a fabric care label that provides valuable instructions on washing, drying, and maintaining the item. Ignoring these labels can be a costly mistake. Fabrics vary widely, and improper care can lead to shrinkage, fading, or stretching.

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn’t Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied.

There is a wide variety of barbecue grills based on size, modes, and food placement. Different brands make customized outdoor grills with their own unique design and grilling techniques, broadening their types further. However, before proclaiming yourself the grill master during campfire or garden bbq sessions, you should know some vital factors about outdoor cooking. If you’re new to operating a bbq grill, here are five common errors to avoid. 5 things to steer clear from when using a bbq grill outdoors Cooking on a dirty grill Dirty grills affect the taste of the food and make it prone to pathogenic infections. Moreover, unclean grills have carbonized grease and remnants from past cooking sessions, resulting in uneven cooking and burning of food. Hence it is highly recommended to clean bbq grills properly after every barbecue to maintain taste and health. Using excessive lighter fuel Lighter fuel is easy to ignite. However, using lighter fuel on charcoal grills or using lighter fuel-infused charcoal briquettes can impart an unpleasant flavor to the food. It is advisable to use one small shot glass of lighter fluid on a pound of charcoal for efficient grilling. If you have no experience using a grill, it is best to use the fuel recommended in the outdoor grill manual provided by the manufacturer.

A cleaning routine is effective when it’s done the right way. If done incorrectly, it could be the cause of illnesses in the family. Although a cleaning routine may seem easy to most of us, there are some mistakes we may unintentionally make. These mistakes can result in your home being infected by germs and bacteria. To avoid such infections, here are some common cleaning mistakes you need to avoid while cleaning your home. Using dirty tools Tools are a very important part of the cleaning process. Using the right tool for the right purpose makes cleaning less tiresome and more effective. However, you need to make sure your tools are clean before using them. Cleaning cloths, scrub brushes, and mop heads should be washed at regular intervals so that they remain germ-free. It is also advisable to wash or change your vacuum’s filter. Not wiping surfaces before disinfecting them Disinfecting surfaces actually kills germs, while cleaning only helps in getting rid of dust. Both disinfecting and cleaning are important processes of maintaining your home. Simply wiping down surfaces will be ineffective if you don’t use a disinfectant. Make sure to wipe clean surfaces properly so that the disinfectant can be more effective.

The sight of a pest infestation at home could get etched in one’s memory for a long time. And from that moment on, one can’t help but constantly think about potential ways to get rid of these bugs or rodents. While pest control is an excellent solution, doing it incorrectly can worsen the existing infestation and lead to a lot of hassle. Below are seven pest control mistakes one should avoid. Not determining the cause The first mistake is not determining the cause of the problem. For example, on seeing a couple of spiders in the basement, some people immediately spray pesticide to get rid of them. However, one needs to find where the spiders are coming from. If they are emerging out of gaps in windows, seams, and foundations, one must seal these gaps to keep infestations away. Only spraying ants On seeing a trail of ants at home, some immediately spray them. However, ants come from colonies, meaning a new batch could return in a few days. Therefore, individuals must use indoor baiting techniques instead to solve this problem. The ants will bring the bait back to their nest, which could help eliminate or drive away the colony.

Ticks are common household pests that infest pets. That said, they can make an appearance even in non-pet households. They may come from reptiles and birds just passing through the yard. As soon as the weather starts warming up, one must watch out for these insects. One way to prevent tick infestations is by placing a few fragrant plants around the house. Here are some commonly used fragrant plants that are known to repel ticks. 1. Sage Sage leaves are usually used to add flavor to food. They have a savory and warm taste. At the same time, they emit a strong, earthy aroma that can be calming for humans but repellent for ticks. Thus, sage plants can make a versatile addition to one’s home. Make sure to have multiple plants clustered together to emit a strong smell to repel the ticks. 2. Lemongrass The lemongrass plant secretes a citrusy fragrance that is quite similar to that of lemons but slightly milder. They look like normal, tall grasses. While normal grass can attract mosquitoes and other pests, lemongrass is an effective repellent against ticks. Moreover, it can also be used in food prep or to make tea. In addition, these are quite low-maintenance plants.

Moving homes can be a stressful endeavor. With several jobs to manage simultaneously, it can get overwhelming. From packing to hiring professional movers, every task needs to be handled properly to ensure a smooth move with as few problems as possible. One way to ensure a hassle-free relocation is to avoid several common mistakes while moving. This article lists a few common mistakes one can try to avoid while moving. Not planning well A common mistake many commit is not planning the move adequately. To ensure a smooth relocation, one can start by making a checklist of important tasks. These tasks can be ones that need to be accomplished prior to moving as well as after moving. A detailed checklist will help avoid missing crucial details, such as remembering to switch off utilities in the previous house or applying for an address change at the post office. Packing at the last minute Irrespective of whether one is moving from a bigger house or a smaller space, it’s a blunder to put off packing until the last minute. Not spacing out the relocation process over a few days or weeks may lead to chaos and disorganization. This means there will not be enough time to be careful with one’s possessions.

Owning a home is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. Every home space needs to evolve continually to suit the needs and preferences of its occupants. While complete renovations and remodeling can be expensive, there are several tips and tricks to keep the home looking fresh and welcoming. Continue reading to discover ten easy home improvement hacks that can make any home space a haven that reflects one’s style and comfort. Paint the front door- The front door is often the first thing guests notice when they enter a home. So, transform it in a way that contributes to the curb appeal of a space and creates an impression. Paint the front door a bright, inviting color. For those unwilling to take on the whole door, begin by painting the door knob or investing in a vintage piece for a stylish touch. Add string lights- String lights are a beautiful addition to any space. They also work well outdoors, hung over the patio or porch. Moreover, they can transform any outdoor space into an extra hosting area for guests, particularly in the warmer months. Get glass cabinet inserts- Old wood cabinets can lose their glossy feature with time. Add some excitement to the house by replacing them with glass cabinet inserts.