Never Lose Socks in the Drawer Again!

Why didn’t I think of it before?!

Couldn’t help exclaiming that when I found another use for my little girl’s teeny hair bands! These small rubber bands keep more than my li’l girl’s hair in place. They also keep socks together!

If you have preschoolers like I do, I’m sure you could totally relate to being frustrated by how the sock drawer always ends up in disarray just right after you’ve organized it.  Some tie socks in a knot but I don’t like doing this as it deforms the socks.  Some suggest folding the socks on top of the other and rolling it into a ball or tucking the toe part inside the opening of one sock – which is what I used to do.  Unfortunately, children have a way of unrolling ALL the socks in the drawer after getting just ONE pair of socks.  I guess that’s one of the magic tricks that kids learn naturally. 😛

Fortunately, I had a Eureka moment(or maybe I’ve read about this somewhere a long long time ago and just remembered now) while braiding my lil girl’s hair.  I use her hair bands to keep their socks from being unrolled. Now I’ll never lose socks in the drawer again!  It’s also very inexpensive and require no complicated instruction manual. 😀  I bought our pack for only 29.75 pesos from SM Department Store (But I’m sure they’re available in other department stores as well).  There are hundreds of bands in the pack so even if you lose some of the bands, it’ll last for a year or so of sock organizing. 🙂

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Do you have a trick of your own to keep things organized at home? We’d love to hear them!  No, we BEG to hear them! Please do share your household tips and tricks in the comment section below. We’d love you for doing so! 🙂

Top Loader Vs. Front Loader; Which Suits You?

Moving out of home is exciting, mind-numbing and expensive; not only do you suddenly have to wash your own clothes, you need to buy a machine to process the cleaning system, in all of it watery, detergent glory. Top loading, front loading, who knows the difference beyond where the door is located and how fast the clothes disappear into the chrome tubs, vented with water. Gratefully, the differences are pretty simple and easily laid out below – there’s no wrong choice, as yes, all washing machines perform the same job. Some are more efficient, some consume less power, some waste less water, some have control panels and computers, and some cost the price of your car. It’s really up to you.

The Top Loader

The top loader is a classic machine; the chrome tub is placed vertically inside the casing, staggered over an agitator. It sounds aggressive, doesn’t it? Well, it is. The agitator pushes water and clothes around, forcing the soapy water to clean your clothes, before draining and refilling, to rinse and repeat as the cycle progresses.

The Benefits:

Pre-Existing Injury: If you’re riddled with knee pain or back issues, a top loader will reduce the strain on these injuries and joints, as heavy load demand attention. Front loaders require you to bend over and duck clothes into a limited space, punishing any existing irritations and exacerbating their causes.

Price: The front loaded is heavy on the pocket, costing more than most of us can afford when we’re first starting out. The top loader continues to be the more affordable option.

Emergency Stop: Have you ever forgot to add a stray sock to the mix or found a favourite shirt you just had to wear the next day? A top loader will allow you to abort the wash momentarily, without locking you in for the whole cycle like a front loading washing machine.

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Front Loader

The front loading machine is highly economical choice, although the initial outlay may be a killer to some. Working on similar dynamics to a top loader, front loading models lack an agitator, relying on gravity to distribute water, detergent and softener evenly. Not only does this improve the longevity of your clothing, the front loaded is highly environmentally friendly, as you’ll soon see.

The Benefits:

Space Saving: Front loading machines are handy, as they make great building blocks; most are fully stackable, as dryers can be piled on top or below these ingenious machines, allowing you to make the most of our your laundry or bathroom, depending on the where your appliances are located.

Efficient: Environmentally friendly, a front loader only require about a third of the water found in a top loading machine and without the presence of the terrifying agitator, larger loads are possible. An added benefit is the spin cycle speed, some models clocking in at 1000 rpm to ensure less water seeps into the clothes leading to shorter times in the dryer or in the sun.

Like we said before, there’s no right answer here, nobody will judge you for the LG washing machine you pick up second hand, or the Sony homemaker you picked up for half price, they all do the same job.

How to Care for Antique and Area Rugs

Area rugs can provide a decorative touch to any home at an affordable price. They also require very little maintenance and can last for years. In order to keep your rugs in good condition,frequent vacuuming is key and should be done at least once per week. If you have pets, you may need to use a stiff brush to remove any pet hair that was left behind after vacuuming. Visit us for professional recommendations on what you can do to improve the look and condition of your rug.

Image courtesy of photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Spot Stain Removal

When there is a spill, it is crucial that you clean it right away. The longer a spill is left, the worse the resulting stain will be. Chemical cleaners can cause more harm than good, so it is better to simply blot spills with a wet cloth. Some stains can also be effectively removed with a liquid dish detergent, vinegar, and/or salt. Test a small area first to ensure that the cleaning solution will not harm your rug.

Depending on the type of stain, there is a different solution that is best suited to remove the color and feel of the stain. You can find a number of suggestions online on what to use to safely remove the stain, or simply search for ‘carpet and upholstery cleaner near me‘ for a professional recommendation.< The professionals will have the stain out in no time!/p>

Professional Services

Professional rug cleaning, repairs, and restorations can completely change the look and feel of your rug. While some carpet owners regularly schedule yearly cleanings, most companies recommend having your rug washed approximately once every four years, depending on usage. Rotating and flipping the rug every year can also help to keep it clean and in good condition overall. If you have an antique rug, be sure to choose a company that specializes in carpet cleanings such as ServiceMaster of Lake Shore in Chicago or similar service providers in your vicinity.

Ask a Professional

The more you care for your rugs, the better value they will provide you over time. Visit us for more information on what you can do to better maintain your rugs. A professional can also assess your rug and recommend the right solutions to repair or restore it.

Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite

When was the last time you cleaned your mattress?  If you can’t remember when, then it’s about time you give it a good cleaning.  I’m not talking about beating the dusts out and leaving the mattress out in the sun.  There’s a better way of cleaning your mattress and getting rid of bed bugs without hauling it to dry out in the sun.

A box of baking soda can do the trick.  Just sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and leave for at least 45 minutes to allow it to work its wonder.  Then use your vacuum cleaner to suction the baking soda and the dirt that has adhered to it off the mattress. Do the same on the other side.

Baking soda would clean your mattress but may not eradicate mites.  I used to spray our mattresses with insecticide to control bed bugs but a few weeks ago, I saw this product at the grocery and decided to give it a try.

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Allercon Dust Mites Spray is an anti-allergy spray for the control and prevention of dust mites or dirt mites.  It’s safe to use and does not contain insecticides/chemicals or harsh ingredients. It effectively eradicates dust mites through its active ingredient, Tannic Acid (2%).

To use, just spray on mattreses, pillows, carpters, upholstered furniture, curtains, blankets, about 6 to 8 inches away from sprayer.  It has a delicate floral scent that I like – it definitely smells better than insecticide sprays.   I use the spray once or twice a week to prevent the proliferation of dust mites.  The only downside to Allercon Dust Mites Spray is the pump spray bottle it comes in.  You end up with sore hands after spritzing it all over mattresses, furniture, and curtains.  I wish they’d change the packaging into trigger-style spray bottle which is much easier to use.

Overall though, Allercon is a good natural alternative to keeping bed bugs at bay.  I suggest that you use it at least twice a week and that you clean your mattress with baking soda at least once a month. That way, you’d be able to sleep soundly at night without bed bugs feasting on you.

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*This is NOT a sponsored post.  I bought the 500 ml spray bottle at SM Supermarket for about 2oo pesos.  Allercon Dust Mites Spray is a product of Allergy Control Specialists.  

The Great Appliance Clean Up

Everyday we sweep the floor, we wipe the tables, tidy up rooms, and wash the dishes. We do always want our homes looking spic and span and as germ-free as possible.  However, we often take our most used appliances forgranted.  When was the last time you cleaned your airconditioner, your toaster, or even your electric fans?  Here are some appliances you should always clean regularly and some tips on how to do so properly:

OVEN TOASTER.  Clean the toaster after every use.  Remove the pan, rack, and crumb tray and wash them in hot soapy water then rinse thoroughly.  Make sure they’re dry before placing them back inside the toaster.

MICROWAVE. To avoid build up of dirt and grime, always give the interior of your microwave a quick wipe with a damp cloth daily.  Include this in your night time cleanup routine.  Once a week or every two weeks, give it a more thorough cleaning.  Make sure you unplug it before doing so.  Check for any damages while cleaning and call a technician if you do see one.  Your microwave may need RF microwave components that only a qualified technician can install.  Here are two options you can use in cleaning your microwave.

  • Steam Cleaning.  Soften grease buildup by placing a cup of water inside and letting it boil for a few minute then use a clean sponge to wipe the grease off.
  • Use Natural Cleansers.  Make a paste using equal parts of Baking Soda and Water or use a mixture of lemon juice and salt.  Apply this paste or mixure to the interior and let sit for about 15 minutes.  Wipe it off with a clean damp sponge.

ELECTRIC FAN. Here in the tropics, fans are often the most used appliance in the house and deserves a weekly cleaning and oiling.  Unplug the fan and remove the fan grill and blades.  Check your fan’s manual for instructions on how to do this. Proper cleaning of fan would depend on the material it is made off.

  • Plastic Parts.  Wash the fan grill and blades in warm soapy water, rinse well, and allow to dry completely.  Always make sure that the parts are dry before putting them back together.
  • Stainless Steel Parts.  Wipe the fan grill and blades with dry cloth.  Use a vacuum cleaner to clean them more thoroughly. Put a drop of oil on a clean cloth and wipe th fan grill and blades with it to prevent rusting.

REFRIGERATOR.  Always clean up food spills immediately to prevent the spread of bacteria.  Give your ref a thorough cleaning once a week. Unplug the ref and take everything out.  Store frozen products inside an ice chest to prevent thawing.  Discard any leftovers that cannot be eaten anymore and condiments that may be expired already.  Remove all shelves and bins and wash in warm soapy water.  Use soft cloth and soapy water to clean the interior and the door seals.  You may also opt to use a bakingsoda paste or a vinegar-water mixture to clean the interior.

 

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net