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).

Maintaining doors and windows should be a routine built into a household’s cleaning plan. With moving parts and constant usage, they bear more brunt than one supposes. As such, they need to be strong, in perfect working conditions, and maintained in a way that extends their life span to the maximum. Here are six common door and window maintenance mistakes that should be avoided to prevent serious problems down the line: 1. Ignoring regular cleaning and maintenance In routine household cleaning and maintenance, door and window repair can sometimes get overlooked. Wiping them down or cleaning the windowpanes regularly, while a good practice, is not enough. Grease, debris, and dirt tend to accumulate in the corners and tracks and can lead to difficulty in smoothly opening and closing the doors and windows. Locking mechanisms, hinges, and rollers, if not lubricated, can wear out faster and make them more challenging to use. A silicone-based lubricant is ideal to keep the moving parts working smoothly. When cleaning wooden doors and window frames, use a soft, non-abrasive cloth with very little warm water. Avoid using too much water to prevent the wood from rotting. For aluminum parts, mild detergent and water can be used.

According to statistics from the CDC, approximately 48 million people in the country are affected by food-borne diseases. Bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli, found in water and food, are the primary causes of people getting severely ill from food-borne conditions. One major reason for this spread is improper handling and sanitation practices. Thus, when handling food preparation and disposal, it is important to avoid sanitation mistakes to prevent health concerns and address safety issues. Not properly disposing of waste To avoid pests and other environmental hazards, people need to make sure the waste is being properly disposed of. Discarding hazardous materials without securing garbage bags properly can pose a substantial risk to the health and safety of people and the environment. To avoid these potential risks, people need to ensure that the garbage bags are tied up tightly and there are fewer chances of potential spills and contamination. Medical waste, harmful chemicals, and other biohazard disposal need to follow proper regulations. Inadequate personal hygiene Maintaining the right hygiene practices is essential when trying to prevent respiratory bacteria and viruses from spreading. For example, not covering the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing can be considered unhygienic because it can contribute to the transmission of illnesses to other people nearby.

Windows and doors are an important part of a house, ensuring security, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. Over time, these components may face wear and tear and need replacements. One is advised to replace windows and doors if they detect problems to not only improve comfort and ventilation but also to save energy bills and enhance the overall value of the property. Here are 7 signs that indicate one may need new windows or doors: Increasing electricity bills If one has noticed an abnormal spike in electricity bills recently or needs to adjust the heating or air-conditioning, it may be because of faulty windows. One is advised to test the windows by feeling for drafts on a cold day or by placing a burning lamp nearby to check for leaks. Any coolness or light seepage suggests poor insulation. In this case, one may need to go for window replacement. It’s best to opt for energy-efficient options or heat-insulating windows for best results. Visible damage to the frame Door frames or window frames may deteriorate as the material ages, whether it is glass or wood. This is mainly because they are exposed to harsh weather conditions like excessive heat and humidity. This can cause visible damage to the frame, including chipped paint, scrapes, and scratches.

Building a garden from scratch is a joyous journey that often becomes a moment of pride for homeowners. From choosing the right plants to understanding where to place them, this process can be tricky. Making the wrong choices here could result in a garden that appears too cluttered or disorganized. Continue reading to learn more about common garden renovation mistakes and how to avoid them to build a space that stands out. Buying only flowering plants One of the most common mistakes people make when redoing their gardens is adding too many flowering plants. While these may present a picturesque scene during spring, the garden will end up looking pale and dull through the rest of the year. It could also impact the overall appeal of one’s home. To avoid this, try to pick a variety of plants for the garden that give it a vibrant look all year round. Think of evergreen leaves, summer blossoms, spring colors, and berries in the autumn. Not only will this create a more functional garden, but it will also add some depth by using contrasting shapes and colors. Using too many intricate shapes and designs While picking intricate designs sounds like a great idea to elevate the garden’s look, maintaining it can be challenging.

The growing issue of water scarcity is no secret. With the rise of global warming and the ever-growing demand for natural resources, this problem poses a significant threat to humanity. While governments and other international bodies tackle this at a global scale, there are plenty of steps one can take to avoid water waste at a personal level. Read on to learn about five mistakes to avoid to prevent water shortages and other related problems. Failing to fix leaks Leaks in the showers, faucets, and even the toilet could result in the wastage of over 100 gallons of water per day. Not only can this rack up one’s water bills, but it can also cause significant environmental damage. Start by fixing all the leaks around the house. Not investing in rainwater harvesting Employing sustainable water management techniques at home can also be a great way to save water and reduce one’s bills. One way to do this is by setting up rainwater harvesting equipment. This process can allow the water table to recharge by moving the surface water to groundwater. Those who aren’t keen on setting up major equipment in their homes can invest in a rain barrel or a water butt to collect and conserve rainwater and reduce utility bills.

Many people use vacuum cleaners but still can’t figure out how to use the appliance properly. If you don’t use a vacuum cleaner the right way, you’ll never get the desired results, plus you’ll end up damaging the machine. Regardless of the type of vacuum cleaner you own, there are certain mistakes you must avoid while using it to improve its efficiency and longevity. Read on to know what these mistakes are. Emptying the dust bag only when overfilled Although inconvenient, it’s necessary to empty the dust bag well before it’s full or after each use. If you operate a vacuum cleaner while its dust bag or container is full, performance drops drastically. It doesn’t pick up dust and dirt as effectively as it can. Moreover, a full dust bag can restrict airflow within the appliance, increasing the risk of overheating and damage. Don’t want to empty the dust bag frequently? Consider buying a vacuum cleaner with a bigger dust bag. Assuming it’s broken If your vacuum cleaner stops working suddenly, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s broken. Vacuum cleaners often lose suction when the dust bag is full, or the hose is clogged. Also, many models today come with a feature that makes the appliance shut off automatically when the motor becomes too hot.

Grilling is one the best ways to prepare delicious food while cooking outdoors. But there are many aspects that influence outdoor cooking. Get them wrong, and you could have friends and family leaving with a not so pleasant experience. After all, no one loves an excessively burnt piece of chicken. So whether you enjoy cooking outdoors, or are trying it out for the first time, here are four cooking mistakes to avoid. Not accommodating for the weather If you live in a colder location, you won’t be able to use the griller all year long. Not planning for the rains and snow can set you back on a day when you decide to cook outdoors. Take appropriate measures in the cooking space, such as installing a roof to protect the griller from water. Not preheating the griller Failing to preheat the grill before placing the meat is another common mistake most people make. Preheat the grill for at least 20 minutes before starting to cook. By preheating the appliance, the meat develops a deep smoky, delicious flavor. Poor cleaning A lot can go wrong if you cook food without cleaning the outdoor appliance. The burnt residue may fuse with the food and make it unhealthy to eat.

Home cleaning may seem like a straightforward task. It is a routine chore that can be done daily. However, even when done everyday, we might make some mistakes while cleaning our home. This can cause bacteria to grow, and your home may remain unhygienic. Even the most basic of cleaning tasks may become damaging if left unchecked. Listed below are some common home cleaning mistakes to avoid next time. Using the same cloth for every surface Cleaning 101: Never use a single piece of cloth for wiping both the furniture and appliances. Washcloths and wipes are safe to use for your furniture. It is better to consider microfiber and lint free cloths for cleaning TV screens and other appliances. This is applicable for disposable wipes and cleaning accessories used for other surfaces as well. Mixing cloths only increases the risk of damage and allows bacteria to spread. Not cleaning the tools Using a vacuum cleaner is ineffective if the dust bag is not emptied and cleaned regularly. Additionally, not wringing out and sanitizing a mop after each use can be harmful. Cleaning the equipment and using fresh supplies each time will only improve efficiency and lower the risk of spreading infection.

Your garden is the entryway to your home. Not only can they give you fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables for your home, but they also beautify the space. A clutter-free, colorful garden can help relieve stress and become a quiet place for reflection. No matter the size of the yard, it’s only natural to want to beautify the space and get the most out of it. Here are 5 tips to decorate your garden: Add flowering plants Flowering plants can add a lot of color to your garden. They break up the green patches and give the garden focal points. They also attract pollinators like butterflies and bees to naturally pollinate your yard. Consider planting flowering plants in your garden and assorting them by color to give your yard a well-organized look. Add yellows and oranges with plants like orange marigolds, yellow capsicums, calendula, cosmos, and nasturtiums, purple with beetroot, lavender, violet, purple basil, rainbow chard, and petunia, and blue, white, and gray with sage, alyssum, cabbages, cauliflowers, leeks, and other plants. Make your yard look larger To make a small yard appear bigger, use horizontal layers of different heights to add the illusion of depth. For example, planting low shrubs before a slightly higher fence and taller shrubs near the house can add dimension to your garden and make it look much bigger.