3 Household Tips for a Safe and Clean Home

We’ve all seen the adverts on TV telling us to make sure our smoke alarms are working properly and we all think to ourselves “ours is probably fine” – but you may be surprised to know that on average only one in 3 households have a working alarm on every floor of their homes.

With that in mind, in this article I intend to give you 3 household tips for a safe and clean home, all of which are problems that can easily be avoided and therefore making our homes a safer place.

Check our smoke alarms work

“Smoke alarms were absent from the fire area in 37 per cent of dwelling fires (16,400 fires). Of the total of 306 dwelling fires fatalities in the Great Britain in 2010-11, 112 (37 per cent) of these fatalities were in fires where there was no smoke alarm present, and a further 76 fatalities (25 per cent) where a smoke alarm was present but did not operate.”

I’m sure you’ll agree that these are shocking figures to read.  The worst part about it is we see so many deaths each year that could be avoided by simply checking our fire alarms work on each and every floor of our homes. It’s pointless having a smoke alarm if you don’t know it works - taking a couple of minutes every six months to check your fire alarm could potentially be the difference between life and death.

If you know you will forget simply set yourself a reminder on your phone or leave a note on your calendar - and just to be safe you could even replace your everyday alkaline batteries for some lithium ten year lifelong batteries, this could be a blessing in disguise for you.

Clean your stove and utensils

On the hygiene front so many of us do the obvious things such as cleaning our toilet or cleaning the chopping board, yet so many of us leave our stove after use but we don’t think about the many bacteria that is then attracted and living on it.

The solution is simple, clean your stove straight after use - It will only take a few minutes but it could save you getting unwanted stomach bugs.  While it is fairly unlikely you will become really ill from it, but you could be leaving your home at risk of a potential fire once again due to build-up of fats and oils from food.

As well as your stove remember to clean your drip pans and all cooking utensils well - it is also crucial you replace these every couple of years, especially when your pans become stained as it’s highly unlikely they will come clean again

Take some time to clean underneath your fridge

As well as sweeping away bits of food debris that gathers underneath a fridge in a kitchen that can attract mice - very few people know this but underneath your fridge is a cooling fan along with a set of coils which need to be cleaned at least every year.  The coils looks a grate or a radiator and their function is to remove heat from within the inside and that heat is then dissipated through a radiator like appliance, this is located at the bottom of the fridge.

The reason for cleaning this appliance is that if you don’t clean those coils you cannot expect them to function properly and they will fail to give off heat as a efficiently as a consequence, creating issues with overheating.

To clean them simply unplug your fridge and locate the grate like coils, and clean with a long thistle brush, and get the vacuum cleaner out to clear any lint, pet hair and food from the coils.

This article was provided by Ryan Hirst who writes helpful guides and tips for Eurofit Direct on their blog

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home

Have you ever felt like you need to wear a Hazmat suit when you use your regular household cleaning chemicals? Often the chemicals used to scour bathrooms, glass, and other parts of a home are far more potent than they need to be, and breathing the fumes of these chemicals is an unpleasant part of cleaning. However, using such strong chemicals can be easily replaced by using many eco-friendly solutions. More specifically, many items that you already have around your home can be used as green cleaning products, providing both an environmentally friendly and budget friendly alternative to regular cleaning products. 

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most underused (but excellent) all natural cleaning solutions. White vinegar is acidic enough to perform the necessary cleaning function of dissolving away household grit, but it is also gentle enough to use without the need for wearing gloves. Vinegar makes an excellent glass cleaner and can be used as an affordable alternative to Windex. For added economical value, vinegar may be diluted in a spray bottle, using about half a cup for of vinegar and filling the remainder of the bottle with water. This diluted vinegar solution is gentle enough to be used on hardwood floors. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is also an excellent cleaning solution. Just as this compound is capable of cleaning out cuts and drawing out the grit in them, hydrogen peroxide can also be used to clean out the grit in kitchen counters and other grouted surfaces. As an added bonus, hydrogen peroxide can also often be used to draw out yellow perspiration stains in the underarm pits of white shirts. However, when using hydrogen peroxide for this latter purpose, be sure to gently rinse out the compound prior to washing the shirt with other articles of clothing. 

Baking Soda

Another great green cleaning product is baking soda. Effective at cleaning just about everything from filthy ovens to dirty carpets, baking soda offers a non-toxic way to freshen up your home. To use baking soda to clean carpets, simply sprinkle some of this compound onto the desired area of your home and subsequently vacuum it up; the baking soda should help remove odours from this area of your carpet. At the same time, as briefly mentioned previously, baking soda can also be used to clean ovens; to do this, simply make a paste of baking soda, coarse salt, and water, and leave this paste on the desired areas of the oven for several minutes before scrubbing it off with a wet rag. Baking soda can also be useful for keeping a refrigerator smelling fresh; leave an opened box of baking soda in the fridge to enjoy this benefit. 

Lemon Juice with Olive Oil

Finally, a combination of lemon juice and olive oil can be used to tackle a number of common household cleaning concerns. Like vinegar, lemon juice is extremely acidic and can effectively eat away at grit that has accumulated over time. Lemon juice is also an excellent way to combat mould, mildew, and other unwanted household fungi. Simply apply a lemon juice solution to any affected areas to enjoy this benefit. At the same time, olive oil is an excellent all natural polishing solution. To enjoy the combined benefits of lemon juice and olive oil, create a solution of two parts olive oil to one part lemon juice and rub it into wood furniture for a lovely shine and fresh scent.

The author, Hugo Riddle, writes about several topics including home contents insurance and other finance subjects. Find more on Your Insurance Quote.

Getting Your Sofa Selection Narrowed Down

By Oliver Bray of Web Marketing London

Oliver Bray’s has been interested in interior design and furnishing since first refurbishing his house a decade ago.  

Evangelising how our environment affects our performance, he now researches and writes about the latest trends in fashion, technology and interior design to help you transform your life.

Getting your sofa selection narrowed down to the one that is right for you and your family can be difficult. It is an expensive and important decision, and there are many factors that need to be considered.

Features

Yes, most sofas are designed to be sat on. However, some can come with several other practical purposes. A fold out futon-bed can come in handy if you frequently have the in-laws dropping by, but a sofa with recliner features can greatly enhance the comfort of sitting down and putting your feet up. Stitched down and fixed cushions might come in handy if you have children, and easily removable and washable fabric covers could make life a lot easier if it needs cleaning often. Think carefully about the little things; they could make a big difference.

There are a number of online stores who stock a range of sofas with different features. Selling sofa beds, recliner sofas and even sound sofas with built in speakers and Bluetooth, they can cater to everyone's personal taste.

Colour and Style

The colour and style of a new sofa is very important. The wrong choice can really clash with the style of a room, but a matching or complementing colour can enhance the look and even the feel of a living space. Think carefully about the different styles available. Sofas come in patterned, vintage and retro designs, as well as colours ranging from traditional and neutral to bold and vivid. Even the shape of the frame and cushions can differ between modern and sleek to vintage designs. Likewise, the material can make a big difference; suede can be a beautiful and elegant fabric, but can clash with the rest of the room. Leather is a popular choice but comes in a limited range of colours. Think carefully about the design of the rest of the room when making a decision.

CSL Sofas has a wide range of different colours to choose from. The decision can be even easier to make by using CSL Sofas free "In Your Room" phone application. Using augmented reality, you can pick out a sofa on the app and see what it would look like in your home. It's as simple as taking a photograph and is a sure way to see if the new furniture suits your style before you buy it.

Size and shape

Will the sofa be the focus of the room or will it be complemented by other armchairs? Is it for a busy family room or a more laid back living room? A sofa with built in reclining features can be ideal for quietly settling down and enjoying the television, but a large L-shaped sofa might be better for a bigger family or a more open room. You should always consider whether you will have other furniture such as footstools or a coffee table around the new sofa.

Kids and Pets

Never underestimate how mucky children can be, or how sharp a cat's claws are. It's ambitious to say "We'll keep the pets and kids off it!" but it doesn't always work out. Both pets and little children can be more destructive than they look so you'll need a couch made out of a hard-wearing material. Compared to upholstered fabric, leather is durable and easy to wipe clean. However, it can still be scratched so caution should be taken with any particularly persistent pooches.

Choosing Home and Building Insurance

If you own a home or property of any kind, it may be beneficial to obtain insurance for your property.  Disaster can strike at any moment, and having insurance provides you with the peace of mind that you will be covered if there will be any sort of disaster.  Selecting the right amount of insurance for your home or business property is always a challenge and dependent upon several varying factors that are unique to your situation and circumstances.

When determining the types and amounts of buildings and home insurance to obtain, consider the value of the property you own.   It is generally not advisable to insure the property for more than its current value, unless the cost associated with replacing the location are significant.  In addition, you should consider the likelihood of each disaster occurring and the geographic area where your home or property is located.  While it may be nice to have flood damage insurance, if your home is nowhere near a body of water, it may not be useful to have a significant amount of flood insurance and you may be able to trim this insurance for a lower premium payment.  In addition, you should always consider your financial circumstances and ability to pay these amounts of insurance and adjust the amount of your deductibles to meet your financial capacity or adjust your overall profit on your investment property.  Also consider any required insurance that you are mandated to obtain in accordance with your mortgage loan, which will help to protect the lender in case of your financial disaster. Finally, when selecting home and property insurance pay attention to the quality and reputation of the insurance company before selecting one, to insure that you are properly covered.

There are several types of home and property insurance out there that can be considered.  Homeowners insurance is a popular form of insurance that is generally mandated by your mortgage lender.  Homeowners insurance protects you from most environmental disasters including earthquake, flood, and tornado damage.  In addition, it protects you from theft of your home.  Homeowners insurance does not provide protection for routine repairs and maintenance.

Property and casualty insurance is another type of building insurance that is generally used with investment and business property.  It provides much of the same insurance that homeowners insurance does, but provides protection against lawsuits against your business in case of damage caused to others do to your property.

Climate control and why you need it when renovating

If you are renovating your home then the weather and the moisture levels of the home is something that should be seriously considered, but often overlooked. Moisture levels are a major threat to the home, and to any renovation work that you are doing. These levels are largely dictated by the climate you live in, so before you start you renovation works have a think about the climate you are in and consider hiring heating and drying equipment to make sure you have solved any existing moisture problems. This will help you prevent moisture from damaging your work when re decorating your home.

Damp

If you live in a wet climate, with plenty of rain and you do not have good guttering, then damp will show up on your walls in the form of dark patches. If you are planning to renovate an area suffering from damp, then drying out the walls using heating and drying equipment is a good idea, as painting over the area will not solve the problem. Damp is also one of those problems that looks relatively minor from the outside, however it is important to find out how extensive the moisture damage is so you can solve the problem appropriately. For a moisture problem such as damp, the heating and drying equipment that is best suited for the job are a de humidifier and a heat lamp. The dehumidifier is a great option as it will draw out all moisture from the walls and leave you with a dry surface. A heat lamp whilst you are renovating will keep the air dry so that if there is a problem with gutters and windows you will be able to spot them relatively quickly if they reappear. This equipment is available from all good tool hire companies.

Mould

Mould growing on walls is another moisture problem that can really damage your renovation works. Mould can be an indicator of damp or it could also mean that you have a leak. For a problem such as this you will need a piece of heating and drying equipment such as a heat lamp or a dehumidifier.

Paint, Plaster or Varnish not drying

If you are undertaking renovation works, and the paint or plaster that you are applying to walls is not drying, then you have a humidity problem on your hands. If you are working in a hot climate, you may be surprised that moisture is an issue for you, however it is a very common problem. If you are renovating in cold wet weather then you need heating and drying equipment such as a dehumidifier or a heat lamp. Pick a ceramic heater over a convector heater, as ceramic heaters are drier. If you are working in a warmer climate, then an air conditioning unit is the piece of heating and drying equipment that you need. When you look through heating and drying equipment you will notice that you have the option of an air conditioner or an air cooler. Pick an air conditioner as this dehumidifies the air whilst keeping it cool, an air cooler will add more moisture to the air.

Whatever your renovation project is make sure that the climate that you are working in is optimal.

Rugby Star’s Tiling Challenge Goes Viral

Former international rugby player Lewis Moody M.B.E was called upon to test Elastoplast’s new Extra Tough plaster and it proved a huge success!

The ex-rugby captain and part-time DIY guru has become a viral hit after taking on a Vertical Tiling challenge.

The 33-year-old has turned into a huge sensation on YouTube after being videoed trying to tile a wall whilst being tied to a rope. The ‘Extreme DIY with Elastoplast Extra Tough’ clip involves the sportsman running back and forth with plaster and tiles in a nail-biting race against the stopwatch but the tongue in cheek video shows him falling all over the place as he is catapulted back by the spring.

Despite spilling plaster all over himself and being in a race against the horn, Moody shows just how super sticky, durable and waterproof the new plasters are no matter how extreme the DIY task is!

But why was the sportsman the perfect candidate? The English rugby union player from Berkshire recently announced his retirement from the game in March of this year. With so much spare time on his hands, he has starting to enjoy a spot of DIY as well as take part in extreme sports like wakeboarding. And as many people know, accidents can happen when participating in dangerous sports as well as trying to put up a shelf or fix a leaking tap around the home.

The video has already received over 100,000 views and if you fancy checking out the hilarious clip you can watch by clicking the video below or by clicking here. Next week Brits can watch how the Extreme Tough plaster copes against bandsaw skateboards!

Oh bathroom, to renovate or not, that is the question!

They say there is no place like home, but what about your bathroom? Your bathroom is one of the places you spend your time mostly, whether you're brushing your teeth, showering, etc. You want your humble abode to be attractive for guests and visitors, but why not your bathroom? Here are some reasons why you should renovate your bathroom:

More value to your home 

Often times when people are trying to sell their homes, they often do home renovations to improve the value of their home when selling. By doing a bathroom renovation, it not only adds more value to your home, but also makes your home that more attractive to the eye of the customer.

Wide selection of renovations 

If you ever wanted to change up your bathroom, there are multiple styles of bathtubs available. From the standard alcove bathtub to the luxurious platform bathtubs, there is a type of bathtub for everyone!

 "Wow" factor 

Ever walk into your bathroom and feel like "wow, this is boring"? Bathroom renovations specialists Ultimate Bath Systems can help transform your bathroom from boring to amazing. Featuring a wide selection of textures and colours to choose from, your dream bathroom renovation dreams can come true! Want to make your bathroom even more exciting? You can change your plain old countertop with some new marble or granite countertops to make your bathroom even more inviting!

Safety 

Do you have an elderly person living at your home? Do you want your bathtub to be safer? A simple renovation such as a walk-in bathtub can be the solution to these troubles. Featuring slip resistant patterns on all bathtubs, you can be rest assured that anyone at any age can shower with an ease of mind.

Impressing guests 

Whenever you want guests to come over to your home, you want to make them feel the most comfortable and cozy, but what about your bathroom? By doing a bathroom renovation, it not only makes your home that more impressive, but as well more opening to your guests. Imagine yourself hosting a dinner party and one of your guests needs to use the bathroom, suddenly they see a nicely renovated bathroom they are able to use. It makes their experience at your home that much better and they would be amazed at how well you take care of your home.

Overall, there are multiple reasons why one would want to renovate their bathroom. There are also many types of renovations one can do from bathtubs countertops. If you ever wanted to make your home to look even better, start by doing a bathroom renovation today!

Author Bio: Michael is a freelance blogger and contributor at Expert Notion. During his free time he likes to surf the internet, browsing forums and checking out blogs that intrigues his mind.

Home Renovation - Things to remember

Buying a profitable Property

Before buying your property a key thing to remember is to make sure you do your research. You need to check how long a property has been on the market for, bearing in mind if the property has been on the market a while, for example six months, then there is a possibility there isn’t a lot of money to be made if it’s a potential investment.

Things to look out for

One Thing to remember is to make sure you’re not buying a property that’s going to swallow your all your available money. Although you have to be prepared for the worst, especially if you are buying an old home, you also need to realise that problems will occur - like when stripping the wall paper part of the wall might be coming off with it, or when replacing the roof tiles you may lose half the roof in the process. But this is why it is vital that you take as many trips as you feel needed with various tradesmen if needed too. This will give you a good idea of how much money you will be spending and what you are letting yourself in for.

How much is there to be done?

Well this depends entirely on the property, and if this is your first home renovation property you don’t want to be taking on too much, as costs can escalate very rapidly. For your first couple of investment properties look at a dated property as theres a higher probably that it will need a lot of work and therefore be cheaper to buy.  It is unbelievable how much a lick of paint alongside a new kitchen and bathroom can modernise a house to sell for profit. Leave the big renovation jobs until you have some experience, confidence and normally better funding to finish the job properly.

Be sure to ask the experts, vision isn’t everything!

Get estimates from specialist tradesmen, such as roofers, electricians, as well as damp and timber specialists - they will probably charge nothing or very little for quotes, and then you have an idea of if the property is really worth it once you’ve paid out for all the work it needs.

Money/funding!

You need to be ready for the worst when taking on a wreck, because we all know that so many people end up saying ‘it was twice as expensive as I thought it would be’. Be sure to ensure you have enough funds to play with should it all go wrong. Set yourself a reasonable budget and build in some emergency funds for the future. 15% of the total cost is the usual and reliable guideline.

If you stick to all these factors, within reason you should be able to manage home renovation, and if it is your first property renovation, play it safe. As we all know it’s better to be safe than sorry!

This article was provided by Ryan Hirst who writes helpful guides and tips for Eurofit Direct on their blog

Three Easy Ways to Improve Your Home

Home improvement is a great investment of time and money. A home is a sanctuary; the safe place that separates you from the abrasive world outside. Making it as nice as you dream is part of the fun. An enjoyable project provides satisfaction, and improves the home.

Fresh Exterior Paint

Changing the color of the home creates dramatic change without breaking the bank. If the home cries for paint because the last paint job is flaking off little by little, this project is your priority. The things you need are:


•Paint scraper.
•Masking tape.
•Paint brushes and rollers.
•Drop Cloth.
•Paint thinner.
•Paint primer.
•Paint.


Scrape loose paint off the walls. Well-adhered paint will stay in place. Prime the areas that are bare; paint will only stick to paint or primer. Buying a good, 15 or 20-year paint is worth the investment. The quality outweighs the extra cost; you get better coverage, so you buy less paint. Use the drop cloth to protect the area directly below you. A medium quality brush for priming may be acceptable, but you should not use a cheap brush to spread high quality paint. A layered camel hair brush delivers the best result. Soak it in paint thinner before hand washing. Use a roller on the smoother surfaces.

Interior Paint

Mask interior surfaces for protection. Remove smaller furnishings and decorations from the project room. Center large items and cover with a drop cloth; they are out of the way, and protected. Interior paint swatches do not match semi-gloss paint. The shiny finish makes cleaning easier, but the glare ruins the mood that could have been. The solution is flat interior paint.

Patio Deck

If you know your way around a set of power tools, consider adding a backyard deck. The deck is an inexpensive way to add living space to your home. Decide what design fits best with your yard and home, and then go to the lumberyard. There are readymade deck plans available. Lumberyards sell deck “kits.” The package-price includes all the hardware, and lumber needed.

Important Things to Consider

There are many ways to improve your home. If you enjoy improvements, but not actually doing the work, consider hiring someone. Most contractors do free estimates. Only accept estimates in writing. A licensed contractor carries liability insurance; this protects you from damages due to negligence. A licensed contractor includes a city permit in his estimate.

Protecting your sanctuary from intruders gives you peace of mind. Consider a home alarm system as you review the home-improvement budget. Modern designs are convenient. Family members memorize a code; the system secures each entry in this manner. The cost of the alarm system is preferable to the cost of losing valuables or sleep.

Your home is likely your biggest investment. Making improvements keeps it nice, and adds to the pleasure of owning it. Are you going to take on a project? Decide what is right for you, make a plan, and dive in.

Keeping Curtain Poles In Top Condition

Curtain poles, whilst serving a practical purpose, are so much more than simply a piece of wood or metal used to hold up fabric. Whilst this is without doubt its primary purpose, a curtain pole can also be used as an effective element of interior design in a room too. If enough thought and consideration goes into their purchase, they can really help add a new dimension and some character to a room. Obviously, taking the time and effort to invest in quality hardware means that the effort should also be made to make sure they are maintained properly. Here are a few simple tips to making sure your curtain poles stay at the peak of their condition.

Child Play

We all know that the home is one big play area to children, and unfortunately they may choose from time to time to play with curtains. Also, whilst their intentions may be good when they go to open the curtains, unless they are aware of the proper technique required, they may pull them a little too hard or drag them, which will cause wear and tear on the poles and, in extremely circumstances, may cause them to bend and break.

Opening

The same applies for yourself, as it’s important to ensure you have the curtain opening technique down to a tee. Try and grab hold of the curtain as close to the top as you can, as holding it as close to the pole as possible will allow the smoothest movement possible. This will ensure that the pole isn’t pulled or dragged in the process.

Mounting

This is an obvious one, but make sure that the equipment and methods used to fit the curtain poles to the wall are of top quality. It should go without saying, but poorly mounted curtain poles are more likely to rip out of the wall and, therefore, get damaged. It’s 
best if you use a wall stud to help mount the screws, or at least an 
anchor to hold the screws in place.

Exposure to Sunlight

This shouldn’t be a problem if the curtains are hung above the window, however if they are mounted in front of the glass then the sunlight could cause damage to the pole. This is a more aesthetical issue than a physical one, but still worth bearing in mind. Like most materials, the sunlight will cause the wood to lose its colour and, in extreme circumstances, it’s strength to an extent.

Dust and Dirt

Just like any other surface in the home, curtain poles can gather dust and dirt frequently. If this isn’t kept on top of, then it can quickly turn into grime which is a whole new (and much harder to clean) problem. A once-over with a damp cloth on a regular basis should be enough to make sure that they stay clean and presentable.