Lousy Shower Habits That Ruin Your Plumbing

Having daily showers is part of most people’s routine. A good shower can do wonders for your mind and body. Cold showers can increase alertness, help with muscle recovery, and even improve our immune system, while hot showers can aid in detoxing your body, repair cells, and ease anxiety. 

The typical shower habits that cause damage to our plumbing are probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you turn the knob to get the water going. Still, the way we get ready every morning can significantly affect our plumbing system. These ordinary shower routines might be beneficial, but they might also affect your plumbing. Here are some of the lousy shower habits that you should avoid. 

1. Ignoring Small Plumbing Issues

Many plumbing problems come with different warning signs before accurate disaster strikes. It is especially the case in the bathroom, where your shower is likely to give you a fair bit of prior warning if all is not well. The constantly dripping faucets or showers may not seem like a significant problem, but it could be a hint that you need to adjust water pressure before you ruin the plumbing. 

Similarly, hot water not lasting as long as you hoped is not only annoying, but it may also be a sign of a severe problem with your water heater. It’s always better to call a plumber as soon as you notice the minor problems than to ignore and risk them escalating. You can consider installing louvered access doors and panels for you to have easy access to your plumbings during minor check-ups. 

2. Leaving Puddles on the Bathroom Floor

We might often forget to drain up small water puddles in our bathroom, especially if we’re in a rush. Leaving water on the floor of your bathroom is a recipe for disaster. That water could cause mold growth, ruin your base, and can potentially cause much more widespread problems. Investing in a bath mat and cleaning up water spills after a shower will help to prevent severe water damage. 

3. Not Removing Falling Hairs From The Drain

Obstruction in your pipes is one of the most dangerous things for your plumbing system. As time goes by, hair that accumulates in your drain can slow and eventually block the drain completely. Use a drain cover or another hair-catching device like filters, then remove the hair after every shower, so it doesn’t create potential problems in the future. 

4. Not Removing Calcium Deposits 

You might not notice it, but it can leave deposits overtime when hard water dries, blocking the showerhead nozzle and reducing water flow. But you don’t have to worry; this common issue has a straightforward solution! You can add a little white vinegar, and it can easily remove calcium deposits, improving the function and appearance of your shower head in less than minutes. 

5. Staying in the Shower for Too Long

If you enjoy taking long showers, you might want to rethink that habit because it is one of the main reasons your bathroom may be a perfect place for mold growth. The steam that builds up in your bathroom during long showers can result in mold, which is unsuitable for your family’s health. Mold can quickly spread to every edge of your bathroom if good ventilation is not present. Shower curtains and loofahs are also breeding grounds for mold and bacteria and may need regular cleaning if you’ve noticed signs of decay. 

One way to eliminate mold growth is by reducing the temperature and length of your shower. You can also increase ventilation and reduce mold by opening a window or installing an exhaust fan. Cold showers and ice baths can increase alertness, help with muscle recovery, and even improve our immune system, while hot showers can aid in detoxing your body, repair cells, and ease anxiety.

6. Using Chemical Drain Cleaners 

If you’ve noticed a clog in your drain, whether from hair or other debris, using a chemical cleaner is the worst thing you could do for your health and your bathroom. Chemical cleaners may eliminate the clog, but they could leave you with a more severe problem. Not only are chemical cleaners bad for the environment, but they’re also harmful to your plumbing. These harsh chemicals can corrode your pipes, which can cost more than cleaning a simple clog. 

These bathroom habits may be simple, but you sure don’t want to ignore them, for it can open to more severe issues that can cause you a lot more repairs. Always remember to have your plumbings regularly checked by trained professionals. 

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson

Looking For Something to do This Fall?

The summer heat is finally gone and now we’re officially in Fall! Crisp cool air and the smell of pumpkin spice is every where! Are you a Fall lover like we are? There are so many things to do during the fall season, the ideas are infinite. What better way to show your spirit than getting festive? Check out our best ideas of activities to do this fall!

1. Go Apple Picking!

The best time of the year to go apple picking is in September, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go after then. Different types of apples are ripe during different times, but ideally the best time to go apple picking is very early Fall to get the most ripe and delicious apples.

2. Buy a Pumpkin Spice Latte!

There are many different variations of a pumpkin spice latte, you should get out and try one! There are lattes, macchiatos, cold brew, regular iced coffee, hot coffee, iced vanilla chai with pumpkin spice… tons of options! If you’ve never tried one, you should explore and try one. If you like them, make sure to get them as much as you can, you’ll miss it when it’s gone!!

3. Bake a Pumpkin Pie

Everyone loves pumpkin pie! They’re so simple and easy to make, even if you’re a beginner you can make one! Don’t forget the whip cream for the top, it’s a necessity! Here’s our favorite recipe.

4. Host a Halloween Party with Friends!

This is a great way to get all your friends together and celebrate Halloween! If you’re too old to trick or treat, you can still buy a costume and celebrate party wise!

5. Go for a Hayride!

Nothing says Fall like a hayride at a pumpkin patch! Instead of walking around the entire patch looking for a pumpkin, take the ride and enjoy the crisp air and the views of the field!

6. Have a Bonfire!

Nothing is better than a crispy cool evening with a fire and some friends. Grab some drinks and snacks, marshmallows and crackers for s’mores, and have a great time with friends around a fire!

7. Paint a Pumpkin!

Are you looking to get more creative with a pumpkin and don’t want to have to carve all of the guts out? Just paint it instead! Painting pumpkins is a great alternative for those who don’t want to get messy.

8. Carve a Pumpkin!

Don’t mind getting a little dirty? Cut the top open, and scrape out all of the guts to carve a design on your pumpkin to display outside! Sometimes it’s a little tricky, so use a stencil if you need to. There are stencils you can tape on, or you can draw on it with marker before you start cutting to eliminate mistakes.

9. Visit a Pumpkin Patch!

Nothing is more festive than walking around a pumpkin patch and enjoying the beautiful weather. Looking for a patch to visit? Check out our article on the best Pumpkin Patches in the South Suburbs to make your find a little easier!

10. Try Apple Cider!

Lots of people can’t wait for fall to come around for a cup of nice Apple Cider. Most people like it hot, but there’s cold options too!

11. Visit a Corn Maze!

Most of the time, corn mazes are located inside of pumpkin patches, it’s a two for one deal! Check out a corn maze and see if you have what it takes to get out and not get tricked!

12. Haunted Hay Ride

Are you a fan of spooky things? Some haunted houses offer haunted hay rides where instead of you walking around, you are pulled through their spooky site and look at all the scary things while staying seated.

13. Visit a Haunted House!

There are many haunted houses that open around Halloween, are you ready to be scared?

14. Watch Fall Shows/Movies!

There are tons of classical movies and shows you can watch to set the fall vibes!

• The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

• Halloweentown

• Hocus Pocus

• Casper the Friendly Ghost

• Beetlejuice

• Dead Poets Society

• Good Will Hunting

• Harry Potter Trilogy

15. Check out a Farmers Market!

This is the best time to visit a farmers market, there will be tons of fresh apples, pumpkins, mums, sunflowers, anything fall related you can think of!

16. Roast Pumpkin Seeds!

Did you carve a pumpkin and now you don’t know what to do with the seeds? Roast them! You can season them with whatever you’d like to get whatever flavor you’re trying to achieve! The possibilities are endless.

There are so many things to do to celebrate the season of fall and halloween. Remember to get festive and get outdoors and try things out!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Amazing Outdoor Fire Place Ideas

Fall is finally here! Nothing is better than a nice warm and cozy fire in your own backyard during a chilly fall day. There are so many ways to make your fireplace look warm and inviting, it just takes some imagination! Whether you’re on a strict budget, or no budget at all, anyone can spice up their fire place to make it warm and inviting.

Tips for Fixer-Uppers Who Can’t Decide Whether to Sell or Rent

Fixing up a home can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but many homeowners are faced with a multitude of questions once the project is finished. Do you stay or make a profit on a house with a refreshed value? Sell to one buyer, or rent to various tenants? Depending on the location, you might even consider turning it into a vacation rental and create ongoing income. 

If you’re unsure of what to do with your newly renovated home, take a few things into consideration first, such as how much competition you have, the average sale price for homes in your area, and the cost of upkeep on a rental, including funds for emergency services. Fortunately, Kevin Szabo Jr. offers reliable plumbing services for kitchens and baths in the South Suburbs area, giving you peace of mind should a problem arise in this department. For further tips on how to make the right choice for your needs, read on.

Look for help

 There are several things to think about when it comes to turning a home into a vacation rental. Location is the most important factor. If the property is located close to the central business district or popular tourist haunts of Chicago like the famous Millenium Park, Magnificent Mile, etc., it can be very lucrative for short-term leases. 

It’s also important to note that there are some resources available to help you create a safe, easy experience for renters. Listing your home with a property management company will lend some legitimacy to your rental and can even bring in more revenue than if you were to try to handle everything yourself. You can even take advantage of housekeeping services so your home will always be clean and ready for guests. 

Consider the benefits of steady income

Vacation rentals are a great way to earn extra income, but some seasons are slower than others. If you want to ensure a steadier flow of cash, consider renting out your home to a tenant. This process requires some careful preparation, including acquiring specific insurance, learning landlord and tenant laws in your area, and creating a lease agreement. You’ll also need to come up with a set of rental policies to ensure that your tenants understand the rules. Common guidelines include no painting without permission, no smoking, and no unauthorized pets.

Do some research

If renting comes with too much responsibility, you might consider simply selling your newly renovated home. Do some research to find out the average sale price of similar homes in your area, and to find out what buyers are looking for in the current market. If you spent a lot of time and money on the kitchen or bathroom, tout those renovations to potential buyers, as they are some of the biggest selling points universally. 

Stage it

 Whether you’re renting, selling, or making your home available for vacationers, it’s essential to stage each area beautifully to create a comfortable, safe environment. Eliminate clutter, clean every space, and make a list of things to provide to temporary renters, like towels, kitchen items, paper products, and linens. 

If you’re selling, make a list of items you might be willing to include in the sale, as well as those you definitely don’t want to give up. Use natural lighting, add plants, and put away personal items and photos. When it’s time to list the home, take professional photographs that accurately show each space, both indoor and outdoor.  

It can be difficult to think about giving up a home that you put so much hard work into, but there are several benefits that come with renting or selling. Use all the resources at your disposal to ensure you’re making the right choice for your needs, both now and down the road.

Need to book plumbing services? Contact Kevin today and get some peace of mind.

How To Find a Fabulous Office Furniture Table on a Limited Budget

A gorgeous, classy office furniture table is a must for any work area. But buying one can be pretty expensive! What if you are on a limited budget? Is it not possible to buy one without breaking the bank?

Fortunately, you can find an office furniture table that will help you improve your work productivity and won't cost you a lot. Here are some tips to help you buy one for your office space.

5 Tips to Find a Fabulous Office Furniture Table on a Limited Budget

Tip #1: Consider the type of desk needed

There are various types of desks available in the market today. If you plan to set up a home office, it's best to consider one with drawers so essential documents and records can be stored properly. You'll also need to choose whether or not it should come with filing cabinets attached or if you should purchase separate ones instead. It would be to purchase with the table. If you're setting up an office area at home for work and personal use, then the best option would be to buy a computer desk with ample space underneath to store papers or other items. You can also have this in combination with storage cabinets, so not only are you maximizing your workspace but that of your office furniture table as well. You can also check out some great office cubicles for sale. 

Tip #2: Look for used office furniture tables

A great way to find high-quality yet affordable pieces is by looking for second-hand furniture. Sites like Craigslist or even eBay have many options where individuals or companies sell pre-owned items at discounted prices. It's best to look through multiple listings, so it's easier to compare prices and brands. The advantage of buying used is that if you opt for a good manufacturer, they'll most likely still be available even years after purchase through their authorized resellers. It means the brands will continue to service and sell spare parts such as replacement glass tops, drawers, or locks. 

Tip #3: Look for open box items

Another way you can save money is by looking out for open box items. These products have been returned and opened before but are still in excellent condition and perfect for office furniture tables. The advantage of buying them is that their prices usually cost less than those new ones despite only being once before. But make sure to examine the product before actually buying it carefully. Check for any damages or problems that the seller may have missed and establish if there's a warranty before you commit to the purchase.

Tip #4: Shop during sales

Sale time is one of the best times to find a fabulous office furniture table on a limited budget. During this period, shops usually give away significant discounts to clear up their inventory, especially end-of-season sales. A great strategy is to shop online from home during sale time then use coupons when making your order. Some stores offer free shipping deals whenever they hold such promotional events, which adds to savings for consumers like you.

Tip #5 Shop online

A good number of online stores will let you rent their tables at low prices. If you do not want to keep it for long, consider renting the table only until your project gets over. Or else, lease with an option to buy later or return. You could go in for co-sharing, too, where others who need tables could share the space and costs instead of having individual rentals. Now you have several options to choose from when looking to rent an office furniture table.

As a bonus, you will be able to choose from several types of tables such as glass, metal, or wooden, depending upon the aesthetic appeal and comfort level. For example, the glass table reflects the light beautifully and provides a bright feel while it is cold to touch during hot summer months. The wood color fits perfectly with your décor and brings in warmth and sophistication. The metallic type is solid and sturdy for use every day without any problems.

When you buy a good office furniture table, not only will it help improve your work productivity, it can also add to the overall look of your home. And since the prices are usually much lower than regular items, finding one won't break the bank at all. However, when buying one for commercial purposes, make sure to identify potential risks involved before committing to its purchase. You should be aware of safety hazards such as sharp edges and other dangers that could harm customers or even employees when used carelessly. Other considerations include durability and maintenance costs which you should carefully consider before actually making any purchases.

Guest Contributor: Adeendren Iyan

How to Deodorize a Room: 11 Natural Remedies to Beat Funky Smells

Are you getting hit with bad smells as soon as you walk through your door? Whether you’re a landlord getting your unit ready for new tenants or a renter looking to freshen up your space, learn how to deodorize a room naturally to stop unpleasant odors in their tracks. If your former renters were messy, smoked, or had pets, there’s a chance they’ve left behind some unappealing smells.

Natural deodorizers are perfect for freshening up your space, plus they’re a perfect eco-friendly apartment hack. Ensure that future tenants won’t turn up their nose at your listing and try out these natural remedies.

Table of Contents:

• Essential Oils for Your Home and Mood

• 11 Natural Recipes to Deodorize a Room

• Benefits of Using Natural Remedies

• How to Prevent Odors from Occurring

• Download Natural Odor Remedy Guide

Essential Oils for Your Home and Mood

Essential oils are biodegradable and all-natural. Many also can contain antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can help freshen your rentals. Plus, various scents can help boost your mood.

Several studies have indicated that smells can have a positive effect on humans and can even encourage certain emotions — this is where essential oils come into play. Here are some of our favorite essential oils with both cleaning and mood-boosting properties:

• Lavender: Lavender essential oils can help fight bacteria, viruses, and fungus. The scent can also help promote relaxation and sleep, which makes it the perfect deodorizer for bedding or clothing.

• Peppermint: Essential oils containing peppermint have antiseptic properties which makes it a great cleaning agent. Plus, peppermint is known to revitalize and stimulate your mood — perfect motivation when preparing and cleaning an apartment for new tenants.

• Orange: Orange essential oil has both antiseptic and antibacterial properties and is also a great degreaser for any stains previous tenants might have left behind on stubborn surfaces like countertops and stoves. Orange also has a very uplifting and refreshing scent — great for relaxing.

• Tea tree: Tea tree essential oil is an all-around great cleaner and contains a number of antibiotic compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Its herbaceous scent is also said to curb depressed thoughts and boost mental clarity.

Essential oils are great to have in your home and are a non-toxic alternative to traditional chemical cleaners. They also work well to deodorize your home when combined with other ingredients, like baking soda. As a landlord, you’re responsible for making sure your rental is safe and welcoming for future tenants. Using all-natural essential oil cleaners can help send the message that you care about your property.

11 Natural Recipes to Deodorize a Room

We all deal with home odors from time to time, and luckily there are simple and easy recipes you can make with ingredients that are probably already in your pantry. As a landlord, freshening up a unit space is equally important in attracting potential renters. Use the following recipes, tips, and tricks below to ensure your unit is ready for new tenants.

1. DIY Basic Room Spray 

Instead of purchasing an air freshener, create your own DIY room spray using your favorite essential oils. With this recipe, you’ll have an easy way to quickly freshen up any room:

Room spray recipe:

• 2 to 3 drops essential oils: for a seasonal twist, choose cinnamon or peppermint

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• Distilled water

Mix the essential oils, water, and baking soda. Add mixture to a spray bottle and shake well to create the perfect freshening spray for your space. You can even get into the holiday spirit by using cinnamon or peppermint essential oils.

To help the smell linger, feel free to add some witch hazel — this ingredient helps the oil and water combine better! This remedy is also great for cleaning units before a new tenant moves in. 

2. Easy Carpet Refresher 

Is the carpet in your rental smelling a little less than fresh? If you’re in the process of deep cleaning and getting your unit ready to rent out, reach for that baking soda in your pantry. Baking soda is a great non-toxic cleaner that does the job when it comes to busting bad odors. Here’s a simple and cheap recipe for an easy carpet refresher:

Carpet refresher recipe: 

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup baking soda

• 1 shaker container

Mix these ingredients and throw in a shaker container — a clean parmesan cheese container is ideal. Sprinkle into the carpet and let sit for about an hour or so. Then, vacuum it up. To make the space smell as if you just baked a batch of snickerdoodles, add some ground cinnamon to your mixture — with the holidays right around the corner, this is the perfect scent to welcome guests to an open house!

3. Pet Odor Buster

If a past tenant’s pet left behind stinky odors in your rental, make this recipe to spray on surfaces:

Fresh pet recipe:

• 3 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol

• 12 drops of lavender or spearmint essential oil

• 2 cups of water

• 1 spray bottle

Mix these ingredients and spritz liberally on areas of your house that need some freshening up! Consider choosing essential oils from lavender or spearmint — these are safe for pets, however, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before using. 

Additionally, if your pet’s bedding requires some TLC, sprinkle it with some baking soda. Let this sit for a while and then vacuum.  

4. Fridge Smell Eliminator 

Did past tenants leave behind some odors in the fridge? If you get a funky whiff when you open the fridge, say goodbye with this natural remedy: 

Fridge deodorizer recipe: 

• 1 cup baking soda

• 12 drops of essential oils

• 1 jar

Place a cup of baking soda in a jar. Mix in 12 drops of your favorite essential oil fragrance — for the fridge we recommend using a citrus like lemon. Set the open jar of baking soda on a shelf and let the magic happen — baking soda is great for absorbing those bad fridge smells. Be careful not to add too much essential oil, though, you don’t want it to affect the taste of your fresh food. 

5. De-Mildew the Washing Machine

If previous renters have let gunk build-up in the washing machine, you might be looking for a solution to get rid of that mildew smell. Washers are a humid environment prone to a build-up of dirt, hair, and soap. To get rid of this problem, a simple mixture of common household products and essential oils should do the trick:

Washing machine cleaner recipe:

• 3 to 4 cups of white vinegar

• ½ cup of baking soda

• 20 drops of essential oils

First, using vinegar, wipe down any debris that may be present, like in the rubber liner or gasket. Then, pour this mixture into the detergent tray and run a cycle on the hottest setting — without clothes! When the cycle is done, wipe down any remaining moisture with a cloth to prevent new mildew growth. To further prevent any funky smells, encourage the next tenant to leave the washer door open when they’re done to avoid trapping any moisture in the machine. 

6. Microwave Oven Deodorizer

Bad smells from old soup stains, burnt popcorn, and other greasy foods aren’t ideal in the microwave. However, you can deodorize it just as fast as you can heat up today’s lunch: 

Microwave cleaner recipe: 

• 2 tablespoons baking soda

• 1 cup of water

• 1 microwave-safe bowl

All you need to do is fill a microwave-safe bowl with baking soda and mix with a cup of water. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for three minutes. The hot baking soda steam will loosen up any grime stuck to the side or ceiling of the microwave. Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave and wipe down the steamy oven with a paper towel. To leave a fresh scent, wipe the microwave down with a drop or two of lemon-scented essential oil.

7. Seasonal Simmer Pot Air Freshener

As the holidays get closer and the weather gets colder, try a seasonal simmer pot air freshener. This long-lasting aroma will instantly create a homey and warm ambiance that you and any touring potential tenants will love. Try out this easy recipe, but feel free to mix and match your favorite seasonal ingredients for a unique scent:

Simmer pot recipe:

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 4 whole cloves

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 bay leaf

Add all these items to a medium pot or a small slow cooker. Add water to fill about halfway. Turn the burner on to low and let this simmer all day. If you’re using a slow cooker, set on low and let it freshen the air. Periodically check the water level and add more as needed.

8. Keep Your Closet Crisp

Closets are common culprits of stale smells as they’re often stuffed with piles of clothes, dirty laundry, and shoes. If you need to air out a closet from a previous tenant or you just want to keep the small space smelling fresh, use this simple scented sachets hack:

Scented sachet recipe:

• Dried herbs or flowers of your choice

• Small fabric sachets

• Ribbon

• Optional: essential oils

To make these DIY sachets, first, pick out your choice of dried herbs or flowers. For a more floral scent, choose lavender or rose petals. If you prefer something more earthy, go for rosemary. Fill up your fabric sachets with your dried herbs or flowers and tie off the bag with ribbon. To intensify the smell, add a few drops of essential oils of your choice. Also, feel free to stick these sachets in your dresser drawers to keep those socks smelling fresh.

9. Freshen Up Your Bathroom

A small bowl of baking soda on an upper shelf will absorb odors without adding any chemical smell. You can also put a few drops of essential oil on cotton balls and place inside a roll of toilet paper which will release the scent every time the roll is turned. Fresh eucalyptus leaves are also very effective at deodorizing — place these in a vase above the toilet or in your shower for some added aromatherapy. 

10. Garbage Disposal Debris Cleaner

Are there bad smells creeping out of the sink? The source may be the garbage disposal. Little bits of food that got washed off past tenants’ dishes can get caught in the garbage disposal, creating a smelly odor that lingers long after they’ve moved out. Here’s a get hack to get rid of this problem: 

• To clean the blades: Put a large cup of ice cubes down into your disposal, turn it on, and then add about half a cup of salt. The ice and salt will combine to scrub the built-up off the inside of your disposal.

• To freshen up the disposal: To get rid of any odors, turn on the faucet and drop sliced citrus peels down into the disposal. As you run the disposal, the citrus peels will leave a refreshing scent behind as they get ground up.

11. Cigarette Smoke Removal

Removing cigarette odors from an apartment can cause a headache for landlords or new tenants. Cigarette smells seem to cling on to any surface they come in contact with, like carpet, your new drapes, or a precious armchair. Instead of masking the smell with commercial air fresheners, try a DIY method to absorb or neutralize it:

• To absorb: Sprinkle baking soda on surfaces that smell like cigarette smoke, or fill several small bowls with baking soda and place around your space to absorb the smoke particles. If you have it on hand, activated charcoal is also very effective at absorbing these stubborn odors.

• To neutralize: White vinegar is a common nontoxic household staple that works to neutralize odors. Its low pH content targets the high pH content of smoke particles and alters them slightly to reduce the smell. For a quick fix, boil a pot of vinegar on the stove — the steam will waft through the air and work to remove the smell. You can also use vinegar as a wash: simply wash clothes with it or scrub it on upholstery and walls.

If the methods above don’t work, try washing your windows, window coverings, and carpets. To get your unit ready for new tenants, consider also repainting your walls with odor-blocking primers or replacing fixtures such as cabinets. Also, to help prevent this in the future, encourage renters to keep things fresh by implementing a no smoking policy. 

Benefits of Using Natural Remedies 

In addition to these natural remedies being super easy to make, as well as effective, they’re also much less harmful than using chemical deodorizers. Over 20 percent of the general U.S. population has reported having adverse health effects from air fresheners. 

Common household products like air fresheners can contribute significantly to indoor air pollution and can also stick to and be absorbed by furniture, walls and surfaces, carpets, and more. They can then be released and re-enter indoor air, even long after you’ve used the air freshener.

Although they may smell nice, cutting out chemical air fresheners from your cleaning routine will leave your home not only more pleasant for friends and family, but also safer for your health. As a landlord, using these natural remedies are great in case a future tenant may be sensitive to these chemical cleaners and can attract those that are eco-conscious. 

How Tenants Can Prevent Odors 

Even though there are plenty of natural remedies you can create to deodorize your home, there are a few precautions to help you avoid these bad smells in the first place:

• Do laundry often: Letting piles of dirty clothes sit in your laundry bins can quickly contribute to bad odors. Don’t let laundry linger for extended periods — it might be the cause of the smells like must and mildew. Get those washed ASAP!

• Toss expired food: It may be time to check out those expiration dates. Old food like meat and dairy products can give off bad odors that seem to stick to your fridge forever. Go through and toss any expired goods to make sure nothing stinks as you open the doors.

• Wash your bedsheets: While we’re all getting our beauty sleep, our beds are collecting fungus, bacteria, and dead skin cells which won’t smell good after some time. To avoid this, wash all your linens at least once a week. According to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., microorganisms like bacteria and fungi tend to thrive in moist environments — including your dirty pillowcase. Get rid of funky smells in your bedding by adding a few cups of white vinegar to your washer.

• No shoes allowed: If you can, enforce a no-shoes allowed policy in your home so bad odors can’t get dragged onto your sparkling clean floors or fresh carpet.

• Keep the sink clean: Do those dishes! Keeping the kitchen clean right after you cook and eat will help avoid scary sink and garbage disposal smells.

• Clean vents & replace air filters: If you’ve cleaned every room and have tried these natural remedies and things still smell a little stale, try wiping down air vents and replacing your HVAC filter — be sure to check with your landlord before making this change. This quick-fix can quickly ventilate your room and filter out those bad smells.

• Open your windows: Nothing can get more natural than simply opening up your windows. On days with good outdoor air quality, open up the windows to bring in new air to freshen up your space.

  From essential oils and baking soda to citrus peels and cinnamon sticks, these natural remedies will be the first things that come to mind the next time you’re wondering how to deodorize your rental — they’ll come in handy if you’re getting ready to list your apartmentor looking to create a more environmentally friendly rental. 

  If you’re a landlord looking to fill an apartment, visit our rental application and tenant screening services to help find the perfect tenants. 

Guest Contributor: Sarah Stinson

Sarah is the Director of Content and SEO at TurboTenant where she leads a team of experts to provide valuable resources to help landlords and renters. With over 10 years of experience writing in various industries, she has been featured in many top tier publications and is an expert in the real estate tech space as well as the property management industry.

turbotenant.com

Gardening For Physical and Mental Health

Gardening is one of the very few activities which engages all the senses and which can give a decent amount of exercise, the level of which can be varied to suit your physical condition.  These days, very few people have large gardens at home, but those who have a craving to tend them can often join volunteer groups which manage communal gardens.  These can be anything from designated areas in city parks to grounds in stately homes. 

These days, however, many people focus on gardening in smaller space.  These can be anything from a tiny outdoor space with proper soil, to a balcony or terrace or even a window box or hanging baskets.  If you can find a space for a container of soil and you can access the container for watering, then you can have a garden for beauty, for food or to help out the local wildlife (especially the bees).

Even if you can’t, you can still have a garden, just bring it into your home.  At the very least you can grow some of your favourite herbs for the kitchen.

Gardening for Physical Health 

While a lot of the conversation around gardening revolves around its (many) benefits for mental health, there’s a lot to be said for its benefits for physical health.  It’s also worth remembering that although good physical health does not guarantee good mental health, poor physical health can have a serious impact on your mental health.  With that in mind, here are some ways gardening can help your physical health.

Provides gentle cardio

Many times gardening can be as intensive or gentle as you want it to be. If you want it to be intensive, go for manual tools. If you want it to be gentle, use power tools, get help and/or design your garden so that it requires minimal effort to maintain.

Keeps you (fairly) flexible

Gardening encourages you to keep using a wide range of movement, e.g. bending, stretching and turning, but lets you do so at your own pace, instead of having to keep up with a class.

Gets you outdoors

If you can do your gardening outdoors, then you can benefit from being out in the fresh air and daylight. The latter is a useful source of vitamin D, which scientists have recognized as providing a number of health benefits, including helping to maintain calcium levels. This becomes increasingly important as we age and our bones become more brittle.

Can help you sleep better

After you’ve spent some time working in the garden, you’ll have burned off quite a bit of energy and also destressed. This combination is about as good as it gets when it comes to getting some decent sleep and scientists agree.

Can improve your diet

If you can grow your own food not only do you not have to worry about needing to buy it but you know exactly what it is and under what conditions it was grown. You also get the ultimate in freshness, you can literally pick what you need, prepare it as you wish and eat it.

Gardening for mental health

Gardening is recognized as offering a wide range of mental-health benefits.  Here are just a few of them.

Helps to reduce stress 

Gardeners themselves have long reported that gardening helps relieve their stress, but up until recently, there was nothing in the way of scientific evidence to back that up.  A recent study in the Netherlands, however, has finally provided experimental evidence to support the belief.

Helps to combat loneliness 

There’s a strong link between loneliness and poor health and so anything which reduces feelings of loneliness, isolation and exclusion generally has a health benefit.  While communal gardening brings obvious socialization opportunities, even those who do their gardening by themselves increase their opportunities to chat with others, whether that’s over the fence or just going online to chat with other gardeners.  It may not be as good as real-world interaction, but it can be a whole lot better than nothing.

Helps to reduce the risk of dementia 

Dementia is a very complicated disorder, but lifestyle is known to be a factor in it.  Any form of exercise appears to be beneficial and according to a study in Australia, gardening is particularly beneficial.

The three fundamentals of gardening 

There are three big differences between gardening and many other activities.  The first is that it is super-important to familiarize yourself with the exact conditions in your garden before you make any changes to it.  The second is that you may have very little control over the key factors which influence how your garden grows and the third is that gardening is a slow process.  Let’s have a look at what this means in practice.

Getting to know your garden

There are many factors which will influence what you can do with your garden, the most important ones include: soil type (pH and level of drainage), local climate, orientation and nature of landscape, local rules and safety considerations and size.  Note how size is last on the list.

It’s important to go through this process even if you hate something about a garden (for example, you’ve taken it over from someone who had very different taste).  This will help reduce the likelihood of you going through a lot of work to make a change only to discover that there was actually a reason why the previous homeowner did what they did and you will have to come to an alternative solution. 

Working within your garden’s limitations 

With regular outdoor gardening, there’s a distinct limit as to how much control you will have over the key variables listed above.  If you’ve set your heart on growing a plant which really isn’t intended for your local area, then it’s very likely that your only option would be to put it in a container and you might even have to create a special environment for it, such as a cold frame or greenhouse.

You could make a very strong case for arguing that, in some ways at least, indoor gardeners have more freedom of choice as they have a greater degree of control over the environment in which their plants grow.

Learning the value of patience

A lot of gardening activities proceed at a slow pace.  While the likes of mustard and cress grow at the sort of rate which can be easily seen and understood by children, plants grown from seed generally often take the better part of a year to show any meaningful results and some plants can take several years to reach their full glory.

Getting the most from your garden

With all that said, most gardeners will be able to create a garden they love, even if it’s only a small one, as long as they’re prepared to work at it (and be patient).  Here are some tips.

Get organized with a garden planner 

Garden planners are far more than gimmicks.  They are a great way to keep on top of everything to do with your garden.  You could argue that they’re essential for managing larger gardens, and/or gardens which are meant for productivity, and they can be very handy for indoor gardeners.  If nothing else, they can provide an easy reference for anyone who needs to take care of your plants if you go away for a while.  You can buy them in paper and digital versions.  The latter can be very handy as they can integrate with useful data sources, like weather sites, or you could just make your own.

Decide what you personally want from your garden

If you want an outdoor “living space”, then you’ll want to prioritize an open space, like a lawn, and you’ll probably want some garden furniture even if it’s only a (storage) bench and perhaps a table.  If you add a bit of shelter, such as a canopy, plus a garden heater, you could potentially enjoy your living space at least from early spring to late autumn and possibly even in winter as well.

If you want a kitchen garden, then prioritize foods which are expensive and/or hard-to-find and learn how to preserve them effectively and healthily so you can avoid having to buy out-of-season foods, which are imported from overseas.  This can help your wealth as much as your health.  It’s good for the environment too.

If you want a garden purely for beauty and relaxation, then try prioritizing plants which are native to the UK and, ideally, found in your local area.  These will not only have the best chance of success in your garden, but will also be non-invasive and are more likely to be appreciated by the local wildlife. 

Whatever kind of garden you want, you can create it with the environment in mind.  This can mean anything from choosing your plants with care to adding extra shelters for creatures in need, such as bee houses.

Think about your lifestyle now and in the future

Deciding what kind of garden you want is part one.  Part two is being honest about your lifestyle, or, perhaps it would be more accurate to say, how much time and effort you can and will put into maintaining it.  Here are some questions to ask.

Are you really going to mow a lawn or would astroturf be a better option?  It’s not as good for the environment but you could take other steps to compensate for that.

How do you feel about bending?  Would raised beds help to make your life easier?  You don’t have to use them for everything, but it might help to use them for some parts of your garden.

Do you really have plenty of time for weeding?  If not, you might want to use plenty of ground-cover plants to stifle weeds. 

Keep safety in mind 

This isn’t exactly the world’s most exciting tip, but it is important.  Make sure people and animals can get around your garden safely.  Even if you don’t have children or pets, your neighbours will and there will be local wildlife.  You could say that none of the above should be in your garden, but, even so, it’s good to be a good neighbour (and also makes life easier).

Think about walkways and lighting in the key areas.  Be very careful to ensure that water features are either raised well off the ground (e.g. fountains) or that there is an easy way to get out of them if a child or animal falls in.  Sloped edges and netting is the usual approach for “natural looking” ponds.  Steep edges are to be avoided at all costs, unless they are really high so they can’t be climbed.  In the unlikely event you have a swimming pool, keep it covered out of use.

Think about your garden’s security 

As a minimum, you want to ensure that any tools are kept away from thieves and ideally you want to think about how your garden can actively contribute to your security.  For example, motion-sensitive lighting can make intruders visible (as well as guide visitors) and gravel can make an audible crunch when someone is approaching.

Create a garden for all seasons 

Gardens don’t have to look bare and sad in winter.  You can use foliage plants and decorations to brighten them up.  You can even get some winter-flowering plants.  Being nice to nature can help too.  Stick out a bird table (and maybe a squirrel feeder) and you can not just bring life to your garden (literally) but get all kinds of entertainment too and maybe get the chance to teach children about the importance of protecting wildlife. 

Make the most of the vertical space

This is particularly true of smaller gardens.  In fact, in some cases, vertical space may be all you have.  Remember to keep weight in mind, you absolutely must avoid overloading support structures, especially walls!  Sometimes you can add strength by means of extra structures such as trellises, but again, be reasonable about this.

You can also use vertical space to create more visual interest, for example, by placing plants at different levels to force the eye to move around and hence create the impression of more space.  This can be useful even in larger gardens, for example if you have a long wall and want to make it look more interesting. 

Think about how plants will grow

Check the expected size of your grown plant and work to that so everything stays in proportion over the long term.  Over the short term, you might want to use visual tricks to compensate for your plant’s small size, for example you could buy a garden ornament to fill in the space while it grows.

Keep trees and bushes well away from any buildings, especially ones you value (like your home).  Their roots can do horrendous damage to a property’s foundations and can lead to subsidence.  Additionally, falling leaves can lead to drainage issues which can also lead to subsidence.

Last but by no means least, some spreading plants are only really safe to grow in containers.  Put straight into soil they can quickly overpower every other plant in the garden and become a real nightmare to control.  You can avoid this by doing thorough research before you do your planting. 

Remember a lot of interior-design tricks can work outdoors too

There are lots of “interior design” tricks, which work perfectly well outdoors, especially in small gardens.  For example, you can add mirrors to make the space look bigger and turn necessities (such as containers) into decor.  You can also look for opportunities to “blend in” attractive features from outside your garden.  For example, if your garden has a view of a landmark, try to use your planting to “frame” it.

Appreciate the importance of scent 

Gardens used to be renowned for their scents, but for a while seed banks largely abandoned it in favour of showier blooms.  Possibly this was connected with the development of mail-order sales and the need to produce gardening catalogues which were visually appealing.  Rather ironically, the internet seems to have encouraged gardeners to move away from this.  

Even though the internet can’t (yet) capture scent, it doesn’t suffer from the same space restrictions as paper catalogues and so it’s easier to describe scents and easier to promote the importance of incorporating them into your garden.  There’s also been a move away from imported flowers and back to native ones, which, again, may have been helped by the internet promoting them (and their environmental significance).

In short – “A garden is a thing of beauty and a job forever.” Richard Briers

A gardener’s job is never done, even after they die, they’ll be “pushing up daisies” and that’s probably just how most gardeners would like it.  If you really want to maximize both your garden’s productivity and the pleasure you get from it, then try keeping accurate records of how your garden grows.  These can be anything from practical statistics (so you can see how your techniques worked in practice) to sentimental recollections, such as by keeping a journal or taking photographs to preserve your fondest memories of it.

Guest Contributor: poshh.co.uk

Katie Mills

Katie is the Editor here at Poshh Living and is a well-respected voice in the world of design and home improvement. Katie has a first-class Hons degree in Journalism and is proud to say that she has written many leading entries in the biggest media outlets including Ideal Home, and Good House Keeping. Lover of the great outdoors and mother of two, Katie is 'down to earth', knowledgable and a great asset to the team

DIY Home Guide for Clogged Dishwasher

Many people keep themselves dependent on professional help to unclog a dishwasher because they don’t know the real trick to fix the draining problem. Few might possibly don’t want to take the risk to make DIY unclogging the dishwasher because they think the DIY unclogging could lead to a completely dysfunctional dishwasher. You should not need to be worried any further! Here, you will learn a simple way to get rid of your dishwasher draining problems. Just keep reading!

Have you experienced a situation when you open the dishwasher while aiming to auto clean your dishes but subsequently get shocked by looking at soapy water inside the machine? Hey, stop worrying about this! A clogged dishwasher does not necessarily require professional help. Mostly, this is much easier and everybody can do it. Before going ahead, let’s know the symptoms of a clogged dishwasher drain hose.

How do you know when your dishwasher drain hose is clogged?

Every disease shows some symptoms. Similarly, if you see any of the following symptoms in your dishwasher, it is a clear indication that your dishwasher drain is clogged:

●      The dishwasher is not completing the full wash cycle – normally 2 to 4 hours. Instead of making a complete wash, it keeps shutting down.

●      You kept seeing some water at the bottom, near the draining system.

●      Some bits of food and garbage are stuck in the filter

As a result, the waster inside the machine is not draining properly due to a clog building in the drain hose.

Main Causes of Dishwasher Problems

Dysfunctional pump: The improper functioning of the pump may be due to the accumulation of debris. An appropriate replacement of the problem-causing part of the pump may solve your dishwasher problems.

Timer Issue: The timer triggers the response to complete the washing cycle at an appropriate time. However, the timer sometimes fails to trigger, and as a result, the machine keeps washing. Or sometimes, the timer triggers frequently and interrupts the washing. This rare instant may require some professional help to keep the timer working fine, or replace it to get rid of the fault functioning.

Fault in the Draining Motor: Check if the motor is not working properly, and then replace it. The motor companies sometimes provide their expert service services. 

Valve need Replacement: Some dishwashers have a valve to drain out the water. If this causes some disturbance, then the valve needs replacement. 

Prepare your Dishwasher for unclogging

●      Remove all dishes and kitchenware, if any, from the machine.

●      Double check your dishwasher is turned off.

●      Remove the standing water with the towel or cotton fabric.

●      Get all required tools such as towel/cotton fabric, vinegar, baking soda, boiling water, screwdriver etc.

 Try Homemade Cleaner – Apply simple tricks before making a deep cleaning

First, try a simple homemade solution made of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water to unclog the drainage system of your dishwasher. Simply, put down the solution of vinegar and baking soda at the bottom of the dishwasher after removing the standing water with the cotton fabric, or towel. Apply it for at least 15 minutes, and then pour down the boiling hot water into the bottom of the dishwasher. Check whether this trick has solved your dishwasher issue or you need to make a deep cleaning by opening the dishwasher further. 

How to Unclog Dishwasher

1. The drain hose is, basically, the tube that connects the dishwasher with the garbage disposal. You can spot the hose beneath your sink or on the back of your dishwasher. In the latter case, when the hose is behind the dishwasher, remove the lower spray arm with clips arm by hand. After that, remove the filter by pulling it up, and check whether the hose is clear.

2. Disconnect the hose from the machine. You can do so simply by removing the clamps with the help of the screwdriver. Once the hose is removed, check the accumulated food and particles if any, and wash it properly with some commercial declogger because this may prevent water from passing through. 

3. In most dishwasher machines, the water draining from your dishwasher is done by garbage disposal. So, in this scenario, keeping garbage disposal clean all the time is crucial to get rid of most of the dishwasher problems. Basically, garbage disposal which is full can block the water from passing through the draining system and keep it standing in your dishwasher. 

4. In some dishwashers, you have an air gap on top of the sink, next to your faucet that might look like a soft dispenser but it is not. Remove the cap and verify if there’s any food stuck in there. Clean it with the help of a screwdriver. 

5. Do reverse engineering to place all the things back in the reverse order as these were removed. That’s it!

Who said, “You cannot solve dishwasher problems”? Isn’t it that simple how to unclog the dishwasher? Don’t rush to ask for professional help at the first instant. DIY problem solving is such a handy practice that makes you feel proud being a master of all!

My DIY Decor is your best problem-solving blog where you can read simple tips to make many of your home projects by yourself. You can save a huge amount of money by doing the same work as done by a professional who charges a huge fee. Be your own professional at home, and do it by yourself. Even if you ask for professional help, you should know the problem, and the root cause of that problem so the professional cannot charge more than an appropriate amount. 

 Guest Contributor: Faisal Malik

Blue Collar Eats - Bartolini's in Midlothian

Have you ever been to Bartolini’s in Midlothian? They’ve got the “best deep dish pizza & meatballs” you’ll ever try! Located at 14420 South Pulaski Rd Midlothian, IL 60445, they are closed Sunday and Mondays, but you can stop by and try their delicious food Tuesday-Thursday from 11am-9pm, Friday 11am-10pm, and Saturday 11am-10pm.

If you can’t make it there during their hours of operations, maybe you’re too far, or can’t drive, whatever the reason, THEY SHIP NATIONWIDE! Their food is THAT good that they opened their kitchen to shipping some of their well known foods.

The foods they ship include:

• Delicious Deep Dish & Thin Crust Pizza

 • Our World Famous Meatballs

• Italian Beef & Sausage

• Dominic’s Famous Tiramisu

You’ll definitely want to give these a try, you won’t regret it.

Are you looking for a food challenge? Pick 1-4 of your favorite friends and head over to Bartolini’s for a meatball challenge, if you finish the meatballs in the allowed time, IT’S FREE!!

If you’re up for a solo challenge, you could win $2,500!!

Image Credits: Bartolinis.com

Don’t believe us yet? Check out some of the great Yelp reviews.

“Bartolini's is the best, most authentic Italian food on the South Side of Chicago. My family found this gem a couple years back, and it has been our go to family dinner night restaurant ever since. The owners are two brothers and are so friendly! They always to make it a point to come to the table at least once during the meal, and you can see them flipping pizzas or serving tables their food throughout the night. The service is always so friendly and attentive, and seating is never an issue or a wait.

There's so many good things on the menu to write about. My favorite dish is the cavatelli carbonara. The sauce is so creamy with lots of little bacon pieces, and the pasta is perfectly cooked every time. You get your choice of soup or salad with a pasta entree, but I can never choose because the caesar salad is the best I've ever had and the chicken dumpling soup is crAzy good. The caesar dressing is a little different than your typical dressing, but it is so good, trust me on this one. The chicken and dumpling soup is a crowd favorite because of the flavors and little dumplings. You have to try both of these things when you're there.

We love supporting local family run businesses, but that's only part of what draws us to Bartolini's. Their affordable prices and awesome food keeps us coming back every time!” -Hannah K, 2/1/2020

If i could give this more than 5 stars I would. The meatballs are RIDICULOUSLY good and have never changed, the quality never goes down even with the stress of these covid times. We got way more food than we needed but Dominc /owner when taking my phone order described everything in such a way that we had to try it! He should teach a class on describing food not to mention cooking it! Thank you for never disappointing. -Clair S. 6/6/2020.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

For Tricky and Different Plumbing Services, Always Seek Professional Plumbers’ Help

Of course, there are plumbing tasks that many homeowners can do on their own. They can quite easily fix running toilets, clogged drains, small leaks, and other similar plumbing jobs. They can get the tools they need from the local shop to carry out these jobs. But there are certain issues that only plumbing specialists can do. For these jobs, they go through rigorous training and spend years perfecting their methods. In this article, we’ll take a look at why you should call the best plumber to do critical plumbing jobs at your house. Here are different types of plumbing services that only a professional plumbing expert can perform. 

They Do Repairs Safely

Professionally trained plumbers can safely carry out tricky plumbing jobs, which a homeowner cannot do on his/her own. You may know that many plumbing jobs call for digging and key plumbing skills like soldering. Digging is needed for changing gas or water lines or sewer lines. Licensed plumbers have contact with the right authorities with whom they first talk before doing any sort of digging that might damage underground lines during the process. So, do not try doing such a job on your own and call the experts who can help you while saving a lot of time and money.

They Can Prevent Damage

Plumbing services are often called for fixing issues that happen when homeowners try to handle water lines on their own. If you handle pressurized water lines incorrectly, problems such as water damage and floods can befall your house. We can take the example of changing water shut-off valves and supply lines. When you seek professional plumbers' help, they will know the crucial step of using new supply lines when changing water shutoffs. They know this because using supply lines repeatedly can break the threading and lead to leaks. 

They Can Save You from Future Plumbing Hassles

When you call a professional plumbing service to fix an issue, what they will do is that along with fixing your current plumbing issue, they will also help you understand how to avoid certain plumbing problems from troubling you in the future. We can take the example of kitchen drain clogs. After looking at the issue, a plumber can help you avoid the same problem in the future.

Find the best plumbers to fix plumbing issues at your house. Since they have gone through training courses, have experience and the correct tools, they are better suited to fix plumbing issues. They can get the job done quickly and safely, something which many homeowners cannot do on their own and should not attempt to do. If you wish to hire the best plumbing service at the most affordable price, then start looking for them online. You can narrow down your search by comparing different services on the basis of their testimonials and prices and then find the most suitable one. It may take time but always opt for the best.

Guest Contributor: Sujain Thomas