Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less

Published on: 24 November 2017 Last Updated on: 29 July 2024

When push comes to a shove and you have guests arriving in an hour, you better believe that you will turn into a superhuman and manage to clean your apartment in less than sixty minutes. Even if you won’t have the time to do a proper thorough cleanup, you can do a lot in an hour to make your home presentable, but you have to be efficient and light on your feet. Let’s get to it.

Spotless Living Room

You will need 10-15 minutes to get this area tidy and you should be as meticulous as possible without getting stuck on details. The first thing to do is to de-clutter quickly – clothing, trash, cosmetics, books, get it out of the way and into their rightful place. You don’t have to go back and forth, but organize stuff into different piles and then get them to their designated places as you move through the house. After that, straighten everything as much as possible, fluff the pillows, do a super quick round of dusting and use wet wipes to wipe your coffee table clean. Finally, get your vacuum cleaner out and run through the room, but do it for five minutes tops, you’ve still got other matters to attend to.

Next up – The Dining Room

If you plan on making dinner for your guest or just serving snacks, don’t neglect the dining room in your cleaning spree. If you’ve got a mountain of stuff on your dining table, the first priority is to remove it stat (this is also the time to throw away all the trash from the living room). Whip out a new tablecloth and make sure that chairs are straightened and free from any bags and clothes hanging from them (nobody is impressed by chairdrobes). Scan for dust and get it out of the way, vacuum the area super quickly and if you’ve got windows, wipe them clean with a coffee filter (just give it a try, it works). Get the glasses and plates, snacks, and drinks on the table and the dining room is prepped and guest-ready.

Now to the Kitchen

Chances are you’ve moved all the dirty dishes from the dining room and living room into the kitchen and now it’s time to pop them in the dishwasher. You don’t have to get them clean and arranged right away, though it might be a good idea to let the dishwasher do its magic while you’re cleaning around, that way, you’ll have more clean dishes at the ready. Stovetop and countertops should be in your focus – clean them as efficiently as possible without losing too much time. Then move to the sink, wipe it clean and you can also put a few slices of lemon into the garbage disposal, it will make the entire kitchen smell fresh and clean. Sweep the floors and if your trash can is full, take it outside, so that it doesn’t stink up your work.

Then We Have the Bathroom

This is one step you shouldn’t overlook since your guests will definitely need to use your bathroom eventually. Get to the toilet, spray it with a cleaner and let it sit while you’re busy with other things. Make your mirror spotless and do the same with any shelves you’ve got around it – wet wipes will do the trick here nicely. Tidy the shower curtain, wash the bathtub with hot water and rearrange the toiletries to look neat. If you’ve got a shower, wipe it clean with a rag or microfiber cloth. After that, get back to your toilet, scrub it quickly, flush, and voila, you’re done. Take the trash out too, get out clean hand towels and for a final touch, light an incense stick to make everything smell better.

Yes, you can clean your home in under an hour, and now you’ve got a system to work by. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier to hire a part-time cleaning lady than to scramble and clean when you’ve got someone coming over. There’s nothing wrong with getting some help when you’ve got a packed schedule and if you’re thinking about it, you can browse through your options at helpling.com.sg/maids to see if you find a suitable match. If not, we suggest finding time to clean a bit every day, it will be much easier to tackle chores one day at a time.

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9 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your House (And What to Do About It)

The average American home has dozens or even hundreds of different kinds of insects living inside it. However, the vast majority of those tiny, unseen roommates aren't pests. Many insects and other small creatures can live peacefully near humans without causing problems. But others are pests that can infest your home, breeding in huge numbers and turning up everywhere you don't want them. From mice to cockroaches, these pests can leave all sorts of different signs. Humans have been doing pest control for thousands of years. But if you don't know what to look for, you won't know how to take the steps you need to control a pest infestation. In this guide, we'll show you exactly which signs of a pest infestation to look for. Once you recognize the problem, you can start taking the steps to fix it. Keep reading for what you need to know! 1. Damaged Wires or Furniture Big pests, like mice, often chew on furniture or through cords. If you see damaged wires or bite marks on your furniture, you probably have a pest problem that's not just insects. Rodents need to chew on things because their teeth constantly grow and need to be worn down. You'll see the marks of this activity down low, near the floor. You might also find signs that mice have been eating the food in your pantry. This damage will probably leave you asking, "What is the best way to get rid of mice?" However, the answer to this is the same as the answer to getting rid of any pests: you should always call a professional. DIY solutions are rarely completely effective. 2. Signs of Nesting Rodents also like to build nests, and you might see the signs during a thorough check of your home. They'll use any available materials to build their nests. You'll need to check all the small, hidden areas of your home where they might have started nesting. Common signs include shredded paper and cardboard. 3. Droppings Droppings are definitely one of the most unpleasant signs of a pest infestation you can come across. You can often figure out the type of pest you're working with by looking closely at the droppings. If it's a rodent, you'll find long, solid droppings that are sometimes shaped like cones. These droppings tend to be small, and won't have a strong scent. While that's a good thing, it also makes them difficult to spot. Insects droppings are different. You might find exoskeletons that have been shed, or wings, legs, and other parts of the insect body. A different sign of insect pests can be spider webs. Although spiders themselves aren't usually pests, their webs signal that they might be trying to catch the insects that have infested your home. 4. History of Pest Infestation Not sure if you're seeing sure signs of a pest infestation? Your house or apartment's history might hold some clues. Try to contact previous owners or tenants and see if they've experienced infestations before. You can also ask your neighbors if they've had any infestation issues. Where pests have been, they'll often come back, especially if measures to prevent their return aren't taken. 5. Dirt and Grime This is one of the more subtle signs of an infestation. Sometimes, what looks like a simple buildup of dirt can actually show that you're dealing with an infestation. One reason everyone hates pests is that they make a mess wherever they go. In places where insects, rodents, and other pests hang out, you might find crumbs, dirt smudges, and other bad signs. Rodents often take the same routes back and forth, so they'll leave streaks of dirt or grease along the paths they've taken. If there's dust on the floor, you may also see a trail where pests have walked. These signs may start out small, but they'll build as time goes on. The sooner you can catch them, the better. 6. Plant Damage Many insects feed on plants. If your house plants show signs of gnawing around the edges, and you don't have a pet that might have done it, it's likely due to a pest in the house. 7. Unpleasant Smells Sometimes, you'll smell a pest infestation before you see it. If you're dealing with insects that carry food, like ants, the smell could be that of rotting food they've dropped or stashed somewhere. You might also smell the pests that have died somewhere in your home, where you can't see them. They often hide in the walls or under floorboards. If you start to notice an unusual, unpleasant scent in one part of your house, make sure to carefully check it out. You might find an infestation you weren't expecting. 8. Live Pests The most obvious sign of an infestation is visually seeing live pests. However, sometimes it's easy to dismiss the problem if you see just one. Keep in mind that if one pest made itself visible, there are probably many more where it came from. These creatures tend to be great at hiding. If you catch them, you probably already have a problem -- it's not just a single creature in your home. 9. Strange Noises Almost all of your senses are useful when it comes to detecting a pest problem. Sometimes, they make unusual sounds that can be quiet and hard to catch. Pay close attention to the sounds in your home late at night, when everything's quiet. You can also put your ear up to the wall, floor, or anywhere the pests might be hiding. The sounds you hear can confirm the other signs you've found. What to Do About a Pest Infestation Now that you've spotted the signs of a pest infestation, what should you do about it? As mentioned above, your first step should always be to call professional help. If you try to fix the problem yourself, it can grow much bigger before you can stop it. Need to protect the outside of your home too? Check out our guide to keeping pests away from your garden here. Read Also: 10 Pest Control Tips To Keep Pests Away This Summer What You Should Expect From A Pest Control Visit

5 Health Benefits of a Clutter-Free Home

Are you sure that your home is thoroughly clean? Maybe, it's not! There are several reasons for having a clutter-free home. Perhaps, your home is looking clean, but have you checked all the hidden areas that you may not look adequately due to your hectic lifestyle? If you often feel stress and other health issues when looking at your messy home in Santa Cruz, then it's the right time to hire Anita's Housekeeping services in Santa Cruz; they'll clean it right away! Different Ways Clutter-Free Home Can Make Things Easier For You There are several ways Clutter-Free home can make things easier for you when you want to stay in your dream home. You Will Feel Peaceful: You may don’t realize the reason of getting stress and anxiety often. It is because of the huge mess inside your home as the level of stress directly linked to your area you are living in. Remember, visual chaos lead to mental stress. You may think to live with the piled on things, but they are most influencing intensely than you notice. Moreover, it is advantageous for your overall health as clean home drives no health issues in the long run. Thus, do plan and check to clean your home from time to time. Especially if you have a small area, you can go for self-storage units to put your random stuff inside it. Clean Home=Better Health: Your body has a natural tendency to crave for junk food when you are feeling stressed. What have you done so far to reduce these bad cravings? If nothing, then here's what you have to do: Your kitchen should be your priority to make sure that it is super clean so that you will feel encouraged to cook something healthy. Clutter and untidiness are stressful, cleaning up not only means to stop craves bad food but also really help encourages nutritious choices. The clutter-free home also doesn’t let insects, germs, pests, and bacteria to enter in that benefit your health. You Will Not Get Ill: If you don’t want to become sick often then cleaning and dusting your home regularly is a must. A tidy space gives no chance to bacteria and germs to hide. Adding to your carpets, bedding, and curtains carry most of the dust, so make sure to clean it regularly. Vacuuming should not be the only task; decluttering your floors is also essential. Try to keep fewer items in your home or organize them to their specific places. It makes your job easy to remove dust and sanitize open items. You Will Be More Active: Don’t you feel more energetic and productive when you find less cleaning work at your home? Disordered home makes it simple to procrastinate something you have seen. When everything is organized, you will think to do some other stuff, and you will less indulge yourself in cleaning. A clean home makes you physically involved in some tasks rather sitting in your bed. A clean home will make you active and productive throughout the day. You will be more proactive towards other work like cooking, watering plants, and other household work. Dust-Free Home Reduce Breathing Issues: It is not necessary that you should clean your home only if you have some health issues. Even when you don’t, keeping your home clean and area around like garages and basements is a must. Dust and dirt sitting on the floor or your things can drive allergic reactions, bad air quality, and encourage breathing problems. You are more likely giving scope to dust to enter if you have clutter all around on the floor. It actually helps you not to become sick if you clean your home regularly. Conclusion: We hope all of the above health benefits of a tidy home give you some motivation in your home-cleaning step. You will definitely feel the difference once you are done. Happy cleaning! Read Also: 7 Tips To Increase The Value Of Your Home 7 Benefits Of A Clean And Decluttered Workspace 5 Tips On Effectively Picking A Tile Floor Cleaning Machine

6 Types Of Signs Every Apartment Resident Should Know About

Signage plays a crucial role in communicating important information and guiding residents and visitors at apartment complexes. From practical wayfinding signs to eye-catching banners advertising available units, the right signs can make all the difference. This blog explores the array of sign options that apartment managers have at their disposal to effectively convey messages, improve accessibility, and enhance curb appeal. We’ll look at everything from illuminated “Vacancy” signs to inform potential renters of availability to parking designation signs that help maintain order in lots. Metal laser cut signage like building and unit number markers also make it easier for emergency responders, delivery drivers, and visitors to navigate complexes. Plus, promotional banners can attract interest from passersby. With a thoughtful signage strategy, managers can ensure their apartment community puts its best face forward while helping residents and guests seamlessly get where they need to go. Effective Safety Signage for Apartment Complexes Strategic safety signs are a must for any apartment community, helping to mitigate risk and give residents peace of mind. Required by law in many cases, these symbols and warnings serve an important function by alerting residents and visitors to potential hazards, emergency resources, and proper protocols. Exit signs with directional arrows provide critical guidance in the event of a fire or other emergency evacuation. Highly visible hazard signs denoting slippery floors or wet paint caution people to avoid dangerous conditions. Signs indicating the locations of safety equipment like fire extinguishers and defibrillators can save critical seconds in an emergency. Parking and traffic signs help maintain order in complex lots and garages. Warning symbols for loud noises, falling objects, or other construction hazards around work zones keep passersby safe. When properly placed around an apartment community, these simple but essential signs convey a message of preparedness and attention to safety that gives residents confidence in their building management. Contemporary Signage for an Inviting Apartment Atmosphere An apartment community's signage makes a strong first impression on prospective residents. To keep pace in a competitive market, modern, stylish signs are a must in showcasing an up-to-date, inviting atmosphere. Sleek, backlit LED signs at a complex's entrance identify the property while seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics. Likewise, stylish building IDs with minimalist lettering and colors that pop evoke modern tastes. Parking signs with clean lines and high-visibility reflective vinyl or thermoplastic lettering also exude a contemporary vibe. Inside leasing offices, wayfinding signage with intuitive pictograms, sans-serif fonts, and bright accent colors speaks to today's sensibilities. Outdoor banners sporting vibrant images, short impactful phrases, and a distinctive modern style attract the gaze of passersby. Signs with polished, contemporary finishes appeal aesthetically and communicate professionalism and quality. By partnering with an innovative sign company, apartments can keep their image fresh, memorable, and inviting for new generations of renters. Promotional Signage for Apartment Events Special events help apartment communities build a sense of togetherness and camaraderie among residents. To generate buzz and boost participation, targeted signage is an invaluable promotional tool. Eye-catching vinyl banners prominently displayed at a complex's entrance build anticipation and awareness of upcoming holiday parties, poolside barbecues, and other resident events. Sandwich boards stationed in high-traffic common areas like mailrooms spread the word on everything from movie nights to fitness classes. For events like trick-or-treating or a pet parade that will draw outside visitors, roadside signs posted nearby grab attention from passersby. Temporary signage like corrugated yard signs, A-frame sidewalk signs, and posters hung in common spaces ensure residents receive frequent reminders leading up to each event. The vibrant, festive designs set a fun tone. After an event concludes, a thoughtful "Thank You" sign shows appreciation for those who participated. With the right signage strategy, apartment managers can generate buzz and bring their community together around special activities and gatherings year-round. Clear Identification Signs for Apartment Buildings A clear signage strategy is essential in any apartment community to help residents and guests easily identify buildings, units, and common spaces. Proper identification guides traffic, minimizes confusion, and improves the overall living experience. Illuminated building numbers and address signs ensure emergency responders can quickly locate the correct structures. Unit number signs on floors and doors give each residence a sense of identity. Room ID signs labeled with easy-to-read text and icons help differentiate laundries, fitness centers, lobbies, and other shared amenities. Custom room name signs add personality to spaces like game rooms or theaters. Well-designed identification signage also reinforces security. Authorized access signs for private lobbies or gated garages deter unwanted visitors. And placards labeling restricted areas like electrical rooms or roof access help keep people safe. Finally, a clear wayfinding signage strategy with directionals pointing to different building exits or parking areas simplifies navigation. With thoughtful placement and durable materials, identification signage provides clarity, security, and convenience for years of daily use. Accessible Signage for ADA Apartment Compliance In apartment complexes, proper ADA-compliant signage is a legal requirement to accommodate residents and guests with disabilities. Following ADA guidelines help ensure equal access and inclusion for all. Signs must have high visual contrast between lettering and background without glare or shadows. Grade 2 braille placed below the text provides accessibility for the blind and visually impaired. Raised characters and pictograms allow signs to be interpreted non-visually by touch. Accessible signs use simple, intuitive icons that transcend language barriers. Directional signs assist with wayfinding. Room signs identify amenities. Informational signs indicate accessible routes, entrances, exits, and areas of rescue assistance. Stairway signs guide users towards ramps. By law, permanent spaces like unit entrances and common rooms require ADA signs. Temporary signs like parking warnings should also follow recommendations. With a thoughtful sign plan incorporating contrast, braille-raised characters, and icons, apartment complexes demonstrate their commitment to creating a welcoming, navigable environment for all residents and visitors. Intuitive Wayfinding Signage for Apartment Complexes A clear wayfinding signage strategy is essential for any apartment community, allowing residents and guests to seamlessly navigate between buildings, amenities, and parking areas. Intuitive signs reduce frustration and reflect thoughtful management. Directional signs posted at complex entrances and key intersections point visitors toward leasing offices, guest parking, and specific buildings. Trailblazer signs on main walkways provide ongoing orientation. Arrows, international symbols, and maps further aid navigation at junctions. Building directories found in main lobbies centralize location information for amenities like fitness centers, pools, and business centers. Illuminated unit number signs outside stairwells and elevators confirm users are on the correct floor. Parking signs with color coding and space numbers help distinguish lots and spaces. With thoughtful placement and highly visible reflective materials, wayfinding signage ensures visitors quickly find their destination. This cuts down on circling, enhances first impressions, and communicates a resident-focused environment. Simply put, good wayfinding equals good management. Conclusion An effective signage plan is invaluable for any apartment community, serving practical and aesthetic purposes. From illuminating building numbers that assist emergency response to wayfinding signage guiding foot traffic, signage provides orientation, security, accessibility, and visual appeal. Managers must consider permanent signage needs like room IDs and ADA compliance and options for changeable messaging to promote leasing availability or resident events. The finishes and design details of all signs should align with the complex's contemporary style and branding. Utilizing sign types from digital displays to sidewalk A-frames provides flexibility. With the help of an experienced sign company, managers can develop a comprehensive signage strategy tailored to their complex's specific spaces, needs, and aspirations. From influencing first impressions to sustaining long-term functionality, signage positively impacts apartments in countless ways. When thoughtfully designed, fabricated, and placed, signage cements an apartment community's identity as an inviting, navigable place residents are proud to call home. Read Also: How to Make Your Student Apartment Feel Like Your Own House? Things You Can Do to Your Apartment to Raise Its Value 5 Interior House Painting Tips

Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less

Spotless Living Room

Next up – The Dining Room

Now to the Kitchen

Then We Have the Bathroom

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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9 Signs You Have a Pest Infestation in Your House (And What to Do About It)

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Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less

Spotless Living Room

Next up – The Dining Room

Now to the Kitchen

Then We Have the Bathroom

Share this Article

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Follow Us

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