1. Paint. Depending on your needs, you might want to cover the whole house and its trim in paint or you might want to just touch up or change the color of the trim itself. Either option can make a huge difference in how your home looks from the outside.

2. Porch or Patio. If you don’t have a porch or patio, you might want to consider buying one if you can afford it. However, if you already do have one, it can be easy to spruce it up. Add some new furniture, or, if you like what you have, simply add some new cushions or covers to it. You can also set up flowers, gnomes or other statues, or a water fountain.

3. Walkways. If your walkway looks warm and inviting, it will have the same effect on your home. If you already have a plain, straight walkway, add solar walkway lights or some flowers to either side to make it more interesting. If you don’t have a walkway at all, consider one made of stones. Installing a new walkway also gives you the option of having it curve or wind a bit on the way to the door, which adds to its visual appeal.

4. Yard ornaments. A birdhouse, a lantern light, or even just flowers planted in a wheelbarrow can all be used to decorate outside the home. Match the items to your tastes and you will help give your yard a bit of your own personality. With these touches, you make it look different from every other home on the block.

5. Flowers, Plants, Vines & Bushes: One of the easiest and most popular ways to add color and life to your yard is to plant any of these options. This is a great time of year to buy annuals, which will grow quickly, but add some more green by planting perennials as well. These will pay off over time as they continue to sprout year after year.

Synthetic rugs

If you have a vacuum cleaner, run it over synthetic rugs at least once a week. You may also bring the rug outside and expose it to the sun. The sun’s heat helps kill the colonies of dust mites that make their homes in the material and lay their eggs there.

A practical way of cleaning rugs is beating them like people used to do before vacuum cleaners were invented. Just make sure to do this a safe distance from the house so the dust doesn’t float back inside, and make sure the windows closest to the area are closed.

Mats made of natural fibers

This type of mats collects less dust than those made of cotton and synthetic fibers. Sweep away dirt and dust, then shake and beat the mats outside. For this task, wear a face mask for protection.

A professional cleaner must be called in once or twice a year so that Persian carpets or wall-to-wall carpeting can be given a thorough cleaning.

For stain removals, clean up the stain immediately – don’t wait even a day! To remove a rug stain, spray a stain remover around the stain, then using a plastic spoon (not a brush as this will just spread the stain), sweep the remover and the foam it creates inward (not outward as this will also spread the stain farther), and scoop up as much of the foam as possible. Dab up the rest with a paper towel or vacuum it.

Bathroom mats

Soap scum, shampoo residue, and body oils left unclean encourage growth of mold and mildew. Keep them at bay by hanging up the mat on the shower rod or on a plastic hanger outside for some sunning after everyone has washed up for the day. Leave the bathroom door open to let the floor dry completely.

To clean rubber mats, scrub with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water then rinse out and hang up to dry. You may also substitute vinegar for the bleach.

Kids’ interlocking rubber foam play mats

Remove the mat from time to time to sweep up dirt and dust that may have accumulated underneath. To wash pieces that have been spilled on or peed on, use a soft bristle brush and regular powder detergent. Rinse the pieces thoroughly then line them up in the shade against a wall outside to drain the water. Excessive exposure to heat may cause the mat pieces to deteriorate or shrink. Reassemble when thoroughly dry.

Hardwood flooring is classic and beautiful, with clean lines and the ability to last over time while being easily cleaned. If you’re looking to install new flooring, don’t be afraid to look into hardwood. The floors can be perfect for any home.

The many varieties available in hardwood can match any style, but may sometimes overwhelm you with seemingly endless options. It helps to have a plan in mind instead of just rushing out to buy the first thing you see. With some help, you can make a successful choice.

First, know how much you can afford to spend, and set a strict limit. With everything you have to choose from, there is a good chance you will want to buy something outside of your budget. You should be able to get a style you like and still have high quality without overspending. Make sure you stick to a price ahead of time, and then use these five tips to actually buy your hardwood flooring.

Tip #1 Make sure hardwood flooring is appropriate to the room. In a bathroom, high levels of moisture will only cause damage. Be aware of factors like these that could make your flooring more trouble than it’s worth after its installation.

Tip #2 If you have determined that hardwood floors will indeed work for the rooms you want to put them in, you must also use a type of wood that is sensible there in terms of look and style. Don’t try to put wood with a very light or dark finish in the kitchen.

Tip #3 When choosing a finish, think about your lifestyle and how it will affect your new floors. If you are putting the flooring into an area that is rarely used, a light finish will usually work. However, if the flooring will be in high-traffic areas, try to get a stronger finish. This will hold up better against everyday damage and keep your floors looking nice.

Tip #4 Ask yourself whether you want to install the floors yourself or hire a professional to do it. The former requires more work, but the latter is more expensive. You can install your own flooring, but you need to study to know what you’re doing ahead of time. If you do get someone else to do the work for you, though, you will still have to do some research to make sure the person you hire will do the job well.

Tip #5 Finally, the fun part: picking the style and color of the floors themselves. A basic tip to remember is that your flooring should not go out of style quickly, what with the amount you are spending on it. Past that, base your choice on your own taste and style and you will be pleased with the results for years to come.

First, look at your walls. Painting them is cheap and easy and makes an instant dramatic difference. Give a new feel to any room of your house with paint, or even use wallpaper. Don’t bother with a contractor on wallpaper, though – try using it on just one wall or on borders. Wall sconces are another great idea, especially when easy to install yourself.

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Lighting is another easy way to bring in a new feel to your room. Try lamps instead of overhead lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere. However, stay away from halogen bulbs unless you are going for a more modern theme in the room.

Accessories add depth and interest to a room. A few small spurges like silk pillows, chenille blankets, or candles can give a whole room a sophisticated feel, as can an elegant centerpiece on your dining room table. Photos and paintings give the room a personal touch. You can find many pictures or prints at flea markets and thrift stores along with frames to put them in.

Also turn to these stores, as well as garage and estate sales, to find cheap but stylish couches, lamps, tables, entertainment centers, and more. If the idea of buying second hand is unappealing, your next best option is to either shop at big sales or look online. Buying over the internet allows you to avoid getting costs passed on from the high overheads other stores might have to pay.

If you’re too budget-pressed to buy a new couch anywhere, a little effort can change up the one you already have. Try sewing new covers for your couch or armchairs or making your own cushions. If you can’t sew, you can also buy slipcovers in many places. If you don’t want to spend any money, try just rearranging your furniture – you’d be surprised how much of a difference it can make. For one of the most effective home improvement projects which makes a great difference try interior shutters comparison
All the suggestions can be used to spruce up your home without breaking the bank. Your friends and family will be impressed at your ability to do so much with so little. You deserve a bit of excitement, so go ahead and make your home your own and keep your paycheck as you do.

Houseplants first made their appearance in Victorian parlors, where they rubbed shoulders with tufted furniture and bric-a-brac. Today, they flourish in minimalist apartments, sleek office buildings, and homes everywhere. Good for the spirit and good for the indoor environment, they delight us with their fascinating forms and flowers while replacing oxygen in the atmosphere. In return, they ask for adequate light, enough water – but not too much – and temperatures that approximate their desired range. Keep the following in mind.

Light

The most important consideration in growing houseplants is light. Light is vital to the process of photosynthesis by which plants manufacture food. On the whole, flowering plants need the most light. Some demand full sun in a south-facing window. Others need only a few hours of filtered or indirect light. Many tropical foliage plants can make do with even less.

When buying indoor plants, be sure to ask about their light requirements. If you have a plant that requires more light than your window admits, by all means supplement the daylight with a grow light and leave the light on from 12 to 14 hours during the day.

Water

More plants are killed by over watering than by neglect or any form of misplaced kindness. A good rule is to water thoroughly, then let the surface of the soil dry out before watering again. While water should drip through the hole in the pot after a thorough watering, it should never accumulate in the saucer. Roots immersed in standing water will rot.

It would be inconvenient if houseplants could be watered a specific number of times a week, but the amount of water required is affected by many factors, including the variety and size of the plant. Because a large plant with broad leaves expires more water than a small plant with diminutive foliage, for example, it often needs more water frequently. On the other hand, a large container holds more soil than a small one and therefore retains moisture longer.

The material of the pot has to be taken into consideration. A porous clay pot loses water more quickly than a plastic pot. Room temperature is another variable that affects the amount of water needed. The warmer the room, the faster moisture evaporates. The best way to water is with common sense and a finger poked into the soil. If it is dry half an inch down, it’s time to water.

Fertilizer

You can use either a full-strength water-soluble fertilizer for houseplants once a month, according to the package directions, or a very diluted solution of fertilizer every time you water.

Mildew, the bane of most households especially during the rainy season, announces its presence with its black, powdery spotting and musty, damp odor. It can spread anywhere that’s damp or warm or with little air circulation.

The best way to check mildew: Get rid of dampness, enhance ventilation, and make sure exhaust fans are installed in enclosed areas. By keeping the house properly airy, condensation from water vapor is avoided. Mildew is thus left with no damp place to call its home. Prevent mildew from having a foothold in your home with the following tips.

In the closet

- Leave closet doors and dresser drawers occasionally open to air out the interior.

- Be sure clothing is dry before putting it in storage.

- Keep items where they will not get damp. Use bags or bins made of plastic.

- If there is a light bulb in your closet, leave it switched on for some time to heat the air in your closet.

- Use silica gel or cedar blocks to absorb moisture. Place on closet shelf or hang in a cotton bag. You could also use talcum powder, baking soda, corn meal, or cornstarch.

- Avoid putting damp clothing on cement floor. Cement is porous, and getting rid of mildew stains on it is very difficult.

- Dirty clothing should be dry before being tossed in the hamper. Wash clothing and household items before storing.

- Air out tents and sleeping bags before putting in storage. Protect them with regular cleaning and application of mildew-resistant sprays.

- Treat awnings and tents with fungicides before using.

In the bathroom

- Wipe down walls after taking a shower.

- Use an exhaust fan to promote air circulation and quick drying of damp areas.

- Open the bathroom door and window to help dry out the bathroom.

- Stretch the shower curtain out to dry after taking a bath.

- Drain the bathtub thoroughly after use. Mop up residual moisture with a dry towel.

- Clean the bathroom regularly, paying special attention to the tiling and grout.

In the kitchen

- Even just a little dirt or dried food will promote mildew growth. Regular kitchen cleanups will help prevent mildew from taking root.

- Turn on your exhaust fans while cooking.

- Mop up spills after food preparation and cooking.

- Clean up grease splatters on walls.

]]> http://www.thehomeinteriorblog.com/how-to-keep-your-home-mildew-free/feed 0 http://www.thehomeinteriorblog.com/why-should-you-buy-an-air-purifier-or-cleaner http://www.thehomeinteriorblog.com/why-should-you-buy-an-air-purifier-or-cleaner#comments Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:14:49 +0000 homein http://www.thehomeinteriorblog.com/?p=3 If you’ve seen the television or the newspaper recently, you probably noticed a recent trend. Everyone seems to constantly be talking about air purifiers and cleaners, but you probably don’t understand why there is so much fuss. They seem like just another fad to get people to throw away their money on something they don’t need. You’ve seen all the commercials for them and you can’t see any reason to buy one for yourself. They’re just a waste of money and space, right? Wrong!

Believe it or not, air purifiers and cleaners really can change your life. With them, the air you breathe will be as pure as it possibly can. Your lifestyle and health will improve through use of this new technology. These and more are what makes it convincing to install an air purifier or cleaner, so let’s take a closer look at these benefits to show you why you should purchase one of these devices for yourself.

In an official study done by the US government, it was revealed that pollution levels inside the home can be twice or even up to five times as strong as they are outside, given the special density of interior air. Most people spend more time inside than outside, so this is really a concern to note. Pollutants from outside your home could be concentrated 8-10 times once you get past your front door.

This fact will not go very well with your air purifier or cleaner, which will do something about it. Moreover, not having an air purifier or cleaner will be even worse for you. Without them, pollution can come into our bodies and affect us through all sorts of allergies – smoke, dust, fumes, pollen, dander, mites and many other things. If you suffer from fatigue, sinus irritations, sneezing bouts, sleep disorders, these may be due to your home’s pollution.

The point is, you should absolutely buy an air purifier or cleaner. Though they might seem unnecessary or expensive, they will always pay off in helping you live a healthier life and doing the same for your family. Whatever you might think about installing one now, after you have, you will soon notice and appreciate the difference. Some devices are more trouble than they’re worth, but these are definitely not among them. Good luck, and remember – you can put a price on a better life!