4 hardwood cleaning hacks that will make your life easy There is nothing that screams elegance like hardwood floors do when it comes to home décor. They add to the aesthetics of the house, look timeless, and, essentially, add character to your house. You will notice that though many people would love having hardwood floors in their house, they end up changing their mind and opt for ceramic tiles or marble flooring. Many of these people avoid getting hardwood floors because they fear cleaning wood floors, as they believe that it is impossible to remove stains from hardwood floors. However, truth be told, it is not that hard to clean wood floors if done in time and in the right manner. Read on to find out four essential hardwood cleaning tips and hacks that will make cleaning wood floors feel effortless. How can you maintain wooden floors? • Use a mop and some warm water for regular cleaning of wood floors. • Every once or twice a year, you should consider deep cleaning the wooden floors with a vacuum cleaner and high-quality hardwood cleaning products. • Make sure that you are not using too much water, as it might lead to a premature decay of the wooden floor. • Another hack is to place furniture on top of rubber floor protectors so the furniture is elevated from the surface. In this way, your floor won’t get scraped every time you move the furniture. How can you prevent staining of wooden floors? • There are some preventive measures that will help you ensure that your hardwood floor looks new as ever. First, you should vacuum your floor regularly to keep the floor clean. • A smart thing to do would be to place a rug or a doormat at the entrance of any room that has a hardwood floor. This way, you can make sure that people can wipe their feet at the entrance and not dirty the floor. Can you use natural ingredients to clean hardwood floors? • Yes, fortunately, you can clean wooden floors and get rid of stubborn stains by using natural ingredients that you can easily find in your house. The best part about using natural ingredients is that you will be saving money that you would otherwise spend on buying expensive cleaning products. More importantly, you will notice that the result is the same in both the cases—shining wooden floor that looks new as ever. • A mixture of warm water and vinegar happens to be one of the best homemade DIY hardwood cleaners. If you are not sure about using water, then you can make use of vegetable oil. • Black tea is also said to be great for cleaning stubborn stains on the hardwood floor. All that you got to do is brew a couple of bags of black tea and once it cools down, dip the mop into the mixture, and clean the wood floor. What are some wooden floor cleaning products that you must invest in? • For daily cleaning of wooden floors, you must invest in a good-quality mop. O-Cedar, Casabella, Swiffer, and Microfibre mops are some of the top mop brands that you must check out. Weiman Hardwood Floor Cleaner, Parker & Bailey Wood Floor Cleaner, Mohawk Hardwood & Laminate Floor Cleaner, and Murphy Squirt & Mop Wood Floor Cleaner are some of the leading hardwood cleaning products that you can buy today. • When you are buying cleaning products for your hardwood floor, just make sure that you buy the ones that are free from the harsh chemicals. • It is okay to invest in a strong cleaning product for deep hardwood floor cleaning but for everyday purpose, try to buy something that is light and natural. Just keep in mind that the best way to remove any stain from hardwood floor is to tackle it when it is fresh. Don’t procrastinate, clean the stains immediately, as you might have a better chance at saving your floor when the stain is new. Tags: clean wood floors, cleaning wood floor, hardwood floor cleaning, wood floor cleaning products

Questions you need to ask before selecting the best air purifier Air purifiers also referred to as air cleaners, are devices that remove contaminants from a confined space such as an apartment or a room. They are usually marketed to be beneficial for easing allergies and respiratory disorders. However, they can be used to remove usual contaminants allowing the user to breathe comparatively cleaner air. Read the following article to know more about the working and know some of the maintenance tips ideal for air purifiers. Why do we need air purifiers? A simple answer to this query is to improve the air quality of a room. Our country has seen an exponential rise in pollutants in the recent years. As a result, air purifiers are important for a healthier lifestyle. The walls of our homes also trap airborne chemicals, gases, and other particles. Research has found that indoor air can be two to five times more polluted as compared to the outdoor air. The metabolism of children is weaker than adults. Homes with children are more vulnerable if exposed to the air pollutants found in the indoor air. As a result, children might suffer from allergies or even asthma and other respiratory disorders. Living in an area close to heavy traffic leads to inhalation of air full of harmful levels of pollutants and particles. This also holds true if you reside near an industrial area. Which websites provide information about the best air purifiers on the market? The following is a list of websites that provide information on the best air purifiers that are available in the market today: Cleanair4life.com : This is a comprehensive website that provides information and sells the best air purifiers of different brands. Their website has separate tabs for air purifier categories, allergy relief, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, and portable purifiers. Cleanair4life.com also sells replacement parts and has a blogging section to keep you updated about various news regarding the best air purifiers based on the ratings and reviews given by customers from across the globe. Airpurifiers.com : This website has four main tabs that let you shop, rate, read home air purifier reviews, and provide you with detailed information about various products through air purifier manuals. The learning center provides you with information on the factors based on which you should select the best room air purifiers. The support section provides you with informative manuals, FAQs, and contact information. Usairpurifiers.com : This website lets you shop air purifiers based on brands, price, room size, use, and type. It also sells filters and parts of air purifiers from the best brands. The learning center of the website contains a blog, FAQs, filter maintenance information, and reviews and ratings. You can log in and create an account in each of these websites to stay updated on the latest launches of air purifiers and offers to get the best deals on the same. What type of filters are used in air purifiers? There are four main types of air purifier technologies, they are as follows: HEPA technology : HEPA is an acronym for high-efficiency particulate air, and it is one of the latest technologies used for air filtering. It is a very fine fiber-like material folded back and forth to create the shape on an accordion. This helps in trapping particles that are larger than 0.3 microns. Activated carbon technology : This technology makes use of activated carbon for air purification. Activated carbon is extremely porous giving it a very larger area for absorption. This property makes it extremely useful for trapping air pollutants like tobacco smoke and chemical emissions. This type of filter is used for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, and various respiratory disorders. Ultraviolet (UV) technology : The UV technology is used in conjunction with particulate filter systems since it cannot get rid of airborne particles on its own. However, it is an excellent source to kill germs such as viruses and bacteria. Negative ion : These purifiers use chemical injections to clean the air. This technology magnetically charges the ions present in the air thereby trapping dust and pollen. These type of filters do not have the ability to absorb small and harmful contaminants in the air. What are the tips to maintain air purifiers? Here are some tips to maintain air purifiers to work efficiently: Keep the area around the air purifier clean. Dust accumulation called dust bunnies mean unnecessary work for air purifiers. So make sure the air purifiers work on unseen allergens. After making sure that the unit is unplugged, inspect the exterior grills and panels for dust buildup and vacuum them with a dust cloth. Clogged filters keep air purifiers from cleaning the air effectively. Clean them on schedule, as a clogged filter can decrease the lifespan of even the best home air purifier. To make the air purifier function efficiently, make sure that your air purifier is placed in a spacious area in order to increase the intake of air.

Top questions to ask before buying an air purifier Air pollution has reached some of the most alarming levels in most of the states in the recent years. This has started having a significant impact on the indoor air quality. This is where air purifiers come into the picture. Air purifiers clean the polluted air indoor using various kinds of filters. Here are some queries and their answers that you need to know in order to buy the best home or room air purifiers. What are the best tips to use air purifiers efficiently? Following factors can help you use the best home or air purifiers efficiently: Location : Even the best air purifiers require breathing space. So, make sure that it has a clear space of a few feet. It is advisable to clean and clear the space on all four sides for unobstructed air circulation. Airflow direction : It is important to direct the flow of air purifiers in the right direction. Make sure that the air purifier is directed where you will get the maximum benefit. Keep it turned on : This factor is important, especially, for homes with smokers and for people who suffer from respiratory disorders like allergies and asthma. The best air purifiers are energy efficient so it won’t consume much electricity even if they are kept turned on. C hange filters regularly : Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining the air purifiers. Carbon and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters require annual cleaning. Other than this, washable filters should be cleaned every 10 days. Which are the top air purifier brands? Here are the three top-rated air purifiers based on customer reviews: Honeywell 50250-s : It is one of the best HEPA home air purifiers based on customer reviews. This air purifier manages to capture particles and air pollutants as small as 0.3 microns. These units are more than capable of trapping and filtering pollen dust, pet dander, and even smoke particulates. GermGuardian AC4100 : This is a 3-in-1 air cleaning system containing the HEPA filters. These are small filters designed to take less space. You can set them at the end of a table or a desk. The HEPA filter captures pollutants greater than 0.3 microns. They also have UVC lights that kill airborne germs and bacteria. It also decomposes odor caused by cigarette smoke or pets. Holmes HEPA type desktop air purifiers : These are one of the best budget air purifiers. Holmes unit can filter airborne particles as small as 2 microns. The second filter uses activated carbon to remove pesky odors. It also features microban coating to protect the users against molds, mildew, and bacteria growth. What are the pros and cons of air purifiers? Pros : The air purifiers are portable, and they weigh not more than 10 to 20 pounds. The best air purifiers are made of HEPA filter that captures ultrafine particles. They clean air efficiently and are best suited for people suffering from respiratory disorders like asthma. Cons : Although portable, some air purifiers use electrostatic precipitator and ionizer technology that produces ozone, which is a lung irritant. The air purifiers might not be as effective as marketed to get rid of bad odor. Air purifiers demand high maintenance as you need to clean the filters on a weekly basis. Which are the most useful features of air purifiers? Following are the most useful features of the best air purifiers: Fan : This is required to suck in the air for filtration. The purifiers that don’t have fans use the natural circulation of the room and function more quietly. Programmable timer : It allows the user to set and run the purifier for the selected time frame. This feature helps in energy saving. Fan speed : The best air purifiers can help you adjust the fan speed. You can lower the same when sleeping or working and increase when its prime pollen time. Dirt sensor : This feature helps in adjusting the fan speed based on the level of dust present in the air. Washable pre-filter : This type of filter collects large particles; a washable filter helps in cutting the overall cleaning costs of the air purifier and ensures a cleaner air circulation.

An above ground pool for the backyard is one of the best ideas if you cannot afford to get an in-ground pool. You might have an idea about the placement and the requirement for your pool, but you will need a lot more than that. Buying and settling for an above ground pool in your backyard is not as easy as it sounds. You will need a clear plan for its placement, installation process and the type of pool. Following are some of the points that offer tips on buying an above ground pool, installing it and getting a good deal on it. What are the factors one needs to consider before buying an above ground pool? Size The size of the pool is an important factor while buying a new above ground pool. You need to measure the dimensions of your backyard and then choose a pool. You must make sure there is enough space for other activities after you have installed the pool. You can also go for an above ground pool in various shapes like oval, round and rectangle. Ground inspection It is important for your ground to be leveled for you to install an above ground pool on it. If not, you will have to level up the ground first. An uneven ground can cause the pool to be unstable and lead to accidents or damages to the pool. Warranty The warranty of an above ground pool is one of the most important things to consider. An above ground pool is prone to damages as there might not be complete stability in its installation. You must get a warranty that covers the damages and does not hurt your pocket. Which are the top manufacturers for above ground swimming pools? Alberca and Chois Pools Coming in as one of the best manufacturers of above ground pools, this manufacturer is also known as the “Rolls Royce of soft-sided portable pools.” It was formerly known as Advantage pools and has one of the sturdiest above ground pools. Atlantic Pools This manufacturer started its operations back in 1930 and has been one of the top manufacturers since then. It has four different qualities of pools that can be availed by the customers. The four levels of the above ground pools are: a) quality, b) classic, c) premium and d) specialty. Doughboy Pools It is one of the oldest above ground or portable pool manufacturers in the market; starting its services in 1954. They have been at the top of the above ground pool markets and have recently introduced “recessed” pools, which look like in-ground pools but are not expensive. Which are the best places to buy pool supplies? Horizon Pool Supply Along with the common chemicals, equipment, and other supplies, this manufacturer also offers different services like re-plastering, water management as well as repair and renovation. They are at the top as you would be seldom disappointed by their lack of products. The Great Escape A one-stop shop for all your supplies this place has all the supplies you will need for your above ground pools. Furthermore, they will not only suffice your pools-supplies needs but also every other requirement for your backyard, like, ping pong tables, billiards, furnishings etc. Big Box Stores and Major Retailers There are many people that have abandoned the small stores to resort to big box stores like Costco, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Home Depot. These stores are ahead as they have a variety of brands and products at their stores. Which are the best above ground pools to buy in 2018? Intex Metal Frame Set This is the best above ground pool overall and has a semi-permanent installation. A 15-meter diameter allows you to host the entire family or have pool parties. The interior promotes water circulation allowing the water to be safe and clean. Summer Waves Pool This is one of the premium pools and has a few premium features like a PVC-reinforced mesh, a built-in pump system, as well as a cartridge and skimmer basket that allows easy maintenance of the above ground pool.

Things to know before buying an above ground pool If you want a pool in your backyard and do not see yourself getting an in-ground pool anytime soon, then getting an above ground pool is the better choice. Above ground pools are available in different versions such as economical to customizable, luxurious, and expensive pools. Some above ground pools can also be used all year round as they use the same salt water system as the in-ground pools. Along with that, above ground pools also come with efficient energy saving and solar heating systems. More advanced models of above ground pools are also equipped with filtration systems and pumps to keep them clean. Following are some of the common questions associated with above ground pools. What factors determine the price of above ground pools? The price of an above ground pool, just like any other product, is subjective to the quality of the product. The prices start from as low as $200 and can go substantially high to around $62,000. The location can also be a factor in the price of an above ground pool; however, it is the size that most often determines the price of the pool. Along with the price, the quality and shape of the pool can also be a determining factor for the price. If you opt for a professional installation of the above ground pool, then you must consider an addition of around $1000–$3000 to your initial price of the above ground pool. Do you require a permit to install an above ground pool? You might need to get a permit to install an above the ground pool in your backyard. However, not all above ground pools require you to have a permit. You need to initially determine whether or not your pool requires a permit. A permit is not required for above ground pools that are less than 48 inches deep. However, it is important that you follow the installation process well and as per the manufacturer’s instructions. A permit is required for all in-ground pools, as for above ground pools, your pool must be more than 48 inches deep. To get a permit, you will require a map of your home, proof of homestead tax exemption, and a photo ID. Which are the different types of above ground pools? Above ground swimming pools generally have a pretty basic design; the only difference in them either being the size or the shape. Most of them have the same mechanism that they function on. The change in mechanism, however, can affect the cost of the pools to a great extent. Ring pools : These pools are also known as float-to-fill and are mostly 12 feet in diameter and 3 feet high. Ring pools are made from heavy-duty vinyl and have an inflatable ring at the top. It is the inflatable ring that gives them this name. Frame pools : A frame pool is sturdier than ring pools; they are built on a metal frame and an interior pool liner. A frame pool has the capacity to stay up throughout the year, without being troubled by the weather changes. They are available in different shapes, such as rectangular or oval above ground pools, and sizes, with the most common size being a 24-foot round pool. How to improve the lifespan of an above ground pool? An in-ground pool might have a good, long life, but it is not the same for above ground pools. They do not last for more than 10–15 years. Therefore, these may not be a popular choice for family pools but will work great as a kids’ pool. Maintenance plays an important role in determining the lifestyle of the pool. If you service the pool from time to time and do not misuse it, you will successfully add a year or two to its lifespan. Dismantle the pool and put it away when not required. This is specially when the season is not pool friendly. Do not leave the pool out in the open if the weather is not ideal for it. A well-maintained above ground pool has the capacity to last for more than 25–30 years.

4 key points to know before setting up composite decking Composite decking is one of the best and most effective ways of replacing wooden decking. It is also a low-maintenance alternative, which is an important factor. This industry has been facing a few issues with the procurement of raw materials, but it has grown over the past few years and has become common in many households. The quality of these products has also improved significantly over the last few decades. If you are looking to set up a composite decking in your backyard, the following questions and answers should help you get a better idea about it. What are the things to consider while choosing composite decking? Cost: Getting a composite decking for your backyard can be an expensive affair, which is why analyzing the price is essential. The basic boards start at approximately $4 per square foot, while the premium variants can go up to as much as $7.20 per square foot. Warranty: The warranty is often offered on the structural integrity of the boards. Most of the manufacturers will offer a 25-year or a limited-lifetime warranty. Some warranties are also transferable from one homeowner to another homeowner. The warranty only covers physical damages; the fading of the material, as well as scratches and stains, are not covered in most cases. Care: The care required for composite decking boards is significantly lesser than wooden boards. You do not need to polish them or spray them with pesticides to keep termites away. All they need is a simple scrub with soapy water, which makes them easier to maintain. What contents are used to make composite decking boards? Composite decking boards are created by mixing equal parts of wood fiber and plastic with ultraviolet inhibitors, borate preservatives, and pigments. If a board needs to be textured, it is embossed when it is warm. Waste wood: This is one of the base components of composite decking and is usually taken from the leftovers at mills and furniture factories. Recycled plastic: Composite decking boards are also made with a base of recycled plastic. This recycled plastic is obtained by shredding polyethylene milk jugs and shopping bags. What are the pros of composite decking? Low maintenance : Composite decking, unlike wood, does not require bleach to get rid of the stains. Even though it might cost more than wooden decking, you will be able to recover the cost in a few years because of the low cost of maintenance. Long life : Composite decking is an overall package for your backyard as it does not rot, attract termites or require regular cleaning. The boards do not warp or check either, and you can roam on this decking barefoot without the fear of splinters. Minimal fading : The composite will turn a shade or two lighter in the initial months, but that is all the fading you will witness. As there are no harmful chemicals sprayed on it the color of the decking will be maintained, and the material’s quality will not deteriorate much. Recycled content : Another benefit of composite decking is its recycled nature. Every 10 square feet of a panel accounts for 3,000 recycled plastic bags and 1,100 recycled one-gallon milk jugs. What are the cons of composite decking? High cost : Setting up a composite decking in your backyard might have multiple advantages, but it comes with a hefty price tag attached. Even the low-end composites are 30% costlier than pressure-treated pine. Stains : Grease or food can easily stain composite decking. Furthermore, the hardwood present in most of the mixes can leave uneven brown stains in the early days. These stains, however, will disappear over time. Heats up easily : There will be no warping or checks on the composite decking, allowing you to walk barefoot, but this will not be possible in the summers as the boards can heat up quickly. Deep-grooved boards heat up slowly and are comfortable for your bare feet.

4 things to know before investing in a washer dryer A washer dryer is the perfect alternative for a stand-alone washing machine or dryer as it combines both the actions and saves you a lot of effort. The time required for a load of laundry might be slightly longer but once you start a cycle in the washer dryer, you don’t have to worry about anything; the clothes will be washed and dried while you’re engaged in other activities. However, there are a few things you need to know before investing in a washer dryer. Read along to find out more. What are some important features of washer dryers? Long shelf life, better efficiency : The best rated washer dryers have a long shelf life, which means you will end up saving a lot of water and money over time. They are more efficient and save about $1400 and 110,000 gallons of water over a decade. No waterproof items : It is a big mistake to put waterproof clothing in a washer dryer as the water can get trapped in the waterproof items, causing a malfunction in the operating system of the machine. They are deeper and wider : Even the best washer dryers take a long time to complete a load of laundry. To fix this, the manufacturers have made washer dryers deeper and wider to accommodate more clothes in one cycle. This increases the efficiency and performance of the machine. When is the best time to buy a washer dryer? After a new release : As with most products, the prices of old washer dryers fall after the release of a new model. This is the best time to buy washer dryers that are a model or two older the latest one. They might not have the latest features, but they’re still a good deal. Memorial Day : Most retailers plan their appliance sales around Memorial Day, which makes it the perfect time for you to go shopping. Moreover, this day is in May which is also the month where Maytag has hefty discounts on their products where you can buy the best washer and dryer bundles. Fourth of July : This is the best time to buy appliances as most electronic stores, home improvement stores, and department stores have sales that start in July and go on till the end of the holiday season. Some appliance prices during Fourth of July sales have beaten the prices during Black Friday sales. What are the pros of a washer dryer? Performance : The washing performance of the best washer dryers are very close to the performance of stand-alone washing machines. Natural laundry pods, as well as liquid detergents, work well with washer dryers, giving you an uncompromised performance. Space : An obvious benefit, the washer dryer combination will help you save a good amount of space. A separate washing machine and dryer can take up too much space in the laundry room. A washer dryer will also save you the effort of transferring the clothes to a basket and then to the dryer. Options : Owning a washer dryer does not mean that you will have to use both the features for a load. You can also use both the features separately. For instance, if some clothes need to be hand-washed, you can still use the dryer feature independently. What are the cons of a washer dryer? Capacity : Even if the washing capabilities of a washer dryer are similar to washing machines, the dryer section takes a hit. Even the best washer dryers provide only half the capacity of stand-alone dryers. A big load would mostly have to be dried in two cycles. Time-consuming : Washing the clothes in a stand-alone washing machine and then drying them separately might take lesser time than combining the activities in a washer dryer. The time required for a single load can be anywhere between three to six hours.

The best washer dryers of 2018 and where to buy them Buying a washer dryer can be troublesome as this product has always received mixed reviews from users as well as retailers. Some are in favor of the combination, while others prefer stand-alone washers and dryers. However, the washer dryer combo has been on the market for a long time and has been doing quite well. Many brands manufacture this home appliance, negating any doubt about its efficiency. Following are some questions and answers about the best washer dryers. Which are the best-rated washer dryers of 2018? Samsung WF45M5500AP Washer and DVE45M5500P Dryer: An amazing set of washer and dryer that undertakes all the actions at the push of a single button. Both the washer and dryer have front loading doors. It also has a steam wash technology, which is released from the bottom to ensure it reaches every piece of clothing in the load. Bosch 800 Series Front Load Compact : It has a stackable design and is made by Bosch, which is one of the leading brands for home appliances. The washer has 15 cycle options to choose from and an EcoSilence motor. It also takes up very little space as it is only 6.2 cubic feet combined. GE® 5.0 cu. ft. Washer and 7.4 cu. ft. Smart Dryer : This smart washer dryer designed with the latest technology, is an ideal home appliance and one of the best products in this category. It can easily wash comforters and huge loads of towels because it comes with an impeller. It also packs an auto dispenser for detergent and fabric softener. Where can one buy the best washer dryers? Home Depot : This home improvement store has one of the biggest collections of the best washer dryer bundles in the market. A major perk is the in-store availability of many models, which allows you to get a look and feel of them. Sears : Sears is not as popular as it used to be but it still stocks some of the best washer dryers. Sears is an ideal option if you are looking to purchase one of the best washer dryers and are running on a tight budget. Amazon : There is a high chance that if you’re looking for a model or brand that wasn’t available at home improvement stores, it will be available at Amazon. Amazon does not have retail stores which means that they can stock a wider variety of products in their warehouses. How to get discounts on the best washer dryers? Sale : Most stores that deal in appliances have sales for various reasons around the year. Some of the best discounts are available during sales on Memorial Day, Black Friday, and Labor Day. This is one way of getting discounts on the best washer dryers. Discount coupons : If you are planning to buy washer and dryers from a particular brand, it will be easier for you to get your hands on discount coupons. Previous purchases, new memberships, or select bank cards can get you discount coupons for purchasing home appliances. Combined purchase : If you visit a home improvement store or a department store, there is a high chance that you will get a discount on combined purchases. Buying a refrigerator and a washer dryer can increase your chances of getting a discount as compared to buying just a washer dryer. Which are the best washer dryer bundles under $500? Kenmore 2620232K Washer and 60222 Dryer : One of the cheapest washer dryers in the market, this combination packs an electric dryer with a moisture sensor. It is priced at only $299 which is considerably cheaper than most other products on the market. Amana® NTW4516FW Washer & NED4655EW Dryer : It is very similar, in terms of functionality, to the Kenmore washer and dryer as they are both manufactured by Whirlpool. Amana washer dryer packs good features, is available at major stores, and starts at $399 making it a good choice for budget buyers.