Do you enjoy having plants in your home? Do you want to grow a purple shamrock plant but have no knowledge of how to do so? This article will help. It will tell you everything that you need to know from what type of soil they grow best in, maintenance tips, and more.

Let’s dive deep into this topic.

What are purple shamrock plants?

Shamrock plants are a type of clover and grow native South America. There are many different types of shamrocks, but the most popular one is the purple shamrock plant. Purple shamrock plants are a beautiful addition to any garden and can be used as ground cover or in flower beds. They grow best in full sun to partial shade and are drought tolerant.

How to care for purple shamrock plants

Shamrock plants are easy to care for. They do best in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions. Here are some tips to help your plant thrive:

Water your plant regularly, but don’t overwater. Shamrocks don’t like wet feet.Fertilize your plant every so often with a balanced fertiliser.Deadhead (remove) the spent flowers to encourage new blooms.Prune your plant back after it blooms to keep it looking neat.

If you follow these simple tips, your shamrock plant will be healthy and beautiful. Also if you like caring for and growing plants, you might want to learn more abouthow to care for godetia plants as well.

Where can you buy purple shamrock plants?

Purple shamrock plants can be purchased from garden centers or online from retailers such as Amazon. They typically come in small 4-5″ pots and cost anywhere from $4 to $7. If you are looking for a larger plant, several varieties grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9 and need full sun exposure. These cost about $10-$15 each at most nurseries or garden centers.

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When purchasing your plant, it’s important to look for healthy leaves with no brown spots, rust-colored clover heads, and strong stems. The roots should fill the pot without crowding too much and the entire plant should be well-branched.

Tips on planting purple shamrock plants

When planting your purple shamrock, it’s important to remember a few things:

Shamrocks are shallow-rooted

Make sure they are planted in an area that will not require frequent digging or tilling. This will damage their shallow roots and could also bring them up to the surface. Keep them at least one foot away from walkways and well-traveled areas so they don’t get trampled.

Good drainage is essential

Make sure there are no puddles around your shamrock plant as this will attract slugs which can do a lot of damage to your plant. Also, you should have good drainage as these plants do not like wet feet.

They like the sun, but not too much

Shamrocks need at least 4 hours of sunlight per day to thrive, but too much sun can cause them to wilt. Find a spot in your garden that gets sun in the morning, but has some shade in the afternoon.

How to propagate purple shamrock plants

If you want to propagate your purple shamrock, you can do so by division or stem cuttings.

To divide, simply dig up the plant and divide it into two or more pieces using a sharp knife or spade. Each division should have at least one leaf and a healthy root system. To take stem cuttings, take a 4-6″ cutting from the main stem of the plant in late spring or early summer. Strip off the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water until it roots. Once it has rooted, transplant into soil.

What type of soil do purple shamrock plants grow best in?

Shamrocks grow best in well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. If your soil is not well-drained, you can improve it by adding organic matter such as compost or peat moss, but do not overdo it. These plants are drought tolerant and do best with frequent watering, but if your soil is constantly moist, you could risk rotting the roots.

What are purple shamrock plants good for?

Purple shamrock plants make an excellent ground cover or border edging in a garden. They produce masses of tiny flowers which grow up to 1″ wide and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to your yard, making them a great addition to any landscaping project.

Shamrocks also come in varying colors including white, pink, and yellow as well as variegated foliage that adds interest to your yard all year round. If you love gardening, then you probably want to know more information about lavender plant care. Who knows, you might want to add a few of these plants to your garden as well.

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Purple Shamrock Plants – FAQ

How do I care for a purple shamrock plant?

To care for a purple shamrock plant, water it regularly and keep it in bright sunlight. Fertilize it monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

What is the best way to propagate a purple shamrock plant?

The best way to propagate a purple shamrock plant is by division. Cut off a section of the root ball and replant it in fresh soil.

Is good draining important to grow plants in my garden?

Yes. Because the purple shamrock plant prefers moist soil, it is important to ensure that drainage is good in your garden.

Other plants might not need as much water to survive. Growing creeping fig (Ficus pumila) as a groundcover is a great way to keep the soil moist and cool in summer, as this plant prefers less water than most. You can also use drought-tolerant plants in your garden to further reduce water needs.

Final thoughts on purple shamrock plants

Shamrocks make great additions to any garden or landscape and are sure to bring a pop of colour to any setting. If you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for plant that will add personality to your yard, look no further than a purple shamrock.

If you follow these simple tips, your shamrocks will be healthy and beautiful for years to come. Once you take a few steps towards growing a purple shamrock plant, it’s hard not to fall in love with them.

They have a unique look that other plants don’t and are so easy to take care of. Not to mention, they are perennial plants, so you can enjoy their beauty for the seasons to come.

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Are you thinking of redecorating your home? Are you looking for someone who can help you? Well, before diving into the many personalities, portfolios, and design styles of many professionals available, you should determine the kind of assistance you need. 

You want to redecorate, but you don’t know if you need an interior designer or interior decorator. Many homeowners believe that these two terms are synonymous, but that’s not the case. Interior designing and interior decorating are not similar as you may believe. Keep on reading to understand their difference.

What is an Interior Designer?

Interior designers are trained professionals who have a degree in design and experience with creating floor plans, specifying materials, choosing furniture and lighting, and overseeing the installation of it all. Interior designers have an understanding of human behavior that allows them to create functional spaces for their clients. 

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They do not typically provide labor for installing the items they specify or purchase on your behalf. Instead, they will recommend contractors who can perform these services for you at an additional cost. Here are some of the things to look for in an interior designer:

Education

Interior design is a profession that requires specific schooling and special training. The work of designers includes studying color and fabric, computer-aided design training, drawing, spacing design, furniture design, and architecture.

Upon graduating, the interior designers apprenticed with a registered interior designer before setting up their own companies.

Credentials

In some states and provinces, professional designers are required to pass an exam and become registered with a governing council before they’re called designers.

However, there are some places where credentials are not an issue. So, it’s a good idea to know the situation in your area before starting your search for a designer.

Functions of an Interior Designer

The main focus of interior designers is space planning, and they can help design and renovate interiors. Their special skills range from drawing floor plans to placing the last decorative accent. They enhance the look and enhance the function of a room. 

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Most designers deal with furnishings and decor and building plans, the social context of the project, codes and regulatory requirements, and environmental sustainability. Interior designers are squares, while interior decorators are rectangles. 

The designers work closely with architects or a design firm to create interior designs and space planning ideas beyond helping a client select a piece of furniture.  

When Should You Hire an Interior Designer?

Designing a home is a tough job that you can’t only leave to interior architecture to make decisions in terms of style and convenience. It’s not easy to stand with your architect and explain how you want your house to look, especially when you don’t know what you want.

That’s where you need a designer to help you. Aside from being able to help you with ideas and concepts, they already have a wide range of items that they sell under their brand. They’ll be able to work more closely with architects, designers, or contractors to create your dream home.

What are Interior Decorators?

Interior Decorators are individuals with no formal education who offer their unique style and taste for your home decor. They source products from various sources, including wholesalers, discount stores, and online retailers like Amazon, and often mark them up. 

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They may also assist with some project management duties such as scheduling contractors or handling other details involved in finishing a room over time instead of all at once.

Schooling

As mentioned before, interior decorators are not required to have any formal training. They focus solely on decorative details, meaning they don’t require standardized education to provide their skills. They provide an artistic eye and a flair for creating design magic in your home. 

However, if you want to pursue a career in decorating, you will need to obtain an education from an accredited school. Interior Decorating Schools offer programs that teach you how to design and plan interior space, as well as the history of interior design and furnishings.

Decorators focus primarily on aesthetics and don’t participate in renovations and structural planning. An interior decorator comes after the structural planning and execution are completed to focus on the surface look of the space.

Credentials

Even though no formal education is required to become a decorator, many programs and courses are available. The courses often focus on color and fabric, room layouts, space planning, and furniture styles. 

Special Skills

When selecting beautiful furniture and home decor, interior decorators are specialists. They can understand what will look right in a space, how much you should pay for when buying furniture, and how to make it all come together. Experienced interior decorators have experience with paints, fabrics, furniture, window treatments, and accessories. 

They also provide fantastic direction for selecting a color palette, arranging space layout, hanging wall art, and selecting items to give your home the personality and style it needs. Interior decorators do not require professional training like interior designers. All they need is their imaginative eye and experience.

When Should You Hire an Interior Decorator?

People hire interior decorators for various purposes. Many look to them for inspiration, especially if they are unsure of their style or how best to achieve it. Others seek help with creating a theme for their home, such as welcoming and cozy. Decorators don’t work with contractors or architects. Their structural work is usually complete before they come on board.

Eventually, you need to bring them when you completely need to redo the design of your existing space in a chic and savvy way. They’ll help you with interior decoration, take your dream designs, and bring them to life. A decorator will sit you down if you don’t know how to decorate your room

The decorator will look at your space and listen to your concerns, then give you recommendations on how to transform it into the house of your dreams. An interior decorator is an expert in design and style and uses their expertise to help you select paint colors, floor coverings, window treatments, and furniture that will perfectly suit the needs of your family as well as enhance the beauty of your home.

Which One Should You Hire an Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator?

The difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator is that an interior designer has a more comprehensive understanding of architecture, engineering, and construction. They collaborate with architects to develop interior structural changes and go through building codes and have a lot of building expertise.

If you are looking to make significant changes to your home – such as adding or renovating rooms or changing the layout – you need to hire a designer. They will work with you to create a plan tailored to your specific needs and ensure that all the necessary permits are obtained, and the work is completed to code.

On the other hand, an interior decorator can help you with smaller changes such as paint colors and new window treatments. An interior decorator will not be responsible for the structural changes of your home. Still, they can help you select all the finishes – such as flooring, countertops, and cabinets – that will go into the final design.

FAQs about Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator

Who should you hire when you’re planning to add changes to the structure of your home?

Consider hiring an interior designer in this situation because they are licensed professionals who have the necessary training and experience to carry out the job safely and properly.

What is the difference between an interior designer and an interior decorator?

Interior design is a comprehensive planning process that integrates art, architecture, furnishings, fabrics, and accessories into one seamless concept or theme for a specific space, building, or neighborhood.

On the other hand, decorating focuses on layout, space planning, and what furnishings go where. An interior decorator will not necessarily be skilled in color palettes or artwork selection from an objective viewpoint.

Final Thought about Interior Designer vs. Interior Decorator

Whichever professional you choose for your next design project, it’s important to make sure they understand both the creative and functional aspects of interior design. Make sure you choose the design specialist you feel comfortable with and the one that speaks to your design needs. After all, choosing the right professional depends on the skills of the particular professional and not the job title.

 

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The basement is one of the most versatile areas in a home. Therefore, think of this versatile space when carrying out your home renovation. The flooring options you choose for your basement will depend on what you plan to use the space for. Basements come with their own set of challenges that need to be addressed before functioning optimally in any room within the house. 

Selecting the flooring option for this place proves to be a daunting task because of the many considerations that come into play. The flooring must withstand moisture, humidity and must be resistant to mold and mildew. Basements are also prone to seepage and flooding during rainy seasons, so it is important that the flooring you choose can handle these conditions as well.

Here are some of the basement flooring options you should consider when renovating this part of your home:

What is the Basement Subfloor?

A basement subfloor is a layer built below the floor covering, and it is responsible for transferring weight to the load-bearing walls. It also serves as an insulation layer between the ground and inside your house.

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Basement subflooring provides support for underlayment, carpet, tile, or hardwood flooring, and they are typically constructed of plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) subfloor panels with waterproof glue or asphalt felt paper.

Factors to Consider Before Installing a Basement Subfloor

Moisture Entering the Basement

Is the basement exposed to water coming from outside? If it is, make sure that there are no cracks in the foundation. It’s also advisable to install a waterproof membrane over the walls before starting construction. Moisture can invade your basement in many ways, even if you don’t expect catastrophic events such as flooding.

 Basements are holes in the ground lined with concrete, and moisture from the soil seeps up over time. If you have a basement, there is always some moisture in the air, and if this air reaches the subfloor, it can cause damage. If your basement has a dirt floor, water will come through cracks and pores in the concrete.

If your basement has a concrete floor, water will come in through the seams between the floor and wall and cracks in the concrete. In either case, water will eventually find its way to the subfloor and cause damage.

Height of Basement Ceiling

Basement ceilings are low, and you can’t even walk on them without crouching. This is normal for a basement, but it creates another problem with insulating. If you put stud or joist insulation on the ceiling, you will be wasting a lot of insulation. The insulation has to be at least 16 inches deep to have any real effect, and it’s difficult to get that much insulation in a basement ceiling.

Types of Basement Subflooring

Vinyl Tile or Planks

Vinyl tile is a waterproof option that can hold all manner of spills and be put directly over concrete floors. It can handle foot traffic, and some higher-end emulates the appearance of wood and stone, which can give your basement floor a luxury look at a low cost. 

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This basement subflooring option can offer great value for your money. Installation of vinyl plank flooring and vinyl tile is very easy thanks to the interlocking joints. And any damage to the concrete floor can be repaired easily by replacing a tile or two.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made to look like wood planks but is made out of fiberboard. This basement subflooring option is resistant to water damage and can resist spills that warp wood. To install laminate flooring, you’ll need to glue down or float it into place.

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Carpeting

The carpet gives the basement a cozy feel, and it helps with soundproofing. Carpeting can hide many flaws in a concrete floor and is relatively easy to install. It’s important to choose a type of carpet that can withstand moisture, as basements often have high humidity levels.

Concrete

If you want a subfloor that will never warp or rot, concrete is the way to go. However, it can be quite a challenge to install concrete on your own, which can be expensive. You’ll also need to seal the concrete to prevent moisture damage.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Many people choose engineered wood flooring for their basements. This material is easy to install, affordable and looks great. Engineered wood flooring captures moisture, so you don’t have to worry about warping or rotting boards. 

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Basements are prone to moisture, so opt for engineered wood flooring instead of installing hardwood flooring that will become warped or damaged if exposed. Engineered wood boards are made of layers of composite wood sealed with adhesives, making them less prone to swelling and can be glued into place or installed as a floating floor.

Plywood Subflooring Options

If you are looking for a more affordable option, plywood subflooring is a good choice. It is less expensive than engineered wood and can be installed over concrete or a wooden floor. Plywood subflooring should be at least 1 ½ inches thick and treated with a moisture-resistant sealant or paint.

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Plywood flooring is constructed of 5/8 plywood, exterior grade. It’s also made of rigid foam insulation, two times four sleepers, and a water vapor barrier made of either paper or composite materials. Plywood subflooring is extremely efficient, cheap, and easy to assemble. You can easily do it yourself if you have the right flooring materials.

Tongue and Groove Subflooring

If you’re looking to replace an old subfloor and create a solid and strong foundation for new subflooring, tongue and groove subflooring is a great option. It’s made of kiln-dried lumber and is designed to provide a level surface for new flooring. Tongue and groove flooring is also resistant to moisture and thus makes it a good choice for basements and other wet areas.

Another benefit of tongue and groove flooring is that it’s easy to install. You can do it yourself with a few simple tools. You can find tongue and groove in cut pieces of wood at your local hardware store and home centers. They are set nicely under the floor as a solid foundation that will never wear or tear.

OSB Subflooring

If you’re looking for an affordable and efficient subflooring option, OSB is a good choice. It’s made of Oriented Strand Board, a type of engineered wood. Because it’s engineered, OBS is more stable and less likely to warp than traditional lumber. It’s also resistant to moisture, making it a good choice for basements or other wet areas. Like tongue and groove flooring, OSB is easy to install. You can do it yourself with just a few simple tools.

Ceramic Tile Subflooring

If you’re looking to create a beautiful and durable floor, ceramic tile is a great option. Not only does it look great, but it’s also incredibly tough and can withstand heavy foot traffic. It’s also affordable and timeless and can be installed directly over a concrete slab as long as the subfloor is fairly level. This tile is also unaffected by water and humidity, making it a great choice for basement floors.

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Rigid Foam Insulation Subflooring

We’ve all seen this type of subfloor in our basements. Rigid foam insulation is the most basic of basement flooring options. It’s cheap, easy to install, and poses very little risk to installation mistakes. It can also be used on any underlayment, making it a widely popular option. This is an excellent basement subfloor option because it provides a thermal break between concrete and flooring.

FAQs about Basement Subfloor Options

Can you replace a damaged subfloor?

Yes, you can replace a damaged subfloor. You will need to remove the damaged section and replace it with new material. Make sure that the replacement material is level with the existing floor.

Final Thought about Basement Subfloor Options

As a versatile space at your home where you can turn to a spare room, living space, and kids’ playroom, make sure your basement looks warm, inviting, and cozy by doing some finishing touches.  

 

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Growing flowers and shrubs indoors has a lot of benefits, ranging from fresh air to improved home decor. However, the benefits can dwindle quickly when these houseplants are under attack by pests such as aphids. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause a great deal of damage to plants.

They typically congregate on the undersides of leaves, feeding on plant sap. This can lead to reduced growth, wilting, and even leaf drop. Fortunately, there are several ways of controlling aphids on indoor plants. Keep reading.

What are Aphids?

These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking juices from plants. They are usually green or black and can be found on the undersides of leaves. Aphids can cause a great deal of damage to plants, leading to stunted growth and leaf drop. However, these insects move rather slowly, making indoor plants relatively easy aphid control.

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Identifying Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that are nearly invisible to the naked eye. For instance, adult aphids are under ¼ inch and can be about any color from brown, red, and blue. Most aphid species can appear white, black, brown, grey, yellow, light green, and even pink.

Some may have a waxy or woolly coating. Adults are also wingless, but most species develop a winged form when populations become crowded to allow them to travel to other plants when food quality suffers.

What Do Aphids Do to Plants

Like most indoor plant pests, aphids feed on a houseplant by sucking the leaves, buds, and flowers sap. They like to cluster and feed on a plant’s new growth and flower buds, which can cause stunted growth, deformed leaves or flowers, yellow leaves, and leaf or bud drops. As aphids feed, they release a sticky substance, so you may notice the area around your plant is sticky before you even see tiny bugs on your plants.

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phids Life Cycle

The life cycle of aphids is a bit different depending on the species. Some females give birth to live nymphs while others lay eggs. They multiply quickly, and the full life cycle can be as short as one week. The aphid eggs are super small, so you’ll never see them. 

Outside, their eggs survive the winter by attaching to woody growth. And in the spring, the eggs hatch into females. The females then give birth to a nymph without mating. Males are born in the fall and begin to mate with females to produce eggs in preparation for the long winter. 

There’s no winter indoors which can slow their reproduction, and female aphids can continue producing nymphs all year round without stopping. Thus, making the aphid population get out of hand in indoor plants.

Methods of Control

Tools and Materials

Small spray bottleSticky trapsCotton swabInsecticidal soapScissors or small pruning shearsNeem oilRubbing alcoholDish detergent and waterHomemade insect spray

Get Rid of Aphids With Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soaps can be bought at most garden centers. It comes in a concentrate, and you will need to mix it with water according to the directions on the bottle. It is important to follow the directions as too much soap can harm your plants.

Spray the plant leaves with the soap mixture, ensuring good coverage. Pay special attention to the undersides of the leaves where aphids like to hide. Do not spray plants in direct sunlight, as the soap can cause the leaves to burn. This method also works well on outdoor plants and helps get rid of aphids on tomato plants.

Alternatively, you can get rid of aphids on succulents and other houseplants using horticultural oil instead of dish soap. No matter the method you choose, make sure you combine the ingredients in a large bottle and shake until blended. If you know how to clean household leaves, this will be much easier.

Get Rid of Aphids With Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural pesticide made from the seeds of neem trees. It has been used for centuries to control insects and viruses. Neem oil can be sprayed on plants as a natural remedy to kill aphids.

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The one thing you should keep in mind is that it will also kill beneficial insects such as ladybugs and praying mantis, which may make your aphid problem worse if not used properly. Fill a spray bottle with one gallon of water and add two tablespoons of pure castile soap. Shake until blended. 

Then add one tablespoon of neem oil and shake again until blended. Spray on the infested plants every few days, making sure to coat the entire plant, especially the undersides of leaves.

Try Rubbing Alcohol

Aphids are attracted to the color yellow to use this to your advantage. Fill a spray bottle with one cup of rubbing alcohol and add two tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Spray infested plants every few days until the problem is solved. You will need to reapply after rain or watering plants because it washes away easily. 

This is a natural remedy for killing aphids in houseplants. Use a cotton swab and dab the rubbing alcohol directly onto the bugs. Before spraying the entire plant, be sure to test the solution on one leaf of the plant first to ensure it won’t damage your plant.

Eliminate Aphid Problem With Cayenne Pepper

If you’re not keen on using harsh chemicals or you want a more organic approach to getting rid of aphids, cayenne pepper may be the solution for you. Cayenne pepper contains a substance called capsaicin which is lethal to aphids.

Grind up one tablespoon of cayenne pepper using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to use this method. Then sprinkle the pepper on your plant, ensuring to get it under the leaves. Don’t worry if you don’t have this pepper. 

Instead, use a hot and chile hot pepper. All you need to do is add the pepper to the water in a small bowl or spray bottle, then soak the plant’s leaves with the base to keep out your indoor garden intruders for good.

Try Baking Soda and Canola Oil to Battle Plant Pests

Baking soda is a great way to kill any pests that like to suck the juice off your plants. To use, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one tablespoon of canola oil. Put this mixture into a spray bottle and soak your plant’s leaves for five minutes. 

The oil covers the insects and breaks down their exoskeletons, leaving them exposed and more susceptible to toxins. On the other hand, the abrasive nature of baking soda wears down the bug’s outer shell, making it easy to remove from plants. 

There are also a number of other home remedies that you can use to get rid of aphids, such as using soapy water or horticultural oils. However, before using any of these methods, test them on a small area of the plant to make sure they are not harmful.

Use Houseplant Sticky Stakes for Flying Aphids

Another way to eliminate aphids is to use sticky stakes. These are small wooden stakes with a sticky material on the top that will trap the aphids when they land. You can buy them from most garden stores or online. Insert the stake into the soil next to the plant, and wait for the aphids to land.

If you see winged aphids on your houseplant, don’t fret. Instead, get some sticky houseplant traps and put a few around nearby houseplants to capture any winged aphid that might be flying around. Sticky traps can also catch fungus gnats, so don’t panic when you see lots of bugs in the trap; they might be fungus gnats. 

Many people have found that this is the most effective way to get rid of aphids on houseplants since it is simple and easy to use, plus you can catch a lot of aphids in one setting.

Cut Away Infested Areas

If the infestation is bad, you may find that it’s best to cut away any infested parts of your indoor houseplant. This way, you can kill off the aphids without them spreading. Be careful when cutting so you don’t damage or hurt nearby leaves and branches.

You might want to wear some gardening gloves while doing this. Moving the entire plant may also prove necessary when the whole plant is infested with aphids. Place infected plants in an isolated area such as a balcony or a room away from other plants.

Check for Other Household Pests

It’s also a good idea to check your other household plants for pests like spider mites, whiteflies, and scale insects. These pests can often travel from one plant to another, so it’s important to get rid of them before they take over. Aphids release a sweet, sticky substance known as honeydew, attracting other pests.

This watery substance looks like a little sooty mold on the leaves and is a huge draw for other insects, especially ants. So, it’s important to take care of any aphid infestation as soon as possible to prevent other pests from taking over. Also, learn how to get rid of ants because they can also be a danger to your plants.

FAQs on How to Control Aphids on Indoor Houseplants

How do indoor plants get aphids?

Aphids are easily brought indoors on infested plants. They also come attached to the clothing and through an open window by the wind.

Why do aphids keep coming back?

Aphids are attracted to plants with soft new growth. Thus, overwatering and over-fertilizing your plants may make them more enticing to aphid populations which may cause negative connotations to your plants.

Final Thought on How to Control Aphids on Indoor Houseplants

As you can see, there are numerous natural and commercial products from which to choose in your battle against aphids. Make sure you understand what attracts pests to your indoor garden, and you’ll easily be able to decide how to control aphids on indoor houseplants.

 

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A finished basement is one of the best home features that you can have. However, it’s also important to make sure that your basement has the right design so that you can enjoy it fully. A lot of people have finished basements but don’t know how to use them.

Most people turn their basement into a playroom for the kids or an extra bedroom for guests. Some create home offices or even gyms in their unfinished space. Instead of settling on one idea, why not combine all these ideas with our finished basement design?

Here are some of the modern basement ideas to get you started:

1. Consider Studio Apartment

If you don’t need a lot of extra living space, consider turning your basement into a studio apartment. This can be great for guests or older kids who want their own space. You can add a Murphy bed or sofa bed to the design so that you can use the space as both a bedroom and family room. 

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A finished basement has many potential, so don’t be hindered by only leaving it unused. From a bedroom to a studio apartment to a coveted man cave, finishing your basement not only adds value to your home but also has a lot of square footage for your entire family.

2. Design a Modern Basement Bar

The sky’s the limit when finishing your basement when it comes to design. Why not consider a modern basement bar? This can be a great place to entertain guests or relax after a long day. You can add a bar area with stools, as well as a small refrigerator and sink.

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If you have the space, consider adding a small wet bar. If you’re looking for an even more adult design, perhaps consider adding a pool table, dartboard, or television. Another fun idea is to add pinball machines and other arcade games that can be played with your family and friends.

You could also create an intimate area by having sofas and armchairs in your design. Whether you’re just hoping to entertain or building an ultimate man cave, adding a home bar is a great addition to any basement.

3. Create Another Living Room in Your Basement Space

Why have one family room when you can have two? Adding another living area in your basement is a great way to expand if you have the space. This can be done by adding furniture for lounging or designated sitting areas. This design will be perfect if your family spends time watching television together or playing games.

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A basement living room is also the perfect place to get together with the family, watch movies and unwind. Creating a cozy basement living room is a great way of creating a fun space at home without sacrificing much.

4. Sweat it Out in a Home Gym

If you are one of those people who love to engage in your favorite outdoor activities during the weekend, the chances are that you build up a lot of sweat. After an exhilarating workout, a home gym might be just what you need to relax. Many homeowners choose to convert part of their basements into home gyms.

You can also create a home office in your basement. This is a great idea if you need a home office but don’t want to take up too much space in your house. A basement home office can also be great for people who work from home.

5. Increase Natural Light

One of the most important basement ideas you can incorporate in your basement early is to welcome more natural light. You can do this by either keeping the basement windowless or including large, well-placed windows. If you have a finished basement, adding a few windows can drastically improve the look and feel of the space. 

Not only will it make the space feel brighter and more open, but it will also help to improve air circulation. Choosing light paint colors can also help to brighten up the space.

6. Enjoy a Theater Experience at Basement

What is the better feature to include in your basement than adding a home theater? Basements often have little to no windows, making this dark space ideal for a movie theater vibe. Raise the floor to at least the standard eight-foot ceiling height for comfort.

Image credit: https://optic.nordarchitecture.com/

If you have enough space, go higher to provide better viewing angles for your guests and family members. Invest in recessed fixtures with soft lightning; you can dim and swap your TV set with a projector and screen.

7. Customize Your Staircase

Your stairs are what your guest will see when they walk down into your finished basement. Give your guests something to talk about by adding a unique and interesting staircase. Create suspended steps, light-up steps, and glass side panels to add style to your basement stairs.

There are many unique staircase designs to choose from that can fit any style. If you want something sleek and modern, go for a metal or glass staircase. Try a wooden staircase with intricate carvings if you want something more traditional.

8. Consider Your Kids Playroom

Modern basement ideas don’t just have to be for adults. Consider doing something fun for your little ones by turning the basement into a playroom. What better place for kids to play than in their very own space? You can turn this room into anything that you want. It’s your basement, after all. 

Image credit: https://juicy-bits.typepad.com/

Have fun with paint and toy storage options by painting one of the walls with chalkboard paint. This way, your kids can use it as a blackboard as well. You can also install a foosball table or a pinball machine to make it all the more entertaining in the same area. Consider some of the best kids’ playroom ideas for some inspiration.

Keep in mind that if you decide to do this, your children’s game room must be properly ventilated and have proper lighting at all times. Having exposed wires hanging from the ceiling and light fixtures that don’t work will only cause accidents and injuries. Besides, it isn’t safe to play in a room with poor lighting, among other things.

9. Turn Your Basement Space into a Bedroom

You can easily turn it into a bedroom if you have extra basement space by adding in a few basic amenities. For instance, you will need a bed, dresser, nightstands, and lamps. You might also want to consider adding in a television or gaming console if that is something you think you or your partner would enjoy.

Also, if you have a teen that’s tired of sharing a bedroom with a younger sibling, create a basement bedroom to give your teen the space, privacy, and comfort they need for a good night’s rest. If you want that spare sleeping area but don’t have the space, you can create an alcove with a built-in bed and shelves for your smaller basement. Make sure your design ideas also include enough space for bathroom renovations.

10. Get Creative with Flooring

Flooring should be at the top of your basement renovation list. This unfinished basement idea will only look decent if the chosen flooring is attractive. Concrete floors are a popular basement choice because they’re durable and easy to maintain, but this doesn’t mean you have to settle for a boring concrete floor. 

You can cover unattractive concrete floors with inexpensive rugs or add a carpet in your favorite color or pattern. Laminate, hardwood, and tile are all attractive flooring choices that are easy to maintain. Create a cozy basement space with wall-to-wall carpeting to make your basement look stylish. There are many good carpets for basement flooring to consider for this project, you just have to be creative enough.

11. Opt for Drop Ceilings

Unfinished basements often look unfinished. An easy way to add color and style to your basement is by installing a drywall ceiling. A drop ceiling with tiles in your preferred color will add visual interest and style to any basement room.

Image credit: https://www.yourownarchitect.com/

Drop ceilings not only help keep your basement at a comfortable temperature, but they’re also good for soundproofing the space. Also, if you plan to build a spare bathroom and a home theater in your basement, drop ceilings will help to hide the unsightly plumbing pipes and wires.

12. Give Laundry a Designated Area in Your Basement

If you’re like most people, your laundry room is one of the most cluttered and busiest spaces in your home. Why not create a designated area for your laundry in your basement? This will help to keep the space clean and organized. You can either install a washer and dryer in your basement or use a nearby closet to act as storage for your laundry supplies.

If you choose to install a washer and dryer in your basement, be sure to select an Energy Star rated model. This will help you save money on your energy bills. Add tall storage cabinets to store your ironing boards and detergents.

13. Brighten Up the Basement

Take advantage of this basement remodel idea that will make it a light and airy part of your home. The goal is to maximize ventilation, natural light, and a sense of connection with the outdoors. Cut back the floor above by introducing light through the house. You can also install a glass ceiling to borrow light from the windows above. 

However, don’t worry if your basement design lacks these strategies or your budget doesn’t stretch. Instead, opt for decor that will make it feel bright and open. On home decor, you can choose a bright white finish for the walls while exposing the ceiling joints and lumber and finish with matte black to increase the feeling of the height.

FAQs about Finished Basement Design Ideas

Is finishing the basement worth it?

You’ll find that you can save money if you finish the basement yourself instead of hiring professionals. While the basement doesn’t add the overall square footage of the house, it can function as a family space, office, home classroom space, and guest room. Remodeling the basement into a modern style also improves the resale value of your home.

Final Thought about Finished Basement Design Ideas

When it comes to designing a finished basement, there are endless possibilities. You can create a space that’s perfect for your needs and lifestyle, whether you use it as a living room, office, home classroom space, or guest room. Remodeling the basement into a modern style also improves the resale value of your home. 

With so many different design options to choose from, there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for your needs and budget. So don’t wait any longer; start planning your dream basement today.

 

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Succulents and cacti are popular houseplants, but it can be hard to know their differences as they almost look the same. Unfortunately, most people use the terms interchangeably when talking about these two types of plants. This can be confusing to those new to both of these plants.

Even though cacti and succulents may appear similar, they are actually different. While cacti fall in the category of succulents, there are many succulents that are not cacti. To help clear some confusion regarding cactus vs. succulents, we’ve put together a list of their top differences below. Keep reading!

What Are Succulents?

Succulents are a variety of plants that store water in their roots, leaves, and stems. This characteristic leads to increased drought tolerance. Succulent plants are very popular in home gardening because they require very low maintenance compared to other houseplants. 

Image credit: https://succulentplantcare.com/

Succulents are available in more than 60 varieties. Some succulent varieties include aloe, haworthia, sedum, sempervivum, and cacti. So, as you can see, most succulents don’t belong to the same plant family. They differ in their visual, genetic, and geographical features.

Characteristics of Succulents

They have an evolved leaf texture surface that quickly prevents the plant from losing water. Succulent plants exhibit growth patterns consistent with water preservation. They have slow and compact growth consistency with energy preservation, spherical and columnar growth with limited surface area to avoid exposure and evaporation.They have ribs and grooves that allow them to shrink during droughts and swell with water when there’s precipitation.The plant also has Crassulacean acid metabolism photosynthesis, which allows it to open its pores at night to reduce moisture loss and take in carbon dioxide needed for photosynthesis during the day. In some succulents, photosynthesis is conducted by their green stems.They have a shallow root system to allow the plant to absorb moisture at the surface of the soil during drought periods.Some succulents such as the leaves of purslane are edible and can be used in salads and the juice of aloe vera plants, which has several health benefits.The agave plant is also another non-cactus succulent that is edible and is used to make agave syrup and tequila. Other non-cactus succulents include the moss rose, purple ice plant, Angelina stonecrop, Flaming Katy, and Chocolate Drop stonecrop.Another feature distinguishing cacti and succulents is that non-cactus succulents are native to multiple regions of the world, while most cacti are native arid climates.Succulents enjoy the warmth and bright light, but you shouldn’t leave them in prolonged direct sun exposure and excess warmth. Despite their drought tolerance, they can get leaf burn from too much sun exposure.Overwatering a succulent is also a sure-fire way of seeing your plant die because of root rot. But that doesn’t mean that you should never water them. They need water but in excess as this will hurt the plant.

What Are Cacti?

Cacti display the same characteristics as succulents, such as water storage, shallow roots, fleshy stems, and waxy leaves. If you want rock garden plants that can survive all the hardship, try cacti. But there’s always something that sets them apart from other succulents. Maybe it can be their spines or something else.

Image credit: https://cdn.britannica.com/

Features of Cactus

The big difference is that they don’t have leaves and branches but are full of spines. You can also find some cacti without spines. Spines are some of their important adaptation features to survive in arid deserts.Another distinguishing feature is the areoles. An areole is a small bump on the surface of a cactus. It can be light or dark and serves as the site where flowers, spines, and hair grow out. An areole is the most defining feature of the cactus. Therefore, if the plant has spines but no areoles, that’s not a cactus.They don’t have leaves and branches but a succulent stem that photosynthesizes and stores water. Some cacti stem look like pads and flattened segments. They include prickly pears and Christmas cacti. Their large, colorful flowers produce fruit.They also have a water preservation feature, including a shallow root system, grooved stems, slow-growth, and column-like or spherical columns. Most cacti are native to the arid desert, but a few varieties like prickly pear cactus have better tolerance to cold.

Major Differences Between Cacti and Succulents

Cactus Spines

Most cactus varieties produce spines that may be needle-like, bristly, hairy, and woolly. These spines perform several functions. They protect the water-rich flesh of cactus from thirsting animals. They also disrupt the airflow around the cactus stems to prevent excessive water loss, especially in drying desert winds. Each spine also provides a small shade for the plant.

Image credit: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

Cactus Areoles

Cactus areoles are the small, raised areas of a cactus’ skin from which spines and sometimes hairs grow. These areoles also produce new buds, flowers, and fruits. The arrangement of the areoles on a cactus helps to identify different species. Areole is the defining feature of cacti, which is not found in succulents.

Cactus Flowers

Cactus and succulents all bloom. However, cactus flowers are far larger, showy, and more complex than succulents. Cactus flowers resemble other flowers and are normally pink, yellow, orange, blue, or red. They may be produced singly or in clusters.

Image credit: https://knpr.org/

Cactus Fruits

Even though both cactus and succulents flower, only cactus produce fruits. Cactus fruit is typically hard and dry or fleshy and juicy. Prickly pear fruit and dragon fruit are the most known fleshy cactus fruits edible to humans.

Cactus Flutes, Ribs, and Pleats

Cactus stems are usually cylindrical or spherical but may be flattened. The ribs of cacti provide an efficient means of water storage and help reduce the plant’s weight. Cactus stems contain many pleats that expand and contract easily as they absorb or release water.

Cacti and Succulent Similarities

Although people often use the terms succulents and cacti interchangeably, these houseplants have a slight similarity. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. You need to look into these similarities to understand how these plants are related. 

They both have spine presence and cylindrical shape. For example, some succulents also produce spiky thorns like euphorbia, a genus of succulents that is often confused with cactus due to these many thorns. Both plants can survive in both arid and semi-arid areas, thanks to their drought-tolerant features.

FAQs about the Difference Between Cacti and Succulents

Why do you need to differentiate between cactus and succulents?

Knowing how to identify a cactus vs. succulent can help you in keeping these plants’ requirements. Also, it’s good to know what you’re getting to avoid being tricked into buying something that’s not worth it. The blooming should also be a matter of concern.

Can you plant cacti and succulents together?

Yes, whether you want to plant a giant cactus or a small succulent, the way they’re potted means difference in failure and success. They’re both native to dry, low moisture environments.

They both require bright light, well-drained garden sites, and container potting soils. If you decide to plant them together, note that cacti need to be watered less often than other succulents.

Final Thought about the Difference Between Cacti and Succulents

There you have it! Apart from the differences in tolerance of direct sunlight and water requirements, keeping requirements for cacti and succulents are the same. Be sure to learn more about each of them before you get started. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the requirements specification of your variety to ensure you meet their requirements.

 

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Cleaning your house isn’t always the most exciting task on your to-do list, especially if your home has a mixture of bare floors, carpeting, and lots of stairs. Using a bulky vacuum cleaner makes the task more unbearable. If this is the case in your household, then a canister vacuum is your best choice.

Canister vacuums are compact machines that are lightweight, easy to maneuver and take up less storage space than a traditional upright vacuum. ​If you’re looking for an affordable machine that will make cleaning quick and convenient without sacrificing quality and performance, check out our top 10 list below of best canister vacuums:

1. Ovente Bagless Canister Vacuum with HEPA Filter

Ovente is a cheap and lightweight canister vacuum cleaner that works well on bare floors, tiles, and rugs. It features a 12-amp motor, which is powerful enough to easily pick up large and small debris. Ovente’s HEPA filtration system traps 99% of the dirt and allergens found in the household, which is great if you have pet hair or suffer from allergies.

Image credit: https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/

Besides HEPA filtration, it comes with other useful features that include automatic cord rewind that keeps you from wrapping a cord around the vacuum. It also has a telescopic wand that provides hard-to-reach areas like the tops of windows, ceilings, and corners.

It doesn’t flake out when it comes to attachments because it comes with a pet brush, floor brush, and a combination crevice nozzle and bristle brush. The entire vacuum weighs 12 pounds, courtesy of its large wheels, making it easy to drag around.

2. ProTeam Backpack Vacuum with Telescoping Wand

If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that comes with advanced features, then this model by ProTeam is worth checking out. It has an automatic throttle control system that ensures the suction will not be too powerful to harm your floor or ceiling, or furniture.

Image credit: https://m.media-amazon.com/

While it looks large and features a 9.9 amp motor, it only weighs 11 pounds, which is barely noticeable on your back, thanks to its adjustable and padded straps. It comes with several attachments, including a crevice tool, telescoping tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a multi-surfaced floorhead.

3. Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet Powerline Canister Vacuum

Cleaning a super soft and plush carpet is always a daunting task because of the dense tufts. However, Miele complete C3 comes with a power nozzle and brush roll that adjust to five different levels to make plowing through plush pile carpets easier.

Image credit: https://evacuumstore.com/

It also comes with a metal telescoping wand, a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and a crevice tool are also included in its accessories set since it’s a Pure Suction Floorhead made for use on all smooth flooring.

It uses a high filtration bag and HEPA AirClean filter to retain 99 percent of dust from being released back into the air. This is the best canister vacuum when it comes to picking up and keeping dust and dirt particles inside the vacuum.

4. Bissel Bagless Hardfloor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum

Once again, Bissell is proving that they know what makes a canister vacuum worth buying, and the hard floor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum is no exception. One of the most convenient features of this vacuum is its OnePass Technology which allows you to clean your flooring quickly and easily by picking up hard-to-reach dirt and debris.

Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Thanks to the rotating brush roll, this technology is made possible that will agitate more of your flooring with each pass you make over it. It’s the best canister vacuum for cleaning hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are an investment that you wouldn’t want to scratch and destroy while cleaning.

This canister vacuum comes equipped with features that protect your hardwood, easing your worries. This bagless vacuum weighs nine pounds and glides on floors on its non-marking rubber wheels that feature felt treads. It won’t scratch your floors as you clean, but it will suction dirt and dust into its one-liter dirt cup, which is emptied from the bottom to avoid messy situations.

While some vacuums have cleaning brushes that are more abrasive, Bissel models come with a soft-driven bristle brush designed to clean hard floors without scratching them. It has digital fingertip controls that let you reduce or increase suction as needed. It also has a telescopic wand, a perfect tool for lifting debris and dust from curtains and ceiling fans. It also has an automatic cord rewind. So, if you’re wondering how to mop your floors quickly, this is the best vacuum for you.

5. Oreck Compact Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Oreck compact canister upright vacuums are best for cleaning bare floor surfaces. They can’t reach underneath low furniture, and they don’t have the same power as bagless uprights, but if you buy an Oreck vacuum, you’ll never need to buy another vacuum because these things last forever.

Its combination of suction and versatile attachments, including an upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool, and extension wand, allows it to eliminate dust and dirt throughout the room, from ceiling fans to furniture to baseboards to carpet. The HEPA bagged filtration also prevents any dust from getting out once it’s in and seals upon disposal.

This compact canister vacuum can also function as a blower and a vacuum, which comes in handy if you need to dislodge a mess from tight spaces and sticky spots before sucking it up. If you’re looking for a canister vacuum with the portability of a dustbuster, then this is the right choice.

6. Bissel Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum

If you want a canister vacuum that’s lightweight and mobile, then the Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum is right for you. The canister weighs about 7.5 pounds when empty and has a 20-foot power cord. The automatic cord rewind allows it to retract neatly when not in use.

This bagged canister vacuum also comes with one flip of a switch that can take you from hardwood floors to carpet and an adjustable knob that lets you lower the suctioning power to enable you clean thin rugs, drapes, and upholstery. This vacuum’s integrated carrying hand and the telescopic wand will help you clean them with ease if you have stairs. You can convert it into a hand-held vacuum for above-floor cleaning and spot cleaning as well.

7. Eureka Lightweight Canister Vacuum Cleaner

This is a pack of two canister vacuums from Eureka, each weighing about 8 pounds when empty. Its 20-foot power cord works well on both hard floors and carpets. The patented anti-allergen complete seal technology traps more dust and pollen than standard vacuum cleaners.

Image credit: https://www.ubuy.ke/productimg

This lightweight canister vacuum cleaner can be hauled all over the house, but the 10-amp motor provides ample suction for picking up messes of all kinds. It is easy to assemble out of the box and has more tools than most other models on our list.

It comes with a 16-foot cord, a combination floorhead, and a wash brush for curtains and furniture. Plus, the HEPA filtration system components are all washable, so you’ll save money on filters and bags.

8. Miele Classic C1 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

The small design is ideal for stairs and smaller rooms. The wheels are not as sturdy as some, but the pick-up power of this sweeper more than makes up for that fact. This good housekeeping seal star was created for cleaning up dogs and cats. It can easily clean pet hair and any pet odors.

Miele vacuums come equipped with an Active AirClean filter that helps to neutralize any lingering pet hair, making it great for trapping and locking that dreaded dog smell. It also comes with a flexible hand-held mini turbo brush attachment for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other tight spaces prone to collecting cat hair, dog hair, and other dirt.

9. Craftsman Corded Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum

If you’re looking for a bot that can suck up rocks, Craftsman Corded Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum is the vacuum cleaner you are looking for. The powerful suctioning system of this sweeper, along with its easy-to-use features, makes it one of the best-rated canister vacuum cleaners on Amazon today.

The powerful suction engine of this vacuum provides you with a durable and reliable cleaning experience. A 5-foot hose is attached to the unit’s base, allowing you to easily clean in hard-to-reach places. The canister weighs less than 9 pounds allowing you to use it without getting too tired after extended usage periods. In addition, two universal wands are included with this vacuum. One is 12-feet long, and the other is 15-feet long for more efficient cleaning.

10. Hoover ONEPWR High Capacity Cordless Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum

The Hoover ONEPWR canister vacuum cleaner is designed to conveniently clean your home while being easy to maneuver. There are several features included with this vacuum that make it one of the best options on this list. First, the Hoover ONEPWR cordless design is convenient for those who need to clean their house quickly between other chores.

The rechargeable battery included with the vacuum allows you to clean up to 40 minutes worth of space before needing to be recharged. The good thing about this canister vacuum is that you can use it outside your home in places including the garage, basement, deck, and other outdoors that need attention.

You can also clean up leaky pipes and backed-up drains using a wet or dry utility vacuum. This vacuum can pick large and fine leaves and sawdust. It can also pick wet messes and water that can destroy a traditional vacuum cleaner.

Unlike other wet or dry utility vacuums, Hoover’s ONEPWR is cordless and runs off a rechargeable battery, so you’re not tied to an outlet. Your pet might be out of the house most of the time, but their dander and pet hair remain on the furniture. Your new sofa will stink if you don’t do anything about it. Apart from unique large wheels, it also has a low horizontal design for stability and less tipping.

FAQs about Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

re canister vacuums hard to use?

Unlike large upright vacuums, canister vacuum models are much lighter and easier to maneuver around. Plus, the hose attachments make quick work of most vacuuming jobs.

Where is the best place to empty a canister vacuum?

You can empty a canister vacuum straight into your usual trash bin. If so, it releases too much dust into the air; consider emptying it outside into a trash bag.

What are the benefits of using canister vacuums?

There are many benefits of using a canister vacuum. Other than flexible hoses and longer cleaning wands for hard-to-reach spots, canister vacuums are lightweight and easy to carry than upright vacuums. They also have better suction and flow rate, meaning you can clean faster and efficiently.

Final Thought about Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

As you can see, there are many different types of important canister vacuums. The one you pick depends on your budget, the surface you will be cleaning, and the features you want.

The post 10 Best Canister Vacuums of 2021 appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it can also be stressful for many people. It’s a time of year when it’s not always easy to get into the holiday spirit. The stress of getting everything ready for the big day can get in the way, and you might even miss out on some family fun along the way.

Finding the best Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. There are loads of great ways that we can help you enjoy your Christmas festivities this year. We’ve put together a list of the best Christmas decorations to ensure your home looks stunningly festive all through December. Read on!

1. Ceramic Christmas Tree Decorations

Finding the best Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.   You can opt for a green tree or bring a modern twist on the trend with a rose gold tree. The tree boasts removable and rearrangeable Christmas lights and tree toppers.

Image credit: https://i.pinimg.com/

Inside the ceramic structure, you’ll find a light bulb to provide a Christmassy glow. Kids love this Christmas decoration, and it’s sure to add a soft, warm light to any corner of your house.

2. Kurt Adler Christmas Decoration

The Kurt Adler Christmas decoration provides a bit of glitz and glam without being too over the top. This Christmas tree will become the most festive item in your house, and the perfect tree topper makes all the difference.

This best Christmas decoration won’t break the bank but will provide all the gold glitter needed to shine all season. The intricate die-cut pattern will let the light from your LED lights shine through for an impressive glow that fills the whole room.

3. Inflatable National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

This is a great decoration for those of us who work hard all year to enjoy a good time at Christmas. The inflatable presents and the large Griswold family all make this themed decoration one worth having. If you’re looking for interior Christmas decor, then this is the right choice.

4. Plush Christmas Gnome

These plush Christmas gnomes are perfect for kids. With the soft fabrics and cuddly characters, this is an interior decorating set that will make your child happy all season long. The plush isn’t just cozy; it’s also detailed with festive colors and patterns to keep them in a holiday mood from morning until night.

Image credit: https://m.media-amazon.com/

5. Pottery Barn Nottingham Faux Fur Plaid Throw

This is Pottery Barn’s best-selling plaid throw. It’s warm, luxurious, and the design with reindeers will fit in perfectly with your holiday decorating scheme. This faux fur rug can be used during all four seasons of the year to create a cozy atmosphere inside your home.

It’s made of 100 percent polyester, and Oeko-tex certified with faux fur on the other side. It doesn’t have any harmful chemicals and dyes. You can easily clean this festive throw pillow in your washing machine, and the product’s high yarn will retain its color after washing.

6. Advent Calendar

This wooden advent calendar is of notable quality, and it’s also very fun to build. Christmas countdown has never been so exciting before. This product features 24 pieces that you will have to put together to get the final product.

Once you’re done building this ultimate festive decoration, your home will feel like Santa’s workshop with its numerous hanging bells and baubles hanging everywhere. It’s simply not Christmas without an advent calendar counting down the days until Santa’s arrival.

7. Sea Team Christmas Ball Ornament Set

Preserve your holiday memories year after year with this set of 24 round decorations. It features a variety of designs, including reindeer, Santa hats, and snowflakes. Very festive and charming, the Ornament set is a versatile and affordable collection that will make your holiday feel infinitely more special.

Ornaments come in 86 sets, and each ornament set is crafted from eco-friendly shatterproof plastic. The sets come in 10 different colors, and each contains a similar pattern from glitter coated to mirror to design with small snowflakes. They’re great for a completely monochrome tree, and you can also buy a few packs to switch up your color scheme.

If you’re looking for a non-traditional feel, opt for pink or purple instead of the classic, red and green. But if you’re looking to mix up your ornamental bulbs and brighten up your tree, then this is the best Christmas decoration you should consider.

8. West Elm LED Light Bulbs

The best Christmas decoration of the year doesn’t necessarily have to be on top of your tree. If you want something more subtle that can provide some low-level lighting, then West Elm’s LED Light Bulbs is an economical and easy option to do this. They also come in a four-pack, so you can have some on the string or spread out around your house.

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 This Boxwood wreath from West Elm offers the perfect base for ribbons, ornaments, and lights. It’s made from real boxwood leaves and artificially preserved, and it comes in either 16 or 20 inches and should be used indoors to maintain the vibrancy of the green. The charming wreath can add rustic flavor to any home.

If you’re looking for that joyful country feel during the festive season, then place this beautiful Christmas decoration on the brick wall or a window and enjoy the view.

9. Mina Victory Van Holiday Square Throw Pillow

Add a touch of holiday cheer to your home by placing this festive pillow on your couch or chair. Featuring a vintage map design and hand-drawn illustrations of cities, countries, and continents across the globe by New York artist Mina Victory, this throw pillow brings an interesting touch to any space.

It’s a great piece, especially if you’re working on a tight budget. It features a carefully stitched scene of a bright green Christmas tree and cherry red Volkswagen against a cream-colored backdrop. Plus, it’s a hand-hooked throw pillow that will spark joy and holiday cheer in your home.

10. Kunyida Unique Burgundy and Ivory White Knit Christmas Stockings

A set of three handmade knit stockings with burgundy, ivory, and white coloring. This is the perfect addition to your holiday decor this season because it can be used throughout the year to hold odds and ends around the house or even as a delightful accessory for an outfit.

If you’re looking for something stylish to leave for Santa and Christmas Eve, these stockings are the way to go. With the cable pattern and rich colors, these stockings are both affordable and high quality.

11. LTD Commodities Set of 6 Reindeer Tea Light Holders

A set of six reindeer tea light holders. These adorable animal candle holders will be a hit at your next holiday party, and they’ll make any occasion special. Each reindeer is made with care and precision to provide years of quality use. The antlers are removable, so you can easily pull them off for cleaning purposes, although we don’t recommend letting them get too dirty.

These woodland reindeer tea light holders are great for buffet tables, side tables, bookcases, and any place that could use a touch of ambient candlelight. If you’re worried about having an open flame around kids, they can hold any standard tea light, including LED tea lights. Their simplistic design will also fit any aesthetic.

12. Hanging Snowflake Decorations

Try to turn your living space into a winter wonderland with these hanging home decorations. The snowflakes are made of high-grade pearl paper, giving them an enticing shimmer, and are sturdy enough to pack up for next year. You can hang them on a window, entryway, and across the dining room table to create a wintery holiday backdrop.

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13. Hashtag Home Snowman Globe with Penguins Inflatable

Add some holiday spirit to your front yard with this inflatable snowman from Hashtag. The large inflatable measures 8 feet tall, making it a great central character for an outdoor holiday scene. The snowman features an unusual but fun snow globe base. At night, switch on the LED light to illuminate the snow globe feature.

14. Outdoor Waterproof Flameless Candles with Timer

These flameless candles feature a realistic flickering flame and come in an elegant jar that can be used to decorate your fireplace for the holidays. With its waterproof exterior, this candle is great for outdoor use as well. Just put it on your covered patio or porch or by the poolside. It also comes with timers so you won’t have to worry about turning it off after the holidays.

These candles are an excellent choice to place on the dining table, credenza, windowsill, and outdoors. For more convenience, they come with a remote control to enable you to light up your Christmas display from across the room.

15. Roman Store Winter Scene Glitterdome

If you’re looking for a high-quality resin that you can use for several years, this is the one for you. With its LED lights, it can last up to 2000 hours without burning out. What’s more, the cardstock it comes on is fade-resistant and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about inclement weather damaging your Christmas scene.

16. National Tree Company Pre Lit Artificial Mini Christmas Tree

If you’re in a tight space, then a mini Christmas tree can get you in the holiday mood without taking too much of your room. This pre-lit artificial mini Christmas tree from National Tree Company is ideal for bedrooms, dorm rooms, and apartments. This small tree comes ready and features built-in warm LED lighting to add to the holiday charm.

17. Pre Lit Frosted Berry Garland

The best way to add some holiday cheer. This pre-lit Christmas garland is an attractive choice for lining doorways, windowsills, and mantels. This realistic-looking Christmas decor is made from thick faux branches, pine cones, and red berry details to ensure your decor remains sturdy throughout the holiday season. Warm white lights also add a seasonal glow, making it a great addition indoors or outdoors-covered locations.

FAQs on the Best Christmas Decorations

Where should you buy Christmas decorations?

You can buy Christmas decorations from many market sites such as Amazon, Wayfair, and Walmart. Also, during colder months, you can never run short of these Christmas decorations, as many small shops will unveil their inventory once the fall rolls.

Can you make Christmas decorations?

Yes. Homemade Christmas decorations are simply adorable! Many people prefer to go the homemade route to save money and make their designs which is much more than you can ask for.

How long should you keep Christmas decorations up?

This differs just like any other decoration that hangs around your house for many days or weeks. However, it is best to follow your heart. If you do not like having the decorations up, then take them down.

Final Thought on the Best Christmas Decorations

As you can see, there are many best Christmas decorations that can please anyone. It just depends on your taste and your budget. Spice up your festive season with these creative ideas, and have a wonderful time.

 

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You’ve just moved into a new home, and you’re looking for some Feng Shui tips to help improve your health. The first thing you’re probably learning is how to feng shui your bedroom and the bed becomes the first priority in this. The bed is a very important piece of furniture in your home because it represents you. A bed aligned with the door is one of those bedroom Feng shui mistakes that can affect your energy flow.

This mistake may cause illness, bad luck, or even relationship problems. Therefore, your bed placement affects you in your conscious and unconscious states. This article will give you some tips on how to handle a bed aligned with the door based on good Feng Shui principles so that your bedroom would be a more peaceful and healthier place to stay in every day.

Commanding Position

In Feng Shui, you need to place the bed using the principle of commanding position. Your bed should be located where you can see the door to the bedroom when lying. Your bed shouldn’t be directly in line with the door. According to the command position principle, place your bed diagonal from the door.

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If you can’t be in the commanding position, don’t worry. You can correct the bed by using a mirror. Place the mirror in a place where you can see the reflection of the door when you’re in bed.

Place the Bed in Relationship to Doors and Windows

A door and a window facing each other in a bedroom can drain its energy. Avoid sleeping with your bed located between two doors or windows. If your room size is limited, make sure the windows are towards the side of the building rather than front or back, where you get more sun exposure, especially sunrise and sunset rays. The best position for your bed is facing the door.

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Avoid having your feet pointing straight out the door. This is known as coffin position. You can also call it the bed-facing door superstition. If the only place for your bed is in line with your door, that is the coffin position, you can still correct it. You can hang a faceted Feng Shui crystal ball halfway between the door and the bed.

Place Headboard Against a Solid Wall

Make sure the headboard of your bed is against a solid wall rather than an open space. This means that you should be supported from the back. Avoid placing your bed with the headboard in the middle of the room. Do not also let the whole bed float in the middle of the room. A headboard facing away from the main door can create a placement problem with different consequences of chi.

The wall behind you is very important because you’ll need it to support yourself. Additionally, avoid windows behind the head of the bed, especially if you’re on the ground floor or have eye issues. Make sure you have a solid bed behind you and not a window.

Consider Beams, Soffits and Sloped Ceilings

For the best bed placement, make sure your roof beams are above you or do not block them. If there are beams, they should be short and fluffy so as not to cause a problem. It is best if they’re just below the ceiling because it can still be a distraction when lying down.

The area above your bed should be free of beams, soffits, and sloped ceilings. These architectural features above your bed can create unnecessary pressure. If you can’t avoid these features, use the drape fabric to conceal the ceiling feature. If it is not a large beam and soffit, blend the feature into the ceiling by painting it the same color. This will make the dropped ceiling areas less oppressive.

Locate Your Bed Away from the Toilet Wall

Toilet walls are not usually the best place to sit on your bed. The vibration and flow of chi energy are much too powerful. This can cause lots of problems with sleeping if you have your head against the toilet wall, so be sure to position your bed away from this area.

Image credit: https://fengshuinexus.com/

Consider the Space on Both Sides of the Bed

If it’s an adult bedroom, you should have open space on the left and right sides of the bed. A good chi recommends not to place your bed with one side up against the wall.

Bed and Bathroom Door Placement

The main bedroom door is a primary concern when placing your bed in the room but don’t overlook other doors. The placement of your bed and the location of your master bedroom’s bathroom door can create very uncomfortable chi problems. Generally, it is not good to place a bed in such a way that the headboard is next to or placed directly in front of the doorway unless you plan on doing some yoga stretching exercises every morning upon waking.

In Feng Shui, bathrooms are a place from which energy leaves the house. If your bed must face the bathroom door, make you close both the bathroom door and bedroom door. You can hang a mirror on the inside of the door facing the bathroom. The mirror will reflect any negative energy leaving the bathroom back into it.

void Electromagnetics in Your Bedroom

Avoid placing your bed next to any electrical sockets or cables, especially those connected directly to the wall. If you tend to watch television in bed, it is best not to have an electrical socket located behind the television. Also, keep electronic devices such as alarm clocks, wireless phones, and printers at least one foot away from where your head will lie every night.

If you must have that TV set in your room, cover it before you sleep. The same goes for laptops and phones. For you to have a good night’s sleep, these electronic devices should not emit radiation near your body.

The congested electrical wires all over the house is also another bad feng shui in the bedroom. Try to put them away or at least cover them up. You shouldn’t also have a desk in your bedroom to optimize the space for good chi.

Choose Restful Art

The artwork in your bedroom will speak a lot about your private life. If you’re looking to attract your partner and still keep things in line with your taste, the artwork you place in your room shouldn’t depict solo persons or objects.

When practicing Feng Shui with artwork in your room, there should be an element of a pair of pieces. Save family photos for other rooms and not your bedroom. Keep the artwork up at eye level. You can also take it higher to increase life force energy. Also, consider perfect colors that match your feng shui bedroom. You can choose the perfect feng shui front door color and make sure you don’t go wrong with anything.

Detoxify and Declutter Your Bedroom Feng Shui

Detoxifying your bedroom is very important because it will help get rid of chemicals and toxic elements from your bedroom and replace them with organic ones. A good start is to use green products and non-toxic cleaning products. Infusing your room with some sweet orange oil can bring good energy and make the room smell a little bit nicer.

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Start with the clutter under the bed because it may affect you while sleeping by causing subconscious blocks in your life. A good Feng Shui is to clear the space under the bed so that the energy can flow freely.

FAQs on Feng Shui Tips for Handling a Bed Aligned with the Door

How can you protect yourself if the bed faces the door?

If you find yourself sleeping directly opposite the bedroom door, you can use a floatboard. If you feel trapped by the floatboard, you can create a shield by placing your chest at the end of your bed filled with heavy blankets or a low screen between the bed and the door.

Which way should your bed face Feng Shui?

According to Feng Shui, you can position your bed in different positions and still enjoy it. Your bed can face East, South East, West, North West, and South West. If your bed faces west, you can create the best condition for a good night’s sleep.

Final Thought on Feng Shui Tips for Handling a Bed Aligned with the Door

As you can see, Feng Shui is an ancient practice designed to enhance your well-being and life based on the alignment of particular arrangements and objects around your house or workplace. Try to implement Feng Shui to manage your room’s energy and transform your well-being and life for the better.

 

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Cleaning is a never-ending task. It’s something everyone has to do, and no one wants to do, especially when we think about the time it takes and how much effort it requires. We all have bad habits when it comes to cleaning our homes, but these mistakes can cause damage not only to your home but also to your health. 

You need proper tools and methods to get the job done right. With this guide, you will learn about bad cleaning habits to stop doing to live in a cleaner environment.

1. Using Dirty Cleaning Tools

When it comes to bad cleaning habits, cleaning tools are the first culprit. How can you expect the best results when using dirty cleaning tools to clean your home? If your washing machine has some odor from built-up bacteria from some detergent residue, it will make your clothes stink. 

If your vacuum bag is filled with dust, it won’t do a good job sucking up anymore. A dirty mop and a dirty sponge will push around more soil and bacteria. So, take your time to thoroughly clean tools by emptying completely and washing them in hot water after every use. Also, use enough disinfectant to kill the germs. Replacing new tools is also a good idea.

2. Leaving Wet Towels and Shower Curtains Bunched Up

If you’re tired of spending too much time in your laundry room scrubbing mold and mildew on your bathroom surfaces, don’t worry. You can easily break these bad habits and have more time to focus on other tasks. Avoid leaving wet shower curtains bunched up and wet tower curtains in a heap on the floor.

Image credit: https://www.enchantehome.com/

Always hang up your non-slip shower mat after each use. By hanging the shower curtain, it will dry more quickly and discourage mold and mildew growth. By hanging wet towels to dry, you’ll be able to re-use them without having to wash out the mildew smell.

3. Leaving Dirty Dishes on the Sink

Your dirty dishes are a breeding ground for bacteria and germs that you don’t want in your kitchen. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink is a jackpot for hungry insects. Rinse off your plates before stacking them in the sink. Load the dishwasher every time it’s full, so you won’t have to worry about leaving food scraps from last night’s dinner sitting out on the counter overnight. 

You can also break this bad cleaning habit by training everyone in your household to either put the dishes in the dishwasher or wash them immediately. After washing your dishes, wash out your sink with hot soapy water, spray with Vital Oxide, and let it dry.

4. Using Disinfectant Wipes

Don’t use disinfectant wipes on surfaces that food touches. This includes countertops and cutting boards. Wipes are less harsh, but they don’t do a great job of killing bacteria. 

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If you want to keep your kitchen clean with disinfecting wipes, it’s important to understand that you can’t swipe on everything and expect your home to be germ-free. Make sure you buy wipes that can kill viruses and bacteria. Also, ensure that you’re using these disinfectant wipes the right way; otherwise, you risk cross-contamination. For better hygiene learn how to make disinfectant wipes for home use.

5. Allowing Paper Clutter to Accumulate

Even with the emerging technology, including online billing and banking, there’s still a mountain of papers that ends up in our homes. These include magazines, newspapers, flyers, school papers, and projects. These papers tend to pile up. However, this is one of the easiest bad cleaning habits to break.

Instead of letting the paper pile up, designate a place in your kitchen for all this paper clutter. Also, keep a shredder and recycling bin nearby and sort it at least once a week. For children’s school papers and projects, opt for a designated storage bin, select a few to save space, frame a few, and hang them up. Learn how to declutter your room properly and you’ll never have trouble with cleaning.

6. Ignoring Product Directions

This is especially true for general cleaning supplies like dishwashing soap, general cleaners, and fabric softeners. Product directions are there for a reason. Ignoring it is a surefire way to make cleaning fail. Also, not following product directions might render the product useless if the solution is wrong. 

The manufacturers will have recommendations on using the product, how much you need, and where it should be used. Application methods are also different, so it’s always important to read the label. This also applies to cleaning tools; follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent injuries.

7. Wearing Outside Shoes in the House

This is especially important when you have wooden flooring because this can cause scratches on the surface. It’s highly recommended to remove your footwear before entering the house. This way, you can keep your floors looking new longer. 

If needed, apply an environmentally friendly wood polish to clean and protect the wood from damage caused by extreme weather elements. Whether your entryway is through the mudroom or the front door, make this cleaning habit simple by providing a bench and a chair for shoe removal. Get a shoe tray closed for wet or muddy shoes. Plus, provide a bin to collect each family member’s footwear.

8. Using Harsh Cleaners

Using too much cleaner can be a bad cleaning habit; using a harsh cleaner can damage your floors. Using harsh chemicals can strip the finish of wood floors, leaving them dull looking and requiring you to refinish them. For example, chlorine bleach is good in disinfecting, but that doesn’t mean it’s good on all surfaces.

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Chlorine bleach is not a good dirt and grime remover, and the fumes can be toxic. It’s important to use gentle cleaning products to produce the best results. One of the safest and widely used home cleaning products is cleaning vinegar

9. Not Completing Tasks

Yes, we all get distracted while cleaning, but always try to finish a task once you’ve started it. For example, if you’re dusting the living room, don’t stop for a social media break until you’ve dusted the entire room.

If you have a few minutes to clean, start by removing the clutter and putting items in their proper place. Then if you’re interrupted, you can come back later to do the deeper cleaning.

10. Waiting Until the Cleaning Task is Overwhelming

If you have a huge cleanup job ahead of you, don’t try to bite off more than you can chew. Break the task into small pieces that are easier to manage. Don’t wait for the task to become overwhelming. Putting off cleaning and waiting until the task becomes overwhelming is one of the worst cleaning habits to break.

But if you do a bit of cleaning each day, like load, empty the dishwasher before the dishes pile, vacuum one or two rooms, and complete your load of laundry, then cleaning the entire house will not be as overwhelming.

11. Relying too Much on Bleach

Of course, bleach has been a household staple long cleaning and disinfecting agent. But it turns out that bleach isn’t as good a cleaner as once thought. Bleach is intensely harsh and can irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin. 

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The fumes are also toxic. A better alternative is baking soda or vinegar. If you still doubt how harmful bleach is, these reasons should motivate you to skip the bleach next time you begin your spring clean.

12. Leaving Your Bed Unmade

This might not be a big deal in the colder months when you’re bundling up under your covers and keeping your home well heated. But in the summertime, leaving bed linen unwashed can pose a real threat to your health. Experts recommend changing sheets every two weeks for best cleaning results.

Even if the rest of your bedroom looks neat and clean, the unmade bed can make it look messy. Making your bed each morning will keep the rest of the room and the entire house organized. You can as well make this task simple by selecting bedding that is easy to spread up neatly.

13. Storing Cleaning Products Incorrectly

Do you spend a lot of time trying to find your cleaners and tools? Well, this bad cleaning habit is quite easy to break. Gather all the cleaning supplies you’ll need for each area of your home and store them close to that area. Place them in a plastic carryall for bathroom cleaners and stash them on a shelf or under the sink. 

You can also create two baskets of supplies if you have upstairs and downstairs bathrooms. Keep your dusting and furniture cleaning products in the kitchen. And all your laundry products should be kept in the laundry room. Make it easy to get started, and this will likely lead you to clean more often.

14. Hoarding Food in the Refrigerator

It’s a common bad habit to keep too much food in the fridge. Resist this temptation as your refrigerator does not have an infinite capacity and cannot store half-empty containers of milk, cream cheese, cottage cheese, or yogurt that will not be used up within a few days.

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If you and your family hate leftovers, then don’t stash them in the refrigerator. Go ahead and toss it instead of storing it because improperly stored food promotes mold and bacteria growth, making cleaning the refrigerator daunting. 

FAQs on Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break

Can cleaning make you sick?

Yes and no. Cleaning will not make you sick, but it can make you sick if you use improper cleaning methods. Plus, using harsh chemicals that can cause mild irritation and affect your health negatively.

Is it ok to clean regularly?

If you maintain a cleaning routine, it will be easier to break these bad habits. Cleaning should not harm your health or make you feel worse.

Final Thought on Bad Cleaning Habits You Need to Break

Whether it’s the cleaning and our lives in general, we all have these bad habits. We like cutting corners when cleaning. Everyone wants to make their chores easier and get them done faster. However, taking these shortcuts can have a lot of negative impacts on your life. 

That’s why it’s important to break bad cleaning habits. They might be tolerable or even bring some benefits, but they shouldn’t be part of your life if you want to live a healthy and cleaner lifestyle.

 

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