Do you constantly worry about having to repurchase expensive laundry detergent? Or are you hunting for a cheaper alternative every time you are loading up on home essentials in the supermarket? Have you been disappointed time and again with the lackluster results of store-bought detergents? Well, here’s an easy solution to all your worries. DIY detergents are easy alternatives; you can save money and eliminate toxic ingredients. Homemade detergent powder An easy and convenient way of cleaning up the laundry and saving money is putting together your own powder detergent. To begin with, grate a bar of soap; use a box grater to speed up the process. Next, add a cup of washing soda and borax to the grated soap. Next, mix the ingredients together well and store them in an airtight container. The resultant detergent is safe to use for anyone since it does not contain harsh chemicals and costs less than a branded laundry detergent. Homemade detergent liquid With just four ingredients, you can make your own liquid detergent that is safe to use. Bring out the bar of Fels Naphtha soap and grate one-third of the bar. Use 3 cups of water to melt this grated soap and simmer till the soap has completely melted.

Staying at a five-star hotel includes perks like an extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffet. You also get a luxurious room at your disposal, along with linen, softer and fresher than you can ever imagine. And even if you try, you cannot match their level of perfection when it comes to laundry. So how do you do it? Well, here’s revealing eight laundry secrets, like five-star hotels, that could help you ace your laundry game. Using only 80% of the washing machine When people wash linen of any kind, they tend to stuff the drum to 100% to ensure they get the maximum amount of clothes washed at once. However, putting in too many clothes might result in the clothes needing to be cleaned properly. Dirt and detergent residue could be stuck to clothes after the final cycle. So ensure you only fill the drum to about 80% so the laundry comes out fresh. Regulate wash temperatures When washing a load, it is essential to keep the water temperatures between 0°C and 60°C. These are the ideal temperatures for the disinfection of loathing and removing impurities. Moreover, washing clothes with cold water may not remove bacteria and dust mites on the bedclothes and towels.

Several cleaning products are currently available in the market, and various brands are working on making household and industrial cleaning possible with easy options. However, unbeknownst to many, these cleaning products are made of harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to them can lead to health issues that are not easily addressed or recognized. Therefore, it is important to be aware of ingredients used in cleaning products to ensure optimum health and environmental safety. Respiratory risks caused by cleaning products Several health risks are linked between cleaning products and one’s body, especially the lungs. Research carried out by the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine points towards how cleaning products can reduce lung function, especially among women exposed to more spray cleaning chemicals than women not exposed to them. Evidence suggests that exposure to toxic chemicals in cleaning products creates more complications for people with asthma, COPD, or respiratory allergies. Impact of chemicals in cleaning supplies on health These products contain ingredients like volatile organic compounds or VOCs, which vaporize at room temperature and can irritate the eyes and throat, leading to headaches and other respiratory issues. Studies suggest that exposure to these cleaning chemicals can increase the risk of occupational asthma and other related lung disorders.

Bathroom cleaning is one of the most crucial household chores that must be performed regularly. The market has many modern products like sprays, rust removers, wipes, and soaps to make the job quick and easy. That said, most of them are expensive and use dangerous and harsh chemicals that affect the environment. Fortunately, you can achieve a squeaky-clean bathroom without contributing to environmental damage by following these simple eco-friendly tips. Polish surfaces with newspapers Many people use old rags to polish shiny bathroom surfaces like mirrors and faucets and end up noticing lint or fuzz on them. They then turn to a microfiber cloth. While microfiber cloths are readily available, they are bad for the environment as they shed particles of plastic, which are too tiny for filters to catch. An eco-friendly alternative is to use old newspapers to clean the bathroom. Newspapers can help you achieve shiny surfaces and be easily disposed of or recycled. Remove grime with lemon and salt Sinks and bathtubs are used multiple times during the day, leading to grime forming on their surface. An eco-friendly way to eliminate grime from the bathroom is to scrub it using lemon and salt instead of ready-made chemical formulas.

Keeping the washroom clean is a hands-on task. But it’s necessary to wipe down all surfaces, use quality disinfectants, and sanitize the area regularly to maintain good hygiene. Doing so will prevent transferring bacteria and germs from the toilet to other areas of the house. Cleaning the toilet seems straightforward enough. But here are 7 mistakes you might be making involuntarily and should avoid the next time you tackle this task. Forgetting to clean the toilet brush The tool designed to scrape off grime, gunk, and all the funky discoloration in a toilet also needs to be cleaned thoroughly after regular use. Not cleaning the brush leaves bacteria and viruses to harbor and transfer over to your hands the next time you pick it up. Wiping down surfaces immediately When you use a chemical base toilet cleaner, it is important to spray and allow the product to sit on the surface while the formula activates and does its job. Never wipe down the surface immediately after spraying it with the cleaning solution, as it will not be as effective. Using too many cleaning products Mixing cleaning products or repeatedly using them on the surface can cause the toilet bowl layer to erode and become discolored.

Visiting the gynecologist once a year is important. However, you may feel nervous about scheduling an appointment, with concerns like the need for grooming before a checkup and discomfort you may experience during the examination. Additionally, being on your period can make you put off the visit. This embarrassment can also keep you from asking important questions during your visit. But here are a few seemingly uncomfortable questions you can ask your doctor: Should I be worried about bumps down there? Bumps in intimate areas may not always be a cause for concern. There are numerous reasons for the vaginal area can develop acne or bumps, including shaving. Other reasons could be sebaceous cysts, skin tags, or gentle warts. You do not have to be embarrassed to ask your gynecologist about such skin issues, especially if you experience any pain or changes in the color or size of the bump. Is my vaginal discharge concerning? Vaginal discharge is part of normal reproductive health. However, if the discharge causes discomfort like itching or pain, you should speak to your OB/GYN about it. A cottage cheese-like discharge could be an indication of a yeast infection, while greying vaginal discharge with a raw egg-like odor can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatments, it can be an overwhelming experience. It takes a toll on your physical and mental health. Sometimes there can be concerns about health that you may not have an answer to, and you may feel embarrassed talking to an oncologist. However, there is nothing wrong with asking those questions. Here are some of those embarrassing questions that you can ask an oncologist. Does cancer treatment affect bowel control? Some side effects of cancer treatments like surgery or radiation therapy can involve some bladder and bowel complications. This includes symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or even urinary incontinence. It is important to understand the extent of these side effects and prepare yourself to prevent any shocks. Does chemotherapy or radiation affect sex life? Studies have suggested that going through long phases of chemotherapy or radiation can possibly cause sexual dysfunction in some people. This can mean side effects like erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and also decreased libido. Usually, the side effects are temporary and last till the treatment process. However, sometimes, there may also be long-term side effects. This may also depend on the dosage of the treatment and the duration of it.

There can be minor variations in a woman’s menstrual cycles. While the average cycle lasts 28 days, it can, at times, occur after every 24 to 31 days. When a woman’s cycle unexpectedly falls outside of the usual range, she may be experiencing irregular periods. A disrupted menstrual cycle can lead to excruciatingly painful symptoms. A number of factors can be responsible for this, some of which are listed below. The reasons for irregular menstrual cycles The following are the primary causes for skipped or irregular menstrual cycles. An unhealthy meal plan The thyroid and adrenal glands are affected due to a meal plan that’s high in stimulants but lacking minerals, antioxidants, and probiotic foods. For instance, a meal plan high in sugar, hydrogenated fats, and chemical additives has been related to thyroid problems and adrenal exhaustion, which can cause cortisol to rise. This could lead to a longer cycle and anovulation. If cortisol remains high for an extended time, periods can become irregular or even less frequent. To avoid this, make sure to eat foods that are nutrient-dense and contain enough protein. Low BMI A low body mass index (BMI) of below 18 or 19 may lead to irregular periods.