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Thursday, October 11th, 2018
The Hooker Furniture Dining Room Skyline Server comes with a granite countertop.
Granite, as every homeowner would admit, can be a big deal when it comes to cleanups. Actually, if you take a closer look at it, it was just misinterpreted as a high maintenance material. But cleaning it can be a breeze if you know the correct steps and cleaning methods to employ.
Granite Countertop Cleanup
The right knowledge is key to proper cleanup. Don’t listen to all the confusing pieces of advice that you’ve been hearing about granite countertops. Some are, of course, spot on, but there are also those that are merely mythical.
Majority of the incorrect pieces of advice are because of generalizations. Some lack proper understanding, while others simply misinterpreting what should have been correct methods.
It is easy to be confused or even be frustrated. But don’t worry about countertop damage for now. What you need to do is to learn the ways that, from now on, you can care for your granite kitchen countertops or furniture with ease.
Granite Is Stone
Don’t experiment with the methods so you avoid the potential hassles, pitfalls, and headaches. Keep in mind that the granite flooring, counters or furniture are all made of stone. You are practically dealing with stone, the same kind that the Egyptian pyramids of old as well as the Roman Colosseum are made of.
Granite is a potential material that can last and even outlive you by hundreds if not thousands of years. This is evident in all the pyramids that have been previously erected. These are resilient and have even aged beautifully.
While these are so, stone is still just stone and it can also be damaged. The key to granite care now is to keep damages at bay, although, granite repair is also now possible. There is no special talent needed to clean this stone material. You can do this.
To Seal Granite, Or Not
Generally, every natural stone must be sealed. But before you do this, take note that there are some exceptions. There are some granite pieces that no longer require sealing.
There is still so much confusion when it comes to granite sealing. First, how does one know if the granite on hand needs to be sealed? How should this be sealed? What granite sealer is right for the slab that you have? How frequently should granite be resealed?
The Do’s and Don’t’s
There are bad habits that you might do which could result in limestone, marble, travertine, quartz, soapstone, or even granite damage.
Do blot the spills right away especially for acidic substances like fruit juices, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, and many types of sodas. These might not cause etching as they would do with marble but they could stain the granite surface.
You also need to clean the surface with a soft cloth or a sponge. Use granite or natural stone cleaner. Hot water can also be used for quick cleanups. Do not repeatedly use dish soap because it could make the granite surface duller. While dish soap can be used sporadically, it might strip the countertop of its lovely shine if you keep using it so it is best to use another cleaner.
Use coasters under all of your bottles, glasses, and those cold soda cans. While granite won’t etch, it is good practice to use coasters to prevent mishaps.
Hot pans and pots should have trivets underneath them. Doing so will keep the granite from having thermal shock. Cracking may be rare but it is best to keep this possibility at bay.
If the damage does happen, don’t fret. Granite damages can now be repaired although, of course, it is best to prevent them from happening in the first place.
Tags: granite, granite care, granite maintenance, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Easy Granite Care Made Possible
Tuesday, August 28th, 2018
iComfort® by Serta Mattresses Epic™
What facial expression do you make when you hear about bed bugs? That’s right, they’re worth a thousand blench. And, yes, these pests need to be eradicated right away but they are so good at surviving because they crawl, jump, and they can even fly. So what needs to be done?
Know Your Enemy
It is important that you get to know what you’re up against. These little oval insects feed on the blood of warm-blooded animals. Humans are warm-blooded, ergo, they get fed on. These can also live in any area in your home, not just your bedroom. So check out for them in those tiny cracks and textiles.
Bed bugs love to infest box springs, mattresses, and bed frames, though. It’s because they are nocturnal creatures that are most active during the night.
Fortify Your Home
Very first on the list is this – do not buy second-hand furniture. Invest only in the best kinds of mattresses and be sure to protect these with a cover that will encase the box springs and the mattress itself. High-quality encasement is able to resist tearing, thus, the possibility of a bed bug infestation.
Say Goodbye to Clutter
Treat clutter like an enemy. And this enemy of yours is the best friend of bed bugs since they tend to live in dirty areas. Be wary of those crevices and cracks but be more wary of keeping the clutter to zero. Plus, having less to zero clutter means the problem can be easier to solve when the exterminators finally come.
Another way to keep your bedroom and the rest of your home clean is to frequently vacuum. While this is not a hundred percent effective in getting rid of bed bugs, still, it is an equipment that can capture majority of these pests’ population.
Vigilance in Laundering
You have to be very vigilant when you’re sharing laundry facilities. Use plastic bags in transporting the items that are about to be washed. If there is already an infestation in your home, then be sure to use a new plastic bag when you go home.
If you live in a multi-family facility, then be sure to isolate your space with door sweeps and sealing crevices and cracks. And if you can, invest in a mobile heating chamber in order to treat items that are probably infested.
The Anti-Bed Bug Mattress
Now let’s just be clear here. There isn’t a single mattress that’s a hundred-percent bed bug-free. It’s because these insects can sleep in almost virtually anything – in seams, tufts, and even under your sheets.
But, here’s the thing, it has been observed that highly dense materials such as those used on latex and memory foams keep the bed bugs out of the center of the mattress. Also, it pays that you purchase a good cover for your mattress. The best covers can even help you spot an infestation (although, let’s hope this is prevented rather than treated) and even contain them while waiting for the exterminators to arrive.
Here’s the thing – bed bugs hate certain chemicals and heat so you could go straightaway to professional extermination.
Let’s Shop
If you’re thinking of buying a memory foam mattress, then you have to know that there’s a lot of them out there. The traditional memory foam is the one that’s designed to provide a cradling support that decreases stress on joints while also enhancing circulation.
The open cell type responds more quickly so you don’t feel like sinking when you lie down at night. The gel memory foam is best at dispersing heat.
You may also consider shopping for latex, high quality innerspring, and natural fiber mattresses.
Tags: bed bug prevention, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Bedroom Design, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Solving the Bed Bug Problem…For Good
Thursday, August 23rd, 2018
Fine Furniture Design Summer Home Poster Queen Bed.
So what are the most common types of clutter in your home?
Clothes?
Your kids’ toys?
Or books, perhaps?
No matter, clutter is clutter and since it’s summer, you might as well do some summer cleanup.
Summer signifies the acquisition of too many stuff. This is that season when people tend to own a lot more. This is also that time when out-of-town guests leave some of their items and also when the past holidays have left celebratory stuff.
Summer can also be the time to prepare for events and to hold them in your home. Since most people are up and about and are so busy, they tend to be less inclined to do the cleanup. But this should not be the case in your household.
It is time to say no to summer clutter.
Bye-Bye Books
Whether you’re cleaning up your eBooks or your literal book pile in your home, it’s time to accept the fact that you don’t get to read all these books anyway so it’s time to throw or give away some of them.
Now, let’s face those bookshelves holding your to-be-read file. Be honest with this file. And actually read the books that you include on this list. For those that you won’t really read anyway, just have them donated. Some people will be more blessed to have them and actually read them.
Do you have duplicate copies of certain books? Then it’s time to keep just the one that you want. As for the tattered books, well, they’re not just not good for Feng Shui but also a complete eyesore. It’s time to have them replaced. Bookshelves look unkempt with such books included in your collection.
Farewell to Vacay Purchases
So that wide-brimmed hat is not going to be a regular part of your wardrobe, right? Then it’s time to have someone else enjoy it. What about those sunscreen sprays? Have you, somehow, managed to create a collection of different bottles and tubes?
It’s summer but it’s also the time to let go of these used and possibly even empty products and other stuff. Pick the ones that you will still surely use then say goodbye to all of the rest.
Goodbye to Memorabilia Posers
There is real memorabilia and there are those that are just posing to be memorabilia such as ticket stubs, menus, foreign money, etc. Learn to categorize the real mementos and those that just become garbage.
Most of the time, the drawers are homes to these kinds of stuff. These items tend to co-exist with the office items. Let go of those receipts, shoe laces, book tags, bag tags, hotel key cards, and even broken cell phones and necklaces.
Take a few minutes to review these items in the drawer then get a black bag and say bye-bye.
Kitchen Cleanup
You’re going to be busy in your kitchen so you might as well prep for those taxing days ahead. Prep that grill by having it cleaned and brushed. Make sure also that the utensils have been thoroughly cleaned. Check also your cooking equipment and appliances – the oven, refrigerator, stove, baking tools, etc.
Remember the Garage
How about a summer cleanup in your garage? Maybe this site only gets cleaned during spring and it’s high time that you change that. Always begin cleaning from the top then work your way down to the garage floor.
Find a broom to remove cobwebs and to clean the lighting fixtures. Check also if the windows and garage door already need to be oiled.
Store Other Season Gears
Time to pack those coats, scarves, and sweaters now that the sun is out and shining. You could vacuum pack these stuff until that moment when you will need them again.
Tags: decluttering, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer cleanup, summer declutter, summer decluttering
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Summer Season | Comments Off on 6 Super Hot Summer Decluttering Tips
Friday, July 6th, 2018
Fine Furniture Design’s Summer Home Collection
Summer is a lot more than the perfect time to go to the beach and enjoy some picnics or a barbecue with your family. This can also be the time to have some items taken off your maintenance checklist. Take note, though, that summer is a season for relaxing so you might feel a bit of resistance when it comes to cleaning up during this season.
First Day Cleanup: Cooling Units and Detectors
The first day does not have to be a difficult one. You can check on your detectors (smoke, home timers, and carbon monoxide detectors) and replace their batteries. You can also use a damp cloth or rag to clean the ceiling, fans, vents, dryer and washer units.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also clean the air-conditioning units by replacing the filters. This simple cleanup task could result in reduced energy bills.
Second Day Cleanup: The Kitchen
You can then proceed to conquer the kitchen. You can dust off the condenser coils and clean also the range hood and the filter. Don’t let dust and grease accumulate as these can cut short the lifespan of a range hood fan or any electrical appliance for that matter.
Deep clean the kitchen this summer by disinfecting the food prep surfaces and getting rid of spattered grease and dirt on your oven. As you clean up these appliances, though, make sure that you protect your eyes and skin as you use the correct kind of clothing. Wear long-sleeved clothing, rubber gloves, and safety goggles.
Use green alternatives as much as you can. Instead of chemicals, try using baking soda and other such natural cleaning agents.
Third Day: The Bathroom
As soon as you have tackled the kitchen, it’s time to go to the bathroom. Use efficient means to clean this part of your home. Get rid of toothpaste dribbles, grime, scum, and just about every type of bathroom dirt that you could find.
Find an all-purpose bathroom cleaner that can remove film and light soil. For the hardened type of deposits, use a scrubber or abrasive cleaners that can be easily rinsed. Use green homemade cleaners if you can’t handle formulated bleach cleaning agents.
Spray and let stand. This time will allow the soap scums and oils to dissolve. You will then need less energy to clean up and remove the rest. Scrub with a toothbrush on the nooks and crannies while the good bowl brush should do the trick on the toilet.
After all these cleanup, disinfect and leave some deodorizing agents.
Fourth Day: The Outdoors
It’s summer! You have all the time in the world to clean up any outdoors part of your home. Turn the heat up on the gas grills and allow it to burn for about half an hour. Once this cools, scrub with a grill brush.
As for the charcoal grills, empty it out and then clean with a soapy, lukewarm sponge. Clean the deck and porch while you’re at it. Sweep the porch then mop where there’s more dirt to clean up. As for the deck, roofing, and other outdoor structures, look for damages made worse by leaks, termites, etc.
Check also the irrigation systems for your plants. Remove any dead trees or plants and make sure that there is ample mulch to keep the weeds at bay.
Fifth Day: Thorough Checkup
When you’re done with the deep cleaning, it’s time to go through the interiors and outdoors once again. Recheck for leaks, mildew, mold, cracks, holes, and even excessive moisture in some crawlspaces. You may not be able to get rid of every single problem this summer but doing your best will definitely make a huge difference.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, summer cleaning, summer cleaning checklist, summer cleaning tips, summer cleanup
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Summer Season | Comments Off on The Five-Day Summer Cleanup
Wednesday, May 16th, 2018
Rachael Ray Home by Legacy Classic Furniture Accessories Dog Bed with Cushion
Have you ever given a thought as to why your family owns a dog, cat, rabbit or caged lovebirds? If you’re a parent, then you can attest to the love that children show to their pets. Large or small, these animals offer companionship to everyone in the family, hence, they deserve to share your home with you.
When you’re just about to buy a pet, then you know that there are many things to consider before you take home that fur baby. First you need to ask yourself whether you’re ready for the daily exercise, cleaning routines, and feeding schedules that you’re about to sign up to.
If you believe that you have these all figured out, then it’s time to consider how the pet(s) will affect your habitat. Would you like to share your home to a furry friend and make this experience a harmonious one?
Learn to Customize
You’re about to add some Day-Glo beds and some paw print designs. Whatever theme you end up choosing for your furry one, be sure to prioritize its comfort. A blanket box can be easily converted to the new cat bed while kitchen drawers can become the feeding station. You can get creative as you welcome your home’s newest member.
Be Sure to Match
Match what, you might ask. Take a very careful look throughout your home then find out what needs to be changed. If you want to take home a black dog then you should not dwell with the pale surroundings. It’s time to shop around for the color that will match or at least best conceal the fur of your incoming family member.
Pick a Flexible Sofa
Remember that dogs and cats love to get up to their master’s couch. These furry creatures will surely keep trying to go up your seat. You may want to rethink that leather couch decision and go for the distressed look for now.
Many pet owners can attest to the durability of micro fiber textiles and Sunbrella. Such textiles are a lot easier to clean and they also wear so well.
Feature ‘Em
Fish tanks are now a pretty addition to a living area. They’re not just the home for your pet fish but also an amazing decorative element that does not even try so hard to be noticed. The right size and style of aquarium could even become the focal point in a room.
Be Mindful
You are taking home a family friend or a family member so it is best to pick a spot where the bird or the cat can dwell without having to suffer from scented candle aromas, cooking fumes, and such. Even cigarette smoke can be fatal to many birds so be careful in setting up the cage.
The Importance of Vacuum
You would soon regard the vacuum as your new best friend. This is best used for feathers and fur that are sticking onto the carpet, area rug and the couch. There are now pet vacuums that come with modified accessories. These come with extra suction power as well as filtration systems that are made especially for fur or feather cleanup.
If the vacuum comes with a bag, be sure to pop in a moth ball or a wool ball that’s infused with a drop or two of essential oils.
Expect Scratches
If you have hardwood flooring, then you cannot expect your life to be sublime. You will see scratching as the months and years pass so it is best to cover the areas that you wouldn’t want to be damaged. Use porcelain tiles that come in a wooden style so that you’d still have the ingrained effect minus the skids and scratches.
Tags: interior design for pets, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pet interior design, pet-friendly home
Posted in Accents, Accessories, Decorative Elements, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on Is Your Home Pet-friendly?
Monday, May 7th, 2018
The transition of the ceiling paint down to the four walls is simply sublime. Featured here is the Bridgeport Pencil Post Queen Bed from the American Cherry Collection of Fine Furniture Design.
One of the most neglected parts of a house is the ceiling. This is no less than the fifth wall of a structure so more thought should be given to its design. When you are designing or redecorating, it’s high time that you consider also the ceiling color. This should be a part of your color palette since the ceiling plays a huge role with regard to the overall look and feel of a room.
Light or Dark?
Picking a dark or light color has the power to change the ambiance in a room. Lighter colors tend to make rooms appear bigger while darker hues tend to do the opposite. The fusion of colors, whether you chose light or dark, can have a long-term effect on your home so better choose well.
Big rooms with higher ceilings have a tendency to feel unbalanced or even cold. Most of the time also, the furniture that occupy the room still tend to leave a lot of empty space.
The right paint color can bring that high ceiling down, visually at least. Use rich or medium deep hues like chocolate brown so that the ceiling becomes more personalized. This dark ceiling could also easily become the new focal point, as the eyes are taken away from the sparse furnishings.
For small rooms or those that come with low ceilings, it is easy for the ambiance to feel cramped or even stuffed. Here, you can use light colors in opening up the space. The secret to a successful ceiling painting job when this is the scenario is to keep the contrast between the colors of the ceilings and walls to a bare minimum.
If you have to do white ceilings, then you’re on the right track. This is a hue that goes with any color and it is also effective in reflecting the light (natural or man-made). Using monochromatic colors also allows the ceiling to blend with the walls and the rest of the room.
DIY Ceiling Painting
Tobacco smoke, roof leaks, and huge spills can leave the ugliest ceiling stains. These are difficult to conceal with mere paint. You can begin by covering the stains with a primer. Use the regular white pigmented shellac. There are spray cans of this shellac although it is much easier to brush it on the ceiling.
Do not forget to get denatured alcohol or ammonia when you clean your brush. Make sure to paint with this shellac prior to painting using latex.
Over time, also, the paint layers could add up and they become bumpy looking. When this is the case, it is best to sand with a 100-grit sanding paper. This ensures a smooth painting project on the ceiling. This will also ensure that the paint will bond easily. Once you’re done sanding, use a damp sponge to wipe the ceiling just so you can remove dust particles.
The next step is to cut in before rolling. Paint using a brush along the ceiling edges. Do this one section at a time – remember cut then roll, cut and roll.
To get the best results, buy paint that is especially formulated for ceiling application. You would want paint that would not spatter and one that dries more slowly. You would also want a flat paint instead of the glossy one. If you’re tired of the standard white ceiling, you can always ask for a different tint.
When painting the walls, too, it is best to lap the colors a bit. Don’t just mash the two colors onto the corners because this would result in a sloppy job. It is best to cut-in and mash the roller to the corners instead.
Tags: ceiling paint, ceiling painting, how to paint the ceiling, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, painting the ceiling
Posted in Color Schemes, Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Whys and Hows of Painting the Ceiling
Tuesday, April 17th, 2018
Be sure to disassemble the Cambrion Occasional Wall Bookcase (24″) and other such furniture prior to moving day.
Moving home incorporates many tasks. The closer you get to the moving day, the easier it could be to lose your momentum. This is a shocking truth for so many people, even the most organized ones. This is why you have to find an experienced professional moving company which can help ease the stress during this time.
Here are some things that you need to check out before the actual day –
Utility Company and Insurance Provider Notification
You need to inform your insurance provider as well as the utility company of the date when you’re supposed to be moving. This heads up is so they can discontinue the service that’s provided at your current address. You also need to inform them of your current address.
Read the meter right on the moving day. Pass this to the suppliers so that they will be able to send you your final bill.
Forward Post
You also need to inform the postal company regarding a mail redirection. Have your mails forwarded to the new address. If not, then arrange a day when you can pick up the post right from the postal office.
Plan
Most movers offer furniture disassembling. If you require this service, then be sure to mention it beforehand. Have this service included in your quote. The appliances must also be professionally disconnected. Such appliances include the driers and washers.
Proper disconnection will ascertain that no water leaks will result. The mover can make sure of this for you or they can hire a third party to finish this task.
Next, clean your home. Just because you have been busy packing in boxes doesn’t mean that you’ll just leave the house unclean. Also, cleaning prior to the moving day will help reduce the stress that you’d feel during the D-day.
Remove all wall-mounted things. Uninstall all drapery rods, paintings, and towel bars.
Don’t forget the keys. The moving day can get so demanding that you end up forgetting the keys that you’re supposed to leave for your buyers. And just as important as these keys, you also need to organize the boxes for your records and other important documents.
Don’t get lost during the moving day. Be sure to memorize the route and to plan how you would travel to that destination. As much as possible, use a route that does not have too many low bridges or sharp corners – remember your removal company that will use a large truck.
Be sure to organize the boxes according to the rooms wherein they will be unpacked. You can either color-coordinate or label the boxes. Organizing before the movers arrive is another good way of keeping unnecessary stress at bay.
Go through the boxes one more time before you tape them up. This is so you know that you’ve packed all the things that you need. Take note of the things that could break or spill.
Moving Day Checklist
Now, here’s a checklist that can make your moving day a lot simpler –
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, movers, moving day
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on Moving Day 101
Thursday, March 8th, 2018
Featured furniture pieces are from the Biltmore Collection of Fine Furniture Design.
Don’t you just love spring? This is your chance to draw the curtains and eventually open all of your windows. This is your chance to feel the breeze once more and to enjoy the streaming sunlight. So go ahead and let the fresh air in and start prepping for your spring cleaning 2018.
Here are the zones and things that you need to clean in the –
Foyer
It’s time to dust the lighting fixtures. They’ve been hard at work during winter so it’s time to clean them up. This is also the perfect time to wash the trim and walls. Clean also the knobs, doors, as well as the switch plates.
Dust the bench and other furnishings. If your seats come with cushions, then this is also the time to have them laundered.
Go and check the closets. The best way to tackle this is to empty it out. Sort the stuff you are ready to give or throw away.
Bedrooms
Right after opening the windows, it’s time to get down and dust the furniture especially the bed. Have the drawers cleaned out. Remove the items then place them back only once you’ve donated those that you no longer need and use.
Move the bed then sweep and vacuum beneath it. Check also the stuff that you store underneath your bed.
Have the curtains and bedding removed and replaced with fresh ones. Wash the duvet and pillows, too. Air out the mattress so you won’t have to worry about bed bugs.
Living Room
After letting in some breeze into the room, it’s time to vacuum the seats. Spot clean as much as possible. Dust all the shelves, decorative items, and furniture. Clean all the lamps, window sills, windows, and window screens.
Clean the electronic items as well and be sure to tidy up the wires. Spring is also the perfect time to sort your DVDs and music collections. Purge all the items that are no longer needed or wanted. Donate all the books and magazines that no longer suit anyone’s interest.
As for the toys, be sure to wash each of them with warm, soapy water. Rinse then allow to dry. As for the stuffed toys, have them dry cleaned. Again, donate those that your kids no longer play with.
Clean all the floors as well as the walls, trim, knobs, even the vent covers.
Dining Room
As for the dining room, you should take down and wash the curtains. Wipe the tables and chairs then dust every furnishing. If there are cushions or chair pads, be sure to clean those, too.
If you have time, polish the table then create a lovely spring vignette to welcome the upcoming season.
Shine the silverware and glassware.
Bathroom
Just like you did with all the other rooms, open the windows and empty all of the cabinets. Be sure to replace all the items that have been used or are expired. Wipe and clean the cabinets and vanities. Be sure to clean the bathtub and apply some wax if necessary.
Clean the shower drain as well as the drains on the sinks. Check the faucets and see if everything is working. Shine each one just as much as you clean and make the mirror shine.
Dust all the bathroom lighting fixtures. Reseal any grout lines that need a little retouching.
Kitchen
Just after opening the windows, remove and clean the window coverings. Check the drawers and cabinets then remove items that no longer have any use. Place any items back that you would still use.
Be sure to sharpen the knives and to clean and organize the rest of the cutlery. Clean also the stove top and remove any elements that just clutter the fridge and your freezer.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, preparing for spring, preparing for spring cleaning, spring, spring cleaning
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Spring Season | Comments Off on The 2018 Spring Cleaning Checklist
Wednesday, January 31st, 2018
Hooker Furniture Dining Room Studio 7H Stol Upholstered Arm Chair: As the saying goes, cleanliness is close to godliness so you might as well take the time to declutter in your own home.
There Internet is recently bombarded with a trend called organization porn. This has nothing to do with pornography or anything that is lascivious in nature. This is actually something appealing since it requires organization skills and well-curated art pieces that are used as everyday items. A gorgeously minimalist living room is an example of a well-organized space.
So what are the general reasons why you might not be able to clean up the mess in your home? Many homeowners stress over these things and, perhaps, there is a solution for these common woes –
There is simply too much clutter. As everyone goes through life, we tend to pick up objects that are not necessarily needful. For example, the Christmas balls that were used two years ago (because you wanted to have a different-colored tree last Christmas) are now dumped in the attic. They’re there together with your extra waffle iron and blow dryer.
To solve this dilemma, stop being attached to material stuff. If you are keeping them for sentimental reasons, then just take a photograph then file the photographs and do not hoard the stuff. Give away the stuff that other people could still use.
You don’t have ample time to clean up. You might think that this is a pretty valid reason to have a less than ideal home but it is not. While it may take a lot of time to organize just a single room, the simple solution is always to take it one day at a time.
You don’t have to finish the task that same day. If the room has accumulated a lot of unused stuff over the last months, then you logically should not expect to have it cleaned up in just a few hours.
Don’t even be tempted to give up.
You don’t know what clean feels anymore. Perhaps you have spent so many months or years slipping into the bad habit of not cleaning up. The sad result is that your house is no longer clean and presentable. You could, again, be tempted to just leave the clothes on the floor or to have the coat rack take on more than it could bear – but just don’t.
To solve this never-ending loop of bad habits, remember that a clean home is tantamount to being physically and mentally healthy. So spend enough time to keep your home clean all the time.
A Positive Effect
It has been studied that people who have clean homes tend to be healthier than people who have unorganized habitats. Associate professor Nicole R. Keith, Ph.D. of Indiana University pointed out the health risks that can be prevented with a clean home. Imagine not having to worry too much about heart disease since you live in a clean home.
Another study that was published in 2010 in a scientific journal also proved the connection between depression and a dirty home. According to the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, women who lived in cluttered homes showed higher levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
The Princeton University also came up with its own study wherein the visual cortex was found to be overwhelmed by irrelevant objects. When this happens, it is observed that the subjects became less focused and had a shorter attention span.
Another amazing effect of decluttering is that people with clean homes tend to choose healthier lifestyles. Since clutter tends to stress the brain, it has been observed that people resort to stress-eating when they are placed in an equally stressful environment.
Sleeping better and being more productive are also other benefits that you can expect from keeping your home clean. If from now on, you would want to stay in shape, then you have to create a list of goals to keep you motivated. Plan your cleanup regimen and set realistic goals.
Tags: declutter, decluttering, decluttering benefits, decluttering tips, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101 | Comments Off on How Decluttering Can Change Your Life
Tuesday, January 16th, 2018
Uttermost Accessories Driftwood Candleholders S/2 18775: Display your scented candles in these lovely, rustic pieces.
Every home has its own odors. This is a combination of the odors of the furniture, people that live there, perfume, after-shave cologne, and even the food that’s cooked there. Most of the time, these are just the aroma of food and other pleasant smells but there are also moments when a part of the house just smells bad.
The Funky Garbage Odor
If you don’t know how to properly dispose of your garbage then you’d probably have awful odors soon. Don’t put the onion peelings, potato skins, banana peelings, and leftover foods down the disposal. These could lead to a plumbing issue overtime since they begin to decay and they could smell pretty awful.
Keeping your disposal odor-free can be as easy as grinding some ice then sprinkling it at the disposal. Use running water after then continue to grind.
You can also put a stopper then add a three-inch deep warm water. Mix a handful of baking soda then turn the disposal on. Of course, pull the stopper before you do this. The sucking motion should pull the mixture into the disposal unit, cleaning everything in its path.
If your problem, however, are your garbage cans, then you can mix a cleaning solution using warm water and white vinegar. Let the solution sit in the can for a few minutes before you dump the contents of the can. For extra smelly garbage, use coffee grounds which are best for neutralizing smells.
Pet Odors
Cat or dog odors can be a tough task. If you want to get rid of any wet dog smell or cat odors, then you would need a bit more of patience since these scents can become embedded in fibers. Find a dry product which you can sprinkle throughout the affected areas. It should be able to absorb the odors. Vacuum it all up later after you let the dry cleaning product sit for a few minutes.
As for smelly dogs (of course you won’t be able to eradicate the odors indoors if your pet smells bad all the time), ask your vet for any cologne that won’t harm his fur.
Cigar Smoke Odors
Did you notice that cigarette smoke is so difficult to keep at bay? Even when you request your guests to smoke outside, it seems that the smoky odors still seep through into your home.
Here’s a fix – pour some white vinegar on a hand towel. Wring out the extra vinegar. Now, take the towel throughout your house then swing the towel in the air. This should eradicate the smell of smoke in that particular area without you breathing in harmful cleaning chemicals.
The Uttermost Accessories Nicia Bronze Candleholder can also be used as a potpourri holder.
Sweat Odors
We all know the odors that dirty clothes give off. These stink so bad especially the workout clothes. To ascertain that these smell would not come out of the wash area, use half a cup of washing soda on your laundry. This should directly take the odors off the garments.
Smelly Bathroom
No one would want to go into a stinky bathroom. Here’s a natural recipe that will freshen up this part of your home –
Three parts water
One part vodka (the cheap type)
10 to 20 drops of essential oil like citrus, eucalyptus or lavender.
Here are other DIY diffuser and candle recipes –
The Reed diffuser can be made with ¼ cup of carrier oil (or a third of distilled water)
Add 25 drops of essential oil
Add alcohol then stir. Add the mixture to the measuring cup or jar. Insert the reeds or sticks into this jar.
The lilac room spray can last for a couple of weeks. You may want to do this scent yourself by mixing vodka, water, and lilac fragrance oil. Put the mixture into a spray bottle and spray throughout the bathroom or any smelly room in your home.
Tags: different home odors, getting rid of home odors, home odors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings
Posted in Home Maintenance, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on How to Get Rid of Awful Odors in Your Home
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