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Residential and Commercial plumbers and plumbing contractors available in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, and the surrounding Chicago South Suburbs. Emergency plumbers.

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Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Blog

Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing is Tinley Park, Orland Park, Oak Forest, Midlothian, Orland Hill, Homer Glen, Mokena, Frankfort, Crestwood, Palos Heights, Oak Lawn, local plumber. Read our blog for advice, tips, a good laugh, and basic home improvement.

**We are moving our old blog to our new and improved website. Too see all our posts visit kevinszabojrplumbing.blogspot.com

Filtering by Category: April

Understanding The Importance Of House Inspections

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When you are buying a home, it is important to have it inspected by a professional. A house inspector will look for any potential problems with the property and let you know what repairs may need to be made. These are just a few of the reasons why house inspections are so important.

1. A house inspection can help you avoid costly repairs down the road

Many homeowners end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs that could have been avoided if they had only had their home inspected. By catching these problems early on, you can save yourself a lot of money and heartache. If you are in Australia you can check out the best building inspections in Perth and save money on your purchase. This is especially important if you are buying a home that is older or needs repairs. Additionally, if you are buying a home with a mortgage, the bank will likely require a home inspection before they will approve the loan.

2. A house inspection can help you negotiate a better price

If there are any major problems with the property, a house inspection can give you the leverage you need to negotiate a better price. If the seller knows that you are aware of the issues and still want to buy the home, they may be more likely to reduce the price. This can be especially useful if you are buying a home that is in need of repairs. It's always a good idea to get a few estimates for the repairs before you negotiate with the seller. This way, you have an idea of how much money is always better to negotiate a lower price than to have to pay for repairs after you move in. 

3. A house inspection can help you find hidden problems

Many times, there are problems with a home that the seller is not aware of. By having a house inspection, you can find these hidden problems and address them before you buy the home. This can include things like mold, termites, or asbestos. It's always better to know about these problems before you buy the home than after you have moved in. If you are buying a home, you can also get an asbestos inspection to be sure there are no problems with the property. It's better to be safe than sorry.

4. A house inspection can help you understand the condition of the property

A good house inspector will go over every aspect of the property and give you a detailed report. This report will help you understand the condition of the property and what repairs may need to be made. If you are buying a home that is in need of repairs, this report can be especially helpful. It will give you a better idea of how much money you will need to spend on repairs. This report can also be helpful if you are thinking about remodeling your home. It's a great idea to get a quote from a remodeling contractor before you buy the home so you have an idea of how much money you will need to invest.

House inspections are an important part of the home buying process. They can help you avoid costly repairs, negotiate a better price, and understand the condition of the property. If you are buying a home, it is important to have it inspected by a professional. These were just a few of the reasons why house inspections are so important.

Is Water Heater Repair and Replacement Protected by a Home Warranty?

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Water radiators are a fundamental home machine. They make all heated water exercises conceivable - from washing oily dishes to unwinding in the bath. Water heater repair San Diego, when a water radiator breaks, fixing or supplanting it tends to be extremely expensive, particularly assuming you need to pay cash on hand. Most Water heater repair San Diego contracts won't cover water radiator fixes. However, a home guarantee might get a move on. So to continue to appreciate hot showers, you ought to have a ton of experience with home guarantee inclusion for water warmers. 

 

To comprehend what a home guarantee means for the expenses of water radiator fixes, you want to figure out how they work. Home guarantees are an arrangement that gives mortgage holders additional insurance. You pay a yearly expense, and if something turns out badly with your home, the guarantee can help pay for fixes. Home guarantees come in all shapes and sizes. You can get one for your whole house or one that covers a couple of key apparatuses. In the wake of finding out about home guarantees, you're presumably left considering how it's unique home protection. 

 

The enormous contrast is essential that home guarantees give more inclusion choices. Water heater repair San Diego typically covers what's in your home, while guarantees are more adaptable. They can cover your machines or even things outside your home. There's likewise a distinction in what the future held. Property holders' protection covers harm brought about by fiascoes and crises. They help if a fire torches your home or a tree falls on your rooftop. Assuming that the harm occurs because of your carelessness,

Water Radiator Home Guarantee Inclusion Choices:

Since home guarantees have so many different inclusion choices, there are a few sorts of water radiator guarantees. The first and most straightforward choice is an essential machine guarantee. This inclusion is explicitly for your water radiator, and it, for the most part, helps with fixed costs. Your water radiator may be covered under an overall machine guarantee. Water heater repair san Diego, Assuming your guarantee safeguards every one of the apparatuses in your home, it will likewise cover your water radiator. However, more uncommon, it is likewise conceivable to observe guarantee designs that cover all your home frameworks and machines. If you get a wide inclusion guarantee, you'll need to peruse the fine print cautiously to guarantee your water radiator is incorporated. 

 

Most home guarantees give inclusion to fixes. They give you cash for the parts and work expected to fix your water radiator. Contingent upon your guarantee, it might likewise cover home harm from issues like a spilling water radiator. Substitution is a discretionary inclusion type you might have the option to remember for your agreement.

Water Radiator Fixes and Substitutions are not Quick 100% of the Time:

Water radiators, for the most part, work for around 10 years. How long they keep going relies upon upkeep, the kind of water in your home, and the establishment. At the point when they, in all actuality, do quit working, you know the drill. You call your home guarantee organization if your water warmer is safeguarded under your arrangement, and they come out and analyze the issue. 

 

Have you asked why it takes a piece longer to fix a water radiator than other pipes fixes? It is a typical event all through the pipes business, in any event, when you go through a home guarantee organization. It results from the cycle you need to follow to get a water warmer supplanted! How about we go through what needs to occur before your water warmer is supplanted through Milestone Home Guarantee.

Spillage:

A hole in the water warmer might signify that it should be supplanted. A hole from the tank could make water dribble or pool under the unit and is difficult to fix. It could likewise show the presence of holes in pipes. Sometimes, nonetheless, spills are essential because of free associations, mistaken pressure, or a defective valve. Consequently, they might be a sign that the water warmer tank is busted or broken.

Uncommon Clamors:

Consequently, you ought to get an expert assessment to sort out the difficulty. Water heater repair san Diego,Assuming you hear popping or thundering sounds, demonstrates the amassing of residue in your tank. Water turns out to be more challenging to warm up when there is a weighty aggregation of residue. Ultimately, the additional work by your water radiator can bring about breaks and holes. 

Rusting:

The rust brought about by the anode bar's disintegration is a water warmer's most normal issue. Water heater repair san Diego, This pole is produced using magnesium or aluminium and fitted inside the water tank. The pole debilitates over the long haul because of normal use, ultimately bringing about high-temperature water within the covering, resulting in a vigorously rusted water radiator.

Inappropriate Establishment:

It is generally insightful to look for proficient help while introducing any home gadget. Generally speaking, water radiators should be introduced at a tension higher than the maker has suggested for its appropriate working. Some unacceptable establishments can demolish your water warmer tank.

No Heated Water:

When the showerhead begins to deliver cold water rather than boiling water, it implies that it is not attempting to warm components. It is a typical indication of a water radiator imperfection that can be effectively distinguished.

Conclusion:

When the handyman has the endorsement to fix or supplant your water warmer, they will ordinarily need to arrange new parts, particularly if they need to buy a fresh-out-of-the-box new water radiator for your home. Those can require a long time to show up for something that accommodates your home's pipes. Most pipes project workers don't have a water warmer in their truck to place into your home immediately! After the parts are requested, the project worker will reach you again and plan a chance to fix or supplant the water radiator. According to various jacks of all trades, the genuine replacement of the water radiator should require 2-3 hours.

 

How to clean sustainably: 3 green cleaning tips for an eco-friendly home

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Cleaning products can have harsh chemicals that can not only affect people but the environment as well. Natural and green cleaning products have gained popularity in recent years due to their earth-friendly properties and organic ingredients. Wondering how to clean sustainably? Look no further: we’ve got all the tips you need for an eco-friendly home. 

1. Incorporate what you already have in your pantry

Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon not only make food taste better: they are also cleaning agents. These child and pet-safe ingredients can be used to clean any surface in your home. Make your own cleaning spray with lemon rinds and white vinegar in a glass jar that is steeped for a week. After 7 days have passed, add this concoction into a spray bottle and dilute it with some water — then you can start spraying!

2. Try reusable cleaning cloths

While paper towels and wipes are incredibly useful, they are single-use products that contribute to landfill waste. To combat this, try using reusable cleaning clothes or rags that you can run through the washer whenever they get dirty. It also saves you money that you would otherwise be spending on wipes and paper towels. 

3. Trade your air fresheners for essential oils

Air fresheners for your kitchen and bathroom can be replaced with the natural fragrances of essential oils. You can even make your own air freshener by combining 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 5-6 drops of your chosen essential oil in a spray bottle. The rest of the bottle can be filled with water to dilute and shaken before use. 

Looking for more green cleaning solutions? Check out this infographic from Hive Brands for more information on sustainable tidying. 

Dog Wash Station Inspiration

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Are you looking to add a dog wash station in your house because you’re always washing your dogs? These stations can be very beneficial for you and the dog, no more hovering over your bathtub trying to clean the dog, and the dog will probably be way less stressed as well. They can look aesthetically pleasing, so no worries on that aspect! Make your life easier for you and your dog.

Blue Collar Eats - Los Sarapes in Midlothian

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We visited Los Sarapes in Midlothian, located at 147th and Waverly, by the train tracks. We were accompanied by Kevin’s good buddy Dan - (he refer to him as his workout buddy because he works out, and it’s his buddy!)

Kevin loves to get his tacos with Cilantro, onion and a little salsa, because he’s a “simple guy” as he mentions in the video.

“One of the best tacos I’ve had, it’s so good.” Says Kevin.

“I like how the chicken is thinly shredded, I don’t like the big chunks, you know? The cilantro is fresh, the onion is fresh. Like I said, when you have good ingredients, it makes for a good taco.” Says Dan.

Kevin explains how the salsa is nice and hot, kind of like a diablo type of hot, but “not too hot, it’s perfect.”

We asked some of the people eating here on their opinion of the food, and this wonderful family had all the nice things to say about Los Sarapes. “Every party I’ve ever done, everyone wonders where I get the tacos from. They’re the best thing! Tony is the best, we love it here. We love coming here to Los Sarapes because good food is hard to find even though a lot of places pop up left and right.”

Dan was eating the rice and everything else on this plate, and then mentions, “I can’t believe I’ve never been to this place. It’s like Heaven in Midlothian.” Dan is a Midlothian resident who lives within walking distance to Los Sarapes, so Kevin was just as shocked as Dan when he mentioned he’s never came here.

“I like to look my fish in the eye before I eat them, show them whos boss! Let them know, I’m going to get you sucker. I don’t like the way he’s looking at me!” Kevin says. He loves sea food, and he loves that he can get a good quality shrimp or crab leg right here locally in Midlothian.

If you’re looking for a great local place to get tacos, Los Sarapes should definitely be the top on you list. You won’t be disappointed, everything they have to offer is worth it!

You can watch our Blue Collar Eats on Facebook HERE!

How to Convert a Shipping Container Into a Bathroom

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When people think about homes, many associate them with either houses or flats. But, does it really need to be this way, are there no other options? Not only for homes but also for any other spaces that serve other purposes. It is no secret that shipping containers can be converted into functioning bathrooms. It is also no secret that this conversion is pretty simple in its nature. Here is how you can make such a convenient conversion of a container into a bathroom.

Power

Power is essential to any sort of shipping container conversion. Once you have power installed, you can think about other shipping container modifications that you need to install. Luckily, installing power is pretty easy in a container, especially with the help of professionals. Handling wires by yourself can be quite hazardous, which is why it is best to let others handle them.

Plumbing

It is no secret that new shipping containers can be converted into functioning bathrooms. One of the reasons why shipping container bathrooms are so popular is because of plumbing. Regular portable bathrooms are quite inconvenient when it comes to draining them. When installing plumbing in a container, you must use piping that is easy to disconnect. Shipping container bathrooms are also convenient because they too are portable. Just remember to use piping and other connections easy to connect and disconnect at any time.

Walls

As with every piping, you will need to make certain cuts in your walls. It is important to mark all of these spots and insert the piping accordingly. Once the piping is in place, you will need to cover the walls and holes with waterproof materials. This usually means ceramic tiles and caulk around the holes. It is important to make it impenetrable for moisture to avoid mold formation within the container.

Lightweight

Toilets, bathtubs, showers, and sinks can be made out of lightweight materials. Many associate these bathroom staples with something pretty heavy, but there are many more materials out there. From plastic to stainless steel alloys, there are many options you should take into consideration. All of these materials are also pretty easy to maintain, perfect for bathrooms. It is important to use these lightweight materials so it can be easier to transport the container.

Comfortable

Shipping container bathrooms should not only be concentrated on their utility purpose. This type of bathroom can be made to look truly beautiful. Think of them as any other type of bathroom and how you want them to look. Just some simple changes in lighting and a few plants can really liven up the bathroom.

A beautiful bathroom is always something everyone can appreciate when taking their time. Just think how dull the experience is in the regular portable bathroom. It is little things like this that truly make the world a breathtaking place.

Thinking outside of the box is the key when it comes to making smart solutions. Shipping containers are one such smart solution made through thinking outside of the box. Shipping container bathrooms are so convenient and yet so functional at the same time. Almost everyone can confirm that this kind of bathroom is much better than the regular portable bathroom.

Why You Should Regularly Inspect And Fix Your Doors And Windows

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It's no secret that crime is on the rise. According to the FBI, there was an estimated 1.7 million burglaries in the United States in 2016 alone. That's one burglary every 20 seconds. And while it's impossible to completely protect your home from burglars, there are a few things you can do to make it more difficult for them, such as regularly inspecting and fixing your doors and windows.

Additionally, fixing broken windows and doors can help to reduce your home's energy consumption. A recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that window replacement can result in an average reduction of 20% to 40% in heating and cooling costs.

So, not only will regularly inspecting and fixing your doors and windows help to protect your home from burglary, but it can also save you money on your energy bills.

So, what are you waiting for? Start inspecting and fixing your doors and windows today!

1) Inspecting Your Doors And Windows

When inspecting your doors and windows, look for the following:

- Broken windows

- Windows that don't close properly

- Doors that don't close properly

- Doors and windows that are poorly sealed

- Damaged or missing locks

If you find any of the above, repair or replace them as soon as possible.

Windows and doors that are not properly sealed can let in drafts, which can lead to higher energy bills. In addition, they can also allow moisture to enter your home, which can cause damage to your walls, ceilings, and floors.

To prevent this, make sure to regularly inspect your windows and doors for any damage or defects, and fix them as soon as possible.

2) Why It's Important

There are a few reasons why you should inspect and fix your doors and windows regularly.

The most important reason is that it will help to protect your home from burglary. A broken window or door with missing locks is an open invitation for burglars looking for easy targets. A company like Woodbridge Home Solutions can help you to fix this with commercial window repair. Additionally, fixing broken windows and doors can help to reduce your home's energy consumption. A recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology found that window replacement can result in an average reduction of 20% to 40% in heating and cooling costs.

So, not only will regularly inspecting and fixing your doors and windows help to protect your home from burglary, but it can also save you money on your energy bills.

3) What To Do If You Find A Problem

If you find a problem with your doors or windows, don't wait to fix it. Repair or replace them as soon as possible. And if you're not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, hire a professional to do it for you.

4) How To Fix A Broken Window Or Door?

There are a few things you can do to fix a broken window or door:

- Repair the window or door yourself

- Hire a professional to repair the window or door

- Replace the window or door

If you choose to repair the window or door yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you're not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, hire a professional to do it for you. And if you choose to replace the window or door, be sure to research the best options for your home.

5) Increase The Resale Value Of Your Home

Regularly inspecting and fixing your doors and windows can also increase the resale value of your home. A home in good condition is more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price than a home that is in poor condition.

So, if you're thinking of selling your home in the future, be sure to regularly inspect and fix your doors and windows.

When inspecting your doors and windows, look for the following: - Broken windows - Windows that don't close properly - Doors that don't close properly - Doors and windows that are poorly sealed - Damaged or missing locks. If you find any of the above, repair or replace them as soon as possible. In addition to protecting against burglary, fixing broken windows and doors can help to reduce your home's energy consumption. Windows and doors that are not properly sealed can let in drafts, which can lead to higher energy bills. If you're not comfortable doing the repairs yourself, hire a professional to do it for you. And if you choose to replace the window or door, be sure to research the best options for your home. Regularly inspecting and fixing your doors and windows can also increase the resale value of your home.

The Smart Home Devices That Offer the Most Value

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As the eco-conscious movement expands, society's values change. A few decades ago, individuals purchasing homes looked for time-efficient, convenient appliances that catered to life on the go. Now, people want sustainable and energy-efficient products.

Energy-efficient home appliances reduce the price of a homeowner's utility bills while shrinking their carbon footprint. They also increase the value of a home. There are various smart home devices you can install to increase efficiency.

Smart Plugs

Most individuals charge their phones, tablets and laptops overnight to ensure power efficiency the following day. These devices reach a full charge within a few hours and continue to pull power from the outlet throughout the night. Their power absorption accumulates over time, increasing utility costs and the size of your carbon footprint.

You can install smart plugs in your home to restrict power pulling from unused devices. They monitor your appliances' energy use and limit their access to electricity during certain times of the day. They also track energy use so you can make adjustments to lower the price of your electricity bills.

Smart Garage Door Opener

Homeowners can improve the efficiency of their heating and air conditioning systems by preventing the release of in-home air, and your garage door is a significant escape point. Nearly 51% of a home's energy use derives from temperature control. If you are forgetful when it comes to closing your garage door, you can benefit from installing a smart door opener.

You can preprogram these devices to close after you leave your house. This helps the homeowner conserve energy used through temperature control systems. 

They also utilize LED lights to illuminate the inside of your garage. LEDs use 75% less energy than conventional bulbs. They also last 25 times longer than incandescents, reducing your utility bills and the size of your carbon footprint. Installing a smart garage door opener in your home can significantly increase its value.

Smart Thermostats

To further conserve the energy used by your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, you can install a smart thermostat. Homeowners may program these devices to keep their homes at energy-efficient temperatures. The thermostat also turns down at night, depending on the season, to maximize your HVAC's electricity use.

Smart thermostats use motion-detecting sensors to adjust your home's temperature depending upon its occupancy. When your house is vacant, the system turns on its vacation mode, which you can change from your smartphone. These green appliances significantly lower electricity bills.

Smart Lights

Our homes' lights contribute to the size of our carbon footprints. Installing smart lights in your house can reduce energy waste and conserve the environment. The system connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth and turns off all lights when you leave the property for a programmed number of hours.

The device also uses a motion detection sensor to turn off the light in an unoccupied room. When paired with LED lightbulbs, this system can be significantly more energy-efficient than conventional lighting.

Smart Energy Monitors

A valuable device for the eco-conscious homeowner is a smart energy monitor. These systems evaluate the inner power working of your house. It connects to your electricity meter and calculates which appliances pull the most power.

Intelligent energy monitors connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth to relay its electricity findings. The device converts data into charts and graphs for straightforward viewer interpretation. Homeowners can then use this information to change their energy consumption patterns and shrink their carbon footprint.  

Cater to the Market

Increase the value of your home by upgrading your appliances and devices. Maintaining an energy-efficient house is attractive to potential buyers looking to shrink their carbon footprint and pay low utility bills. Because millennials are eco-conscious and buying property now, it is essential to cater to their values. 

Visit Brands Direct Online and find great deals on smart home devices that offer the most value.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in

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Moving to a new home can be an exciting time. However, it can also be stressful and exhausting, not to mention expensive to the point of draining your wallet dry. Depending on your new home state, there are some home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in. 

Are improvements and repairs expensive?

Specific improvements will increase your property's value, which is always good when the time to sell it comes. Repairs can help reduce maintenance costs you will be facing in the future, and it’s always good to save money. If you are smart, some of the work you do on your home will end up giving you a net benefit.  Some renovations will increase your home insurance rates, so be sure to calculate this into your overall budget. Other types of work on your home simply can’t be avoided, especially for glaring issues that need to be fixed.

Can I do some of the repairs later?

The short answer is: yes, of course. On the other hand, dragging the repairs will involve you living in total chaos for a long time. You might think it will just be for a week or two, but old houses can have problems you weren’t expecting. Since you don't know how the house was constructed, there could be hidden issues that you didn't initially notice. These could end up causing unexpected delays, and you don't want to be trapped in a house remodel limbo. And people promise themselves they will take care of minor repairs later when the relocation is over. But then those minor issues sit unaddressed for years because you never got around to it.

Re-polish the wood in your home to let it sit before moving in.

Re-polish the wood in your home to let it sit before moving in.

Renovating before you move in

Everyone has ideas of what their dream home should look like. Relocating to a new home is the perfect time to let your imagination run wild. And spring is a great time to do renovations on your home. You might think that doing everything at once is expensive, but doing multiple home improvements and repairs at the same time will probably be cheaper. Some renovations will require some touch-ups after the main work is over. We’re talking about small finishing touches like patching up walls or floors and painting the house. The best solution is to do the cleanup just once when you have done all the work.

Realistically your best bet is to schedule all of the home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in and living on the property. Once everything is finished, you can just relocate to your new home without worrying about doing more work. So, plan for how long the work will take but have backup options. Rent storage for your possessions, so they don't get in the way of the repairs. Ensure you get a clean and mold-free unit for your items so they are safe and dry during the spring rain season. Even if the repairs last longer than expected, your possessions won't clutter the workspace, and you will know they are secure.

Avoid water damage by fixing any leaks.

Avoid water damage by fixing any leaks.

Here is a list of 8 home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in:

  1. Check the roof – repair any cracks or leaks since water damage can wreak havoc on your home. Invest in roof repairs to avoid rotting wood and mold buildups.

  2. Refloor – this is one of the repairs most people skip to save money. While fitting new floors can be expensive, it will be a lot cheaper and easier to do before moving in.

  3. Improve the insulation – investing some money before moving in can save you a lot in the long run. Draft-proofing and insulating are great ways to save on heating and electricity bills.

  4. Apply wood finish – it's not just the floors that need to be re-done. It would be best to refinish all the wooden elements like panels, windows, or railings before you move in. This will give them a bit of time to sit and air out.

  5. Popcorn ceilings and walls – they used to be standard in houses constructed before the '90s. Besides being an eyesore, popcorn fixtures can contain asbestos or other toxic materials that can be harmful to your health.

  6. Check the plumbing – leaks can cause some of the worst and most expensive damage to a home. Hire professional plumbers to take care of any problems before you move in. Mildew and mold will be much more costly to deal with later if water damage is left unchecked.

  7. Replace locks – it shouldn't take long and doesn't cost much. With new locks, you can be sure that no one else has the keys to your home. Replace the exterior locks; it's cheap and will give you peace of mind.

  8. Exterior and interior painting – we recommend doing this last but before bringing in the furniture from storage. All of the other major work will already be done. Also, painting an empty home free from the clutter of furniture and boxes is a much simpler task.

Paint your home last after all of the other work is done.

Paint your home last after all of the other work is done.

One more thing we need to mention is that it is essential to pay attention to your health. People get so caught up in renovations, repairs, and moving that they can forget about their well-being. We all hope to see the end to the coronavirus pandemic, but the fight isn't over yet. So, when the moving day finally arrives, you have to take all the necessary precautions in order to stay healthy during these hard times. Moving to a new home means that you will be interacting with many different people. Sometimes we all need reminders, even for the basics - so be smart and stay safe.

Taking care of home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in will end up saving you a lot of stress. Additionally, doing the repairs while you are not living on the property will mean they will be done faster – since nothing will be in the way of the work. And if the work is done faster, it usually means less added expenses. Taking care of everything while saving time and money – what's not to love?

Meta description: Moving to a new home and need to renovate? Here is a list of 8 home improvements and repairs you must do before moving in.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

7 Easy Ways to Eliminate Odors at Home

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shutterstock_1124982305-smell.jpg

Ever had that lingering odor even after mopping, cleaning, and scrubbing? It’s normal in an everyday household where you always cook or make a mess. Fortunately, you can remove the odor at home using these easy tricks. 

7 Easy Ways to Eliminate Odors at Home 

Each part of your house needs a different approach to cleaning. To make the most out of your time cleaning, you should know the tips and tricks for cleaning your home to get rid of any bad odors efficiently.  

Refrigerator

The refrigerator houses your food and sometimes it stays there for too long. Some foods also have a distinct smell to them that can stick to the refrigerator for a long time like the smell of a fish. 

Here’s how you can eliminate odor from your refrigerator:

  1. Clean out the shelves and drawers of the refrigerator.

  2. Scrub all the shelves with a mixture of warm water and baking soda.

  3. Wipe it off with a mixture of white vinegar and warm water.

If you want to prevent odor from building up inside your refrigerator, keep a box of baking soda open on a shelf in the back of the fridge and on the freezer too. Replace it monthly to keep it working. 

You can also soak a couple of cotton balls in vanilla extract and place them on the back of your refrigerator. Remember to put it on a small plate to avoid stains. 

Dishwasher

If you’re not cleaning your dishwasher once a month, then you better start doing so. Your dishwasher can house harmful bacteria and dirt. Dishwashers get it from pieces of food that accumulate in the filter and cause odor over time. 

Here’s how you can get rid of the odor from your dishwasher:

  1. Remove all food particles from the bottom of the machine.

  2. Also, remove the filter and rinse it.

  3. Pour two cups of distilled white vinegar into the machine.

  4. Run the machine in hot water cycle.

  5. Pause the cycle around the 15-20 minutes mark to let the mixture break down any detergent residue.

  6. Finish the cycle.

Microwave

You should consider remodeling your kitchen so your microwave doesn’t get exposed to dirt and gunk too much. The microwave is where you mostly heat or cook your food so it should not always have a lingering odor on it. 

You can remove any smell on your microwave by boiling one quart of water with lemon slices for a couple of minutes. Wipe off any dirt, gunk, or food particles in your microwave and let the door open to air it out. 

Toilet

The toilet should always be clean and odor-free. Clean your toilet with a toilet bowl cleaner so it looks clean and shiny. Use some toilet-specific cleaning products to get rid of smells and stains. 

Afterward, pour ½ cup of bleach into a bucket of water and clean the toilet using the mixture. Your toilet should smell good and look good. Use some toilet freshener gel to add a pleasant fragrance.  

Mattress 

A mattress can start to smell after a few years of use. It may be time to change it or use some traditional method to save you some money. Here’s how you can keep your old mattress fresh:

Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour and vacuum it up. You can also use fabric spray to add a pleasant odor. 

Closet

The closet can house odor because it traps moisture in such a close space. If you can, try opening your closet from time to time and do a thorough cleaning. 

Use closet dehumidifiers that will help absorb moisture from the air so your closet won’t produce a smell. If your closet smells it will also give its smell to your clothes. 

Carpet

Among the things on your house, the carpet will absorb odor the most. Remove the smell by sprinkling baking soda all over the carpet. Let it sit for a couple of hours and then vacuum. 

Your carpet should smell good after. Have your carpet clean or use some carpet cleaning products to keep your carpet looking new and smelling fresh. 

Conclusion

These are some of the easiest ways you can keep odor away from your home. No one wants to live in a house that has a foul smell. When in doubt, baking soda and vinegar are your friends for driving away smell.

Guest Contributor: Hayley Banks