RSS

Shower Curtain or Shower Door?

If you don’t have the space or budget for a separate shower and bath, you’ve probably decided on a combined shower-bath. But should you go with a shower curtain, or choose a glass shower door to enclose it? Some of us might like the softer look of fabric that can be changed at will, while others might love the no-nonsense efficiency of a sheer pane of glass.


Here are the benefits of shower curtains and glass doors.


Shower Curtains


Soften Surfaces


Fabric can soften the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. Make sure your curtain — or at least the outer fabric section — can be washed at home, so any hint of mildew or staining can be nipped in the bud.


Add Personality 


Shower curtains can instantly inject a blast of color, print and personality with the minimum of fuss, expense and effort. And even better, when you’re tired of the look, the curtain can be replaced with one in a different style.


Be bold with color in the bathroom and remember, you don’t have to stick with top-to-bottom white for a fresh feel.


Change A Tub Into A Shower-Tub


Claw-foot tubs baths with a shower above can be difficult to pull off — particularly when it comes to dealing with water spills and splashes. Glass panels are generally a no-no where curves and awkwardly shaped tubs are concerned, unless you go for something custom, so your best bet is to install a robust ceiling-mounted rail and finish with a heavy-duty, waterproof shower curtain that can be swept all the way around the inside the tub.


Prettify The Room


The No. 1 reason people choose a shower curtain is simple: to prettify the room and makes you want to stay there all day.


Can Make A Design Modern 


May people think shower curtains are a thumbs down for the modern bathroom. Think again.


Glass Doors and Panels


Gives Full Enclosure 


There’s no fear of water escaping from the bath, as sliding doors fully enclose the tub. Sliding panels of glass are also a good option where space is at a premium, as they don’t need to hinge or pivot outward.


Helps Utilize Tricky Spaces 


A bath can be placed rather neatly in an unused alcove or nook in a converted attic, but how to cope with the sloping ceilings if you want a shower too?


One option is a custom shower panel, which can accommodate tricky recesses and angles as well as nonstandard heights. You might pay extra for this item, but for a neat, splash-proof solution, it’s worth considering.


Expands The Space

 

A fixed panel of frameless glass looks the part in any style of bathroom. This is the best option if your bathroom is compact and a curtain or glass doors with hardware would break up the space and visually shrink your room.


Keep It Simple 


If you have a lot going on in terms of decor in the rest of the bathroom then perhaps plain no-frills glass is the best solution.


Look for glass that has been finished with a special coating so dirt and limescale won’t accumulate and make it hard to keep clean. It might bump up the overall price of the screen, but it will save you cleaning time.


Gives You Options

 

With a shower curtain, you have one style of entry — you pull the curtain to one side to step in and then pull it closed. With glass enclosures, you have a choice of several types of entry. Besides a fixed panel of glass with an opening on one side, you can choose among various door types — sliding, hinged and folding.

Read

Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean

Eventhough we use it all the time, it’s a good idea to clean your washer once a month. This will ensure that it stays clean and fresh along with your clothes. While your machine is ridding your clothes of dirt, it doesn’t always rid itself of that same dirt or a buildup of detergent residue.


In addition, the newer HE (high efficiency) machines are prone to developing mold and mildew, especially if you live in an area with high humidity levels, which can lead to an odor developing both in the machine itself and on your “clean” clothes. So give your washing machine some love. 


How Often Should You Clean a Washing Machine?


Most manufacturers recommend cleaning the washing machine once a month, although the majority of us, are still wrapping our heads around the idea of cleaning the machine at all. Fortunately, the process is fairly painless, especially since the machine itself does most of the work.


Before Cleaning: Identify Your Machine and Select Your Cleanser


The type of washing machine you have will dictate which method you use to clean it. HE front loaders and top loaders need one approach; top-loading non-HE machines need a slightly different approach.


Before you start, decide what type of cleanser you want to use: white vinegar, bleach or a commercial cleanser. Using vinegar to clean a washing machine is nontoxic, and it’s easily available, making it a favorite, but some manufacturers recommend bleach or other chemical cleansers, so check the manual for your machine. If you are using a commercial product, follow the label’s instructions for the recommended amount.


Caution: Choose only one cleanser. Never mix products.


How to Clean a High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machine:

Front Loader or Top Loader


A monthly cleaning is especially important if your HE machine has developed a smell. Wiping down the interior of the washer with cleaner, using extra detergent or running everything on hottest cycle does nothing to get rid of odor. Many newer high-efficiency (HE) machines have a clean cycle, which makes the process even easier, but the basic procedure is the same whether you have that or not.



1. Choose the “clean” cycle. If your machine doesn’t have this, select the hottest water setting. In some cases, this may be the setting for whites or heavily stained clothes.


2. Choose the added rinse cycle if it’s available.


3. Fill the bleach dispenser with your cleanser choice.


4. Fill the tub to the highest level (this will probably be automatic with the clean cycle) and run the machine.


5. If you don’t have a second rinse cycle, run the rinse cycle again manually.


Once the cycle has ended, use a microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar to clean the gasket that seals the door and the area around it. Carefully pull it back and inspect to see if you have mold or mildew underneath.


Don’t overlook cleaning the washing machine soap dispensers. Use vinegar or soapy water to wipe any detergent, bleach, fabric softeners or other laundry add-ins from the dispensers. You can often just pop them out. Wipe off all these areas with a cloth dipped in water and dry them with a microfiber cloth.


Finish by wiping down the controls and the outside of the machine with a microfiber cloth dipped in vinegar or an all-purpose spray. To make the exterior shine, dry with a microfiber cloth.


How to Clean a Top-Loading Washing Machine


Although older top loaders don’t generally have a cycle for cleaning, you can easily create your own version. It involves a bit of a wait time between beginning the cycle and ending it, so use that time to clean other areas that won’t be reached by the water in the tub.


1. Choose the hot water setting and the longest cycle.


2. Fill the tub to the maximum level, then pause the machine.


3. Add 4 cups of white vinegar or 1 cup of bleach to the water and let the machine agitate for a minute or two.


4. Pause the washing machine and let it sit for an hour. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soaking solution, wring it out and use it to clean the top of the drum and agitator where the water doesn’t reach and the inside of the lid.


If you can remove the bleach and fabric softener dispensers, do so and clean the areas beneath them with the cloth and cleaning solution as well. If they are fixed in place, clean them and the area around them. 


Finally, clean the control panel and the outside of the machine with the cleaning solution or an all-purpose spray. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry and polish the surfaces.


5. Restart the machine and finish the cycle. If you still smell vinegar, add another rinse cycle.


Almost Daily Care


The experts also have some advice for preventing a buildup of dirt and odors between cleanings. If mold and mildew are a problem, leave the machine’s door or lid open after you finish a load of laundry so that the interior will dry out completely. Before you do this, make sure curious children and pets can’t get into the machine, especially if it’s a front-loading one. Some machines have latches designed to keep the door ajar without leaving it wide open.


It is also a go idea to wipe down the door or lid to get rid of any condensation. Wiping and drying the gasket around the door every time you finish a load of laundry will help prevent a buildup of dirt in that area. As a final tip, be sure to use the correct amount of detergent for your loads.


Happy washing!

Read

How To Get Rid of Pet Smells

Pets are truly people’s best friends; snuggly, cuddly and therapeutic. They are a part of the family. Regardless of the type of pet, one thing they have in common: they smell.


Pet owners quickly become “nose blind” to the odors our pets omit. Unfortunately, smell isn’t contained to the animal, it can quickly spread throughout our home, carpets, floors, walls, furniture and curtains - anything that can absorb odors. 


While a little “wet dog” smell might not be a big deal to you, it can be a real turn-off to a potential buyer if you are trying to sell your home. If you are thinking about listing your house or you just want to get rid of unwanted pet odors here are some ways of neutralizing those odors.


Air Out Your House


Many homes lack good ventilation and just circulate contaminated air. Depending on the type of pet you own, simply opening the windows and allowing fresh air to flow through is enough to help alleviate any lingering smells. 


For items that can be removed from the home, like bedding, and blankets, take them outside and leave them for several hours. The sunlight and fresh air will help neutralize and remove odors that might be stuck in the fabric.


Wash, Clean and Scrub, Everything


Get ready to give your house a deep clean, which means cleaning and scrubbing everything. Yes, everything. Start with the floors and work your way up. Use a mop or get on your hands and knees and scrub the floors, baseboards and walls where your pets may have left their mark or had an accident. Make sure to use an appropriate cleaner for the surface and has odor-neutralizing capabilities. 


Wash all fabrics such as removable couch cushions, slipcovers, pillows, blankets, curtains and washable area rugs. And don’t forget any pet beds or blankets! If you have items that cannot be put in the washing machine take them to be professionally steamed, dry cleaned or laundered. 


For larger upholstered items such as couches, chairs and ottomans consider renting a carpet shampoo/steamer with an upholstery attachment for a deep clean. Lastly, use a cloth to wipe down furniture, picture frames, light fixtures and ceiling fans in your home as pet dander can float through the air and settle on anything.


Vacuum Floors And Carpets


Odor-causing bacteria and pet dander have a way of embedding themselves in carpets, furniture and fabric—even the cracks in your hardwood floors are the perfect “traps” for dander, dust and pet fur. Vacuuming can help! 


To capture and neutralize any smells coming from your carpets or upholstered items simply sprinkle with baking soda and let it sit for several hours before giving the area a thorough vacuum. Keep those smells at bay by vacuuming regularly, two to three times per week, depending on how much your pet sheds.


Shampoo/Steam Clean Your Carpets


When it comes to life with pets, accidents happen and are often hard to avoid. Oopsies can leave carpeted areas in your home smelly and stained. Purchasing or renting a shampoo/steam cleaner from your local grocer or hardware store is always a wise investment as it’s the most effective way to remove odors, stains and bacteria. 


If your pet is constantly having accidents or frequently marking in the same spot you might want to pull back the carpet and underpad to see if it has reached the subfloor. In this case, it might be wise to replace both.


Replace Pee Pads And Clean Litter


Not only are used pee pads and dirty kitty litter unsightly to see while viewing a home, they tend to have a very offensive odor, especially when they aren’t tended to regularly. 

Be sure to remove and replace used pee pads immediately after each use and clean all litter boxes daily. Right before a scheduled showing, replace the kitty litter entirely and place it in an inconspicuous, but still accessible spot, this should help minimize any odors from the box.


Change Your Air Filters


Heating, ventilation and air conditioner filters are often the last thing homeowners think about replacing when trying to free their homes from offensive pet odors. If your filter is old and clogged, you’re not doing yourself any favours by recirculating that smelly air throughout your home. Pick a filter with odor-eliminating technology and install it as soon as possible. 


Purify The Air


If you have several pets, or even just one, you might consider purchasing a portable air purifier. These powerful little towers can be toted around from room-to-room and are used to purify the air, in most cases, capturing more than 99% of dust, pollen, smoke, odor, mold spores and pet dander. The best part about this investment is you can use it in your new house and get a jumpstart on keeping your home pet odor-free.


Apply A Fresh Coat Of Paint


Did you know pet dander sticks to everything? This means any porous surface, like your walls, is susceptible to odors. If the smell in your home is particularly pungent, sealing and painting the walls might be an option. Use a sealer/primer to cover the area before applying your chosen colour. Not only will this seal and cover the smells, it will help stage your home’s interior when it’s time to list.


Fragrance Is Your Friend


Have a last minute showing and not enough time for a deep clean? Try using strategically placed fragrances like diffusers, wallflowers, potpourri or scented candles as they can help mask offending odors until you have time to fully address the problem. Just be aware, there’s a fine line when using synthetic fragrance in your home, too much can be a bad thing, so don’t go overboard.


Keep Your House And Pets Clean


Consider giving your pet frequent baths or take them to be professionally groomed to reduce bacteria and yeast that might be embedded in their fur. Use wet wipes or a towel to wipe their feet when they come in from outside. Brush them weekly with a high-quality brush, to capture the shedding undercoat fur. Depending on your pet’s demeanor you may wish to keep them in a crate or confined to one room while you’re away to keep them off clean furniture. Or, if you have the option to have your pet stay at a friend’s house while your house is listed, take it!


Remember, potential buyers use all their senses when touring a home, so it’s just as important to have a good smelling home as it is a good looking one!

Read

Dealing With Mould

Nothing mars a beautiful home interior more than the unwanted incursion of mould. Mould’s reputation carries with it more than just an unsightly appearance—it can cause serious illness, and if left unchecked can result in costly repairs.


What Is Mould

Mould is the term used to describe fungus that grows on food and in damp environments in our homes, it grows in patches of dark grey, green, black or white. Although spores exist naturally in our environment and are ever-present in the air we breathe, when conditions are right for their growth, they can become a concern in our homes.

Mould and mildew are often used as two distinct terms, though both describe fungi which we find in our homes. The difference is mildew grows on surfaces causing cosmetic damage, while mould, referring to toxic fungus, spreads more easily, penetrating building materials and can cause structural damage, and severe illnesses. 


What Moulds Can Make You Sick

Although most common moulds are harmless and exist in the air we breathe, there are six types of toxic moulds with potentially serious health effects.


Stachybotrys: Referred to as black mould, this is the most dangerous of the toxic moulds, having a musty, dank odour. It can cause flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, headaches, memory loss and severe respiratory damage. Children are at higher risk of respiratory illness due to their developing lungs.


Chaetomium: Usually found where water damage has occurred, this variety thrives in dark, wet environments like drywall, wallpaper, baseboards and carpeting. It’s similar to stachybotrys, often growing in the same environment, causing allergy symptoms like red, watery eyes, trouble breathing, and even neurological damage and autoimmune illnesses.


Aspergillus: While its spores are present in the air we breathe, this mould variety can be detrimental to a compromised immune system. Exposure can result in allergic reactions, and lung infections including a specific and serious infection known as apergillosis.


Penicillium: Much like aspergillus, penicillium exists abundantly in our environment, but can cause asthmatic symptoms, bronchitis and other respiratory problems if trapped in our homes in certain conditions.


Fusarium: This type of mould is normally found in soil and plant debris, though it may also be found in very damp indoor areas like under carpeting, inside drywall, foam insulation, humidifier pans and HVAC systems. Fusarium spores in rare cases cause fusarium keratitis, a serious eye infection.


Alternaria: This allergy-causing mould is common in many climate zones during spring and summer. Although it’s not generally found in building materials, it can grow on most damp surfaces in the home, and most notably can be found in electric cables, cardboard, some synthetics and textiles.


What Are Common Causes Of Mould?

We know mould prefers damp environments, but it doesn’t take much to create a suitable environment for mould advancement. The most common causes of mould are:


•persistent humidity;

•leaky pipes;

•a leaky roof;

•condensation build-up;

•poor ventilation;

•wet laundry;

•flooding; and

•damp basements.


Years can pass with no issues, but as soon as the right humidity conditions occur, dormant mould spores can reactivate.


How To Detect Mould

Detecting mould can be tricky because it’s not always visible. It’s only when it blooms and spreads that it becomes easily detectable. Dank, musty, or mildew odours are good indicators of possible mould problems.

Mould spreads, so be sure to check all rooms in your home, especially dark and damp areas like the basement. Also check under the carpeting, flooring and behind wallpaper or drywall.


But what if I can’t see or smell any mould? If you or your family members have persistent allergy, cold or flu symptoms that subside when away from the house for any length of time, it could be an indicator of mould in your home. While mould test kits can be purchased, it’s a good idea to seek a professional to investigate further.


Dealing With Mould

If you’ve discovered a small spot of mould, it’s possible to address it safely on your own. Use warm soapy water to help get deeper into semi-porous surfaces then use undiluted white vinegar to neutralize the bacteria that causes mould spores.


A large or widespread infestation, requires a mould remediation professional, and it’s best not to disturb it further. If you attempt this scenario solo, you risk spreading the spores, feeding the mould—cleaners are often diluted using water which is what mould eats!—causing further structural damage. You can also miss something and have to remediate again, or become ill from breathing in the spores.


An Ounce Of Prevention

There are some key things you can do to keep mould out of your home, saving you down the road.


Do not allow wet materials to sit: Mould needs less than 48 hours to start growing, so never leave damp laundry or towels laying around. 


Keep household surfaces clean: Giving surfaces in your home—especially around sinks, tubs and tiles in your kitchen and bathroom—a good cleaning disinfection and drying. Leaving dry surfaces after each cleaning is key.


Reduce moisture levels in your home: Always run the exhaust fan during and after showering in your bathroom or when cooking in the kitchen to minimize moisture levels.


Stow your belongings securely: Store seasonal items in secure bins with tight-closing lids to keep moisture out. Be sure to store any gear or boxes in a way that allows adequate airflow between them.


Maintain your plumbing: Monitor your plumbing, and repair or replace as needed to prevent leaky or weeping pipes.


Optimize airflow in your home: Keep furniture away from walls and open windows when possible to allow natural airflow through your home. Make sure any confined spaces, like your attic or crawl spaces, are well ventilated so moisture does not become trapped.


Reduce moisture in the basement: If the humidity is more than 50%, it’s advisable to run a dehumidifier, or install a foundation drain. Keep an eye out for foundation cracks and repair without delay—this is especially important if you own an older home. Installing insulation and thermal or storm windows can help to keep basements warmer and more dry.

 
Mould is certainly nothing to ignore, especially when it comes to your health and well being. If you keep a keen eye on your home with periodic inspections, maintenance and prevention measures, you will have more reason to rest easy. 

Read

Walk-In vs. Cabinet Pantries

Let’s explore the pros and cons of these popular kitchen storage options.


When you’re building a new home or redesigning your existing kitchen it is only natural to decide whether to go with a walk-in or cabinet pantry. Some homeowners want wall-to-wall shelves and customized inserts, while others are satisfied with just a few shelves and pullouts tucked inside a kitchen cabinet. Here are the pros and cons of both styles.


Walk-In Pantries


Pro: Have More Storage Capacity


Walk-in pantries are a home chef’s best friend. They take the cake when it comes to sheer volume of storage space. With multiple walls of floor-to-ceiling shelves, they’re big enough to store dozens of ingredients, cookbooks, snacks, pots, pans, medium to large cooking appliances and more.


Con: Storage is More Spread Out


Bigger isn’t always better, especially when you’re in the mood to whip up a quick dinner. It may take a few extra minutes to gather your ingredients in a large walk-in pantry. You may have trouble remembering where you put your sugar and flour. Walk-in pantries are also some distance away from appliances and prep space, which can reduce efficiency when you’re cooking. Some homeowners prefer the convenience of having ingredients on hand in their kitchen.


Pro: Can Be Better Organized


Cabinet pantries aren’t inefficient by any means, but walk-in pantries let you get a little more creative with your organization techniques. You can sort your items by row or column, by food group and so on. The limit is only your imagination.


Con: Require More Upkeep


Unfortunately, a highly organized pantry comes at a price. More space, more shelves equals more to keep clean and tidy. It takes time and effort to dust off dirty surfaces and declutter shelves. If you’re looking to cut back on your weekly to-do list, you may prefer a cabinet pantry with less storage and less upkeep.


Pro: Can Store Appliances with Ease


Cabinet pantries can house toasters, coffee makers and mixers too, but it’s usually at the expense of valuable storage space. Walk-in pantries can comfortably fit larger appliances like microwaves, slow cookers, juicers and deep fryers, freeing up kitchen counter space and they’re easy to grab when you need them. Some pantries may even have enough space for a second refrigerator or freezer.


Con: Take Up a Lot of Space


A major downside to walk-in pantries is that they require a lot of space to be functional and efficient. If you’re designing a new kitchen or remodeling an existing one, you’ll have to shrink your kitchen’s footprint to accommodate a walk-in pantry. This can be an issue for homeowners who are short on space and want to maximize the size of their kitchen.


Cabinet Pantries


Pro: Storage Space is More Centralized


Cabinet pantries confine all of your snacks, ingredients and small appliances to a single space. You don’t have to spend time searching through several walls of shelves to find what you need. Less time looking means more time cooking.


Con: Have Limited Storage Space


A single cabinet devoted to pantry storage won’t be enough for some homeowners, especially avid cooks. While you can fit larger appliances inside a cabinet pantry, they use a lot of the limited space. One way to get an excellent storage capacity with cabinet pantries is to have more than oneinto your kitchen, but that will eat up more counter space.


Pro: Storage is More Accessible


Having your pantry in the middle of your kitchen will cut down on the time you spend walking to and from your pantry. Placing it next to your refrigerator and across from your range will create a super efficient workstation.


Inside features can also increase your cabinet pantry’s accessibility. Pullout drawers, for instance, allow you to see every snack and ingredient at once, which reduces the amount of time you’ll spend rummaging. They’re easy on your back too.


Pro: Don’t Take Up a Lot of Space


Cabinet pantries are on the smaller side compared to walk-in pantries. Most measure 24 to 36 inches wide. They’re an efficient storage solution for small or medium-size kitchens, providing a little extra shelf and drawer space without giving up too much in return.


Con: Take Up Counter Space


You’ll definitely lose some counter space, no matter how small your cabinet pantry may be. If you’re designating multiple cabinets as pantry storage, be prepared to give up a significant amount of prep space. Either way, it’s important to navigate the delicate balance of storage and counter space with care. This loss is felt less in larger kitchens but can impact the way a smaller kitchen functions.


Consider the size of your kitchen and the way you cook when deciding what type of pantry is best for you.

Read