Since COVID-19 hit, people in the United States and around the world have spent a lot more time indoors. This prolonged stay in out homes has given everyone a chance to reconsider the things they do around the house. From your routine checkups to how you clean, the coronavirus pandemic has given everyone time to reflect and change their habits. However, just because you’ve had more time doesn’t mean you’re doing it right. Here are some common mistakes you’re making around your house, along with some ideas for correcting them.

Ignoring Water Damage

It might be surprising to hear, but drains are some of the most important components in any type of building. This includes your home. That’s because leaks, particularly in your plumbing, can be small enough to seem insignificant, but if left unchecked, will cause a serious amount of damage. Small cracks in your drainage system can trap moisture in random areas around your house, and these wet conditions will lead to mold and mildew growth. Not only can they cause serious health problems, but they can damage the structural integrity of your home.

Clogs can also cause serious issues. They prevent water flow and can cause septic tank materials to back up into your sinks and toilets. Due to these issues, you should pay close attention to your plumbing system. Additionally, you should have your septic system professionally cleaned on a routine basis. It will help prevent most drainage issues and identify problem areas before they become major.

Checking Alert Systems

Another area that most homeowners tend to neglect is the regular maintenance of their alert system. These could be things like smoke or carbon monoxide detectors or security systems. Just like you need to get routine checkups for kids, you need to make sure your home systems are functioning properly. Depending on the types of systems you have in your home will determine how often you need to perform maintenance on them. A simple fix to this problem is to schedule reminders for yourself. Find the best time to check all the batteries in your smoke alarms. Make regular checkups with your security contractor. These little steps can prevent extreme accidents from happening.

Replacing Items

Many people don’t understand the shelf life of common household items. Some of the worst are things that come in contact with liquid. Sponges, for instance, are often used for weeks longer than they should be. No one at the CDC will come looking for you if you do this, but bacteria will start to build on your sponge and you’ll continue to leave soil particles on your dishes. Loofahs are also notorious for this problem. They can contain thousands of microorganisms on them. Changing them on a schedule will help improve the basic hygiene and cleanliness of your bathroom. If you don’t want to replace these items for fear of the cost, at least clean them. Many people often forget the levels of dirt and sludge that pass over these products.

Cleaning with “Elbow Grease”

Finally, a big mistake that most people make is cleaning with force. Most people are taught as adolescents that using extra effort will get the desired result. It’s time to work smarter, not harder. Areas like your garbage disposal, microwave, and coffee pot can be easily cleaned with the right procedure. Try using vinegar to clean these areas. In the microwave, warm up a bowl of water and vinegar for two minutes on high. Most particles will scrub clean with ease. If you’re cleaning your disposal, simply pour the water/vinegar mixture down the drain and let sit before rising clean. You can also run this through your coffee pot. It helps to eliminate stains and buildups from areas that are hard to reach.

Cats are stereotyped as snobby, antisocial, disinterested creatures that scratch and bite. Any cat owner can tell you that despite the occasional oddness of a curious cat who likes to interrupt as you type on the computer keyboard, cats are the opposite of their bad reputation. Cats are photogenic, incredibly independent, loyal, and great lifelong companions. If you’re a pet lover thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your home, take a look at some of the reasons cats are the best pets.

Cats are better for the environment and your allergies.

Animal lovers who are conscious of their carbon footprint will be happy to know that cats are more environmentally friendly than dogs. The carbon footprint created from producing a lifetime’s worth of dog food is the equivalent of that produced by a large SUV. The carbon footprint created from producing a lifetime’s worth of cat food is the equivalent of a small hatchback. Cats also eat less food and eat more fish than corn or beef-flavored products.

Cats are great for your allergies. While they can’t magically cure you of adulthood allergies, children who are exposed to pets at a young age are less likely to develop allergies. Keeping houseplants is a fresh way to purify the air in your home and add a natural element to your decor. While common houseplants may enhance your home, they can be toxic to your furry friends. Before welcoming a new cat into your home, it’s important to ensure you have safe plants.

According to the ASPCA, pet-friendly plants include Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, prayer-plants, African Violets, Christmas cactus, Staghorn Ferms, air plants, and succulents. You can shop for a variety of cat friendly houseplants at Lively Root and enjoy free shipping to your doorstep. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned houseplant grower, you can explore their houseplant collection for plants based on direct sunlight or indirect sunlight needs, blooms, watering needs, and the ability to grow in humidity. You can still enjoy your green thumb passion while having a cat in your home. All you need to do is pot a safe indoor plant that both of you can enjoy.

Need more reasons why cats are good for your home? Felines are natural predators, and even domesticated cats have a hunter instinct. Having a cat in your home is a great way to keep it mouse-free. Despite the number of hours cats sleep for, they’re still alert when snoozing. Cats can actively hear and smell while sleeping, making them able to pounce on unwelcome house pests in the blink of an eye.

Cat owners have healthier hearts.

Researchers have found that cat owners are less stressed and have healthier hearts than those who don’t own cats. Cat owners also have a lower risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. The theory is that cats require less effort than dogs and enjoy being petted, which can be soothing for both animal and pet owners. Many people find the sound of a cat purring to be therapeutic. This soothing sound can help pet owners relax and fall asleep.

Cat owners tend to be smart.

When comparing pet owners, those who have cats are more likely to hold college degrees than those who have dogs. Researchers have also found in surveys that cat owners tend to be more intelligent than non-cat owners. More intelligent people tend to maintain longer work hours, and because cats are more independent than dogs, they make better companions for busy intellectuals.

Children who grow up with a cat in the home can learn social skills and how to cope with traumatic situations. Cats can also tell you a lot about your personality. The type of pet you choose correlates with your personality. Dog owners tend to be more open and extroverted while cat owners are more reserved and introverted.

Cats are low-maintenance companions.

Cats are one of the most low-maintenance companions you can have. They don’t require multiple daily walks and they can be left on their own for a day or two so long as they have access to food, water, and a litter box. Cats are less expensive to care for than medium or large dogs because they eat less food, take interest in fewer toys, and take care of their own grooming.

Cats are small creatures that are quiet and don’t take up much space, making them ideal pets for apartment living. They also don’t need open space to run around as dogs do, so you don’t have to feel bad for having a pet in a small space. You also don’t have to feel bad about leaving a cat alone. Dogs tend to make you feel guilty for heading off to work in the morning and eagerly await your return in the evening. Cats don’t mind having the house to themselves and will sleep when they’re bored. They can sleep up to 15 hours a day, so you don’t have to wonder if your feline is okay when you are working late.

Just because cats don’t require so many supplies and resources doesn’t mean you should pay more than you have to. Purchasing pet care products, pet supplies, pet food, flea medications, and nutritional supplements direct from a distributor is a convenient and cost-effective way to get the pet care items you need. PawTree produces nutritious, high-quality pet food, and supplements that are natural and holistic. All of their pet health products can be customized to the unique needs of your furry friend. New pet owners can get a customized nutrition plan developed by a holistic veterinarian based on the nutritional needs of your pet. All of their pet supplies direct sales come with a satisfaction guarantee and can be shipped free to your doorstep.

Cats fulfill your need for companionship.

Dogs are notorious for craving affection and attention from their owners, while cats are often stereotyped as antisocial. Studies suggest that cats enjoy human interaction and prefer social interaction over food. Cats can actually fulfill your need for companionship the same as for dogs, particularly for female pet owners. Studies have found that having a cat around is the emotional equivalent of having a romantic partner. Cats remember when they are treated nicely and will eventually return the favor.

Creating a romantic surprise for your partner is a fun way to bring some spark to your relationship. You don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to surprise your partner with a romantic idea that shows just how special they are. Instead of making a reservation at their favorite restaurant, recreate their favorite dish at home. A cute surprise is to handwrite a love letter expressing your affections and tie it to the collar of a surprise kitten. Introduce the kitten as the newest addition to your relationship and be sure to snap a picture of your partner’s surprise.

Stop Phubbing has plenty of romantic ideas for surprising your girlfriend including the gift of a relaxing massage, a personalized piece of jewelry, and fun date ideas that add an element of adventure. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to pull off a romantic surprise when there are so many simple ways to show your affection.

It’s clear from these reasons that cats make excellent pets. They are loyal, affectionate, low-maintenance pets who can entertain themselves and help you achieve a healthier heart.

As a dog owner, you already know that taking care of your pet can be expensive. From the vet to the groomer, and from ensuring they have only the best dog food and chew toys, and most comfortable bed that you saw and just had to get for them… yes, it is quite costly! But your dog has quickly become a part of the family, and you’ve never once regretted the day that you decided to adopt and bring them to their forever home.

There are so many wonderful benefits to being a dog owner that you want to do everything in your power to make your canine pal happy, comfortable, and as healthy as s/he can be. Keeping that in mind, read on below for a few of the products your pet deserves to keep them healthy and happy for years to come.

A Harness

One of the first things you should have done when you brought your pup home was to visit Joyride Harness to find a leash and harness for your pet. Make sure that you choose a no-pull harness so that your pup is comfortable on your walks, and the leash isn’t strangling them. It’s important to have a harness for your dog because they could easily pull away from you on your walks and end up getting lost or hit by a car. Make sure that you get a harness that fits them snugly, but comfortably for the best results.

Joint Supplements

As a pet parent, there is nothing worse than having to watch your beloved pet in pain. That’s why you should start giving your pooch joint supplements for dogs, as soon as they are old enough to need them. These supplements can help to prevent arthritis, inflammation of the cartilage, and help with your pet’s joint health as well. Senior dogs especially can suffer from stiffness and joint problems. Be proactive and start your pet on supplements to help prevent these ailments from happening, and to ease them if they do.

Quality Shampoos

Many pet owners think that it’s okay to use human shampoo to wash their dogs. The truth is that you really need to use a high-quality dog shampoo, in order to get rid of germs and bad bacteria and to get rid of the bad odors that pets tend to pick up during their forays into the outside world. A human shampoo doesn’t work the same for them, as they need special ingredients to keep their skin healthy and their fur glossy. You want your dog to have only the very best, so keep the human shampoo for you, and buy your pup the high-quality dog shampoo they deserve. Fur health is just as important as joint health.

Quality Dog Food

Some dog foods are better than others, so you have to read the ingredients carefully before choosing one for your pet. Your buddy deserves only the highest-quality dog food on the market, which means you need to do your research well. There are many different choices on the market today, from wet to dry and from organic to raw. Your best bet is to take your pup to your local vet and discuss together what the best diet for your pup is going to be.

Love, Patience, Attention

While this isn’t a product, and it’s certainly not something you can buy in a store or online, you should give your dog love, patience, and attention in spades. After all, to be happy and healthy, your pup has to depend on you, and will be loyal as the day is long when they realize that they are indeed in their forever home to stay.

These are just a few of the products that your pet needs to function healthily and happily in your home. Remember, love patience and attention top that list, so don’t forget to shower your pet with all of them, every day.

Many people experience varying levels of hearing difficulty, and hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 37.5 million American adults over the age of 18 have trouble hearing. However, there are several life hacks you can implement when suffering from problems with your hearing, in addition to following the treatment recommended by your audiologist.

Never wait to schedule a hearing test if you are having difficulties. Life hacks can help you to cope with hearing loss, but they aren’t a long-term strategy for your overall hearing health. When it comes to finding an audiologist in Denver Colorado who can help you live your best life, turn to Sound Relief Hearing Center. Their experienced audiologists perform several types of hearing tests on new patients to determine the type of hearing problems and the extent of the loss in hearing.

Once your audiologist determines which type of hearing difficulty you have, they can recommend treatment such as hearing aids or cochlear implants. The Denver ear associates use the latest techniques and technologies for treating audiological issues such as tinnitus and loss of hearing to help improve your overall hearing health. The best way to cope with hearing loss is to contact an audiology center at the first signs of compromised hearing.

Beyond that, here are a few life hacks, guaranteed to help you cope with any difficulties in your hearing.

Hear With the Correct Ear

A simple yet sensible life hack is to hear with the correct ear. Normally, you’d use both ears for maximum hearing, but with hearing impairments, it matters which ear you use for each situation. Turn your right ear to hear speech better, and turn your left ear to listen to music.

Pause and Think

It becomes a habit to say “what?” when a loss of hearing impacts your ability to register what someone else is saying. But, you can break that habit by pausing, and taking a moment, before speaking. Your brain is capable of using context clues to fill in any gaps when it has a moment to process. Get into the habit of using your surroundings, contextualizing the conversation, and then filling in the blanks whenever possible, before asking for something to be repeated.

Sound Masking

Tinnitus patients, who still have significant use of their hearing, use a process called sound masking as a tool to help minimize its effects. Background noise helps drown out the sounds of tinnitus and provide temporary relief from its associated discomfort. Use partial masking to help you focus by keeping the volume of the masking audio, lower than the volume of your tinnitus. Lowering the perceived volume of your tinnitus can help your brain and nervous system stop reacting negatively to sound.

High-Fidelity Ear Plugs

High-fidelity ear plugs are a must to protect your ears in loud environments when living with hearing difficulties. Traditional earplugs absorb and block out as much sound as possible. High-fidelity or musician’s earplugs have special filters that evenly reduce the decibel level of your surroundings. You can still listen to music, engage in conversations, and maintain situational awareness with high-fidelity earplugs at a lower volume.

Put Your Back Against the Wall

An interesting yet practical life hack for those with hearing issues is to sit with your back against a wall. This is helpful when having a conversation, especially if you are in a crowded or loud space. The wall will prevent ambient noise from behind you and bounce back sound waves instead of letting them dissipate.

Hearing loss may make you feel less confident, but there’s no reason not to dress to impress. Chico’s collection shop features new arrivals of the latest trends in women’s clothes. Makeover your wardrobe with casual dresses, little black dresses, blouses, jackets, matching handbags, jewelry, and other accessories.

Enter your email address when you shop women’s clothing online to receive additional coupons on final sale items and enjoy free shipping in the U.S. When you look, you feel good, even with hearing loss.

Try these life hacks if you are suffering from hearing loss and see how they can help you get through the day, better.

As a dog owner, you know the ins and outs of owning your pup. You love your dog more than anything, but there are definitely somethings that you could live without. One of these things is your pet’s waste.

If we’re being honest, the clean up of your dog no matter the bodily fluid isn’t exactly one of the perks to owning your pet. Luckily, there are services and ideas to consider that can help. Keep reading to explore four different ways to deal with pet waste.

1. Hire scoopers.

Arguably the best way to deal with pet waste is by hiring a pet waste removal service. This way, your arent even subjected to having to clean up after your pup. The last thing you want to do on your weekend off from work is to pick up your dog’s poop outside.

Instead of having to do this dirty work, you can hire professionals to remove the fecal matter for you. If you’re near the area, do a quick Google search for pet waste removal North Aurora Illinois. You’ll likely see services from Scoop Troop. They ensure your front and backyard is free of any dog poop so you can spend time over the weekends bonding with your pup instead of picking up their messes.

2. Consider other disposal options.

If you’re not partial to picking up your dog’s poop or having someone do it for you, you have other options. One of these less commonly known options is flushing your dog’s waste. Yes, you read that right.

Many owners put their pet’s waste in a water-soluble, flushable bag and put it down their own toilet. However, you need to make sure this coincides with local laws and that your septic tank can handle it to prevent sewage backup.

Another alternative is to bury your dog’s poop. With this option, you have to be mindful of nearby water sources as to not contaminate them. No matter which pet waste pickup option you chose, pet waste needs to be disposed of properly because it can spread harmful bacterias that cause illnesses.

3. Keep the interior clean.

You might be surprised to hear that animal waste is considered a biohazard. For example, if you move into a home with possible animal waste contaminants in the basement, you need to hire professional biohazard cleanup crews. To get safe protection from harmful residues, pathogenic substances, and biological contaminants, you’ll need to hire a cleanup company for biological cleanup in your home.

Qualified trained professionals will remove the hazardous materials and contaminants so that you can feel safe under protocols as a property owner. This animal waste could be from the previous owner’s pets, or it could be from rodents or other animals whose fecal matter is full of harmful viruses and microorganisms.

The same cleanup principle applies if your dog is the one who is causing excessive in-home waste or contamination. Along with pet waste, they also offer cleanup services for the basement like mold cleanup from water and possible chemical contaminants. Overall, it’s critically important to hire professionals for this sort of biohazard cleanup in the home so that you can have peace of mind that your cleanup process aligns with health regulations too.

4. Purchase eco-friendly cleanup tools.

When cleaning up after your pet becomes a chore, you can at the least, change the choices you make during your pickup. One thing to consider is how disposing of dog feces is not environmentally friendly. That’s exactly why you need to purchase these biodegradable dog waste bags. They’re much better than traditional plastic bags because they’re convenient and eco-conscious. However, you have to be careful with which brand of a doggie bag that you choose. Many of these bags tout being biodegradable, but there are some that outperform others.

All in all, your pet means the world to you. So when it comes time to clean up their messes, you’ll do what you have to. And, there’s an option out there for everyone. Whether you want to hire trained professionals for dog poop pick up, hire a biohazard company for the inside of your home, try out different waste cleanup ideas, you can get peace of mind as you care for your pet in whatever way works best for you.