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  • 20 Easy DIY Home Projects to Spruce up Your Space

    Is spending so much time inside making you go stir-crazy? Well with life outside seemingly on hold, this may be the perfect opportunity to make a few easy home improvements to transform your house into a nicer and more refreshed place to spend your days. From adding a pop of color to your front door to cleaning out your closet, here are 20 DIY home projects you can tackle to spruce up your space while you’re hunkered down.

    Put leftover paint to use

    Many of us probably have an extra can or two of paint lying around. So why not use it to add some pizzazz and depth to your rooms with these DIY home projects.

    1. Give your cabinets a makeover

    Painting kitchen cabinets a fresh new color is a fantastic way to completely transform your kitchen. If you tend to be more adventurous when it comes to color, your cabinets are a great place to have some fun. If you already have a lot of color in the room or if space doesn’t have much light, it’s best to go with white or neutral cabinets. Painting alone will not always suffice. In such circumstances, cabinet refacing could be an option. This could be a fantastic way to give your kitchen a fresh, new look.

    2. Make your mailbox the star of your front yard

    Your mailbox is one of the first things people see when they pull into your driveway, so why not give your visitors a great first impression. Whether you live in a ranch-style house in Phoenix, AZ or you just bought a craftsman style home in Portland, OR, you can instantly boost your curb appeal by adding a fresh, vivid coat of paint to your mailbox.

    3. Add a pop of color to your front door

    Green Front Door

    Changing out your front door can be expensive, so painting your exterior door is an easy way to give the front of your home a makeover and also save some money in the process. Painting the inside of your front door is also a fun way to add a bold pop of color and some character into your home.

    4. Give new life to old furniture

    If the paint is chipped or wear and tear has gotten the best of some of your older furniture, a quick paint job can give it a new life. Transform a dated (but functional) dresser, nightstand, or bookshelf with this fun DIY project for a fraction of the cost it takes to replace it.

    Clear the clutter

    Getting organized can feel like a major undertaking, which is probably why a lot of us tend to put it off, and then put it off again and again. But since you can’t go anywhere, you might as well spend a morning or afternoon tackling the clutter you typically ignore.

    5. Maximize the utility of unused corners with shelving

    Running out of storage space? It’s time to finally make use of the corners in your rooms. Installing floating shelves is one of many DIY home projects you can try to create more space. You can get a melamine chipboard or whatever material you wish made to custom sizes and styles that fit the space and match the room. It’s a simple way to spruce up your wall decor while adding more storage in your home.

    6. Clean closets

    Chances are, you’ve opened up your closet and grabbed one of the same few items since spending most of your time indoors lately. Now’s the time to carefully clean out your closet and decide what you really need from those you haven’t touched in a few years. Start by taking every item out, setting aside the items you don’t need, and cleaning the inside of the closet. If you’re organizing a closet full of clothes, sort clothes into piles by season. Put clothes that you’re not currently using in the back of the closet, like that holiday sweater. Keep frequently used items in the front for easy access.

    7. Organize photos

    In a digital age, it’s likely that most of us have our photos stored online. But for those that still have hundreds of photos stored away in boxes, now’s the time to organize them. Start by grouping photos by date or event. Use leftover flashcards or cut up pieces of printer paper as an easy way to separate groups of photos in boxes. If you already keep your photos organized, think about digitizing them. You can use Google’s PhotoScan app to scan old prints and upload them. Organize your photos online into albums to better keep track of them and finally find that picture of your puppy when someone asks.

    8. Rearrange bookshelves

    Bookshelves

    Bookshelves may not initially come to mind when organizing, but they can easily make a space feel brand new. Think about taking some of the books you’ve got hiding away in a back closet and swap them with the current selection on your bookshelf. Wondering what to do with that collectible mug? Add it to your bookshelf for a fresh take on your decor. Best of all, it’s a free way to change up your space.

    9. Tackle under-sink storage

    The last place you probably think to organize is under your sink. From the bathroom to the kitchen, it’s likely filled with near-empty cleaners, dishwashing soap, or even makeup wipes. Set aside 10 minutes to toss out those old household supplies, instantly freeing up space to make way for all that hand-soap and disinfectant you just bought.

    10. Organize your pantry

    You may or may not have months’ worth of groceries in your kitchen right now. Before things get too cluttered, take this time to reorganize your pantry – move things around to maximize space, group like items together, and throw away expired items. You may want to break down the work into smaller parts to avoid being overwhelmed. For example, instead of cleaning out the entire pantry, just do one shelf or area at a time. It will be so refreshing to see the pantry all neat and tidy with everything in its place.

    Transform your space with lighting

    Nothing can change the look and feel of a room quite like choosing the right lighting. The perfect lighting can lift your spirits and make your home a more comfortable place to spend time.

    11. Replace your lightbulbs

    If you have a few extra light bulbs lying around, go from room-to-room and replace any that are burned out. You can also completely change the ambiance in your home simply by replacing any harsh white bulbs with calming yellow ones.

    12. Switch up lamp shades

    Lamps are commonly overlooked in the design of a home, but they add a lot of character and style to a room. So take a look at the shades on each of your lamps. If you have a similar size lamp in another room, swap the shades to give your space a new feel. You can also update a boring old lampshade with a few DIY home projects such as adding fun print or pattern, or a coat of paint.

    Tackle those forgotten about cleaning projects

    Clean Bathroom

    Since you’re spending so much time inside, you’re probably noticing all of the overlooked cleaning projects around the house. If you tackle them now, you’ll be rewarded with a living space that feels brighter and refreshed.

    13. Restore rugs and carpets

    By now, you’ve probably noticed that your carpets and rugs might not be in the same state they were when you moved in or had them replaced. Maybe you don’t even remember the last time they were properly cleaned. Even if you can’t hire a professional to clean your carpets, you can likely rent a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store or carpet cleaning company.

    14. Clean under your bed

    When was the last time you looked, let alone cleaned under your bed? This is one of those DIY home projects that everyone needs to tackle. The space under your bed is a breeding ground for everything from dust to forgotten items. If you use the space under your bed for storage, like seasonal clothes or extra bedding, make sure you’ve stored those items in vacuum-sealed bags to prevent moisture and mold buildup. Bed skirts also collect dust so throw those in the wash while you’re busy vacuuming underneath.

    15. Refresh tile grout

    Refresh your entire bathroom by cleaning and brightening your tile grout. Cleaning grout requires two things: a grout brush or sponge and a suitable cleaner. While there are plenty of store-bought grout cleaners available, it is just as easy to do this with ingredients you already have on hand, such as vinegar and baking soda.

    16. Pressure wash your home’s exterior

    Get some fresh air and restore your home to its former beauty by pressure washing the exterior of your house and hardscape areas. You can even bring back to life patio furniture and cushions. Plus, if areas like your Stamped concrete patio look great, you’ll be even more enthusiastic to welcome back people into your home when it’s safe to do so, knowing that it looks smart on the outside. If your exterior is looking a little worn, a pressure washer may not be the answer to restoring it to its former glory, it may be wise to look into having the outside re-done with stucco contractors in Colorado Springs (or wherever you are) taking a look at it and seeing how they can upgrade your exterior.

    17. Deep clean the refrigerator

    With the extra groceries you’ve probably bought lately, it’s time for a refrigerator clean. First things first, throw out any leftover takeout or expired items. When cleaning your refrigerator, use a surface-safe all-purpose cleaner for the exterior and warmer soapy water for the interior. Be sure to wipe down surfaces before putting your items back inside. Keeping similar items grouped together when refilling your fridge will make finding your favorite condiment or coffee creamer easier to find.

    Rethink your wall design

    Redoing your wall design is a fast way to transform the look of your living room, bedroom, or really any space in your house.

    18. Rearrange or hang up a gallery wall

    If you’ve always wanted to try to create the perfect gallery wall, this is the time to go for it. If you already have one, change it up to revive the space. Try pieces here and there: a new mix-up might surprise you and showcase your photos and art in an entirely new light.

    19. Use empty frames

    Go through the house, pull out any empty frames and put them to good use. Dust off those old photographs and display them proudly or find some printable art online. Hang your frames throughout your home or place them on tables, dressers, and desks.

    20. Put old fabric swatches to use

    When we think of fabric, we usually think of curtains, linens, or pillows, but there are plenty of DIY home projects you can do to turn a basic piece of fabric into a statement piece of wall art. So dig up any fabric swatches that you have laying around the house and put them to use. You can wrap the fabric around a canvas, hang it in a frame, and much more, letting your creativity soar.

    Originally published by Redfin

  • Tips for Easy and Effective Cleaning

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American usually spends at least one hour every day cleaning the house. Knowing how to keep your house clean between work, errands, parenting, and the other demands of everyday life can be one of the hardest lessons you learn in life. While it might be impossible to manage all the household chores and your office work, these easy and effective hacks shared by our friends from best vacuum expert will help you keep your house clean and your life in order.

    1. Keep all your cleaning tools in the same spot

    Keeping your collection of cleaning tools in one place will make things easy for you. You won’t waste any time looking for your tools when you want to clean, and you do not have to worry about assembling them before your next cleaning routine. Whether it is a tote, bucket, or caddy, having all your cleaning tools and products in one portable object will make it pretty easy to get the job done.


    2. Sanitize your countertops and other surfaces


    You can start by wiping down all the hard surface areas from appliances, countertops, and cabinets to light switches, doorknobs, telephones, and TV remotes. Remotes! The most important thing that you could lose easily, especially if you have lots of them for different appliances. A universal remote (like the ones available at VIZIO) seems to be a plausible option to consider in cases like this. This will not only save you from scourging your home for lost remotes, you will only have one remote to sanitize! Sanitizing some of these surfaces, especially the ones which may deliver germs to the faces and fingers of people. You can make a nontoxic disinfection substance by mixing apple cider vinegar with some water.



    3. Focus on sinks, toilets, and tubs

    Residential Concrete Trough Sinks, or any other bathroom sink for the matter, covered with hair and toothpaste splatters sink can look nasty. Spray a suitable cleaning product on your kitchen sinks and then on your bathroom sinks, toilets, and tubs. Allow it to sit for several minutes to give the cleaner enough time to dissolve all the dirt and stains. Return to your kitchen and begin scrubbing and cleaning toilets last. If you need to clean a little deeper, like in the drains, then you can always pour some bleach down there or if it’s something that’s more severe and requires a professional hand, then looking to MetroPHA home services might be a good idea. It is important to note that whenever you use the sink, try not to let any food particles go through the sink pipe which may happen if kids are around and use the sink improperly. If this is not checked, it could clog the drainage system and eventually lead to the sink overflow or a pipe burst. Therefore, setting a rule for the kitchen which includes proper waste disposal instruction like segregation of wet and dry waste can be useful. Moreover, you can keep the contact with services such as Sydney emergency plumbing and others like it in your locality that could help you out in case of an emergency plumbing disaster. That said, you can keep a container of some disinfecting wipes under the sink, so they are handy. Wipe your sink’s faucet and basin after you are done getting ready for your day.

    4. Keep moving as you vacuum

    To keep your house clean, you should invest in a handheld vacuum. Don’t worry about getting everywhere when you vacuum. You should keep moving through your house, running the compact vacuum in each carpeted room in a single pass. Some tasks do not require to be done every week. These include cleaning the windows, waxing the furniture, as well as washing bath mats and area rugs. Inspect these home accessories and make your decision.

    5. Do at least one load of laundry every day

    Doing one laundry every day is life-changing. You can put your load in before leaving for work. However, if your washing machine comes with a delayed beginning cycle, you can set it to run before you return home. Transfer all the damp clothing items to the dryer after taking dinner, and then fold them before you retire to bed. Putting away a single load of laundry will take a short time, and you can also do it before going to bed.

    6. Clean up each time you cook


    Generally, dirty countertops and surfaces can attract household pests as well as make your kitchen space look awful. You can load dishes in your dishwasher after snacks or meals and then clean or wipe your countertops. This task does not involve moving everything. Start by putting any food away, spray your cleaner, and then clean.

    7. Clean the entire house

    Cleaning is more effective if you pick a single task at a time like dusting, vacuuming, or mopping. You should do the same task in each room in your house to prevent you from feeling as if you are in a constant cleaning cycle, beginning the same job over and over again.

    8. Make cleaning a team activity

    One of the best techniques to clean your house fast is by making the cleaning routine a team effort. You can schedule a specific time with your family in advance and assign the tasks to every individual. Working together as a group can bring some fun to the cleaning routine, and your entire house will be tidy and organized within a short time.

  • 5 Tips for More Effective Cleaning at Home

    5 Tips for More Effective Cleaning at HomeIf you think that cleaning is bothersome and tiring, perhaps all you need to do is change the way you have been doing it so far. It is true that there are many things you have to take into consideration when it comes to effective home cleaning, but it is by understanding these basic guidelines that you can have easier time cleaning and longer lasting results. Alternatively, you could try a service similar to Red Deer cleaning services that might be able to help you with your cleaning, but if you want to you can follow the tips below to have effective cleaning results.

    • Develop a cleaning routine – this will allow you to manage your time better. Cleaning routine means a schedule that you will follow for your chores, and of course not forget to be flexible when you need to. Home cleaning consists of chores that you have to perform on a regular basis in order to keep the conditions of your room perfect. A typical example of a cleaning routine is to set an hour for carpet cleaning every second Sunday and take some time to de-clutter your rooms on Saturdays. Also, think about getting professional carpet cleaners dublin to clean your carpets each season. That way you will know exactly what you will have to do and how much time it will take you.
    • Take the small tasks out of the way – often time when you look at how much cleaning you have to do, you feel dread and feel like ignoring the chore. This is because when you leave your home unattended for too long chores add up. But if you deal with a number of small tasks you will notice that there is suddenly less home cleaning left to do. When you take care of the clothes lying around, clean the dishes in your sink and change the pet litter for example, you will get a better idea of what needs to be done.
    • Take regular breaks – this is important if you want cleaning to be less stressful and cause you less headaches. You will be able to work faster if you do not feel constantly tired and you will accomplish much more.
    • Always research for better solutions and techniques – if there is one thing that can frustrate you about cleaning it is the fact that sometimes it just does not work. Reading about how to deal with Water Damage Clean Up, for instance, can improve your chances of maintaining your high standard kitchen. No matter how much effort you invest and how much you spend, sometimes no positive result is present. For this reason you should take your time to research more ways to tackle home cleaning. This is very important because it can not only help you with a more efficient way of cleaning, but it will also teach you exactly what to use and what to avoid. Imagine if you pour a cleaning detergent on your carpet that will damage its fibers because you didn’t take the time to research what you should use.
    • Get help – home cleaning is not a chore ( for example, a company like http://www.greenfacilities.co.uk) that should fall on the shoulders of one member of the family. If you have been doing it on your own so far, maybe it is time to get others involved. If you are living alone, you can acquire the service of a cleaning company. Usually this is very effective solution, as the cleaners will come equipped with their own tools and very quickly deal with any cleaning task you have for them.

    These simple tips will guarantee a better result next time you have to clean. Follow any number of them and you will quickly notice a positive difference.

  • Making Spring Cleaning Easier for You

    A Guide to Spring Cleaningspring cleaning tips

    Though there are many newer products that make cleaning easy, you might want to consider a more old-school alternative. Here are some household supplies you can use.

    White Vinegar: Vinegar helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold, so use it to wipe down counter tops. If you mix it with warm water it can also be used to clean windows and mirrors.

    Baking Soda: For baking soda, you can make a paste to clean spots from washable wallpaper, or you can mix it with water to clean dirty grout.

    Hydrogen Peroxide: It’s a great disinfectant that you can use on many surfaces, but did you know you can mix a tablespoon of it with ¼ cup of water and spray it on fruits and vegetables to kill bacteria? Just make sure to rinse well after you apply it.

    __________

    Here are some tips and tricks for your spring cleaning to-dos.

    Clearing Clutter and Organizing During Spring Cleaning
    Getting rid of clutter is one of the key points of spring cleaning. So box up items you don’t need. Get rid of clothes you haven’t worn for a year. Plan a garage sale, or donate items to a second hand store. Then you get your steam mop out similar and start cleaning with fewer obstacles in your way. This will make the rest of the cleaning process a lot easier. Having a reliable vacuum cleaner will help. I hear Vacuum cleaners in India are reliable and worth reading about.

    Cleaning Windows
    It’s safe to say window tinting Mishawaka is one of the most popular home improvement searches on Google at the moment. With that in mind, it’s important to keep those beautifully tinted windows sparklingly clean. Window cleaning is much easier when you use a rubber-edged squeegee, and they are much more effective than a cloth or paper towel. First, put a few drops of a mild soap into a bucket of warm water and wet your sponge. (You can also add a bit of vinegar to the mix for an extra clean.) Rub away dirt, then dampen the squeegee and, starting at an upper corner, draw it down the pane from top to bottom. Repeat, making sure to overlap strokes and wipe the rubber edge with the sponge after each stroke. Dry window sills with a cloth. It is best to clean your windows on a cloudy day, or else the cleaner dries too fast and leaves streaks.

    Wash Your Blinds
    You should wash your blinds once or twice a year. For wooden blinds, a few drops of wood cleaner on a nearly dry sponge will work. Aluminum blinds can be washed outdoors. Place them on a slanted surface and scrub with water and a noncorrosive cleaner. Rinse well with a hose and then dry thoroughly with a towel to prevent rust. Fortunately, the blinds offered at shuttercraft-worcestershire.co.uk are extremely durable.

    Refreshing Window Treatments
    Typically, curtains and drapes don’t get dirty enough to launder. Instead, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove dust and dirt. You can also have them steam or dry-cleaned. If you are replacing heavy curtains with lighter ones for the warmer weather, then it is especially important to make sure they are clean before storing them away. For removing dust from sheer curtains, put them in the dryer on low with a fabric-softener sheet.

    Cleaning Out the Refrigerator
    This task may seem daunting, but it will seem more manageable if you break it down. You should wipe up spills immediately so the surface doesn’t become stained. Make it a habit to check your fridge once a week for old food. Wash the interior with a solution of 2tbsp of baking soda for every quart of warm water. Wash the removable shelves in this solution (But let the glass shelves come to room temperature first to prevent cracking.) Loosen hard spills with the solution, allowing the residue to soften. Scrub the crannies with a toothbrush. Also, vacuum or brush the dust from the condenser coils to keep the system from overheating.

    Sanitize the Sink
    Did you know that your dirty kitchen sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat? To disinfect, clean your sink with soap and water first, then spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen peroxide, then let air dry. (Do not mix the vinegar and H2O2 together, spray one and then the other.) If your sink is stainless steel, make it sparkle afterward by putting a few drops of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buffing. This prevents water build up, which deters mold and keeps the sink looking clean.

    Dusting Tips
    Always go from top to bottom to prevent having to go over surfaces more than once. Sometimes you will have to wet dust after dry dusting, but always dry dust first.

    When dusting, don’t overdo the polish. When using a furniture oil or polish, be sure not to overuse the product; it can lead to a buildup on your furniture or clouding of the wood surfaces. Using just a dry microfiber cloth will actually pick up more dust and keep your furniture looking nice. You could also use fabric softener sheets as a substitute for more expensive electrostatic cloths. For ceiling fans, slip a pillowcase around the blade to keep the dust from going anywhere. For light fixtures and lightbulbs that are grimy, dampen your cloth with vinegar.