Apr 7, 2021 | Clean Home, Kitchen
A dishwasher is one of the most important parts of your kitchen, and a clogged drain can prevent this invaluable appliance from performing its job functions. Luckily, there are tons of tips and tricks you can use if you have a dishwasher drain clogged within your home.
The way you go about fixing a drain clogged in your dishwasher depends on whether or not it connects to a garbage disposal drain. As such, clogged drain remedies range from mixtures of common household ingredients to checking your drain hose.
To learn all about the ways you can fix a drain clogged with sludge and other debris, then keep reading. You’ll learn the top 5 ways of fixing a drain clogged in your dishwasher, getting this important appliance back up and running in no time.
Reasons for a Clogged Dishwasher Drain
If you’ve found yourself saying, “My drain is clogged. What caused it?” then your first step is to ask yourself what you put down your sink. Your dishwasher and sink use the same drainage line, so your sink can affect how your dishwasher performs.
There are four areas a clog usually occurs in your kitchen. These areas include the dishwasher, sink, air gap, and garbage disposal. If you notice your sink filling with water when your dishwasher is in use, one of these four areas most likely has a clog.
A garbage disposal may cause a clog if you’re putting things such as liquid fat, grease, and oil down the drain. If this is the case, you may cause a clog and notice problems within your dishwasher.
Signs of a Dishwasher Drain Clogged
While a little water is normal, if you notice more and more water accumulating in the bottom of your dishwasher, you may have a clog. You may also hear a gurgling noise coming from kitchen drains, a sign a clog is forming.
If your dishwasher or kitchen sink begins to drain slowly, a clog is forming. It’s best to take immediate action before this clog becomes an even bigger issue.
Water backing up into your kitchen sink when your dishwasher is in use points to a clog. Turn off your dishwasher and check to see if food is trapped in your garbage disposal, as this can cause water to back up. If the problem persists, you have a clog that needs attention immediately.
After running your dishwasher, dirty dishes may indicate there is a clog. This is because a clog may prevent water from entering your dishwasher, leaving you with dishes that were never cleaned.
These reasons are why you should follow five tips to unclog a dishwasher drain.
1. Identify the Issue
Now that you know the causes of a drain clogged in your dishwasher, you can look to see what may be causing the issue. If you suspect the problem is a garbage disposal being used improperly, then oils trapping food particles in your drain may be to blame.
Once you determine the cause of your clog, you can work on fixing a drain clogged in your kitchen plumbing. If your dishwasher has dishes in it, remove them and prepare your dishwasher for any work that needs to be done, gathering your tools.
Turn off your dishwasher, along with any electricity running to it and to your garbage disposal. Remove standing water as well, as these steps are very important for safety reasons.
2. Investigate the Plumbing
Identifying the problem is half the issue. Next, investigate the plumbing in your kitchen. Ensure your drain hose is thoroughly connected to your dishwasher as well as your garbage disposal or sink.
Do your hose clamp and drain solenoid show signs of wear and tear? If so, replace them, as they may be the culprit for a clogged drain. Next, investigate the air gap cylinder to ensure nothing is stuck inside of it, also causing a clogged drain.
3. Dishwasher Filter
Your dishwasher has a filter that traps anything that comes loose while your dishwasher is doing its job, such as leftover food particles. Clean this area to ensure your filter is working properly. If needed, unscrew the filter to clean it, accessing difficult to reach dirt and debris accumulation.
4. Unclog Your Garbage Disposal
Begin by unplugging your garbage disposal, making sure to never perform maintenance on a garbage disposal with power running to it. Additionally, avoid pouring chemicals down your drain, as there are tons of negative consequences to your pipes and the environment.
Instead, pour ¼ cup baking soda into the drain, and then a ½ cup of vinegar. Once it fizzes and sits in the drain for a few minutes, flush it out with very hot tap water. Keep the water running for several minutes, working to push the clog through.
You can do this several times to help break the clog up. Plungers can also help to loosen a clog. Remember that you have to clamp the end of the dishwasher line before plunging your sink, as the hose can come off the disposal nozzle at the point of entry.
5. Vinegar and Baking Soda Mixture
If your clog persists, vinegar and baking soda may do the trick. Mix equal parts of the two and pour them into the dishwasher drain. Let the mixture sit for a minimum of 15 minutes before pouring hot water down the drain.
Run your dishwasher’s rinse cycle and check to see if the clog has fixed itself. If you still have a clogged dishwasher drain, it’s time to call in a professional plumber.
Keep Your Dishwasher Clog-Free
While dishwasher clogs can cause issues within your kitchen’s plumbing, there are ways to treat them at home and to prevent them. To protect your dishwasher filter from clogging, be sure to rinse food from your plates before putting them in the dishwasher.
Be sure to use your dishwasher on a regular basis, as water and detergent help to flush out your appliance and prevent clogs from forming. Keep your dishwasher’s filter clean and free from dirt and debris which lead to a dishwasher drain clogged with sludge. Periodically use vinegar to keep your dishwasher working properly, filling a bowl with two cups of vinegar and placing it on the bottom rack.
Run your dishwasher without detergent and allow the vinegar to help rid it of bacteria and odors.
For more articles about DIY maintenance, make sure to check out the rest of our informative articles. Our website has access to tons of great information, perfect for all your home-repair needs.
Last updated Apr 5, 2021 | Clean Home
An estimated 78% of Americans prepare their spring cleaning lists every year. If you’re part of that percentage, you may be getting your own list ready as the seasons change. But in a post-Covid world, how do you clean?
Despite the Coronavirus’s threat, spring cleaning doesn’t have to be much different. A few simple changes and some solid disinfectants are all it takes!
Freshen your home while keeping it Covid-free. Get started now with these five spring cleaning ideas!
1. Wipe Down Those Knobs and Handles
While disinfecting, you probably clean the tables and countertops throughout your home. But don’t overlook other spots, like doorknobs and handles.
These surfaces are touched frequently by everyone in the house, plus their guests. The thought alone of all those germs should be enough to encourage you to disinfect them.
2. Replace Your Old Bathroom Items
It’s a little gross to admit it, but bathrooms are filled with germs. So, why do we keep so many hard-to-clean items in there?
If you can’t clean it with ease, then get rid of and replace it! Swap old soap holders, plastic shower curtains, and toilet brushes for new ones. Change your toothbrush too—at least every three to four months.
3. Clean Outside of the Home
Your Coronavirus spring cleaning can extend beyond the walls of your home! After all, you come in contact with more areas than one—like your vehicle.
Think about the many surfaces that you or passengers touch. They’re likely in desperate need of a thorough cleaning!
Dedicate some time to disinfecting the surfaces inside your ride. Your keys, steering wheel, and door handles serve as perfect breeding grounds for germs.
4. Organize Your Work From Home Space
Has the pandemic left you or a family member working from home? If so, you’ll want to tidy up the home office as part of your Covid cleaning. An organized space leads to increased productivity and an improved mood.
Sort through old documents, deciding what to file away and what to shred. And, be sure to set up your supplies and equipment in a way that boosts efficiency.
Don’t forget to disinfect your desk and electronics, too!
5. Use the Right Cleaning Supplies
To get results similar to a professional cleaning job, you need the right supplies to tackle your spring cleaning checklists.
Choose EPA-recognized disinfectants that are effective against Covid. Or, create your own by diluting household bleach with water.
Harsh chemicals aren’t for everyone. Luckily, soap and water work just as well! Kill germs on your hands by washing them for twenty seconds, or use the mixture on solid surfaces for cleaning.
Stay Safe With These Spring Cleaning Ideas
By adding these spring cleaning ideas to your to-do list, your home will stay safe in this post-Covid world. Plus, you’ll welcome the new season feeling refreshed in your tidy house.
Get a jump start on your chores by handling your Covid spring cleaning today!
For more home and DIY articles, check out the rest of our site! We have plenty of guides and resources for your next project.
Last updated Mar 26, 2021 | Clean Home
Did you know that the living room is one of the dirtiest places in your home? Bacteria can thrive on just about any surface, so it’s important to wipe down mirrors, counters, table tops, and more.
However, if you have a glass tabletop, then it’s also important to clean and care for it in a way that will make it stay perfect for as long as possible. The last thing you’d want is for it to be covered in smudges and scratches.
Keep reading to learn all about how to properly clean your glass table tops.
Use a High-Quality Glass Cleaner
When it comes to cleaning glass table tops, it’s essential to have a reliable cleaner on hand at all times. The greatest type of glass cleaner is one that doesn’t leave ugly streaks all over the place. For the best results, you should wipe the cleaner off the glass by using a lint-free, microfiber cloth.
Don’t forget that glass cleaner can sometimes damage non-glass materials. If your glass desk top is over a piece of wooden furniture, for instance, then it’s important to be careful. The safest and most thorough method is to remove everything from the table or desk then lean the glass against the wall as you clean it.
Use Rubber Mats and Corners
If you’re wondering about maintenance for glass table tops, then be sure to take advantage of rubber mats and corners. Not only does rubber protect your glass from getting scratched up, but it eliminates friction so that nothing will slide around.
The corners can prevent the glass from being damaged underneath while the mats can allow you to set down plates and mugs without worry. In general, it’s a lot easier to prevent scratches than it is to remove them.
Make Sure The Glass Dries
One of the most important cleaning tips for glass tables is to wait for the glass to dry once you’re done wiping it down. If you place it back on your table again and start using it right away, then the wetness will pick up more dust, grime, and fingerprints.
Instead of wasting all that effort, it’s a good rule of thumb to wait about 10 minutes or so until the glass has had enough time to dry.
Be Consistent
To get the longest lifespan out of your glass desktops, it’s crucial to clean them on a regular basis. Daily schedules can get hectic, but you should aim to clean your glass tabletop at least once a week.
Are You Ready to Clean Glass Table Tops?
Now that you’ve learned about how to clean your glass table tops the right way, you can take pride in having a home that is spick and span. The last thing you’d want is to be embarrassed to have friends or family over.
Are you wondering how you can use life hacks to keep your home in the best shape possible? Whether it’s cleaning, renovating, or redecorating, you can find out all about it by bookmarking our site.
Last updated Mar 23, 2021 | Air Quality
Air pollution contributes significantly to the severe health conditions we develop out here. Fortunately, with the technological advancements in the 21st century, we have several means to curb such environmental issues.
Wearable air purifiers emerge as the modern and easy way of enabling us to inhale only the freshest air. They are convenient enough, and they offer instant results to the users. Let’s get deep to understand more about these modern air purifiers.
What is a Wearable Air Purifier, and Does it Really Work?
Walking in the city or street has turned much overwhelming in the recent past. All types of trash contribute to air pollution every corner we walk. Most of us call such situations something of nature, but they lead us to several health risks in reality.
Wearable air purifiers have shown a capability to help in curbing problems that arise due to air pollution. But what are these devices? Do they really help us to purify the air we breathe?
Wearable/personal air purifiers are a type of air purifier worn around the neck to enable us to breathe the freshest air. Wherever you walk, you have the lowest or nil chances of inhaling any form of harmful particles from the surrounding. You wear this air purifier around neck and leave it cleanse all the immediate air before inhaling.
Do these personal/wearable air purifiers really work? Right, these are legit air purifiers we need to invest in to breathe the freshest air at all times. However, we cannot compare their efficiency with the air purifiers we set in our homes. Wearable options don’t provide complete protection against harmful agents in the air. They only help in reducing the amount of agents we breathe in.
Their construction technology tells a lot about their efficiency in general. Manufacturers design wearable air purifiers with inferior technology. They employ the negative ion technology to perform their cleaning duty. However, their inferiority doesn’t enable them to produce sufficient ions for efficient air purification results.
What a pretty form of purifier we have around! Just wear around the neck, and they clean immediate air before inhaling. We can as well refer to them as portable air purifiers since you can move with them anywhere and anytime.
Most air purifiers we install in our homes to clean our air employ air filters to clean air in the spaces we live. However, the wearable options are a bit different from these mechanical models. As said, wearable/personal air purifiers use negative ions to clean and freshen the air. But few advanced options use filters as well to perform their cleaning function.
Wearable wins a huge following due to their ability to clean the immediate air effectively without producing any noise. The negative ions can effectively remove dust, bacteria, and other allergens in the surrounding air. In the market, these models form the smallest air purifiers you can employ to remain the safest.
Remember, we referred to wearable purifiers as personal options. Personal air purifiers are portable air-cleaning devices you can move with to help you breathe the freshest air. You can have them in offices, at school or anywhere even whenever you go for a picnic. However, not all personal air purifiers are wearable.
Disadvantages of Employing Wearable Air Purifiers
Anything that seems great has its downsides as well. Wearable air purifiers are convenient air cleaners we have around. But do they form safe devices to use around?
Now, wearable/personal air purifiers are ion generators. Just like the mechanical models, these air purifiers produce ozone. Ozone produced is a byproduct in the formation of negative ions employed to clean air. Ozone has both advantages and disadvantages to humans. First, they protect us from the direct UV rays that can affect our skin. The downside of ozone is its irritation effect on the lungs. Consequently, this gas is generally harmful to human health.
The effect of ozone effects isn’t significant as such since the production is of small quantity. However, this small ozone quantity can turn hazardous, especially to people living with asthma. In addition, the low quantities can be a danger posing to the elderly, kids, and those with various allergies.
However, not all wearable air purifiers produce ozone air. Few advanced exceptions form the better part of non-ozone producers. The majority of these models produce ozone that poses users health risks. However, the few non-ozone producers make the safest options worth investing in.
Wearable Purifier Types
Readers have comprehended about wearable purifiers and whether these devices work. Now, we have different types of these air cleaners in stores. Let’s enlighten readers deeper on these types to enable them to decide wisely when purchasing them.
Cherry Ion Purifiers
These emerge as the commonest and most popular wearable purifiers around. They stand out due to their advanced functionalities as well as superior modern design. With a two to three hours charge, you will get service for up to 12 hours from them.
Maple Fresh Purifiers
These are also other excellent wearable purifiers designed with a lot of advantages. The air cleaner manages to create five million ions they employ to carry out the cleaning function.
They stand out due to their capability to resist the effects posed by viruses and bacteria. Apart from cleaning immediate air, you can employ the maple air purifier to increase blood circulation. Moreover, they help in regulating sleep patterns as well as reduce stress levels.
Aviche Seashell Purifier
Lastly, we also have the Aviche seashell purifier as the greatest competitors around. These air cleaners generate a significant amount of negative ions to remove pollutants from the immediate air.
Like the maple fresh purifiers above, Aviche air purifiers have additional functions. They remove free radicals as well as boosts circulation in the body. In addition, they help users improve their sleep quality.
Conclusion
Wearable air purifiers are safe devices people worth investing in for people who need to breathe in only the freshest air. They remove all air pollutants to make the immediate air we breathe safe. Stay healthy by employing wearable air purifiers to clean the surrounding air before inhaling.
Resources:
https://airpurifiergeek.com/best-personal-air-purifier-around-neck/
https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/can-
https://interestingengineering.com/air-purifiers-can-pr
Last updated Mar 7, 2021 | Clean Home
Allergies affect millions of people every year. You might expect allergies outdoors, but when they creep into your home, they can affect your everyday life.
Are you allergic to your house? More often than not, pesky indoor allergens that can’t be seen by the naked eye can make you sneeze, scratch, or worse. Fear not; there is plenty that can be done about it, from carpet cleaning to installing air purifiers.
What Are Indoor Allergens?
Indoor allergens can come in many forms. The most common allergens in the home are dust, pet dander, pollen, and mold. Allergies to particles in the home may be in the carpet or flooring, in the air, and laying on the surfaces of the interior of your house.
Reducing allergens in a home will help to keep the reaction to them down. You, your family, and even your pets will be sneezing, itching, and getting watery eyes less often.
Use an Air Purifying System
Using an air-purifying system will remove dust, pollen, pet dander, and many other allergens from the air in your home. Most air purifiers need to have the filter replaced, and some need to have a water tank emptied, as well.
Air purifier systems can be mobile units that you move throughout your home or large units that improve your home air quality.
Add More Houseplants to Your Décor
Did you know that plants cleanse the air that we breathe? Adding more potted plants to your home is a natural way to clean the allergens from the air. From spider plants to rubber trees, plants add life to your home and years to your life!
Speaking of plants that cleanse the air, you can also try burning a bundle of sage to clear airborne bacteria.
Get Your HVAC System Serviced
Your home’s HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning) system consistently circulates air through the system and in or out of every room.
It can also circulate tons of allergens through your home. Having the system serviced means checking the components of the unit and cleaning the ducts.
House Cleaning Tips
Before your house gets deep cleaned, you must decide if you want to take on the task yourself or hire a professional cleaning service. Doing it yourself puts you in direct contact with many of the allergens, so you would have to be cautious and wear a mask and gloves.
When cleaning, always start from the top and work your way down to ensure that you are collecting every particle of dust and other allergens. For instance, start by wiping down ceiling fans, high vents, and the tops of cabinets. Next, move down to washing curtains and other surfaces below that until you reach the floor.
The cleaners that you use can be all-natural to eliminate exposure to chemicals. White vinegar and essential oils like lemon and tea tree oil can be just as effective as harsh cleaners.
Lint-free or microfiber towels will not shed as you use them, or you can go with a bamboo towel that will resist mold and mildew.
As you are cleaning your home, if you notice any signs from rodents or pests, call in an exterminator as tiny home invaders can leave behind nasty allergens.
Treat Every Room
Deep cleaning and treating your home for allergens is most efficient when you do it in every single room. Even the rooms that you do not go into that often. Allergens can be carried through the ventilation system of your home and through the air.
Should I Worry About Choosing Fabrics?
Fabric choices for your wardrobe are probably chosen for fit and comfort. However, what about the fabrics of everything else? From bed linens to towels and even carpet and furniture, check the tags on everything to make sure the materials used are allergy-friendly.
Clean your bed linens frequently, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. After the linens, wash your small throw rugs at least once a month. Do this more frequently if you live in a dusty area or with pets.
Hire a Carpet Cleaning Service
What’s hiding in your carpet? You probably don’t want to know. Cleaning carpets on your own can be quite a laborious chore and may take all day.
Call in the carpet cleaning professionals to get all of the nastiness out of your carpet fibers. As much as you vacuum your carpet, you will never get it as thoroughly clean as the professionals.
Change Your Vacuum
Not every vacuum is created equal. Some vacuums could be making your allergies worse instead of sucking up the dust etc. Unless your vacuum has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, you may be picking the allergens out of the carpet and putting them back into the air.
Replace Your Flooring
In extreme cases, homeowners have gone as far as replacing their carpeting with a hypoallergenic carpet. Natural fibers like wool and manmade fibers such as nylon are great for keeping allergens to a minimum.
Treating Pets
Our pets are like our family, but they could be causing you some allergy irritations. Pet dander is often hard to see with the naked eye, making it hard to know that it is even there. It is small particles of skin and fur that cause allergic reactions in many people, which is why hypoallergenic pets have become more popular.
How do you get rid of future pet dander before it starts? Frequent grooming or bathing at home with special shampoo will wash away their dander. Also, wash their bedding once a week.
Watch the Weather
Heavy rain, as well as droughts and even strong winds, can stir up allergens outdoors, which can then translate to a spike in allergens in the home. Changes in temperature and humidity levels may predict how you should react to the weather. Turn up your air purifier, and close your windows to keep allergens down.
Fighting With Allergens
It doesn’t take much to get sick of having indoor allergens around your home and ruining your home life. Try out a few of these suggestions, and you will be pleasantly surprised at the results!
If you’ve enjoyed learning about improving your home, check out some of our other articles.
Feb 25, 2021 | Air Quality, Clean Home
Allergies can ruin all the fun when you’re trying to enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re not careful, they can also ruin your indoor air quality as well.
According to one study, over 60 million people suffer from allergy symptoms in the U.S. alone! Allergies are a serious nuisance and they force sufferers to spend much time and money trying to find relief.
Are you worried about allergens? Do you have family members with respiratory issues? Follow these residential indoor air quality tips so you can breathe easily.
Remove Carpeting
Most people aren’t aware that carpeting can be a very big contributor to allergies and bad indoor air. Unfortunately, carpeting traps pollen, dirt, dust, and pet dander that are sources of bad air quality.
One of the best indoor air quality solutions that allergy sufferers can use is to remove the carpet in their homes. Replacing carpet with a hardwood or tile floor can cut your allergens down significantly.
Check for Mold
Indoor air quality is also negatively affected by moisture and mold. If you live in a humid climate, your area is likely prone to mold and mildew. Out of doors, it may be tolerable, but if it gets inside your home, mold can quickly make you sick.
Check your home for mold and mildew, including behind the drywall, under flooring, and in the basement. Special attention should be given to the bathroom and kitchen since water leaks can spring up around sinks, toilets, and tubs.
If mold is a problem in your area, consider investing in a good dehumidifier that continuously takes the moisture out of the air. You want to avoid breathing mold spores and keep your home interior as dry as possible.
Use a Furnace Filter
Some homeowners have their air ducts cleaned on a regular basis to remove lint and other residues. In addition to residential air duct cleaning, you can install filters on your furnace to prevent allergens from spreading through your home.
A quality filter will strain out pet dander, dust, pollen, and other irritants. To keep your furnace from pumping allergens through your A/C and heat vents, install a new allergy filter every 1-3 months.
Keep Your Pets Clean
Residential indoor air quality testing has shown that having an indoor pet introduces allergens into the home. If your pet is making you sneeze, consider making some changes to lower the allergens in the air.
You can bathe them more frequently, keep their hair trimmed short, brush them often, and use pet shampoo that lowers pet dander. Some pet parents use free-standing air filters to help remove dander and pet fur from the home environment.
Fill Your House With Plants
To improve your indoor air quality, you can also fill your home with plants that improve indoor air quality. Besides bringing the outdoors in, plants give off oxygen and enhance well-being.
Monitor Your Residential Indoor Air Quality
Have you been wondering how to improve your residential indoor air quality? We recommend giving the ideas in this article a try. The most important thing you can do is continue to monitor your inside air and make changes as needed. Even small changes can help you find allergy relief.
If you’ve enjoyed this article about improving your home’s environment, check out our other blog articles.
