However, no matter how genial a creation it is, if a refrigerator isn’t used perfectly, you are definitely not reaping full benefits out of it. And, in doing so, you may rip off the refrigerator of functioning to its full capability. Here’s a list of all the mistakes that you are probably making with your fridge, and ways you can tackle the same –

1. You’re probably setting the wrong temperature

FDA instructs the citizens of setting the temperature of a fridge to a minimum of 40° F (4° C). If you are storing your food at higher temperatures, chances are that the food might be contaminated with bacteria, and cause numerous illnesses. On the other hand, if the temperature of the fridge drips beyond 35° F, chances are that the food may freeze in no time, which we presume none of us want. So, set the temperature accordingly.

2. You’re not storing dairy items properly

Although most refrigerators have dairy counters towards the lower part of the door, this is not the place where you should store them. This is because that particular area lies farthest from the cold air fan, and is the warmest part of the refrigerator. Storing them right across the egg containers in the fridge is the perfect way of keeping your dairy from getting stale sooner than the due date.

3. You’re not storing the leftovers correctly

Sometimes certain food tastes better when left overnight. However, if you don’t store it properly, you shouldn’t probably be eating the same. Leftover foods should be kept in flat dishes, preferably metal or glass containers. There should not be any plastic or deep dishes. Also, don’t stack your pots one on top of the other. This will slow the process of cooling down, and hence, your food will cease to remain fresh for long.

4. You need to clean it periodically

Cleaning the refrigerator periodically should be one of your priorities, even if you don’t spill food here and there. This is because your fridge does not take much time to become an abode of bacteria, molds and other contaminants. So, try to deep-clean at least once every three months, if you are keeping your fridge relatively cleaner on a daily basis. Otherwise, once every month is the way to go.

5. Don’t refrigerate unwanted stuff

Certain fruits, including bananas, melons and mangoes, and starchy vegetables do not require refrigerating. They turn sugary in colder climates. So, if you’re guilty of doing the same, know that the kitchen counter is the perfect place to store these items.

The post Make Note Of These 5 Mistakes When Handling Your Refrigerator appeared first on Pep Up Home.

Here is a quick guide to help you clean your paintbrushes in the best possible way.

Materials & Tools Needed To Clean Paint Brushes

• Newspapers
• Turpentine
• Mineral spirits
• Rags
• Mild liquid dish soap
• Paintbrush and roller spinner
• Small plastic buckets

Best Way Too Clean Paint Brushes

Here are some easy ways to help you clean paint brushes with ease:

1. Properly use every remaining paint on the brush you use for painting.

Simply press the bristles against the paint can’s interior. And, further, lift it and out to squeeze out more paint. Take out any leftover paint on newspapers. It is because it’s an easier way to remove as much paint from the bristles as possible.

2. Examine the paint can and also use the right solvent.

You need to use the right solvent to make the paint removal job easier. It is because the solvent helps in loosening any dried paint. However, the wrong solvent is of no use at all.

Also Read: 15 Stunning Paint Colors For Revamping Wooden Furniture

Therefore, you need to fill a bucket according to the type of paint you use:

• Turpentine or mineral spirits are great to get rid of oil-based paint.
• Mild liquid dish soap and hot water are best for cleaning paint brushes, which you have used for applying latex paint.

3. Dip and clean paintbrushes in the solvent.

You have to properly stir the solvent using a brush for around 10 seconds. Also, keep squeezing and wiping the bristles on the container’s side. Further, work the bristles in-between your fingers. Also, run a brush comb through the paintbrushes to remove excessive paint without harming the bristles. If there are any dried paint remains on a brush, soak the brush in solvent again if necessary.

4. Wash and clean paintbrushes in warm soapy water in a bucket or utility sink.

When the paint is completely removed from the brushes, warm soapy water can help you clean paintbrushes of the remaining paint and solvent.

5. Spin and shake to dry paintbrushes.

Before storing your clean paint brushes, you need to remove the water from the bristles. Most DIYers do so by shaking the brushes at a bucket’s top. After that, blot the clean paint brushes dry using a newspaper or clean rag.

However, if you plan on doing a lot more painting and further wish to keep their tools preserved, a roller spinner and brush often come in handy. The tool also has a dual purpose that speed-dry either type of paint applicator with strong centrifugal force. Also, attach a paintbrush for the tool’s bottom. Further, pump its top many times for spinning it, as well as flinging all water away from the end of the brushes.

6. For storage of paintbrushes, lay them flat or hang them up.

Hanging paintbrushes and tools from a pegboard in a craft room or workshop is not a great way of organization. However, it ensures that the paintbrush bristles don’t get easily bent out of shape when stuffed somewhere in a bin. Therefore, replace the packaging of paintbrushes for maintaining their shape while prolonging their lifespan.

So, these are some easy-to-follow steps that you need to keep in mind for cleaning paintbrushes. Do follow these simple steps to keep your paintbrushes in the best possible condition.

The post How To Clean Paint Brushes appeared first on Pep Up Home.

Remove all the erstwhile wallpaper

If your current walls are papered, the first step you have to do is remove the wall-paper. Although it may seem a daunting task, trust us, it is much less of a hassle than you think. We have dedicated one full article on how to remove wallpapers. Check it out and be a pro at your maiden try at removing one. Good luck!

Wash your ceilings and walls with sugar soap

If your walls are pretty new and in a good state, and all you want is a renovation and change in color, this step is a must. Instead of getting any expensive product for the wash, wash it with simple sugar soap and water solution. This will not only remove the grit and dirt but also prepare the walls for a fresh coat of paint. However, make sure to let the walls dry down completely before going ahead with the painting procedure.

Fill the cracks in the wall

If your walls are pretty old or if they have any bumps or cracks, make sure you assess them properly. Thereafter, you should fill up the cracks with essential materials. The cracks are often seen in the corners or around the windows. Assess the house minutely for these cracks. If not filled properly, they may damage the walls and fresh paints.

Sand down bumps in the wall

You don’t want uneven paints in your ceilings and walls, right? For this, all you need to do is sand down the walls and ceilings for an uneven canvas for the paints to be applied. Assess the walls and ceilings minutely for these lumps and bumps. If they are scarce, you can sand them down easily. If there are a lot of bumps, you might need a mouse sander to make your job hassle-free.

Mask Your Skirting

Masking tapes and decorators tapes are your friends while painting. Mask the areas around the walls and ceilings so that you don’t splash any paint on the unwanted areas. You can also mask the windows, windowpanes, lights and other electrical fittings, too, to save up on time after you are done with DIY paint your wall. Light sockets must be masked as well. Notably, once you are done with painting, wipe off that area with a sponge to remove traces of glue.

The post How To Prepare Ceilings And Walls For Painting? appeared first on Pep Up Home.