Author: Rebecca Alston

Reverse Mortgages Simplified: Easing Up Retirement

Only one thing beats the thought of retirement, and that is retirement with enough money to live life your way! If the conundrum of how to get some extra cash into your possession during this time is a current thing for you, keep reading for more about help in the form of a reverse mortgage! Also known by its other name, a retirement home loan, it is a great financial solution for the retirement years. For once, something that sounds too good to be true, is realistically true!

 

Let’s talk about the basic concepts

To be clear: a reverse home loan is still a loan, and every loan still comes with its own set of terms and conditions. It also means that standard legal conditions will be valid, and that interest on the money you borrow is an inescapable factor. Although this particular kind of loan lets you forego monthly payments, you will be obligated to pay back the full amount at the end of the loan period. If you find that you are unable to do so when the time comes, the house will be sold to make up the costs to the lender. This is standard, and you should be clear that you understand this upfront.

This is where the value of the reverse mortgage calculator comes in. This handy tool is used by lenders to determine the value of your house when you apply for a reverse home loan. Factors like the age, condition and location of the house all come into play during this evaluation process. Bear in mind that there are laws in place that cap the amount you are legally allowed to borrow, so the reverse mortgage calculator is also useful in calculating what percentage of your home’s value you may borrow, based on your current financial standings.

 

Show me the money!

Once the reverse mortgage calculator has done its thing and your lender has approved your application, you will have to choose in what form you would like to receive your money. You do have options! The first is to have it all paid over in one lump sum, with no further claims to payouts. How you manage the large amount will then be your responsibility. You could also access smaller amounts you need, as the need for them comes up, in a line of credit, or you could arrange for regular monthly payments, which is the most popular choice. The latter allows for budgeting and predictability, which is what people like about it.

 

Payment terms

The one major thing that sets reverse home loans apart from regular loans, is the fact that you do not have to make regular monthly paybacks. The very design of the loan is intended to help you supplement your finances during retirement, and you will not need to pay any money back, as long as you live in the house full-time. People love a reverse home loan for its flexibility, as they often feel that they have more control over the loan period and their liquid cash.

How to Make a Punching Bag Out of a Pillowcase

A punching bag can be a handy item, especially on those days you come home frustrated. Taking out your feelings and emotions on a punching bag can release the tension and probably make you feel better. But, punching bags are not the most affordable, and if you do not have a budget for one, then making one at home could be your best bet.

With a few household items, including a pillowcase, you can come up with a standard punching bag. Here is a list of the things you will need to build your punching bag.

• Pillowcases
• Duct tape
• Pillows
• Duffel bag
• Stand or hanging hook
• Sand
• Rope

Step by Step Guide On How to Make a Punching Bag Out of a Pillowcase

Step 1: Set Out Your Items

Set aside four pillowcases in which you will use to hold the sand. Measure about 5 pounds of sand in four portions and set aside. Cut a few inches of duct tape and set aside to use for fastening.

Step 2: Filling The Pillowcases

After pre-measuring the sand, put 5 pounds in each pillowcase. Make sure the amount of sand in each bag is not more than the others. Use the pre-cut duct tape to secure the top of the pillowcases.

When fastening, tie as close as possible to the level of the sand. This will ensure the sand is compact in the pillowcase. You might need to use more duct tape to ensure the seal is tight and secure.

Step 3: Placing The Pillowcases in A Duffel Bag

Arrange the four pillowcases, one on top of the other in a duffel bag. If your duffel bag is large, you might need to add one or more pillowcases with sand. Equally, if you have a small duffel bag, you might only need two or three pillowcases. Whichever the size, make sure the pillowcases are compact in the duffel bag.

Step 4: Filling Up

It is expected that there will be spaces left after filling the duffel bag with pillowcases. It is essential to ensure you fill up these spaces to ensure a stable and sturdy punching bag. Use only pillows to pack and fill up the spaces. You can rip the pillows apart for easy compacting.

Step 5: Securing The Duffel Bag

After filling the duffel bag, it is vital to secure the bag using duct tape. Remember, the best punching bag needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the punches. On this note, run duct tape around the duffel bag paying attention to the top, middle and bottom. At this stage, you can use as much duct tape as you need; again depending on the size of the duffel bag.

Step 6: Hanging The Punch Bag

Use the rope to loop through the handle of the bag. You can use duct tape to secure the rope in place and fortify the knot. Hang the punching bag on your stand or hanging hook.

 

Conclusion

That is a simple step-by-step guide on how to make a punching bag out of a pillowcase. All the materials are readily available, and the process is pretty straightforward.

Best Tactical Pants for Hot Weather

Being in the outdoors calls for clothes that are both comfortable and functional. While sweatpants can be the go-to option, when it gets warmer, they can get uncomfortable. This is why you need the best tactical pants for hot weather. In this article, you will learn how to choose the best tactical pants for an easy and seamless shopping experience.

 

What are Tactical Pants?

It is essential to understand the difference between tactical pants and regular pants, so you know what you are looking for. Tactical pants are common among military personnel and adventures and look more like cargo pants. But, they have strategic pockets unlike most other pants, and this is one feature that stands out.

 

How to Choose the Best Tactical Pants for Hot Weather

Before you can choose any pants, it is essential to keep a few features in mind.

 

The Different Types Available

Common types of tactical pants are overt, covert, EMS/EMT, and jeans. Overt pants are highly functional and have features like military uniforms. The pockets are deep-set and provide adequate space for plenty of tools. The unique design, plenty of pockets and versatility make these pants the best for outdoor excursions.

The covert type is similar to the overt in style but different in color. These were developed, so wearers could not be recognized as people carrying a weapon. Tactical jeans, on the other hand, are similar to regular jeans but provide additional strategic pockets. These might not be ideal for a hot sunny day but work great indoors.

Lastly, EMS or EMT pants have special compartments to carry medical tools and other essential gear. They are not necessarily ideal for regular outdoor use but can hold up pretty well in hot weather.

 

The Pockets

This is the most important feature on any pair of tactical pants. Different tactical pants have pockets placed on different parts of the pants, and each caters to a specific need. For example, tactical pants with knife pockets provide a safe and secure place for pocket knives. Some even have hidden pockets where you could hide sensitive items.

 

The Fit

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want is ill-fitting pants, leave alone the discomfort of having to pull them up each minute. The best tactical pants should fit well around the waist and everywhere else. It would be best if you took the time to determine your correct size to find a pair you can walk in comfortably.

 

The Material

Finding tactical pants for hot weather calls for a comfortable and breathable material. Check the type of fabric and go for cotton and polyester blends. These fabrics are breathable and comfortable in equal measure. Also, the cotton material brings the breathability aspect, while polyester contributes to the durability of the pants.

 

The Bottom Line

With the right pair of tactical pants, you can go about your business on a hot summer day without worrying about discomfort and chafing. Consider the factors above to find a pair that not only fits right but ensures lasting comfort.

Gym Workouts to Complement Keto

Carbs are essential for high-intensity workouts, be it running, skipping, or sprinting. These activities may not be the best when following a ketogenic diet because the diet insists on as minimal as possible carbs for desirable results. But, that does not mean you should not work out.

Incorporating low-intensity workouts into your routine can help you improve your energy, stay active and remain productive. If you are looking for gym workouts that complement keto, these discussed below can be viable options.

 

Cardio Workouts

If your primary exercise is cardio, it is easy to follow the keto diet alongside gym workouts without straining or lowering performance. Remember, you do not have to exercise at high intensities that require your body to be loaded with sugar. All you need to do is get your heart rate up and keep it consistent during cardio.

With cardio, you will benefit in many ways other than burning fat. Your mind will be clearer, and your performance will improve and, ultimately, your productivity. You might notice an increase in endurance doing cardio while on a keto diet.

It is important to keep the intensity at low to moderate, so you do not burn out. On this note, you should aim for a heart rate between 50 to 70 % and be careful not to go past that. If you are starting on keto, aim to stay within a lower range and gradually increase as you adapt.

Here are some cardio exercises that you do at the gym while on keto;

• Treadmill running
• Circuit training
• Interval training classes
• Aerobic training classes

 

Weight Lifting

You can increase your strength, power and muscle mass while on a ketogenic diet. The best part is that you can improve all three with the same workout, hence more desirable results. However, weightlifting while on keto is a little different than on a regular diet.

You need to do very short sets since the body can sustain activities less than 10 seconds without glucose. And, since the body has little to no glucose as fuel, sets less than 10 seconds are recommended. Aim for a program that prescribes five or more sets of five or fewer reps per exercise.

Lower sets can maximize hypertrophy, which in layman’s terms is muscle gain. That means that your muscles do not need more than ten reps to grow. The most important thing is for your muscles to grow and increase every week.

Therefore, when weightlifting, it is advisable to go slow. You would rather do more short reps than go all out and burn out. If you wish to go strong and adopt traditional bodybuilding, you would need to supplement your diet with a few carbs. You might need some pre-workouts and other supplements if your ultimate goal is to add muscle mass.

Exercise is important whether or not you are on a specific diet. With keto, you can engage in low to moderate exercises to keep your productivity booming and energy thriving. The suitability of these exercises varies from one individual to another, so it would be best to try light and build up as you go.

Best Fishing Line to Keep Birds Away

The excitement of a flourishing garden is probably the best part of gardening. But, it has its fair share of challenges like any other activity. The most common one is having to deal with birds once your fruits and vegetables bloom. This can be frustrating and if putting up a scarecrow is not in your books, then there is a different approach to that.

You can use a fishing line to keep the birds away, but it is not just any fishing line. On this note, aim to find the best monofilament line for this purpose. But how do you go about it? The process is simple, and you can set up without needed help from anyone.  

 

How to Use a Fishing Line to Keep Birds Away

Step 1

Get poles that are a few inches higher than the projected height of the plants in the garden. This will help move the fishing line up the pole, and you will not have to replace the pole as the plants grow. For this step, you can use regular stakes or any other types of poles you find.

Step 2

Push a pole on either end of the rows of vegetables and fruits. Do this as soon as the seedlings emerge. It would be best to push in the poles when the soil is softened for an easy process.

Step 3

Space the poles not less than 12 inches apart all around the garden. The distance is an essential factor to keep in mind since the more apart the poles are, the less likely they will scare the birds.

Step 4

Tie an end of a fishing line to a pole just a few inches above the seedling. Tie to the pole on the other end and unroll the fishing line as you go. Do this to all the poles and ensure the line is securely tied. You could use a staple for extra security.

Step 5

If you have some plants in containers, push a single pole into the soil, taking care not to damage the roots. Then create a teepee kind of structure using the line to protect the plant all around.

 

How to Choose the Best Monofilament Fishing Line to Keep Birds Away

In this case, any monofilament fishing line can work. But, it helps to understand what you need to look for to ensure long-lasting quality and functionality. The most crucial factor to keep in mind, in this case, is the thickness.

The idea is to get a line that is strong enough to hold the weight of bids without deteriorating in quality. There are many varieties of lines in the market, and you can most definitely find a suitable one. And, since your main aim is to keep birds away rather than fish, you can choose any you like.

 

Summary

You can find affordable monofilament lines to keep birds away from your garden. That said, you do not have to spend a whole ton of money to protect your garden from birds. With a proper installation plan, you can keep birds away and help your garden thrive.

Are Quest Protein Cookies Keto Friendly?

Embarking on a ketogenic diet can be overwhelming. Knowing what you can eat and what you cannot helps to stay in plan with your diet. If you are wondering if quest protein cookies are keto-friendly, this article can be resourceful. You will learn whether or not you should include them in your keto diet.

Quest protein cookies are low-sugar cookies made by Quest Nutrition. These cookies are designed to satisfy sugar cravings without building up on your carb intake per day. They come in different flavors, some common ones being double chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter and chocolate chip and go well with keto-friendly wine. But, are they really keto-friendly?

 

Quest Cookies Carbs Composition

From the Quest Nutrition description, each Quest cookie has 15 grams of protein hence considered a high-protein snack, if you’re searching for the best keto protein powder check out https://ketogenicdiet.reviews/best-keto-protein-powder/. They are relatively high in fiber, with 9 to 12 grams per cookie. The carbs in these cookies vary from one flavor to the other.

For example, the chocolate chip cookie has about 19 grams of carbs per serving. And because they calculate these as net carbs, these cookies weigh in at about 5 to 10 grams of carbs per cookie. So, following the nutritional information about these cookies, they are strictly not low-carb.

When on a keto diet, it is recommended that you stay within a limit of 20 grams of carbs per day. A few Quest cookies will get you near the limit, and you could quickly go over your carb intake on a day. You would instead find the best keto protein powder and stay within your carb limit.

 

Are Quest Cookies Keto?

From a health perspective, Quest Cookies are on the healthier side of things. They are high in protein, low in sugar and generally packed with safe ingredients. But, are they keto? Probably not. For example, the Oatmeal raisin cookie has 9 grams of net carbs. This would be ideal for a super active athlete that can handle a high carb intake.

But, if you are starting on keto, Quest cookies aren’t the best snack for you. One or two a week wouldn’t hurt, but these cookies should not be in your day-to-day diet. They have plenty of carbs that do not align with the keto diet. These would slow down your progress and, most likely, revert you to buying unhealthy snack options.

That said, it does not mean that you cannot benefit from these cookies. One, they are high in protein and typically match the keto diet in that aspect. Even though the carbs might be a little too much as a regular snack, you could still enjoy these cookies, especially when you need to satisfy your sugar cravings.

Furthermore, they are much better than the protein bars packed with wheat flour and brown sugar. On this note, they can come in handy as a snack when transitioning to wean yourself off regular cookies. As long as you limit their intake to a minimum, you should stay in course with your diet.

Live Minimally: How to Downsize Your Home Effectively

Are you trying to downsize? Is your home full of clutter? It’s time to get organized.

Let us help you tackle the need to get organized. If you have too many items or more space than you can manage, this piece is for you.

Do not get overwhelmed! This is how to downsize and declutter your home:

 

Step 1: Assess your Needs

First things first. Take inventory.

What is your goal? What do you need to accomplish that goal? If your goal is to downsize or declutter, you have a lot of work to do.

Think of items you use every day or things you might want to repurchase in the future. It is best to keep those items that are useful to you. Get rid of old paperwork or those boxing gloves you never used.

If you have not used it within the last six months, it’s probably time to get rid of it. Ask yourself, “does this spark joy?” If not, its time to toss it!

 

Step 2: Donate or Sell Unused Items

Get all your things out and in the open. That way you can see everything you own. It might surprise you how many things you have accumulated over the years.

If you forgot about an item or rarely use it, its time to donate! Use this method to go through your entire house and your belongings. Keep only what you need and regularly use.

If you’re downsizing your home, consider what rooms you will not have in the new house. If there is not a place for it, get rid of it!

Make three piles, one to sell, one to donate, and one to trash. This is a great way to downsize without feeling guilty! Make some extra cash or donate old items, in good condition, to a charity you love.

 

Step 3: Get Organized

Downsizing means everything should have a place in your home. There is no need for clutter or forgotten items.

If your goal is to downsize or declutter your home, make sure you can visualize where a particular item will be placed. Take into account what you need AND what you have space for.

There are many storage solutions for your home to help you get organized in your new space. Tip: use clear storage boxes so you can always see what you have and what you need!

Do you have things you are saving or cannot bear to part with? Then its time for hide-away storage. Use a storage space to keep your items safe and out of sight, keeping your home clutter-free.

 

Step 4: Use Multifunctional Furniture

If you are downsizing your home, your old furniture is probably too big for your new space. Use multifunctional furniture to keep your space open or designate rooms for duel purposes.

Keep a futon in the office space in case you have guests. Or, get a bed or coffee table that doubles as storage. All your furniture should serve a purpose in a small space.

As a plus, buying multifunctional furniture will save you money!

 

Step 5: Go Digital

Digitize what you can. That means paperwork, photos, and important paperwork.

You can upload your photos and documents to an external hard drive or save them virtually on Google Drive. Going paperless will free up space in your home without getting rid of important papers.

When you go digital you minimize your clutter and create a long-term solution. Your documents or old photos are safe and easy to access when you need them.

 

Step 6: Maximize Vertical Space

Vertical space often goes unused. When you maximize the use of vertical space, things become less cluttered.

Create vertical space in your home with shelving units, storage solutions, and taller furniture. The use of vertical space will ensure that every item has a place. Your home will feel less bulky and cluttered with slim furniture.

Think of your closet space; shoes quickly get cluttered on the floor. Use the back of the door or hang shelving systems up the wall to store shoes or purses. Bring this mentality to the rest of your home.

 

Step 7: Organize as You Unpack

When you only keep the items you have space for, it will be easy to decorate and organize your new home.

Instead of dumping boxes out all over your home, pack up the boxes by room and space so you know what goes where. When you begin to unpack in your new space, you will be able to organize as you go.

Set an organized precedent in your new home. Ensure that every item has a place in a visible location.

 

Step 8: Enjoy

Your new home or decluttered space is finished. All your hard work is done!

Enjoy the minimalism and clean feel of your home. Everything has a place and day to day life is easier when you always know where to find things.

Do not forget to make organization a habit!

 

This is How to Downsize!

Embrace minimalism! Keep only what you need, love, and use regularly. Minimalism is a lifestyle choice, after all.

If you are moving into a smaller space or are looking for a cleaner, clutter-free home, these tips will help you achieve your goal. Do not forget to stop accumulating items that will clutter your home.

Keep this article in your favorites so you remember how to downsize! For more tips on cleaning or home organization, check out our site.

Road Trip! 5 Sun Protection Tips For Travelers

If traveling to a sunny and warm place is on your to-do list, you should be aware that scorching temperatures and intense sunlight can be detrimental to your health. While extreme temperatures can expose anyone to heat illnesses, health risks are greatest for infants, young children, those with chronic ailments, and older travelers.

Dealing with overexposure to UV radiation is simple and should not hinder us from enjoying the beach during the summer season. Whether touring around in a city or lounging about outside, it is essential to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s piercing effect.

Wherever your travel escapades take you and your family this summer, ensure that these tips are followed to remain safe.

 

1. Drink A lot of Water

Most people enjoy packing their vehicle’s roof rack store with stuff they’ll need to spend time outdoors on sunny days. While outside during the hot sunny weather, always keep in mind that too much sun exposure can have serious consequences. This could range from potentially life-threatening sunstroke to painful sunburns.

To reduce dehydration risk, drink plenty of cold liquids, preferably water, before you feel thirsty.

 

male-drinking-water

2. Choose the Right Sunscreen

Did you know that the sun’s UV rays can harm your skin in just a 15-minute time frame? Sunscreen is one of the best ways of protecting yourself, so ensure to use sunscreen on all exposed skin.

Sunscreens are best if they can protect you from ultraviolet rays, are broad-spectrum, and have SPF 30+1. Always put on sunscreen 20 minutes before stepping out in the sun. When applying, make sure to get help for areas that are hard to reach like your back. Make sure to reapply regularly; when sweating, on cloudy days, even on days where it’s not so sunny.

Apply an ounce of sunscreen on every part of your body. One ounce is about the size of a golf ball- use more than an ounce if you’re sweating or swimming. A small tube containing three to five ounces of sunscreen might only be enough for one person, this is especially true during those days where the sun is scorching.

Never use any sunblock that you may have bought during the previous year. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time, and your exposure to skin damage will increase significantly.

Here are round up tips for using sunscreen effectively:

● Buy a daily moisturizer for your face that contains an SPF of at least 15. Keep in mind that skin on your face is more sensitive to sun damage than the rest of your body.
● Apply sunscreen every day, even during the wintertime. Ensure to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
● Buy a sunblock with Broad Spectrum protection or UVA, because if it doesn’t,  you may be getting protection from UVB rays.
● If you’re planning on hitting the pool or beach, a water-resistant sunscreen would be ideal. Always reapply after swimming.
● Always apply the cream 20 to 30 minutes in advance before sunbathing. Doing this will help increase the effectiveness of the cream, allowing it to penetrate skin layers with greater ease.
● For best results, ensure that you follow all instructions on the product label.

3. Stay In the Shade

Whether you’re cycling around the streets or are out for a day at the beach, continually staying under direct exposure to the sun is never a good idea. According to the Cancer Council NSW, staying in the shade can reduce ultraviolet (UV) exposure by up to 75%. You will do yourself a lot of good by sheltering under a shady tree, pavilion, or an umbrella throughout the day. Doing this will help limit the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.

Always keep in mind that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you’re out during that time, try and alternate between sun and shade.

sun-ptotection

4. Choose the Right Clothing

When outside for the better part of the day, the clothing you decide to put on can greatly influence your level of sunlight protection. Sure, any clothing can give you protection, but some apparels are more effective than others.

These tips will guide you on the kind of garments that can offer protection even on the brightest of days:

● Always go for clothing made of dark colors or thick materials since they contain a higher SPF than light-colored, lightweight cloth.
● Aside from using sunscreen, give your eyes, scalp, and face extra protection by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight in. Instead, go for a canvas hat that is tightly woven and will go a long way in protecting your skin from UV rays. If a hat with a brim round isn’t your thing and prefer a baseball cap instead, ensure to protect the back of your neck and ears. Stay in the shade and use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and you’ll be fine.

5. Carry Your Sunglasses

In addition to clothing and hats, don’t forget to carry your sunglasses. They will protect the soft skin around your eyes from getting exposed to the sun. When buying sunglasses, look for the type that blocks UVB and UVA rays to get optimum protection. Wrap-around glasses would be the best choice since they block UV rays from getting in from the side.

 

The Bottom Line

Going out and having fun in the hot summer sun doesn’t have to be a risky affair. By following these tips, you’ll not only look tan but also protect your skin from the harmful effects of solar radiation as well.

How to keep carpets clean when living with kids

Carpets can bring a nice and comforting atmosphere to a house.

However, when you have kids, the chances that the floor becomes a playground rises drastically. While crawling, walking, and playing, toddlers and kids can leave various stains that get into the carpet fiber and damage the carpet in the long run. The stains as well become a perfect place for germs to spread.

Moreover, not all carpet cleaners are baby-friendly, that is why it is important to find a solution that will not only remove stains but as well will not affect the health and safety of your children.

This article intends to help parents that are searching for an effective carpet cleaning method for common kids stains like markers, dirt, food, and others.

Types Of Carpets

The cleaning solution varies depending on the material. To avoid the damage of the fibers or the dye of your rug, it is crucial if your carpet has synthetic or natural fiber.

Such synthetic materials as nylon, polyester, or triexta are usually easy to clean and do not require special treatment. Simple steam cleaning or spot scrubbing will do the job. However, DIY cleaning does not disinfect the surface.

Wool, silk, jute, sea-grass, and other organic materials are prone to staining. Moreover, incorrect treatment might cost you a new rug. To avoid such unpleasant situations, we recommend it to use professional detergents and equipment.

According to pressurized hot-water extraction (PHWE) professional Dmitri Kara, the method archives up to 99% of dirt and grime removal from fabrics that can withstand the pressure and suction cycle, which is the perfect solutions for your toddler or infant bedroom.

Various companies offer equipment rental, however, the equipment is complex in use. It might take you more time to understand how to use the machine rather than clean the carpet.

Consider Professionals

They train tradesmen to remove various types of stains and know what detergents to use. Most commonly, they use the water extraction method that not only removes stains but sanitizes the rug. Besides, they can use a stain repellent that will protect your carpets from further staining. All the detergents they use are kids-friendly.

If you still consider cleaning the natural carpets yourself, then you should know several things:

  • Before cleaning, test cleaning solutions on an inconspicuous section of your carpet;
  • The stains should be treated immediately, otherwise, there is a chance of permanent staining;
  • Do not scrub the stains. That way you only rub the spot in, which makes the cleaning process even harder;

What Cleaning Products To Avoid

The effectiveness of the carpet cleaning detergents is explained by the high contents of chemicals that “dissolve” stains. Yes, they are effective but they can be extremely harmful to kids in different ways, like skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems like allergies and asthma, eczemas. Similarly, the team at We’re All About Cats explains that these products can cause harm to our furry friends too: “Cleaning products containing bleach or ammonia can burn our pets’ paws if they come into contact with them, and they can even be fatal if swallowed.”

To ensure your kids’ and pets’ health, we recommend:

  • Avoid detergents that have such warnings as “hazardous,” “dangerous,” “highly flammable,” or “irritating”. This is a clear sign that they do not include baby-friendly ingredients.
  • Avoid detergents that have hydrofluoric acid, butane, propane, glycol ethers, quaternary ammonium chloride, and sodium hydroxide in the ingredients list.

As an alternative, you might buy green or eco-friendly products based on natural ingredients.

Use regular products that you can find in any household, such as lemon, baking soda, white vinegar, club soda, borax, and hydrogen peroxide. More on those in the next part.

Common Stains And How To Remove Them

Food Stains

What you need:

  • Vinegar;
  • Water,
  • Sponge;
  • Soap.

In the situation with food stains,

1) Use a mixture of water and vinegar on your carpet.

2) Keep in mind the material of the carpet. If it is a natural fiber, then the proportions are following – ¼ cup of vinegar and ¼ cup of water. For synthetic fibers – ½  cup white vinegar with 1 cup of water.

3) Apply the solution on the spot with a sponge, wash it off with soap and let it dry. If the stain doesn’t come off, try applying hydrogen peroxide.

Chewing Gum

What you need:

  • Plastic bag;
  • Ice cubes;
  • Knife;
  • Lemon juice;
  • Soap;
  • Toothbrush.

 

  1. Put ice cubes in a plastic bag and let it harden the chewing gum for around 30 min.
  2. Remove the gum with the knife using a pulling motion. Hardened gum should come off in a solid piece.
  3. If there are any small pieces left, squeeze some lemon juice to remove them with a piece of cloth.
  4. Use the toothbrush to collect the leftovers and finish cleaning the area with soap and warm water mixture.

Glitter

What you need:

  • Vacuum;
  • Sticky roll.

Vacuum the rug thoroughly and use the roll to collect the leftovers. You can as well use a tape.

Mud

What you need:

  • Vacuum cleaner;
  • Sponge;
  • Towel;
  • Soap.

 

  1. Collect the dried mud with the vacuum cleaner.
  2. When you have collected all the hardened pieces of mud, you would want to remove the remaining dirt that is clinging to the fiber. To do that, make a bubbly mixture of soap and water and apply it to the stain. The remaining mud should lift off.
  3. Carefully blot the area with a dry towel.

Permanent Markers

What you need:

  • Rubbing alcohol;
  • Cotton balls.

 

  1. Apply some alcohol on a cotton ball and dab it in the stained area. You would want to do it in small sections, to avoid further staining.
  2. When the marker comes off on the wet cotton ball, take a dry one and start blotting the stain.
  3. Repeat the process until the stain fully comes off.

 

What is Paint Finisher?

After choosing the perfect color for a room or furniture, another important decision needs to be made – choosing a paint finisher. With many types of paint finishes to choose from, it would be best to know more about them so that you can choose the perfect one for you be it your normal chemical/oil based or a more sustainable version.. This article will discuss paint finishers, some things to consider, and their types.

 

Some Things to Consider when Choosing a Paint Finisher

  • Sheen – paint finishers have varying amounts of shine. The variant you choose depends on the look you are going for.
  • Maintenance – certain paint finisher types require less maintenance than the others. Some can even be cleaned using only common household cleaners.
  • Concealing Power – some people use paint finishers to hide imperfections these come in small “touch up” tins. The other types of finishers provide better coverage and come in your common paint tin.

Types of Paint Finisher

When choosing a paint finisher, you usually have six options to choose from. Each one of them has a certain characteristic that makes them stand out from the rest. Let us explore these paint finisher types:

Matte Finisher

Sometimes called a flat finisher, this is commonly chosen for ceilings and interior walls. The use of this type of finish is often used on modern trendy furniture like these display cabinets from Homes Direct 365. It is popular because it provides almost no shine, allowing your design choices to be focused on. Matte finishers will surely work well with most rooms in your home.

This finisher is also good at concealing imperfections such as cracks and chips on your walls. Due to this, matte finishers make good options for older homes that have experienced wear and tear.

For cleaning marks or handprints, things may get difficult due to the finisher’s flatness. It is often better to opt for a touch-up to quickly get rid of these marks. This is also why having a spare matte finisher on hand is highly advised.

Matte-Enamel Finisher

Just like the previously mentioned matte variation above, this finisher comes with little-to-no shine and a flat finish. However, the altered chemical makeup of matte-enamel finisher forms a layer of film on the surface as it dries, making cleanups easier.

The durability provided by this finisher makes it a good option for high-traffic areas including bathrooms and kitchens. When looking for this type of finisher, you are likely to encounter products labeled as washable, meaning they can withstand light scrubbings using soap and water.

Eggshell Finisher

You will find eggshell finishers interesting if you prefer some shine in your finish and a vibrant color. To get an idea of how shiny it is, try picturing the outside of an eggshell. This is remarkably like the results you’ll get.

An Eggshell finisher is great for busy homes due to its easy-to-clean surface. With just a slight amount of sheer, you do not have to deal with the luster that comes with glossy finishes. It was also a frequent color in Georgian kitchens back in the day.

One downside of this finisher is the probability of cracks and imperfections in the future. To better avoid this, it is recommended to patch up your walls first before using this type of finisher. Additionally, brushing in the same direction helps in the formation of lines as the paint dries.

Satin Finisher

Many homeowners prefer satin finishers due to the warm and velvety feel they provide. This type of finisher does exceptionally well for framing elements like trims, moldings, and doorways.

Moreover, its outstanding durability also makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens. Satin finishers are chip-resistant and easy to clean as well.

When it comes to its limitations, one of them is the possibility of brushstrokes appearing. Touch-ups are not an option if this ever happens. Therefore, it is essential to be extra careful during the application process to avoid this from happening.

 

Semi-Gloss Finisher

This finisher type is comparable to the previously mentioned satin variant. The only difference is the extra sheen it provides, making your chosen shade appear darker due to more light bouncing off.

Semi-gloss finishers make good choices for rooms that need frequent cleaning. The shine it provides is also perfect for emphasizing certain design elements, such as fireplace mantels, kitchen cabinets, and banisters.

 

Gloss Finisher

Sometimes referred to as high-gloss finisher, the highly reflective surface gloss finishers make it a good choice for furniture and trims. This finisher can also be used to add glamour into your home. If you desire to ramp up the glamorous aesthetics inside your home, feel free to go big and coat your chosen surface twice.

 

Conclusion

Choosing a paint finisher is just as important as choosing the perfect shade for your home. Several factors are usually considered when choosing a paint finisher, including sheen, maintenance, and concealing power.

Understanding each finisher type’s characteristics and considering your needs and preferences are both necessary in choosing the perfect variant for you. If you do all these steps, you will find your ideal paint finisher in no time.