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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

  • The Post Christmas Clean Up – Thomas Cleaning Services Guest Post


    Once Christmas has been and gone and you’re left withthe dreaded aftermath of taking down the tree and decorations, it is also thebest time to organise a post Christmas clean up! From clever storage solutionsto recycling opportunities; this article by Thomas Cleaning breaks down a simple post Christmas cleaningroutine for you to easily complete in time for the New Year.  

    Motivate yourself

    First things first, you need to actually find the motivation to have a good sort out and clean. What better way to do this than by putting on an inspiring playlist? You can also get help from family members by creating to-do lists and to make things a little more exciting – put a timer on for each task and see who can get their jobs finished first.

    Another great tip to bear in mind before you take all of the decorations down is to take a picture of the layout so that you can easily recreate the look the following year.

    Recycle and Donate

    Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to recycle unwanted items not only so you have more space, but also to help others in need. As you may have received many new presents, aim to donate one old item for every new item you have received, to a local charity. This way you’re not only making room for your new gifts, but you’re also giving away your old ones to a worthy cause.

    If you have a real Christmas tree don’t worry about having to dispose of it yourself, many places offer a free tree collection if you have purchased the tree from them, saving you time, hassle and stress! You can also recycle your tree for composting, be sure to check local garden centres and websites.

    Fridges are often full to the brim over the festive period, so when it comes to having a good clear out, ensure you get rid of any items you are unlikely to use and give them to someone in need. You could donate a food parcel to a homeless person or a food bank meaning it won’t go to waste.

    Choose Clever Storage Solutions

    Finding a suitable place to store your Christmas decorations can be a bit of a nightmare, especially if you’re particularly limited on space, however little tips and tricks can certainly help. Use multifunctional items that can double up as storage such as suitcases that you rarely use, and store these under your bed with decorations in.

    Also keep any gift bags and tissue paper using them to store baubles in until you can reuse the bags the following year. Another great idea is to keep shoeboxes and gift boxes from any presents you have received, and use them as extra storage instead of throwing them out.

    Get the Place Gleaming!

    Last but not least, you need to give everywhere a good clean; here are some key things to focus on:

    • Like most ovens at Christmas, yours will probably be well overdue a clean. Make sure to take all baking trays and shelving out so you can give it a thorough scrub removing any grease and grime
    • Get rid of any Christmas scented candles or air fresheners and replace them with clean, fresh scents
    • Wave goodbye to the Christmas-themed bedding and put some fresh sheets on
    • Make sure to hoover and then hoover again! Decorations gather a lot of dust (and glitter)
    • Take the sofa apart and hoover everywhere, pop the cushion covers in the wash and then replace
    • Move all furniture to clean under it – you’ll be surprised what you may find hiding behind cupboards after Christmas!
    • Tackle any tough Christmas stains on clothing or furniture immediately

    Author Bio: Thomas Cleaning are a domestic and commercial cleaning company with over 26 years of experience, based in Chipping Norton. They offer a range of highly professional cleaning services catering to offices, schools, surgeries, personal homes and more.

  • Your Last Minute-Party Cleaning Plan

    So you invited some guest to your New Years Eve Party last minute and now you have to clean the house up before everyone comes!
    No sweat, here is some tips to help you get that done in a snap.
    Follow this link to get some quick tips.

    Here’s a great last-minute cleaning plan just in time for the holidays: http://bit.ly/1YqUyl3

  • House cleaning tips with pros and cons

    House cleaning tips with pros and cons

    The best way for the big domestic cleaning is usually the fastest, the cheapest and the easiest way of cleaning. This can be helpful when you’re about to putting your house up for sale, since it’s one of the most common parts of how to sell your house to potential buyers. However, that`s the perfect way to keep the house clean, rather than deep cleaning all the floor coverings, furnishings, upholstery and metal shelving from https://www.aluminiumwarehouse.co.uk/. Next is a short list with pros and cons of the house cleaning and you can look at the pros as easy tricks as well. For example:

    PROS:

    – Begin the house cleaning with the most soiled objects like carpets, rugs, tile floors in the kitchen, the walls in the bathroom. The kitchen equipment also get dirty quite easily and quickly, and so it`s a good idea to start with.

    – Make homemade detergent solutions instead of buying a dozen of them from the store. It`s just needed to mix some of the most powerful degreasers and detergents that you already have at home. They may include soap, shampoo, dishwashing detergent, salt, baking soda, etc. If you’re looking for any cleaning products and you’re trying to find some of the best for the jobs you’re tackling, try reading up on some review sites similar to that of Product Playoffs and others.

    – For truly persistent and heavily soiled spots – a better advice is to call a professional cleaning company rather than trying to clean it by yourself. If you don`t know the exact type of your rugs and carpets fibers, for example, you risk to damage them. Inappropriate use of powerful detergents can also lead to discoloration, dryness or shrinking of the fibers. Yet the professional cleaners know which type of detergent and cleaning solution are best for the heavily dirty objects. Any objects left over after this stage will more than likely be too worse for wear and you should be thinking of hiring a removal service like 1300 Rubbish to clear away all necessary rubbish before any other cleaning is continued, this simply keeps things cleaner and easier.

    For your outdoor needs, such as cleaning outside walls, painting outside walls replacing tiles, cleaning guttering and eavestrough and chimney repairs, you may need professional help. Stone/brick walled properties in urban areas often fall prey to graffiti, it’s painful to remove and it quickly devalues the property. Graffiti cleaning services are widely available and can make walls look like they were laid yesterday. Likewise, there are specialist chimney repair services that can help fix a crumbling chimney. Tile replacement could be sorted by a plumber, but perhaps look into a specialist tilers, many have experience in making older tiles match the newer ones if you are not replacing the entire lot. Finally, for guttering, hire a company that specializes in gutter cleaning as regular cleaning companies don’t often cover this area.

    – Wipe of dust at least a couple of hours after finishing with the deep cleaning or even on the next day. Thus, you will give enough time to the dust to accumulate on the surfaces and then to wipe it of easier and quicker. The same goes for vacuuming. You are going to want to look for the Best Stick Vacuum Appliance For Your Home and then run it over your carpets and floors at least three times in the days following a spring clean, to prevent dust settling into the fibres.

    – Deodorize and sanitize your house right after cleaning. There are plenty of tips and tricks for the impeccable sanitizing activity and it`s truly recommended if you have pets at home.

    – Mopping every day will ensure cleanliness and fresh look of the floorings with flat surfaces. From laminate floorings to the tiles in the bathroom – mopping is as easy as quick and it`s definitely worth it. It will keep the clean effect for a longer time and so it will reduce the need for deep cleaning of the entire house.

    Or else, let`s take a look at the CONS and try to avoid them:

    – Cleaning Oriental carpets and rugs with a hot-steam cleaning machine is a mistake that can damage the yet sensitive fibers. The same applies for a myriad of other types of carpets and rugs, for example, handmade carpets, lavishly appointed carpets with very sharp colors, old carpets and more. If you’re not sure about the best way to clean these carpets and rugs and would rather seek the help of a professional, then if you’re based in San Diego look no further than a company like Maid Just Right.

    – Exposing the already cleaned carpets and floor coverings on a direct sunlight in order to enhance the evaporation and so to reduce the drying time is another risky thing. Especially if you plan a big spring cleaning or in the summertime maybe, the powerful sunshine can make your rugs and carpets visually unpleasing for only a few hours.

    – Letting the kids to play over newly cleaned floorings and furnishings can lead to breathing unhealthy bacteria left over the surfaces or volatile chemical compounds. Even the hot-steam cleaning systems provide a tiny little chance of such a risk, although these cleaning machines can leave surfaces completely dry and ready to use.

    – Cleaning windows, tiles, grout lines, kitchen equipment or other objects with a homemade detergent is one of the easiest and yet useful ways to achieve a good result, but only when you regularly change the water. Cleaning with a dirty cloth or rubbing a stain with a dirty brush can only spread the dirty stain.