Maintaining your home's plumbing system involves ensuring that water pressure remains consistent and manageable. One way to achieve this is by checking your pressure regulator periodically. Pressure regulators help protect your plumbing and appliances from damage caused by excessive water pressure. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to check and adjust your home's pressure regulator.

A pressure regulator is a valve that reduces incoming water pressure to a safe level for your home’s plumbing system. Most homes have a pressure regulator installed where the main water line enters the house. It typically looks like a bell-shaped device attached to the water main and helps ensure that water flows steadily without causing damage.

Why is it Important to Check Your Pressure Regulator?

Excessive water pressure can damage your pipes, fixtures, and appliances. Over time, this can lead to leaks, bursts, and costly repairs. Low water pressure, on the other hand, can result in inadequate water flow for everyday tasks like showering or doing dishes. A pressure regulator ensures that water pressure is maintained within a safe range, typically between 40 and 80 pounds per square inch (psi).

If you notice sudden fluctuations in water pressure or consistent issues even after adjusting the regulator, it might be time for a replacement. Pressure regulators generally have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years but can wear out sooner if exposed to extreme conditions.

Regularly checking and adjusting your home's pressure regulator can save you from potential plumbing disasters and ensure your appliances operate efficiently. By maintaining a safe water pressure level, you protect your plumbing system and enjoy consistent water flow.

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Prevent Plumbing Problems with a Pressure Regulator Check

Do you have problems with pests in your garden? Have you bought traps, sprays, and other products that barely work, or before they wear off, the pests return? Sticking to rules in organic gardening can be hard when so many solutions seem ineffective.

Good news - you don't need chemical warfare to stop vegetable garden pests! There are natural solutions that let you stay pesticide-free that really do work. In this post, I'll share seven of my favorite simple solutions for common garden pests.

Knowing what kind of bug you're up against is the first step in eliminating them from your garden. Once you know what kind of pest you have, you can use several natural methods to eliminate them.

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that feed on plant sap and spread viral diseases. They suck the juices out of plants and can spread the papaya ringspot virus, causing damage to crops. Strong plants can withstand a fair amount of aphid attacks with little harm, but hosing off the entire plant or using home pest control spray may be necessary for more severe infestations.

Caterpillars and worms are in the larval stage of moths and butterflies, consuming leaves and stems. Caterpillars are soft, segmented larvae with distinct head capsules and six legs. You can find them on many fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and trees that provide shade.

Japanese beetles are a common garden pest that can cause significant damage to plants. They are metallic blue or green, 1/2-inch long, and have coppery wings. Japanese beetles and their grubs (larvae) feast on lawn grass roots, plant leaves, and flowers.

Mealybugs are a common pest that causes stunted plant development, wilting, and yellowing. They are small, sap-sucking insects with a cottony covering that makes them easy to spot. Mealybugs eat the plant's sap, which slows or stops growth and causes leaves to fall off.

Slugs and snails are slimy garden pests that can cause significant production losses. They have black or brown bodies with small antennae, and snails have hard shells on their backs. Slugs and snails feed at night, leaving behind shiny slime trails. They hide in moist, cool areas during the day. Common garden pests include the brown snail and the grey field slug. Signs of infestation include big holes in leaves, destroyed seedlings, and shiny silver trails.

Natural pest control is one of the best ways to keep pesky garden pests away without harsh chemicals or pesticides. It's simple, effective, and easy to do at home—plus, it reduces the number of toxins you put in your yard or the environment.

Apple Cider Vinegar is a versatile and natural solution for many garden problems. It can kill weeds, repel insects, and even deter animals from entering your garden. Vinegar is also effective against ants, fruit flies, moths, slugs, and snails. To repel these pests from your garden, mix one part vinegar with three parts water and spray the solution around the perimeter of your garden or on any affected plants. For tougher weeds, you may need to use a more concentrated solution (50-50 ratio) mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap.

Garlic spray is an effective and natural way to protect plants from pests. It's simple to make at home using plain old pantry staples. First, make the garlic spray, and puree 10 cloves with one quart of water. Strain the mixture and mix it with one cup of vegetable oil and a shaker of cayenne pepper. Dilute the solution with 1 gallon of water to ½ cup solution, fill a spray bottle, and apply to plants on the bottom side of leaves at least once a week or as often as plants get wet. This will help prevent unwanted insects such as aphids, mites, whiteflies, and other common garden pests. You can use garlic spray on vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Some plants act as natural deterrents, making your garden unattractive to other pests. For example, strong-smelling rosemary and lavender distract aphids and flea beetles. Marigolds and nasturtiums can repel slugs, snails, and caterpillars. And planting mint around the perimeter of your garden keeps ants away!

Good bugs are natural enemies to vegetable garden pests and can help keep them away and even help pollinate plants. You can take several steps to make your garden comfortable for good bugs. Planting catmint and alyssum near roses will attract ladybugs and lacewings, while yarrow attracts parasitic wasps that eat caterpillars and aphids. Mint, rosemary, trees, and large leafy plants attract ground bugs and flying helpers like lacewings. Planting a variety of little flowers will also help to attract these beneficial insects. A birdhouse and water dish will attract birds that eat pests and provide natural pest control methods for a more sustainable garden.

Using kitchen soap to save your garden effectively and economically protects your plants from pests. You can combine liquid soaps like Dawn or Castile and warm water in a spray bottle to act as an organic pesticide and kill insects. Alternatively, you can use a pinch of bar soap in a gallon of water and leave it to sit overnight before using it. Soapy water can curb bug attacks on tomato plants, but it is best to spray the soapy water in the evening and wash it away before noon since UV rays and soapy water can burn plant leaves.

When using kitchen soap as a pest control method, do not overuse the solution, as this could damage your plants. It is also important to ensure that your liquid soap contains no harsh chemicals or fragrances that could harm your plants. Additionally, always test the solution on a small area of your garden before applying it more widely.

Healthy soil is essential for healthy plants with strong immune systems, so keeping your soil in good condition is important. Compost is one of the best natural garden pest control methods available. Build or buy compost bins to break down organic waste like fruit and vegetable waste, coffee grounds, sawdust, and eggshells. Compost adds essential nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, iodine, boron, copper, and cobalt to your soil, which helps fortify plants' roots and make them less susceptible to pests.

Natural fertilizers such as fish and seaweed can help build healthy soil by providing essential nutrients not found in synthetic fertilizers. Adding compost, mulch, or natural fertilizers can help improve soil quality. Adding organic matter will help improve the structure of the soil and increase its ability to hold water and nutrients, which will benefit your plants in the long run.

7. Organic Pesticide Sprays for Predatory Insects

Organic insecticides are a great way to protect plants from pests without harsh chemicals. Homemade sprays containing mild liquid soap or vegetable oil are effective against soft-bodied insects like aphids, thrips, mites, and scales and are easy to prepare. To get rid of chewing insects, soak tomato leaves in water overnight, then spray them with water; garlic puree combined with oil, water, and dish soap is an effective insect repellent. Hot pepper spray made from chile powder or fresh peppers boiled in water is also an effective way to repel rabbits, deer, and insects. Bacillus thuringiensis (Thuricide) is the natural spray of choice for caterpillars.

Biologicals are another type of organic pesticide that attack specific pests while being safe for humans, animals, beneficial insects, and the environment. They work best when the pH of the spray water is between 5 and 6 and when applied in the early morning or late afternoon. Adding a spreader or sticker such as NuFilm can extend the life of many biologicals and increase their effectiveness.

7 Simple Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Common Garden Pests

Are you getting ready to move into a new house or apartment? It could be a smaller apartment in the city or from one coast of the United States to another. No matter how big or small your move is, it can be incredibly complicated and daunting.

The good news? Although the moving house can be stressful, it doesn't have to be. With the proper preparation and attitude, moving day can become a fun adventure rather than a draining ordeal.

In this article, I'll share twelve packing tips for moving house. I'll take you through everything from decluttering before you move to pack moving boxes efficiently and from renting U-Haul trucks to setting up utilities early so that you have an easier time when the day arrives.

Moving to a new place can be an exciting but daunting experience. To make the process easier, planning ahead and taking the necessary steps are essential to ensure a smooth transition. Use a checklist to ensure you don't forget anything before, during, or after the shift. It is also essential to give yourself enough time for packing - six weeks before the move is ideal, with three weeks dedicated to decluttering and gathering materials and three weeks dedicated to actual packing.

A moving folder is essential for organizing and keeping track of necessary paperwork related to your move. This folder should include rental or purchase papers, moving contracts, new addresses, and other documents needed during the move. It is also essential to have answers to questions and records of agreements on hand during the move. By having all documents necessary for your move in one easily accessible place, you can ensure that everything runs smoothly throughout the process.

Using the right size boxes when packing for a move can save time and money. Reusing cardboard boxes from friends and neighbors is a great way to save money, but ensuring the boxes are adequately sized for the items you're packing is essential. For example, wardrobe boxes are perfect for clothes on hangers, while smaller boxes are ideal for items like books or kitchen utensils. Additionally, heavy items utilize smaller boxes, whereas lighter items can go in larger boxes. Finding the right size boxes for your move can make the process easier and more efficient.

One of the best ways to simplify the packing process is by packing one room at a time. This keeps you organized and on task. Start by removing all items you don't want to take with you, like clothing and furniture you don't need, any out-of-date electronics, and any unwanted items. Next, use boxes and packing tape to organize and wrap pieces of furniture you need to move. Afterward, organize the smaller loose items in the room into labeled boxes.

Avoid mixing things from different rooms in one box. This may seem small, but when it comes time to unpack everything, you'll be thankful you organized it ahead! Separating your items into different rooms makes unpacking more manageable and reduces the chances of you losing something important during the move.

When packing boxes for a move, it is crucial to keep the weight of the items in mind. Heavier things go on the bottom of boxes, lighter ones on top. This will help ensure the box does not become too heavy and break during transport. For heavier items such as textbooks, it is best to use smaller boxes to handle the weight without becoming too cumbersome. On the other hand, larger boxes are better suited for light items like decorative pillows, towels, and linens.

When packing for a move, it is vital to ensure all boxes are correctly filled. Leaving empty spaces in the boxes can cause items to shift during transit, potentially leading to damage or breakage. To prevent this, fill any gaps with packing materials or bubble wrap to prevent items from shifting during transport.

When packing clothing for a move, saving as much space as possible is important. Excess clothing can quickly fill up the moving truck and make it difficult to fit all your belongings in one trip. One way to save space when packing clothing is by&nbsp;<a href="/tips/home-garden/use-garbage-bags-to-quickly-pack-closet">using garbage bags</a>. Cut a hole on top of the bag and place it over a grouping of hangers. This will keep the clothes from taking up too much room in the truck.

8. Label Boxes with Their Rooms and Contents

Grouping items in boxes according to their room destination when packing is significant. Separate valuable items into individual boxes marked fragile on the outside and label the outsides of each box with the room they are in and a detailed list of its contents. Household items like kitchen cutlery, bedroom furniture, books, or artwork you can pack together. This will help keep related objects from getting lost amidst all other boxes throughout the move process.

Tapping your moving boxes is crucial when packing your belongings for a move. Ensuring the boxes are secure and won't break during transit is essential. To do this:

Once you have taped the bottom and sides of each box, securely tape the top. This will help prevent any items from falling out during transit or while in storage. After taping each box, double-check all tape to ensure everything is secure before labeling it for transport or storage. These extra steps will ensure that your belongings stay safe throughout the move.

Having your essential items with you during a move can make a huge difference in how smoothly everything goes. This means&nbsp;<a href="/tips/travel/packing-a-suitcase-like-a-pro">packing a suitcase</a> with essential items such as clothes, toiletries, medications, and paperwork for the night before the move. It can also include daily items such as bed linens, dishes and utensils, and pots and pans. Keeping them in the car or moving truck will ensure you have some essentials if anything goes wrong.

When moving to a new home, it is vital to schedule utilities in advance. This includes setting up accounts with the new providers and transferring existing accounts from your old address. Additionally, preparing for potential issues such as power outages is essential by bringing food that doesn't require refrigeration and considering a portable power station or power bank. These steps will help you set up all your utilities before moving in.

Regarding DIY moving, renting a truck with a loading ramp is essential. Lifting boxes and furniture into the truck will take much longer and be more difficult without a ramp. A ramp can save time and energy when moving, allowing you to easily slide items into the truck without lifting them. Determining the size of the moving truck you need is an essential step in the moving process. If you hire a professional moving company, they will provide the proper truck as part of their estimate. However, if you rent a truck, choosing one large enough to fit all your belongings with a loading ramp for easy access is crucial.

When selecting a rental truck with a loading ramp, ensure it is wide enough for your items and tall enough so you don't have to strain your back while lifting them. It should also have good traction on the ramp, so items don't slip while loading. Additionally, ensure the ramp is secure and easy to remove after loading.

12 Packing Tips for Moving House: What You Need to Know

إذا كنت تعلق منظم حرارة أو جهازًا مشابهًا على الحائط ، فربما تريد التأكد من اصطفافه بشكل متساوٍ. طريقة واحدة لتحقيق ذلك هي استخدام شريط لاصق.

1. ضع شريطًا لاصقًا على منظم الحرارة وحدد ثقوب التركيب

ضع قطعة من الشريط اللاصق أفقيًا على الجزء الخلفي من الترموستات مبطنًا بفتحات التركيب. خذ قلمًا أو شاربًا وقم بإنشاء علامات "X" فوق كل من فتحات التركيب.

2. قم بإزالة الشريط اللاصق وضعه على الحائط

قم بإزالة الشريط اللاصق من الجزء الخلفي من منظم الحرارة واستخدام مستوى ، قم بتثبيته في المكان الذي تنوي تثبيته فيه على الحائط.

3. إنشاء ثقوب تجريبية في المواقع المحددة

بمجرد أن تشعر بالرضا عن الموضع ، استخدم مثقابًا أو مطرقة لإنشاء فتحات تجريبية في المواقع المحددة على الشريط وأدخل المسامير أو البراغي في الثقوب. من هناك ، قم بإزالة الشريط اللاصق من خلف المسامير أو البراغي الموجودة على الحائط.

4. ضع الترموستات على الحائط

تم الانتهاء من! لقد قمت الآن بتثبيت منظم الحرارة بالتساوي على الحائط الخاص بك.

Wenn Sie einen Thermostat oder ein ähnliches Gerät an eine Wand hängen, möchten Sie wahrscheinlich sicherstellen, dass es gleichmäßig ausgerichtet ist. Eine Möglichkeit, dies zu erreichen, ist die Verwendung von Abdeckband.

1. Bringen Sie Abdeckband am Thermostat an und markieren Sie die Befestigungslöcher

Bringen Sie ein Stück Abdeckband horizontal auf der Rückseite des Thermostats an und richten Sie es an den Befestigungslöchern aus. Nehmen Sie einen Stift oder Filzstift und erstellen Sie über jedem der Befestigungslöcher "X" -Markierungen.

2. Entfernen Sie das Klebeband und platzieren Sie es an der Wand

Entfernen Sie das Abdeckband von der Rückseite des Thermostats und kleben Sie es mit einer Wasserwaage an die Stelle, an der Sie es an der Wand montieren möchten.

3. Erstellen Sie Pilotbohrungen an den markierten Stellen

Wenn Sie mit der Platzierung zufrieden sind, verwenden Sie einen Bohrer oder Hammer, um Führungslöcher an den markierten Stellen auf dem Klebeband zu erstellen, und führen Sie die Nägel oder Schrauben in die Löcher ein. Entfernen Sie von dort aus das Abdeckband hinter den Nägeln oder Schrauben an der Wand.

4. Bringen Sie den Thermostat an der Wand an

Fertig bearbeitet! Sie haben Ihren Thermostat jetzt gleichmäßig an Ihrer Wand montiert.

If you're hanging a thermostat or similar device on a wall, you probably want to ensure that it's evenly lined up. One way to achieve this is to use masking tape.

1. Place Masking Tape on the Thermostat and Mark The Mounting Holes

Place a piece of masking tape horizontally on the back of the thermostat lining it up with the mounting holes. Take a pen or sharpie and create to "X" marks over each of the mounting holes.

2. Remove the Masking Tape and Place it on the Wall

Remove the masking tape from the back of the thermostat and using a level, tape it to where you intend to mount it on the wall.

3. Create Pilot Holes at the Marked Locations

Once you're satisfied with the placement, use a drill or hammer to create pilot holes at the marked locations on the tape and insert the nails or screws into the holes. From there, remove the masking tape from behind the nails or screws on the wall.

Finished! You've now evenly mounted your thermostat to your wall.

Si estás colgando un termostato o dispositivo similar en una pared, probablemente quieras asegurarte de que esté alineado de manera equilibrada. Una forma de lograrlo es utilizar cinta adhesiva.

1. Coloca cinta adhesiva en el termostato y marca los agujeros de montaje


Coloca una pieza de cinta adhesiva horizontalmente en la parte trasera del termostato alineándola con los agujeros de montaje. Toma un bolígrafo o marcador y crea dos marcas "X" sobre cada uno de los agujeros de montaje.

2. Retira la cinta adhesiva y colócala en la pared


Retira la cinta adhesiva de la parte trasera del termostato y utilizando un nivel, cúbrela donde tienes intención de montarla en la pared.

3. Crea agujeros piloto en las ubicaciones marcadas


Una vez que estés satisfecho con la colocación, usa un taladro o martillo para crear agujeros piloto en las ubicaciones marcadas en la cinta y inserta los clavos o tornillos en los agujeros. A partir de ahí, retira la cinta adhesiva detrás de los clavos o tornillos en la pared.

¡Último paso, el mejor paso! Ahora has montado de manera equilibrada tu termostato en tu pared.

Use Masking Tape to Perfectly Place a Thermostat

Have you ever gone to pull that&nbsp;<a href="/tips/clothing/avoid-wrinkles-and-hanger-bumps-on-sweaters">wrinkled sweater</a>&nbsp;out of your <a href="/tips/home-garden/use-garbage-bags-to-quickly-pack-closet">closet</a> only to notice that it's full of holes? Or how about the Pendleton Wool blanket in the spare bedroom that mysteriously starts resembling Swiss cheese?

Moths and carpet beetles can and wreak havoc by infesting your closet, pantry, and carpets while silently damaging your clothing, food and furniture.

But there is hope! By applying some of our tips, you can get rid of and prevent your pesky infestations. Read on to learn how to win the battle of the bugs.

Before we get into how to get rid of carpet beetles and moths, it's essential to know which pest you're dealing with. The most common carpet beetle is the black carpet beetle, which is about 1/8 inch long and has a black or brown body. Other types of carpet beetles include the furniture carpet beetle and the varied carpet beetle.

They get their name from their fondness for eating carpets and feasting on clothing and other fabrics during their larval stage. Carpet beetles are particularly attracted to natural fibers like wool and fur.

On the other hand, moths are generally a bit larger than carpet beetles and are gray or brown. They, too, love to eat fabric but are especially drawn to stored food items like grains and cereals.

Understanding the moth life cycle will help you identify and remove them effectively.

The first stage of the clothes moth invasion is the metamorphosis of pupae into adult moths. The sole purpose of these adult moths is to breed and lay eggs. Contrary to their larvae, adult moths don't eat and have a limited lifespan of around 1 month. This is the window of opportunity to strike and weaken their population before they have time to reproduce and continue their assault on your clothing.

The second stage of the clothes moth invasion is the reproductive phase. Each mated female moth lays up to 200 eggs in a single month. These eggs pave the way to a new generation of invaders, waiting to hatch and continue their destructive cycle.

The third stage of the invasion is the hatching of eggs and emergence of larvae. These tiny and voracious pests will remain in their larval stage for up to 30 or more months before finally pupating into adult moths. This prolonged stage is a critical threat, as they begin causing irreversible damage by eating away at clothes, carpets, and textiles.

How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Moths: The Game Plan

Now that you know which bug you're up against, it's time to formulate a plan of attack. Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate all the species of carpet beetles without hiring a professional exterminator. Here are some tips to help you keep them out of your home.

How to Get Rid of a Carpet Beetle Infestation

Carpet beetles are pesky little creatures that can wreak havoc on your clothes, carpets, and textiles. You can do some things to get rid of them for good.

Just sprinkle some boric acid onto your carpet and vacuum it up after a few hours. The boric acid will kill carpet beetle eggs and adult beetles, eliminating the infestation. Just be sure to keep your pets and children away from the treated area until the vacuuming is complete. You can also purchase boric acid traps, which will help to quickly eliminate any beetles that come into contact with them.

If you see any signs of damage caused by carpet beetles, it's essential to treat the area immediately. Spray insecticidal soap directly onto the affected area. This will kill both the adults and larvae. Be careful not to let children or pets come near the treated area.

You don't want to trap carpet beetles inside your house. Check underneath upholstered furniture and behind appliances for places where they could hide. Once you've sealed off potential hiding spots, seal up any gaps around windows and doors.

Steam cleaning works best against carpet beetles because it removes the moisture that allows them to survive. You can use a steam cleaner to clean up areas where carpet beetles are hiding.

You can use natural remedies to kill carpet beetles. Mix one part white vinegar and three parts water. Spray it on the infested areas. Let it dry completely. Repeat every week. This method works best if you do it once a month.

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed of the remains of diatoms, a type of algae. The unique structure of the diatomaceous earth makes it an effective insecticide. When dry, it is abrasive to the exoskeletons of insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. It also helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold. Although diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and animals, pregnant women and children under five should avoid it.

So, how can you tell which kind of moth you're dealing with? Clothing moths prefer natural fibers like wool and cotton, while flour and grain are more likely to attract pantry moths. If you find moth's sweater holes in your cashmere sweater, chances are they're clothes moths. And, if you find them near your pantry or cupboards, they're probably pantry moths.

Once you've identified which type of moth you're dealing with, you can take steps to get kill moths:

Vacuum any areas where you've seen moths or carpet beetles, along with any cracks or crevices where they might be hiding. Set up moth traps using sticky paper or <a href="https://amzn.to/3VXe3Gr">pheromone traps</a>, which lure the moths into a space they can't escape. They're easy to use and inexpensive. You'll find them in hardware stores, garden centers, and online retailers.

Moth repellents are another effective method for keeping moths away. You can apply moth repellents directly to clothing or spray them onto fabric. Some products contain DEET, which is toxic to insects, while others contain natural ingredients such as citronella oil.

If you don't want to purchase expensive mothballs, store clothing properly. Hang items up high to discourage moths from crawling down to your clothing. Also, try storing clothing in plastic bags rather than paper ones. This prevents moths from getting trapped in the folds of the bag. Keep your closet clean and ventilate it well. Clothes that hang too close together allow for condensation and humidity. These conditions encourage mold and mildew growth.

Cedar products are a great way to protect your belongings from moth damage. The cedar oil deters moths from laying their eggs in your clothes. Cedar hangers, cedar chips, and cedar balls are a great way to keep your drawers smelling fresh.

Place herbs in a small cloth bag and hang them in the closet. Dilute the essential oil in water and spray the inside of your closet. Don't let the oils drip onto your clothes.

White vinegar is an effective cleaner you can use to clean almost anything. You can even use it to clean your car! Here are some tips on how to use white vinegar effectively.

No one wants to deal with a house infestation, but sometimes there's no avoiding it. If you've already dealt with the problem, you're probably wondering how to prevent future infestations. Luckily, you can do a few things to deter pests from making themselves home in your house.

If you still see bugs after taking these preventive measures, it may be time to call a professional exterminator. They will have the tools and expertise necessary to eliminate your bug problem.

Battle of the Bugs: How to Get Rid of Carpet Beetles and Moths

How often have you gone to the grocery store, picked out a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and then watched them wilt within a couple of days? The answer is probably too many times to count!

We've compiled a list of 11 tips to make your fresh-cut flowers last longer. With just a little extra care, you can enjoy those fresh blooms for days (or even weeks!). So next time you're at the florist, pick up a bunch of flowers and try these tips:

Before bringing your beautiful flowers home, wrap the stem with a moistened paper towel to protect the "cut" end and prevent the stem from drying out. Once you're home, trim an inch or two off the bottom of the stems and immediately put your flowers in a clean vase with fresh water. Change the water every few days to keep them looking their best.&nbsp;

Cutting the stem at a 45-degree angle will increase the surface area to help the flowers absorb water more efficiently. The sooner you can get your bouquet hydrated, the better, since the entire process is quite shocking to the flowers.

If you want to extend flower life, keep the stems clean. Depending on the type of flower, you may need to use a sterilized knife (X-Acto knives and razors work well), or shear to remove any thorns or leaves below the water line in the vase. These leaves can rot and contaminate the clean water, causing the flowers to wilt more quickly.

Believe it or not, you can actually use sugar to extend the life of flowers. Adding around&nbsp;three tablespoons of brown or granulated sugar to the vase water can help flowers stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Add two tablespoons of white vinegar per quart of warm water to the mix. The sugar gives food to the plants, and the vinegar will prevent bacterial growth.

While it might seem strange to add to flowers, you might want to do it for several reasons. For one, it could prevent your flowers from dying prematurely. And while we don't recommend doing this every day, you can use it once a week to prolong flower life.

The best way to do this is to add a teaspoon of bleach to your watering can. This will kill off any harmful bacteria in your water, on the flower stems, and even in your glass vase. If you're worried about the smell, a little citrus oil or essential oils will cover up the scent.

You'll find that the effect isn't immediate - it takes a little while for the chlorine to work its magic. But over a month, you'll see that your flowers look fresher and healthier.

Removing dying flowers may seem like an act of mercy, but in reality, it can help your plants to thrive. When a flower starts to wilt, it not only looks terrible, but it also speeds up the decomposition process, releasing bacteria and other particles that can contaminate the water and shorten the lifespan of the other flowers. So be sure to cut off any wilted blooms as soon as you notice them. Not only will your arrangement look better for it, but your cut flowers will last longer too.

Vodka is high in ethanol, which acts as a natural preservative. Adding a few drops to your vase water can help your flowers stay fresh and perky for up to a week. Just be sure to use plain (and cheap) vodka - no need to waste your good stuff on flowers!

Aspirin relieves headaches and fever but can also make flowers last longer. A study found that flowers grown in water containing crushed aspirin had fewer problems with algae growth and were less likely to die during periods of stress. They suggest that aspirin works because it lowers the pH level of the solution, making it easier for the plant roots to absorb nutrients.

Contrary to popular belief, most flowers don't like direct sunlight. They actually prefer a cooler temperature and some shade. The sun's rays cause the flowers to lose moisture, leading to wilting and premature death. By keeping them in a cool, shady spot, you'll find that they grow much larger and healthier.

If you're buying your grown flowers, look for those kept in a cool, shaded place. Also, avoid placing them near air conditioners and heaters since they'll dry out the blooms quickly.

9. Spritz the Petals With Water or Hair Spray

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep cut flowers looking fresh is to spritz them with water or hair spray. Just as it preserves your hairstyles, a spritz of hairspray can keep your cut flowers fresh. This helps to keep the petals from drying out and wilting. In addition, it can also help to prevent the flowers from getting dusty or faded. Stand a foot away from your arrangement and give them a quick blast just on the underside of the leaves and petals. You'll see how much better they look.

10. Store Flowers in the Refrigerator Overnight

Most florists&nbsp;<a href="https://www.longfield-gardens.com/article/how-to-make-cut-flowers-last-longer">keep flowers in a cool room</a> where the air temperature is between 34 and 36°F, and the humidity is between 90 and 95%. Flowers are susceptible to temperature changes, so keeping them chilled overnight helps to keep flowers fresh.

Based on that, some believe keeping your flowers in the fridge will make them bloom longer. Simply place your flowers inside the vase into your fridge before bed each night, and let them chill out overnight. Just make sure to remove them from the fridge in the morning so they can warm up gradually to room temperature. Your flowers will thank you!.

Like any living creature, flowers last longer if you feed them. Feeding will help your flowers grow faster and bloom more frequently. A packet of flower food contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. You can use flower food in several ways. First, spray it on the leaves of your plant. Second, apply it to the base of each stem where the buds form. And finally, put some flower food inside your plant's vase.

Depending on the species, some flowers can last from a few days to a few weeks without water. If you're looking for a flower that will last a little longer without water, there are a few options to choose from:

So, if you're looking for a long-lasting floral arrangement, these five types of flowers will do the trick! If you're not sure which type of flower to choose, ask your florist for advice. They'll be able to help you pick the perfect bloom for your needs.

11 Tips to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

If you've ever had to move clothes on hangers in your closet, your technique might be to squish them together and throw them haphazardly into your moving truck.

By wrapping them in&nbsp;garbage bags you can keep your clothes organized and make transporting them much simpler.

If you don't have any garbage bags, you can try wrapping them in&nbsp;saran wrap.

Additionally, you can write what category of clothing they are in&nbsp;Sharpie marker ("Formal", "Suits", "Casual",&nbsp; "Skirts", etc.) to make unpacking a bit more predictable.

Need to quickly pack a closet? Use garbage bags.

Most of the time when you clean the house, you probably don't think about cleaning the blinds. But let's be honest -- even if you do, it's typically low on the list of chores that you actually end up completing.

The worst part is that the more you neglect it, the more those blinds accumulate dust, dirt, pet dander, pasta sauce, skin cells, and who knows what else.&nbsp;

Question: Why not use a vacuum cleaner to clean them?

Answer: While a vacuum cleaner may be used to clean blinds, it will still leave dust behind.

A washcloth or paper towel may work, but they're both kind of awkward to hold, and may not catch all of the dust on the first pass.

By using a pair of regular&nbsp;kitchen tongs&nbsp;and a&nbsp;microfiber towel&nbsp;(or sock), you can clean those blinds stress-free and maybe even look forward to doing so the next time you're cleaning house.

Before you begin, grab the following items:

Wrap each side of your tongs with a microfiber towel or sock.

Tie them together with your rubber bands. 2 rubber bands for each side is probably sufficient but you can add more if there are air pockets you want to reduce.

Step 3: Clamp down on your blinds and start dusting

Starting from the top left corner&nbsp;(since you will inevitably will be dropping dust onto the rungs below), clamp down on a single blind and drag your hand all the way to the other side.

Step 4: Rinse the tongs in a bowl of water

You shouldn't continue to "clean" the other rungs without first removing the debris from the previous rung you dusted.

Take a bowl of water (or tall cup) and submerge the dusted tongs in them. Swirl them around, pull them out, and then wring them out into another bowl so they stop dripping.

Repeat this step for all rungs in your blinds.

Clean dust from your blinds with a microfiber cloth and tongs

Silica packets (also known as oxygen scavengers/absorbers) are usually included with food packaging to help reduce the amount of oxygen in the package. You can repurpose these by putting them in your toolbox. This will help reduce moisture and in turn prevent any rust from forming on your tools. Works well especially in coastal areas.

Place old silica packets in your toolbox to reduce the likelihood of rusted tools.

Tired of that unsightly alarm panel staring at you in the middle of the wall? Install two hinges and screw them onto your canvas print to hide it while it's not in use.

Hide your alarm panel with a canvas print

A seam ripper is used to rip out stitching in clothing, but can be used as a perfect little tool to cut through all the hair that gets tangled in your vacuum cleaner bristles.

Use a seam ripper to cut out hair tangled in your vacuum cleaner

If you're hanging art, photos, or anything on the wall, trace an outline of it on a piece of paper and nail the paper template to the wall so you line it up evenly. Once you've nailed the template, pull the paper off and hang your item onto the nail. 

Home & Garden Tips

Prevent Plumbing Problems with a Pressure Regulator Check

7 Simple Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Common Garden Pests

12 Packing Tips for Moving House: What You Need to Know

Use Masking Tape to Evenly Place a Thermostat on the Wall

Battle of the Bugs: Removing Carpet Beetles and Moths

11 Tips to Make Cut Flowers Last Longer

Use Garbage Bags to Quickly Pack Your Closet

Clean Blinds with Kitchen Tongs and a Towel

Place old silica packets in your toolbox to reduce the likelihood of rusted tools.

Hide your alarm panel with a canvas painting

Use a seam ripper to cut out hair tangled in your vacuum cleaner

Hang Photos in the Perfect Spot With Paper Templates

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