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7 easy ways to keep trash bags from slipping
Home and Garden

7 easy ways to keep trash bags from slipping

Dealing with a trash bag can be messy and annoying, especially when it bursts at the seams with trash and constantly slips. That said, there are quite a few effective and simple ways, such as using everyday things like rubber bands, binder clips, velcro strips, and hooks, to keep a trash bag from caving in. These tips will help save a lot of time and mess and keep trash bags secured in bins. 1. Try the double knot technique This one does the job well. The double knot technique involves tying an initial knot and securing it with a second one. This simple approach adds an extra layer of reliability, significantly reducing the likelihood of the bag slipping into the trash can. The double knot technique is a quick and foolproof method suitable for everyone. What’s best is that one doesn’t need additional things to secure the bag. 2. Use rubber bands This tip involves positioning a few rubber bands around the top rim of the trash can before securing the bag. The rubber bands add an element of grip, preventing the bag from sliding down the sides of the can. This cost-effective and readily available solution is a go-to for quick fixes.
3 plumbing mistakes DIYers make and how to fix them
Home and Garden

3 plumbing mistakes DIYers make and how to fix them

Plumbing tasks are more challenging than many people would like to admit. Many DIY projects do not go according to plan, especially when done by individuals without experience. When someone tries fixing their home’s pipes and drains for the first time, they tend to make mistakes that can be hard to detect and costly to correct in the long run. This is why people should know the various DIY plumbing mistakes and avoid them. Using liquid drain cleaners instead of tools Many DIYers use liquid drain cleaners in excessive quantities to clear blockages from the kitchen or bathroom sink. While these cleaners may be effective sometimes, one should avoid using them because they can harm metal traps and pipes. There may also come a time when one may have to hire a professional plumber to remove the trap arm and fill it with a corrosive caustic drain cleaner, which is a tougher task than just clearing an obstructed sink. So, instead of making this mistake, one should simply use a snaked or barbed drain cleaning tool to clear blockages from their sink. Wrapping thread tape backward or using the wrong tape Thread tape must be wrapped clockwise around the threads to work correctly.
5 common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid
Home and Garden

5 common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid

Many homeowners use spray foam insulation to seal off cavities in floors, walls, and ceilings to prevent air from moving in the house. Sometimes, they also fill up spaces around light fixtures and electric outlets. The primary reason is maintaining a constant temperature inside the house to avoid high energy bills. But this purpose is often defeated when people make mistakes while installing insulation. So, here are some common spray foam insulation mistakes to avoid: 1. Failing to do research on the type of insulation required Most of the time, homeowners need to think about their insulation needs. They don’t invest enough time in understanding that various types of insulation are available, such as aluminum cladding, mineral wool insulation, and fiberglass pipe insulation. Each has advantages and uses, such as being more suited for soundproofing, while another is best for temperature maintenance. Hence, it is crucial to understand why insulation is required and, accordingly, pick a type that would be the best fit. 2. Applying foam too quickly The efficiency of spray foam insulation is often affected when applied too quickly. Being hasty with the installation can usually leave a lot of spare areas of foam. This usually happens when the spray foam rig has a clogged hose or nozzle.
6 bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid
Home and Garden

6 bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid

A bathroom is far from only a place to bathe. Today, users want it to look beautiful and function in a way that can help them relax and unwind after a tiresome day. Therefore, remodeling a bathroom to suit a homeowner’s needs is often as exciting as it gets. However, bathroom renovations are not that simple, and a mistake could be detrimental to the project. On that note, here are six bathroom remodeling mistakes to avoid. Lack of planning Planning before a bathroom renovation project is necessary to ensure the job flows smoothly. Whether installing new lighting structures on the ceiling or a mirror on the wall, one should pre-plan such modifications. This is because there might be plumbing and electrical wires in various places, and drilling into them could lead to damage. Ignoring storage space Storage in a bathroom is necessary as it helps take full advantage of the space available. One should add enough storage space to help hold items like toiletries, cosmetics, towels, and other essentials. Individuals could also install hooks on walls or metal racks to keep towels off the floor. Not setting a budget The budget of any project, including bathroom renovations, is necessary to avoid overspending on various installations.
4 kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid
Home and Garden

4 kitchen remodeling mistakes to avoid

One of the first things that comes to mind when remodeling a kitchen is the project’s high cost. However, that should not hinder one from the remodeling task. Instead of avoiding the project, one should plan and create a budget to help one stay on track, although budgeting is not the only factor to consider when renovating. With the number of components involved, remodeling mistakes are easier to commit. Some of them to avoid are: Not hiring experienced professionals Renovating one’s own home is like a dream project. However, it is important to acknowledge that one person cannot do it all. Homeowners should recognize their limitations instead of attempting to achieve everything. This is particularly true for tasks such as plumbing and electrical work, which, if done improperly, can cause damage or injuries to the home dwellers and the property. Hiring experienced professionals and ensuring things are done correctly rather than attempting such critical tasks is advisable. Not having a timeline Creating a gorgeous and functional kitchen can take a long time. Some individuals might be working on the project while working full-time, which can cause the DIY project to last longer. However, it is important to have a timeframe in place.
Water purification systems – Importance and benefits
Home and Garden

Water purification systems – Importance and benefits

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).
7 common mistakes to avoid when cleaning carpets
Home and Garden

7 common mistakes to avoid when cleaning carpets

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.
7 ways to use glass for home walls and doors
Home and Garden

7 ways to use glass for home walls and doors

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.

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Popular smartphones worth buying in 2021
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Popular smartphones worth buying in 2021

A smartphone may last from a few days to a couple of years, but that’s it. A phone’s volatile lifespan depends on factors like how well it keeps up with updates, or sometimes, even how quickly or often we drop it on the floor. Also, it’s an electronic device, so we will need a new one sooner or later. So, here are some of the best smartphone deals to check out if you’re planning to change your phone in 2021. Apple iPhone 12 The Apple iPhone 12 is one of the best smartphones out there. It is available in six colors and comes with three different storage capacities. The smartphone is a perfect fit if you’re looking for a device in between the Mini and Pro versions. While the prices for a SIM-free iPhone 12 start at $829, Verizon and AT&T are currently offering up to $700 credit after trade-in. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra We recommend the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra if you appreciate a premium Android smartphone. The model is equipped with a 108MP sensor, 6.8-inch AMOLED display, and a whopping 12/16GB RAM. At a price tag of $1249.99 on Samsung’s website, this smartphone deal comes with an extra $50 toward accessories without a trade-in and 4 free months of YouTube Premium.
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5 Types of Tactical Boots

Tactical boots are heavy-duty shoes specially designed to be used in rugged and extreme terrain. A good pair of tactical boots keeps your feet safe from harsh weather while also ensuring comfort. So, whether you are military personnel, a safety worker, or simply someone who loves venturing outback, here are some of the best tactical boots of 2021 to protect your feet. Bates Men’s Ultra-Lites Side-Zip Tactical Boots Bates is one of the top brands in the segment, and their Men’s Ultra-Lites Side-Zip is one of the best tactical boots of 2021. Bates duty boots are a favorite among professional hikers and law-enforcement specialists. It is mainly because of the combination of ballistic nylon and leather used to make them. These materials ensure the shoes are durable and comfortable – a perfect choice for extensive use in the field. Besides, the non-metallic construction of Bates duty boots makes them light-weighted. This is especially suitable for security personnel who frequently walk around metal detectors. Maelstrom Men’s Landship Tactical Boots If breathability is the feature you are looking for in your new military boots, Maelstrom’s Landship could be the right pair for you. The highlight of this product is the mesh fabric wrapped around the shoes’ shaft to maintain airflow.
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3 home remedies for dog allergies

Having a dog for the first time can be challenging if you don’t know what you are doing. If this is your first time caring for a dog, you must be aware of how difficult it is to make sure they receive proper nutrition. If your dog is allergic to certain foods or environmental conditions, you need to be even more attentive. When dogs are allergic to certain foods, they cannot obtain the necessary nutrients from their food. They could also have allergic reactions in the form of hives or skin conditions that is uncomfortable for them. To help you, here are some easy remedies that can provide allergy relief to your dogs. Colloidal oatmeal baths Giving regular medicinal baths to your dogs is a great way to soothe any allergic reactions they are experiencing on the skin. Oatmeal baths have soothing properties that calm itchiness and scratches on the skin, making it a popular recommendation. You could either make your own colloidal concoction of oatmeal-based bath water for your dog, or you could get pre-made colloidal oatmeal from a store. These baths are great for healing redness, swelling, and itchiness. Aloe vera Aloe vera gel is an excellent ingredient to have in your home since it is a natural remedy for a variety of skin and other body conditions.
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Top vacuum cleaners for your home

Buying a vacuum cleaner is not a straightforward task. There are multiple reasons for such a difficulty, but the biggest one is that every household is different. Each vacuum cleaner has its own type of design, due to which there’s no guarantee that one model will work for every house. So, instead of looking for the best vacuum cleaner, we think it is better to go with the one that suits your home. Here are our five best picks: Shark® APEX® Upright Vacuum This vacuum cleaner is a good choice against dust particles stuck on stairs, behind furniture, and in corners. This cleaner is also well sealed, which prevents dust from creeping out. The Shark® APEX® Upright Vacuum doesn’t make too much noise and has been tested to perform well on both carpets and bare floors. Dyson V15 Detect™ Absolute This cleaner lasts up to 60 minutes on battery, which is ideal if you have a big house. It also has an LCD screen that shows the remaining run-time and where blockages are located, which ensures thorough cleaning. The laser-totting head and a High Torque cleaning head work well for both hard floors as well as carpets. Dyson Cyclone V10™ Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Unlike many vacuum cleaners in the market, the Cyclone V10 is easy to maneuver.
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5 quintessential current shoe trends

A decent pair of sneakers or oxfords or even Birkenstocks can add so much more than mere functionality to your daily look. Different types of footwear are specially designed to complete your daily fashion ensemble. There are so many styles and varieties to choose from, making it a lot harder to pick. Here are some of the best shoe trends for men and women to explore as per the season, occasion, and purpose. Men’s classics Sneakers are the ultimate classic footwear. In fact, top footwear brands reintroduce these trendy kicks every year in vivid styles. Minimalist sneakers are available in the primary solids, usually featuring an all-white finish. Brands like Converse, Adidas, and Nike focus on the classic double tone silhouette, featuring two popular solid colors with their brand logo. Furthermore, you have the bright-colored maximalist or chunky sole sneakers that go well with casuals and denim. Sneakers are the quintessence of fashionable footwear for all. From old-school canvas by Nike, Adidas YEEZY, and Puma to easy slip-ons by Vans, there are many popular options to explore. Vans Classic Slip-on shoes with a checkerboard pattern is popular among sneaker lovers. Since its first introduction back in the late 70s, this iconic Southern California favorite is certainly leaving its mark all over the place.
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