The internet has many videos on the best hacks for cleaning the kitchen quickly and easily. However, not all of them are useful. In fact, some have the opposite effect, and you may have to clean your kitchen all over again after trying them. From using bleach on counters to lining the fridge drawers with newspaper, here are some of the most popular kitchen cleaning hacks that do not work. Using bleach to clean kitchen counters People often forget how poisonous bleach can be to humans, animals, and the environment. The fumes emitted by it have specific organic compounds that can trigger health issues like COPD, chronic respiratory problems, headaches, allergic reactions, and asthma. So, instead of using bleach on the countertops, investing in a cleaner that contains three percent hydrogen peroxide should do the job. Soaking knives in vinegar to remove rust Contrary to what many online influencers suggest, vinegar is ineffective for removing rust from kitchen knives. An alternative that does work involves scrubbing the knives with sliced potatoes dipped in baking soda and then cleaning them with vegetable oil to prevent the development of rust in the future. Using lemon wedges in the dishwasher Lemon-based solutions will make your dishes smell fresh but are not very effective in removing stains.

Approximately 60% of the human body constitutes water, the lifeline of all existence on Earth. Clean drinking water ensures well-being and prevents water-borne diseases like cholera and dysentery. While most households have water storage tanks facilitating a regular supply of drinking water, unclean water tanks can cause acute water contamination and contribute to the onset of unfavorable health conditions. So, here are some ways to clean one’s water tank effectively: Clean the top of the tank The first crucial step to cleaning a water tank is to clean the topmost part, from where one would clean the rest. This process ensures a clean and mess-free workspace while cleaning the tank. Clean the tools The best way to clean the tools for tank cleaning is to soak them in a cleaning solution with one part bleach and four parts hot water. Drain the tank The valve to the distribution line should be shut off and water drained from the tap or outlet valve to the best extent possible. This water may be used for various purposes, such as watering plants or washing windows. For example, one would require 2-5 gallon pails of water to clean and rinse the tank. Wash the water tank Mix one part bleach with four parts water and scrub the insides of the water tank.

Most households have carpeting as flooring because of its soft and warm look, especially in regions where the temperatures are usually cooler. Many people also prefer carpet over other floor coverings because of its easy and economical maintenance. However, even after regular vacuuming, sometimes it becomes difficult to get rid of stains and dirt. Here are some tips professionals use to care for carpet cleaning needs, which you can apply at home. Blot and don’t scrub Spills are normal in a household, especially one with kids or a household that usually hosts too many parties. One of the immediate remedies anyone tries is to scrub the spill. Professionals recommend that you should not scrub the area as it leads to fabric disintegrating, and also, the stain gets ground into the fabric. Instead, they say blotting is better suited. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot on the spill. This technique puts only a small amount of pressure on the stain, and this helps in soaking up the liquid. Also, always start blotting from the outer edges and work your way inwards rather than the reverse. Shaving cream A neat trick that is extremely easy to try. If you have stained the carpet, take any shaving cream available in the bathroom and apply it directly on the stain.

Schizophrenia is one of the most complex mental disorders. Individuals struggling with the condition often experience symptoms like delusional thinking, hallucinations, and social isolation. The condition significantly affects cognitive ability, leading to trouble perceiving emotions or controlling behavior. Patients need multidimensional support, including special care and dedicated treatment. Other remedies, such as eating a healthy meal plan, can help. For example, foods can determine one’s mood, so it’s important to know the most nourishing foods for schizophrenia. Here are a few foods that patients with schizophrenia can include in their meal plans: Lentils Lentils are reasonably priced food items that contain many nutrients, from protein and fiber to essential vitamins and antioxidants. These superfoods help boost the production of a brain chemical called serotonin, which regulates one’s mood and behavior. Apart from that, it also stabilizes one’s sugar levels and keeps one energetic. Broccoli Studies show that this cruciferous vegetable has high levels of antioxidants, sulforaphane, vitamins, folic acid, zinc, and fiber. People with schizophrenia may experience chemical imbalances in their brains, which sulforaphane-rich foods like broccoli can regulate. Whole grains People with schizophrenia struggle to satisfy their hunger and may not feel full even after meals. In addition, the patients may also see a hike in their body fat due to schizophrenia treatments.

Caring for the teeth isn’t just about brushing, flossing, and using an expensive mouthwash. Lifestyle habits can also affect one’s oral health. Certain bad habits inadvertently damage the teeth, causing them to become chipped or cracked. They also increase the risk of gum injuries, jaw and bone disorders, and bacterial infections that cause severe discomfort. From biting the nails to eating too much sugar, here are six bad habits that damage the teeth. Biting the fingernails Nail biting is a bad habit people develop unknowingly. Since the nails hold dirt and debris, it’s unhygienic. Biting the nails repeatedly can also cause weaker teeth to chip off. Further, the jaw assumes a protruded position while biting, which can lead to jaw disorders that are hard to rectify. The best way to avoid this habit is to trim the nails regularly. Chewing, grinding, and clenching Chewing hard foods can chip the teeth or erode their surface. Hence, experts recommend softening the foods with saliva before biting them down with brute force. Clenching and grinding are subconscious habits some develop at night. Dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard to prevent the upper and lower jaw from grinding excessively. Using the teeth for unnecessary tasks Using the teeth to cut open strips of sticky tape, packages, or hard substances can cause them to chip off and grind away.

The immune system is the primary defense mechanism employed by the body to actively protect against disease and prevent health complications in the long run. Even changes in daily nutrition and certain unhealthy lifestyle choices directly impact immunity. But the more important concern here is to identify the signs of a weak immune system so that immediate treatment and preventive care can be given for recovery. Here are the top indicators of weakened immunity. Elevated stress Stress is often referred to as the silent predator as it causes a high rise in cortisol levels in the body. An excess release of cortisol in the bloodstream lowers the white blood cell (WBC) count, the body’s central disease-fighting cells. Low WBC triggers a hormonal imbalance that directly affects a person’s immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to known diseases. Continuous stress can severely affect organ function and cognitive health. Fever Developing a fever indicates the body’s immune system is working hard to fight off a reaction or infection. There are also multiple autoimmune responses (triggers of the immune system) that directly impact a person’s overall health. With fever, a person also develops fatigue that impacts their daily routine. Frequent sickness An illness that persists or takes longer to recover from is a clear sign of a weak immune system.

For many adults, neck and back pain are common occurrences. The reasons can vary from bad posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or a chronic health disorder. Most often, the culprit is the wrong sleeping position. The position you sleep in can affect your neck and spine health. So it is essential to adopt some of the best sleeping positions for the neck and spine to ensure you do not wake up again with a sore neck or back. Here are a few positions that can help prevent and alleviate neck and spine pain: Recline the back Sleeping on your back in a reclining position can help alleviate and avoid pain caused by isthmic spondylolisthesis. Invest in an adjustable bed since you can’t recline a normal bed. You can align it in a way that gives you the most comfort and support. Reclining can benefit your spine by forming an angle between your trunk and thighs. This will lower the pressure on your back. Keeping a pillow underneath the knees Lay on your back and place a pillow under your knees. The pillow helps to maintain the natural curve of your spine. For extra support, you can place a small, soft towel rolled up right beneath the small of your back.

People enjoy wearing outfits that they come across on social media. It can be quite enjoyable to anticipate upcoming fashion trends. But there might be occasions when you might notice rashes on your skin without any underlying cause. And this could be due to the damaging effects on your well-being due to certain outfits in your wardrobe. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of these six clothes that could harm your health. Skinny jeans Despite their fashion appeal, skinny jeans may compress nerves in the groin and legs, reducing blood flow to the lower legs. The phenomenon could lead to muscle damage, numbness, and swelling. The tight clothing may also damage the skin barrier that protects you from infections. Therefore, you should reduce the time spent in skinny jeans or switch to more comfortable options. Control-top tights Restrictive shapewear like stockings and spandex may lead to pressing against your body. It could result in excessively pushing against your organs, resulting in stomach pain and acid reflux. While you could still wear control-top tights, save them for special occasions and reduce the time you spend wearing them. Leggings The clothing items are usually much closer to the body and rub against the skin.

When you buy a car, your first thought and plan is to derive maximum usage out of the vehicle. Modern-day compacts, sedans, and SUVs are designed for daily city or highway driving, but certain limitations exist. There is only so much usage you can get out of any vehicle before it’s time to bid farewell and upgrade to a newer, more efficient car. Some common signs indicate it’s time to make a smart switch. Check engine light Have you ever noticed this small blinking light on the dash? Different car manufacturers use a unique style logo. But this indicator light resembles a side view outline of the engine. If the check engine light blinks continuously, it’s a sign that engine output affects your car’s overall performance. It’s just a precursor to significant engine malfunctions that can have the car totaled soon. So be prepared to upgrade or trade in your old vehicle. Performance issues Multiple performance issues and repeated breakdowns are obvious signs you need to buy a new car. There will come a time when your current vehicle could be more fuel efficient and becomes a gas guzzler. Breakdowns will force you to shell out money for repairs, maintenance, and part replacements.

Excess sugar is linked to multiple health issues, from diabetes to cardiovascular diseases and chronic illnesses. With the increasing availability of packaged foods and baked goods at local stores, it is possible to go overboard with sugar if one is not careful. However, one can keep an eye out for common signs of excessive sugar and limit sweetened food and drink. So, here are a few signs of high sugar intake to recognize: Frequent sugar cravings If one eats too much sugar, they will continue to crave sugary foods and beverages. This is because sugar intake releases dopamine, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure in the brain, so one can crave this feeling and indulge in more sweet foods. So, if one notices persistent cravings, it could be a sign that they need to limit sugary foods and find healthier alternatives. Energy crash This is a common and often unnoticed sign of excess sugar intake. Contrary to popular belief, sugar does not lead to constant energy throughout the day. The ingredient is responsible for an instant boost or rush of energy as the body gets busy utilizing this sugar. However, due to a rapid rise in blood glucose, the body produces insulin to balance the excess sugar.