10 Ecofriendly Tips and Tricks for Cleaning Your Home

Screen Shot 2015-03-30 at 4.33.36 PMAre you wary of using chemicals to clean? These simple products and tricks will keep your home spotless naturally

Chemical-based cleaning products have drawbacks: They’re pricey, they may trigger health issues and their manufacture, use and disposal can harm the environment. So if you’re approaching a spring cleaning of your home this year, why not consider these effective all-natural cleaning alternatives?

When is Best Time of Day to Mow Your Lawn?

Did you know that your lawn needs time after you cut it to “heal” before the sun goes down? When is Best Time of Day to Mow Your Lawn infographic from Your Green Pal gives you information about cutting your lawn at all times of the day.

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The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Your Home

the-ultimate-guide-to-decluttering-your-homeCourtesy of: http://www.loftblinds.co.uk

 

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist

Spring has finally arrived and with it comes warmer weather, longer days and of course your annual spring cleaning! Check out this infographic for some tips to help you keep your home in top shape, so you can enjoy the sunshine worry free.

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9 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Appeal for Less Than $75

Screen Shot 2015-03-16 at 12.54.04 PMWhether you’re selling your home or just looking to freshen it up, check out these inexpensive ways to transform it

Adding value to a property shouldn’t be of interest just to those who are planning to sell in the near future. Many of the small improvements you can make when preparing to sell not only can add value, but can increase your enjoyment of your home. So whether you’re selling or staying put, consider these small improvements you can make for less than $75 (and a little elbow grease).

See Where Home Buyers are Going Green

Check out this snapshot from NAR Research of the green and energy-efficient home features popular with recent home buyers. You’ll learn how many buyers cited green/energy-efficient factors as a reason for their new home purchase and how important various features were to them when they chose their dream home. Read more.

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Clean Up Your Cleanup Zones

Screen Shot 2015-03-26 at 12.50.39 PMMake chore time more pleasant by tidying up your laundry room and updating cleaning tools

Cleaning house is hard enough work already. Why make it even less pleasant by putting up with ratty scrub brushes, worn-out rags and disorganized, cluttered cleaning spaces? From the laundry room to beneath the sink, get your spaces and cleaning tools shipshape with these eight ideas. And while it may be a stretch to think this will inspire you to clean, at least you can feel good knowing that starting cleaning tasks will be a bit easier.

8 Cost-Effective Ways to Get a High-End Look

Screen Shot 2015-03-26 at 12.46.43 PMDon’t discount that expensive material yet. By using a small amount in a strategic way, you can get a luxurious look without the expense

Buying materials and finishes from big-box stores can certainly save you tons of money on your project. But if you’re not careful, you can also run the risk of creating a space that feels just a bit too generic. That’s why I’m a big fan of buying just a little bit of a high-end material and using it in a way that maximizes impact. The high-low mix can really make your whole home look like you’re living beyond your means — even if you’re right on budget. To make sure your taste for the finer things is satisfied, here are my key ways to splurge.

11 Ways to Save Water at Home

Screen Shot 2015-03-23 at 9.34.40 AMWhether you live in a drought-stricken area or just want to help preserve a precious resource, here are things you can do to use less water

Americans have been blessed with a steady supply of clean water, for outdoor as well as indoor use. It’s a privilege we often take for granted. But with much of the western United States in a severe, years-long drought, attention is turning to water use — and abuse. California regulators this week tightened emergency restrictions on water use, including for residential landscapes, and said tougher restrictions could be on the way. California governor Jerry Brown and lawmakers unveiled a $1 billion planThursday to address the state’s drought. Other areas of the country also are promoting water-saving programs.

Although agriculture and business account for a large portion of U.S. water consumption, residential usage is substantial — and it’s within each person’s control. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reportsthat the average American family of four uses about 400 gallons of water a day. The agency says that by switching to more efficient appliances and fixtures, we can cut our water use by 30 percent. Being water wise takes more than just machinery, however. A little care and common sense go a long way toward minimizing waste of this increasingly precious commodity. Here are 11 tips for reducing water consumption at home. Not only will your water bills go down, but every drop you save will help ensure that our taps will never run dry.