5 things to avoid during power outages
Home & Garden

5 things to avoid during power outages

Natural events, such as the ongoing Hurricane Ian in Florida, frequently cause power outages in nearby regions. So, while you prepare for such natural events in conventional ways such as stocking up supplies, using warm clothes, and maintaining communication with the respective authorities for informational clarity, it is easy to look past the necessary do’s and don’ts that need to be followed during an outage. Here are some things to avoid during power outages: Using excessive candles Candles have always been extremely dangerous during outages. During an outage, the visibility is lower than usual, especially during the evening. Therefore, the possibility of pets, kids, or even grown-ups walking around and unintentionally knocking down the candles is always there. To avoid the ensuing fire and damage that may follow, avoiding candles is one of the key things to avoid during an electrical failure. If candle usage is unavoidable, then make use of a few candles, or opt for battery-operated ones in emergencies. Leaving the fridge door open Normally, leaving the fridge door open causes more power consumption, but in the absence of power, it results in the spoilage of items stored within. Leaving the fridge door open causes the cold air within it to escape.
5 common mistakes to avoid while doing laundry
Home & Garden

5 common mistakes to avoid while doing laundry

Doing one’s laundry is a necessary, albeit mundane, task to ensure clean and tidy clothes throughout the week. Doing laundry regularly not only facilitates clean clothes but also maintains the fabric’s freshness and increases their durability. While modern laundry products and appliances allow for considerable ease of washing clothes, understanding some techniques and strategies can enhance the process. This article lists some common mistakes one should avoid while doing laundry: Not removing stains before doing laundry Often, hard stains may not be eliminated when clothes are directly washed in the laundry without stains being pretreated. Hence, it is advisable to remove these stains first by applying some vinegar and baking soda paste on them or blotting them with a laundry or dishwasher detergent for a while. Washing and drying clothes at extremely high temperatures Setting extremely high temperatures while doing laundry can cause the clothes to shrink or tear, reducing their quality and lowering durability. As a thumb rule, clothes should be washed in cold water to ensure that they last long. Maintaining a temperature of 30 degrees while washing works well for most clothes. It is also recommended to avoid using the tumble dryer, preferably opting for a clothesline instead.
9 tips for buying bathroom shower cleaners
Home & Garden

9 tips for buying bathroom shower cleaners

To keep the bathroom clean and free from grime and soap scum, choosing the right shower cleaner is crucial. However, with the wide variety of products available today, one needs to carefully consider its features, pricing, and other key aspects for choosing the right shower cleaner. Additionally, it is important to consider the ingredients of the cleaner to understand its performance and safety. So, here are a few tips for buying bathroom shower cleaners: Check for surface compatibility Some cleaners are formulated for specific materials like tile, glass, or fiberglass, while others are versatile enough to work on multiple surfaces. The chosen cleaner should be compatible with the shower surface to avoid any damage. Look for multi-purpose cleaners For enhanced convenience, one should opt for multi-purpose bathroom cleaners that can tackle not only soap scum but also mold, mildew, and hard water stains. Prioritize safety One should check the labels for warnings and instructions. Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful if not used properly. Further, if one has children or pets in the house, they must consider eco-friendly and non-toxic options. Consider the fragrance Bathroom shower cleaners come in various scents. So, one should choose a fragrance that appeals to them, as a pleasant scent can improve the cleaning experience.
8 essential safety tips for living alone
Home & Garden

8 essential safety tips for living alone

Moving out for work or college can be an exciting and novel adventure, but it can also be daunting. Living alone offers a great deal of freedom, from selecting dinner to decorating, but it also comes with a great deal of responsibility for personal and home security. It’s critical to be aware of all the tips and tricks while living alone to make the experience positive and sustainable. Here are a few safety tips. Safety inspection before moving in Make sure to conduct a thorough safety inspection of the apartment before moving in. Ensure your entrance points are secure, the walkways are well-lit, and your door is made of solid wood or metal. Also, enquire about your neighbors and the surrounding area. Adopt daily safety behaviors Create a daily safety routine or checklist to ensure that all safety precautions are followed. Close your blinds at night, lock any windows and doors, turn on outdoor lights when it gets dark, and bring in your trash and mail during the day. Upgrade the security system Improve your security system to keep an eye on your entire house while you’re away. Install motion sensor lighting and a security system with alarms that turns on when a window or door is opened from the outside.
Top 3 liquid laundry detergents to consider buying
Home & Garden

Top 3 liquid laundry detergents to consider buying

A good laundry detergent of any kind—liquid, pods, powder, or sheets—gives users stain- and odor-free clothes. However, not all products have the same formula, so some detergents may not be able to remove stubborn stains while retaining the color of clothes. So, one must always buy reliable detergents that work for all kinds of loads. The best laundry liquid detergents can remove stains and brighten clothes. So, here are the top options to consider buying: Gain Original Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus Aroma Boost This liquid laundry detergent is at the top of the list due to its best-in-class stain removal. It also has a sweet-smelling formula that leaves clothes looking and smelling incredibly fresh. If one is looking for a liquid detergent that can remove stubborn chocolate stains and whiten clothes, then this Gain product is the best choice. Clorox 2 Stain Remover and Color Booster Besides removing stubborn and everyday stains, this liquid laundry detergent brightens colored clothes, making them look brand new and fresh for a long time. Further, Clorox 2 comes with a special formula that can remove 50% more stains, making it easier to eliminate persistent stains on the clothes. Additionally, this Clorox liquid detergent is safe for all loads and can also be used in both standard and high-efficiency washing machines.
4 ingenious ways to prevent trash bags from slipping
Home & Garden

4 ingenious ways to prevent trash bags from slipping

Putting a trash bag into the can sounds like a straightforward enough task, no? But if you are not paying attention, the next time you forcefully toss something into that bin, the bag can simply slip inside. Now that’s a mess you definitely don’t want in the middle of the day! So here are some simple but effective ingenious solutions where you can use everyday objects to secure the trash bag firmly to the can. Pick the right size You’ll notice with trash bags; there is never a one-size-fits-all solution. Trash cans usually come in rectangular, square, or circular shapes. So, you must narrow down the nearest size based on that shape to secure it firmly and prevent it from slipping off the rim. Use extra-large rubber bands After you’ve rolled up the edge sleeves of the trash bag onto the rim of the can, use a couple of large-size rubber bands to secure the bags. It does seem like an extra step, especially when you want to make the chore less cumbersome. But securing the bag with a large rubber band will keep it in place until you have to empty its contents. Use binder clips This is a less dirty and quicker way to secure the bags to the can.
6 decluttering mistakes to avoid
Home & Garden

6 decluttering mistakes to avoid

Many people make a point of decluttering the house regularly to create more space and simplify their lives. A clutter-free space saves time, boosts mood, improves focus and productivity, and enhances mental well-being. But decluttering the home can sometimes be a daunting task that can also end up causing more stress. Here are a few common decluttering mistakes that may stop you from enjoying the process and benefits of a clutter-free home. Starting without a plan Setting clear goals before starting to declutter your space can save time. For example, you can decide to tackle a section of a room at a time, purchase organizers of the right size, or call up cleaning or pest control services before beginning. Not setting realistic expectations You must set achievable targets that align with your schedule and capacity. Trying to do too much quickly or even over a weekend can lead to burnout and frustration. Decluttering for others without involving them Always respect the opinions of others in the house and involve them in the task. Discarding someone’s belongings without asking them may lead to arguments or build up resentment. By working together and finding common ground, you can create a clutter-free space everyone is happy with.
6 eco-friendly ways to clean bathrooms
Home & Garden

6 eco-friendly ways to clean bathrooms

Bathroom cleaning is a necessary chore, but it need not be an uncomfortable task if you use the right products and tools. Further, instead of popular store-bought products that are laced with chemicals and release toxic fumes, you can try DIY cleaning products using basic ingredients available in your kitchen. The ingredients required here are usually safe. Here are six ways you can clean the bathroom in an eco-friendly manner: Use vinegar Vinegar offers the acidity required for a thorough cleanup, especially when used on metal surfaces like showerheads and taps. You can remove the showerhead attachment and soak it in vinegar overnight. The liquid will gently erode the layer of dirt and grime accumulated on the attachment, leaving it spotless and clean. Try a baking soda paste Mix organic dish soap with baking soda to create a powerful cleaning agent. This homemade paste can help remove soap scum residue on the tiles, the door, and walls. The best part is that the paste will not leave an odor or stain the tiles. Use a homemade drain cleaner One part baking soda mixed with two parts vinegar is a potent cleaning solution that can get rid of stains easily. You can pour this solution into a clogged drain to dissolve the gunk that has accumulated over time.
5 laundry secrets from 5-star hotels to make life easy
Home & Garden

5 laundry secrets from 5-star hotels to make life easy

Doing the laundry is an essential chore but also the most disliked one. Who loves to wait for the washing and drying cycles to end, fold the laundry, and take everything to be arranged in their respective closets? While doing your laundry can be quite a drab job, it can be made exciting and easy with a few hacks, tips, and tricks. Here are a few laundry secrets from 5-star hotels for awesome results. Use vinegar to make your sheets soft Give your bedsheets instant brightness and softness with this quick and easy hack. Just add half a cup of distilled white vinegar to the washing machine and run a cycle. Besides cleaning your sheets, it will eliminate lingering odors from them. Chalk up those grease stains Since chalk is superabsorbent, you can use it as an effective grease stain remover. Just rub it well over oily stains on fabrics. It will absorb most of the grease, making it easier to clean the fabric when you put it to wash in your next laundry cycle. Use a towel to dry clothes faster Want your clothes to dry faster? Throw a fluffy towel into the washing machine and keep it there for about 15 minutes.
Safe and economical DIY detergents
Home & Garden

Safe and economical DIY detergents

Using packaged detergents is a very convenient and easy option for doing laundry, but they also come with so many chemicals that can be harmful to humans and the environment as well. Constant use of these harsh chemicals can also lead to various skin problems, so it is always a good idea to explore some DIY options at home. Here are some safe-to-use DIY detergents that are effective and also economical. Fragrant liquid laundry detergent A very easy and efficient way to make your own laundry detergent, this only needs ingredients like washing soda, baking soda, castile soap, and your favorite essential oil. Here’s what you need to do: Take a 2-gallon bucket. Add half a cup of washing soda to this bucket. After this, add hot water to the soda, just enough to cover the whole ingredient. Make sure to mix it thoroughly to help it dissolve. Only once, when it has dissolved, move on to the next step. Add half a cup of baking soda and mix till it dissolves too. Now, fill the bucket with hot water again and leave just enough space at the top – around an inch. Now add the castile soap – three-fourth cups of it, followed by 15-20 drops of your favorite essential oil.

Top Articles

Top 5 cell phones for seniors
shopping

Top 5 cell phones for seniors

Are you planning to buy a cell phone for a senior family member? Make sure to select something that caters to their various needs. In general, cell phones for seniors must be easy to use, feature large screens, and have reliable safety features. Fortunately, there are a few cell phones in the market that fit the bill. Herein, let’s take a brief look at some of the best cell phones available for seniors today. Lively Smart Lively, previously known as GreatCall, is a company that specializes in making cell phones for seniors. Lively Smart’s large, 6.2-inch display makes reading, typing, and video calling easy and fun. The phone features an emergency alert button, which on activation allows Lively to get the individual’s location and send help. It also comes with features that enable seniors to book a taxi with a touch of a button and speak to healthcare professionals at any time. RAZ Memory Cell Phone The RAZ Memory Cell Phone is designed to help people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of intellectual disabilities stay connected. It has a single, always-on screen that includes large photos and names of contacts, a button to call 911, time, and battery level.
Top VPN services of 2021 offering maximum online privacy
services

Top VPN services of 2021 offering maximum online privacy

A virtual private network or VPN is one of the most useful tools for privacy that can be used at its best when using a public network, as it makes data tracking difficult due to encrypted connection. A VPN connection hides one’s IP address, which prevents companies from keeping tabs on your browsing history. So, if you are thinking of ramping up your privacy setting while using the internet, the following VPN services of 2021 can help you stay off the radar. NordVPN It is one of the best VPN services of 2021 that offers its services for both mobiles and desktops. The VPN service offers not only AES-256 standard encryption but also a double VPN system that encrypts the internet traffic twice. This ensures stronger network impermeability when using public networks. NordVPN is one of those VPN services with at least 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries, ensuring uninterrupted privacy. Moreover, it allows up to six simultaneous connections. Some of its other features include DNS leak protection, proxy extensions on Firefox and Chrome browsers, and kill switches. It is also one of the few VPN servers that accepts Bitcoin as payment. CyberGhost If you are looking for unblocked worldwide access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and iPlayer, CyberGhost is the VPN service for you.
4 tactical boots you can buy in 2021
shopping

4 tactical boots you can buy in 2021

Tactical boots are designed for professionals who need to move fast and be light on their feet. They are not just used by military personnel. And while out to buy a pair of shoes, everyone knows what size or color of boots they’re looking for, but do you know which brand will meet all your needs? To help you, here are some of the best tactical boots you can buy in 2021. Bates Men’s 8″ Ultra-Lites Tactical Sport Side-Zip Boots Bates Men’s Ultra Lites are one of the best lightweight tactical boots you can buy in 2021. The side zipper makes them easy and incredibly comfortable to put on or pull off, and that sure comes in handy if you’re in a rush. The soles are slip-resistant, so you’re safe on smooth and slippery surfaces. Additionally, these military boots have removable inserts to adjust the cushioning and comfort according to your preference. Under Armour Valsetz RTS Under Armour’s UA Valsetz RTS Tactical Boots are lightweight, durable, and slip-resistant. The textile upper and synthetic leather make them comfortable and offer great support. The Ultralight Micro G™ EVA midsole offers excellent cushioning for the feet. Under Armour has been a star in the world of athletes, so you can rest assured that their tactical boots are comfortable and reliable.
3 best anti-radiation phone cases
smartphone

3 best anti-radiation phone cases

Radio frequency waves and electromagnetic waves have been identified as one of the major health risk factors for humans. With most of the population relying on smart phones and wireless internet for survival, the amount of radiation these devices emit is a cause for concern. But you can invest in a decent anti-radiation cell phone case and prevent such radiation from affecting your health with long-term use. Here are our top three picks: 1. DefenderShield DefenderShield is one of the best anti-radiation cell phone cases you can buy that is also approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The case manages to block out 99.99 percent of electromagnetic radiation. The product is designed with multiple layers of shielding without it affecting the device’s ability to send and receive a proper signal. Their proprietary DefenderShield technology additionally blocks 5G wireless, WiFi, and Bluetooth radiation. The material also manages to dissipate any heat within the layers. DefenderShield anti-radiation phone cases are designed for popular Apple and Android smartphones. 2. SafeSleeve SafeSleeve is another popular alternative that is certified by the FCC. The anti-radiation cell phone case is designed to counter 99 percent of direct 5G, WiFi, and cellular radiation. Additionally, the materials are designed to bounce back at least 92 percent of extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation adsorbed form batteries, AC power adapters, and other external devices.
Top 4 ERP software to choose from
software

Top 4 ERP software to choose from

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software are programs that help businesses keep track of and ensure that their customer orders are in place and the data is easily accessible. The program helps better manage aspects like eCommerce, business intelligence, CRM, and marketing automation. Since it is so crucial for the smooth running of a business, it is necessary you choose the absolute best. Oracle NetSuite Oracle NetSuite is one of the highest-rated ERP software available in the market. The program is favored by a major population of business owners across the globe. NetSuite is designed for ease of use and promotes growth, as it provides you complete control with customization options. Oracle is suitable for everyone, right from bookstores to fashion businesses that need an ERP system. You could take a free product demo from the brand to know more about the program. However, since there is customization involved, the website does not mention a price. Microsoft Dynamics Microsoft Dynamics 365 is a cloud-based accounting system that works optimally in combination with Microsoft Office 365. The program can just as easily be synchronized with other Microsoft products and is very easy to navigate. The business version of the software is equipped with better, faster, and more efficient features.
3 popular monthly fashion box subscriptions for men
beauty

3 popular monthly fashion box subscriptions for men

Do you need an effortless way to shop for the latest fashion and apparel? Your prayers have been answered with monthly fashion boxes for men and women that are delivered home. A seasoned stylist can curate a box of clothing and apparel to fill your wardrobe based on a simple questionnaire. The subscription service is also an affordable way to pay for fashion that you like to explore. You can create a custom wardrobe in a few simple steps with these three top services. Stich fix Stitch fix is a unique no-subscription service that curates monthly fashion boxes for men and women. The process begins with an elaborate questionnaire to help the expert understand your clothing and styling needs. Based on the answers given, stylists at the company will curate the best design, fit, and apparel preference for your wardrobe. Customization is one of the critical features of this service so expect a personal style experience with every order. Stylists handpick the best choices for a service fee of just $20, and you can try out all options before making a purchase. Stitch fix features order on-demand as well, so you don’t have to wait around for scheduled box deliveries necessarily.