#cleaning_and_maintenance

[tameblog]

Anyone who has a basement knows that they’ve got a tendency to be humid and a breeding ground for mold and mildew. You’ve got to figure out a way to keep the dampness under control, especially if you use your basement for storage. One solution is to find the most efficient dehumidifier for a basement and install it. Whether you’re a DIYer, a homeowner, or a professional cleaner, you may be wondering how to find the best dehumidifiers. Keep reading to learn how dehumidifiers work, what the best models are, and how to select the best dehumidifiers for a basement. Understanding Dehumidifiers and How to Know What to Choose Let’s start with why you might need a dehumidifier in the first place. Dehumidifiers can prevent the growth of mold and mildew, both of which can cause health problems. Two-thirds of all people in the United States have experienced mold in their homes. Having a mold issue can reduce the value of your home by up to $99,000. One-fifth of all asthma cases in the US may be caused by mold. These numbers show how mold issues can impact your health and your wallet, and why having an air purifier or air conditioner may not be enough. What Do Dehumidifiers Do? The simplest way to describe what dehumidifiers do is that they pull moisture from the air. Most are composed of five basic parts. Fan Compressor Cooling coils Reservoir  Reheater Air gets pulled into the dehumidifier and cooled and compressed to remove moisture. The moisture goes into the reservoir, and then the air is reheated and released back into the room. How to Know Which Dehumidifier to Choose Here are some questions to ask yourself before you go shopping for a dehumidifier. How much humidity is in my home? (More on that in the next section.) How large is my home? Will I need to run the dehumidifier all the time? How much do I want to spend? These questions will help you narrow your choice of dehumidifiers. How to Measure Indoor Humidity Levels One of the most important questions to ask is how humid your home is to begin with. It’s easy to figure out. You can head to your hardware store and purchase a hygrometer to give you the percentage of humidity. If you have two thermometers on hand, here are the steps to measure humidity levels in your house without a hygrometer. Step 1: Take two standard glass thermometers. Leave one as it is, and wrap the base of the other with a wet cloth. Step 2: Place both thermometers in front of a fan. Leave them there for five minutes. Step 3: At the end of five minutes, check the temperatures and subtract the dry bulb temperature from the wet bulb temperature. Use the table on this page to identify your humidity level. Watch the video below to see the dry and wet bulb thermometer method. Types of Dehumidifiers There are several types of dehumidifiers to consider. Heat pump dehumidifiers Dehumidifying ventilators Chemical absorbent dehumidifiers (also known as desiccant dehumidifiers) Heat pumpDehumidifying ventDesiccantMechanismfan/heat pump/coilssensor/exhaust fanSilica gel packets or cartridgesIdeal useWarm/hot climatesBasements and crawl spacesHomes without children or animalsCostVaries based on sizeVaries based on sizeVaries based on size Steps to Choose a Dehumidifier Here are the steps to follow when you go shopping for a basement dehumidifier. Step 1: Measure the humidity in your basement and its square footage. Step 2: Set a budget for how much you can afford to spend. Step 3: Read online reviews to see what other people say about any dehumidifier you’re considering. Step 4: Review statistics about energy efficiency, especially if you think you’ll be running your basement dehumidifier all the time. Step 5: Buy and set up your new dehumidifier! Keep reading to see our picks for the top rated dehumidifiers for basements. Top Rated Dehumidifiers for Basements Here’s our list of the top rated and best dehumidifiers for basements. Germaphobix 140 Pint Portable Commercial Dehumidifier w/ Water Tank and Drainage Pipe  If you’ve got a large basement or need to dehumidify an industrial space, the Germaphobix 140 Pint Portable Commercial Dehumidifier w/ Water Tank and Drainage Pipe is a good choice. This model can remove up to 140 pints of water from basements up to 2,000 square feet. It comes with overflow protection, which is perfect if you’ll need to leave it running all day. Reviewers praise its efficiency, durability, and Germaphobix’ excellent customer service. Midea 22 Pint Dehumidifier 1,500 Sq. Ft. Energy Star Certified Our next choice is a highly rated option that is both energy efficient and effective: the Midea Cube 1,500 Sq Ft Energy Star Certified Dehumidifier. This dehumidifier has been tested by multiple consumer organizations and was ranked #1 by the Dehumidifier Buyer’s Guide. It was faster than any other model at reducing humidity from 90% to 40%. Reviewers have praised its quietness and energy efficiency, as well as its durability. One downside is that the tank holds only 22 pints of water and may need to be emptied several times a day. Frigidaire 35 Pint Dehumidifier FFAD5033W1 The next highly-rated dehumidifier to consider is the Frigidaire FFAD5033W1, which also rates highly for its effectiveness and speed at lowering humidity. It’s a solid choice with a 35-pint tank and customizable humidity options, so you can keep your basement’s humidity at a level you find comfortable. Reviewers speak highly of this model’s ability to lower humidity quickly and say that it’s helped them suffer less with respiratory conditions. The one complaint is that the fan is on the noisy side. GoveeLife 50 Pint Dehumidifier for Home The GoveeLife Dehumidifier for Home is one of the more affordable models out there, especially when you consider its 50-pint capacity.  It has performed well in dehumidifying tests and is one of the lighter options, weighing in at just 39 pounds. Some reviewers rave about the useful mobile app, which allows them to adjust humidity levels by 1% at a time. They also praise the fact that this (relatively) small unit can dehumidify up to 4,500 square feet. Etitato Dehumidifier, 2.5 Pints 128 OZ Visible Water Tank Dehumidifiers for Home Our final choice is this top-rated, small dehumidifier from Etitato. It’s got a perfect, 5-star rating on Amazon. This model can dehumidify spaces up to 1,000 square feet, which is more than enough for many homeowners. It has an automatic shut-off function. The 5-star reviews mention this product’s compact size, quiet operation, and efficiency. It’s not ideal for large spaces, but may be exactly what you need for a smaller home or apartment. What About Energy Efficiency? How can you learn about a dehumidifier’s energy efficiency? Here are a few steps to help you figure out what your energy usage might be if you buy a dehumidifier. Step 1: Narrow your search by looking for Energy Star certified options. Energy Star certification comes from the Environmental Protection Agency and is independently verified. Step 2: Read reviews from people who have used the product. Amazon reviewers often provide details about energy usage and their experiences can help you choose the right dehumidifier for your needs. Step 3: Choose the right product. If you think you’ll be running your dehumidifier around the clock, you’ll want to choose a model that’s highly efficient. What Size Dehumidifier to Get Check out this chart to figure out what size dehumidifier you should get. Keep in mind that the size of the water tank is essential. If you get a tank that’s too small, you’ll be worried about leaks. Tank SizeSquare FootageHumidity Level20-30 pints40060% to 90% (choose 20 pints at the low end, 30 pints at the high end)25-40 pints60035 pints for 70% or higher humidity35-50 pints80045 points for 70% or higher humidity50-60 pints1,000 – 1,20050 pints should be fine up to 70% humidity Make sure that you first measure your humidity to make the right choice for your space. FAQs Do dehumidifiers prevent mold? This is a great question, and the answer is yes, but only to a point. Experts have pointed out that it’s impossible to remove all mold and mold spores from an interior space.1 However, they’ve also said that mold thrives in damp environments, so installing a dehumidifier can make your home a less welcoming place for mold. Should I go with a commercial/industrial grade dehumidifier? The truth is that most homes won’t require a commercial or industrial grade dehumidifier, but some may. Consumer Reports has said that smaller dehumidifiers won’t get the job done in spaces that are 1,200 square feet or larger.2 If you’ve got a large home or live someplace where the humidity is extremely high, then you may benefit from investing in a commercial dehumidifier. What’s the ideal humidity for inside a house? The answer to this question may depend partially on personal preferences and partially on environmental and health concerns. If your comfort is the most important thing, then the real answer is that you should keep the humidity at a level where you’re not uncomfortable. The EPA says that for indoor spaces, the ideal humidity level is between 30% and 50%.3 Are there any side effects from running a dehumidifier all day? While dehumidifying your living space can help with mold and allergens, there are some potential side effects, too. According to Healthline, since dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, they may dry out your skin, hair, and nasal passages.4 Drinking enough water can offset the effects. Conclusion Finding the best dehumidifiers for basements is essential, particularly if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. The options we’ve included here have been tested and positively reviewed. If you’re looking for a way to decrease humidity in your home, we hope you’ve found your answer here! Citations 1 “Do Dehumidifiers Help with Mold?” Livescience.Com, 12 Feb. 2024, www.livescience.com/do-dehumidifiers-help-with-mold. Accessed 15 May 2025. 2 “What Size Dehumidifier Do You Need?” Consumerreports.Com, 12 Feb. 2024, www.consumerreports.org/appliances/dehumidifiers/what-size-dehumidifier-do-i-need-a8767558534/. Accessed 15 May 2025. 3 “Care for Your Air: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality.” Epa.Gov, 31 Mar. 2025, www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/care-your-air-guide-indoor-air-quality. Accessed 15 May 2025. 4 “What Does a Dehumidifier Do?” Healthline.Com, 20 Jun. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/dehumidifier-benefits#how-it-works. Accessed 15 May 2025. Source link

[januishstory]

During my school years, paper planners were my favorite organization tool. But as an adult with a more chaotic daily life and multiple family members’ schedules to balance, traditional planners simply haven’t been up to the task. In my search for the perfect platform to manage many moving parts and my ever-growing to-do list, I landed on the Skylight Calendar. And, frankly, the Skylight Calendar reorganized my entire life. I’ve traded in my old digital calendar, smartphone reminders, and even traditional wall calendars for this single, do-it-all app and digital display that neatly bundles every upcoming activity or task into a color-coded, easy-to-understand format that keeps me on track and on time. It’s made managing the mental load so much easier, and I’ve been more on top of everything. My hair stylist is thrilled I’m not forgetting appointments and I’m not toggling between tabs anymore (either mentally or physically) to figure out where my entire family is supposed to be or what we’ve forgotten. The TL;DR: It’s worth it. Credit: Amazon The Skylight Calendar Will Organize Your Entire Life (And Make It Feel Easy) To get into the basics, the Skylight Calendar is a planner in two formats: a large, easy-to-read digital display and a smartphone app.  The 15-inch digital display I have looks like a sleek digital photo frame. (I have the Aura Carver digital picture frame for displaying my favorite memories in a streamlined way, too; but that’s a conversation for later.) You can choose from three different calendar sizes: 10, 15, or 27 inches.  The 15-inch calendar is the most popular and, at an overall size of 15.8 x 9.9 x 1.4 inches, it fits pretty seamlessly on countertops and desks—which is likely why it’s so popular. It can even be mounted to a wall in a central location within your home; say, the kitchen or your entryway The Skylight Calendar display makes it easy to see an overview or detailed view of your schedule. Credit: The Spruce More elevated and stylish than other options—with beveled edges and a photo-frame-worthy mat—the bright digital display is easy to read, too, even with a little glare. (I can see mine from my desk that sits a few feet away). And thanks to subtle brightness and power controls built into the top of the calendar’s frame, you can control its appearance with just a single touch. I love how visually appealing the Skylight Calendar makes a jam-packed calendar look, too. You can choose how you’d like your events to appear, setting the view to monthly, weekly, or filtered by person. Thanks to the calendar’s color-coding system, I set custom colors for my husband, son, and I—and when I look at the display, I can tell in mere seconds who has events or tasks coming up for the day and week. With 16GB of storage, you can add plenty of to-dos and calendar events. Plus, with access, you can invite your partner, co-parent, friends, and even older kids so they can add, adjust, and view your calendar as needed, meaning even less mental notes for you. Getting Started With the Skylight Calendar To get to all of this functionality, you start by making a Skylight account. It’s relatively easy, so you’ll have your calendar up and running in a matter of minutes.  The biggest issue with paper planners and even other digital calendars? It’s not easy to sync multiple family members’ calendars in one clean, neatly organized location. The Skylight does let you sync individual calendars, including your Google Calendars, right in the app from the start. You can also manually add new events, and then attach or assign them to the certain members of your household. From there, the calendar will color-coordinate your views so you can see who’s involved in different events at a daily, weekly, or monthly level. At first, I attempted to sync my Google Calendar, but it wound up duplicating my events. It took some adjusting (on the Google side of things, not the Skylight app) before the existing events on both my calendar and my husband’s were properly reflected. It’s easy to customize the display to see family calendars or streamlined individual calendars. Credit: The Spruce And pro tip: If anyone in your household has a particularly complex work calendar, you may not want to sync it to your Skylight Calendar.  While it has the ability to display (and import) multiple Google calendars so you can bring home, work, and school life into one place, that might be too much info. Importing all four of my husband’s calendars, for example, resulted in our brand-new calendar looking overwhelmingly booked and busy. It gave me anxiety just looking at the 14-plus events displayed on any given day. Fewer calendars can make for a better experience. Once everything is set up, my favorite view is the monthly one, and it’s particularly handy how the calendar displays each event start time clearly, in descending order, so you can lay out the entire day.  I also love that you can choose whether you’d like to see your personal calendar or the whole household’s. I keep our display on the family view, but when I’m scheduling something new, it’s easy to toggle between myself, my husband, my son, and even our cat. (He has places to be, too!) Features That Make the Skylight Calendar Your Home’s Hub While the calendar is the main draw of both Skylight’s display and app, the platform actually does a lot more than merely function as a digital planner.  One of my favorite “extras” is the list functionality. When you first begin using the Skylight app, you’ll see two preset lists: a to-do list and grocery list. However, you can go above and beyond these options, adding as many lists as you’d like. You can’t add deadlines or set reminders like you can with iPhone reminders, which is a slight annoyance—but it’s handy for shared to-dos within a family. Within each list, you can further customize your to-dos by organizing them into categories. I like to organize my to-dos by family member, but you can divvy up your grocery list by store or food category, organize work tasks by due date, or even add your TBR list based on book type. Creating to-do lists, shopping lists, and other checklists is seamless in the Skylight app. Credit: The Spruce In addition to organizing your to-do list, grocery shopping and meal planning, and even helping you get dressed in the morning (it displays the weather!), this smart calendar also offers a task manager to help kids stay on top of their own routines and chores.  Plus, with the ability to customize the view, set parental locks (so no one deletes their chores, adults included!), and link an endless number of accounts and calendars, the Skylight quickly, and welcomingly, becomes your home’s hub. There is one feature missing: The Skylight Calendar doesn’t offer any apps or web access on its display. It doesn’t include microphones or built-in voice assistants, either. In my opinion, that’s a positive. Unlike other smart home hubs that connect, well, everything, this calendar hones in on what it does best and eliminates distractions. (Plus, if you have screen-loving kids in your home, there’s no opportunity for them to take control and put Paw Patrol on repeat.) Yes, There’s a Subscription—But You Don’t Need It To access all of the available features, you will need to purchase the digital display and pay a subscription fee of $79 per year. That subscription fee goes towards Skylight’s optional Plus Plan, which includes: The ability to turn your calendar’s display into a digital photo screensaverMeal planningMagic Import, which scans emails and PDFs to automatically add events to the calendarRewards, an incentive program for kids In my opinion, the Skylight Calendar is already such a great tool without the addition of the Plus Plan that there’s really no need to pay an additional annual fee. You can access the most important—and most beneficial, in my opinion—features without this extra. However, if you want to offload more of the mental load each week, the Plus Plan does offer some cool, AI-driven features that can do the heavy lifting for you during peak seasons like back-to-school and the holidays.  I recommend trying the Skylight Calendar without the Plus Plan first, then adding it later if you find you do want to tap into those extras. Is the Skylight Calendar Worth It? After using the Skylight Calendar for a year, I’m never going back. This is truly the only calendar I need (and want) to use. It’s taken my schedule from messy and scattered to streamlined and easy to read. It’s also hard to beat the shareable design of both the Skylight Calendar and its accompanying app. All of the different calendars and digital planners I’ve used previously made sharing and syncing a total headache. The Skylight Calendar makes it a breeze to sync my schedule with my husband’s, and I can even have both sets of grandparents add events for the family.  Perhaps most importantly, the Skylight Calendar is well worth its price tag for those attempting to juggle various household tasks. Keeping track of the chores (and who’s brushed their teeth today), cross-checking your grocery list, and even honing in on individual schedules is all made simpler with this gorgeous display, easing the mental load once and for all. It’s saved me so much time and energy, I’m already thinking about buying the bigger version on Black Friday to mount in my kitchen. The sky’s the limit. Why Trust The Spruce? I’m Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce—and when I’m not juggling deadlines for products I’m testing, I’m balancing my schedule with toddler play dates, appointments, and all-too-frequent snacks.  As someone who previously loved a handwritten to-do list and physical planners, I’ve been using my Skylight Calendar in my home for a year now. The 7 Best Ice Packs for Coolers and Lunchboxes We Tested, So You Don’t Have to Sweat Over Spoiled Food Source link

[tameblog]

Leaves on a young zucchini plant could be turning yellow because of under or overwatering.It could also be fertilizer burn, pests, diseases, transplant shock, low nutrition, or just a result of aging.Check and test your plant constantly in order to monitor its progress as you make appropriate adjustments. Zucchini, or summer squash, is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. When the leaves of your plant turn yellow, it is certainly concerning, but your zucchini isn’t doomed. In most cases, the issue can be fixed with a few easy steps. Find out why your young zucchini leaves are turning yellow, what to do about it, and how to prevent it from happening again. Why Zucchini Leaves are Turning Yellow  Just because your young zucchini has yellow leaves doesn't mean it's all over. Here are eight reasons why this might be happening to your plant. Too Little or Too Much Water Zucchini plants need at least 1 inch of water per week, and a little more in hot weather. Zucchini in containers require more frequent watering. Overwatering doesn't only happens when you water your plants too much, but also with moderate amounts of water and poorly drained soil; the roots gets waterlogged and are unable to take up nutrients, leading to yellow leaves. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Lack of Nutrients Andrey Maximenko / Getty Images Insufficient nitrogen, iron, and magnesium in the soil may turn zucchini leaves yellow. If the only the bottom leaves are yellow and the top leaves are still slightly greener, the culprit is likely nitrogen deficiency; nitrogen is mobile in the plant and when there is a shortage it moves from the old growth to the new growth. Fertilizer Burn The cause of fertilizer burn can be either too much fertilizer in the soil or fertilizer that was applied to wet foliage. The excess salts in the fertilizer draw moisture from the plants, causing the leaves to yellow, brown, or dry out.  Transplant Shock Zucchini has tender roots that are prone to transplant shock. Often, older leaves turn yellow and drop off after transplanting while the plant puts its energy into growing more roots and new leaves. Pests Aphids suck the saps out of zucchini leaves so they turn yellow and curl. Squash bugs also extract the sap from zucchini leaves, causing yellow or brown spots and wilting.  Spider mites, which are difficult to see with the naked eye, appear mostly in dry conditions and cause speckled or mottled leaves that later turn yellow. Diseases Powdery mildew on leaves starts as white and may turn yellow and brown later. It is an unsightly fungal disease, but it is not deadly. Verticillium wilt is an incurable soil-borne fungal disease that causes wilting, yellowing, and eventually kills the plant.  Natural Aging Especially later in the season, older leaves turn yellow leaves, which is part so the plant’s natural aging process and nothing to worry about. How to Treat a Zucchini With Yellow Leaves  Transplant shock: This fixes itself. During that time, make sure the plant is well-watered to prevent further drought stress. Watering: If improper watering caused the yellow leaves, adjust your watering practice. Be sure to feel the soil dampness consistently, and definitely before watering. Nutrients: In the case of nutrient deficiency, feed your zucchini with a quick-acting liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, such as fish emulsion. Fertilizer burn: To remedy fertilizer burn, flush the soil with water to dilute the excess nutrients and remove any damaged leaves. Pests: Pests can often be removed with a strong blast of water. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or another organic pesticide labeled for edibles. Powdery mildew: To control the early stages of powdery mildew, remove and discard affected leaves or try applying homemade fungicides like vinegar, milk, or baking soda. Verticillium: A zucchini plant infected with verticillium wilt is unfortunately beyond hope, and you should remove it immediately from your garden. Harvest a Mildewy Plant If a zucchini plant with powdery mildew has already produced a good crop, pull it and discard it so it won’t infect neighboring plants. How to Keep Zucchini Leaves From Turning Yellow  Harden off seedlings fully before transplanting them outdoors. Plant on an overcast day and—during the first few days—shade young plants and protect them from strong winds. Do not plant in a spot where you have grown other members of the cucumber family in the past two years, preferably longer. Practicing crop rotation is key to healthy plants because some pests and pathogens, such as verticillium wilt, survive in the soil for many years. Make sure the growing conditions are right. The soil should be well-draining and amended with plenty of organic matter, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If unsure, test the soil pH because improper pH affects nutrient uptake. Give zucchini a location in full sun where they receive at least 6, better 8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Water and fertilize just the right amount, and apply mulch to conserve soil moisture.  Keep an eye out for pests and diseases so you can treat them promptly; the earlier you catch issues, the better. Good Zucchini Companion Plants  rbkomar / Getty Images Beans and peas are legumes that release nitrogen to the soil, which benefits zucchini plants.  Corn provides shade, which is especially welcome in a hot climate during the afternoon. The corn stalks also offer vine-type zucchini plants support for climbing.  Radishes make excellent zucchini companion plants because they deter squash vine borers.  Nasturtiums serve as a trap crop for aphids and attract pollinating insects.  Marigolds, in addition to luring aphids and other pests away from zucchini plants, kill soil nematodes, destructive soil-dwelling worms, by releasing a chemical in the soil. Dill repels aphids and spider mites. Its flowers attract beneficial insects such as hoverflies and ladybugs, which prey on aphids.  Borage is a pollinator magnet, ensuring a good zucchini crop. FAQ When zucchini is overwatered, the plant has yellowing, droopy, or limp leaves, and the plant’s growth is stunted. Common causes for baby zucchinis turning yellow and rotting on the plant are poor pollination or blossom-end rot due to calcium deficiency. In hot weather, zucchini in containers should be watered every day, but in regular weather it depends on the temperature, the soil, and whether they are grown in garden soil or in pots. Source link

[sgwcscleaning]

Office carpets hide more than dirt. Dust, allergens, and bacteria can build up over time, affecting workplace hygiene and business image. Professional commercial carpet cleaning Edinburgh services help maintains a cleaner, healthier environment.

[completecleaningsolution]

📲01756651431

#Mosaic_Cutting_Polishing_Service by Complete Cleaning Solution

Restore the shine and beauty of your mosaic floor with our professional cutting and polishing service. We remove stains, scratches, dullness, and uneven surfaces to bring back a smooth, glossy finish. Our skilled team uses modern equipment and quality materials to ensure long-lasting results for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.

📞 Contact Complete Cleaning Solution today for a free consultation and quotation.

#mosaic_cutting_polishing_service #office_deep_cleaning_services #bathroomdeepcleaning #home_deep_cleaning_services #watertankcleaning #clean #housedeepcleaning #bestcleaningcompany #marble #mosaic #floorcleaning #mosaiccutting #mosaicpolish #WashroomDeepCleaning #marblepolishing #bestcleaningservice #sofacleaning #carpetcleaning #office

[completecleaningsolution]

Complete Cleaning Solution

[completecleaningsolution]

Bathroom tap and fittings deep cleaning by Complete Cleaning Solution ensures your fixtures look spotless and shine like new. We remove hard water stains, rust, and stubborn dirt using safe, effective methods—restoring hygiene, cleanliness, and long-lasting brightness to your bathroom fittings.

Call - 01756-651431

[tfmcleaning]

Washroom Deep Cleaning Services

Call - 01517-949731