HOW TO SPEEDILY REMOVE FOUL SMELLS FROM YOUR HOME

You may be having a splitting headache due to the pungent odors coming in a particular room, a closed cupboard,  your refrigerator or your car. At times the smell is very annoying that you may feel like vomiting.

You can follow simple techniques like keeping the windows open or switching ON the exhaust available provided in the room , burning a candle, using room freshener. The strong smells are not easy to go and needs more attention.

There are few items in your home that can remove the bad odors completely and make you feel like using that particular room, your refrigerator, going for a long ride in your car. Here are a few interesting tips that you will apply after reading this article.

1. Charcoal

Charcoal is on top of my list as it is one of the best absorbent agents that can absorb and soak up the bad odor. Charcoal is also widely used as water filters and in most odor removing commercial products. You can put a medium-sized chunk of charcoal inside your smelly refrigerator for instance, and leave it there for a couple of days. You will notice that it can effectively remove the bad smell.

2. Baking Soda

Baking soda is also a good absorbent. Put a generous amount of baking soda in an open container and leave it for several days. Remember the size of the container depends upon the size of the confined room. You may also place small bowls in 2 to 3 areas of the room for better action. Remove the baking soda and replace it with new one and leave it for a couple of days. Continue replacing the baking soda until it has cleared the bad smell. The only caution is that green leaves will wilt quickly

3. Lemon or Lime rinds

Just put some lemon or lime rinds into an open container and leave them inside the confined area for a couple of days. The citrus smell will naturally replace the bad smell. You can also place lime rinds in a small bowl containing water.

4. Fresh Ground Coffee

Ground coffee has a nice, crisp natural aroma. Just put about a cup of fresh ground coffee in a flat, uncovered container. Place the container inside the confined space for several days. If the bad smell is extremely horrible, put more ground coffee. The area will smell of fresh coffee for many days.

5. Tea Bags

If you don’t like coffee, you can use tea bags instead. Just place 2-3 tea bags inside the confined space. The tealeaves in the bags will not only absorb the bad smell but also will release the natural aroma of tea.

6. Pandan Leaf (also known as Screwpine or Kewra in Hindi)

It is easy to get pandan leaf in tropical countries as it is widely used in Southeast Asian cooking to add aroma to dishes. It s known as the “Vanilla of the East”. Its pleasant aroma also acts as natural air freshener. Just take a few strips of the pandan leaves and tie them into knots. Place the leaves inside the confined space and leave them until the leaves withered or dried up. Replace the leaves regularly until the smell goes away. The dried leaves are of no use, only fresh leaves work well.

7. Vanilla Essence

Pour several drops of vanilla essence on a couple of cotton wools. Toss the cotton wools inside the confined space such as your wardrobe. Leave them for several days and you will notice that the area smells nice.

8. Mint Extract

If you favor neither the smell of citrus nor vanilla, you can perhaps use mint extract instead. Pour several drops of mint extract on a couple of cotton wools. Toss the cotton wools inside the confined space and leave them for a couple of days.

9. Orange and Cloves

Get an orange and poke it with sharp objects like needle or fork to form small holes. Place each of the cloves inside these small holes until most of the orange surfaces are covered. It may look like a hedgehog with the cloves jutting out of the orange fruit. Leave it in the confined area for a couple of days. The area will smell nice with the said combinations.

10. Old Newspaper and Slices of Bread

Old newspaper and two slices of bread also work wonders in absorbing the bad odors particularly inside the refrigerator. Just place some crumpled old newspaper and two slices of bread , uncovered inside your refrigerator and leave them for two days. Replace the newspaper and bread slices regularly until the bad smell is removed.

You can also remove foul smell from plastic containers in which you previously stored minced cabbage, pickles that remain past expiration dates. Simple stuff crumpled newspaper and leave the container closed for three to four days. The smell vanishes away.

11. Vinegar

Vinegar works wonderful to remove smells of fried cooking especially fish. To remove the smell boil vinegar on the stove in a small bowl. The distinct odor of vinegar will be replaced .

White vinegar can be used to neutralize many of the same smells as baking soda. An open cup of vinegar in the fridge is an alternative to the box of baking soda, or an open cup or bowl of vinegar can be left in a room where you want to eliminate an odor.

12. Oats

Just put a cup of oats in an open container where you are having the foul smell. And lo…the smell has vanished after a few hours. Oats is a good odor absorbent. Do not dispose off the oats that has reached shelf life , retain it for this purpose.

You can also use the combination of any of the above tips together, to effectively remove bad smell. Try those tips and you can keep all the foul smell at bay.

CLEANING YOUR HOUSE WITHOUT HARSH CHEMICALS…SAFE FOR BABY

You may have come across few house cleaning products being very strong smelling and pungent when the cap is opened. It makes you cough or sneeze. Just imagine the load on your baby who is lying in the cradle or may have started to crawl around.

Harsh household cleaners can affect a baby’s eyes, airways, skin, and more. In fact elders have problem like itching or hand becoming rough and dry. To keep away the odors you may use a room freshener.

You can keep your house clean , spic and span and at the same time relieve yourself of the worry that the child will get affected.

Few safety measures to be followed.

• Keep your stock out of the reach of children. Preferable keep in lock and key. You may have across news regarding babies accidentally tripping the container or consuming it due to attractive colors. You can imagine the risk in case of ingestion due to its strength and composition.
• Close the caps of the containers tightly to avoid leakage if tripped. Keep cleaning accessories away from the common rooms. Use separate cleaning buckets for diluting cleaners and mopping the room.
• Do not carry the baby in the course of your cleaning activities. Wash your hands thoroughly and then carry the baby.
• Plan your cleaning activities such that baby does not get disturbed. Do not do cleaning activities with the baby in the room. Ventilate the room before baby is brought in. This will prevent harsh chemicals come into contact.

Common problems associated with Household cleaners:

Household cleaners with harsh ingredients not only kill germs and remove tough stains, they can affect your baby’s health in a number of ways.

Breathing problems. Powerful fumes from household cleaners can irritate your baby’s airways, making allergy or asthma symptoms worse.

Eczema. A baby’s skin is sensitive, and studies have found that irritants and allergens in household cleaners and detergents can cause skin irritation.

Allergies. Some researchers believe that having a home that’s too clean can increase the long-term risk of allergies in a child. It’s called the hygiene hypothesis.  For the child’s immune without some exposure to germs, a child’s immune system might not develop normally. Instead, it becomes hypersensitive and begins to overreact to harmless allergens, like pollen or dander.

Eye irritation. Household cleaner fumes can also irritate your baby’s eyes, causing redness and watering. If accidentally the solution is splashed directly into the eyes, some cleaners can cause serious damage.

Unknown health effects. Few household cleaners have fragrances that contain chemicals like phthalates . Some studies have found a possible connection between phthalates and disrupted hormone levels.

Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers for plastics. It increases the softness, flexibility and better processing of plastics

To be cautious, many parents try to reduce the use of household cleaners that contain harsh chemicals.

Tips for Baby-Safe Cleaning

Every woman wants to have their house spic and span, sparkling clean. There are lots of good ways to practice child-safe cleaning.  You need to make a balance between cleaning your home and the safety of your baby. There is no need to break your back and clean every inch of your home.

Allocate time for getting things organized, away from the floor. Minimize dust entry and remove unwanted things in the room. They actually collect dust and becomes impossible to clean.

Opt  safer household cleaners. Select household cleaners that are less caustic and friendlier to both the environment and the body. Look for “green” and “nontoxic” cleaners, or products that say, “petroleum-free,” “biodegradable”, “phosphate-free”, “Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) free”, or “solvent-free.”

Less is more. Household cleaners can be diluted with water and it cleans quite effectively. Diluting a cleaner is an easy way of making it less harsh and better for child-safe cleaning. Diluting a cleaner will have cost benefits too. The only caution is not to retain the diluted cleaning solution. It will not be effective for later use.

Avoid the antibacterial soap. Despite the popularity of antibacterial soaps, plain old soap and water will get the germs off just as well. Antibacterial soap not only contains chemicals you don’t need, but in the long term it may increase the risk of creating tougher, resistant bacteria. Your child will not have resistance  to external conditions and will fall sick when exposed to climatic changes

Preferably use natural cleaners available in the kitchen – baking soda , lime and vinegar. In case you engage a cleaning service or a maid to do the task, explain them the cleaning resources and the areas to avoid any confusion and incidents.

If you are planning to remove cobwebs that got accumulated, cover all furniture and baby items. Dust thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner. Otherwise the dust will spread from one surface to the other. Change all bed covers where the baby will come into contact.

Stop dirt from getting in the house.  Place a huge door mat to wipe your feet as you come in the house, it will keep out dirt as well as any contaminants from outside. The better option will be to place a shoe rack outside to prevent dust and contaminants coming into the house. You are confident to make your baby move around inside the house.

When you make a transition to child-safe cleaning routines, there’s one thing you might miss: that clean smell. The fact is the smell is just chemically produced. “Real clean doesn’t have a scent.”

When you start practicing the simple cleaning methods your house will be clean but will not smell as if you are in a garden. Your bathroom and toilets will be clean but not antiseptic as an operation theatre. You are doing your best in a safe manner to keep your child free of infection.

BAKING SODA – A MIRACLE PRODUCT IN YOUR KITCHEN

Baking soda is a chemical compound that appears as a fine powder. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or bicarbonate of soda (alkali). The related names are Cooking soda , bread soda, and bicarbonate of soda . Baking soda has an indefinite shelf life if stored in a sealed container in a cool dry place.

Baking soda is salty in taste and releases bubbles of carbon dioxide when it interacts with an acid and a liquid. It is commonly used in baking, where it acts as a leavening agent. Mentioned below are some of the popular uses of baking soda apart from making muffins ,cakes soft and fluffy. If added to the product base you need to bake quickly to avoid flattening if delayed.

To test baking soda’s effectiveness: mix 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 2 teaspoons of vinegar and the mixture should bubble immediately.

Heat causes sodium bicarbonate to act as a raising agent by releasing carbon dioxide when used in baking. The carbon dioxide production starts at temperatures above 80 °C. Since the reaction does not occur at room temperature, mixtures (cake batter, etc.) can be allowed to stand without rising until they are heated in the oven.

Label the container in which you store baking soda to avoid any mix-up.

Health Benefits of Baking soda

1. Baking soda is an antacid, neutralizes stomach acidity.

2. Baking soda can be used as underarm deodorant by applying it with a powder puff.

3. Use Baking soda as a face and body scrub.

4. Relieves skin itch from insect bites and pain from sunburn.

5. Take a baking soda bath to relieve skin irritations.

6. Shampoo your hair as well with diluted solutions.

7. Baking soda can be used for first aid too.

8. Freshen your mouth by gargling half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed water.

9. Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your vaporizer.

10. Useful in removing splinters from the skin.

Usage of Baking soda at Home

11. Put an open container of baking soda in the fridge to absorb the odors.

12. Sprinkle it on your ashtrays to reduce bad odor and prevent smoldering.

13. Sprinkle it on your slippers, boots, shoes, and socks to eliminate foul odor.

14. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.

15. Wipe your windshield with it to repel rain.

16. Improve the smell of dishrags by soaking them in baking soda and water.

17. Suck it in with your vacuum cleaner to remove the odor.

18. Put it under sinks and along basement windows to repel cockroaches and ants.

19. Put out small fires on rugs, upholstery, clothing, and wood.

20. Keep cut flowers fresh longer by adding a teaspoon to the water in the vase.

Cooking uses of Baking soda

21. Wash fruits and vegetables with it.

22. Wash meat in water in which baking soda is added. This will remove the typical smell of fresh meat with blood.

23. Soak dried beans to a baking soda solution to make them more digestible and removes flatulence ( presence of excessive gas in the digestive tract )

24. It is also used in breadings and fried foods such as bondas, bajjis, pakoras  to enhance crispness.

25. Remove the fishy smell from your fillets by soaking the raw fish in a baking soda solution for an hour inside the fridge.

26. Make fluffier omelets by adding half a teaspoon of baking soda for every three eggs used.

27. To soften meat baking soda is added.

Benefits of Baking soda for Cleaning Purposes

28. Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.

29. Use it to scrub sinks, showers, plastic and porcelain tubs

30. Add a spoonful to your dishwasher to make scrubbing dishes easier.

31. Spray it on walls, mirrors, and countertops.

32. Dry clean carpets and upholstered furniture by sprinkling baking soda over the fabric and gently brushing it. Leave it for an hour or overnight, then vacuum.

33. Combine it with water to make a paste for polishing stainless steel and chrome.

34. Remove scratches and crayon marks from vinyl floors and walls.

35. Clean the fridge with it.

36. Remove grease from pots and pans.

37. Soak brushes and combs in a baking soda solution.

38. Mix it with water to wash food and drink containers.

39. Use it to get rid of stale odors from cooling containers and thermos bottles.

40. Scatter it on your greasy garage floor, scrub the floor, and rinse.

41. Remove burned-on food from a pan by soaking it in a baking soda solution for 10 minutes before washing.

42. Clean your ashtrays with a baking soda solution.

43. Keep your drains clean by putting four tablespoons of baking soda in them each week. Flush it down with hot water.

44. Clean your shower curtains by soaking them in baking soda and water.

45. Sodium bicarbonate can be an effective way of controlling fungus growth.

The most amazing thing about baking soda is that it’s very cheap and you get it over the counter at local shops too. You can utilize baking soda for cooking, cleaning, in first aid at a very small cost. Baking soda is truly a miracle product, whether it’s used for baking or not.

 

TOP 6 CHEMICAL FREE CLEANERS HIDING IN YOUR KITCHEN

Cleaning and organizing your home is a task which gets postponed due to non availability of time or the appropriate cleaning aid. You are at times exhausted just thinking of the house chores that needs to be completed in addition to cooking and organizing your home. Here are a few readily available cleaners in your kitchen that will come handy for you.

No more excuses. Get ready to use in house cleaning aids to have a surprise for your hubby when he is back home. The cleaners are low in cost, no side effects, not smelling and pungent. You will be surprised to know that they had all these benefits. You can infact re-use material or clean within your budget.

Egg shells

If you have problem in cleaning a narrow mouthed bottle or flower vase, drop a handful of crushed egg shells into the bottle, add lukewarm water and your dish cleaning liquid. Shake the bottle thoroughly such that the egg shells clean the had to reach surfaces of the bottle or vase.

You have a clean and sparkling bottle in your hands. Wow!!

Paper pieces

In case you do not have egg shells ( you are a vegetarian) no problem…just opt for paper pieces. Re-use paper in this way. This cleaning method is ideal for cleaning the green mossy layer inside the bottles in which money plant grows. The bottle become sparking clean.

Pick a paper from the trash bin , shred it into multiple tiny pieces and drop it into the bottle. Add lukewarm water and then shake the bottle thoroughly such that the paper pieces touch the entire surface of the bottle. Now pour water and clean out with dish washing liquid to keep off the smell.

Your bottle is sparkling and the money plant is a pride to watch in your living rooms.

Baking Soda

We have used Baking soda in cooking . There are numerous uses for baking soda. Mix with water and it is a natural cleaner that is great for cleaning all the grimy and tough stains at home. Especially excellent for Stainless steel kitchen sinks without scratching it.

Sprinkle baking soda on a clean damp cloth or sponge and wipe the sink clean. Rinse it with water thoroughly. You will be amazed to see a shining sink .

Corn flour

You may be upset that your carpet got stained in the last guest visit at home. Not to worry… Try out this simple yet clean method of removing stain. You will be surprised with the result.

Corn flour is used in recipes to thicken the gravy, to give a shiny effect for the dishes. Corn flour is also great for cleaning carpet stains. Mix a spoon of corn flour to water and apply that thick paste on the stained area. The paste will soak the stain and your carpet stain is gone away.

You can also try this with corn starch. Only a change in name but it works wonders.

Bread

Bread is popularly had at breakfast , Kids love sandwiches, used for cutlets and tikkis. Very few know the cleaning benefits of bread. Bread can be used to dust paintings that can be harmed by traditional cleaners.

Wheat flour or the bran of wheat is ideal for cleaning sticky surfaces of kitchen dishes. Usually the oil in frying pans or Kadai’s will require more quantity of water to clean away the oily stickiness.

Vanilla Essence  

Mix 1 teaspoon of Vanilla essence to 2 cups of water in a microwave-safe container . Place it the micro wave oven for 5 minutes in high. After this duration disconnect the plug and then remove the container and wipe down the interior with a soft cloth. If you have stock of vanilla essence, go ahead using it. It is a bit costlier to vanilla essence.

Your grime is gone away and vanilla will leave a distinct aroma increasing your appetite and desire to make something fresh for your family.

You are part of the Go Green campaign !!

HOW TO CONTROL COCKROACH

Cockroaches are not only undesirable pests but a threat to human health. Cockroaches consume food and thereby contaminate the indoor environment.

Cockroaches are known to transfer disease pathogens, such as the various bacteria that produce “food poisoning” in humans, by contaminating food, food preparation surfaces, dishes and eating utensils. Cockroach has an ability to trigger asthma. Cockroach nymphs grow by periodically shedding their “skin” (the exoskeleton). Fragments of their exoskeletons, along with bits of cockroach feces, serve as antigens (foreign protein) that, when inhaled, cause allergic and asthmatic reactions.

Several species of cockroaches live inside structures. Most domestic cockroaches are of tropical origin and the German cockroach, for one, cannot survive temperate winters outdoors. All are primarily nocturnal. Cockroaches prefer warm, moist places where they can feed on human and pet foods, decaying and fermenting matter, and a variety of other items.

Food, water and shelter are basic cockroach requirements. Pest control services can be availed for annual maintenance program.

Getting Rid of Cockroaches:

Controlling cockroaches with borax ( Sodium borate ) is one of the easiest, most inexpensive ways to keep roaches out of your home. Use borax, a jar lid and some sugar to immediately start seeing a reduction in active cockroaches around your home.

Follow the procedure:

• In a plastic plate pour some borax and sprinkle the same amount of sugar.
• Mix sugar and the borax together with a clean toothpick and collect the powder towards the centre of the plate.
• Place the jar lid in an area where you’ve seen cockroaches crawl. Place the borax mixture in places where small children and pets can’t reach it.
• Repeat the process and put more jar lids around you home where cockroaches roam.
• Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Check the borax piles daily. If the borax is spread it means that the cockroaches have taken the bait and have been consuming the borax and sugar mixture. If the piles remain undisturbed, sprinkle more sugar onto your borax piles and mix with a toothpick again.
• Vacuum your carpet. Sprinkle borax on it. Use a broom to sweep it into the carpet evenly. Let the borax sink into the carpet for a week. Vacuum the carpet after a week to remove the borax, dead bugs and their eggs.

HOW TO CONTROL MOSQUITOES

The first line of defense against mosquitoes is to seal their point of entry. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and early evening. They seek areas of still air because they are hampered by breezes. Close windows and doors on the side of your house which are opposite the breeze.

 There are many health problems related to mosquito bite. Commonly seen malaria to the risky dengue are caused by mosquitoes. Some people are sensitive to insect bite and it leads to allergies on the skin.

Precautionary measures to minimize mosquitoes are:

• Foremost activity is to remove standing water sources. Regularly change the water in coolers, wading pools. Keep your terrace clean and well-draining. Remove yard items that collect water.
• If you’re using the barbeque, throw a bit of sage or rosemary on the coals to repel mosquitoes.
• Place insect screens for your windows and doors to prevent entry.
• An effective natural bug repellent, mix one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a small spray bottle.  Shake well before using. Spray lightly on exposed body parts for an effective repellent lasting up to 5 – 6 hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this mixture and hung in areas, such as patios, as a localized deterrent.
• Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the Neem tree in India. The leaves, seeds and seed oil of the Neem tree contain sallanin, a compound which has effective mosquito repelling properties. Neem oil is a natural product and is safe to use.
• Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying insects do not like.

Commercial products are available in the market. Coils, Mats, liquids and electrical bats. They minimize the mosquito menace to a large extent.

Over the counter commercial products like skin creams and lotions are available for local application. This will prevent mosquito bite. Check for suitability by conducting a skin test.

HOW TO CONTROL LIZARDS NATURALLY

This is a popular and common solution shared by elders and has been followed at home for ages. These are some natural methods to control lizards.

 Egg shells. Lots of people swear by egg shells. If you place cracked eggshells around the house, in corners, and in windows, the occurrence of lizards should decrease noticeably. Lizards associate the broken shells with larger predators such as birds and larger reptiles.

Peacock feathers. This works on the same principal as the egg shell idea. Lizards associate large feathers with death. Birds love a tasty little lizard snack. So decorate with some peacock feathers. Put them in a vase, hang them on the wall, bunch them together, and place them in the corners.

Getting Rid of Lizards

• Get rid of the food source.

If there is no food for the lizard, there is no lizard. Keep away any source of insect or pest entry.

• How to make your home inhospitable.

Keep your place clean. A dirty / messy house provides not only floor but also a hiding place for the insects. Dirty dishes, garbage, floors not dusted, piles of laundry, piles of newspapers etc. all need to get taken care of. Lizards like warmth, therefore if possible reduce heat in the rooms.

Keep furniture at least six inches from the wall, and don’t hang lots of pictures and mirrors. Lizards like to hang out on and behind them. Fix any leaky faucets or pipes. Remember lizards and their food need water.

• Make it difficult for lizards to get in:

Lizards can squeeze their bodies and pass through holes. Therefore check walls especially near electrical wiring entry points , gap below doors and windows. Place mothballs near windows. They are not liked by lizards.

• How to make your yard inhospitable.

Standing waters are a major source of problem. Insects breed in them and is a source of food. Trim plants that are too close to doors and windows. Don’t use outdoor lighting at night. It attracts bugs for lizards to eat. If you must use lighting, use yellow lights or sodium vapor lights.

• You can use glue boards to trap lizards. This is a physical measure to trap lizards. Chemical agents need to be done by direct contact. Not recommended at homes.

 

HOW TO CLEAN MARBLE FLOORS AND ACCESSORIES

Marble is a very soft stone. Marble is softer than granite. Marble is highly porous , therefore easily stained when chemicals or citrus liquids come in contact. Marble is effected by water too.It leaves stains which is time consuming for cleaning.

Marble is a beauty in whatever product it is used. It is a huge investment too. Marble is a delicate stone and we need to handle it with lots of care.

You may have gone through a tough time cleaning marble. Installing marble at homes is a costly affair and maintenance is another task which needs accuracy and caution.

Marble is used for flooring, wall tiles, kitchen counter tops, dining areas. Due to its porous nature it soaks anything that comes into contact with. Do not use vinegar or acidic products to clean the floor. Be sure of your cleaning product, always select pH natural products as they are gentle and will not harm the marble stone.

What is the ideal frequency to clean marble ?

It is recommended to clean the marble daily . Initially dust the floor and later wipe the floor with cotton cloth and a gentle cleaner.Do not leave water on the floor for a long time.Prevent yellowing and staining of marble floors.

If the color has deepened then go for polishing and buffing. You can take the help of professionals when you plan to do extensive maintenance and cleaning.

Tips to protect marble stones:

• Ensure the gaps between tiles are closed and no scope for water penetration.
• Clean floor stains of iron, etc mildly with a dish detergent. Do not use acids etc.
• For marble floors, it’s best to protect them with a stone sealer.
• Use coasters under all glasses to prevent stains on your marble surfaces. If iron material is placed on floors ensure usage of stands, cloth mats.
• Use a glass or plastic tray to hold cosmetics , pieces of art on marble vanity surfaces. Make sure they have cotton mats underneath to keep from scratching the marble.A scratch on your marble will result into the loss of beauty of this stone.
• Avoid letting citrus or alcohol products sit on the marble surface as it can etch and dull it.
• Keep hot items off marble; always use a trivet or hot pad for protection.
• Clean marble tops with lukewarm water only, never use hot water. It will deteriorate and damage the shine on marble surface.
• Applying a clear wax will help to protect marble. Avoid waxing white marble as it may cause it to yellow.
• Before applying a method of treatment, do a test spot first to make sure the color or finish won’t be affected. You can be safe of not damaging the entire floor.
• Use terry cloth or tissue papers to clean the marble, it will also enable shine.
• To avoid staining of marble due to spills of cooking oil or any other greasy products ,  clean the spill immediately with cloth or tissue paper and then clean the area with mild soap solution and dry cloth.
• While purchasing marble cleaners, check for mildness and always follow the directions of the Manufacturer.

 

HOW TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AN AQUARIUM

Most of us enjoy watching fishes in an aquarium, it brings in a feeling of peace and admiration towards nature viewing the colorful fishes in unique shapes. Aquariums add an aesthetic appeal to one’s living room.  Fishes are very delicate and therefore we need to take immense care to understand the requirements and the special care to be taken as it is restricted to an environment. Therefore it is important to maintain the aquarium to ensure proper fish care , fishes have a healthy life . A well maintained aquarium will be able to preserve the habitat in unnatural environment.

If you are planning to buy an aquarium or you already possess one, here are a few tips that will help you maintain an Aquarium.

Tips For Maintaining an Aquarium

Selection of Aquarium

A little thought has to be spent on the required size for the aquarium. You need to take into account the space available at home for being the central focus point in your room. Aquarium comes in all sizes from a bowl to a huge fish tank. It is recommended to opt for a large aquarium as it contains more water and more living space for the fishes we intend to include. Large tanks means more stability in temperature, water chemistry and cleanliness. The water becomes less mucky as compared to a small aquarium.

Quality of water

Water is a key factor for an aquarium. Water should be chlorine free. It is strongly advised to leave water for conditioning at least for one week, before introducing fish and plants.  After we set the aquarium you need to change the water once a month.  We need to change only one fourth of water in the tank, in order to dilute the accumulated harmful chemicals such as nitrites, nitrates and phosphates. The replaced water condition should agree with the temperature and pH condition of the existing aquarium water, in order to avoid any untoward effects.

Selection of companions in the aquarium

We need to have a good understanding of the fishes and their behaviors. The dealers will give the information and guide us to decide the type of fishes to be selected. Most fishes vary with each other in terms of needs and maintenance and can’t be kept together. During selection of fishes check out for the healthy ones as sick ones will make healthy fishes weak. We can distinguish healthy fishes as they have erect fins, clear eyes and good skin color. Segregate a sick fish from the aquarium or the condition is contagious to healthy ones.

Note: Regular inspection of the fishes is an essential factor for a healthy environment.

 Maintaining the right Temperature

Temperature is another key factor for an aquarium We need to have a good understanding of the temperature requirements for fishes in an aquarium as sudden changes in temperature can be life threatening. The fish dealer will give the information on the types of fish and the care to be taken.

 Maintaining pH

Maintaining optimum pH is very critical in an aquarium. Fishes require neutral pH 7 , can withstand pH upto 6.6 to 7.4, beyond these levels are dangerous for fishes. They cannot handle variations in pH .Recommended to regularly inspect the pH level of water in the aquarium and remove collected algae and other wastes and provide a cleaner environment.

Maintaining appropriate illumination

Lighting is another key factor for an aquarium . Optimum light requirement would be around 12 hours per day. Appropriate lighting is required for most fishes for laying eggs. Plants need artificial light to survive in fish tanks for photosynthesis . Harmful algae and planktons are suppressed only in presence of light. The aquarium and fishes look more beautiful in well-illuminated water

 Feeding tips

Recommended feeding is twice a day – once in the morning and again in the evening. The quantity of food depends on the number and types of fishes in your aquarium, it is advisable to feed only as much as the fish can clean up in 5 minutes time. Overfeeding can have disastrous consequences. Take inputs from the fish dealer on feeding requirements.

Hope you will enjoy the experience of maintaining an aquarium!!

CHECKLIST FOR SEASONAL HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE

  Inspecting your home on a regular basis and following good maintenance practices are the best way to protect your investment in your home.

Most home maintenance activities are seasonal. Fall is the time to get your home ready for the coming winter, which can be the most grueling season for your home. During winter months, it is important to follow routine maintenance procedures, by checking your home carefully for any problems that may arise and taking corrective action as soon as possible. Spring is the time to assess winter damage, start repairs and prepare for warmer months. Over the summer, there are a number of indoor and outdoor maintenance tasks to look after, such as repairing walkways and steps, painting and checking your chimney and roof. You need to check electrical appliances too.

Following check list will ensure no tasks is missed out and all services area available on time. The house is organized and the seasonal transition is not affecting your home.

DURING THE WINTER

• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• have your gutters and downspouts cleaned out
• inspect around your property for wasp nests and remove
• plug leaks along the seams and corners of your gutters
• inspect the attic for pests (birds, rodents, insects, etc)
• inspect and repair your home’s sump pump
• oil door locks and hinges and tighten doorknob and hinge screws
• Check pressure gauge on all fire extinguishers; recharge or replace if necessary.
• Clean humidifier two or three times during the winter season.

DURING THE FALL

• inspect for and repair any plumbing leaks
• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• inspect unvented gas heaters for proper ventilation
• remove window air conditioners
• inspect joints in ceramic tile and caulk around tub and sink
• change the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security alarms
• inspect the seals on windows and doors
• inspect exposed wiring and cords for wear and fraying
• have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced
• Cover outside of air-conditioning units and shut off power.
• Ensure all doors to the outside shut tightly, and check other doors for ease of use. Replace door weather stripping if required.

DURING THE SPRING

• have your heating and air conditioning systems serviced
• inspect the attic, ceilings, and roof overhang for water damage
• inspect your basement for leaks, moisture, termites, and wood rot
• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• inspect exposed wiring and cords for wear and fraying
• inspect walls and masonry for cracks and subsidence
• inspect paint for wear or cracking
• inspect windows for broken glass and screens – clean screens
• inspect door / window frames, siding, and trim for cracks
• change the batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, security alarms
• inspect the seals on windows and doors
• have your gutters and downspouts cleaned out
• plug leaks along the seams and corners of your gutters
• inspect joints in ceramic tile and caulk around tub and sink.

DURING THE SUMMER

• replace the filters in your heating and air conditioning systems
• inspect the roof for damage or loose shingles
• drain the water and sediment from your hot water heater
• replace the water in your hot water heater
• test the pressure valve on your hot water heater
• check to make sure water heater vent is not blocked
• inspect the driveway and walkways for cracks and settling
• deep clean carpets and rugs
• Check smooth functioning of all windows and doors, lubricate hinges and tighten screws as required

« Previous Page — Next Page »