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How to Combat the Annoying Basement Smells and Odor?

How to Combat the Annoying Basement Smells and Odor?

Basements are great places for home improvement projects.  They can act as a storage space, entertainment area, impromptu room, or serve some other purpose. However, basements are also damp locations that are one of the biggest domestic odor producers. Unpleasant smells are usually the result of mildew and mold growth, so you should aim your efforts at these. Fortunately, there are many ways to improve the conditions and maximize the comfort in your basement.

Root around

Basement remodeling is one of the most exciting upgrades, and it is best handled by professionals. Bruzzese Home Improvements can carry out basement renovation for you and allow you to expand the living area. This gives you a well-designed and clean space. However, the problems could occur later, as the installations deteriorate. Also, not everyone can afford quality services, and many people go DIY when assembling a basement space.

basement remodel

Hence, some uninvited guests come to spoil the party: the incommodious smell and odor. Basements that smell like sewers are one of the most widespread issues homeowners deal with. Some of them decide to utilize perfumed candles or incense, but this brings only the temporary relief. Moreover, these products can give rise to various health issues. If you want to address the root of the problem, you have to take another approach.

The culprit

It is advisable to first check the plumbing system and search for leaks and cracks. Even the tiniest fissures and crevices can cause severe damage over time and damp the walls. Repairing and sealing them should allow you to keep the basement dry, and a waterproof paint coat or sealant usually does the trick. Bear in mind, though, that the orientation of the terrain around the house could also cause rainwater puddles.

Also, if you have a water trap under the floor drain, there is a possibility that water evaporated and sewer gas came up through the drain. To combat this menace, you can pour the cooking oil down the drain. Furthermore, another source of the problem could be the ventilation system. The remedy for this situation is regular maintenance. So, sweep the vents and ducts annually and enjoy air which is odorless and pure.

How to Combat the Annoying Basement Smells and Odor?

War on clutter

The foul smells could also originate from the piled-up dirt or malodorous objects. Basements are often used as storages, and spaces that accommodate hoarding habits. Hence, it helps to de-clutter the space and get rid of items you do not really need, those that are only collecting dust and nasty smells. And it goes without saying that objects beyond repair have no place in your environment. Clothes that have been stored for a long time, upholstered furniture, and floor coverings should be washed and dried if you want to keep them.

Remember that it pays off to have tools ready in the store. Find the best air purifier for mold, which should be able to remove the very source of mildew and mold. Or, you can take advantage of homemade solutions, like undiluted vinegar or a mixture of water and bleach. Apply them to the trouble spots and just do a bit of scrubbing. Another DIY option is to use baking soda every few months to soak in the odor. So, choose your weapons and do not stop until the vile stench is dispelled from your home for good.

Home, savory home

It is of the utmost importance to identify the source of the smell and treat it accordingly. Odors and other nuisances thrive in a certain kind of interior climate, predominantly in spaces that have problems with moisture and dust accumulation. So, wash and dry furniture and clothes thoroughly, and do away with the clutter. Conduct maintenance on a regular basis, and check the plumbing installations. Learn how to eradicate the smells and odors and continue using the space without any discomfort.

This article was written by Zoe Clark. Zoe is an environmentalist, home decorator and DIY enthusiast. When not obsessing about designing perfect homes, she is spending time with her family.

How To Be The Scariest House On The Street This Halloween

Most people think that Halloween is all about the kids.  We think it’s time to turn the tables and have a little scary fun!

This infographic will give you some great idea’s on how to scare your kids this Halloween!  It’s all in good fun 🙂  Enjoy!
How to scare your kids this Halloween
How to scare your kids this Halloween by Terrys Fabrics.

Global Energy Efficiency – Infographic

In recent years, managing and reducing energy usage has become a top goal of governments around the world.  It is evident that our planet’s natural resources are running out, and if we are to sustain a global economy and care for our planet, then we all need to be more energy-efficient. This will mean less money will be spent by home-owners, businesses, schools, etc., and enable the money saved to be spent on other import things, such as education, housing and healthcare.

Along with the potential cost saving and benefits for the economy, energy efficiency benefits the planet and our quality of life. Almost 200 hundred countries have signed The Paris Agreement and put targets and time-frames in place to help lower their energy consumption.

This infographic shows some of these targets, what they actually mean and how well the countries are doing in the fight against global warming. The infographic also offers some handy tips on how you can reduce your energy usage in your home and do your bit to make a conscious effort to lower your carbon footprint.

If you want to know what the UK has done, and is doing, to overcome energy consumption there is information included in the infographic too. Political agendas and government plans can be complex, so we’ve attempted to cut through the jargon to help you understand the importance of us all becoming more energy efficient to help save our precious planet.
”Global
Global Energy Efficiency by Fuel Fighter.

New Home Owner? 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

The winter season is known as a time when harsh weather arrives in most locations. From high winds to heavy snowfall, the weather can wreak havoc on a residential building. To winterize your property and keep it safe, there are a few important steps to take.

New Home Owner? 5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Ventilate Your Home’s Attic

Add fans in the attic and install a vent to allow cool air to circulate in the space, which will prevent ice dams from forming on the roof. The attic influences the temperature of the roofing materials and will reduce the risk of damage if it’s kept at a moderate temperature.

Cut Tree Branches

Raccoons, squirrels, and small critters often look for shelter on residential properties during the winter season. Prevent the animals from making a home on your roof by cutting back tree branches that provide access to the building. This will also protect the home from damage when heavy storms arrive, which can cause the branches to have contact with the roof.

5 Ways to Winterize Your Home

Seal Drafts on the Walls

Drafts can cause cool air to come into the home and will also allow heat to escape due to holes that have formed in the siding or walls of the building. Caulk the drafts to seal the cracks or holes to reduce your energy usage and keep your home comfortable.

Repair Your HVAC System

It’s important to ensure that your HVAC system is working well to ensure that it will heat your home during the winter months. Hire a professional like Doctor Fix-It to inspect the system and make any repairs that may be necessary. This will reduce the risk of the unit breaking in the middle of the night or during a snowstorm when you’re in need of heat.

Replace Missing Shingles or Tiles

One of the most common problems during the winter season are leaks that can develop in the wet climate. You can prevent water damage by replacing missing shingles or tiles on the roof. Hire a professional to inspect the structure and secure new materials with roofing cement that is applied onto the roof deck.

When you want to winterize your home and prepare it for the cold season ahead, there are several ways to get your property ready. By taking the right steps, you can feel comfortable spending plenty of time indoors and reduce the risk of damage to your home.

Upcycling Your Rug – Infographic

Creating something new out of something old or unwanted, referred to as Creative Reuse or Upcycling continues to gain popularity as people become more aware of unnecessary waste and the impact the waste has on the environment.

With so many places, such as Pinterest, available for inspirational ideas for upcycling here at The Rug Seller we delved into the minds of others, so to speak, and were amazed by the ingenuity of others. The infographic showcases some marvelous ideas for transforming old rugs into wonderful new things.

From fashion accessories to items for your pet and your home, there are so many options and ideas it makes no sense to simply discard an unwanted rug into the rubbish bin when you can make good use of it. Furthermore, reusing it means that it won’t be taken to landfill sites which is a great way to do your bit to help save the planet.

So, if you’re thinking of giving a rug a new lease of life take a look at the infographic below and be inspired to get creative. You’ve nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain. Who knows you may even be inspired to think of other items around your home that you can upcycle and re-purpose rather than throw away.
 Upcycling Your Rug Infographic
Upcycling Your Rug Infographic by The Rug Seller

Big Challenges of Renovating an Old House – And How to Beat Them

house-renovation

There are two possible reasons for undertaking a venture such as this one: either you have finally made the decision to spruce up your old house and give it a new shine or you’ve decided to purchase a fixer upper. Whatever the reason, it seems as you have a great challenge ahead of you. While old houses do hold a certain type of charm to them, they’re also known to be quite demanding when it comes to renovations. Major remodeling projects can consume a fair amount of time and money, but they can also use up all your energy and patience as well. This being said, this simple guideline will take you through some of the biggest challenges and difficulties that might occur and offer you handy solutions on how to tackle them.

Challenge No.1 – Moisture

One of the biggest challenges that people face when undergoing a renovation of an old residence is the moisture build up. Presence of moisture is not only an unpleasant occurrence because of its appearance and scent, but also because it can cause some major issues later on. High humidity levels in the house can greatly damage the electronic appliances, create big structural issues, attract mould and insects and most importantly – damage your health. The best way to fix this problem is to find where it originated and seal the potential leak and control the humidity in the house with proper ventilation or even

how-to-take-care-of-your-house-pipes

installing a control humidifier.

Challenge No.2 – Electricity and Plumbing

Depending on how old the house is, it might be possible that the electrical and plumbing systems which were installed in the time it was built are now outdated. It also might be the case that the wiring and piping have deteriorated over the years and that they aren’t safe to use. This can lead to all kinds of fire and water related disasters. If you wish to avoid possible floods or combustions, it’d be wise to check the circuits, wiring and the pipes, fix any cracks you find or even replace everything with new installations. Replacing everything with new plumbing and electrical systems might be a costly investment, but nevertheless a wise one.

Challenge No.3 – Pests

Another common problem in old homes are various pest infestations. These tedious little creatures are known to find shelter in abandoned houses or homes that were uninhabited for a long period of time. A thorough inspection of the home will give you a clear insight whether the house is populated with rodents or perhaps insects such as ants, termites, cockroaches and other uninvited guests. If the home you’re remodeling has a dark attic, there even might be a possibility of some bats lurking by. And while some of these pests present just an unpleasant sight, don’t underestimate their ability to create a lot of damage around the household. Pest control services should be one of the priorities in big remodeling projects, regardless of how old the house actually is.

single-story-house

Challenge No.4 – Cracks in The Foundation

Keeping in mind the age of your house, it’s good to consider the state of the foundation. If it so happens that a house suffers certain cracks or faults in its foundation, it could cause some major structural issues. In some countries, people are obligated to make a detailed inspection of their home before moving in, so they’d be sure that the residence is safe to live in. That’s exactly why building inspection Sydney is one of the priority steps of all Sydneysiders who decide to purchase a new home or start remodeling their old one.

It’s important to keep in mind that these types of renovation projects almost never go without a decent amount of trouble and it’s best to be prepared for what awaits you. Although they require a lot of work, once you finally finish the project, you’ll be able to indulge in the savoury fruits of your labour. You can surely expect a few bumps in the road, but nothing that can’t be overpassed.

 

 

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

Summer gets all of the credit when it comes to the outdoors, and it’s no big surprise: everyone wants to soak up the sunshine as much as possible while it lasts. And, while some take the first falling leaf as a sign that it’s time to retreat indoors, you’re still on the outside looking in.

That’s because you know that your home needs a bit of a sprucing-up this fall before it’s too cold to get any work done on the exterior of your house. You’ve had your summer fun, so add one or more of the following five projects to your list so that your place looks its best — and so that you can relax when everyone else tackles home-update projects when the warmer weather returns.

  1. Repaint Your Front Door: One of the easiest ways to boost your home’s curb appeal and make a statement at the same time is to brush a fresh coat of paint onto your front door. You can pull some of fall’s most traditional hues — like red, orange, goldenrod or brown — to make your door both new and seasonally appropriate.

    If you’re feeling in a particular mood to paint, you can also brush a coat onto your home’s shutters. The result will be more uniform and even more fall-friendly if your colors match the changing of the season.

  2. Update Your Hardware: It’s amazing what a difference a little metal can make. Try it out on your own home by updating your home’s numbers, as well as your doorknobs, kick plates, etc. If you’re unsure which metallic finish goes best with your home’s exterior, buy a few from the store, hold them up and see which stands out just enough.

    You can even take time to update the hardware on your mailbox. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, combine tips one and two: repaint your mailbox and give it a new set of numbers. You’ll be amazed at what a difference that makes to the overall look of your home.

  3. Take Care of Your Plants: Summer’s flowers are probably starting to wilt. The hedges might be a bit overgrown, too. And, while it might seem like the perfect opportunity to let Mother Nature step in to take care of your garden, you should make a point to clean up your beds on your own.

    Depending on whether your plants are one-time or annual bloomers, you will need to either pull them up or trim them back for winter. Overgrown hedges will have to go, too. In completing this task, you’ll see that the entire front of your home looks cleaner and clearer. In other words, all eyes will be on the work that you’ve put in to spruce up your home’s exterior.

  4. Upgrade Your Garage: It’s not often that the garage door gets any attention when it comes to DIY projects, and why would it? It’s just there to open and close when your drive your car in and out, right?

Think again.

Your garage door can make more of a statement than it is right now if you choose to replace it with something with a bit more character. A rustic wooden door, for example, will give your home more of a custom, country feel. You might even find that a new garage door will save you on heating costs because they provide more effective insulation. There’s not much better than an upgrade that improves both function and looks.

  1. Add Outdoor Lighting: It’s no surprise that the sun begins to set a bit earlier when fall rolls around. Take advantage of the earlier nights by installing landscape lighting that highlights, for example, the pathway to your front door, the biggest tree in your yard or the curvature of your garden beds.

    The best news here is that you don’t have to install a complicated wiring system or rely on battery after battery to power your lighting system. Instead, you can purchase solar lights or another low-voltage option that requires little input from you to shed just the right amount of mood lighting.

5 Reasons to Enhance the Exterior of Your Home This Autumn

Fall In Love With Your Home

No matter which project(s) you decide to tackle, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be pleased with the end result. And, with colder weather coming, you’ll be looking even more forward to driving up, seeing the refreshed façade of your house, and heading inside for a warm night with the ones you love.  

Guest post by:

Kacey MyaKacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations and cultures, all while portraying her love for the world around her through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.

https://twitter.com/kacey_mya

https://www.pinterest.com/kaceymya/

https://www.instagram.com/thedriftercollective/

 

 

Cost-Efficient Solutions for Bacteria-Free Water at Home

Cost-Efficient Solutions for Bacteria-Free Water at Home

Having in mind the fact that 1 in 10 people in the world lacks access to safe water, it’s no wonder that this so-called water crisis is a number one global risk based on the impact on society. Of course, it’s a more common problem in the developing countries but actually, everyone’s affected. That’s why inventors and engineers are trying so hard to find efficient yet affordable solutions for purifying water. Here are some of the cost-efficient solutions you can use in your own home.

Trusting carbon

Activated carbon or charcoal is treated with oxygen to open up a bunch of pores between the carbon atoms increasing the surface of the carbon and allowing it to absorb many chemicals and particles. In short, that’s how carbon filters work. It’s a process called adsorption and it’s effective for removing sediments, VOCs, taste and odor from water. Once the pores are full, the filters need to be replaced since filtering will stop. It’s quite environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient, not to mention the low maintenance it entails.

Using solar energy

The oldest solution for bacteria-free water is to boil it over the fire but you can do the same by using solar energy. By simply leaving the bottle of water in the sun long enough, you’ll get the same effect. UV radiation will kill the microbes and your water will be safe to drink. In other versions, dirt and contaminants are eliminated through the process of evaporation. This method was presented after the big earthquake in Haiti in 2010 but now you can even purchase a device carefully designed for this solution.

Cost-Efficient Solutions for Bacteria-Free Water at Home

Relying on the UV radiation

Since not everyone has the option to use solar energy on a daily basis, engineers have come up with a UV filter for disinfecting the water in your home. It works with strong lamps that produce UV rays. A UV water filter with sterilizer is easy to maintain and doesn’t produce harmful chemicals. Not a single microbe can survive the UV radiation so you’ll be sure you’re protected. Another advantage to this method is that it won’t change the taste of your water, unlike some chemicals – chlorine for instance. Simply put a UV filter under your sink and don’t worry about it – until the next annual service.

Going with ceramic

In 2008, Cambodia was provided with ceramic water filters. Because of that, UNICEF was awarded by the International Water Association. Those filters are made of clay mixed with combustible materials, such as rice husks or sawdust. After that, the filters are shaped to look like flowerpots and fired in a kiln. Combustible material burns in this process, leaving tiny pores in ceramics which serve as a water filtration system. It’s a quite simple system but it removes most of the bacteria from the water. Cambodia, for example, has reduced diarrheal illnesses by 50 percent since they got the ceramic filters.

Disinfecting water with chlorine

Chlorine is widely used in pool sanitation as well as for disinfecting the tap water. In a process called water chlorination, chlorine or hypochlorite is added to the water. It can prevent waterborne diseases so you can thank chlorine for not having cholera, dysentery, or typhoid. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent so it kills the microbes via the oxidation. It’s usually used in community water supply so the water is already clean before it comes to your household.

Safe water is a major problem all over the world, but nowadays there are so many cheap solutions for every home. Try some of these methods and see what works best for your household – either one will provide you with the drinks of all drinks – pure water.

 

3 Lighting Types That Will Make Your Home Glow With Elegance

3-lighting-types-that-will-make-your-home-glow-with-elegance

When lighting up your indoor spaces, you have to remember that the performance of the fixture relies heavily on the bulb used. Different bulbs have different lighting effects. The terms that you should familiarize yourself with when shopping for lighting fixtures for your home are as follows:

  • Wattage: this is the electricity amount consumed by a certain source
  • Lumens: the amount of light the source produces
  • Efficacy: the number of lumens produced per watt
  • Foot-candles: the light amount that reaches a subject.
  1. Ambient lighting
    When trying to set the mood for the home, proper illumination adds allure to both the space and the source of light. Floor lamps do not only serve the traditional purpose of lighting rooms up, they can be used to show creativity and create an illusion of expansiveness in spaces. Lamps that depict planetary illusions, sculpted wooden figures, wild animals and abstract art are some of the common floor light designs. There is no better way to make a statement with your lighting than installing a chandelier. These are ideal for places like living rooms, dens and other open spaces.
  2. Task lighting
    This is the type of light that will be useful when one is carrying out activities such as reading, cooking and so on. In areas like the kitchen, pendant lighting will be ideal while sconces and bath bars will be ideal for the bathroom. When installing task lighting, make sure that it is for the bright enough for the user to see but not too harsh to create an imbalance to the décor in the room. Consider enlisting the help of a Lowry Services: Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling professional to install a dimmer or timer for added convenience to your room.
  3. Accent lighting
    This is the lighting type to use when you want to highlight specific objects in the room such as art on the walls, sculptures and book cases. Accent lighting is also great when highlighting other architectural features of the home. Track lights and picture lights are the conventional accent lighting options. However, candles can also fall under this category. If using candles to serve as accent lighting, make sure that they are unscented, especially when you use them in dining areas

Most homes will need the three main types of lighting for complete illumination and accentuation of the décor. As Oscar De La Renta once said, the most important thing is perfect lighting at all times. When lighting is done right, the home reflects class, elegance and beauty. Consulting experts in home lighting and improvement will help you get the beauty you envision.

 

Useful tips and efficient ways to clean window blinds perfectly

Useful tips and efficient ways to clean window blinds perfectly

One of the most popular decorative items for the home and office buildings is the ‘window blinds’. There are some varieties of window blinds to suit the customer’s taste. To just give a heads up about this window blind, here is the list of different varieties available.

  • Slat blinds
  • Mini blinds
  • Venetian blinds
  • Vertical blinds

To my knowledge, they say that it is very important to regularly clean them and there are strict dos and don’ts to be followed while cleaning them. Few methods of cleaning are applicable to all blinds irrespective of their type. Yet, it is necessary to clean them based on the way it has been built. First, let us see some basic cleaning techniques for any type of window blind.

Fastest as well as a very effective method to clean the window blinds.

  1. Make use of a duster, or a soft material cloth for dusting the blind regularly. Before dusting, ensure that the window blinds are extended fully and all the slats are wide opened. First dust the slates in the same direction as they face, then repeat the same in opposite direction as well.
  2. When you want to dust a little harder then you can use the vacuum cleaner with an attached soft brush in the front and show it the blinds in the same direction as they face. Suction settings should be kept at the lowest blowing speed level.
  3. There are also some specially designed dusting tools available in the market, like in home-based hardware stores.
  4. At least once or twice a year, you need to make sure that you perfectly clean them. For this you need to take a cloth and dip in water+ vinegar mixture. Use it to remove the heavier dirt by wiping on all the slates.

The advantages of using vinegar to clean the blinds:

Vinegar is one of the cheapest materials that can be used for cleaning purposes. It helps in making the dust get released into the air rather than just sticking to the cloth, socks or the gloves that were been used. It is definitely a better choice to be used on any material or surface when compared to some bad chemical solutions.

Some tips and precautions to be considered before cleaning

Some tips and precautions to be considered before cleaning

When cleaning wooden blinds, never use water and make it wet, just regularly damp it. Also look into the guiding manual and check for any special instructions are mentioned in it. Ensure that you take care of your eyes and skin and cover them all while dusting and you need to make sure that you keep all your cleaning materials like vinegar, away from children. It will also be good if you can use a fabric softening sheets after the cleaning the slates. This prevents dust getting deposited and also you will get a nice aroma in the room/home.

Fastest as well as a very effective method to clean the window blinds.

Thing needed to start this faster cleaning method are:

  • A pair of tongs,
  • A pair of microfiber dust cloths and
  • Four rubber bands.

Cover the dust cloth around the tongs and tighten them using two rubber bands. You need to make sure that the soft side of the cloth is not used for cleaning; the rough side at the back will give better results in dusting. Now you will see the magic in a second! Just clasp the tongs on each of the slate separately and move from left to right or vice versa and you will see that all the dust is gone. This is the best way you could do blind cleaning ever. You can also use some of your favorite cleaning solution on the dry cloth and get them do a better cleaning job. You can change the clothes during your next cleaning and wash the tongs along with the kitchen utensils and save it for next time. This method saves a lot of time and makes the cleaning a lot easier.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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