Home Maintenance Tips that Will Cost You in the Long-Run
When looking for hacks or tips to maintain your home on a budget, it is crucial to pay attention to hidden costs that are never shared. There are home maintenance tips that the experts have share that will save you money.
Tip 1: Using lemon for garbage disposals
Citric acid is a natural deodorizer, but plumbing experts say it can corrode the metal in your disposal and even clog your pipes. The best way to safely unclog a garbage disposal is to turn on the disposal and, while running cold water, dump in two or more trays of ice cubes.
Tip 2: Use duct tape to seal duct work
No. Don’t rely on duct tape to seal leaks in your HVAC’s ductwork. Duct tape deteriorates over just a few years letting conditioned air escape. Use duct mastic and a layer of fiberglass mesh to seal the gaps instead.
Tip 3: Bleach will banish mold
Although bleach can kill mold on non-porous surfaces, it is ineffective on absorbent or porous materials. Diluted bleach can feed future mold growth because only the water will be absorbed. Instead, use an anti-fungal product to take out mold at its roots or even better, hire a professional to remove it without spreading the spores.
Tip 4: Change your HVAC filter every month
Yes, you should change your air filter regularly to keep your air conditioning system running efficiently. Do it every month, and you could end up throwing away perfectly good filters (and money). Change your air filter if it looks dirty, replacing it at least once every three months.
Tip 5: Buy a rinse aid for dishes
Most dishwashers now come with a built-in dispenser for commercial rinse aids. But you don’t need a rinse aid to have spot-free glasses. Instead of spending money, simply use soft water for dishes. Your dishwasher may deliver spot-free sparkle without any extra help. Just fill the rinse-aid dispenser with plain white vinegar if you’re still seeing spots.
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