The problem of access to clean and safe drinking water has become a global cause for concern. Although tap water has been lauded as a safe source of drinking water in many cities across the country, it could cause many infections and diseases. Read on to find out more about what could be hiding in tap water and how to get rid of it to take better care of one’s health. What’s hiding in tap water? Tap water can be home to several biological and chemical contaminants, such as the following: 1. Bacteria and viruses Drinking water can contain many bacteria, viruses, and other parasites, which could cause infections and illnesses such as cholera, dysentery, and diarrhea. 2. Lead Lead is one of the most common contaminants found in drinking water. This toxic chemical can leach into the water from old pipes and fixtures as the water flows through. While small amounts of lead are generally tolerable, exposure to too much of it can cause developmental problems in children and increase the risk of cardiovascular and kidney diseases in adults. 3. Chlorine At municipal facilities, chlorine is often added to the water to kill germs. However, this chlorine can interact with other chemicals in the water to form toxic byproducts such as trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA).

Dust accumulates more on carpet surfaces than one can imagine. Therefore, cleaning the carpet becomes an essential part of home cleaning. While this process may seem rather cumbersome, it is quite easy if one follows certain strategies. One doesn’t even need abrasive cleaning solutions. Carpets require gentle products, careful handling, and consistent cleaning. Additionally, one should be aware of some carpet cleaning mistakes that are easy to overlook: Rubbing on stains A common mistake when cleaning carpets is to rub on stains after pouring a solution on them. Rubbing can damage the carpet’s fabric; it doesn’t really remove the strain – it only pushes it deeper into the fibers and may cause a fray. The right way to remove carpet stains is to blot them with a sponge, paper towel, or clean cloth. Failing to do a spot test A spot test is necessary to determine whether a certain cleaning solution suits one’s carpet. When one uses the solution directly, the entire carpet may get ruined if the solution isn’t suitable. On the other hand, a spot test only damages a small patch of the carpet, which can prevent fiber loss and bleaching. Using the wrong tools to clean the carpet Machines to clean carpets are not always necessary.

Toughened glass has quickly become a popular design element in many houses. From full-length windows and entry doors to even staircases, the use of glass can make any space appear bigger and brighter. The material is also incredibly functional, durable, and versatile, blending in seamlessly with many different architectural styles. Here are some spectacular ways in which one can use glass walls and doors to give their home a whole new look: 1. Partitions Making use of walls to divide bigger rooms into smaller sections, such as using a wall to separate the kitchen and dining area, can make the house look smaller. Instead, one should opt for partitions made from toughened glass. This helps give the room a more spacious feel and allows natural light to flow freely throughout the house. With these clear partitions, homeowners can also connect the aesthetics of different rooms, giving the home a more put-together look. 2. Dressing screens Toughened glass can also be used to add privacy to the room. Of course, the glass doesn’t have to be see-through. One can use frosted glass, fluted glass, or etched glass to carve out a little dressing nook in a large room. This creates a private little area without breaking up the space or impeding communication.

Keeping the house clean and sparkly all year long is a continuous effort, and a little help can go a long way. Today, it is easy to find professional cleaning services that can handle a variety of projects, such as regular cleaning, spring cleaning, and even special event cleaning. However, finding professionals one trusts around their home can require some research and careful consideration, so here are some tips to make the process easier: 1. Seek recommendations When starting the search, one can speak to friends, family, and other trusted contacts and ask them for referrals or recommendations. This will also provide one with honest insight into what to expect from a cleaning service. 2. Carefully assess online reviews While reviews can help in shortlisting top services, one should not fall for a 100% performance rating, as some companies pay customers to leave reviews, which can skew the ratings. Also remember that unhappy customers are quicker to leave reviews as compared to happy or satisfied customers. They often use third-party websites to vent about their experiences, sometimes in an attempt to damage the company’s reputation. The truth may not be as bad as it is made out to be. As a regular practice, steer clear of companies with a perfect or absolutely abysmal performance rating.

Every home tells its own story. This phrase may be overused but holds true when it comes to home design and decor. Every house starts giving out signs when it is time to take on a renovation project. These signs could be subtle, like the slight discoloration of the paint on the walls, or more obvious, like a broken roof. Either way, people need to pay attention to the signs and renovate the house. Deteriorating floors This sign is among the easiest to notice. The floor tiles or panels tend to detach from one another and start developing gaping holes when they become old and dated. When that happens, it is a surefire sign that the floors and the house as a whole need to undergo renovation. It is wise to replace old flooring with wood panels. Wood lasts several years more than tiles and is much easier to clean. Apart from the floor, even the carpets need to be cleaned and replaced periodically for a brand-new look. Leaky roofs Like the floor, the state of the roof can tell how urgently a house needs renovation. Leaky roofs are a red flag. When the roof starts leaking, one must call professionals and not take things into their own hands.

Doors and windows are essential components that ensure protection and security, insulate the house from external factors, and also enhance its aesthetic appeal. But just like any other aspect of a house, they require regular maintenance, with each material requiring different care. Homeowners may overlook certain details while maintaining doors and windows, compromising their functionality and leading to costly repairs or replacements later. So here are some common door and window maintenance mistakes to avoid. Not cleaning regularly Window screens are the main barrier between the interior and exterior elements. Not cleaning them properly can affect their visibility; dust, debris, and pollen may get accumulated and can damage the screen, while unwashed door knobs can accumulate germs. Also, dirty window screens can attract insects and other pests, while pollen and allergens can risk home dwellers’ health. So, one’s advised not to ignore regular weekly cleaning. One can use a mild vinegar and water solution for screen cleaning and a vacuum with a brush attachment to remove dust and dirt from the window tracks. For a door, one can gently scrub or use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the knobs and hinges and remove grime. Not cleaning inside out It’s important to clean windows on both sides and not just on the inside.

Remodeling projects take up a lot of time and resources, and there’s always a tight deadline to follow through with them. When it comes to bathroom renovation especially, one wants to get it done as soon as possible. The bathroom is where people spend their “self-care” time, and, hence, it’s a place that’s special for many. Here are five common mistakes that can be avoided when remodeling this room of the house. Not setting a budget Deciding on a budget for the project is one of the first things to do when starting. Renovations are very expensive, and there’s no particular limit to how much one can spend. The market has different bathroom fixtures and accessories at varying prices. So, individuals should always chart out a budget that will help keep all the expenses in check. Not planning the design Planning the bathroom’s design is another important step. The whole renovation depends on it, of course, so one should take time and plan it out thoroughly. Individuals should think about what all the people using the bathroom require. Does the bathroom need two sinks or, perhaps, a bigger bathtub? Can there be a towel and robe rack or hanging space?

Owning a house is a major life dream for many people across the world. There is a lot of thrill and joy associated with this purchase. However, buying a home is a complicated and expensive process, and the smallest of errors here could be extremely costly. To prepare better and make the process of buying a house as smooth as possible, here are six mistakes one should completely avoid. Trying to rush through the process There’s palpable excitement when it comes to buying a new home, but don’t let this be the reason behind rushing the process. Take adequate time to research the options, gather all the necessary financial documents (such as W-2 forms, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, etc.), and move at a comfortable pace. This will provide sufficient time to think about the important aspects and reduce the risk of buyer’s regret. Failing to check the credit report Always check the credit report before sending in a mortgage application. Those with a history of credit issues are more likely to be burdened with high-interest rates or even have their applications declined. Make sure to check reports from credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) and dispute any mistakes seen on them.