How to find a good plumber in your area

Remodeling your home or fixing general plumbing problems can turn into a nightmare if you don’t have an expert you can trust. And very often, they can be difficult to find. The reason is that the industry has grown a lot, leaving more room for poor-quality plumbers to provide their services. The last thing you want to do is hire someone like that, as the lack of skill and experience often leads to additional problems or just short-term fixes. That's why you need to do everything you can to hire a professional plumber whose services are a great balance between quality and reasonable pricing. And if you think that's not easy to find – we'll help you out. Here are some tips on how to find a good plumber in your area and not worry about your home. 

Look at different sources

To make the right choice and hire a good-quality plumber for your new home, you should first have a selection of several professionals. To reach them, look at different sources:

• online – there are local websites where you can hire different experts. You can also try out Yelp and narrow your search to the location. However, the internet shouldn't be the only source;

• friends and family – there's probably someone in your environment who recently did similar work around their home. Maybe they can recommend a good plumber in your area, share their experience or warn you about someone unprofessional in the plumbing business;

• ask another professional for a referral – if you’re renovating the whole house, you probably have contact with other professionals and contractors, for example, an electrician, roofer, etc. Experienced experts often have a good connection with other craftsmen and may be able to recommend you a good plumber.

If you are remodeling the whole home, chances are other workers know a good plumber in your area. 

Be careful with online reviews 

As we have mentioned, the internet shouldn’t be your only source of information. Online ads can be deceiving, so be sure to read reviews of other clients. However, be careful with those, too, as there's a chance that some of them are fake, not objective enough, etc. Even though you shouldn't miss reading reviews, make sure you back them up with some additional ‘offline’ information. Finally, always go for trustworthy online databases when looking for professionals. For example, if you were looking for a moving company, you would probably begin your search on the Verified Movers website. This is the perfect place to start, as you can be sure you’ll avoid fraud and negative experiences.

Internet is an excellent source of information but make sure you trust only reliable sources. alt.tag: a woman using a laptop to find a good plumber in your area

Contact a couple of plumbers 

To find a good plumber in your area, you need to compare a couple of them before hiring. If possible, contact two or three different professionals and get information about their services, pricing, timing, etc. Comparing a couple of options will help you get a better deal and choose the most professional expert. Be sure to describe the problem and services you need in detail to get the most accurate information. 

Ask about their experience

Reputable companies have often been in business for a long time and have many satisfied customers. Even though this is not always the case, it's okay to ask the plumbers you contact for how long they have been in the business. Their answer will show you their attitude towards business and point you to satisfied customers. 

Telling the price

When contacting the plumber, you should ask about the pricing. However, a good plumber should not give a definite price before seeing the job they need to do. For this kind of service, giving out precise estimates is only possible on the spot. Therefore, if a plumber gives out exact pricing without inspecting your home – maybe they're not suitable for you. 

Try to get a guarantee 

When doing something important such as your home's water system, you need to have a guarantee that the job will be done well. Ask your plumber about it, and check if they give out a written warranty along with their quote or if there's another way to get one. 

The pricing should be clear and detailed 

If there's more than one thing they need to do, a good plumber will explain the process in detail and give you precise pricing. You should be able to know how much money you need to prepare. Furthermore, if there’s a possibility of some additional costs, you should know about them. This is an important task, as you will be able to plan your renovation and moving budget and avoid the typical stress caused by finances. 

Make sure you know the price of all the jobs happening in your house. 

Moving to a new home?

Remodeling before the move is a great way to adapt to your new home just the way you like it. However, the same way you look for a good plumber in your area, you need to make sure your moving professionals are also reliable and skillful. If, for instance, you are organizing a long-distance relocation in Illinois, you need the movers from the area. The only way to have a smooth relocation to another city is to hire a reliable moving company you can trust with your belongings. To do so, you will follow similar steps as with finding a good plumber. Get recommendations from people you trust, browse online databases, narrow down your options to a few companies, contact and interview each of them, and pick the one that offers the best value for your money. 

Store your items while the work is being done 

Once you have managed to find a good plumber in your area, it is good to prepare your home for work. Any kitchen or bathroom remodeling is much easier and safer without too many items around. For that reason, you should consider taking a storage unit to protect your belongings from water damage, dust, and other dangers. This will also make more space inside the house, which will help to do the work faster and easier. Happy renovating!

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Here's all you need to know about Home Improvements

Home improvement involves remodeling, painting, altering, renovating, restoring, repairing, demolishing, demolishing or modernizing a home. Additionally, it includes construction, installation, replacement, improvement, and repair.

Renovation versus Remodeling:

Even though they are used interchangeably, remodeling and renovating have distinctly different meanings to design and construction professionals.

Remodel : The process of redesigning. 

Example : 

• Changing the layout of the room or changing the use of space.

• By opening up the kitchen layout and combining the kitchen and living room, you can improve functionality.

• By raising the ceilings or removing parts of the walls, you can change the look of the room.

Renovate : This refers more to restoring an old object back to its original state.

Example :

• Renovating the room by painting and installing new light fixtures.res.

• Adding value to your home will be enhanced by upgrading the kitchen.

• Window replacement is a renovation.

Home Improvement Ideas :  

• Conserve water by installing a dishwasher.

• Paint old flooring to make it look new again.

• An old entryway can be rewired.

• Water filters should be installed.

• Bring life back to your old deck.

• Cleanable wall protection.

• Customize a tool bench.

• You can revitalize a space with paint.

Home Improvement Items :

• Screwdrivers 

• Spanners and wrenches 

• Hammers 

• Hand tool sets

Home Improvement Ideas in Modern Era : 

• Innovation and technology transform homes.

• Upgrades to modern bathrooms.

• An approach to painting which is suited to modern home improvement projects.

• Make your home more energy-efficient by updating the lighting fixtures.

• The use of contemporary wallpaper is also a way to improve the look of your modern home.

Innovative Home Improvement Product :

• Controllable colour strip lights.

• Satin pillowcases make your bedroom shine and have less friction against your hair than regular cotton, reducing hair fall.

• An effective carpet cleaning solution for tough stains.

• The furniture is polished and protected by the wood conditioner.

• Automatic LED night lights that turn on when it becomes dark.

• An app-controlled smart plug.

• Organizer with a built-in battery tester.

• You can install a soap dispenser into your sink.

• Cleaning set which is used for deep cleaning.

• Clog removers which remove hair, dirt, and clogs from pipes and drains without calling a plumber.

Merits of Home Improvement : 

• The biggest impact can be made by improving what is inside your walls during home renovation or improvement.

• Updating the home's features improves its comfort.

• It is possible to make a safer home by choosing the right materials. 

• Your dream home can be designed by you.

• Through remodeling, you can make more space by getting rid of unused items.

Demerits of Home Improvement :

• Since it affects most of the daily activities you perform at home, it can be a difficult job.

• When you have a family, it will be more stressful.

• Renovations are more expensive than you think.

The process of renovating our home makes it more functional or adds value to it. As a result, you have the opportunity to understand what lies behind your walls, which is a very important step. Making the place look better is important, but you could earn even more value by improving the things you can't see.The things we can't see occupy more of our attention than the things we can see. However, the renovation has hidden aspects that are well worth exploring.

Author Bio :

I am Kushi Ramchand , an experienced technical expert. Bringing people together is what technology is all about. Every new innovation advances technology everyday. Every time I write an article, I try to share as much of my expertise as possible so that it will be helpful to future technical experts.  

Essential Furniture to Make Your Garden Summer Ready.

The summer season has snuck upon us quickly, and because of this we need to ensure our gardens are ready for fun filled BBQ’s, parties and catch ups with loved ones. During the long, cold winter months, our gardens often become neglected, yet when the weather warms up, we are keen to get out there and enjoy them. The problem is, there is quite a bit of work that need to be done in order to make your garden a haven to enjoy with family and friends. Once the grass is cut, the weeds are pulled and the flowers have been potted, your garden needs to be decorated to provide a comfortable space for some alfresco entertainment. Furniture is an essential part of any garden, as it sets the tone for the exterior grounds of the property, but also needs to be functional and practical in use. If you’re looking to add furniture to your garden, We Buy Any Home have complied a list of essential furniture to make your garden summer ready.

1- Garden Hammock:

Having a hammock in the garden is a great way to relax and enjoy the sunshine in your garden. A quintessential symbol of summer, hammocks are a leisurely place to lounge, as they are comfortable, and the rocking motion is extremely soothing.

2- Outdoor String Lights:

If the sun has set but you're not ready to stop the garden festivities, then outdoor string lights are a fitting decoration. Simply hang them on the fences around the garden and watch your area magically light up. They’re great for decorating gazebos, garden bars and seating areas- and create the perfect ambiance to sit around with loved ones on a warm evening and enjoy the company of others. Most designs are weatherproof so are durable through harsh weather conditions, and solar powered lights are an eco-friendly alternative.

3- Outdoor Corner Sofa, Tables and Stools:

Investing in a corner sofa, table and stools makes room for everyone to enjoy cosy mealtimes from the comfort of your garden. The extra stools provide room for everyone, and the cushioned corner sofa ensures all your guests are comfortable. Often, the designs of outdoor table and seating areas are wonderfully versatile and can be rearranged with finesse to create relaxed lounge vibes outdoors.

4- Wicker Round Sofa Bed:

This is the perfect must-have piece of furniture for your garden. The extra-deep low seating creates the ultimate relaxing outdoor seating experience, and the retractable canopy gives you the option to enjoy the summer weather without being dazzled by sunlight. The round sofa bed design typically comes in a variety of layouts and combinations so can be customised and rearranged to the customers wishes. 

5- Cooler Table:

This item was made for summertime partying. This piece of furniture is an essential addition to any garden, as it ensures that all drinks are kept cool and refreshing for guests. The top surface of the table lifts to reveal storage space underneath- perfect for storing cans and bottles on ice. The resin interior of the storage space allows for it to be hosed off like a regular cooler would, and the table also includes a plug at the bottom for easy drainage once the ice has melted. 

6- Firepit:

A firepit is a brilliant piece of outdoor furniture to add to your garden, as it ideal for providing warmth on those cool evenings, and the lithe light creates a captivating and beautiful atmosphere. Firepits come with a mesh lid to prevent embers blowing and can be safely used around vulnerable people. It's perfect for sitting around with loved ones toasting marshmallows.

7- LED Patio Umbrella:

LED patio umbrellas are an umbrella with a difference. Providing shade and protection from the sun during the hottest times of the day, the umbrella is also wide enough to provide large, shaded areas for guests to take shelter under. The LED function is a great addition too, as once the sun sets, the inside of the umbrella lights up in various colours using small LED lights along the ribs of the umbrella- creating the perfect atmosphere for your garden in the evening.

8- Adjustable Gravity Chairs:

These are an essential summer furniture you need to invest in now. Engineered for ultimate comfort- the chair evenly distributes your weight across it once you recline. The whole chair alters to any recline height of your choice, puts less stress on the body and helps muscles relax. The double-bungee suspension is taut and contorts to the body while remaining durable.

Guest Contributor: Holly Herbert

Keeping Your Home Mold-Free: Here Are 10 Common Spots To Check For Mold Growth

You may not even know it but probably one of the most common living organisms on earth may have invaded your precious home. These are molds that can grow wherever moisture and organic matters are present. Mold is the most common name for thousands of different types of fungi. It may not be visible but it can be deadly and dangerous. Molds can cause nasal numbness, throat and eye irritation, coughing or sneezing, and worst skin and respiratory allergies. People with these allergies or certain kinds of respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable to the deadly effects of mold. The worst part is that mold can grow just about anywhere, especially in places you can't see or don't even think about cleaning. I have written in this article a list of places where mold might be nesting in your home.

1. Down the Sink 

Mold lives in a moist and dark environment like the one down your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Inspect the faucet or pvc under the sink for plumbing leaks and immediately contact  a licensed plumber. Dry the interior of the cabinet under the sink with bleach or any cleaning solution to prevent mold from spreading.

2. Toothbrush Holder 

Probably the most disgusting place you would ever imagine is your toothbrush lying on a holder with molds. Glasses, plastics, or ceramic containers on your bathroom sink are a convenient spot to store a toothbrush. However, it is also a perfect habitat for mold which thrives on the water coming from the toothbrush dropping to the container. To prevent mold from growing, rinse and dry well your toothbrush caddy everyday. Don't forget to wash the soap dish and the underside of it as well. 

3. Filing Cabinet  

Paper files could be damped and paper is made from wood pulp which is an organic feast for mold spores. Once it has been contaminated with mold, there's no stopping it from permanently damaging your files so the best option is to prevent it from spreading. Try not to store things in damp boxes, attics and basements and run a dehumidifier in your home to avoid the mold from growing.

4. Shower and Bathtub 

Probably the dampest area in your home where you can find mold. Bathrooms also need proper ventilation and mold will thrive without air. Since mold isn’t always visible, it will be best to check for mold on your shampoo bottles, towels and loofahs, shower curtain and faucets  and tile grout. 

5. The refrigerator and pantry 

Expired food can cause mold so your refrigerator should be free of old food. Make sure to wipe down the surfaces of the pantry regularly. Always clean and sanitize your refrigerator so no molds would grow. 

6. Toys 

Big and small toys can get dirty and can accumulate bacteria and moisture just enough to let the mold grow. These molds may be swallowed by children since they put everything in their mouths. Be sure to clean and dry the toys your children are using to avoid contamination and poison. 

7. Floor Mats

Doormats are great for scraping mud, grass or snow off your shoes but daily exposure to dirt traps moisture in and under the mat which is a perfect habitat for molds to grow. To kill molds, rinse and sundry your mats regularly and remove them from the doorstep once in a while to give the floor space a chance to dry.

8. Carpets and Upholstery 

Upholstery and carpets trap a lot of dust, dirt and skin cells. Vacuum your carpets regularly and wash them with mold cleaning solutions thoroughly after every spill. Sundry to kill the fungi.

9. Boilers and water heaters

Drains can become clogged or rusted with continued use. This prevents the liquid from coming out of the heaters encouraging molds to grow and multiply. It will be best to inspect and clean your HVAC units regularly to guarantee that they are working fine. You might want to consider running a dehumidifier in rooms where moisture tends to collect and become the nest of molds.

10. Dishes 

When you skip drying dishes, you could be inviting molds in your kitchen. Yes, everyone wants to save time and money and plates need to be thoroughly dry before you stack them in the cupboard. Tempting not to dry the dishes anymore to cut off on energy and bills, however, it could be inviting mold in the kitchen. If not properly washed and dry, you might find mold growing in between those stacked plates.

Now that you're done reading this article you can conclude that molds will live wherever it can find dark, damp places. You might want to consider checking molds and mildews on the agreement for your new home if you’re into home buying in the next few days, months or years. In the meantime, it's up to you to clean up wet spots and rigorously clean nooks and crannies around your home which is the secret to keeping your home mold-free and prevent it from feeling welcomed. 

About The Author:

Katreena is a scientist and a life hack specialist. She's authored scientific journals on biotechnology and molecular biology. To take a break from scientific journals, she puts her mind into writing about lifestyle, health, and sustainability. She strongly believes that kindness makes the world go round.

3 Carpet Maintenance Tips You Should Know About

Keeping a carpet spotless at all times is impossible. No matter how many times you clean it, carpets are bound to get dirty, especially if heavy foot traffic is involved. As a result, having carpet flooring requires extra maintenance and housekeeping.

Although carpet cleaning can be tedious and time-consuming, it keeps your carpets lush and free of dirt. Not to mention, it makes them look brand new. There are several ways you can keep them clean and free of debris and it doesn’t involve deep cleaning your carpets daily.

In this article, we will discuss three tips you need to know about keeping your carpets in mint condition. Check out carpets in Dubai for more information.

1. Repair Leaks and Cracks Immediately

Your home needs to be maintained at all times. The reality is that buildings and houses, no matter how strong they are, often succumb to issues such as leaks and cracks. When these things are left untreated, water can seep into your home and cause water damage.

Homes with carpet flooring can suffer from extensive water damage and mold growth if leaks and cracks aren’t treated immediately. So, it’s essential to address these issues as soon as you discover them.

Leaks can also come from appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines. It’s highly recommended that you look after your appliances and check for signs of wear and tear or leakage before the problem grows worse, especially if they are placed near carpet flooring. 

2. Vaccum Weekly

Vacuuming your carpets regularly is essential in keeping them in excellent condition. However, this doesn’t mean you should vacuum them every single day. Vacuum cleaning carpets once a week or twice a week is more than enough to keep them clean and in great shape.

Your vacuum cleaner is the best weapon against dust and debris. Investing in a durable and solid vacuum cleaner is worth it in the long run. Other than making cleaning a bit easier, they’ll help you keep your home clean.  So, keep one on hand to help maintain your carpets and keep them free from dirt and germs. You should also address stains as soon as you can. The longer stains are left on carpets, they can be harder to get out. 

So, regularly clean your carpets and keep an eye out for any spots or stains to avoid them from becoming permanent. The key to maintaining your carpets is consistency and a good eye. 

3. Deep Clean Your Home Periodically

Sometimes, your carpets will need to be deep cleaned. This process is different from vacuuming. Cleaners will use a hot water extraction process or steam cleaning to clean your carpets. This process thoroughly cleans your carpets in a way that normal vacuuming won’t be able to do.

Although this process might make your carpet seem damp, you don’t have to worry. A little bit of air will dry out the clean carpet and make it look brand new. Due to its steep price, deep cleaning by professional cleaners is only needed every 12-18 months.

Conclusion

Carpets are designed to be durable and last you years. However, this isn’t possible if you don’t take good care of them and take the necessary steps to maintain them. Keeping them in great shape isn’t impossible. Next time you need to clean your home, keep these carpet cleaning tips on your to-do list. Simply keep an eye out for signs of moisture such as leaks or cracks to prevent water damage, vacuum your carpets every week, and get a professional to clean your carpets every year. 

Guest Contributor: Diana R.

How to spruce up your home in a mindful and comfortable way

Our homes represent true safe heaven, it's the place where we should feel tranquil, cozy, and secured. Nothing can top up that undeniable feeling of returning to your comfortable home after a long and tedious day to a place that can utterly uplift your state of mind the moment you enter. So, how to maximally spruce up your home and make it even more comfortable to improve your mood and give you that much-needed energy boost? Read on to discover.

Set up soothing lighting

Even though natural light is the best option when you strive to improve your mood, setting calming lighting features will have a huge impact on your wellbeing and health as well. Use soft night lamps for the bedroom, or incorporate mild salt lamps or dimmable lights which give out nice and soothing light. You can light a few aromatherapy candles that are perfect for sore eyes, plus the magnificent fragrant will additionally calm your nerves and make you feel even more chill in your home.

Carefully choose the furniture

Creating a relaxing place or corner in your home where you can retreat after a tiring day is what will uplift your mind and spirit. Select furniture pieces that are comfortable and invigorating at the same time. Plush pillows, fluffy rugs, or cotton throws are in handy, but also colorful beanbags are a welcoming option. There’s no better and calmer feeling than sinking into your beanbag and let out all the stress that’s been piling up. Check out the Boss bean bags site to find your very best relaxing solution.

Place lavish greeneries

Adding plants to your interior will immediately help you reconnect with nature, and they will immediately help you revive your mood. Placing some lavish plants around your home will firstly improve your air quality, and secondly, make you feel much happier. Not only that, but besides beautifying your ambient, plants also help improve your health as the purified air will boost your sleep and make you wake up more tranquil and beautiful.

Add personalized accents

If you get surrounded with details that make you whole as a person, you’ll surely feel much better. No home is thoroughly complete without warm accessories that represent the person who lives there. Hang pictures of your family and friends, place meaningful motivational quotes on the shelves, add small details like souvenirs and presents that are sentimental for you. Once a home has a soul, it becomes more open, and whoever enters will feel positively uplifted.

Declutter

Coming home to a wrecked room will only make you feel more agitated. Hence, if your goal is to alleviate stress and not feel anxious once you step into your loving home, then clear out the clutter asap. An organized and clean home will enable you to find things easily, improve your mood, and make the entire space comfortable and inviting. Decluttering is a great first (and most lucrative) step to implement into your home renewable to eliminate stress and make your home a comfortable place to spend time in.

Embrace aromatherapy

Besides sight, our smell intensifies once we enter our homes, and to maximally get a refreshing vibe you can incorporate various fragrance fresheners. To make your home feel nice and your temper calm, place some diffusers around to home that give out the fresh scents of lavender, rose, or vanilla. Moreover, you can use rattan reed diffusers, aromatherapy candles, or merely place fresh flowers for your home always to feel and look fresh and clean and smell nice. Just don't forget to open the window every once and a while to let the fresh air in.

Tone down

Various unpredictable items and things can impede us from adequately enjoy the comfort of our home. Noise is the worst culprit of them all. Spruce your home's spirit by diminishing all the sounds that make you feel edged. For instance, turn off the tv or computer when you're not using them, if possible moderate the sounds of washing and drying machine or simply place them further from your sitting area. Last but not least, from time to time mute your smartphone and just unwind in the comfort of your ambient.

Use and enliven each of your senses to make your home feel more comfortable and intimate. The most important thing is to set up an environment where you would feel your best.

Guest Contributor: Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business and marketing and is a regular contributor on several websites.

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Common Types Of Pipes For Pool Installation

The pool is a common feature when it comes to homes in Australia. Many houses around Australia have one installed and it is increasing in popularity. There are many options when it comes to the type of pool one can install. The two main options include the in-ground one and the overground one. Homeowners can also choose from various materials to make the pool like fibre, concrete, etc. The in-ground pools happen to be very popular in Australia and homeowners have the opportunity of selecting the size and shape of their choice. There is more to a swimming pool than just the building material; it also involves using several electrical units like a heater, motor, pump, filtration system and the installation of pipes that make the plumbing system.

It is important to put some thought into the type of material to use for the pool, it is also a good idea to do your research on the various options for pipes prior to the installation as well. This article explains the three popular options for the pool plumbing system.

Types of Pipes for Pool Installation

The pool plumbing is what ensures your swimming pools remain filled with water. It also assures the water is clean and also involves the installation of the pipes, valves, filtration system and more. There are many types of pipes, ones that are used to recycle the pool water for refilteration (the suction pipes), those that return water to the pool after being treated (pressure pipes), etc. Besides this, there is also the valve system that controls the water flow direction and is necessary for the swimming pool pumps in Sydney Listed here are some of the common types of pipes:

• Black Poly Pipe: This is a flexible pressure pipe that is commonly used for in-ground plumbing. This type of poly pipe is joined together with the help of barbed insert fitting. This type of connection is secured using a stainless steel clamp. This type of pipe is insect-proof and can also withstand freezing temperatures. It also tends to show good resistance to chemicals, bacteria and will not be affected by ground movement.

• Rigid PVC Pipe: The typical pipe for pool plumbing is this PVC pipe that is 2 inches in diameter to be able to hold a pressure of 166 PSI. There is also the option of using thicker ones than can handle 243 PSI. The rigid PVC pipe happens to be long lasting and is highly beneficial for your pool.

• Flexible PVC Pipe: This is a very popular pipe when it comes to swimming pool plumbing. This too will usually have a similar diameter to the rigid one; like 2 inches. The benefits of using this one include lesser labour, cutting and measuring. It also means the cost of installation will be below as well. However, the more flexible the pipe is the greater the cost. Besides which it can also easily get crushed or punctured. It is best to use this type of pipe since they are also more energy efficient. Intense UV rays can damage the PVC pipes which will cause them to weaken over time.

Finding the right professionals for the job

It is important to find professional pool installers, those that also offer pool maintenance in Sydney. The one you select should ideally also offer pool maintenance services like pool cleaning, repairs, and assistance with ensuring you can maintain the proper chemical balance. Pool chlorination is an essential part of ensuring the pool is safe to use. The electrical equipment and filtrations system also requires regular maintenance. This is something you should look for in a professional pool installer.

Guest Contributor: Sam Moore

How to Reduce Hazardous Waste in Your Home

With constant warnings about the state of our environment, it’s easy to forget that every household can do a small part in its recovery. Inflammable, toxic, corrosive, and unstable substances are common parts of products. Their use not only endangers the planet, but also the health of humans, animals, and plants living under one roof.    

To reduce hazardous waste in your home, you have to find a way to replace these chemicals, stop using them, or at least lessen their application. So, here are tips for how to do it to lead a healthier and more eco-responsible life. 

Don’t use commercial plant-caring products

As a gardener, you face many challenges, and some of them are pests, insects, weeds, and barren soil. Unfortunately, commercial additives, like herbicides, pesticides, and insecticides can harm plants in your garden besides taking care of your problems. You can look for environmentally approved and organic options, or make your own products with tea, soap, and neem oil.

Fertilizer plays an integral part in having a healthy and thriving garden, but you don't have to buy products that contain toxic ingredients that can poison the soil and enter the groundwater. Instead of throwing away some of your leftovers, like fruit peels, tea bags, and used coffee grounds — turn them into compost. Foliage, grass clippings, and branches from the backyard, eggshells, newspaper, and cardboard should also find their way into your future fertilizer. 

Switch to NPE-free detergents

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) is a common ingredient of laundry detergents, although it has other industrial and domestic applications. After use, it’s eliminated from the household through the drain, ending up in the wastewater treatment plants or septic systems. Because it can’t be degraded and is known to become more potent when in contact with bacteria, NPEs released into the waterways are highly toxic to aquatic ecosystems.

The market offers many green alternatives that are equally efficient in keeping your laundry clean and don’t pollute the environment. When you go to the store, take your time to check the labels for the presence of NPEs. Some of the best non-toxic brands may also have products with NPEs and other harmful substances, so always read the ingredient list to make sure. 

Make your own cleaners

Household cleaning products can contain dangerous chemicals, like sulfuric acid and petroleum distillates. If used without gloves or a face mask, contact with these products can cause chemical burns and irritations to the skin and eyes. When vapors are inhaled, they can cause difficulty in breathing which may lead to hospitalization. 

Homemade cleaners are just as efficient as commercial ones, only without these safety issues. The chances are you already have all the ingredients in the house to make them, like lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, borax, and pure soap. Moreover, you can use them to wash dishes, clean countertops, mop floors, and even do the laundry.  

Replace asbestos in your home

If you live in an old house that hasn’t seen any renovations or repairs in a while, you may want to check the state of your asbestos-containing areas. When undisturbed, asbestos is not a problem, but if there’s any damage releasing it into the air, you need to deal with it immediately. Freed fibers can enter the lungs and digestion system leading to serious health problems, so professional asbestos removal is the only option to avoid this. 

Any sign of water, physical, or any other damage that can disturb asbestos should be taken seriously. Moreover, if you plan remodeling, renovations, or minor changes that require drilling, sawing, cutting, and other works, it's best to replace asbestos completely first. Even the smallest amount of friable asbestos can end up in the air and then your body, increasing risks for asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.  

Stop using highly toxic drain cleaners

Clogged drains are uncomfortable and annoying events that will have you reaching for anything efficient in clearing the way. However, drain cleaners contain highly toxic chemicals, harmful to the environment once they are flushed. Not to mention that coming in contact with these substances or inhaling their gasses can put you in the ER or, worse, a hospital bed.

For eco-friendly and healthy solutions, try baking soda and vinegar poured down the drain with some hot water. Pouring boiling water a few times a month may also prevent clogging, as well as using a plunger or sewer snake. The best solution is also the most unpopular one – not throwing greasy and clog-inducing leftovers down the drain, but in the trash or a compost bin.  

Don’t throw batteries in the trash

The thing with batteries is that they have cadmium and mercury, highly toxic heavy metals that can end up in the environment. Some countries have regulations that prohibit the removal of batteries via trash to prevent them from ending up in landfills and releasing lead and sulfuric acid. 

As an alternative, you can buy rechargeable batteries that are suitable for recycling when the time comes, but until then, they can serve you for a couple of years. Make sure to check your local area for hazardous waste disposal units to properly dispose of the batteries and not throw them in the trash.

Use eco-friendly paints and polishes 

Paints and polishes contain lots of toxic chemicals, like phenols, toluene, and perchloroethylene dangerous to inhale or swallow. These are known as volatile organic compounds or VOCs and can lead to nausea and headaches, but also liver, kidney, and CNS damage. 

To avoid this, use low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, although it’s best to opt for the latter. Additionally, look for eco-friendly paints to minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals. Water-based paints are healthier than oil-based since they don’t use thinners and solvents considered to be hazardous waste.     

All in all

Efforts to reduce hazardous waste in your home can have a large impact on your health and the state of the planet. Some chemicals pollute the air, others the soil, but they are all endangering living beings occupying water, land, and the sky. Since alternatives exist, like homemade cleaning products, it’s a small change for you, but a huge one for the environment and ecosystems it includes.

Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business and marketing and is a regular contributor on several websites.

Guest Contributor: Mike Parsons