Keeping your surroundings clean and free of dust and germs is essential. Most people undertake cleaning rituals as a part of their daily chores. However, without realizing it, they may be doing more harm than good while going about the cleaning tasks. These common cleaning mistakes we often make leave behind a trail of dirt, allergens, and grime. Here’s a list of eight things to avoid doing when cleaning your home: Reusing sponges without disinfecting Most of us reach out for the sponge without even thinking twice, especially when wiping kitchen countertops and bathroom sink tops. Sponges are good absorbers of grime, but they are also perfect for facilitating the growth of bacteria and other micro-organisms. When you repeatedly use the same sponge, it is easy for the bacterial growth to get transferred to your kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Such a mistake is common but one that can prove to be enormously costly. The solution is to use microfiber clothes to wipe these commonly exposed surfaces instead of a sponge. But if you love the sponge, make sure that you disinfect it from time to time. Also, ensure that you change the sponge or the microfiber cloth every month. Ignoring common touchpoints Every house has common touchpoints, like the door knobs or the taps.

With increasing sensitivity to allergens and rising pollution levels, air purifiers have become essential appliances. According to Bloomberg, the air purifier market will likely exceed $7 billion by 2032. This is not surprising at all, given how polluted the indoor environment can be, with the principal sources being dust, fires, car emissions, and cooking. Today you can find all kinds of purifiers, so here is all you need to know before buying one: Top air purifiers Here are some of the best options for your home: Levoit LV-H132 One of the top-rated purifiers, the LV H132 by Levoit, is compact and small, with a capacity for filtering up to 129 square feet. It has a HEPA filter (or high-efficiency particulate air filter) capable of eliminating 99.97% of pollen, dust, odor, smoke, pet dander, and mold spores. It promises an outstanding performance backed by features like a three-stage filtration arrangement consisting of a HEPA filter, an activated carbon filter, and a pre-filter. Additionally, it comes with three fan settings, allowing you to control the purifier’s volume and speed. Furthermore, it is so tiny that you can easily place it on your desk. Levoit VeSync Core 400S Smart air purifier While most top purifiers on this list effectively eliminate pollutants from the air, the VeSync Core 400S by Levoit goes one step further and allows you to check the air quality indoors as well as outdoors.

A vacuum cleaner is a great companion since it makes home or office cleaning efficient. But, buying the right one is not easy with multiple choices in the market. So, if you understand various factors such as the need, convenience, area and nature of your residence, product features, etc., it’ll help heaps. You will make a cost-effective purchase, one that’ll sustain for long. Here is a list of the most popular vacuums in the country: Upright vacuum cleaner from Shark APEX This one is a must as it is one of the best bagless cleaners that can clean carpets and floors with equal effectiveness. Also, it is sealed, implying that the dust retention power is better. Although, the sound levels are pretty low, but even in the absence of the bag, its capacity to filter out small particles is exceptional. The added advantage of this model is its easy-to-convert feature in a canister. This feature, along with its 30ft long cord, helps the cleaner reach out to shady nooks and corners, below the furniture, and other tricky spots or crevices. You will also love that the HEPA filter is washable, which means you have less stress of replacing it regularly.

Making the right choice on the first go can be challenging. Extensive research and consideration must be given to ensure one is choosing correctly. This applies when one is choosing a front door for their property. People do not just need to think about the property’s budget and esthetics. To avoid making the wrong decision , individuals need to consider certain commonly made mistakes and learn from other people’s mistakes. Mistakes to avoid Here are a few mistakes people make when selecting a front door: 1. Overlooking security features A commonly made mistake people need to stop when selecting front doors is not taking in the importance of security. While trying to find a door that fits the house entrance, look for one that provides the right kind of security. There is no point in finding a front door if it does not have any security benefits to add. Overlooking this important detail can put the property and the people living in it at a higher risk of break-ins, thefts, and other criminal activity. Multi-point locking system doors are a great choice for any kind of property. Homeowners can also consider installing added locks or reinforced metal door frames to improve their security prospects.

Buying a home can be a challenging experience. The process involves a decision with high stakes and the possibility of one making mistakes can be quite high. But, one can always learn from other people’s mistakes. A little research and planning can help one avoid potential pitfalls before finalizing and buying a new house. Spending enough time on it before than regretting the decision later is always the right choice. Not getting a pre-approved mortgage Some people start looking for homes before checking the loan amount they qualify for. This can put a huge dent in their plans later. It is advisable to start off with getting a pre-approved mortgage and then look for potential homes. This can homebuyers determine their affordability. They get to check the interest rate and loan amount they can qualify for. The process also lets people determine how much money they will have to pay upfront as a down payment and other closing costs. Having a pre-approved mortgage also lets the seller know that the homebuyer is serious. It lends one a competitive edge against other potential buyers. And since one is ready to purchase, some sellers might also be open to further negotiations. Further, do not stop with just one lender.

Even more challenging than buying a home is selling one. From the long list of tasks that need to be completed to the emotional attachments that one needs to let go of, there are many things one needs to consider when selling one’s home. Given the complexity of this transaction, it is common for people to make big mistakes when trying to sell their home, which could cost them a lot of money. 1. Trying to DIY the sale Real estate agents indeed ask for a hefty commission, anywhere between 5%-6% of the total price of the sale. While this can feel steep, these agents also bring in a lot of expertise that could ease the selling process, especially for first-time sellers. On the other hand, trying to go down the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) route could result in complicated paperwork and botched-up negotiations. This is why one must look for a good real estate agent who has the seller’s best interests at heart. They will help one set a competitive price for the home, manage the emotional aspect of meeting prospective buyers, and negotiate a better price. They are also well-versed in the paperwork involved in completing the sale, which can be crucial in preventing any delays or legal issues.

A home warranty is a service contract that offers financial cover for the wear and tear of a home’s appliances and systems. So, if something breaks down, the homeowner does not have to bear the cost of repairs. Rather, the warranty company will cover the expenses. But it is important to note that a home warranty does not cover all repairs. When signing the contract, one must take note of the exclusions. Cosmetic repairs Cosmetic repairs are made solely for aesthetics or to improve the home’s appearance. A home warranty does not cover such repairs. It only covers the cost of damages caused by normal wear and tear. For instance, if an oven breaks down or stops working during regular use, homeowners can expect the home warranty to cover the expenses. The contract will not cover the price of fixing scratches or dents on the oven because it counts as cosmetic repairs. Outdoor elements Another big thing a home warranty excludes is the cost of repairing fixtures outside the house. Examples are pools, spas, and septic systems. The contract may also leave out outdoor plumbing systems and their parts, like sprinklers, faucets, and valves. While most home warranty companies do not cover these things in their standard package, some offer add-ons that include outdoor elements.