5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners
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5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient.
6 common mistakes people make when vacuuming
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6 common mistakes people make when vacuuming

While most homes in the country have vacuum cleaners, only a few homeowners know how to use the device correctly. Although this versatile home appliance is convenient, it is an investment. However, by simply learning how to handle the machine, you can use it lifelong. Thankfully, most of the mistakes are avoidable. Let’s take a look at the six most common vacuuming mistakes that we tend to make and how to avoid them.   Six common vacuuming mistakes to avoid    Vacuuming in one direction This is the most common mistake homeowners tend to make. People often use the cleaner in a single direction. However, the appliance is designed to operate in both directions. When you use the cleaner in one direction, it sucks up the dust and grime from one direction and leaves behind the contaminants from the other side. However, when you use the appliance in both directions, a higher concentration and percentage of stubborn allergens, dirt, hair strands, and dust get removed. Optimal use of the device is possible only with bi-directional usage.   Using the machine too fast Most people believe that since the vacuum cleaner is a machine, it can do the work fast. While it is faster than manually dusting and brooming the floor, it still takes time to clean the place.
8 cleaning mistakes that make the house dirtier
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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.
Top 4 air purifiers and how to choose the best one
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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.
5 popular vacuum cleaners to choose from
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5 popular vacuum cleaners to choose from

A vacuum cleaner is a great companion since it makes home or office cleaning efficient. But, buying the right one is not easy with multiple choices in the market. So, if you understand various factors such as the need, convenience, area and nature of your residence, product features, etc., it’ll help heaps. You will make a cost-effective purchase, one that’ll sustain for long. Here is a list of the most popular vacuums in the country: Upright vacuum cleaner from Shark APEX  This one is a must as it is one of the best bagless cleaners that can clean carpets and floors with equal effectiveness. Also, it is sealed, implying that the dust retention power is better. Although, the sound levels are pretty low, but even in the absence of the bag, its capacity to filter out small particles is exceptional. The added advantage of this model is its easy-to-convert feature in a canister. This feature, along with its 30ft long cord, helps the cleaner reach out to shady nooks and corners, below the furniture, and other tricky spots or crevices. You will also love that the HEPA filter is washable, which means you have less stress of replacing it regularly.
10 Black Friday home security deals that might be offered
Home

10 Black Friday home security deals that might be offered

Ensuring the optimum safety of a home requires a bit of research to find the correct home security solutions. The holiday period proves to be the perfect time to invest in these home security systems, as the Black Friday sale lets you avail yourself of multiple deals as per your budget. Here are some estimates of the home security deals you can expect in 2022 based on offers from last year’s shopping season. 10 Black Friday home security deals to anticipate Level Lock The Black Friday sale is expected to bring more than a $50 discount on the set of smart locks offered by this brand. These are simple to install on the doors you currently have in your home. The locks also come in an in-touch edition and are app-enabled, so auto-lock and unlock can be easily achieved. Abode People looking for a home security system that works well with Alexa, Home Kit, and Google Assistant can opt for this brand. Abode is expected to provide its iota Security Kit at a discount of $70, just like last year. Furthermore, the Abode Cam 2 supports easy usage both indoors and outdoors and is also expected to be available at a discount of more than $12.
Smart home devices – 10 best Black Friday deals
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Smart home devices – 10 best Black Friday deals

Every year, Black Friday comes with some of the most exciting deals. This day is meant to make everyone happy, both shoppers and retailers. Shoppers through the amazing deals available and retailers by the increased footfall and sales. From furniture to smart home devices, the list of products offered is endless. If you are considering buying some of the latest smart home devices on sale this Black Friday, then the following list might help you. Amazon Echo One of the most talked about smart home devices is the Amazon Echo. Alexa guides you through endless recipes and other instructional videos on voice command. The camera shutter gives privacy, and an entire home can be controlled by just one device. This product is likely to be on sale this Black Friday. Arlo Security Camera An indoor and outdoor security camera is almost necessary for a smart home. The features are endless as it streams at a 2K resolution and is fully weatherproof. The Arlo Security Camera is more suitable than other 1080p cameras. There is two-way audio that lets you see and communicate clearly with people before you let them into your home. On this sale extravaganza day, you can avail yourself of this device as it could be offered at a reasonable rate.
7 Tips For Maintaining a Lush Green Lawn
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7 Tips For Maintaining a Lush Green Lawn

A lawn improves the appearance of a home; however, maintaining a lush, green lawn is quite tricky. Dry winters and scorching temperatures can make the grass appear lifeless and weed-infested. But, with a few simple tips and tactics, you can transform prickly, crisp-dry grass into a lush, luxurious, deep-green carpet like the ones at country clubs. It only takes a little extra time and effort! Here are some tips for maintaining a lush, green lawn. Tips for maintaining a lush green lawn Cut the grass frequently The first rule of maintaining a perfect lawn is to avoid overstressing the grass. Instead of making one large cut, make several moderate cuts frequently. Mow in a different pattern regularly to avoid pushing the grass stems in the same direction. Only cut up to five centimeters of grass at a time and allow the grass to grow longer in the summer to withstand the hot, dry weather. Consider an electric lawnmower like the PR 40 S, suitable for small and medium-sized lawns if your property is modest and you want a quiet, easy-to-use tool. For larger areas, a petrol-powered lawnmower is the best option. Fertilize right after mowing Fertilizing the lawn on a regular basis is essential for reducing the strain caused by mowing.
5 Common Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid
Home

5 Common Decluttering Mistakes to Avoid

Decluttering your home can be challenging, especially if you have many items you wish to get rid of. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and make errors that obstruct or even make the decluttering process more difficult. Also, one of people’s biggest mistakes while decluttering is improperly using trash bags. Moreover, procrastinating on this chore can also create unnecessary stress and clutter. Here are the five most common decluttering mistakes you should steer clear of: Starting with irrational expectations and neglecting to have a suitable plan Starting with unrealistic expectations and failing to develop a plan while decluttering can be costly mistakes. Expecting to finish cleaning your entire house in a single day is a typical mistake that not only is unfeasible but may also lead to frustration and burnout. Setting realistic goals and planning is essential before starting your decluttering project. For example, creating a list of the items you wish to save, donate, or dispose of, setting deadlines for each room or group of items, and locating resources for donation or disposal are a few examples of how to accomplish this. Your ability to focus and avoid distractions can also be helped by having a plan in place. It’s easy to become sidetracked once you start sifting through your possessions.
8 critical home renovation mistakes to avoid
Home

8 critical home renovation mistakes to avoid

Home renovations are a major task, especially if you own a big house with a complex design. A lot of deliberation must be done before the project can even begin. Right from coming up with ideas to drawing a plan on paper, you need to consider multiple factors before hiring professional contractors for the job. Further, you must avoid making the following mistakes in planning and executing the home renovation project. Miscalculating your budget Everything costs money. Whether simple repairs or a complete makeover, you must be prepared to spend your hard-earned bucks. But that doesn’t mean you can’t set a realistic budget. Typically, a home renovation is estimated to cost 10% to 15% of the home’s total value. Whatever the estimate, always keep an additional 10% to 20% buffer over the agreed amount. Experts suggest this as a general rule of thumb for calculating the final cost. Material and labor rates keep fluctuating, so you might end up underpaying or overpaying depending on the extent of the job. The bottom line is never underestimate the budget, or you may fall short of the actual costs. Neglecting the natural layout of your home Home renovation is a complex job. It involves making significant modifications to the entire space, including the living room, bedroom, and kitchen.

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4 tips for dealing with asthma
health

4 tips for dealing with asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition wherein the airways in the lungs swell up, become narrow, and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe. People affected can experience breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. The disease could be a minor issue for some, while others may have to deal with serious long-term symptoms. Although there is no permanent cure for asthma, here are treatment options, foods to have and avoid, and alternative therapies to manage the symptoms: Treatment options Doctors can recommend the right course of treatment based on the severity of asthma symptoms. Here are a few popular options: Tezepelumab:  It is a popular treatment option, approved by the FDA as a supplementary maintenance remedy for pediatric patients over 12 and adults with asthma. Tezepelumab is an injectable option and the first and only biologic to significantly and consistently reduce severe asthma symptoms in clinical trials. Fasenra:  This is a monoclonal antibody that works on the immune system activity in the body. Fasenra helps control the elevated eosinophil count responsible for severe asthma symptoms. This injection is suitable for children over 12 and adults and can be used with other treatment plans to keep flare-ups in check. Nucala:  This is a monoclonal antibody that also reduces the eosinophils in the body.
4 useful tips for managing migraines
health

4 useful tips for managing migraines

Migraine is a prevalent health condition in which a person experiences severe headaches, usually on one side of the head. There may also be other symptoms like sensitivity to light, tiredness, and nausea, which can last a few hours to two days. The ailment is triggered due to stress, certain foods, and other factors. While there is no cure for migraines, the following tips can help manage the symptoms effectively: Use the correct treatment options There are several treatments for migraines, but it is essential to choose the correct one after consulting a doctor. The popular options include: Nurtec ODT Nurtec ODT is an oral treatment that can help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light in adults. One can use Nurtec ODT on alternate days or as the doctor recommends. Its side effects include allergic reactions, trouble breathing, and rash. UBRELVY It is a fast-acting treatment option that blocks a specific protein in the body known to induce migraine attacks. One can consult a doctor to determine the dosage according to their condition. The most common side effects of UBRELVY are nausea and sleepiness. Excedrin Excedrin is suitable for temporary relief from migraine headaches. It can also treat aches caused by other factors, such as arthritis and toothaches.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients
health

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy.  Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
6 human foods that cats can enjoy
Pets

6 human foods that cats can enjoy

Certain foods that are healthy for us may be beneficial for your cat. As a responsible cat parent, it is essential to be aware of the foods and their sources before slipping a morsel from your plate into your pet’s bowl. Ingestion of toxic foods can adversely affect the cat’s digestive system. Hence, it is advised to consult a vet for recommendations. Here is a list of human foods that are perfectly safe for cats: Meat Cats are carnivores by nature. Most of the commercial cat food in the market contains different meats, an excellent protein source. So, feeding them bits of cooked meats like beef, turkey, or chicken from your lunch plate is entirely alright. Make sure you limit the quantity of the meats. Overeating may cause digestive issues in cats. Salmon Cats love fish, and most vets recommend feeding them fish-based foods. They are a good source of omega-3 and other nutrients. Oily fish like tuna, salmon, or mackerel prove beneficial for their eyesight and joints. However, do not feed your feline straight from the can as they might lick it too aggressively, leading to cuts and bruises on their tongues. It’s best to feed them cooked fish without bones.
Top 9 foods for healthy lungs
Diets & Meal Plans

Top 9 foods for healthy lungs

Life isn’t fun when one can’t breathe properly. Years of unhealthy lifestyle habits and other factors can seriously affect the functions of the lungs, resulting in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and other respiratory diseases that decrease quality of life. Fortunately, one can manage these diseases and even prevent them altogether by incorporating certain foods into their meal plans. Here are some foods that can boost lung health: Beetroots When it comes to the health of the vital organ, beetroot and even its leaves are among the best foods anyone can have. That’s mainly because both beetroot and beet greens are rich in nitrates, which help relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and optimize oxygen uptake. Beet greens are full of nutrients essential to lung functions, such as vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and carotenoid antioxidants. To benefit from beets, add them to salads or make beet juice. Turmeric This yellow spice has been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is behind all the health benefits. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics can make turmeric extremely useful for improving lung function and aiding in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health
health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.