Weeds are every gardener’s nightmare. These intrusive plants compete with desired vegetation for vital resources and can hinder the overall health and aesthetics of one’s garden. While chemical herbicides are commonly used to combat weeds, they often come with environmental and health risks. In this article, we will explore natural and eco-friendly methods to control weeds so one can maintain a healthy and vibrant garden without compromising on other aspects of life.
Use mulching technique
Mulching with a few inches of organic material prevents weed from contacting the soil, inhibiting germination. The mulch also blocks sunlight, preventing existing seeds from sprouting. Organic mulches offer weed control, moisture retention, soil enrichment, and aesthetic benefits, enhancing the overall appeal of your garden or landscape.
Corn gluten meal
This acts as a seed contraceptive, restricting the germination of weed seeds. Applying it to open areas of one’s garden can prevent weeds from growing. However, one should keep in mind that corn gluten meal may also hinder the germination of desired seeds. So it’s best to avoid using this method in a vegetable garden.
Hand weeding
Manually pulling out the unplanted plants by hand is another traditional method of eliminating weeds. Taking them out along with roots ensures that the weeds do not grow out again. The task requires one to dedicate some time, effort, and some level of skill. To prevent weed seeds from spreading to one’s garden beds, it is important to wear specialized gardening gloves. One can also utilize tools like claws or sharp trowels to loosen the soil where the weeds have taken roots. This method ensures a weed-free garden and avoids the need for chemical herbicides.
Apply vinegar
One can spray household vinegar to the weeds and use as a natural weed killer. This technique however requires careful application since the vinegar can affect both unwanted plants and desirable ones. To avoid harming nearby plants, it is best to apply the vinegar in the early morning when there is minimal wind. Additionally, one can choose a cloudless day to ensure that rain does not wash away the vinegar before it has a chance to be effective. One can also consider using highly concentrated vinegar for quicker results.
Layering newspaper
To create a weed-free garden bed, one can use recycled materials like newspapers or cardboard. The first step to employ this technique is to wet the newspaper and cover it with mulch. Then lay the papers on the soil to smother existing weeds and prevent new ones. The thick layer blocks sunlight and stops weed seeds from sprouting. Prior to laying the material, make sure to remove visible weeds and moisten the soil. This method also attracts earthworms that can be beneficial to the soil.
Boiling water
One can eliminate unwanted weeds by pouring boiling water carefully over each weed. The intense heat of the boiling water damages the foliage, plant cells, and roots of the weeds, thus thwarting their growth. Some persistent weeds may require multiple applications, but they will eventually die out. However, one needs to be careful with this process. It’s best to use pot holders and wear long pants and shoes to avoid injury in case of accidental spills.
Flaming method
This is a targeted approach to single out the weeds. In this method, one uses a flaming torch that heats up the water inside the plant cells until they burst and the plants wilts. The technique, however, requires extreme caution. One needs to choose a day without wind to avoid accidentally harming nearby grass or plants. Also, it is best used in places where there is no nearby vegetation, such as the driveways or gaps in a concrete sidewalk. It is important to note that flaming should never be used in regions prone to fires, to prevent any potential hazards. This method works well for young and tender weeds. Matured and rooted weeds may require multiple treatments.
Using a landscape fabric
Landscape fabric is another popular tool that can combat weed growth. The modern fabric acts as a barrier and minimizes weed competition for space while allowing air and water to pass through to the desired plants. For optimal weed suppression, one needs to lay the fabric from border to border with minimal cuts or openings. Be very careful with the placement and maintenance of the fabric, and also inspect it from time to time to ensure its effectiveness.
Sprinkling salt at the base
This is another technique where a small amount of salt is sprinkled at the base of each weed. Salt dehydrates the unwanted plants by absorbing water from their cells and alters the pH and mineral balance in the soil. This causes the weeds to dry out, get starved of nutrients, and eventually die. While the technique is useful, one can opt for this as a last resort since it can leave the soil unsuitable for months. Even if one decides to use the technique, one needs to be careful to not use excessive salt or spill it on to the plants one wants to keep.
All these techniques promote sustainability. If none of them yield the desired results, however, one can consider contacting a local extension office or city government for guidance on natural weed killers and their safe usage in weed control.
A spill here and there on your favorite t-shirt, rug, or any other fabric is so common. What is not so uncommon is knowing that there are, in fact, easy and natural DIY hacks to remove stains from items. Using expensive detergents is not always the answer, so for some minor stains and spillage, you can follow some easy hacks. Check out these natural ingredients that can be turned into stain-removing products!
Baking soda
This is an inexpensive and effective stain remover you can use every time you do your laundry. Add one tablespoon of baking soda to your laundry detergent and start your load. This baking soda mixes well with the detergent and is even known to boost the detergent’s cleaning properties. Not only that, but baking soda also helps keep the fabrics soft and reduces the occurrence of suds. If you have kids at home and you’re doing their laundry, you can safely add baking soda to their clothes for cleaning, as it is not harmful to sensitive skin. It also acts as a natural odor remover, which can help keep your laundry smelling fresh.
Lemon
Due to its acidic nature, lemon can act as a great stain remover. However, due to its acidic nature, you must be careful when using lemon on colored clothes. It can fade the color quickly if the lemon stays on for too long, which is true for lemon and lime juice. So it is advised to use the lemon hack only on white clothes. It works exceptionally well if you need to remove any yellow underarm or rust stains. Not to mention, lemon can add a fresh fragrance to the laundry!
Distilled white vinegar
This inexpensive ingredient can easily boost laundry performance and help remove stains. Just add a cup of distilled vinegar to the final rinse of the clothes while doing your laundry. Some people may use chlorine bleach for stain removal; however, distilled white vinegar is a safer and cheaper alternative. In fact, it’s even better than using apple cider vinegar because it will keep the fabrics soft and gentle. This is specifically used for removing any yellow underarm sweat, mildew, or even whitening or brightening the clothes.
Hydrogen peroxide
You spilled red wine on your shirt and are now wondering what hack to use. Hydrogen peroxide is the best solution. This is an oxidizing agent that is used as a bleaching agent. If you’re wondering where to get it, look no further and just ask your local store, which sells first aid kits. Three percent hydrogen peroxide is sold as a first-aid disinfectant, and you can also use this same product for your laundry. It is usually preferred over chlorine bleach because it is environmentally safer. It contains hydrogen and oxygen, which break down into water and oxygen, making it completely natural and human-safe. You can also remove underarm yellow stains from shirts and stains from nail polish or curry.
Borax
This is a popular mineral that is a combination of sodium, boron, and oxygen, along with water. This mineral is known to boost the performance of any of the detergents it uses, so you can easily do a rinse cycle with borax and your regular detergent. Since this is a naturally occurring mineral with no toxic chemicals, it is also human and environment-safe, making it a preferred choice for many homemakers. One of the things to be careful of, though, is that if ingested, it could cause irritation to the skin, so always be careful. Because of its cleaning properties, this ingredient is used in almost all DIY natural cleaning remedies. It can also help soften hard water, remove poop stains from baby cloth diapers, and control bad odor.
Talcum powder
This ingredient is beneficial before your clothes go to the laundry room. If you’ve spilled something greasy or oily on your clothes, add lots of talcum powder, which can help absorb the oil. Of course, you must be quick with the remedy and add the powder to the stain immediately before the oil soaks in. You can even use cornstarch or chalk. Keep this on the stain for 10–15 minutes until it has absorbed the excess oil, and then you can wash the cloth; hopefully, the stain is not too big. While washing, you can even try adding some of the other ingredients mentioned above.
Table salt
Available in all households and easily accessible, table salt is another winning ingredient for natural stain removal. A red wine spill needs immediate attention, like putting lots of table salt on the stain before it sets in. Let the salt absorb the excess liquid, then leave it on for 10–15 minutes. Once that is done, you can brush off the table salt and wash your clothing. Remember that you cannot skip washing your cloth, as the table salt will leave white stains on the fabric if not washed immediately. The salt works as a gentle abrasive element and helps remove rust stains, so you can also try this remedy for rust stains.
Maintaining a clean and organized home is visually appealing and essential for the inhabitants’ overall well-being. A neat living environment promotes good hygiene, reduces the risk of illness, and creates a sense of calm and tranquility. That said, the task of cleaning can often feel overwhelming and time-consuming. That is where cleaning hacks come in handy. You can streamline your cleaning routine by implementing a few smart strategies and time-saving techniques.
This article will explore five effective cleaning hacks that will revolutionize how you approach cleaning.
Create a cleaning schedule
One of the most effective ways to save time on cleaning is to create a schedule for it. Planning and dedicating specific days and times for different cleaning tasks ensures that every task is completed without feeling overburdened. A neat and organized residence enhances its aesthetic appeal and contributes to a healthier living environment. Regular cleaning helps eliminate dust, allergens, and bacteria, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and allergies. Furthermore, a clean and clutter-free space promotes mental well-being, allowing you to focus and relax. With a well-planned cleaning schedule, you can efficiently maintain cleanliness, leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Do little by little
Plan to do the cleaning jobs for a short period; otherwise, it will tire you. Set a timer for the fixed duration and start working towards decluttering and wiping as much space as possible. Plan the room to be cleaned and complete it there first, without flitting between different areas. Do the vacuuming or mopping as the last task.
Gather your supplies in one place
It is possible to dramatically reduce the time required to clean by storing all your cleaning materials in a single, conveniently accessible location. Put together a cleaning caddy or use a bucket to collect all necessary products, such as an all-purpose cleaner, microfiber towels, scrub brushes, and gloves. You won’t have to waste time searching for materials throughout the various rooms of the house if you do it this way. In addition, give some thought to employing cleaning chemicals that are adaptable and can be employed on a variety of different kinds of surfaces. By doing this, you won’t have to hire professional cleaners with specialized skills, saving you both time and money.
Use the two-minute rule
The two-minute rule is a productivity principle that can be applied to cleaning tasks. The idea is to tackle small tasks immediately if they can be completed in two minutes or less. Following this rule can prevent small chores from piling up and becoming overwhelming. Instead of procrastinating and letting clutter or minor cleaning tasks accumulate, take a few moments to address them immediately. Whether it’s wiping down a surface, putting away items, or tidying up a specific area, the two-minute rule helps you maintain a cleaner and more organized home in a time-efficient manner.
Optimize your cleaning techniques
Finding efficient cleaning techniques can significantly affect the time it takes to complete a task. For example, when dusting, start from the top and work your way down to prevent dust from settling on already-cleaned surfaces. Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels, as they are more effective at picking up dirt and can be reused. Additionally, consider using cleaning tools with extendable handles to reach high and low areas without needing a step stool or bending over. These small adjustments can save you time and effort during your cleaning sessions.
Delegate and simplify
Cleaning doesn’t have to be a one-person job. Involving other house members in the cleaning process lightens your workload and promotes a sense of shared responsibility. Delegate age-appropriate cleaning tasks to children or assign specific chores to your partner or roommates. By dividing the cleaning duties, you can save considerable time and create a more efficient cleaning routine. Additionally, simplifying your living spaces by decluttering and finding effective storage solutions can significantly reduce the time you spend tidying up the areas. Removing unnecessary items and organizing your belongings makes cleaning faster and creates a more visually appealing and stress-free environment.
Make the room smell fresh
Maintaining a pleasant-smelling living space is also part of cleaning. Use non-toxic room fresheners. Place scented absorbent papers in the bottom of waste bins to prevent leakage and smells from emanating.
Keeping your home clean is important for your physical and mental health. With the above five cleaning hacks to save time, you can change the way you tidy up the rooms and get more leisure time. Making a cleaning schedule ensures that jobs are spread evenly and keeps you from getting too busy. If you keep your cleaning supplies in one place, you won’t have to waste time looking for them. Choosing versatile cleaning products will help you avoid buying too many specialized ones. By eliminating clutter and organizing, you can make your living areas easier to clean and create a more peaceful environment. With these tips and tricks, you can keep your home neat and arranged while saving time and living a better and more balanced life.