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8 common gardening mistakes to avoid
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8 common gardening mistakes to avoid

Gardening is a leisurely activity and a beloved hobby for many. But as incredible as it is, one needs to consider several factors to ensure the survival of a garden, and especially for it to thrive. If you are building a kitchen garden, it will require a different kind of dedication and a different set of rules than an aesthetic, floral garden. In either case, there are some essential tips to follow. So, let’s explore some common gardening mistakes to avoid. Neglecting soil preparation This is the most crucial step of any gardening process. The soil is the base of the garden, and it is full of nutrients that are essential for the plants to thrive on. Neglecting soil preparation can cost you your beloved garden. Before starting any activity on the patch, assess your soil’s texture, pH balance, and nutrient content. Analyze this report to understand what kind of plants this soil can support. You can add organic matter, like compost and manure, to the soil to help improve its nutrient content and any additional requirements. Also, this cannot be a one-time process; you will have to do regular soil checking to ensure that the nutrients are not depleting.
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12 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid
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12 common toilet cleaning mistakes to avoid

Cleaning the toilet is perhaps among the most dreaded tasks in every home. However, a clean toilet is essential to maintain hygiene and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other diseases. Today, several useful cleaning products and equipment are available to reduce manual effort and facilitate cleaner toilets. In addition, avoiding certain common toilet cleaning mistakes can help make the process more efficient and less time-consuming while ensuring better hygiene. Not knowing the different ways to unclog a toilet Unclogging the toilet can be the first step to the toilet-cleaning process. A clogged toilet can cause considerable inconvenience; moreover, at times, certain techniques may not be effective in unclogging the drain. Thus, it is important to understand the various hacks to unclog a toilet. Pouring vinegar or dish soap into the toilet should typically do the trick; however, at times, these techniques may not be effective. In such cases, one should try other methods, such as using a wet or dry vacuum to unclog the drain after emptying the water from the bowl. Using a mixture of cleaning products Every cleaning product has its distinct functions; however, mixing together certain cleaning products can give rise to lethal, corrosive solutions. For example, combining bleach and vinegar produces chlorine gas, which can lead to breathing issues, coughing, and watery eyes.
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13 common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid
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13 common bathroom cleaning mistakes to avoid

Cleaning the bathroom is an arduous chore most people would rather avoid. Yet, it’s necessary to maintain a hygienic and pleasant living environment. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when washing the bathroom. These mistakes complicate the job and even reduce cleaning efficiency, increasing the risk of spreading infections and diseases. This comprehensive guide lists these common mistakes and provides a few practical solutions to avoid repeating them in the future. Neglecting regular cleaning Maintaining good hygiene is a continuous task, especially when multiple family members share a washroom. These areas accumulate dirt, grime, and bacteria quickly with repeated use. Failing to sanitize them regularly allows common contaminants to build up, making cleaning more challenging in the long run. The best solution is to follow a cleaning schedule and tackle bathroom cleaning at least once a week. Not ventilating properly Bathrooms should have proper ventilation to prevent gases and odors from accumulating when one uses the facility. Improper ventilation can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, pathogens that thrive in unclean, humid environments. The spores released by these tiny organisms can harm one’s health. Persistent growth can also leave the bathroom surfaces discolored. One should switch on the bathroom fan or open a window after using the facility to prevent moisture and gases from accumulating.
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10 things one should never clean with paper towels
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10 things one should never clean with paper towels

Paper towels are a common household item, being versatile and easy to use for quick cleanup in the kitchen and other spaces. However, they should be avoided when trying to clean certain things, as the chemical composition and physical nature of paper towels may not work well for all surfaces. So, to help one avoid irreversible damage, here is a look at 10 things that should never be cleaned with a paper towel: 1. Glass surfaces Glass surfaces, such as mirrors and windows, are smooth and can scratch easily. Even tiny scratches on them can ruin their appearance. So, additional care is required when wiping these surfaces. If paper towels are used to clean them, they may leave behind lint and streaks on the glass. So, to achieve a streak-free shine, it is better to use a newspaper or a microfiber cloth with a glass cleaner. These alternatives can make the glass surfaces look crystal clear without leaving behind scratches or streaks. 2. Eyewear Eyewear, such as eyeglasses and sunglasses, need to be free from smudges and scratches to provide a clear vision. Additionally, they have a sensitive surface that can get scratched easily, also affecting their utility. So, using paper towels to clean eyewear can leave behind fine scratches because even though they seem gentle, paper towels can be abrasive in nature.
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7 obvious signs indicating the need for home renovations
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7 obvious signs indicating the need for home renovations

No matter how sophisticated or modern your house is, a little TLC now and then is necessary to maintain the property and ensure all its occupants are safe. You can ideally schedule a thorough home inspection where professionals point out some of the more glaring problems to tackle. But, even without that, some obvious signs of damage in and around the house will likely indicate the urgent need for a full home renovation. Water damage Water damage is a major sign of trouble that you should not ignore. A leak will result in additional problems, including growing mold, rotten materials, and rust. Water damage is common along the sidewalls and the roof, where the materials are constantly exposed to the weather, and major issues like roof leaks can result in costly repairs. If you spot a small leak in any of these areas, call a handyperson to assess its severity. Often, spotting a problem early eliminates the need for expensive repairs. The floor space is compromised The foundation of the house tends to weaken over time due to the weight and pressure on it. If you notice some of your furniture looking out of place or angled, check the floorboard underneath for damage.
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Types of lights to enhance the existing home décor
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Types of lights to enhance the existing home décor

Lighting helps set the mood of a room. When done correctly, the results are simply jaw-dropping! You can play around with different types of lights in different areas of the house to see what works. While at it, you can even experiment with smart fixtures that integrate with the internet for remote control. If you can’t think of anything, look at these simple types of lights for home décor and find inspiration! Ambient lighting This is the most basic type of lighting that illuminates a room or a particular area, such as the dining space. The light could reflect off walls for uniform brightness throughout. The primary ambient light source could be anything, like a chandelier, pendant lights, or LEDs. Many homeowners prefer chandeliers hung from the ceiling as they both enhance the look and feel of the room while illuminating the entire space. Don’t limit your creativity when installing chandeliers. You can add a single unit in the middle of the room or multiple at fixed intervals. If you decide to buy pendant lights for ambient lighting, you will find many modern options with LEDs. LED lights provide a cooler shade that doesn’t strain the eyes when switched on for extended periods.
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Mastering laundry – 21 essential dos and don’ts for clothes
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Mastering laundry – 21 essential dos and don’ts for clothes

While doing laundry seems like a basic task, mastering the art of laundry takes time and practice, and following certain rules can help one get started on the right foot. These rules can extend the lifespan of one’s clothes and also help optimize the efficiency and durability of one’s washing machine, ensuring it remains a reliable tool in one’s laundry routine. Here is a list of 20 essential laundry dos and don’ts of laundry. Laundry Dos to Follow Read Care Labels Before tossing one’s clothes in the washer, one is advised to take a moment to read the care labels. They provide specific guidelines on water temperature, washing methods (like hand washing or machine washing), and even drying instructions. For instance, a delicate silk blouse may require gentle hand washing in cold water, while a cotton t-shirt might thrive in a regular machine cycle. Ignoring these labels can lead to shrinkage, color fading, or even fabric damage. Sort by Color To prevent color bleeding and fading, it’s necessary to sort one’s laundry into three categories: whites, lights, and darks. This simple step can help preserve the vibrancy of one’s clothes. Empty Pockets Checking and emptying pockets before loading one’s laundry is crucial.
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6 common mistakes to avoid when buying a new house
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6 common mistakes to avoid when buying a new house

Buying a home can be a challenging experience. The process involves a decision with high stakes and the possibility of one making mistakes can be quite high. But, one can always learn from other people’s mistakes. A little research and planning can help one avoid potential pitfalls before finalizing and buying a new house. Spending enough time on it before than regretting the decision later is always the right choice. Not getting a pre-approved  mortgage Some people start looking for homes before checking the loan amount they qualify for.  This  can put a huge dent in their plans later. It is advisable to start off with getting a pre-approved mortgage and then look for potential homes. This can homebuyers determine their affordability. They get to check the interest rate and loan amount they can qualify for. The process also lets people determine how much money they will have to pay upfront as a down payment and other closing costs.  Having a  pre-approved mortgage also lets the seller know that the homebuyer is serious. It lends one a competitive edge against other potential buyers. And since one is ready to purchase, some sellers might also be open to further negotiations. Further, do not stop with just one lender.
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7 mistakes to avoid when selling a home
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7 mistakes to avoid when selling a home

Even more challenging than buying a home is selling one. From the long list of tasks that need to be completed to the emotional attachments that one needs to let go of, there are many things one needs to consider when selling one’s home. Given the complexity of this transaction, it is common for people to make big mistakes when trying to sell their home, which could cost them a lot of money. 1. Trying to DIY the sale Real estate agents indeed ask for a hefty commission, anywhere between 5%-6% of the total price of the sale. While this can feel steep, these agents also bring in a lot of expertise that could ease the selling process, especially for first-time sellers. On the other hand, trying to go down the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) route could result in complicated paperwork and botched-up negotiations. This is why one must look for a good real estate agent who has the seller’s best interests at heart. They will help one set a competitive price for the home, manage the emotional aspect of meeting prospective buyers, and negotiate a better price. They are also well-versed in the paperwork involved in completing the sale, which can be crucial in preventing any delays or legal issues.
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9 things a home warranty does not cover
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9 things a home warranty does not cover

A home warranty is a service contract that offers financial cover for the wear and tear of a home’s appliances and systems. So, if something breaks down, the homeowner does not have to bear the cost of repairs. Rather, the warranty company will cover the expenses. But it is important to note that a home warranty does not cover all repairs. When signing the contract, one must take note of the exclusions. Cosmetic repairs Cosmetic repairs are made solely for aesthetics or to improve the home’s appearance. A home warranty does not cover such repairs. It only covers the cost of damages caused by normal wear and tear. For instance, if an oven breaks down or stops working during regular use, homeowners can expect the home warranty to cover the expenses. The contract will not cover the price of fixing scratches or dents on the oven because it counts as cosmetic repairs. Outdoor elements Another big thing a home warranty excludes is the cost of repairing fixtures outside the house. Examples are pools, spas, and septic systems. The contract may also leave out outdoor plumbing systems and their parts, like sprinklers, faucets, and valves. While most home warranty companies do not cover these things in their standard package, some offer add-ons that include outdoor elements.
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A Look at the 5 Models of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series
Shopping

A Look at the 5 Models of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series

Around five years ago, Samsung launched its first foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold. Over time, the Fold Series has expanded to include four more devices, the latest being the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, launched earlier this year. These foldable phones have pushed the boundaries of technology and design and are considered the future of smartphones. Here’s a quick look at the different Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Series models. 1. Galaxy Z Fold Launched in 2019, Samsung’s first foldable phone was the tablet-sized Galaxy Fold. This device did not have an ideal beginning, as the initial batch sent to reviewers malfunctioned within days of use. Consequently, the brand recalled them, delaying the product’s official launch. In September that year, the Galaxy Z Fold was finally launched for $1,980. The 7.3-inch inner AMOLED display of the Galaxy Fold can be folded in a book style. It features a 4.6-inch secondary display, Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855 processor, three rear cameras (12 MP wide-angle, 12 MP telephoto, and 16 MP ultra-wide), and two front cameras (10 MP selfie and 8 MP depth). The Galaxy Z Fold has 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage. 2. Galaxy Z Fold2 In September 2020, Samsung upgraded the series with the Galaxy Z Fold2, which was more robust and had a refined design. The device has a larger 7.6-inch foldable screen, a bezel-less 6.2-inch cover panel, a higher refresh rate of 120 Hz, a new Snapdragon 865 processor, a 4400 mAh battery, and improved cameras compared to the original Fold. Flex Mode is a talking point of the Fold2, which provides better functionality and serves as a tripod for hands-free selfies or video calls. Samsung also adopted a UWB chip for the first time in this foldable smartphone. 3. Galaxy Z Fold3 The Galaxy Z Fold3 was unveiled in August 2021 as the third generation of Samsung’s folding phones.
6 exciting offers on the iPhone 14 Pro series
smartphones

6 exciting offers on the iPhone 14 Pro series

The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are Apple’s most technologically advanced Pro lineup. These phones have been launched with exciting new features like Dynamic Island and an Always-On display, which create an immersive user experience. They are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, which is the fastest chip available on the market. Additionally, the phones have cutting-edge features that are perfect for managing everyday tasks and creative projects. These Apple models come in different storage options and color variants. The prices of the phones depend on the storage option chosen.  Let’s explore the various offers provided by different service providers. Pricing and availability The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are available in different storage options. The starting price for the iPhone 14 Pro is $999, which includes 128GB of storage. The starting price for the iPhone 14 Pro Max is $1,099, also with 128GB of storage. The price increases as one chooses higher storage options. One can purchase these models from the online Apple Store, offline stores, and third-party sellers. Deals on the iPhone 14 Pro 1. AT&T Limitless Plan AT&T is also providing the best trade-in savings of up to $1,000, which matches the carrier’s best deal to date. Even though this specific deal doesn’t include any bonuses or extras, customers will find one of the greatest offers at AT&T. The trade-in rebate for the basic iPhone 14 is set at a maximum save of $700, so if AT&T is the preferred carrier, we strongly advise getting the Pro model. 2. Walmart (with $100 off carrier devices) Walmart is providing a great deal on carrier smartphones. A $100 price reduction for monthly payments over 36 months is accessible for AT&T and Verizon users. This could be an attractive option for those who don’t want to trade in a previous model for a lower price at one of the leading carriers.  3.
Top 8 Features of the iPhone 15
Shopping

Top 8 Features of the iPhone 15

Apple has unveiled the iPhone 15 and its equally terrific counterparts – the iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. By now, users must have played around with several new features, especially those on iOS 17, such as the Standby Mode or NameDrop. But other exciting features and specifications added this year need a mention. Here are some specifications to get the most out of the iPhone 15’s brilliance. Performance The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus are powered by the same A16 Bionic processor found in the iPhone 14 Pro series. One can witness a similar level of performance as last year’s high-end phones. On the other hand, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max come with Apple’s latest A17 Pro processor. According to Apple, this new processor is “10 percent faster” in terms of CPU and “20 percent faster” in terms of GPU (graphics) compared to the A16 Bionic processor. Apple has emphasized the smoother graphics and gaming performance of the iPhone 15 Pro models, thanks to the A17 Pro processor’s hardware-accelerated ray tracing. This technology allows for impressive lighting effects in games. Design All iPhone 15 models have received the latest design that features softer contoured edges compared to the sharper one on the iPhone 14. There is a titanium frame with brushed metal that looks shiny and polished on the Pro and Pro Max variants. Moreover, these models also feature thinner bezels, giving a premium look. Colors The iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus come in five color options, including blue, pink, yellow, green, and black. Another key feature to look out for is Apple’s new color-infused back glass with a frosted matte texture. Camera Apple has significantly upgraded the cameras on its latest iPhone 15 lineup. The primary cameras on the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus have been increased from 12 megapixels (MP) to 48MP.