Hydrogen peroxide is a magic anti-microbial tool.

Hydrogen peroxide is known for treating cuts and wounds and it can actually be a great helper around the house. Due to its antifungal and anti-microbial qualities, it destroys bacteria, mildew, and bad odors. It can be used to clean cookware, carpets, and tile; to whiten home textiles and bed linens; and to remove limescale and yellow marks from the sink, bath, and toilet.

Ammonia dissolves grease and oil stains.

Household ammonia is known to be a strong cleaner as it gets rid of grease and oil by breaking down cell proteins. Many tub, floor and window cleaners contain it as an active ingredient. But while it’s a highly effective cleaning agent, it’s poisonous and very dangerous if it comes into contact with the eyes or skin, or if it’s inhaled. That’s why ammonia should never be combined with other chemicals as it can be very harmful.

Household chemicals don’t come cheap, especially in big families as they run out very quickly. So if you don’t want to overpay or use products with complex substances (especially if there are people with allergies in your household), create your own cleaning product! It’s less costly and harmless if you follow the right proportions and safety precautions.

Ingredients:

• 100 ml of ammonia (10%)
• 100 ml of hydrogen peroxide (3%)

Method:

• Take a plastic bottle with an atomizer or a glass jar, rinse it under running water, and wipe it dry with paper napkins or a towel.
• Put on rubber gloves, a mask, and preferably safety glasses before you pour the ammonia into the bottle.
• Add hydrogen peroxide to the ammonia in a thin stream.
• Mix it all by gently and carefully shaking the bottle.
• Spray the mixture onto the rust (or apply it onto a clean dry cloth and put it on the rust) and leave it in this state for 10-15 minutes.
• Wash it all off thoroughly with running water.

Good ventilation and a mask are a must.

Ammonia can be poisonous, so to use it at home, you’ll need to open all the windows, put on a mask and rubber gloves, quickly apply the mixture to the bathtub, sink, or toilet, and leave the room (you can go into another room, a balcony, or outside), and keep other family members and pets away from the bathroom.

After the mixture is washed off thoroughly, it’s always a good idea to ventilate the home well.

What simple cleaning recipes do you use in your household? We’d be happy to hear from you in the comment section below!

Cleaning and maintaining the toilet can be a dreaded task. Instead of continuously postponing it, you can simplify the process by using a common kitchen ingredient: garlic. While it may seem peculiar, garlic is a convenient solution for comprehensive toilet cleaning. It contains allicin, a compound responsible for its potent aroma, which also acts as a deterrent to fungi, bacteria, and mold that can cause plumbing issues.

Additionally, the sulfur compounds in garlic can effectively neutralize unpleasant odors. Isn’t that incredible? Let’s learn how to harness the power of garlic for toilet maintenance.
Maximizing Toilet Cleanliness and Freshness with Garlic

Garlic, as you now know, serves as a powerful cleaning and deodorizing agent for toilets due to its antiseptic and antibacterial qualities. Here’s how you can incorporate this plant into your toilet cleaning routine:

• Start by peeling a clove of garlic and drop it, either whole or crushed, into the toilet bowl.
• Allow it to work overnight, unleashing its antibacterial power.
• The next morning, give your toilet a good scrub with a brush and flush it.
• Voila! Your toilet will be sparkling clean from within.

However, remember that while this clever hack is efficient, it should not replace routine toilet cleaning.

Source: greenlivingtribe

Bathroom Mold Removal—The damp and humid environment provides the ideal conditions for these unwelcome guests. But fear not! With the right knowledge and strategies, you can bid farewell to bathroom mold and keep it from making a comeback.

1. Preventative Ventilation:

– Use exhaust fans and open windows during and after showers to reduce humidity and promote ventilation. Mold thrives in stagnant, damp air.

2. Regular Cleaning Routine:

– Develop a consistent bathroom cleaning routine. Wipe down surfaces, including walls and ceilings, with a mold-fighting cleaner. Don’t forget to scrub tile grout and sealant to prevent mold from taking hold.

3. Natural Mold Removers:

– Create a natural cleaning solution using equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray this mixture on mold-prone areas and let it sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing away the mold.

4. Silicone Sealant Maintenance:

– Inspect and replace any damaged or deteriorating silicone seals around your bathtub and shower. Proper sealing prevents moisture from seeping in and causing mold.

Bathroom Mold Removal- Tricks for a Mold-Free Bathroom

– Baking Soda Scrub: Make a paste with baking soda and water and use it to scrub away mold from grout, tiles, and other surfaces. Rinse thoroughly.

– Tea Tree Oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray this natural antifungal solution on mold-prone areas, leave it for a few hours, and wipe clean.

– Reduce Clutter: Minimize the number of items in your bathroom to prevent mold from hiding in hard-to-reach spots.

With the right approach, you can reclaim your bathroom from the clutches of mold and mildew. Regular maintenance, proper ventilation, and natural cleaning solutions are your allies in this battle. We hope this guide has armed you with the knowledge and strategies needed to enjoy a clean, mold-free bathroom.

Remember, a mold-free bathroom not only looks better but also contributes to a healthier living environment. Say goodbye to unsightly mold, musty odors, and the hassle of scrubbing away mold constantly. Instead, say hello to a fresh, clean, and welcoming bathroom. Happy cleaning!

1. Clean the microwave with lemon

Just pour some water into a serviceable bowl or pitcher and add a few slices of lemon. Turn on the microwave until the window is flat. Microwave the bowl for 3 minutes before opening the door to remove any grease and grime, then wipe clean with a sponge or cloth.

2. Clean the kettle with lemon

Use a whole lemon to descale your dirty kettle. You just need to cut into thin slices, put lemon in warm and fill with cold water to apply on acne-affected skin. Bring the kettle to a boil once, then let it sit for half an hour, boil it a second time, and then rinse. Your kettle should be nice and clean and have a lemon color.

3. Clean stains with lemon

A little lemon juice and salt can remove stubborn stains in just a few minutes. Squeeze some lemon juice directly onto the stained area, then sprinkle some salt on top. Rub this mixture on the yellowed area for a few minutes, then rinse with water. Repeat this a few times, then let dry before washing as usual. Do not use lemon juice on delicate fabrics, such as silk.

4. Clean the barbecue with lemon

This technique is similar to removing stains from clothes. Cut a lemon in half, put a pinch of salt in a bowl, and dip each lemon halves in the salt so that the lemon is completely submerged. Next, heat up the BBQ and scrub the grill with lemon, the same way you would a sponge. The abrasive action of the salt and the acidic, antibacterial properties of the lemon will keep the lemon clean and disinfected.

5. Polish metal with lemon

Do exactly the same way you would clean your BBQ grill with lemon to remove dirt and give your cutlery a nice shine. You can polish brass, chromium, copper, aluminum, bronze and stainless with lemon, but do not use it on gold or silver, as this can damage the plating.

6. Create an all-in-one cleaner

Don’t throw away leftover lemon zest. Instead, keep them and create a super easy all-in-one cleaner. Pour lemon zest into half a mason jar, then pour vinegar over the jar. Cover the jars and place in a dark refrigerator for two weeks (the longer you leave them, the more the two ingredients will infuse). After two weeks, pour the liquid into a spray bottle and use as you would any all-purpose cleaner.

7. Remove stains on cutting boards with lemon

Simply cut a lemon in half and use it as a sponge by rubbing it on a cutting board to remove stains. For more stubborn stains and to give your lemons a little extra boost, sprinkle some salt or bicarbonate of soda on the board before scrubbing with the lemons.

8. Remove stains from tupperware boxes

Curry or leftover bolognese pasta has stains in your tupperware container? Cut a lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the box, then use the lemon to rub the juice on the stains. Leave the juice on for 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

9. Remove stubborn stains on food

We’ve all been guilty of leaving dishes out overnight and then struggling to wash away leftovers the next day, but a lemon and a pinch of salt can help. Dip half a cut lemon in a pinch of salt and clean the dishes. The citric acid and salt will work together to cut through any hard parts of the food.

How to Interpret the Cleaning Codes

Don’t ignore the owner’s manual! Always look for information about your upholstered items. This information may be in a care pamphlet delivered with the product, or a tag is sewn into a seam, and it should tell you what it’s made out of, and how to safely clean the material. Here are some common codes found on labels:

WS: Use a mild detergent with a steam vacuum or a dry-cleaning detergent

S: Use a dry cleaner detergent only.

X: Use a vacuum only. No water.

W: You can use water to clean it.

Don’t Scrub – Start by Blotting Liquid Spills

Use an absorbent cloth to first blot at spills and moisture to quickly absorb them. This will help reduce the chance that the stain will get “rubbed in,” and it’ll help to collect the liquid that’s soaking into foam layers beneath the upholstery. The more liquid you can absorb by blotting, the less internal damage that happens to your furnishings.

Try to Steam Clean Tough Stains

You might expect that you’ll just have to live with the dirty armrests or dried spills for the duration of a seat’s existence, but steam cleaning is relatively effective at lifting embedded dirt from the fabric. You’ll probably find that your steam mop for the floors is an acceptable tool for this task – especially if it comes with a detailed cleaning attachment. Always use a low-heat setting, and test in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that the fabric doesn’t have an unexpectedly negative reaction to the heat. Do not use steam heat on the upholstery that is made of – or contains – silk.

Don’t Use Plain Water to Clean Microfiber Surfaces

Water can lead to dried watermarks and spots on microfiber upholstery. Rubbing alcohol is better for cleaning microfiber. Apply it with a spray bottle, and use a dry, clean cloth to lift the stain as it loosens.

Choose the Right Vacuum Attachment

There’s the actual rationale for using all the different vacuum attachments that came with your high-end product.

Cleaning pet fur in the home with a vacuum

The airflow attachment, for example, is the one that looks like a smaller version of your vacuum and creates airflow during use that operates the spinning brushes. It’s more gentle than the actual vacuum, smaller, which makes it easier to get into small crevices, and it does a great job at getting pet fur off upholstery because it brushes the surface while extracting the dust and debris.

The more formal upholstery brush attachment is the one that looks more like a lint brush, with softer bristles that lift dust and help to reduce pilling.

Use Caution When Applying Fabric Protectors

UV- and stain-repellent sprays can help keep upholstery looking its best and make messes easier to clean, but over-penetration of the sprays can have an adverse effect, too. Too much chemical saturation can cause stains and excessive scrubbing wear and tears on the materials. It can also cause irritation on sensitive skin or to pets who nap and play on the upholstered surface.

Avoid Fabric Softeners

Don’t confuse “softeners” with leather conditioners – you should totally be conditioning your leather upholstery. What we’re saying here is that for any washable upholstery, avoid using fabric softeners. Use “free-and-clear” detergents that don’t contain scents or dyes, and opt to line dry or dry flat, rather than putting upholstery through the dryer.

Remember to Rotate the Cushions

Avoid the dreaded butt dent and added wear to the fabric on the most sat-upon surfaces by rotating the cushions.

How to Clean Upholstery

If your upholstery can be cleaned with a water-based cleanser, you can do this with a few simple ingredients. A spray-on stain remover can be used for any tough spots, just like in washing laundry. Spray your stain remover and wait for about five minutes. While you wait, mix four parts of warm water with one part of laundry detergent. Use a rough sponge or a soft bristle brush to apply the cleaning mixture to your upholstery. Scrub along the grain of the fabric until you have lifted the dirt and stains. Use a damp, clean cloth to wipe away any remaining suds or dirt. You can leave your upholstery to dry or use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the remaining moisture.

Vinegar is great for hard tile and solid surfaces. The more acidic it is, the more effective it is at being a disinfectant. It’s not necessary to dilute your vinegar before putting it to use on these select surfaces, though diluting it does have some benefits: It’s more gentle on grout and doesn’t smell quite so potent.

Some might imply that diluting a splash of white vinegar into water will boast the same potency and cleaning power, but don’t expect to get the full benefit from the cleaner if you’re running those tests in your at-home science lab. The more concentrated the solution, the better it’ll perform when you’re mopping porcelain and linoleum. Aim for 50/50 vinegar and water, or more vinegar and less water.

If it isn’t realistic to have a whole mopping bucket filled with undiluted white vinegar – and it isn’t – consider this vinegar mopping strategy instead:

Soak a cloth in a small bowl of distilled white vinegar, and once it has absorbed all of the vinegar, attach it to the base of a dry mop or “wet sweeper” type of product. If it doesn’t clip or pinch on, strap it in place with a couple of rubber bands. The soaked rag will serve as a wet mop, and it’ll effectively collect dirt on the ground while simultaneously distributing the vinegar across the floor to disinfect. Overall, you’ll use less vinegar than if you were dipping a mop into a bucket but will still be disinfecting at maximum effectiveness.

For Hardwoods, Ceramics and Stone

On wood flooring, ceramic tile and natural stone, it’s always best to use a more diluted concentration of vinegar (think: 1 cup of vinegar in 1 gallon of water). The acidic properties of pure distilled white vinegar are likely to do more harm than good on these surfaces and can also dull the polish or wax finishes.

You’re not going to be able to as assuredly disinfect these surfaces with vinegar because of the diluted concentration. Instead, be diligent about dry mopping, vacuuming and using surface-approved cleaners if you need spot treatment.

What if You Don’t Like the Smell of Vinegar?

When you’re over the fact that your house smells like salt and vinegar potato chips (temporarily, but you might not be able to convince your spouse of that) you might find yourself looking for alternatives to vinegar. Keep in mind that you can add a few drops of essential oils such as lemon or lavender to your cleaning solution to cut back on the intensity of the vinegar scent.

You can also treat the cleaning solution ahead of time by soaking citrus peels, like orange, lemon and lime, into the vinegar cleaner to infuse different scents. Everyone’s tolerance is a little different when it comes to using vinegar as a cleaner, especially during seasons when it’s harder to ventilate any type of cleaning solution scent from a home.

Any Other Important Things to Keep in Mind When Mopping With Vinegar?

Never combine vinegar with bleach. The resulting fumes are toxic and can even be deadly. Vinegar + Water is the safest combo for cleaning.

If you’re facing a tough spot while you mop, sprinkle a little bit of dry baking soda onto the area and scrub at it by hand. Undiluted vinegar will have some reactions to the baking soda, though not enough to cause an issue.

Never add vinegar to your steam mop. The mechanisms that process the water and treat the steam are intended for pure water and nothing more. Vinegar can break the internal components.

Avoid the use of vinegar on laminate flooring, as the acidic properties can dull the finish over time. (Furthermore, mopping laminate even with water can damage the flooring. Dry mopping and spot cleaning laminate is the best route.)

1. Use mouthwash to disinfect your toothbrush

Each time we use our toothbrushes, we may be transferring bathroom bacteria directly into our mouths. If you’re someone who flushes the toilet with the lid up, then you could be spreading waste particles around the room, which can settle on surfaces and objects.

Therefore, it’s recommended to sanitize your toothbrush in mouthwash for 2 minutes after using it.

2. Clean your oven with 1/5 cup of ammonia

Simply heat your oven to 150ºF then turn it off and place 1/5 cup of ammonia in a bowl on your oven’s top-shelf. Place a bowl of boiling water on the shelf below and close the door, leaving them to do their thing overnight.

This will help the grime to drop off from your oven, helping you to easily wipe it clean the next day.

3. Microwave your sponge

Our dish sponges collect large amounts of harmful bacteria that we don’t want to then transfer to our dishes while washing them. To sterilize a sponge, you should wet it completely before placing it in the microwave for 1 minute.

The extreme heat will zap any bacteria growing in your sponges. Repeat this every few days when your sponge starts to smell.

4. Clean your wooden kitchen tools

Our wooden spoons can suffer in the kitchen, especially if they get put into the dishwasher or are left to soak. To keep them healthy, it’s recommended to rub them with a slice of lemon in order to stop any unwanted smells to permeate. You can also coat them with vegetable or coconut oil for a little tender loving care. This will make them shine and protect them from harmful moisture.

When they’re exposed to too much moisture, they grow mildew, which isn’t the most hygienic thing for your cooking vessels.

5. Wipe down your windowsills regularly

Because windows and windowsills can collect condensation, they can be a prime breeding ground for fungi and microbes. Make sure that you don’t forget about these hotspots that can be harboring a concentration of bacteria due to the damp environment of the window.

6. Shampoo your hairbrush

Our hairbrushes are often neglected when it comes to cleaning, even though they may be carrying a lot of dirt. This is because our hair can develop a buildup of pollution and everyday germs when we’re out and about, which then gets transferred to our brushes.

It’s advised to clean your brush once a month by removing old hairs and shampooing it overnight before rinsing it clean.

7. Disinfect your yoga mat with apple cider vinegar

Yoga mats can pick up tons of bacteria, not only from the dampness caused by our sweat but also from being placed on floors, especially at fitness centers. Therefore, it’s recommended to clean your mat every time you use it. Simply wipe it down using a cloth and equal parts water and apple cider vinegar.

The vinegar will act as a disinfectant, giving your mat a fresh makeover.

8. Clean your silver jewelry with soda and salt

To restore them back to their original glory, you should line a tray with aluminum foil and add 2 tablespoons of soda and 1 tablespoon of salt. Place the jewelry on top and cover it with boiling water.

By leaving this to soak overnight, it will dissolve the dirt and tarnish that collects on our silver accessories.

9. Clean your keyboard with gel

Cleaning slime can be very practical for removing the buildup of dust and dirt from small spaces, and it’s very easy to make at home! You’ll need to mix 1 cup of warm water with borax in a bowl and 1/2 a cup of warm water with glue in another bowl. Combine the 2 mixtures and stir until it becomes firm — then knead it into a hard ball.

Bonus: Use a mesh bag in the dishwasher

To make sure that everything is properly washed in the dishwasher, it’s important to use a mesh bag to keep the smaller items together. This stops the smaller pieces from slipping down into the washer and not getting sterilized properly.

What tricks do you use to combat germs? Please share them to help us all fight them off!

Eggshells

You might think that a crushed up eggshell will go down the drain smoothly, but it actually is causing a blockage. The sharp, hard edges of the shell will collect other things coming down your drain and eventually cause a clog.

Grease

When you pour grease down the drain, it sticks to the inside of your pipes and the pipes in the street. This can cause the entire pipe to become clogged over time. Other oil-based products are also dangerous to pour down your drain, such as cooking oil, salad dressings, butter, mayonnaise, and fat. If needed, make sure to let the grease cool first, then dispose of it in the trash instead.

Flour

Flour coagulates when mixed with water. This can clog your pipes by coating the edges and catching other bits of disposables trying to make their way down. Always throw your flour, whether mixed with water or not, in the garbage.

Medication

If you flush your unused or expired medication or crush it up and pour it down the drain, those chemicals will be leaked back into your drinking water and the environment. Always make sure to dispose of unwanted medication at your local pharmacy or police department, which will have access to medical waste disposal units.

Produce stickers

Many times people wash their fruit and forget to take the sticker off; it falls in the sink and you eventually just let it go down the drain. Peel them off before you wash your fruit and dispose of it properly. Those little stickers don’t dissolve in water and can clog your pipes and block screens and filters or pumps at the water treatment plant.

Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds build up in your pipes and cause blockages. Plumbers say they are the most common cause of drain problems. You should always dispose of coffee grounds in your trashcan or use them for composting (don’t forget the coffee grounds at the bottom of your mug).

Products claiming to be ‘flushable’

Products claiming to be “flushable” such as certain brands of cat litter and wipes still create a high risk of clogged drains. Cat litter is still highly absorbent after you flush it and toxins from cat feces may get leaked into the ocean and harm marine life. Flushable wipes also don’t break down properly and often get caught on other things creating large clots in pipes.

Condoms

Condoms are made of latex, which doesn’t disintegrate in water, so never, ever flush them. Throw them in the trash or dispose of them at a waste treatment center. If you flush them, they may end up in the ocean and marine life often mistakes them for food and chokes.

Cleaning products

Even though most cleaning products are liquid, they should never be poured down the drain because they contain harmful chemicals. Many contain phosphates, antibacterial agents, and other compounds that aren’t removed at the water treatment plant and can be hazardous to the ecosystem.

Paper products

The only paper product that should go down your drain is toilet paper. It has been specially designed to break down and disintegrate in water. Always dispose of other paper products such as paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products in the trash. These items are extremely absorbent and will easily clog your pipes.

Expandable food

It’s OK to let some food run down the drain, but a lot of it expands when mixed with water and can lead to a block. Pasta and rice are two foods to watch out for. Also, pastas are made with flour, which will become sticky and catch other things in your pipes.

Paint

Similar to cleaning products, paint should never be poured down the drain even though it’s a liquid. It has the potential to pollute the environment and cause your drain to clog. Many towns have hazardous waste facilities where you can safely dispose of your old or unused paint. Next, read about the foods you should never keep in your pantry.

But don’t be intimidated—you don’t need to memorize the Uniform Plumbing Code or pass your state’s licensing exam to maintain a plumbing system free of leaks, clogs, and sewage backups. It’s more a matter of implementing habits and routines that will help you minimize
Here are 6 things professional plumbers always do in their own homes to keep things running smoothly.

1. Plumbers always put food waste into the trash or compost bin

Dumping bacon grease or the remnants of your toddler’s lunch into the sink and running the garbage disposal might seem like the quick-and-easy way to plow through a stack of dirty dishes. But it’s actually a terrible habit that can really wreak havoc on your plumbing system

A better plan? Scrape your plates into the garbage can, and pour grease into an empty can that also goes in the trash. Composting is an option, too, if you have a way to dispose of the compost. Some cities offer compost pick-up, and many people use compost in their gardens.

Why is this so important? Grease sticks to the walls of your pipes and eventually clogs your drain. And the garbage disposal is not designed to break down and process things like meat, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Putting these items down the drain and running the disposal will overwork and eventually damage the device.

2. Plumbers flush their water heater regularly

If you find yourself standing in a cold shower every morning or hearing weird sounds coming from your water heater, it might be time to ask yourself if the unit has been flushed lately. Or ever.

Why is this necessary? Over time sediment builds up at the bottom of your water heater tank. This sediment can damage the appliance, making it inefficient or even inoperable. Flushing is particularly important in areas with hard water.

Fortunately, performing this annual to-do is not complicated. And while you can certainly hire a plumber to flush a water heater on your behalf, many DIYers are perfectly capable of doing the job.

3. Plumbers use a smart device to check for leaks and drips

“(The device) basically monitors for fluctuations in water pressure and any type of leaks that may occur”. “It is a really useful device.”

If you’re not ready to add a smart home leak monitor, remember to keep an eye out for leaks and drips. This is typically done by simply listening for the sound of rushing water or that tell-tale drop-drop sound. You can also go through your home and check each faucet.

“The sooner you catch stuff with good routine inspections, the cheaper it is to fix” .

4. Plumbers always use a no-frills plunger

Sometimes, back-to-basics is best. Case in point: toilet plungers. You can buy all sorts of gimmicky, overly engineered plungers, but the ones that work best are the good old-fashioned.

Why? Because they quickly and effectively do the job they are meant to do—unclog a toilet. Plus, they are easy to clean. “Fancy” plungers, with their air holes, tempered handles, and drip-free magnetic collars, cost more and don’t do anything to help make plunging more pleasant. Save yourself the trouble by sticking to the original version, even if it doesn’t look as good in the corner of your bathroom.

On a related note, when you’re shopping for a plunger, add a basic pair of safety goggles to your car. Plunging can be an extremely dirty job and you’ll want your eyes protected.

5. Plumbers change their water filter cartridges

If you use a plumbing-integrated water filter of any kind—whether it be a faucet filter, refrigerator filter, under-sink filter, or a whole-house water treatment filter—it’s essential you do exactly what a plumber would do and change those filter cartridges regularly.

Generally, change the filter every six months, but this can vary based on use and manufacturer’s recommendations. Check the owner’s manual for your particular device.
Because the filter collects various contaminants that could be in your city’s water system. (If you’re not sure which contaminants your filter blocks, this handy database can tell you.) In some cases, this is mostly about taste. Other times, it is about health. In either case, you want your filter to do its job. If you fail to change the filter, it can get dirty and clogged, rendering it useless.

6. Plumbers check their water pressure at least once a year

Water pressure that is too high or too low can be problematic, not to mention annoying. This is why plumbers check the water pressure in their homes at least once a year.

What can go wrong if you don’t keep tabs on it? Well, with low water pressure, you’ll experience things like slow flow in the shower or a washing machine that takes forever to fill. High water pressure can lead to leaks, wear-and-tear on your appliances, and even burst pipes.

While it can vary by city code, in general, the water pressure should be set to a maximum of 80 PSI. This will allow you to easily rinse the shampoo out of your hair in the shower while also keeping your pipes in one piece. Checking your water pressure is really easy. Just pick up a water pressure test gauge, secure it to your hose or faucet, turn on the water and wait for the reading to register.

If your pressure is too high or too low, you’ll need to seek help from a plumber or determine the cause of the issue and make the repair yourself. There are numerous causes of high and/or low pressure, but one possible fix for low pressure is the installation of a water pressure booster pump.

While the flies don’t sting or bite, they can cause foodborne illness by spreading bacteria from contaminated foods to other surfaces in the home. Research has shown that fruit flies are a significant vector in the spread of E. coli.1

Once you have a fruit fly infestation, you’ll want to eliminate them as quickly as possible (possibly with a homemade fruit fly trap). But, there are steps you can take to prevent an infestation of fruit flies from becoming a bigger problem.

Know What Fruit Flies Love

Fruit flies are drawn to anything containing sugar that ferments into alcohol—such as overly ripe fruit, beer, or wine, to name a few common items. If they can’t readily find their very favorite foods, they will search it out in sticky garbage cans, compost bins, sink drains, and recycling bins.

Wash and Inspect Produce

When you bring home produce from the market, carefully inspect it for any bruising or damage. Wash the produce well before using or storing it to remove fruit fly eggs or larvae that may have hitched a ride.

Store Fruit and Produce Properly

While a bowl of fruit on a counter is lovely and easy to access, it is best to store fruits in the refrigerator to slow the ripening process and prevent the attraction of fruit flies. Only place uncovered fruit that will be consumed within a few hours on the counter.

Dispose of Damaged Fruit Correctly

Once fruit and vegetables become overly ripe or damaged, tossing them in a kitchen waste bin will still attract fruit flies. Instead, place the rotten fruit or peelings in a covered compost bin, outdoor compost pile, or place in a sealed bag in an outdoor waste container.

Clean Food Preparation Areas Promptly

Fruit flies can find that tiny piece of fruit or drops of spilled wine very quickly. Prompt and thorough cleaning of counters, tables, small appliances, and dishes after any type of food preparation or service will help prevent an infestation.

One key area to clean well is the kitchen sink and garbage disposal. Bits of food can become trapped in the drains. Clean and flush out drains and disposals well after each use for food preparation.

Wash Sponges and Dishcloths Frequently

When you finish cleaning up the kitchen, there are probably bits of food trapped in the sponge, brush, dishcloth, or mop you used. Don’t leave a sticky cleaning tool lying around to attract fruit flies. Toss the items into the washer or dishwasher instead.

Keep windows and Doors Closed

Fruit flies are so tiny that they can slip through window and door screens. Keep doors and windows closed as a better deterrent.

Control Indoor Humidity

Keeping indoor humidity rates low slows the deterioration of fruit. Use a dehumidifier and air conditioner to help keep humidity as low as possible.

Blow Them Away

If you are working with lots of products during a marathon meal preparation or food preservation session, put an oscillating fan in the kitchen to keep the air moving. This will help prevent the flies from landing on the foods to lay eggs and shorten the cycle of the infestation.

Check the Pantry

There’s no fruit on the counter but you still have flies. Why? It could be something rotting in the pantry. Fruit flies like mushy potatoes and onions just as much as bananas.

Pay Attention to Your Trash Can

While you can have an outbreak of fruit flies during any season, summer is a key time, because of the abundance of produce and the added heat and humidity. If there’s lots of eating going on, it is worth your time to empty the trash can twice a day to an outdoor container. The trash can should also be washed out with an all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid and water at least weekly to remove any seepage and stickiness in the bottom that can attract fruit flies.

Rinse out Recyclables

If you have a bin for recyclables, be sure to rinse out bottles and cans before you toss them in the bin. A few drops of beer, wine, or soft drink is ambrosia to a fruit fly. Use this tip even if the bin is outside. Fruit flies like to sneak into your kitchen every time a door is opened, so empty the bins often and give indoor and outdoor bins frequent cleanings to eliminate food sources for fruit flies.