Published on: 28 March 2019
Last Updated on: 04 November 2024
The lighting you choose for every room in your home impacts the overall mood and appearance of the space. In the same way that light from the sun energizes your body, the light coming from bulbs inside your house will also affect your focus and energy. Therefore, in choosing lighting fixtures for your home, you need to consider the purpose of each room and the most suitable lighting to install.
How to Choose LED Lights for Every Room in Your Home:
1. Brightness and color of LED lights:
There are LED bulbs that emit blue light which helps increase focus and alertness. Those that emit yellow light, on the other hand, induces a feeling of relaxation and calmness. LED bulbs with lower temperatures typically produce a warmer, yellow light and in contrast, lamps with higher temperatures have a cool white glow similar to the appearance of daylight.
2. LED lights for bedrooms:
Bedrooms are supposed to be more relaxed and peaceful. In choosing an LED bulb to retrofit a bedroom, look for bulbs with a color temperature from 2,700 to 3,000 K. These tend to be warmer and produce a calming atmosphere. If you are unable to fit an entire room with new LED bulbs, you can retrofit an old lighting fixture using an LED bulb that is compatible with the existing installation such as an E27 LED bulb.
3. LED lights for a home office:
In a home office, you will want lighting that helps in maximizing productivity. As mentioned earlier, LED lights with a touch of blue help you feel more alert and awake. That is why in most office and commercial spaces, bright white LED lights mimicking daylight are often used. In selecting a place for installing LED bulbs, make sure that these are not directly above computer screens to avoid unwanted shadows or glare.
4. LED lights for living rooms:
The living room is typically a multi-purpose space used in entertaining and relaxing. As such, there needs to be a mixture of light sources to create the proper atmosphere and ambiance depending on the occasion. As much as possible, avoid bright LED lights for living rooms and try to incorporate features such as dimmer switches and spotlights. If you will be adding adjustable spotlights or recessed downlights, install them near walls and corners to avoid shadows.
5. LED lights for dining rooms and kitchens:
Dining room lighting should not be too bright as it can be too distracting to the diners. Install LED lights with warmer temperature and dimmable features to adjust the ambiance of the room according to the time of day. On the other hand, kitchen lighting needs to be functional; thus, blue-light LED bulbs are perfect for kitchens.
Adjustable spotlights are also perfect if you want them over specific work areas so that you can concentrate bright light only when needed. If you have a breakfast bar or a small dining area in the kitchen, make sure that there is separate lighting overhead to have a layered lighting scheme that complements the purpose of each area.
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It is highly important to clean your mattress on a regular basis. This is because mattresses could become a breeding ground for dust mites, stains, and bad odor. None of which we would want in our homes. Since we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, it’s only proper that the mattress we’re sleeping on is clean.
But mattress cleaning may prove to be an intimidating task, especially if you do not know what to do. Do you wash it or dry it out? What cleaning agents will you use? Are you using the right cleaning techniques? The questions are endless – and overwhelming, too. After all, no one would want to damage an expensive mattress.
To help you out, we have compiled a few tips to make the mattress cleaning experience a lot less daunting. Read on and find out.
Suck Up the Dirt :
Vacuuming your mattress is perhaps one of the easiest ways available to clean it. It may also be one of the most convenient ways. First remove your pillow top, sheets, pillows, and blankets. After doing so, you may then proceed to vacuum your mattress. This will:
Remove any crumbs that may have accumulated from late-night snacking sessions or from movie marathons.
Take off any pet hair that may have stuck to the mattress after letting your pet sleep in the same bed as you.
Remove any dust that has formed since the last time you took the time to clean your mattress.
Nearly every house would have a vacuum cleaner for general cleaning purposes. If yours does not, then consider getting one, as it is quite a good investment. It makes cleaning not only the rooms of your house a breeze, but it is a big help in cleaning your mattress as well, keeping it as comfortable as possible.
Easy Spot Cleaning :
The next thing you can do to clean your mattress is to spot clean it. The type of stains present on a mattress will vary from person to person. Likewise, the best ways to clean these stains vary as well. Here is a quick list of what you should use when you get an unsightly stain on your mattress:
Water: Water is a safe bet. It is cheap and safe to use on absolutely everything. It is good as an immediate treatment to prevent stains from setting. It also lessens the effect of dyes but is not 100% effective.
Detergents: These can be used for most situations, especially for grease stains. Commonly, people have detergents for laundry and dishwashing at their disposal. You must be careful with the latter, as it could damage the fabric on the mattress.
Salt: This one can be found in almost every household. It is effective in removing sweat or deodorant stains. It is also good in lessening red wine and bloodstains.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice: These two are amazing tools for removing coffee and tea stains. People have also found them effective against grass stains as well as tape and glue residue.
Bleach: Bleach is effective in removing dyes. This means that it is a good bet for make-up and grass stains. This should be used in moderation, as it can damage more delicate mattresses.
People also rely on a combination of hydrogen peroxide, liquid detergent, and baking soda. Simply spray the mixture on a stain and spot clean away. Another easy combination is that of lemon juice and salt. Spread this on a stain and leave it on for at least half an hour. Afterward, just wipe it off.
Remove Foul Odors :
The third step we suggest for the mattress-cleaning process is deodorizing. There are multiple, easy ways for you to do this.
Air Dry: Perhaps the easiest and most convenient way to do when you want to deodorize. Simply leave it in the heat of the sun for a couple of hours. This will remove any foul odors and naturally kill bacteria as well.
Baking Soda: Simply sprinkle this stuff on your mattress and leave it be for a couple of hours. It is a natural deodorizer that also kills germs. After it has done its job, just vacuum off the excess on the mattress.
Lavender: A bit of an extra step, but has proven to be worth it. It does not only remove unwanted odors from your mattress, it also adds a relaxing scent that will help you get a better night’s sleep every night.
While each one of these suggestions is effective in their own right, doing all three would help you achieve better sleep. It may take some more effort on your part, but it will all be worth it.
Clean Your Sheets :
Washing your sheets is another important step in this process. It’s not enough that your mattress is clean; your sheets should be, too. It is always a good idea to clean your sheets regularly as this would prevent stains from seeping through to the mattress. This will also remove unsightly stains and foul odors. Together with a clean mattress, this will help you wake up more relaxed and energized.
When doing this, it is important to remember the following :
The washing machine is your best friend when it comes to washing bulky sheets. A dryer would also help deodorize and kill bacteria with its heat.
Read care labels so that you do not cause damage to your sheets especially on sensitive fabrics. Some detergents are very strong and may actually do more harm than good. Some may even make the stain spread instead of removing it.
It would not hurt to use a scented detergent to wash sheets. Just know how much and which brand to use. As mentioned before, lavender is a good scent for some more peaceful sleep.
It is recommended that sheets be washed at least once a week. If this is not possible, then at least make sure to change them.
Protect Your Mattress :
Lastly, we would recommend you to protect your mattress. A lot of manufacturers offer mattress covers nowadays. They help prevent future stains from getting on the mattress itself. Not only that, some of them even make the bed more comfortable. As an added bonus, they can easily be thrown in the washing machine with the sheets.
And On That Note…
While this task may seem like it is too much, it really is not. This also has a lot more benefits than just removing stains. If you haven’t tried doing it and you’re scared of trying, ask someone who can help you out. Additionally, a wealth of information is available on the internet. Sometimes, the answers to your questions are a mere mouse click away.
Cleaning your mattress on a regular basis is important. This would help keep germs at bay and remove foul odors. This will also increase your mattress’s longevity. Your mattress will keep you comfortable for as long as possible. All of this would lead to you getting a better night’s sleep in the long run.
Take the first step today and you will thank yourself later. You invested quite well on that mattress; make that investment well worth it. Take good care of your mattress and it will take good care of you.
Read More :
Natural ways to get rid of flea in your lawn.
Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less.
Landscape edging can further add to the beauty and utility of your beach home. You might think that with a yard made of sand instead of grass you're stuck with no options. Forget that train of thought because you had a multitude of possibilities with your sandy landscape and plenty of reasons to edge your yard.
Benefits of Landscape Edging :
Regardless of the soil or grasses composition of your yard, landscape edging provides many benefits, including:
a crisp, manicured appearance to your yard and home
increases curb appeal
adds value to your yard and home economically
creates a root barrier to stop the spread of invasive grasses and reeds
helps prevent erosion
provides a contrast to the yard and your home
Edging can help create paths, direct traffic flow in the yard, and set aside yard areas for special uses. You can create planting areas or a patio area with a combination of small hard materials for the main area and larger materials for the edging.
Design Materials :
The main advantage of sand is its neutral color goes with everything. Whether black, cream, or white sand, it works with any color contrast you choose.
That leaves you open to a number of design materials including brick, fencing, glass, pavers, plastic, potted plants, stone, tile, wattle, or wood.
Your choice depends on the look you want to achieve. Separating the yard from beach sand dunes with slat wood fencing provides a traditional look. Most wood edging lasts about ten years before needing touch-ups or replacement.
Concrete comes performed or you can create a custom form and pour your own design. This lets you create a look no other yard has. Creating your own forms lets you add materials to dress up the concrete pavers. Add small river stones, seashells, sand dollars, beads, or small tiles.
You can lay or stack large stone or brick. This forms either a low curb edge or a low wall.
Plastic or resin dividers come in many designs from faux stones to fencing. Choose wisely and in-person to check the plastic's quality. The cheaper plastic edging looks just that.
To achieve an organic look with sturdy materials, create a wattle fence. Wattle consists of weaving the saplings of pliable trees together. Dogwood and willow make popular choices.
Another choice that mixes organic and inorganic materials, potted plants, delineate lawn areas while adding life to a sand-covered lawn. Try potted seagrasses, potted palms, or potted palmetto trees. Both the pots and plants add color.
You can get numerous other ideas on websites like Pinterest. You'll also find installation ideas.
Installation Tips :
Set the edging in place firmly. You may need to dig a shallow space for each. Fit it inside the shallow, then re-pack the dirt around it.
Installation varies based on use. Use the following a depth/height guide:
lawn or garden divider - use a trenched edge or ditch with a V-shape;
mowing strip - use flat, wide materials level with the ground so lawn mower wheels can easily skim over them
capture mulch - keep mulch in place using a solid material that extends four inches below ground and two inches above
beautification - use any height that provides the desired aesthetic.
You can create an attractive lawn with sandy soil as the base. Create interest and divide space using landscape edging.
Read Also :
Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Flea In Your Lawn
Ten Tips To Make Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space
Grow These Flowering Plants In Your Home Garden To Remove Vastu Related Problems
Kylie :
Outside of writing for EverythingBackyard, I love to spend all the time I can outdoors and find every excuse to leave my house. I write about everything from backyard DIY projects to gardening. If you can't get a hold of me I am probably on a trail or a boat.
Thanks to some home appliances such as air conditioners, fans, air coolers, inverters, and of course refrigerators; we can tolerate the summer easily.
During the summer season, the amount of power used is directly proportional to the temperature. With an increase in mercury, the need for cooling appliances also goes up and so is the electricity bill.
Talking about the fridge, it is not only storage for storing perishable items but also a savior during the summer season.
Right from cold water to chilled shakes to ice creams to fresh fruits and juices, ice cubes, and more, it provides us with all.
Nonetheless, with all this, it also leads to an escalation in the monthly electricity bill. A great example is with the residents of Texas for taking care of their electricity bills.
They are able to choose the best and cheapest electricity plans from the most reputable electric companies in comparison websites such as HomeEnergyClub, where they can compare Texas energy plans side by side.
In the same context, here are some simple tips that will not only increase the efficiency of your refrigerator but even help save power. Read on!
Follow these Tips to Make your Fridge Efficient
Want to make your refrigerator even more efficient, and sustainable for use? Follow these following steps.
1. Set the Temperature right
Do you know that keeping the fridge at a high temperature consumes more energy, leaving you with a higher power bill?
Hence, to make your fridge’s compressor work easily, keep the temperature lower between 0 and 5 degrees.
2. Don’t Let Your Fridge Face the Heat
It is recommended to keep your refrigerator away from direct heat such as sunlight, oven, or stove heat. It is because the fridge will then use more energy to adjust the continuous heat on it to maintain the chill.
On the other hand, if you place it under a shadow with proper ventilation, it will help in the reduction of energy.
Proper ventilation is needed in smooth heat flow produced from the fridge.
3. Defrost the fridge often
The defrost button on your refrigerator could be a lifesaver for it! Doing that on a frequent basis will help your fridge to maintain efficient cooling!
Also, you will be able to save up to Rs.10 per day on the electricity bill.
4. Storing open containers is a no-no
If you keep the already opened food containers and bottles in your fridges, then the internal moisture level will rise to force the compressor to work hard.
It will reduce your fridge's efficiency and increase the power bill.
5. Regular fridge maintenance is a must
It should be your duty to clean your refrigerator on a frequent basis if not daily. It can help the compressor to work even more efficiently.
You only need to spare 30 minutes out of your busy schedule to do it, and your fridge will thank you by working powerfully.
Also, you should ensure to get the condenser coils of your fridge cleaned at least once a year.
You can do that by unplugging the unit and brushing or vacuuming the coils carefully. It will help to enhance the fridge’s efficiency by up to 30%.
If you are unable to do that, you should get it done by a trained professional once a year.
6. Make room
You should also make sure that there are a few inches of space between the wall and the fridge to maintain good circulation. It will also help your refrigerator to run without issues and proficiently.
7. Practice some smart habits
You can also practice some smart habits so that your fridge gets some rest. Have a look:
Try to open your refrigerator less frequently
Cool the hot foods before keeping them in the fridge
Cover foods
Label the leftovers
Ensure to keep your freezer full
Buy a new fridge this summer and grab savings and cashback
You can continue having your refrigerator working for years at its optimal level if you can follow the tips discussed.
If you are ready to buy a brand-new refrigerator, then you don’t have to stretch your budget by paying the entire amount of your purchase in one go.
Instead, you can divide the cost between a tenor; pay only a fixed amount and nothing extra. This way, you won’t need to handle paying additional charges other than EMI and save more.
The easy EMI facility is offered by Bajaj Finserv EMI Network across India. Bajaj Finserv is also here to offer the Special Summer Offer on refrigerators and more.
This way, you can buy an LG fridge, Godrej fridge, Haier fridge, Hitachi fridge, and more on easy EMIs to indulge in a hassle-free shopping experience.
Tips for First-Time Renters on Using a Refrigerator Efficiently
First-time renters, especially those new to managing a home, might find it tricky to keep their energy bills low. All the while keeping their fridges running efficiently.
While the original tips are great for everyone, this section is specifically for renters likely dealing with space constraints, older appliances, or tight budgets!
Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep your fridge in good shape and your energy costs down!
Adjust the Fridge According to Your Space
Renter-friendly kitchens are often small, and sometimes, you must make do with what you have.
Also, suppose your fridge is fully cramped in a tight space next to a heat-generating appliance (like an oven or microwave).
In that case, it works harder than necessary because of the proximity and exertion of excess heat.
If possible, make sure your fridge has some space between the wall and other appliances to allow for good air circulation.
Keep the Fridge Balanced
Believe it or not, an unlevel fridge can impact how well it runs. Often, rentals are equipped with old or slightly wobbly fridges.
If your fridge is tilting one way or the other, just use simple shims or small pieces of cardboard to level it out.
A balanced fridge guarantees that the doors seal properly and that the cold air doesn’t escape. In fact, it also helps alleviate extra stress on the compressor, decreasing its energy consumption over time.
Therefore, keeping it on a good stand is important. If you cannot buy a new fridge, at least buy the right equipment for it.
Organize Smartly for Efficiency
When you rent a home or an apartment, specifically if you choose to live in shared apartments, you don’t have an entire fridge for yourself.
So, it is crucial to keep it clean but also to be able not to keep the fridge open for that long.
I use little baskets or containers within my fridge so I can easily grab things without having to have the whole front spend open for too long.
Use Electricity at Non-Peak Times
If your rental has smart meters or time-of-use rates, then try to use the electricity that isn’t charged at a premium rate.
Running the defrost cycle, cooling hot foods, or restocking the fridge during non-chargeable hours also helps.
Insurance or Maintenance Plan on Rental Appliances
Most landlords have maintenance plans, but it’s something renters tend to overlook.
Before you start calling a technician over minor issues such as a cracked door seal or noisy motor, find out if your lease includes repairs/maintenance or insurance on the appliances.
A well-functioning fridge also consumes a lot less electricity.
Temporary Fridge Fixes for Old Units
Rentals often come with older appliances. If your fridge lacks modern energy-saving features, there are small tricks you can apply.
For example, adding a seal strip around the door can improve insulation. A simple thermometer can also help you keep the internal temperature just right—no need to run it colder than necessary!
Be Mindful of Sharing Fridge Space
If you’re sharing a rental with roommates, make sure everyone understands fridge usage.
An overstuffed fridge can cause airflow problems, which means the food will cool unevenly and the appliance will use more energy.
Also, ask others to keep things clean and remove old food when necessary.
Final Thoughts for First-Time Renters
Sure, everything has a learning curve, and running a home is no different. But hopefully, these extra tips will help you avoid energy-draining mistakes.
(I’m talking to you, not throwing out anything that’s expired).
Little choices can add up—your fridge will run more efficiently, and so will your wallet!
Read Also:
Important Things To Know Before Starting A Home Improvement Project
Home Sweet Home Improvement: How To Find The Best Home Improvement Loans
10 Tips To Pick The Best Table Saw For Home Improvement Projects
