RO waste water uses - 6 simple ways to utilize it

RO waste water uses – 6 Simple Ways

1. Use the RO Waste Water for watering your plants
2. Use it for household chores
3. Toilet flushing and Cleaning
4. Sewage Pipe Cleaning
5. Utilize it for Car wash
6. Bathing Pets

For every Litre of potable water produced, the RO purifier generates ~ 3 litres of waste water.

Most Indians are concerned about the quality of water supplied through municipal and borewell water systems. These concerns are related to the increasing levels of pollutants and microorganisms in borewell systems and the diseases that they cause.

Most of us are switching to water purifiers for a clean & purified supply. One of the most commonly used methods, for this reason, is Reverse Osmosis (RO)1.

Every invention has its own advantages and drawbacks. RO water purifiers are one of the best examples as these machines give you pure and clean water, but also generate a substantial amount of waste water. For every litre of potable water produced, the RO purifier will generate around 3 litres of waste water. If you pass 4 litres of water through an RO purifier2, it would produce only 1 litre of drinking water. Since the purification process is gradual, we don’t even realize that a good amount of rejected water is seeping out from the waste pipe.

We all know, water is the most important & precious resource you have on this earth without which you cannot expect your life running smoothly. It is the basic necessity required in almost all daily routine which you follow and so it is your sole responsibility that you must not waste this useful resource. You cannot avoid using water purifiers considering the quality of tap water. The installation personnel generally suggests installing RO units over sinks so that the rejected water gets drained out. But you can re-use this rejected water, which is high in TDS (totally dissolved solids) and inorganic salts, for different household purposes (other than drinking and cooking purposes3) to make it useful.

How to store RO waste water for usage?

How to Save RO Waste Water and Store it

The simplest way of saving this waste water would be to drop the reject water pipe in a storage object. Suppose your daily requirement of drinking water is 20 litres, then on average your purifier would generate around 60 litres of waste water. You can use a 20 litre water can with tape and close lid option. Make a hole in the lid and connect the RO waste water pipe to lid. It is better to connect a pipe in tape towards down to prevent spilling of water from height.

Easy Ways to Re-use RO Waste Water

Utilize RO waste water for watering your plants.

1. Use the RO Waste Water for watering your plants

Waste RO water can be used for watering plants. But as this is usually high in TDS, it is better to dilute it with normal tap water and then use it. Because high TDS water can reduce the fertility of soil in the long term. To be on the safer side, you can start with a few plants. Use the RO waste water for 15-20 days and check its effect on the plant’s growth. Each plant will respond to this change in a different way, which will give you an understanding of which plants are responding better to RO waste water.

Use of RO reject water for Floor mopping and soaking utensils will save lots of clean water.

2. Use it for Household Chores

Using the RO waste water for mopping the floor is easy and will save litres of clean water every day. Mix the RO waste water with fresh water, and use it for mopping floors. Make sure to dilute it properly because TDS content may lead to some salt deposition on the floor. You can also reuse the RO waste water for your used utensils after every meal. You can certainly use the water to soak the used utensils so that the food stuck on the surface won’t dry up and can easily be removed during washing. But, washing of utensils should only be done with fresh water.

You can also use it for daily use clothes, but do keep in mind that delicate fabrics may not react well to the TDS content and other materials in the water.

Make use of RO waste water for toilet flushing & cleaning toilets.

3. Toilet flushing and cleaning

While it cannot be used for bathing, you can use the filter waste for toilet flushing and cleaning. Flushing takes up nearly 6 to 7 liters of water which directly goes down the drain. It is a massive amount considering the number of times we flush daily. You can limit this normal tap water wastage by using the waste water for flushing. Pour it down the cistern of the toilet to utilize it efficiently.

Additionally, It can be diluted with regular freshwater to clean porcelain tiles, bathroom fixtures, faucets and the toilet seat. This is done to avoid discoloration, or deposition of salt on the fixtures or others. You must though, always monitor for any signs. To avoid damage, we suggest using this method for periodical clean-ups only.

4. Sewage pipe cleaning

The waste RO water can be used to clean sewage pipes at home or in the kitchen, as it has a high saline content.

Wash and clean your car with RO waste water.

5. Utilize it for Car wash

This is probably the best use of the reject water from the RO machine. Washing up a car requires a substantial amount of water. And using your RO waste water for this purpose makes sense. You can mix the waste water with fresh water to give your car a good wash. Hence, you can not only clean your car but also end up saving a lot of water.

Make use of RO reject water for bathing your pet.

6. Bathing pets

Rejected RO water can also be used to bath your pet. But always dilute it with the same amount of normal tap water before doing this. You should also dry your pet after bathing.

Apart from above-mentioned points, you can use the waste water to refill your room cooler as well during the summer.

Conclusion

Using these simple tips, we can end up saving a lot of water. These little ideas will conserve water that can make a world of difference if everyone adopts them. Since we all know that there is a severe shortage of water throughout the world, we all must develop these practices in our routine to conserve water. Remember that every drop counts and is precious!

Reference links used:
1. https://www.freshwatersystems.com/blogs/blog/what-is-reverse-osmosis
2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/Reverse-osmosis-Need-or-waste/articleshow/46648223.cms
3. https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_is_the_best_solution_for_RO_reject_water

7 Effective ways to have a Healthy Home

1. Make it Clean & Clutter-free
2. Keep it Dry and Moisture-free
3. Keep Pests away from Home
4. Ensure proper Ventilation
5. Take care of Air quality
6. Toxic-free & Safe Living
7. Opt for a Home Inspection

Most of us spend at least half of our lives in our homes without realizing there is a connection between our home and health.

A happy and healthy environment is essential for a healthy lifestyle. When it comes to improving our health, we tend to focus on nutrition and exercise, and we spend less time focusing on how our environment can affect our body. Our home is where we spend a lot of our time, so it is important that we figure out ways to make it healthy.

In order to create a healthy environment, we should start from our homes individually. Everyone’s living space is different, and there are some aspects you cannot control, but you can follow some tips that can help to improve the health of your home.

1. Make it Clean & Clutter-free

Having clutter and uncleanliness has proven to not only make your home dirty, but it can also affect your health. Excessive clutter can aggravate or worsen symptoms associated with various respiratory diseases (eg: asthma). Cluttered home invites rodents, cockroaches, insects and other pests. Pests in the home can cause respiratory illnesses and other health problems. Hence, Cleaning and de-cluttering your home enhances happy & healthy living.

2. Keep it Dry and Moisture-free

Moisture in homes can cause a variety of issues. From problems with personal health to damaging the home itself, water inside elements of building is an issue. Common human health hazards associated with dampness in homes include Upper respiratory issues, Asthma, Cough, Wheeze, Allergies, Skin Diseases, Migraine – Headaches & Depression. Structural integrity of your home gets weakened due to moisture intrusion. It is important that you stop leaks, control seepage, and maintain balanced humidity inside your house.

3. Keep Pests away from Home

Pests come to your home for 3 main reasons – food, water, and warmth. Seal cracks and openings (gap around window, door frame and pipes) throughout the home; keep kitchen and other areas of home clean, store food properly.

4. Ensure proper Ventilation

Home ventilation is an important factor related to the occupants’ health. Poor Ventilation increase the risk of airborne diseases, causes allergies, nausea and can also lead to serious health issues like eczema, nervous system damage, and cancer. Poor ventilation has been associated with “sick” homes for a long time, mainly referring to the damage caused by mould growth and other related problems to the building components. Therefore, ventilation is very important for your home.

5. Take care of Air quality

Common household cleaning products contain chemicals like alcohol, ammonia, chlorine and other solvents that must not be touched or inhaled. These have negative effects on our health that can cause irritable eyes, sore throats, and even headaches. These cleaning products release dangerous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that not only give you common health issues but also aggravate allergies, asthma, and chronic respiratory issues.

Although we depend much on these cleaning products, however, we must use organic products as a safe option to go by. Using organic cleaners around the house will help the air quality immensely. The more we use less toxic products to clean our homes and indoors, the better it is for our health.

6. Toxic-free & Safe living

Store pesticides and other chemicals like leftover paint & oil, disinfectants (if you are having) in locked cabinets out of children’s reach. Keep all chemicals in their original, labelled containers – do not put them into another bottle or container. It is always important to keep it out of reach of children and pets1.

7. Opt for a Home Inspection

Home inspection – Health & Safety Check-up ensures everything in the house is functioning properly; it identifies hidden issues & areas that need repair. Take care of minor repairs and issues at the right time before they become a large problem.

Cracks, seepage, clogged drains and blockage in pipes are some of the common household problems that we face in our houses with time. Inspection is a significant way to become aware of the areas of the house that can act as a hazard or create problems in the future and also suggest solutions for specific issues. Home inspection is an essential part that ensures a healthy home for your family.

Home inspection is an important part not only during the purchase of a property but also with time when your home starts ageing. Maintenance of a home is as significant as maintaining other essential assets in order to attain a healthy home.

Home inspection is a health and safety check-up of home. Watch the video to understand it better.

Final words

Home is one of the most valuable investment of our life where we spend our maximum time. So your home is a key asset for you. Everyone needs a healthy home. Making your home healthier and safer in preparation for your living has to be a great responsibility. A healthy home can help you & your family have a healthy body. We hope that these tips will make your home a healthy one!

Reference links used:
1. https://sanitizeyourplace.in/basics-of-handling-cleaner-sanitizer-disinfectant/

8 Moisture Warning Signals in Your Home

Prevention is better than Cure

1. Dark Patches
2. Peeling off or other paint deterioration
3. Damp and Musty Odour
4. Visible water stains or Discolouration
5. Gatherings of Pests
6. Visual leaks
7. Condition of wooden furniture
8. Health Symptoms

Homes are supposed to protect us from the harmful things from outside like water, wind, and extreme temperatures. But sometimes, however, our homes fail to serve its purpose and moisture enters into our house.

As a homeowner, moisture is one of the most common and annoying problems you can face. Moisture / Dampness in buildings is a major factor that contributes to mould growth, unhealthy buildings, and poor indoor air quality. Moisture is one of the most important agents of building deterioration.

Moisture Intrusion is an often-unseen problem lurking in many homes. A little excess water in the wrong place can cause many other problems, such as mould growth, pest infestations, weakened building structures and unhealthy living conditions.

In many cases, moisture problems in houses or buildings are easy to get missed until they have progressed to the point of despair.

“Prevention is better than cure”. Early detection of these problems is significant for minimizing the extent and cost of the damage. But, how can you identify a moisture problem at the earliest?

Let us go through warning signs of moisture that homeowners should be on the lookout for:

1. Dark Patches in Home Elements

One of the most common signs of water-related problems in any structure is the appearance of dark patches in walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. As water seeps into building materials, it tends to cause them to look visibly dark.

Homeowners can often find these dark patches in ceilings after a heavy storm which indicates source of moisture can be in roof or sometimes due to floor / unit above if there is a leaky pipe there.

2. Peeling off or other paint deterioration on the surface finish

High humidity levels can cause wallpaper or paint finish to peel from the wall. Too much moisture behind the walls can eventually cause paint and wallpaper to start peeling or bubbling. If you see wallpaper or paint peeling or even protruding out like a bubble, it could indicate a moisture problem. Sometimes airborne moisture vapour gets behind the wallpaper and mixes with the glue, causing it to peel. Peeling off paint is mainly caused by moisture on the surface, poor surface preparation, using an incorrect painting method. Other paint deterioration like cracking or blistering paint on exterior or interior finishes can also happen due to these reasons.

3. Damp and Musty Odour

One of the most common signs of a moisture problem is the presence of strong, musty odour. This sign is a strong indicator that there is water damage somewhere nearby – possibly in the building materials hidden from your direct view. If you have a persistent, musty, damp smell in your bathroom, even after repeated cleanings, you may have moisture-related problem in the walls and subfloor. If a proper ventilation system does not help, you probably have a moisture build-up below the surface of walls or the floor. This odour is often caused by bacteria and mould growth that feeds on the excess moisture in a dark, cool space.

4. Visible Water Stains or Discolouration

A water stain will form a dark yellowish colour on your ceiling in a slightly deformed shape. This yellowish colour will soon turn into brown colour, and in fact, it may even start off sometimes as brown colour right at the beginning. It can be the symptom of a much larger problem and this is something that you should look into immediately. Some common causes of Water Stains on Ceilings are leaking pipes, leakage from roof and water seeping from upper unit / floor areas.

Stains or Discolouration can be prevented by reducing the accumulation of moisture in the wall / ceiling. Yellow, brown or black stains etc on your walls are signs of water damage from behind them.

5. Gatherings of Pests

Water is a necessity for life – and pests like ants, cockroaches, rodents, termites are no exception. As the humidity rises in your home, pests such as these will migrate inside your home, where they will begin to reproduce. A sudden increase in the presence of pests could be an indirect indication that there is a suitable source of water in your home. Of course, other nutrient sources, such as open food containers, exposed trash bins, and the like can also attract pests.

6. Visual leaks

Water is the enemy of every home. Being a homeowner, if you find unwanted water in your home, you should make every effort to find the root cause as quickly as possible. You need to do periodical visual checks of moisture / leakage / seepage in the home and get them repaired. Some leaks can be easily found by visual checking whereas, some leaks are concealed inside wall / structure.

7. Check the condition of wooden furniture

Damaged wood is a classic sign of elevated moisture levels. Because wood is porous, it absorbs moisture from the affected area as well as from the air as humidity levels change. This will cause the wood to swell and shrink with the changes. Check the integrity of wood by lightly pressing it. If it is soft, you know it has weakened from moisture damage.

8. Health Symptoms

One of the most annoying problems of moisture is its effect on our health. Common human health hazards associated with moisture / dampness in home include: respiratory (nasal and throat) symptoms, Asthma symptoms in sensitized persons with asthma, Cough, Wheeze, Allergies, Skin Diseases etc. People often ignore these important visual signs of moisture, but it can be harmful for your health.

Understanding and Detecting the Moisture Problem

If you have spotted one of the signs above, then it is important to understand about moisture problem and know the actual source of it. For that, you need professional help who will use moisture meter1 and advanced thermal imaging technology which can detect hidden / concealed leaks in the structure and give you long term – least destructive – low cost solutions.

If you feel your home has a moisture problem, you should take immediate action to solve it. Ignoring these signs will only make the problem progressively worse.

Apart from this, it is advisable to get a moisture / damp inspection before spending on costly waterproofing treatment or other related repair works.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.delmhorst.com/blog/moisture-meter-locate-leaks

Why Ventilation is important for your home?

  • Why ventilation is important for your home?
    1. Helps in controlling moisture
    2. Health of you and your family
    3. Improves Air Quality
    4. Increases Comfort level
    5. Better Air Regulation
    6. Reduces Temperature
  • Some Considerations for good ventilation
  • Ventilation tips for better indoor Air

Ventilation is essential for home comfort. Proper ventilation prevents air pollutants from affecting the health of family and home. Without proper ventilation, a home or building can become a house of static air, where bacteria and carbon build-up, making the indoor air unsafe for the inhabitants. Like we do breathing exercises to have good health, similarly, buildings too need to breathe well.

In general terms, Ventilation is a process of replacing still & stagnant air with fresh air. A well-ventilated house is one that ensures sufficient air and sunlight infiltration into the house.

Read the content to understand: Why ventilation is important for your home?

1. Helps in controlling moisture

Ventilation is very important because it controls how much moisture is persisting in the home. If one has adequate airflow throughout home; walls, floors, and all the wood in the home will stay dry and not collect moisture. Wood can decay when exposed to moisture. If one lets moisture build up in these areas of the home, they will not only destroy the structural integrity, but they will also cause mold/ termite buildup or other moisture-related problem.

2. Health of you and your family

Proper ventilation protects you & your family from unpleasant odours and irritating pollutants. Poor Ventilation increase the risk of airborne diseases, causes allergies, nausea and can also leads to serious health issues like eczema, nervous system damage, and cancer. It causes sick building syndrome. Ventilation prevents the growth of fungus and molds in your home and hence keeps you protected from allergies and breathing issues. To know and understand the health effects, read Poor Ventilation and the health consequences that come with it1.

3. Improves Air Quality

If the air inside the house does not move outside, the pollutants such as chemical gases and germs would affect the air quality and cause harm. Ventilation helps expel the pollutants stored inside along with the bacteria, moisture and odour. It controls indoor humidity and airborne contaminants, both of which either contribute to or act as health hazards. Also, it helps in removing volatile organic compounds in house paint, air fresheners, cleaning products. Hence, proper ventilation helps in improving indoor air quality and ensure a healthy living.

4. Increases Comfort level

Ventilation controls the humidity level and allows you to breathe easier. When the room is filled with fresh & clean air, the airborne contaminants are eliminated. Moreover, sufficient inflow of air cools the room in the best way and this makes indoor ambiance better. All these add to the increase in the comfort level.

5. Better Air Regulation

A well-ventilated home has lower energy bills, and this is the reason why people prefer to live in a place that provides natural ventilation. It lowers the home’s humidity reduces the pressure on the air conditioner and also extends its life span.

6. Reduce Temperature

Sometimes when lot of people live in a small home, space becomes hot making the environment unbearable. A proper ventilation system reduces the temperature and makes a home comfortable and relaxed for everyone.

Some Considerations for good ventilation

In order to achieve good natural ventilation in a home, below considerations can be followed:

  • Outlet openings should be just opposite to inlets to ensure better cross-ventilation.
  • More height of the room gives better ventilation.
  • Inlet openings should be located on the windward side and at low level so that all parts of the room are uniformly ventilated2. Outlet opening should be located on lee ward side(side facing away from the wind) near the ceiling in the side walls. It is nowadays less common in homes.

Ventilation tips for better Indoor Air

  • Use of exhaust fans: Exhaust fans draw air from a particular location and vent it to the outside. Both Kitchens and bathrooms should have an exhaust fan. Bathroom and kitchen fans are a significant part of your home’s ventilation system. They remove odours from your house, which improves indoor air quality. They also remove moisture, which decreases the level of humidity in your house.
  • Natural ventilation: Most common method of natural ventilation3 is opening windows and doors. When outdoor air is cooler and drier than your indoor air, by all means, open the windows and let that fresh air flow through.
  • Clean air: If exhaust fans and natural ventilation cannot serve the purpose, you can opt for a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in your home.

Final Words

Improper ventilation in homes can lead to illnesses and discomfort as well as cause damage due to poor moisture & temperature control.

Whether you are living in a home, fresh air is essential to survive. If you are searching for a new home to move in, check if it has good ventilation. It is very essential for health, efficiency and hygienic conditions. Hence while planning your home it should be ensured that each area/ room is properly ventilated.

Proper home ventilation is essential for the health of the residents and the structure. It controls the build-up of indoor air pollutants and moisture. Therefore, it is utmost important to keep the house adequately ventilated.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.chayaseattle.org/2019/01/22/poor-ventilation-and-the-health-consequences-that-comes-with-it/
2. https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S03/is.3362.1977.pdf
3. https://happho.com/natural-ventilation-methods-house-constructions/

Electrical Wiring: Light your Home with 11 Cares

1. Skilled Electrician
2. Use ISI marked Wires & Accessories
3. Proper Wire Gauge
4. Fix Switchboards at proper height
5. Never use damaged wiring
6. Wires within an electrical box
7. Importance of RCCB
8. Ensure Earthing Connection
9. Electrical layout
10. Different Circuits
11. Proper dressing of Wire and Wire Code

With so much dependence on our electrical appliances and electronics, we are bound to get frustrated and worried when the electric power in our home is cut off or other related problems.

Electrical faults are common in each and every house that may be unsafe for residents. When it is about your home you must be aware of the electrical mistakes and their effects. Because when you start living in your home and experience electric faults it may create hassles in your life.

For a homeowner, it is important that you should know about the things to be taken care of during house wiring to avoid any challenges in the future. When your electrician is doing electrical installations as part of the remodelling project of your house or during the construction of the house, you should have some amount of knowledge about the house wiring.

In case of defects in electrical wires, they can cause hazards in the house and may even take human life in some cases. So make sure you do the following to ensure good electric works for safety at home:

1. Skilled Electrician

Always ensure to hire a professional or a good electrician for all electric works including wiring of your home.

2. Use ISI marked Wires & Accessories

All materials to be used in electrical fittings should be of approved standards and from a reputed manufacturer as per ISI specifications. Non ISI marked wires could have less longevity, are less safer and non-eco-friendly as compared to ISI marked wire. Never use low-quality materials as it may cause serious accidents.

3. Proper Wire Gauge

Many times it is seen that electricians are careless while using right load bearing wires for wiring purpose and these wires get burnt when the entire load is put on wires. So, make sure that the wires being used for wiring are capable of taking the desired load. For that, electrician must calculate the total load from various items that would be used in the house. As per standards, it is advisable that the wiring gauge used for phase, neutral & earthing connection must be the same.

4. Fix Switchboards at proper height

Switchboards should be installed at a height that can be easily accessed by residents except by children. Standard height of board with installation are:

a. TV socket height 1200 mm to 1500 mm
b. Lighting switchboard height 1000 mm to 1200 mm
c. Geyser socket height 1900 mm minimum
d. AC socket height 2100 mm minimum

All heights are from Finished Floor Level. These heights can be changed as per requirement of residents e.g., in case there is physically disabled person or senior citizen.

5. Never use damaged wiring

Broken/ cut wiring, loose connection, burnt element and rusted points should never be used to avoid electrical fault. Never make use of damaged insulation wiring to avoid short circuit fault. Damaged and loose connection should not be done in any appliance to avoid earthing fault.

6. Wires within an electrical box

Wires within an electrical box should be away from the edges to avoid being damaged while nailing.

7. Importance of RCCB

While electricity has become an important component of everyone’s lives, the fact of the matter is, it comes with its dangers to human life as well as equipment. Electrocution and fire are the two significant risks correlated with electricity, one simply cannot be careless when it comes to safeguarding equipment.

A Residual Current Circuit Breaker1 (RCCB) is a safety device that provides protection even from a small leakage current generated by human touch or insulation failure of wire, also can be referred a Minimal shock protection device. Read to know: Why RCCB is a must?

8. Ensure Earthing Connection

It is important to provide proper earthing to the wiring as it saves human life from the danger of electric shock or death. There are two earthing – Ground earthing and earthing by electrical supply. So make sure both earthing is provided.

And it is also important to provide earthing at electrical outlets for High wattage appliances like geyser, AC etc Provide earthing to enhance voltage and protect human beings from sudden electric shock.

9. Electrical layout

It is important to follow the electrical layout for location and height at which provision to be given for fitting/ installation. But electrician has to wisely see if there is a safety concern involved, in that case, specification can be changed. To understand more, read Switchboard near gas stove – safety hazard.

10. Different Circuits

The power circuit and lighting circuit should be different. This will be helpful for convenience in repair or maintenance during a fault in a power circuit or vice versa.

11. Proper Dressing of Wire and Wire Code

Improper dressing of wire can lead to overheating & current loss. It can also create inconvenience during repair or maintenance. Wire colour code is important for identifying the phase, earthing and neutral connection. It provides safety2 and ease during repair & maintenance. Also, ensure proper wire joints for longevity.

Conclusion

Electricity has made our lives more comfortable and easy in so many ways – but that does not mean it comes without its risks. Electrical wires are the basic unit of every electrical system. Most of the electrical failures are caused due to failure of electrical wires. People often ignore their significance. Our objective behind writing this content was to make you aware of things to be taken care of during home electrical wiring. And if you are facing any problem with your home electrical system, then contact professionals to ensure safety at home.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.bijlibachao.com/general-tips/why-is-rccb-necessary-for-your-house-rcd-electric-shock-residual-current-detectors-rccb-circuit-breaker.html
2. https://community.fs.com/blog/necessity-and-standards-of-electrical-wiring-color-codes.html

8 Essential Things every new Homeowner needs to know

1. Finding the main water control valve
2. Know the Electrical supply
3. Get to know your appliances
4. Take Advice before interiors or remodeling
5. Ensure General Fire Safety
6. Learn How to Identify Potential Issues in Your New Home
7. Know the Surrounding Essentials
8. Talk to the Neighbours

Buying a house is considered one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime and there is so much to think about – the move itself, changing billing addresses, unpacking and even getting used to the sounds that your new home makes.

After months of house hunting, you finally find the home that satisfies your needs. So you feel relaxed and stress-free in your new home. Once you buy a new place to live in, there are several things you need to know about it.

No matter whether you have purchased a new home or got the property in the resale, there are certain things that you need to take care of when you first enter your new home.

Just like learning to drive a car or cook food, every home has important things that the homeowner must be aware of and learn how to operate. For those who believe in absolute home comfort, here is a list of 8 essential things you must know related to your new home.

1. Finding the main water control valve

Water from a broken plumbing pipe can pour out dozens of gallons into your home’s interior in a matter of minutes, soaking everything in sight – including flooring, furniture and valuables. In this situation or others like (leak or drip), turning off the water mains can prevent the water from causing serious damage to other areas of your home. Water damage is one of the most common occurrence.

Nowadays, many homes have separate water control valves for each area (kitchen, bathroom), which is ideally better. And some homes have the main water control valve at terrace near storage tank. It is important to know the location of this main valve in case of any emergency. Make sure everyone knows where it is located and how to close the valve. Also always ensure it moves freely instead of hard to operate.

2. Know the Electrical supply

Familiarize yourself with electrical supply including the position of the Distribution Board (DB) in case of a trip while plugging in your systems for the first time. There are two common situations that will require you accessing your electrical panel: An outlet in your home has been overloaded and blown a circuit that you need to reset to restore power or, need to turn off the power of a certain area for some electrical work like installing an outlet, or light fixture. If possible label your Distribution board or panel, in case you or any other person requires to turn off the power for some task.

3. Get to know your appliances

Home appliances have made our lives so much easier. We cannot deny the comfort and convenience these appliances provide us. A day without these helping hands is quite annoying and troublesome. Just like cars and televisions, the appliances in your home have different life expectancies and a proper way to operate. It is important to know your appliances, as good care and correct use of these appliances will provide them a longer running life. It is always better to read the guide before using it. Also, keep the warranty card, service details and guide of all appliances together in a place.

4. Take Advice before Interiors or Remodeling

After buying a home, usually a homeowner plans to have interiors or remodelling. Home Remodelling is a big project, you should not take it lightly in order to maintain aesthetics, functional ease and of course to make your money spent worthwhile. Opting remodeling or furnishings without proper advice can lead to rework and waste of money, if there is any concealed leakage or other related issues in your home. So,it is important to know and understand the condition of your home first with help of professionals before furnishing or remodeling.

5. Ensure General Fire Safety

Fires at home are generally due to electrical shortcircuit or smoking or overheating. It is important for the homeowner to ensure the general fire safety at home. Firstly, in order to keep yourself safe, see how is the emergency exit in your building in case of an apartment. You should know the location of all of your home’s safety equipment in case of emergencies. Locate and check the availability of fire extinguishers and fire alarms. Obtain and maintain it, in case it is not present. You can also read Fire and safety regulations1.

6. Learn How to Identify Potential Issues in Your New Home

One of the best homeowner maintenance tips is to detect minor problems before they become huge issues. After purchasing your home, take some time to learn about some of the common issues homes face. Being able to identify a potential problem early on could save you money later. There are certain common problems that you need to take care of when you first enter your new home:

  • Plumbing Issue: The plumbing issue is most common for new homeowners. When you start living at the new place you need to see for any plumbing issue in the home. Visual checks can be done like leakage in the visible portion of pipes or watermarks seeping through the ceiling or walls; improper installation of fitting, and grout problems.
  • Check electrical system: Another important factor new homeowners should consider is the electrical circuits. You do not need to open the circuit board to find the issue. Check if you are facing some tripping problem in DB while using any appliance or there is any layout problem like the improper position of socket. You can also observe the outer layer of the system to see if there is any burning issue or damage to the wires system. If you require, hire a skilled electrician to check each and every wire connected to the home. The electrician will examine the system closely to see if any repair requires in the system.
  • Check the floor: The floor damage is common in a home. You should check for the damage tiles, hollowness in tiles, the gap at tile joints etc to avoid the water leakage or any other circumstances where your floor started losing its strength.

Apart from this, there are other basic elements like wall, ceiling, door, window. There can be some problems in these basic elements even in your new home. To understand more, read Moving to a New Apartment? Home inspection can be a saviour. If you want the help of experts in detecting the probable defects of your apartment, Contact professional home inspection services.

7. Know the surrounding essentials

Homeowners should determine where the nearest shops/retail facilities are, and their earliest opening and closing times to ensure that they can buy what they need. Also know about essentials like Hospitals, gas service center, public transport etc.

8. Talk to the Neighbours

You might feel shy but getting to know your neighbours will be useful for you in the long run. You can look out for each other, notify each other of problems or issues in the neighborhood, and you will have someone that you trust to water your plants or feed your pet while you are away.

Apart from the above points Homeowners should determine the integrity of the physical security such as door locks and in case of the individual house, check the gate at the perimeter of house.

Bottom Line

Buying a new home is exciting as we have many plans in our mind to make it look more beautiful. But before focusing on the way to make it look better, there are certain things that you should be sure to familiarize yourself with when it comes to your new home. Being sure to know the basics related to some simple things mentioned above can benefit you in the long-run! Our objective was to make you aware of important things that every new homeowner needs to know to ensure your home running smoothly.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.99acres.com/articles/fire-safety-regulations-for-high-rise-residential-buildings-in-india.html

8 Easy habits to keep your home clean and clutter-free

1. Maintain No-shoe Rule
2. Put things back after use
3. Wipe your Counters & tables after each meal
4. Wash the dishes and clean your sink
5. Empty & clean Dustbin regularly
6. Prepare a Weekly & Monthly Cleaning routine
7. Make a Morning routine
8. Finish the Night with your Evening Routine

When life gets busy, keeping a clean home can fall by the wayside. When your home is dirty or cluttered, it is difficult to focus on the tasks you should be doing.

Also, Medical professionals and organizers believe that a cluttered home is not just an aesthetic problem1, it can lead to very real health issues. Cleaning and de-cluttering your home enhance happy & healthy living.

We all like living in clean and clutter-free houses. Being a wife, mom, homemaker and also if you are a working woman, there are many tasks and responsibilities that you are accountable for. Between work, parenthood and everyday life chaos, keeping your house clean & clutter-free can be one of the toughest things for many of us.

So, today, we are sharing some easy routines and habits to help you maintain a clean & clutter-free home now and in the future.

1. Maintain No-shoe Rule

If you want to avoid bringing in mud and dirt from the outside, then one of the important habits is to make and maintain a no-shoe rule at home. We assume most of you already follow this habit but still we included this for those who do not know its important point in keeping your home clean. Keep a shoe rack at the entrance of the home. If you are a person who finds its difficult walking barefoot then always keep a separate clean slipper only for inside home usage (avoid using that in bathrooms).

2. Put things back after use

It is so much easier to pick things up as you go but many of us do not bother to keep things back at their place after usage. This is one of the reason which creates a disorganized and untidy home. The key to making this work, of course, is to ensure that everything has its own place. Do that first if you have not already.

3. Wipe your Counters & tables after each meal

After you eat your meal, apart from putting away the dishes and cutleries & washing them, you should remember to wipe down the tables and counters2.

The simple act of wiping down your counters and table will get you in the habit of keeping these surfaces clear of clutter and clean of dirt & germs. Surfaces should be free and clear to prepare and eat on – just doing this one thing will help you feel tidier and lighter all around. You should also disinfect your counters and tables every once in a while.

4. Wash the dishes and Clean your sink

Try and avoid getting into the habit of leaving your dishes to be washed for the next day. It is not a nice way to wake up if you have to deal with washing the dishes that you left overnight. We will also suggest keeping utensils inside the cabinet when it is dry to avoid the damage to the cabinet and growth of germs. So, wash the dishes every night, and put them away in morning.

Also, your kitchen sink is the place where you wash your dishes and clean up messes. But how often do you clean your kitchen sink? Wash kitchen sinks regularly as research shows they actually have more germs than the toilet3. Sinks4 and hidden sections of the kitchen wardrobe must be cleaned regularly with antibacterial wipes or other related products.

5. Empty & Clean Dustbin

A dustbin is the dirtiest place in the house, and it is likely to attract various pests like cockroaches and houseflies that lead to different infections and diseases. To keep them at bay, empty and clean your dustbin on a regular basis.

Washing the bin with hot water and a liquid cleaner once a week will minimize the smell. Also, coordinate with a garbage collector to pick your garbage daily to avoid the piling of waste at home.

Always maintain a separate dustbin in the kitchen for wet waste and another in living room or balcony for dry waste.

Disposing of garbage is a daily chore, just like any other job in your life. This habit helps you keep your home clean, healthy, hygienic and smell-free.

6. Prepare a Weekly & Monthly Cleaning routine

Make a cleaning routine and divide the task you will do on a weekly and monthly basis. If you follow a proper cleaning routine and do not wait for Diwali to clean your house, you will never have the need to deep clean. This is also useful for those, who have house helps. According to this routine, they can instruct and get the work done. For example: For weekly schedule – do dusting, organize one room in each week, give more care to bathrooms and kitchen, cabinets etc and for monthly schedule – check all appliances, furniture, wash rugs, wipe down walls etc. This cleaning routine can be prepared depending on an individual’s time availability. To understand more through some cleaning routine examples, click here5.

7. Make your Morning routine

Our morning routine is so important to get our day off on the right track. It not only gives a jumpstart on a few daily tasks we have to do in our home, but it also makes feel like accomplished something right away.

Morning routine can differ for a homemaker and working woman in terms of devoting time. You should include making your bed, start a load of laundry in the washing machine, wipe down the bathroom counters, kitchen counters, quick pickup of our living space, sweep & mop the floor etc. A working woman can transfer some tasks in the evening. To get better understanding, you can read about successful morning routine6.

8. Finish the Night with your Evening Routine

Just like your morning routine is the perfect way to start your day, your evening routine will help you set yourself up for success the next day. These include preparing dinner, cleaning utensils of dinner, folding and ironing the clothes, doing some basic food preparation for tomorrow (generally if you are a working woman).

Other Important Point for those who have a working place at home: A clean workspace will not just ensure that you stay healthy, but it can also boost your productivity. If you are working from home or have a home office, read How to Clean Your Home Office7.

Conclusion

The habits listed above should help you keep your house clean, clutter-free and maintain it. The great thing about having daily cleaning habits is that the longer you do it, the less you have to clean. This is the reason why you should start your cleaning habits today since the sooner you do it, the sooner you will see the results.

The ideal cleaning routine will vary from person to person – what works for one, may not necessarily work for another. Your needs will change depending on the size of your home, the age of your children, your work schedule outside of the home, etc. There are, however, a few basics that we all must get done daily and others can be done on a weekly, monthly duration.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.popsugar.com/smart-living/How-Cleaning-Can-Improve-Your-Health-37956421
2. https://creativehomekeeper.com/kitchen-counter-organization/
3. https://sanitizeyourplace.in/cleaning-sanitization-and-disinfection-csd-trivias/
4. https://sanitizeyourplace.in/kitchen-safety-and-sanitization-a-must-for-all-times/
5. https://joyfullygrowingblog.com/how-to-keep-your-house-clean-clutter-free/
6. https://www.thesimplyorganizedhome.com/morning-routine/
7. https://www.maids.com/cleaning-hacks/clean-home-office/

Minimize harmful effects of paints in your Home

Chemicals / VOCs present in Paints

Painting your home can enhance the beauty of your space and give a fresh new look to a boring room. It forms a part of the maintenance of your home and must be done once every 2-3 years depending on the condition. The unsatisfactory part is the immediate consequence of painting a room, that is, the suffocating paint odour.

The material (or can say chemicals) with which the paint is made, together with the solvent used to make the paint liquid so that it can be easily applied with the brush, stays on the wall even after the paint dries. It is the evaporation of this solvent, which leads to the suffocating odour.

The paints industry has developed multitude of chemicals to enhance the product shelf life, colour, texture etc. These paints are made from a few chemicals that are especially suited for this industry. Many of these are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which vaporize as soon as they are exposed to the atmosphere. They also contain heavy metals such as arsenic, lead and chromium. VOCs are organic chemicals that are mainly used as solvents for conventional paints. Once they enter into the air we inhale, they can go into our lungs and create a toxic effect on our bodies.

So what exactly is a Volatile Organic Compound(VOC)? VOCs are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. VOCs are chemicals inside paint that are released into the air as you paint a wall.

VOC is a carbon-containing compound that easily vaporizes into the air. When they enter the air, they react with other elements to produce ozone, which causes air pollution and a host of health issues. It is one of the sources of indoor air pollutants.

Harmful effects on Human health

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) include organic solvents and organic chemicals. Because they are organic, it does not mean they cannot cause health problems. Apart from paint and solvents, there are other common sources of VOCs found indoors which include: Household Cleaning Products, Dry Cleaning Products, Paint Thinners, Varnishes, Cosmetics, Glues, Pesticides, Aerosol Sprays, Building Materials, etc give off VOCs.

Some of the chemicals can cause short term and long term adverse health problems. After painting, VOCs can be up to 1,000 times higher indoors1 than outdoor fresh air levels. VOC levels are highest during and soon after painting, they continue seeping out for several years.

VOCs from Paints are up there on the list of most harmful toxins to humans, animals, plants and aquatic life. Common Signs or Symptoms of exposure to VOCs:

  • Conjunctiva Irritation
  • Nose and Throat issues
  • Headache
  • Skin Allergy
  • Dyspnea
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Epistaxis
  • Fatigue and Dizziness

Some long-term effects include liver and kidney damage, respiratory issues and even cancer. These paints not only harm the human body, but also the environment. The by-products and waste of the synthetic chemical industry are detrimental to the environment and it leaves an enormous carbon footprint.

Best practices or tips to reduce Risk & Exposure

If you are going to do painting in your house, here are some best practices that you can follow in order to reduce your risk:

1. Schedule painting strategically

Although there may never be a time where your homes are completely vacant, try to schedule painting when there is minimal number of people present.

2. Select Indoor paint with low or zero VOCs

Be sure you select indoor paints wisely. Select a product that will generate less harmful fumes or VOCs, such as water-based paints. Their low level of volatile organic compound (VOC)2 makes them an environmental friendly option with minimal to zero harmful effects on your health.

3. Follow instructions and safety labels

Read carefully instructions and safety information on the product label before starting the painting process. Note any warnings, first-aid information, or if protective measures like gloves or goggles are required to be used. It is always beneficial to go through certain guidelines and wear gloves or a face mask while painting.

4. Provide Ventilation

It is always advised to have good ventilation with open doors and windows. Always paint in an area that is well ventilated. After painting, keep windows as open as possible for two to three days in order to allow paint fumes to exit the room. You can also consider using a fan in the window to help direct airflow to the outside.

5. Take breaks while painting

Long exposure can worsen the effects of paint fume. Take breaks to breathe in fresh air to help reduce your chances of side effects.

6. General precautions

Ensure your safety and safety of your loved ones by taking the following precautions:

  • Pregnant women are advised to stay away from wet paint till it is fully dried.
  • Keep children and pets away from painted areas and equipment.
  • Keep painted area and paints away from heat sources.
  • Stay out of the room that has been painted for 2 to 3 days after you are finished.
  • Close any leftover paint containers tightly to prevent vapors from leaking into the surrounding area. If you choose to dispose off leftover paint, be sure to do it properly.
  • Keep the paintbrushes covered with plastic bags when not in use.
  • Try to keep the paint containers covered with their lids as much as possible.
  • Use ladders safely.

Apart from the above tips, if you are still facing a problem then opt for air purifiers. It reduces VOCs in your indoor space. Consider having an air purifier running in the room you are painting and other rooms (where VOCs may have found their way into).

Eco-friendly Options for paints

Eco-friendly paints available in India can be classified into three types:

  • Zero-VOC paints: The level of VOCs in these paints is negligible that they can be termed as ‘zero-VOC paints’.
  • Low-VOC paints: Low VOC paints are those that contain less VOC or VOC Solvents than traditional coatings. Paints labeled “low-VOC” should contain fewer than 50 grams per liter of volatile compounds3(as per EPA guidelines).
  • Natural paints: These paints are made of natural compounds such as tree resins, water, plant oil, natural dyes etc. They do not contain any VOCs.

Some paint companies which provide eco-friendly paints include Asian paints4, Berger Paints, Dulux Paints, Kansai Nerolac5, Nippon Paints.

Last words

Many paint products contain VOCs that can potentially cause both short-term and long-term health effects. Our objective was to make you aware of the harmful effects of VOCs in paints on human health and the environment and also to provide you the best tips to reduce risk and exposure.

When painting indoors, you should always do so safely. If you are looking for the healthiest and eco-friendly6 alternative to standard paint, sticking to no and low-VOC options is a good idea.

Reference links used:
1. https://healthbunker.co.uk/harmful-effects-of-vocs-volatile-organic-compounds-in-paint/
2. https://nipponpaint.co.in/difference-between-water-based-vs-solvent-based-paints/
3. https://www.thespruce.com/eco-friendly-house-paint-1821767
4. https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/asian-paints-gives-india-its-first-organic-paint-line-with-nilaya-naturals/article30674195.ece
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jmoiA_T4qw
6. https://www.enidhi.net/2019/01/time-to-shift-to-apollo-eco-friendly-paints.html

Effective Ways to avoid Seepage at Home/ Property

An important step towards a happy life is good health. And good health can only be achieved in a clean, hygienic and healthy environment. Seepage is a very common problem which the majority of Indian Households must have had experienced at some point of time. The moisture and dampness due to seepage can result in fungal and bacterial growth which in turn could cause various allergies and other health-related problems to the occupants of the home.

The effects of water damage on your home as well as health can be far-reaching, and it may have massive damage. Therefore, ensuring that your home / office is free from any possible leakage and dampness has become one of the most important factors to understand and attend.

Some possible reasons for seepage

  • It can happen due to faulty internal plumbing:
    • Leaky drainage pipes or plumbing fittings at home
    • Outflow in the water supply pipes
    • A leakage in the neighborhood property’s internal plumbing (eg – Leakage from Bathroom or Kitchen on the Floor Above.)
  • If a gap exists between the walls of your home and the neighboring building, this would also cause water to seep through.
  • Water dampness and seepage happens when the exterior walls are not plastered properly or due to the use of poor-quality plastering materials. And seepage can also happen through exterior walls from gaps around window frame.
  • Seepage of water through floor tiles in bathrooms/kitchens of floor/flat / terrace above.
  • Poor waterproofing at the time of construction.

Ways to avoid seepage problems in your home

1. Repair cracks on walls

Cracks are among the root causes of moisture in your home. Due to cracks at the external wall, rainwater and moisture will enter the wall surface thereby affecting adjacent / in-house wall surfaces and will weaken the integrity of associated elements. If cracks not treated at the right time, can increase in depth and lead to further deterioration in the affected area. So it is important to fix or repair the cracks to have long lasting homes1.

2. Reduce indoor humidity

Sometimes we choose to dry laundry indoors. Drying it indoors is one of the causes which lead to humidity.

And the kitchen is also a place in home, where steam gets generated due to cooking. One of the easiest way for reduced humidity is to keep your windows regularly opened and home well ventilated. Budget-friendly ways of getting rid of humidity & moisture in your home is by getting installed an exhaust fan, especially in your kitchen, bathroom and other household activity area where water is frequently used. But if you are still facing the problem of humidity, then you also can opt for a dehumidifier. Read How to Control Humidity in Your Home Using a Dehumidifier?

3. Good-quality paints with specific property

If the paint on your wall is of inferior or poor quality, it tends to seep in moisture through concrete, which can damage the exterior and interior walls. This can result in weakening the strength of overall structure of your property and also make it appear unpleasant.

Apart from good quality, it is an important point to keep in mind: interior or exterior areas need a specific type of paint. Different paints have different properties and are formulated for different purposes. For example:  Exterior grade paints are used for exterior areas as they have resistance to cracking and dirt resistance, as well as provide protection from the damage ultraviolet (UV) rays cause.

4. Follow the finishing procedure properly

There are different layers to the final finishing of wall – like plaster, putty, primer and paint. If incorrect procedure followed at any layer like improper curing & poor surface preparation etc for the plastered surface finish at the external wall, then this can lead to cracks or surface damage. Thereby it can lead to a seepage problem, if left unnoticed. So, it is important to follow proper procedures in all layers of finishing.

5. Perform a visual check

Some visual checking that can be performed by a layman are as follows:

  • Check out for water pocket (or can say water getting accumulated) around drain outlet or any pipe blockage in the bathroom / kitchen, etc.
  • Check if any presence of algae or plant growth at exterior walls. The Existence of plants in an external wall or other parts of the building can cause cracks in walls which can lead to moisture intrusion.
  • There are some gaps which need to be sealed –gap around window and door frame; sink installation; AC gas pipe sleeve, drain outlet, gap at tile joints etc. It is important to seal all these gaps to save from the damage to home/property in future.

These checks will give you a basic idea about the moisture intrusion in your home.  In case of any issues, seek the services of a professional expert who would perform a thorough scan of the house using advanced thermal imaging technology2, and recommend an appropriate solution.

Common Mistake while dealing with seepage/ damp problems

Most of the painters or other vendors usually fix the problem of seepage/leakage/wall paint peel off or dampness on the wall simply by applying waterproofing solutions on the affected areas and repainting it again with the paint. This is indeed one of the most common mistakes done to solve the seepage problem of home/property as it will solve the issue temporarily and the problem will occur soon again after a few days. Reason is the root cause of seepage/moisture-related problem has not been fixed well. The very first step to solve the seepage/leakage problem is to find the source of the problem in the property. By employing thermal imaging technology, the source of seepage problem can be found out without damaging the property and can save you from The Invisible Silent Killer.

Our objective of writing this content was to share with you some effective ways to avoid seepage at your home or other property. If you are facing a seepage problem, check for all the possible causes in your house. If you want an expert advice, then damp inspection  using advanced thermal imaging technology can help you by detecting the exact source of this problem which will provide a long-term solution.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tUhU9C0rYE
2. https://irinfo.org/02-01-2011-hopkins/

Festive Home Cleaning: What’s Your Plan?

It is only a matter of a month. You can hear the footsteps of Navratri, the 9 days of celebration, puja, fasting and feasting, decking up yourself and so on. The defeat of Mahishasura by Goddess Durga signifying the win of good over evil is your reason for celebration. When Navratri / Durga Puja is so near, can Diwali be much far? Ayodhya decked up itself with hundreds and thousands of diyas when Sri Ram returned after defeating Ravana. Keeping the tradition alive, Indian homes are also waiting to get lit up. This particular year, amidst the pandemic situation, we Indians are wholeheartedly waiting for the festive season to make its grand entrance in our lives, right?

We get it that you are ready to embrace the festivals around the corner. But is your house ready? Looking for ideas where to start from? Scroll down to get a picturesque idea of deep cleaning for your house this festive season.

1. Monsoon is retreating! Start with the most important: Damp Removal

The first ‘evil’ that you should get rid of is the damn damp. However sunny and cheery the weather may seem now, it has been drizzling for days just before it. This surely has elevated the damp condition. So what are your plans? Putting up new wallpaper? – Wrong decision, let us tell you. It will come off any day and only add to your embarrassment. Better, you remove dampness from the walls first and then revive its decor. This will not only benefit the interiors but also your family’s health. In fact, you can consult a professional and try to find out the real cause behind the damp so that a permanent solution can be reached at. This will be your most important step of home cleaning before the festivals set in.

2. Take care of your Kitchen

When we say kitchen, we mean every nook and corner of it. Kitchen safety and sanitation1 is important at any point in time. So, Clean the kitchen cupboards, the containers, utensils- everything. The biggest evil in the kitchen is grease and oil. This cleaning season calls for attention to all those difficult-to-reach areas including the ceiling borders, junctions of walls, behind the shelves, etc. Dirt and cobwebs accumulate behind the appliances also. Move them from their position and clean those areas thoroughly. The insides of appliances can also be equally dirty. Wash them and if required, get them serviced as well.

3. Planning to Paint?

If you are buying new clothes for yourself why not give the house a fresh coat of paint? You may give only the exteriors a weather-proof coat or give the inside walls a much-needed makeover. But whatever you do, analyse the condition of the walls first. Is it only a case of fading paint due to a long time gap or is it a result of painting defects in your home? Or, is there something more significant behind the flakiness? Know the actual cause behind the problem and then go for a repaint. Take proper precautions, choose the right paint and shade and make your home ready to welcome Lord Ram and the Goddess Durga this festive season.

4. Do not let plumbing create panic

If your finicky fufaji decides to give you a visit this Diwali and a leaky pipe in the bathroom suddenly decides to give way right when he is using the facilities- can you imagine what a nightmare it would be! So before the festive season settles in, completely take care of the plumbing issues in your house. Mend the leaks on pipes, taps etc. Check the cistern once again. At the same time, do a thorough cleaning of the whole bathroom.

5. The dread of drain

You will be fasting during the Navratri days. You will break your fast on a ninth day with delicacies. More sweets and savouries will give off aroma during Diwali and fill the room. But the mood will completely spoil if the stench from the drainage system outside your house invades. Who would want that? So, check all the outlets for any blockages and remove them so that the wastes can be washed away easily.

6. Get rid of wiring worries

When it is the festivals, you are surely going for “let there be light.” There are going to be electrical diyas this year along with LED lights and other decorative lights. So, make sure the wiring system and the electrical set up is in good condition in your house, the circuit breakers are working fine and eliminate any chance of short circuit2 or other electrical hazards.

7. Closet Cleaning

You do need to make space for the new clothes you are buying, right? Trust us, once you decide to give your closet a cleaning, you will be amazed how many items are there in dire need of being discarded. Pull everything down. It is your best scope to dust the entire inside. Make a pile for the ones you decide to give away. For the rest, fold them and stack them in a neat manner.

8. Pooja Room Cleaning

It might be a small corner of your home or an entire room. The place of worship needs to be cleaned up too, especially when it is time to welcome the heavenly deities at your doorstep. Clean out the shelves, wipe the various sized containers clean, dust the places where needed, look for cobwebs behind the photographs or the idols, clean the ashes from incense stick holder-in short, deck up your puja room.

9. Clean the furniture

Regular dusting is not all. See if the wooden pieces need new polish. Change the upholstery, curtains, cushion covers, bed sheets and other furnishings. It is time to push the vacuum cleaner nozzle behind the sofa set. Clean thoroughly, not superficially.

10. Basic Cleaning

Have the doors been making noise? Is there rust on the grills and need a coat? What about the ceiling fan and bookshelf? Well, clean them up. Do away with the unwanted items and organise these parts. Deep clean the mattresses also. Take care of all these and your basic cleaning is done. Do you know what works best? – A room-wise cleaning approach3. Start with the exteriors (if needed and doable) and then move inside – from the living room to each bedroom and so on.

Once done with cleaning, sanitize and disinfect4 every corner your house. Look for the areas that require more attention. Though we may well expect to have a virtual family get together on Diwali this year, our family’s health will always be our priority; so, don’t skip sanitisation and disinfection. Make it a part of your festive home cleaning from now on.

With the pandemic looming large, we need more blessings ushered on us from the gods and the goddesses. It will be apt to welcome them in a clean abode. So, get on with the cleaning spree before the festivities get the better of you.

Have a safe and happy festive season!

Reference links used:
1. https://sanitizeyourplace.in/kitchen-safety-and-sanitization-a-must-for-all-times/
2. https://blog.havells.com/lighting/gear-up-for-diwali-by-protecting-your-home-from-electrical-hazards/
3. https://www.bergerpaints.com/blog/decor-tips/diwali-house-cleaning-tips-get-your-home-ready-for-the-festivities
4. https://sanitizeyourplace.in/disinfect-to-protect-your-home-office-in-covid-19-crisis/