The home is where the heart is. And just like with your heart, it’s really important to take care of it. However, there can be some things you do in the effort to maintain your house that might end up doing more harm than good. Here are a few things that may be unknowingly damaging your house.
Don’t Use Toilet Bowl Cleaner To Remove Grout
Toilet Bowl Cleaners contain acids that ill breakdown your grout and calk over time. You should leave that particular job to softer cleansing materials.
Don’t Spray Cleaners Directly Onto Surfaces
Spraying some cleaners directly onto a surface can leave a nasty film. Spray it on a paper towel first, then wipe it on the surface you’re cleaning.
Don’t Ignore Your Gutters
Dirts, leaves, and other debris can build up in your gutters. Your gutters help keep water off of your roof, so it’s important to keep them clear.
Don’t Let Vines Grow On Your House
Vines can house insects that might sneak into your home. Additionally, they can trap moisture that can ruin the integrity of your home’s walls.
Don’t Walk Around Wet
After you take a bath or shower, make sure you’re as dry as possible before leaving the bathroom. All of that water dripping from you can seep into your floor and cause it to become warped and buckled.
Clean Out Your Dishwasher Drain
Setting your dishwasher isn’t enough to clean it all the way. Sometimes, you’ll need to clean it yourself by cleaning out the filter at the bottom of the machine.
Trim Loose Tree Branches
Any trees nearby could prove a detriment to your home’s integrity if a storm hits. Check for any loose branches and trim them before this can happen.
Don’t Remove Parts Of Your Downspout
The downspout keeps water away from your home’s foundation. Removing it, or removing any parts of it, could render this purpose moot.
Don’t Put Your Grill Too Close To Your House
Every year, thousands of fires start because a grill was too close to the house during a barbecue. Don’t make the same mistake.
Always Use A Stud Finder
If you need to hammer in a nail to hang up a photo or do something else, don’t just go hammering away. Always hammer into a stud. A stud finder makes locating one much simpler.
Use Furniture Pads On Hardwood Floors
Heavy furniture can scratch hardwood floors if it slides around too much. Use furniture pads in order to prevent this.
Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace Regularly
Having a dirty fireplace or a congested chimney can decrease the air quality in your home. Make sure to regularly clean them to keep your home’s air quality up.
Don’t Use Mulch Close To Your Home
Mulch stores a lot of moisture, so keeping it that close to your house isn’t a good idea. Keep the mulch and any plants a little further out.
Use You Exhaust Fan
Every time you use the shower, you should make sure to turn on your exhaust fan. That’ll help to evaporate the excess water in the bathroom.
Don’t Pour Grease Down the Sink
Grease cannot be disposed like other fluids. If it’s simply poured down the drain it can harden in the pipes. Make sure to pour the grease into a separate receptacle to be disposed of later before cleaning whatever you removed the grease from.
Don’t Put Too Much Water On Hardwood Floors
As mentioned before, too much water on your hardwood floor can warp the wood over time. This can be done if you’re mopping the floor with too much water. Just try to make sure not to use to much when cleaning up.
Don’t Put The Toilet Bowl Scrubber Back In Its Holder Right After Use
Putting a moist object in a dark place where it can’t dry isn’t exactly the best idea. All that does it make it possible for mold to grow. Try placing it in another, more open receptacle to allow it to dry out before putting it back in its usual holder.
Don’t Leave Towels In The Bathroom
It may be more convenient, but leaving used towels in a moist environment isn’t the best decision. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Don’t Clean Your Dishwasher With Vegetable Oil
Vinegar can be used as a household cleaner, just not in the dishwasher. The plastic and rubber parts in the dishwasher can be harmed by vinegar’s high acidity.
Don’t Make Your Bed As Soon As You Wake Up
Making your bed immediately traps the moisture inside of it. Give it the chance to air out before you make your bed.
Don’t Let Rooms With Hardwood Stay Humid
To prevent the aforementioned moisture warping your hardwood floors, its best to invest in a dehumidifier. It’ll help keep your wooden floors nice and dry.
Don’t Use Bleach On Hardwood Floors
Bleach can be used on tiles and porcelain no problem, but not on wood. Bleach is strong enough to remove the polyurethane coating from it.
Don’t Leave The Blinds Open All The Time
Sunlight is good for the mind and body, but not your house. Constant exposure to the sun’s rays can damage your furniture. Just close your blinds when you’re not home or go to sleep.
Don’t Put Tea Or Coffee Down The Toilet
Tea and coffee can easily stain porcelain surfaces. Not that you should pour it down the toilet normally, anyway. Your best bet is to put the grounds or tea bags in a composting bin.
Don’t Use Plastic Cutting Boards
It’s actually a myth that plastic cutting boards are cleaner than wooden ones. They may start out that way, but as soon as scratches because visible in the cutting board, it will become a breeding ground for bacteria.
