Home Handbook
Art and ideas: CearnalCo
Three appliances that need a good cleaning
Looking for a little more privacy at home?
Now’s a great time to get organized
Occasionally cleaning household appliances like stoves and refrigerators may seem obvious, but what about equipment that does the cleaning, like the dishwasher and washing machine? Give these often overlooked appliances a deep clean with the following tips: Unclog the dishwasher – The cleaner the dishwasher, the cleaner your dishes will turn out after going through a wash cycle. Take a moment to clean the dishwasher’s filter, usually located on the inside bottom of the machine. Empty it regularly to keep it working efficiently. De-gunk your disposal – Use a natural abrasive combo of ice and salt to loosen grime from the blades. Though it will be loud, run the disposal until the ice is gone. When finished, you can grind up a lemon or lime wedge to deodorize the drain. Wash the washing machine – Avoid musty bedding and towels by sanitizing the machine and removing mildew buildup every few months. Run a hot wash cycle without a load and add one cup of bleach to the soap dispenser, or directly pour it into the machine.
While you may like your neighbors, you may not want to see and hear them every time you venture into your backyard. If more privacy interests you, consider these options: Fencing: Probably the most straightforward solution, fences have long been the go-to for homeowners seeking seclusion. Be sure to check city ordinances before installing one. Hedges: Shrubs like boxwood and privet are commonly planted along property lines. Choose an evergreen variety for year-long privacy. Screens: Stylish and effective, folding wood-panel screens add a nice visual element while blocking unwanted views. Trellis: The lattice configurations on these simple wooden structures offer an element of privacy. They’re also a perfect host for climbing vines and plants if you’d like additional coverage. Pergola: A pergola helps block views from second-story windows and balconies. It can be as simple or intricate as you’d like. Drapes: Budget-friendly and chic, panels help screen off your patio and can be moved as desired.
The new year represents a clean slate and the chance to begin again. It’s also the ideal time to clear out unwanted items and organize your home for the year ahead. Try these ideas: Organizational Apps: Decluttering apps are plentiful, and they provide an effective way to complete the purging process. Some, like Snupps, let you digitize your belongings and organize them into simple categories or “shelves.” From there, you decide what to keep, sell or give away. You can also reach out to other users for organizational inspiration. Room-by-Room Schedule: To systematically remove clutter over time, try monthly organization that’s broken down by room. For example, you can tackle the kitchen in January and give the home office a deep clean in February, etc. Single Purge: Prefer to declutter your entire home all at once? Designate a few days or a weekend to devote to the process. The secret is to stay focused on one task at a time and avoid getting sidetracked. Work your way through each room one by one until you’ve cleared out all areas of your home.
Home tips 101 ...
Here are six ideas for the New Year that can help you enhance your home – and your experience there 38
ARLINGTON TODAY • January 2018 • arlingtontoday.com