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7 Helpful Solutions to Deep Clean Homes Without Harsh Chemicals

7 Helpful Solutions to Deep Clean Homes Without Harsh Chemicals

Deep cleaning, a process of eliminating both visible dust and micro-sized dirt and bacterial particles, is a necessity for every home space once in a while. This form of cleaning ensures that every nook and corner of one’s home is spotlessly clean and well looked after. People generally associate deep cleaning with using strong, chemical-based solutions and cleansing agents. However, one can use some helpful DIY items to deep clean their house.

Using essential oils for air freshening

A major part of deep cleaning is deodorizing. A house that reeks is almost certainly not very clean. To deodorize, people generally tend to use room fresheners that contain a large number of chemical solutions for immediate results. While such room fresheners are effective, they are also not the most environmentally friendly option.

Instead, essential oils such as lavender, rose, hyssop, lemon, vetiver, cedarwood, grapefruit, and myrrh have as many deodorizing properties as any other room freshener. One can mix any of these essential oils with water and witch hazel to create a sprayable liquid. Here’s how to make a strong and environmentally-friendly mix- add a cup of water to a quarter cup of witch hazel, topped by about 5 to 7 drops of any essential oil. Next, one can add 5 to 7 drops of another essential oil for even better aromatic results. Generally, a mix of lemon and lavender is quite popular to achieve the best results.

Cleaning ceiling fans with old pillowcases

Of all the appliances in a home space, ceiling fans can be the ones that get easily dirty. It happens because they are almost always running and gathering dust and dirt on their blades. When one uses any cloth to clean it, the dust particles tend to fall and spread in the air around the room. It is not ideal as one cleans their property thoroughly. An unlikely cleaning device that suits this purpose is an old pillowcase.

Here’s how to use it- one can open the end of a pillowcase and place it at the end of the fan’s blade to be cleaned before pressing hard and pulling it off the fan. The dust collected in the blade gets removed and accumulates inside the pillowcase instead of falling or spreading across the room. Doing so regularly ensures that fans in a given house remain clean most of the time.

Rubbing lemon shower spray and rubbing alcohol for cleaning

Bleach is one of the most commonly used cleaners in deep cleaning sessions, but, like formula-based air fresheners, it also contains harsh chemicals. Bleach is also highly toxic and can pose serious health risks for cleaners, pets, or little kids in a particular house.

A reliable alternative is a combination of lemon and rubbing alcohol. This combination is a perfect, chemical-free solution made by mixing a teaspoon of dish soap, one and a half cups of water, a quarter cup of rubbing alcohol, and lemon juice from 2 whole lemons into a spray bottle using a funnel. Once the mix is created and filled into a spray can, one can use it to clean and disinfect surfaces effectively.

Not only is this mix as reliable and powerful as bleach, but it also ensures that no toxic elements are left behind after one is done with their deep cleaning session.

Using distilled white vinegar to clean glass surfaces

Glass surfaces are notoriously difficult to clean, especially when dirt residue and other sticky materials are making them filthy. A practical solution to address this issue is using distilled white vinegar. Distilled white vinegar has acidic elements that work effectively on alkaline substances. Therefore, it is the perfect solution to cleanse mold, dirt, and soap residue off glass surfaces. Also, this cleaning agent can clean residual matter like coffee stains, tea spots, and rust without any major effort. Unlike other powerful chemical-based cleaners, vinegar is not harsh in nature and can clean without leaving scars and rashes on the glass surface.

Using salt to clean pantries

The remarkable anti-bacterial properties of salt are well-known in the healthcare industry. Therefore, using salt in cleaners can achieve good results in one’s deep cleaning efforts without the issues of abrasive chemical-based cleaners.

Salt, mixed with other cleaning and deodorizing substances like lemons, can be used to clean baked-on grime on kitchen surfaces such as oven racks or stove grates. In fact, lemon wedges are the perfect option for salt-based solutions to clean most surfaces in one’s house.

Employing baking soda to clean upholstery

Baking soda is a seriously underrated cleaning agent that can be useful during a deep cleaning session around one’s house. Baking soda is particularly effective for cleaning carpets, sofa cushions, and other upholstery. So, before vacuum cleaning one’s carpet, one can sprinkle some baking soda on the surface. This non-toxic product eliminates dust from the carpet and keeps it odor-free and fresh. Therefore, if one intends to deep clean their upholstery, then baking soda is an ideal choice to consider.

Degrease and clean the oven using a homemade paste

To clean one’s oven efficiently, a specific homemade paste is good enough to get the job done and is entirely free of toxins and harsh chemical-based solutions. The mix consists of white vinegar, dish soap, baking soda, coarse salt, and a couple of lavender oil drops; in short, it is a mix of multiple DIY cleaning solutions that work together to cleanse, deodorize, and disinfect one’s oven.

A healthy home space ensures its occupants remain productive and happy all the time. Therefore, consider replacing chemical-based cleaning solutions with these DIY products to ensure your home remains healthy and clean always. Apart from these solutions, one can also use the Glad ForceFlex MaxStrength. This powerful cleaning tool effectively eliminates dust, dirt, bacteria, and food/bacterial odors in one’s house.

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Key things to know about macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye disorder that affects the macula, a tiny part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. The most common kind of this disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects many people in our country over 60 years. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, several treatments and lifestyle changes help manage the symptoms and improve your vision so that it does not interfere with everyday life. What are the types of macular degeneration? There are two common types of the condition: Wet or exudative macular degeneration This is the more common type. It occurs when the tiny blood vessels in front of your retina get damaged and leak fluid into your eye, causing swelling, redness, and dampness. The condition can affect your central vision and cause blurry patches in the center. Central vision is the area you see directly in front of you. Dry or atrophic macular degeneration Also known as senile macular degeneration, this condition occurs when the retina does not receive sufficient oxygen due to damage from aging; it results in a breakdown of the central part of the retina (the photoreceptors). What causes this eye disorder? The risk factors include genetics and lifestyle ailments, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes. But these do not affect vision overnight; it takes years for the effects to show up. Here is a quick look at the many risk factors of macular degeneration: Age You are at risk of macular degeneration as you get older, especially after age 55. Hence, older adults are advised to go for regular screenings. Genetics You are at a higher risk if one or both parents have this condition. Past eye injury Head or eye trauma can lead to loss of central vision in the future.

Nasal polyps – Symptoms, causes, and management

Nasal polyps can be a symptom of an underlying condition or occur independently. The visible signs and symptoms of nasal polyps include congestion, runny nose, loss of smell, and pressure or pain around your eyes and cheeks. A deviated septum may contribute to nasal polyps. However, they can also occur in people who do not have this condition, such as athletes who blow their noses frequently during exercise routines. Read on to learn more about nasal polyps. What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are small, soft growths that develop in the lining of the nasal passages and sinuses. They are also sometimes called nasal tumors or nasal corking. They are not cancerous, contagious, or caused by allergies. Nasal polyps may also be associated with other conditions like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), chronic sinusitis (CS), and asthma. Nasal polyps typically develop before the age of 40, and they do not usually cause symptoms until they grow larger or become inflamed or infected.  However, large nasal polyps can block airflow through your nose. If this happens, you may experience sinusitis, headaches, and a stuffy or runny nose. You may also experience difficulty breathing through one nostril at a time if large polyps block the other nostril completely. The result could be an imbalance in oxygen supply to both sides of the body and possible damage to blood vessels in the head (for example, inflammation). Symptoms of nasal polyps In most cases, nasal polyps are painless and cause no symptoms. However, some people with nasal polyps may experience the following symptoms: Congestion or stuffiness A runny nose Loss of smell Loss of taste Pressure or pain around your eyes, cheeks, and teeth Facial pain or headache Snoring Need to clear the throat frequently Frequent bleeding of the nose When to see a doctor?

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful. Symptoms Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail. General eczema symptoms Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.  Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching. The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin. What causes eczema skin disease? The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

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How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

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11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques. Noting down your triggers One must identify what’s upsetting them to address the underlying cause of their anxiety. One can achieve it by setting aside time to assess your emotions and thoughts. Journaling is a fantastic method to connect with your anxiety triggers. Keep a diary or notepad beside your bed if your anxiety-related thoughts keep you awake at night. You can note down all the issues troubling you. Another technique to identify and understand your nervous feelings is speaking with a friend. Consider the things you can change Worrying about things or incidents that are yet to occur or might never occur can often lead to anxiety.

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Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

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10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes. It has an active scent boost that eliminates the toughest of stains and odors so that your clothes have a fresh feel. This detergent has exceptional performance in all washing machines and provides effective cleaning at all water temperatures. The clean rinse formula and low suds ensure that white clothes stay white and bright clothes stay bright. Kirkland Laundry Detergent If you are looking for laundry detergents that are easy on your pocket, then choosing this Kirkland laundry detergent will be the best. The detergent offers a great combination of performance and cost-effectiveness. It has an ultra-clean formulation which enables it to travel deep in the fabrics to eliminate odor and stains.