Home & Garden

Are you a homeowner? If so, then you understand the thrill of a renovation project.

Regardless of whether you are building a new home or simply renovating an existing structure, having the right design plan makes all the difference. This is especially true when designing the kitchen.

After all, the kitchen is the heart of any home. This is the room where families gather throughout the year to eat together and make memories that will last a lifetime.

This article takes a look at the most important factors to consider before hiring kitchen designers. Keep reading to discover insight into the overall kitchen designer experience so that you’ll end up with the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Know What You Want

First of all, you need to have a good idea of the kitchen you want. This will help the designers you interview a direction to work toward.

Keep in mind that the best designer won’t be able to create the kitchen of your dreams if you don’t know what you like or offer plenty of feedback regarding the various styles that appeal to you.

Take the time to look at lots of other kitchens. Clip photos from magazines. Bookmark webpages online. This will build a portfolio of design ideas that will give potential contractors something to work with.

2. Get Recommendations

Talk to family and friends. Ask them about contractors and designers they’ve used in the past. Good references and reviews can save you a ton of time and frustration.

People love to help and to share products and services they’ve had great experiences with. This will at least give you a place to start as you begin interviewing designers.

Be sure to check out Mal Corboy.

3. How Long Have the Been In Business?

It’s also important to hire a kitchen with years of experience in the industry. Someone who’s new to the business might be full of interesting design ideas, and yet they might lack experience working with subcontractors, suppliers, or meeting deadlines.

Look for a designer with a strong reputation within the industry and a professional network of peers who respect their work.

4. What Are Their Qualifications?

Before you hire a kitchen designer, don’t be shy about inquiring about their professional qualifications. Do they possess certification in a specific area of design? Are they a freelancer or a member of a union within their industry? Do they have a degree in design from a respected university? All of these things matter.

5. What is Their Time Frame for Completing the Job?

Talk to them about their time frame for completing the project. Do they plan to be working on multiple jobs at once? If so, this could impact the amount of time they are able to dedicate to your project. Make them be specific and get it in writing.

6. Be Flexible

Even if you think you have a good idea of what you’re looking for in a kitchen, try to maintain a bit of flexibility. A skilled designer will be able to assess your space and offer incredible ideas that you might never have imagined. The key is to work together to create the most amazing space possible.

The Complete Homeowner’s Guide to Hiring Kitchen Designers

Designing the perfect kitchen isn’t easy. Fortunately, this guide to hiring kitchen designers will help make it a stress-free experience.

Keep scrolling to discover additional lifestyle tips on our blog.

 

Have you ever heard the expression “it’s easier to keep up than to catch up?” Typically this refers to falling behind on finances, homework, and other day-to-day scenarios.

However, the same notion applies to rodent infestations. It’s easier to prevent rodents from coming into your home and taking over than getting rid of them once they have.

We’re here to help you do just that. Keep reading for everything you need to know about how a rodent infestation comes into being and how to prevent it.

Easy Access Into Your Home

First, understand that most animals take the path of least resistance. That’s why trappers have been able to predictably trap and ensnare wildlife of all shapes, sizes, and species for thousands of years. They simply lay their traps on game paths or create obstructions to lead them to their hidden trap.

When it comes to a rat or mouse finding their way into your home, they’re likely doing it via existing entrances such as holes, gaps, and cracks in your foundation, walls, or doors. Use things like silicone and steel wool to seal up any potential access points into your home.

Read this post for more information on the common types of house rodents and how to prevent them.

Available Food and Water Sources

Another way to control or prevent a rodent infestation is by limiting the food and water available to these pests. Rodents are drawn to food, such as crumbs on the floor, open food packages in the cupboard, unsealed pet food, and unsealed garbage cans.

Limit these food sources to ensure you’re not advertising an “open for business” sign to rodents and other pests. You should also make sure there are no places in or near your home that has standing water.

Shelter

Next, remember that animals also need shelter to survive. It keeps them safe from the elements and natural predators. A shelter can be several things for a rodent infestation, such as:

• Unkempt weeds and vegetation
• Wood or rubbish stacks near the house
• Piles of old clothing in storage
• Storage boxes
• The interior of walls
• Clutter
• And more

The key is removing all possible shelters that could lure mice or rats to your home. Once they’ve found shelter, they will start reproducing.

Immediate Action

Finally, you can prevent a rodent infestation by taking action as soon as you see signs of mice or other rodents in your home. Common signs of mice include scratching sounds behind walls, odors, visual signs of waste, and actual rodent sightings.

Unfortunately, six mice can become 60 in a quarter of a year. The longer you allow mice to live in your home, the more they’ll reproduce, and the more damage they’ll cause.

Want to Prevent a Rodent Infestation?

There’s nothing worse than finding out you’re unwillingly sharing your home with uninvited guests. Fortunately, preventing a rodent infestation is relatively simple, as is remediating a pest presence.

However, if you’re looking for other home ownership advice, be sure to check out some of our other articles before you go. Our blog was created to help homeowners just like you make the most out of their spaces.

 

Believe it or not, more than 87 percent of American households have some kind of air conditioning unit installed to help keep the structure cool during the summer months. Though those systems are durable and last for many years, they can develop problems that keep you from being able to enjoy that temperature-controlled air at all times.

If you’re not sure what to look for, it’s easy to ignore those early warning signs. Once you do, it’s only a matter of time until you’re dealing with a broken AC.

Here are a few tell-tale signs that your AC system is about to break or is already broken so you can schedule a repair appointment quickly.

1. You’re Getting Warm Air Indoors

The easiest way to tell if you have a broken AC system is to pay attention to the air’s temperature anytime the unit turns on. When it’s working, you should get a steady supply of cool, refreshing air coming from each vent in your house. When it’s broken, you’ll likely notice that the air is warmer than it should be.

According to the experts behind https://www.schneidermechanical.com/ best thing you can do is call your repair technician as soon as possible. Until they can assess the damage and make the necessary repairs, you’ll want to open the windows and use fans to create a breeze indoors.

This will help you stay cool in the meantime.

2. There’s Excess Humidity in Your Rooms

One of the biggest benefits of air conditioners is their ability to remove humidity from your home. When you have a broken AC fan or condenser unit, you’ll quickly notice an increase in the humidity inside your house. This can create condensation on your windows and makes the temperature indoors feel warmer.

If you can’t schedule a repair appointment soon, you’ll want to get rid of the humidity inside as quickly as you can. Leave the windows open if outdoor humidity levels are low. Invest in a portable or table-top dehumidifier to help take the moisture out of the air until you can get your AC fixed.

3. The Unit Makes Weird Noises

One of the tell-tale signs that your air conditioner is broken or about to break down is hearing strange noises anytime the unit turns on. Pay attention to the noises it makes when the fan starts blowing.

If you hear strange bangs or clanking noises, it’s time to schedule a repair appointment. Until your appointment, avoid running the unit if at all possible.

Those noises are a surefire sign that parts are starting to wear down. Letting the AC system run will put more strain on those already damaged parts and increases the likelihood of more expensive repairs.

Don’t Let a Broken AC Keep You Down

The best way to deal with a broken AC is to schedule a repair appointment with your trusted HVAC technician. They’ll be able to make the necessary repairs quickly so you can get back to enjoying a cool and comfortable home year-round.

Until you get your broken air conditioner fixed, sip on ice water, turn on the fan, and do what you can to stay cool.

Looking for more tips and tricks to help you keep your air conditioner working properly? Check out our latest posts.

 

Building your home theater is usually the cherry on top when it comes to home renovation. After you’ve installed the floors and fixed the windows, it’s time to finally treat yourself to a luxurious entertainment system.

After all, who doesn’t want a home theater in their house. And thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, there’s never been a more appropriate time to have one.

With that said, your home theater system needs to be more than just a couch and a television screen. You should be able to control all aspects of the audio and visual experience in order to truly have an ideal home theater experience.

Lucky for you, we’re here to help. So continue reading and we’ll walk you through the top tips you need to know about for the perfect home theater setup.

1. Control the Ambient Light

Ambient light refers to sources of light that are outside of the theater. This includes light coming through the windows and from other rooms.

Many people try to add more natural light to their homes. However, that’s exactly what you want to be able to limit with a home theater. You should choose a space for your home theater that has very little light, like a basement.

2. Control Sound Within the Home Theater

Home theater audio can bounce off of the floor, ceiling, and walls. Because of this, you want to mitigate that bounce in order to achieve the ideal home theater sound.

There are a few ways you can do this. First off, you can install wall to wall carpeting. You can also put up draperies and similar fabrics on the walls.

Having soft seat cushions will also help absorb the sound.

3. Use High-Quality Speakers

When you’re in a home theater, you want to replicate the feeling of being in an actual movie theater as much as possible. And that means using well-calibrated, high-quality speakers. For example, these home theatre towers are all going to provide you excellent sound.

4. Limit Reflective Objects

You should minimize anything in your home theater that reflects light back at the viewer. This means that your paint should have a matte finish. Shiny objects and objects should also be removed.

It’s a good idea to spray paint black anything that you can’t remove that’s shiny.

The Importance of Knowing How to Create the Perfect Home Theater Setup

Having your own home theater is a great way to entertain your friends and family for hours on end. You will now be able to enjoy Hollywood blockbusters the way they were meant to be seen, all from the comfort of your home.

However, it’s important to remember that the perfect home theater starts with the perfect home theater setup. Once you have that down, you’ll be able to customize your home theater to fit your own desires and tastes.

Are you looking for other helpful articles? If so, then make sure to check out the rest of our blog today for more!

 

Do you have a garden that needs a little help?

Gardens can liven up a yard by adding foliage and bursts of color, making them an attractive addition! However, you may not know the best way to go about planting one. Fall gardening is a great way to save yourself some time in spring and ensure you have a garden that takes root and fills out quickly!

You might be wondering about some things you can plant to take advantage of the fall in preparation for spring.

Here is what to plant in the fall to ensure you have a beautiful garden in the spring!

Floral Perennials

When planting in the fall, you don’t necessarily have to plant fall flowers. You can plant spring flowers that can take root and get ready to bloom in spring! Just be sure to protect your perennials with a layer of mulch or shredded leaves to keep them warm.

It’s also important to keep your fall perennials well-watered until the ground freezes to promote root growth.

Spring Vegetables

If you prefer a garden with more functionality, planting vegetables is a great way to make use of your garden space! You can plant fall vegetables like radishes and carrots and harvest in the fall, but you can also plant some vegetables that will survive the winter.

Leafy greens, onions, and broad beans are all good choices that are likely to withstand the cold and bounce back in spring!

Grass and Shrubs

If you want to prepare to do some landscaping in the spring, planting grass and shrubs in the fall can ensure you have something to work with when spring rolls around! Shrubs and grass seed can take root before the ground freezes when they’re watered properly.

If you’d rather have a professional do your landscaping, visit https://www.franzwitte.com/.

When to Plant in the Fall

The days in early fall are typically cool and have a good amount of rainfall. This makes early fall prime time for preparing your garden for spring!

Gardening in the fall is a great way to get a head start on spring, but you have to be careful about when you plant. You want to plant your blooms so they have enough time to take root and get comfortable in the soil, but waiting too long can cause them to die.

All of your plants must be in the ground before it freezes because root growth will stop in the frozen ground. This typically happens around mid-November, so make sure you place your plants in the ground so they have plenty of time to get comfortable enough so they can withstand the colder weather and snow. Even plants in thin plastic pots will fare better in the ground, where they’re better protected and will have more space to grow.

What to Plant in the Fall to Prepare for Spring

Now that you know what to plant in the fall, it’s time to plant your blooms. You’ll be ahead of the game with a beautiful garden when spring rolls around!

Be sure to check back regularly for more home and garden advice!

 

Are you wondering how to choose a ceiling fan? Finding the right fan can make all the difference when you’re trying to improve airflow. Plus you want a fan that will look good in your space.

If you’re in the market for a new fan, keep reading to learn 5 tips for how to choose a ceiling fan!

1. Find the Right Size Fan

A bigger fan might seem like the best way to add a breeze to your room, but if your fan is too big, the breeze will become a strong wind. It’s important to measure your room so you know what size ceiling fan to get.

There are many great benefits to choosing a lower-profile fan. You’ll still get the better airflow you want, but without calling attention to the fixture on your ceiling.

2. Know How to Choose a Ceiling Fan in Your Budget

As with any purchase, it’s wise to set a budget and stick with it. While it’s easy to get sucked into fancier designs with more bells and whistles, don’t overstep your budget. You may be able to save money by skipping lights or going with a smaller option.

3. Buy the Best Style for Your Space

If you want a fan for your oak-paneled office space, you might want to go with a fan that has wooden blades. On the other hand, if your fan will be installed in your new quirky kitchen, think of your fan as an opportunity to accessorize the space.

A fan can be subdued but it can be a decorative element if that’s what you want!

4. Consider What Extras You Want

Do you want lights on your fan? Do you want to be able to control it using a remote? Think about what extras you require when you choose a ceiling fan.

You’ll probably save money if you opt for a fan with a pull chain rather than a remote. You might pay a little more for extra features, but if you don’t have a good overhead light in the room where your fan is going, it could be worth it to add a light.

5. Get a Fan that Will Get the Air Flowing

The main purpose of a ceiling fan is to provide better air movement in your space. With that in mind, you’ll want to find a fan that is effective and efficient. Understand what type of motor you’re getting — and how much energy it will use.

If possible, test out a fan before you buy it. Listen to learn how noisy it is, and look for options that let you adjust the speed.

Find the Perfect Fan

Knowing how to choose a ceiling fan can seem complicated, but if you know what you want, the process gets easier. Figure out what you can afford and find a style that matches your aesthetic. You’ll be enjoying a cool breeze in no time!

When you’re ready to find the latest tips on anything from gardening to money, check back with us for more great articles.

 

You’ve had enough of the apartment life. You’re finally looking to move into a home. That said, you’re new to this process. As such, you’re looking or a little advice.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. This is the ultimate first time home buyer guide.

Mortgage Options

Odds are, you’re going to have to buy your house with the help of a mortgage. Note, though, that in order to secure a mortgage, you’re going to have to meet some requirements. These requirements will vary based on the type of mortgage you pursue, with some being quite stringent and others being fairly lax.

We’ll review the requirements for different types of mortgages below.

Conventional Mortgages

Conventional mortgage requirements can vary a bit. Note, though, that most require a minimum down payment of around 5%. As far as credit scores go, conventional mortgages generally require a minimum of 620.

The higher your down payment, and the higher your credit score, the greater your interest rate will be. It’s wise to put down 20% and have a credit score of at least 720, if possible.

FHA Loans

FHA loans are sponsored by HUD or the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These loans are designed for low and moderate-income individuals, as well as those with poor credit scores.

If your credit score is higher than 500 but lower than 580, you’ll have to put 10% down on your home. If your credit score is higher than 580, you’ll only have to put 3.5% down on your home. Note, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be.

USDA Loans

If you’re looking to buy a home in a “rural” area, you should consider a USDA loan. These loans require no down payment and are geared toward low and moderate-income families.

There is no official credit score limit for these loans. However, lenders generally want you to have a 640 credit score or higher.

These loans generally carry fairly low-interest rates. As such, they might very well be the best options for you.

Adjusted Rate Mortgages

The mortgages discussed above generally establish a consistent interest rate from year to year. Adjusted rate mortgages, on the other hand, possess interest rates that fluctuate over time.

So, while adjusted rate mortgages could potentially save you money, they could also end up costing you money. They’re quite risky and are completely at the mercy of the market.

For more information on these mortgages and others, talk to a mortgage broker like Tina Chumley.

VA Loans

If you’re a military veteran, you can opt for a VA loan. These loans have no minimum credit score and come with interest rates that are much lower than those associated with FHA, USDA, and conventional loans. There’s also no down payment requirement, so you could conceivably obtain one at any time.

Understanding First Time Home Buyer Programs

There are a number of first time home buyer programs out there, many of which will assist you with down payments and closing costs. Some of these are sponsored by states and municipalities, while others of these are sponsored by private organizations. To get the greatest deal possible, you’re advised to look into these programs.

Call up the housing department for the municipality in which you hope to live. Give a call to the state’s housing department. Mention that you’re a first time home buyer and that you’re wondering if there is any financial assistance available. In the right situations, you could end up scoring as much as $15,000 toward the cost of your house.

Buying a Fixer-Upper vs Buying a Home That’s in Good Shape

Odds are, when you’re scoping out homes, you’re coming across a variety of fixer-uppers. These homes are currently in poor condition but might be able to benefit from some critical updates.

The question is: are they worth it? Or would you be better off with buying a home that’s already in good shape? There are pros and cons to each, all of which we’ll discuss below.

Buying a Fixer-upper

Fixer-uppers are almost always cheaper than homes that are in good condition. As such, they have the potential to be bargains. This depends on how much updates end up costing. Depending on the circumstances, this can be just a little or quite a bit.

Of course, fixing up a house is an intensive process. Not only will it delay the amount of time it takes you to get into your home, but it will also saddle you with a lot more work.

However, because you get to dictate the updates, you get to decide on many of the home’s decor characteristics. This isn’t true when you buy a home that’s already in good shape.

Buying a Home That’s in Good Shape

Buying a home that’s in good shape is undoubtedly going to cost you more money than is buying a fixer-upper, at least initially. However, there will be no doubt about what you’re getting into. Your mortgage rate will be set and you’ll be paying the same thing every month for the foreseeable future.

Plus, because your home won’t require any additional work, you’ll be able to move in as soon as you’ve closed on it. This can be hugely beneficial in situations where you have nowhere else to stay.

The biggest downside of this option is that it limits your ability to make custom aesthetic updates. You could, of course, but it would end up costing you quite a bit more money.

The First Time Home Buyer Guide Will Serve You Well

Don’t leave your first home purchase to chance. Take advantage of this first time home buyer guide and you’ll end up with the home you’ve always dreamed of, at a price that you can afford.

Need similar info? Our website has all of the information you could ever need. Take a look at our other articles now!

 

What’s this? Did you wake up with a cold chill down your spin? Are you walking around your house wrapped around in a blanket? There’s no doubt about it: fall has arrived, and things will only get colder from here.

With that being said, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared to fight back and stay warm. One of the best ways to do that is to invest in a new gas home furnace. These furnaces are easy to have installed, and unlike traditional furnaces, they’re legal just about everywhere and can work in any house using gas.

However, before purchasing a new or replacement home furnace you’re going to want to make sure that you invest in only the best ones to do the job. Luckily for you, this article has the answers that you seek. Keep reading to find out which furnace features you should look into!

1. Keep Your Climate in Mind

One of the most important things that you need to keep in mind is the climate you live in. Most first-time furnace buyers belive that all furnaces are created equal, but there are different classes that will produce different levels of heating for your home.

For warmer climates like in the southern regions, you’re less likely to experience freezing cold temperatures, so you could get away with a furnace that has an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of around 80. Colder regions are going to need something stronger, and you should look for a furnace that has an AFUE of at least 90.

2. Think About the Type of Furnace

The type of gas furnace is another factor you’ll want to consider. There are three different types to choose from: single stage, two-stage, and modulating furnaces. single stage is best for milder climates, while the modulating furnaces are perfect for cold temperatures.

3. Energy Efficency Matters

Remember the AFUE we mentioned earlier? It’s important because it deals with the efficency of your furnace. The higher the efficency is, the better your furnace will be at heating your home. If you live in a cold climate, you’re going to want the highest efficiency possible.

4. Size Matters

The last (but still very important!) part of the selection process is the size. If a furnace is too small, it will do a poor job of heating your home; too large, and it will produce heat that you don’t need. You’ll want to factor in things such as square footage, ceiling height, the insulation, and the number of windows to make sure you have the perfect fit.

Once you figure out which new home furnace works for you, you’re going to need to invest in a furnace installation to make sure you can have it up and running well before the cold front sets in. Look into getting the right installation professionals to complete the job exactly as you like it!

Make Sure to Get Your Gas Home Furnace Today

Now that you’ve found out how to get your hands on the best gas home furnace and have a way to install it, staying warm in the cold season will be a breeze. Make sure to check out our site to see everything else we have to offer you to make your life better in every manner. We’re sure you’re gonna love what you find!

 

Skirting boards can spruce up your home’s interior, giving it an entirely different aesthetic. Yes, they provide beauty to the interior of a room, but its main function is actually to protect the bottom half of your wall against damages.

Over the years, designers have created a wide array of different designs ranging in size, color, and texture. Check out these gorgeous skirting board (also known as baseboard) interior designs: https://www.pinterest.com.au/zaral81/skirting-boards/

If you are considering installing baseboards in your home then there are a few factors you have to think about.

HEIGHT

Surely, not all skirting heights will fit into your home. You have to be sure of your measurements before purchasing or ordering. Height measurements will depend on a few different things; are you replacing existing skirting boards or are you installing new ones on a blank canvas?

Anyone who is starting on a newly plastered wall can choose any height of their choice. Whereas others might be restricted because of other obstacles like plug sockets or radiator pipes.

Height sizes usually vary between:

• 70mm to 95mm (best for homes where there are obstacles like radiators and plugs on the walls)
• 120mm to 170 mm (usually installed in newly built homes to keep costs down, also a height that is most common in suburban homes)
• 195mm to 220 mm (taller skirtings are typically found in homes with specifically styled designs that feature a vintage era)
• 250mm and higher (commonly used in homes with tall ceilings and large rooms)

THICKNESS

If you want to match the current skirting, you should purchase skirting boards online of the same thickness. It’s recommended that homeowners opt for a thickness of about 18mm. Thin skirting boards can be as wide as 15mm and adds a subtle eloquence to a wall.

The thinner the boards, the lighter in weight they’ll also be, making handling and installation a breeze.

For those homeowners who would like to add thicker boards, widths of as much as 25mm is available.

It’s important to note that the width and height of the boards you choose will ultimately affect the overall look of a room. Keep this in mind when pre-designing the space’s layout.

LENGTH

Most skirting board companies have two lengths available; 3.05 meters and 4.2 meters. When the length of the boards is longer than the actual room size, it won’t be a train smash. The installer can cut the product to the desired length for easy installation.

Longer boards are the perfect choice for longer and bigger rooms, while shorter units are best to maneuver in smaller spaces. Overall, it’s important to measure correctly before cutting any parts off. Follow this guide on how to measure and cut a skirting board.

REBATE

When you order a board that has been rebated, you will receive a product with a small gap at the back. A small part, situated at the back of the board, will be removed to create an opening. This opening will not be seen by the naked eye and is perfect to hide wires and cables that run against the wall.

Customers can request rebates of specific sizes from manufacturers.

FINISH

To give your room a special flare you can decide between an undercoat, primed or unprimed finish.

Unprimed products haven’t been treated at all. It’s basically a raw cut wood that allows you the opportunity to treat it with primer, sand it, and prepare it for any further treatment.

Primed products have a single layer of primer. The primer usually consists of one coat water-based primer and has to be sanded by the owner, before applying an undercoat.

An undercoated option is basically ready to be installed. The boards are sanded, primed, sanded again, and then coated with a smooth finish. Undercoated skirting boards provide a canvas on which the homeowner can paint their desired color.

Experts recommend that homeowners invest in either primed or undercoated finish as it will save a lot of time when adding final touches.

Choosing skirting can be an exciting adventure for homeowners. Consulting professionals when choosing the best options are highly recommended in making the right choices.

 

There’s a high chance that people looking for this information have started living on their own for the first time. Being independent might come with a lot of surprises, and may require some preparation. Most of the time, though, people learn how to be independent through mistakes.

Things like not buying plates, forks, spoons, cups among other things, or not owning the right electric appliances like fridges and washing machines are good examples, but there’s one mistake that people commit without realizing, and only try to fix it when it’s too late.

I’ve always been someone who follows the motto “better safe than sorry”, so I prefer to avoid these problems, but it doesn’t mean you can’t fix it in case it has happened to you.

What I’m talking about is toilet maintenance and cleaning. You would be surprised at how many people (especially youngsters like me who had no experience in living alone and taking care of domestic tasks) ignore their toilets even when it’s dirty.

And at some point, it becomes a problem because of the stains and odor that remain on its surface. That’s why, in this article, I’m going to showcase some of the alternatives available on the market to maintain a clean toilet, and how to approach the adventure.

Toilet Brush.

There are many techniques and ways to clean a toilet, each one having its own advantages and disadvantages. According to personal experience, whenever I think about cleaning a toilet, a brush comes into my mind because of how often it’s present in people’s bathrooms.

But what if I told you that it is not the best way to clean your toilet? With that said, for some, it might be more than enough but let’s assess the situation.

First, a toilet brush is perfect to clean the toilet from a distancing. For people who’s sensitive about cleaning a toilet, and might get disgusted by the idea, a toilet brush might be their best weapon to brush stains and other things. With that said, a toilet brush only keeps it clean on appearance, but you can bet that the bowl is still dirty and filled with bacteria.

You can leave it like that, though. As long as you remove stains and maintain a clean toilet, it’ll be more than enough as long as the flushing system is doing its job. If it’s not, you can use a spray with a vinegar + water solution.

Here’s the thing, though: remember to clean the dang brush! People often use them and let them in their holders like that for months, without realizing they are practically making a bacteria soup in that bowl. Clean them whenever you use them, and make sure to regularly clean the bowl as well. If you don’t, you are just accumulating dirtiness in the brush and the bowl.

The Latex/Rubber Gauntlet

Here’s where people who like truly clean stuff might want to adventure. Rubber gauntlets and cleaning products are the best way to clean a toilet because it’s an option that lets you clean things thoroughly.

Of course, here’s the deal: not everyone is willing to touch a toilet, even when there’s a properly safe armor protecting their hands. It’s not something that a lot of people would try, even though it’s the best option among the tools you can use.

But gauntlets let you use other tools such as sponges, and you can rub liquid soap then add some chlorine to make it better. There’s a wide range of things you can do with latex gauntlets, and if you select the right cleaning products, it’ll end in better results.

Finding the right products might be overwhelming for some people. That’s why I always go for review websites where you can find toilet cleaner reviews, to pick the one that seems the fittest for your needs. Of course, most products vary in quality as well as prize, so don’t focus on going for something high-tier, but also, don’t just get the cheapest one. Get something in-between to get the best results.

Rubber Bowl Cleaner

Another good alternative is a rubber cleaner. It works similarly to a toilet brush, but its made out of rubber, to provide a more-in-deep, uniform cleaning to the bowl. It’s also better since the material allows you to put a little more strength in it, so you can remove stains and bacteria more precisely and efficiently.

For people who don’t want to use latex and rubber gloves, but still want to clean their toilets without suffering from the lack of efficiency of the brush, this is probably the best alternative.

Things You May Want to Buy

Let’s first cover obvious options people might be unaware of. Toiler cleaners, for example, are a must-buy for those wanting to maintain their toilets clean. A bowl cleanser might be chosen depending on personal tastes, like the essence you want to smell whenever you enter the bathroom. I personally like yellow lime or green lemon-scented cleaners.

Now, sponges, rubber gauntlets, brushes, and rubber bowl cleaners are a must. You can pick depending on what you want to go for, but always consider having sponges to clean the outside part of the bathroom. You can combine all of them if you want, which is what I do, I clean using a rubber bowl cleaner while wearing gauntlets, then use sponges to clean the outside of the bowl, walls, and the sink.

Besides that, there are other things you might want to consider, such as automatic cleaning systems for your toilet. These are used whenever you flush the toilet, or time to clean the bowl every now and then.

Some of these systems can be pretty cheap and provide help for months. I once purchased a system with three automatic cleansers that lasted for eight months, and I only spent a few bucks on it.

Of course, if you decide to go for an automatic cleaning system, it doesn’t mean you can ignore the toilet and don’t clean it, but it rather means that you won’t have to worry about it as regularly. You should still clean it every now and then, and make sure to remove stains as soon as possible in case they appear.