Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling

Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling

When you open your refrigerator and find it is not cold inside, there must be a problem that requires your immediate attention. This means that it’s not cooling enough. When you witness such, don’t rush to replace the refrigerator, figure out the problem first. Find out if it’s just not cold enough or if it doesn’t have the power to run.

If your fridge suddenly stops cooling, you need to check several things before replacing it with a new one. This is because some problems are easy to fix yourself without hiring an expert technician or calling for repair services. Here are some of the reasons your refrigerator is not cooling.

Evaporator Fan Motor Not Working

The evaporator fan motor is located at the back of your fridge. If this is not working, it causes insufficient airflow resulting in a warm refrigerator. Without air circulation, you can’t expect things inside your fridge to stay cool for a long period.


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If your unit has only one fan, it will be located in the freezer compartment. The evaporator fan motor circulates the cold air from evaporator coils through the compartment. If the fan motor isn’t working, you may have a cold freezer but no cool air in the refrigerator compartment.

Clogged Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are located in the back of your fridge behind the coils. Over time dust and dirt may accumulate on the coils, blocking air flow through them and leading to clogged condenser coils. This pressure creates heat and gas, which cools to absorb heat and turn back into liquid.

If this is happening, you need to pull out the refrigerator and disassemble it. Clean the coils with a brush or shop vac away any debris that’s obstructing airflow.

Damaged Control Boards

The control board is a series of electrical components that relay the proper signals to regulate different parts of your refrigerator. If it’s damaged, you need to replace it as soon as possible.

Damaged Control Boards
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A modern refrigerator uses two circuit boards, including the main control board and the temperature control board. These issues are not easy for a novice to diagnose and repair, so contact a service professional if you suspect a control board failure.

Door Not Closing Properly

A malfunctioning door is often the result of an improper installation or a broken hinge. You can correct this problem by adjusting the hinges, readjusting the door, and removing any debris that might be blocking its path. The fridge door must be sealed shut for the food to stay fresh and temperatures and temperatures to remain where they need to be.

Door Not Closing Properly
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Also, a broken gasket can stop this from happening. The gasket is a rubber strip around the edge of the fridge door. It should be airtight without leaks and not allow warm air inside.

Outdated Defrost System

A refrigerator’s freezer does not cool as well as it should if there is no airflow. Defrost system controls the cooling and defrost cycle. The components of the defrost system include a defrost timer, and a defrost heater. A defrost timer switches the refrigerator between the cooling and defrost mode.

If it goes bad and cooling mode stops, it causes excessive frost to build up on the evaporator coils, reducing the air flow. On the other hand, a defrost heater melts the frost developed over the evaporator coil. If it goes bad, the excessive frost accumulates on coils reducing the cool air flow inside the refrigerator.

Faulty Compressor

A compressor is the main component of the refrigerator cycle. When it starts to malfunction, the entire cooling process doesn’t even start. The main function of the compressor is to compress the refrigerant from a cool, low-pressure vapor into high-pressure hot vapors.

The compressed refrigerant is hot, high-pressure vapors that flow through the condenser, where it gets condensed into a high-pressure liquid. The liquid flows through the evaporator coil, where it evaporates and cools down to a low-pressure vapor.

Broken Thermostat

The first thing people check when the fridge is feeling warm is the thermostat. The thermostat setting off can also be another issue if your refrigerator isn’t cooling. This can happen, especially if you have children and inconsiderate houseguests messing around with the thermostat.

Broken Thermostat
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And when the temperature on the thermostat doesn’t match the actual one, then your thermostat could be broken. You can easily replace it if it becomes faulty without involving a professional.

Defective Condenser Fan

In most refrigerators, there is a condenser fan that forces hot air out of the refrigerator. When it becomes faulty, it cannot release hot air into the room. The hot remains inside the refrigerator, making the temperature inside shoot up. Defective fan blades prevent the condenser fan from working correctly.

Dirty Condenser Coils

Household dust and dirt could prevent the condenser fan from picking up enough airflow. This might be a reason why your refrigerator isn’t cooling well. You should clean the condenser coil once per and even more if you have a lot of dust and pet hair in your kitchen.

Dirty Condenser Coils
Image credit: https://www.achrnews.com/

This is a problem you have to fix yourself because if not attended to immediately, it can even damage other parts of the refrigerator, making it harder to repair. Clean it using a vacuum and a long brush.

Blocked Vents

If you have a fridge and freezer combination, the cold air issue could be coming from the vents that join them. The vents ensure the cold air flows freely from the freezer into the fridge. So, if it gets clogged with ice and other debris, the flow won’t happen, meaning your fridge won’t cool down.

Fortunately, you can easily fix this by turning off the refrigerator and letting the ice inside the clogged vent melt. Make sure you keep these vents open and clear to control internal temperature.

FAQs about Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling

What is the first thing to check if your refrigerator stops working?

The first thing to check is the circuit’s breaker serving the fridge because there could be no electricity supplying the machine. If it is not tripped, check for any loose connections of power supply to the unit.

What are the signs of a bad refrigerator compressor?

The obvious sign is that your appliances will start making abnormal noise due to overheating and not providing proper cooling.

Final Thought about Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling

Of course, a refrigerator that isn’t cooling is not good for you and your kitchen. The good side is that you can easily rectify these issues without purchasing a brand new fridge.

The post Reasons Why My Refrigerator is Not Cooling appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

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10 Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

10 Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

Cleaning your house isn’t always the most exciting task on your to-do list, especially if your home has a mixture of bare floors, carpeting, and lots of stairs. Using a bulky vacuum cleaner makes the task more unbearable. If this is the case in your household, then a canister vacuum is your best choice.

Canister vacuums are compact machines that are lightweight, easy to maneuver and take up less storage space than a traditional upright vacuum. ​If you’re looking for an affordable machine that will make cleaning quick and convenient without sacrificing quality and performance, check out our top 10 list below of best canister vacuums:

1. Ovente Bagless Canister Vacuum with HEPA Filter

Ovente is a cheap and lightweight canister vacuum cleaner that works well on bare floors, tiles, and rugs. It features a 12-amp motor, which is powerful enough to easily pick up large and small debris. Ovente’s HEPA filtration system traps 99% of the dirt and allergens found in the household, which is great if you have pet hair or suffer from allergies.


Image credit: https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/

Besides HEPA filtration, it comes with other useful features that include automatic cord rewind that keeps you from wrapping a cord around the vacuum. It also has a telescopic wand that provides hard-to-reach areas like the tops of windows, ceilings, and corners.

It doesn’t flake out when it comes to attachments because it comes with a pet brush, floor brush, and a combination crevice nozzle and bristle brush. The entire vacuum weighs 12 pounds, courtesy of its large wheels, making it easy to drag around.

2. ProTeam Backpack Vacuum with Telescoping Wand

If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that comes with advanced features, then this model by ProTeam is worth checking out. It has an automatic throttle control system that ensures the suction will not be too powerful to harm your floor or ceiling, or furniture.

ProTeam Backpack Vacuum with Telescoping Wand
Image credit: https://m.media-amazon.com/

While it looks large and features a 9.9 amp motor, it only weighs 11 pounds, which is barely noticeable on your back, thanks to its adjustable and padded straps. It comes with several attachments, including a crevice tool, telescoping tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a multi-surfaced floorhead.

3. Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet Powerline Canister Vacuum

Cleaning a super soft and plush carpet is always a daunting task because of the dense tufts. However, Miele complete C3 comes with a power nozzle and brush roll that adjust to five different levels to make plowing through plush pile carpets easier.

Miele Complete C3 for Soft Carpet Powerline Canister Vacuum
Image credit: https://evacuumstore.com/

It also comes with a metal telescoping wand, a dusting brush, an upholstery tool, and a crevice tool are also included in its accessories set since it’s a Pure Suction Floorhead made for use on all smooth flooring.

It uses a high filtration bag and HEPA AirClean filter to retain 99 percent of dust from being released back into the air. This is the best canister vacuum when it comes to picking up and keeping dust and dirt particles inside the vacuum.

4. Bissel Bagless Hardfloor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum

Once again, Bissell is proving that they know what makes a canister vacuum worth buying, and the hard floor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum is no exception. One of the most convenient features of this vacuum is its OnePass Technology which allows you to clean your flooring quickly and easily by picking up hard-to-reach dirt and debris.

Bissel Bagless Hardfloor Expert Deluxe Canister Vacuum 
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Thanks to the rotating brush roll, this technology is made possible that will agitate more of your flooring with each pass you make over it. It’s the best canister vacuum for cleaning hardwood floors. Hardwood floors are an investment that you wouldn’t want to scratch and destroy while cleaning.

This canister vacuum comes equipped with features that protect your hardwood, easing your worries. This bagless vacuum weighs nine pounds and glides on floors on its non-marking rubber wheels that feature felt treads. It won’t scratch your floors as you clean, but it will suction dirt and dust into its one-liter dirt cup, which is emptied from the bottom to avoid messy situations.

While some vacuums have cleaning brushes that are more abrasive, Bissel models come with a soft-driven bristle brush designed to clean hard floors without scratching them. It has digital fingertip controls that let you reduce or increase suction as needed. It also has a telescopic wand, a perfect tool for lifting debris and dust from curtains and ceiling fans. It also has an automatic cord rewind. So, if you’re wondering how to mop your floors quickly, this is the best vacuum for you.

5. Oreck Compact Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Oreck compact canister upright vacuums are best for cleaning bare floor surfaces. They can’t reach underneath low furniture, and they don’t have the same power as bagless uprights, but if you buy an Oreck vacuum, you’ll never need to buy another vacuum because these things last forever.

Its combination of suction and versatile attachments, including an upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool, and extension wand, allows it to eliminate dust and dirt throughout the room, from ceiling fans to furniture to baseboards to carpet. The HEPA bagged filtration also prevents any dust from getting out once it’s in and seals upon disposal.

This compact canister vacuum can also function as a blower and a vacuum, which comes in handy if you need to dislodge a mess from tight spaces and sticky spots before sucking it up. If you’re looking for a canister vacuum with the portability of a dustbuster, then this is the right choice.

6. Bissel Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum

If you want a canister vacuum that’s lightweight and mobile, then the Bissell Zing Bagged Canister Vacuum is right for you. The canister weighs about 7.5 pounds when empty and has a 20-foot power cord. The automatic cord rewind allows it to retract neatly when not in use.

This bagged canister vacuum also comes with one flip of a switch that can take you from hardwood floors to carpet and an adjustable knob that lets you lower the suctioning power to enable you clean thin rugs, drapes, and upholstery. This vacuum’s integrated carrying hand and the telescopic wand will help you clean them with ease if you have stairs. You can convert it into a hand-held vacuum for above-floor cleaning and spot cleaning as well.

7. Eureka Lightweight Canister Vacuum Cleaner

This is a pack of two canister vacuums from Eureka, each weighing about 8 pounds when empty. Its 20-foot power cord works well on both hard floors and carpets. The patented anti-allergen complete seal technology traps more dust and pollen than standard vacuum cleaners.

Eureka Lightweight Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Image credit: https://www.ubuy.ke/productimg

This lightweight canister vacuum cleaner can be hauled all over the house, but the 10-amp motor provides ample suction for picking up messes of all kinds. It is easy to assemble out of the box and has more tools than most other models on our list.

It comes with a 16-foot cord, a combination floorhead, and a wash brush for curtains and furniture. Plus, the HEPA filtration system components are all washable, so you’ll save money on filters and bags.

8. Miele Classic C1 Cat and Dog Canister Vacuum Cleaner

The small design is ideal for stairs and smaller rooms. The wheels are not as sturdy as some, but the pick-up power of this sweeper more than makes up for that fact. This good housekeeping seal star was created for cleaning up dogs and cats. It can easily clean pet hair and any pet odors.

Miele vacuums come equipped with an Active AirClean filter that helps to neutralize any lingering pet hair, making it great for trapping and locking that dreaded dog smell. It also comes with a flexible hand-held mini turbo brush attachment for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other tight spaces prone to collecting cat hair, dog hair, and other dirt.

9. Craftsman Corded Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum

If you’re looking for a bot that can suck up rocks, Craftsman Corded Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum is the vacuum cleaner you are looking for. The powerful suctioning system of this sweeper, along with its easy-to-use features, makes it one of the best-rated canister vacuum cleaners on Amazon today.

The powerful suction engine of this vacuum provides you with a durable and reliable cleaning experience. A 5-foot hose is attached to the unit’s base, allowing you to easily clean in hard-to-reach places. The canister weighs less than 9 pounds allowing you to use it without getting too tired after extended usage periods. In addition, two universal wands are included with this vacuum. One is 12-feet long, and the other is 15-feet long for more efficient cleaning.

10. Hoover ONEPWR High Capacity Cordless Wet or Dry Canister Vacuum

The Hoover ONEPWR canister vacuum cleaner is designed to conveniently clean your home while being easy to maneuver. There are several features included with this vacuum that make it one of the best options on this list. First, the Hoover ONEPWR cordless design is convenient for those who need to clean their house quickly between other chores.

The rechargeable battery included with the vacuum allows you to clean up to 40 minutes worth of space before needing to be recharged. The good thing about this canister vacuum is that you can use it outside your home in places including the garage, basement, deck, and other outdoors that need attention.

You can also clean up leaky pipes and backed-up drains using a wet or dry utility vacuum. This vacuum can pick large and fine leaves and sawdust. It can also pick wet messes and water that can destroy a traditional vacuum cleaner.

Unlike other wet or dry utility vacuums, Hoover’s ONEPWR is cordless and runs off a rechargeable battery, so you’re not tied to an outlet. Your pet might be out of the house most of the time, but their dander and pet hair remain on the furniture. Your new sofa will stink if you don’t do anything about it. Apart from unique large wheels, it also has a low horizontal design for stability and less tipping.

FAQs about Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

re canister vacuums hard to use?

Unlike large upright vacuums, canister vacuum models are much lighter and easier to maneuver around. Plus, the hose attachments make quick work of most vacuuming jobs.

Where is the best place to empty a canister vacuum?

You can empty a canister vacuum straight into your usual trash bin. If so, it releases too much dust into the air; consider emptying it outside into a trash bag.

What are the benefits of using canister vacuums?

There are many benefits of using a canister vacuum. Other than flexible hoses and longer cleaning wands for hard-to-reach spots, canister vacuums are lightweight and easy to carry than upright vacuums. They also have better suction and flow rate, meaning you can clean faster and efficiently.

Final Thought about Best Canister Vacuums of 2021

As you can see, there are many different types of important canister vacuums. The one you pick depends on your budget, the surface you will be cleaning, and the features you want.

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Best English Cottage Designs

Best English Cottage Designs

The English Cottage style is a popular home design that many people love. This is because the cozy English cottage design style will make your home feel rustic and closer to nature than ever before. However, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. There are so many different types of English cottage house plans, and they all have unique features.

It’s hard to know which ones will work best for your needs. We’ve done some research on this topic and put together a list of the most common types of English cottage house plans below. You’ll learn what makes each type special and how you can incorporate them into your home design project.

What is English Cottage Design?

English cottage design blends antique and architecture to recreate the look and feel of a quaint home in the English countryside. English country homes are warm, comfortable, and inviting. The English cottage house plans are characterized by extensive gardens, thatched roofs, and rustic interiors full of wood and character-filled antique furniture.


Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Characteristics of Cottages

Though there are some differences depending on the region of origin, English cottage house plans have a number of things in common. These include:

False-Thatched Roofing

This is the perfect alternative to the traditional thatched roof. False-Thatch is an insulated, fire retardant roofing material with a natural appearance of thatch. False-Thatched Roofing is made in many styles and colors to suit all properties.

False-Thatched Roofing
Image credit: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/

It didn’t take long for people to realize that False-Thatch was indistinguishable from thatch in appearance, durability and that it could cost up to 40% less. It is made of modern materials such as steamed wood shingles, and composition roofing is rolled around eaves, resembling thatch.

English Country Garden

This English cottage house plans to have a romantic garden and a great atmosphere. The style of the English Country Garden is a long-standing tradition that dates back to the 18th century when they were created for practical reasons in an age when time was precious and labor was expensive. This tradition has continued into the 21st century, albeit with many modern twists.

English Country Garden
Image credit: https://www.britain-magazine.com/

This cottage-like home is like stepping into earlier times in England. Since the English Country Garden style uses natural materials, the look has a rustic feel. This home is perfect for anyone who loves to garden or prefers to eat homegrown vegetables and fruits. The charm of this cottage lies in its simplicity and use of natural resources, which allows it to be low-cost yet very functional.

Older-Looking English Cottage

If you have French antiques and furnishings, English country decorating might cause the room to look cluttered and crowded. The English country style is less formal than other types of interior design and would best fit a bedroom decorated in ornate Victorian antiques, like this one.

Although there is simplicity in the cottage style, it doesn’t mean that you should avoid color. In fact, you can add architectural elements and furnishings to give a newish home character and lots of personal touches.

Bibury Cottage

If you want to stay in the cottage style with English country decor but add more color, go for it. There is no reason why this room has to be painted white. This bedroom with dark wood paneling and bed frame with blue Peacock fabric looks striking with its gold accents. The tall mirror adds height, which is always great in a room.

Colorful patterns are another way to add more color without having to change the overall color scheme. Here, English country decorating styles clash with modern furniture creams and reds, but it is still fun to look at. Also, note the characteristics of front-facing gables and steeply pitched roofs.

dd Cottage Door Windows

Cottage doors are charming. They help create that English countryside looks and feel, such as the door here -with its blue floral design almost like wallpaper. If you don’t want to go with a fully-fledged country style for your cottage bedroom, keep the doors but do something interesting with them.

The geometric pattern on the left-hand side of this door is both striking and scrumptious. Add a contrasting color for the doors, such as the pastel green, to complete your design. A favorite choice is French windows that are inset into the wall rather than being freestanding in front of it. You can use wooden shutters to close these during the day and then open them at night, perhaps with a candle placed on top of one.

Use Every Nook and Cranny

If your home features angular, tight spaces, don’t be afraid to put them into cozy nooks. Features that are difficult to navigate are easily given purpose with English cottage house plans. English cottage style is known for its cozy, small living spaces used for as many creative purposes as possible. You can highlight your style by using every nook and cranny in the house to create a homemade, rustic feel.

Wiltshire English Cottage House

This cottage is located in a tiny rural village in Wiltshire, England. It has a false thatched roof, leaded, casement windows, and stacked chimneys. This English cottage style is made of stone and timber with red brick. There is a small portico on the front of the home with black supporting columns, giving it a rustic feel.

This house has mainly all wood interior, including floor plans, staircase, walls, wainscoting, doors, and baseboards. It also has decorative plasterwork throughout the house. This house is about 7,000 square feet. It includes two bedrooms, four bathrooms, and three fireplaces. This cottage-style home has an open plan kitchen with breakfast area that leads to a family room with a stone fireplace.

There are reclaimed beams throughout this home, giving it the rustic feel that the owner was trying to achieve. The dining room is open to the kitchen with an island. The living room has a stone fireplace.

FAQs about English Cottage House Plans

How do you make an English cottage look?

Create an English cottage look by planting lush greenery. Plant bushes, trees, and other greenery native to your area, and creeping plants such as ivy will make your home look like it’s emerging from nature.

Final Thought about English Cottage House Plans

English cottage house plans are very popular home plans because they offer so many different layouts. When building your own house, you can choose one-story English cottages or two-story versions, but be sure to consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you must have for your family size. Be sure that you include plenty of storage to keep all of your belongings neat and tidy.

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Things Not to Wear to a Funeral

Things Not to Wear to a Funeral

Fashion is not always the top priority when someone you know passes away. However, putting on the wrong funeral attire can be a major concern. Figuring out what to wear to a funeral often comes down to the specifics of the service and the wishes of family members.

What should you wear to a funeral? Funerals are somber occasions, which is why it’s important to dress appropriately. Therefore, funeral clothes should be conservative and not draw attention. This makes choosing clothes that you would wear for church or job interviews a safe bet.

Below are some things not to wear to a funeral. If you’re getting ready for the services of someone close to you, take note of these tips and make sure that your outfit doesn’t offend any family members or other attendees at the service.

Tips on How to Wear Funeral Clothes

Read the Obituary for Clues

Before worrying about what to wear and not wear to a funeral, consider what the family wants. Most families won’t specify what to wear, while others will request something specific in the obituary details. These family requests involve a break from the traditional funeral attire.

Some people may want funeral guests to wear bright colors to make it look like a somber affair and more like a celebration of life. Others may suggest the favorite color of the deceased. It can also be a themed request such as superhero shirts to honor a child who has passed away.

If a family requests something specific, make sure you follow those suggestions to give them great comfort during those tough times to see that funeral attendees are honoring those wishes.

Religious Customs

Religions have different customs when it comes to funeral attire. If this is a religious service, contact the funeral director to learn what kind of clothing is permissible for those in attendance. For example, in Asian cultures, the family wears white. Red should never be worn because it’s considered the color of happiness. Families also don’t wear jewels at the funeral service.

For Hindu funerals, the clothing is white, simple, and casual, and for Buddhist funerals, the family wears white while friends wear black. Knowing these cultural differences can help you choose appropriate clothing to avoid against the family’s wishes and stand out at the funeral service.

Funeral Attire Colors

Black is the traditional color when it comes to funeral clothing, especially in Western culture. Black is still the safe choice for funerals. However, you’re not limited to a dark color. Other dark colors like navy, gray, burgundy, and brown also work well.


Image credit: https://i.pinimg.com/

When choosing colors, consider the tone of the event because most funerals are somber events, which align well with a darker color. Wearing bright colors can make you look like you’re celebrating or you’re in a festive mood.

Location of the Service

When planning your outfit, consider the location of the funeral and visitation services. If it’s a church service, wear formal attire and try to be conservative. If it’s held at a casual location, your clothes can match the more laid-back environment.

Seasonal Considerations

The weather plays a big role in what you wear at a funeral. During summer, wear lightweight clothing while sticking to the guidelines. Keep clothing with muted colors without flashy designs. You want to stay cool but not wear shorts to a funeral. For men, wear lightweight slacks to stay comfortable and respectful.

Seasonal Considerations
Image credit: https://img.huffingtonpost.com/

To women, wear skirts or dresses to keep cool as long as they’re not too short. Your necklines shouldn’t dip down too far. Wear something with a sleeve and avoid spaghetti straps and if you wear a sleeveless dress, try to pair it with a lightweight cardigan. Dress pants and a jacket are now acceptable in funerals.

ccessories

It’s okay to wear accessories but keep them to a minimum. Avoid bold jewelry or carrying flashy purses. Consider how noisy your jewelry is because a stack of bracelets and noisy necklaces will be distracting during the funeral. Avoid flip-flops and tennis shoes because they’re too casual unless the funeral is a casual event. Women should avoid stilettos and flashy shoes. Dress shoes that can easily take you from a funeral home to a burial site.

The Formal of Funeral Clothes

How formal you go with your funeral dress decisions depends on the preferences of a family member and how formal the overall funeral is. Do not wear casual clothes like athletic wear. Too casual doesn’t show respect for the situation. Jeans are a gray area.

Some families may prefer a more laid-back celebration of life where jeans are acceptable. If you wear jeans, pair them with a nice blouse and a collared shirt.

Clothes to Avoid When Attending a Funeral

void Bright Colors

It’s not a time for bright colors and wild prints. Wear something subdued, avoid wearing white and black clothes because they look too formal. In addition to avoiding bright colors, steer clear of shiny fabrics. In many cases, attention-grabbing clothing can be positive, but that shouldn’t be the case in a funeral home.

Don’t Wear Sexy and Revealing Outfits

Funeral etiquette also dictates that you should avoid overly revealing attires. However, it’s not easy to tell where this type of clothing line is since what’s considered sexy can vary from one person to another. But if it’s too sexy for a professional job interview, it’s also sexy for a funeral.

Sexy and revealing clothes you should avoid include very tight pants, high slits in dresses and skirts, sheer fabrics or mesh, very low-cut tops, and blouses, skirts that make it difficult to bend.

Skip the Casual Clothing and Athletic Wear

A funeral is about showing respect to someone who’s passed away and not a casual event. Proper funeral attire is similar to what you’d wear to a business event. Some of the casual clothing you shouldn’t wear unless it’s an exception from memorial services include sneakers, tennis shoes, flip flops, baseball caps, casual hats, yoga pants, tank tops, and t-shirts.

Others include sweatpants, joggers, hoodies, and jeans unless you know others will be wearing them. Wearing jeans could also be acceptable if paired with a collared shirt and a blazer.

void Controversial Shirts and Other Clothing

A funeral isn’t a place to reclaim your political and social views, even if the deceased person would agree with you. People at the funeral event are already distressed, so it’s not okay to bring up controversial topics at this time. Avoid clothing that might lead to such a situation.

Controversial clothes to avoid at this point include political t-shirts and sweatshirts, caps, and hats with social and political messages. Others include clothing that promotes religion and a specific belief. Avoid shirts with slogans that may upset people.

void Glittery Items

Avoid glittery things such as sequins, flashy metallic fabrics, heavy cologne, and perfume. These elements can be distracting in a funeral event. In terms of footwear, choose a shoe that can easily take you from a funeral home to a place of worship to a burial site where you might be walking in grass or gravel.

Also, there isn’t really a dress code for visitation or calling hours since many people often attend straight from work and maybe wear whatever they had during the day.

FAQs about Things Not to Wear to a Funeral

Can you wear blue to the funeral?

Even though black is the traditional color to wear at a funeral, gray-blues are also great for this occasion.

Do you have to wear black to the funeral?

Black is the most traditional color when it comes to funeral clothing. It symbolizes death or mourning. The tradition of wearing black also dates back even further to the Roman Empire.

Final Thought about Things Not to Wear to a Funeral

You can never go wrong with funeral attire if you follow these guidelines. Dressing for a funeral doesn’t mean that you can’t be smart. You can still learn how to iron your clothes properly for the occasion and look your best. Just make sure your clothing doesn’t distract from the purpose of a funeral event.

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18 Scandinavian Bedroom Decoration Ideas

18 Scandinavian Bedroom Decoration Ideas

When it comes to interior design, a bedroom isn’t always for an amateur interior designer. Ranging from the bed, choosing the nightstand, and thinking about storage for your clothes and belongings, there’s so much you have to consider.

You want to create an all-white Nordic style or hotel room but don’t know-how. If you’re looking for clean lines, simplicity, light, and airy while still maintaining a sense of calmness and relaxation in your bedroom, then Scandinavian bedroom decor is perfect for your home.

Along with a common culture and language, the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark share this decorating style that is light, airy, simple, and clean. Let’s take a look at the different ways you can create this relaxing space in your own home.

1. Peaceful Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian bedroom decorating style borrows from the country’s history and sensibility. Since many residents of Scandinavian countries reside in small apartments, they have to find ways to maximize space and light. That’s why this Scandi style is popular worldwide, not just in the chilly north. The peaceful bedroom captures the serenity of real Scandinavian decor.


Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

2. Lighting is Key in Scandinavian Interiors

Scandinavian bedrooms might be some of the best-decorated rooms in the house. One reason for this is because of the lighting needs of Scandinavian residents; they need to maximize natural light and add simple lighting fixtures such as bedside lamps or overhead chandeliers. This helps to create a restful atmosphere, which is what Scandinavian designs are all about.

So, when thinking about your Scandinavian interior, make sure you provide several types of natural lighting. This will not only create a restful atmosphere but will also help with mood-building purposes.

3. Color it White

Many Scandinavian bedrooms start with the color white. White is a reflection of light and also works very well with other colors. If you choose to paint your bedroom walls white, it is best to leave at least one wall in a different color; this will add depth and interest to your room while maintaining an overall feeling of simplicity and relaxation.

Color it White
Image credit: https://st.hzcdn.com/

The leaning wall ladder is a popular decoration in Scandinavian bedroom design, so when painting your walls, paint the leaning ladder in white color. The ladder can be used in different ways in your bedroom, including storing your robe, a throw blanket, a faux fur rug, and other fabric items.

4. Mid Century Furniture

A great feature of Scandinavian bedroom decorating ideas is Mid-century furniture. This style features clean lines, simplicity, and minimalism. Mid-century furniture can be tricky to pair with other designs or concepts.

Mid Century Furniture
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

The best way to introduce the concept into your home would be by choosing a specific room like your bedroom, where you can easily incorporate this type of furniture without worrying about clashing with other styles.

The sleek look of this furniture can work well with the minimal aesthetics of Scandinavian homes. You can also buy a mid-century nightstand, a mid-century bed, and a mid-century dresser to achieve this look in the bedroom.

5. Canopy Bed in a Scandi Bedroom

A modern canopy bed with a dark wood finish is the perfect piece to use to introduce this design concept into your bedroom. The monochromatic colors of the room and simplicity of the design of the bed will create an interesting contrast and fit right in with Scandinavian bedrooms.

6. Black Walls

A bold design choice like a black bedroom wall can work well in a Scandinavian style bedroom. Since Scandi style appreciates neutral colors such as black, brown, white, and beige, this high-contrast interior is great for the bedroom.

Black Walls
Image credit: http://cdn.home-designing.com/

Also, people like it as dark as possible when they sleep at night, and the black-painted walls can help you achieve this ideal sleeping situation. Make sure your bed and walls are lighter colors like beige and white to prevent creating an ugly black box.

7. Muted Colors

The ceiling, the floor, and the furniture should be in lighter colors than black if you want to create a Scandinavian bedroom. Most Scandinavian bedrooms are created using muted colors like dark purple, pale pink, and faded blue. There’s also a Scandinavian blue, which is very popular in Scandinavian kitchens.

8. Bring in Natural Light with Large Windows

Bring in natural light with large windows to create a more spacious feel. This is what Scandinavians are known for, their love of nature and the outdoors. Make your bedroom full of life by bringing in natural sunlight.

Bring in Natural Light with Large Windows
Image credit: https://media.designcafe.com/

To complement this, ditch heavy curtains and use adjustable window treatments such as blinds and shutters instead. If your windows are not large, try to enlarge them with sheer curtains.

9. Consider a Fireplace in the Bedroom

Most Scandinavian bedrooms have a fireplace as it was originally intended as a room for firewood. In this age of gas and electricity, the fireplace is more for aesthetics, with some models even holding candles.

10. Scandinavian Cottage Bedroom

While the Scandinavian decor is generally pared down and minimalist in feel, it doesn’t mean that there’s no room for personality, warmth, and touches of other decorating themes. The Scandinavian bedroom has a cottage vibe while maintaining the limited palette, clean lines, and airiness typical to Scandi style.

Scandinavian Cottage Bedroom
Image credit: https://st.hzcdn.com/

11. Neutral Wood Beds and Headboards

Scandinavian bedrooms often have beds with headboards made of wood. However, other materials can be used for the headboard, including metal or wicker, but wood is most common. But both neutral wood bed and headboard are great Scandinavian bedroom design choices.

It will warm up the bedroom while keeping in line with a minimalist aesthetic. There are no fancy elements with this bed. It’s functional and simple, with two nightstands on either side of the bed that blend well with white walls behind them.

12. Go All Out with Textures

A blend of cozy textures is essential for creating the ultimate Scandinavian bedroom. The room must be warm, inviting, and comfortable so that you can relax better at night. By adding soft cushions and pillows to the bed, you get a cozy reading nook where you can curl up with a book or watch television in comfort after a stressful day at work.

13. Abstract Wall Art

Many Scandinavian interiors feature black and white artwork. There are no representational works in Scandinavian homes. So, stick to abstract shapes and minimalist forms when placing art on your wall. You can opt for drawings, paintings, and sculptures; be sure to keep it minimal and abstract.

While you’ll often find a gallery wall of smaller black and white artwork, it’s always good to big with one large artwork. The larger pieces will add a zing of excitement, while the muted color will keep the overall vibe soothing.

14. Create a Cozy Reading Corner

A beautiful Scandinavian bedroom is often one where you can curl up and read your favorite book while enjoying the comfort of soft pillows, sheepskin throw, fur, cozy blankets, and a steaming cup of homemade tea. This kind of space allows you to get lost in your books while cozying up with loved ones or friends.

15. Go Slightly Bolder with a Colorful Scandi Bedroom Scheme

Now, this doesn’t mean painting the walls bright red or yellow. A Scandinavian bedroom usually sports muted colors like light blue or grey. You can still achieve that light and airy feel of a modern Scandinavian design while adding a playful touch to your decor with traditional folksy prints and rich tones such as mustard and burnt orange.

16. Maintain Open and Airy Spaces

The typical Scandinavian room leaves plenty of open space between pieces of furniture. This gives the room an airy, fresh vibe and prevents any cramped and cluttered feel during the dark winter days.

17. Small Scandinavian Bedrooms

When you’re working with a small space, it’s best to go with simple modern furniture. Twin beds and small side tables can be a great addition when working with a small bedroom design.

18. Add Rustic Touch to Your Modern Bedroom

Love the country charm of large, wooden slatted beds? Pair it with a sleek modern dresser and bedside tables for styling contrast. Choose a stand-out piece of vintage furniture to make your bedroom look more rustic and modern.

FAQs about Scandinavian Bedroom Decorating Ideas

What is a Scandinavian bedroom?

Scandinavian ideas originated from countries such as Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. A Scandinavian bedroom design has many different vibes, depending on the design route you choose.

What makes a Scandinavian bedroom?

Scandinavian bedrooms, just like the rest of their interiors, have a minimal amount of color. These bedrooms feature all dark walls, a dark wall, and richly colored textiles about comfort, coziness, and textures.

Final Thought about Scandinavian Bedroom Decorating Ideas

As you can see, Scandinavian bedroom decorating ideas are very popular not only in the chilly north but worldwide. This decorating style is easy to implement, and the results are very appealing. So, if you’re just learning how to decorate your bedroom, consider the Scandinavian decor and you’ll love it.

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IKEA Cabinet-Greenhouse Hacks

IKEA Cabinet-Greenhouse Hacks

Space is at a premium in most apartments. You want to grow your food, but you don’t have the space for a full-sized greenhouse or even a small one. Well, with that limited space you have in your apartment, Ikea cabinet greenhouse hacks are the best way to go.

For plant enthusiasts, finding the perfect balance of creativity and plant displays is an art. Everyone loves it when plant parents show off their favorite tropical plants while creating a perfect environment for the plant. And that’s where the Ikea greenhouse cabinet hack comes in.

Countless individuals have turned their IKEA cabinets into growing systems by adding home components like grow lights, fans, and special herbs. Here are some great ideas for transforming your IKEA cabinet into a greenhouse:

Features of the Ikea Greenhouse Cabinet

Robin Schouten, the founder of a popular Instagram page @Ikeagreenhouse cabinet, states that the Ikea cabinet greenhouse features IKEA cabinets that were converted into greenhouses for tropical plants.


Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Schouten, the founder of an Instagram account called Ikea greenhouse cabinet, was looking for a glass greenhouse for her humidity-loving plants and found people using these Ikea DIY ideas. In this trending DIY hack, plant parents transformed glass Ikea cabinets into indoor greenhouses, making it ideal for plant enthusiasts to deal with their limited space.

It’s fairly easy, and all you need is a glass cabinet, grow lights, a small fan, and a humidifier. These Ikea greenhouse cabinets are versatile and can be cheap and simple or expensive and complex as you want. It all depends on your budget, DIY skills, commitments, and the type of plants you want to keep inside them.

cquire Ikea Glass Cabinet Choices for Greenhouse Hacking

Ikea offers a lot of glass cabinets that you can transform into a greenhouse. These include the detolf, fabrikor, milsbo and rudsta. These Ikea glass cabinet hacks are available in different colors and sizes. Make sure you find one that suits you.

Install Grow Light

You can install fluorescent grow lights and a simple timer to keep your houseplants alive. Fluorescent tubes are cheaper, relatively cool, and very easy to set up. You can also use LED grow lights that are more expensive but last longer. They are very efficient compared to normal light bulbs. A fan is also necessary because it helps circulate air inside the cabinet.

Perfect the Air Environment

You can grow any plant you want in your greenhouse, but these plants are helpful for tropical plants which require high humidity. In this case, add a small humidifier and tray filled with water. Include mini fans to help with air circulation and prevent mold from growing. You can also monitor the climate by keeping a temperature and humidity gauge on one of the shelves.

Customize Your Liking

You can customize your greenhouse. There are shelves, hooks, and baskets that you can glue to fit your needs. You can also use Ikea cabinet doors or covers to make sure all of your plants do not go directly on the wall or floor of the cabinet. This is an awesome way to reuse old cabinets.

This greenhouse will help produce healthy plants, vegetables, and food for your family. Some people add pegboards, fern wood panels, and a wire rack to the back of the cabinet to clip stems and vines as plants grow. Others like adding heat mats, weather stripping, and replacing glass shelves with wire or acrylic ones.

All of these are not necessary. Beyond the main function of houseplants, indoor greenhouses are meant to please the eyes, so arrange the plants as you wish and keep monitoring their conditions to ensure their success.

Ikea Greenhouse Cabinets

Robin Schouten’s Fabrikor and Milsbo Greenhouse Setup

Robin Schouten’s greenhouse setup is pretty simple. A 3-tier Fabrikor shelving unit was attached to the wall, then a Milsbo cabinet just below it, followed by smaller plants on the top shelf. Two mini fans were used to increase airflow, and she uses grow lights in an area that doesn’t get much light. This would be perfect for growing strawberries or other vines that need support to hold them up.

Robin Schouten's Fabrikor and Milsbo Greenhouse Setup
Image credit: https://i.pinimg.com/

Vancouver Collector’s Milsbo Cabinet DIY Greenhouse

The plants inside this setup include basil plants and fig trees, both taking advantage of growing on top of cupboards that have fluorescent lighting that can be turned on at any given time. The Milsbo is retrofitted with wire shelves to allow better airflow than the glass shelves it comes with.

A Vancouver Collector's Milsbo Cabinet DIY Greenhouse
Image credit: https://i.insider.com/

There are also three grow light panels, weather stripping, a small fan for air circulation, and a water tray to boost humidity. There is a hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity.

Gorgeous DIY Terrarium from an IKEA Fabrikor Cabinet

There are a few steps involved in the process of building one of these units. One of the most important is to find an existing cabinet with a backlight that you can remove or buy a Fabrikor piece that allows for this feature.

This unit gets air from a small computer fan that blows into it from the back, and there is a removable water tray for easy watering of the plants. It’s sealed and waterproofed by installing fiberglass at the bottom so that it can open and close.

3 Cabinets for a Huge Aroid Collection

The owner of this house has a nice IKEA Fabrikor unit that he mounted to the wall to store his impressive colocasia and yucca collection. As you can see, it also houses some other plants, like an interesting-looking cactus.

3 Cabinets for a Huge Aroid Collection
Image credit: https://live.staticflickr.com/

The interior is filled with soil, and drainage holes were added to make it easy to keep plants alive. It’s a cheap but interesting approach to home plant storage.

FAQs about Ikea Cabinet Greenhouse Hacks

What can you grow in your greenhouse cabinets?

You can grow anything in your greenhouse Ikea, ranging from succulents, vegetables, and cacti.

Can you use perlite instead of a humidity tray?

Yes, this is an alternative way to increase air moisture for the benefit of your housing plants.

Final Thought about Ikea Cabinet Greenhouse Hacks

Well, that’s all about Ikeas cabinet greenhouse hacks. So, pick one according to your budget, DIY skills, and plant requirements to enjoy your indoor greenhouse.

The post IKEA Cabinet-Greenhouse Hacks appeared first on Kitchen Infinity.

How to Grow Oriental Poppy Plants

How to Grow Oriental Poppy Plants

Growing Oriental poppies is a fun and rewarding experience. However, it can be hard to know what you need to do before planting them in your garden. Oriental poppies are beautiful flowering plants that you can grow indoors or outdoors.

They are usually planted in the spring and bloom during the summer season. The flowers of these plants come in different colors including red, pink, white, purple, maroon, orange, salmon, and peach. These beautiful flowers attract many butterflies and bees, making them a perfect addition to your flower garden.

What are Oriental Poppies?

Oriental poppies, also known as Papaver Orientale are herbaceous perennial flowers with large, brightly colored blooms featuring petals reminiscent of crepe paper. Oriental poppies are grown mainly for their flowers, although they bear attractive foliage in spring.


Image credit: https://www.saga.co.uk/

The big, thistle-like leaves of Oriental poppy are downy, deeply lobed, and rich green, offering aesthetic value in their own right. What makes the Oriental poppy a good cut flower is its tightly packed leaves and stiff and hairy flower stems.

Oriental Poppy Plant Care

Indigenous to elevated lands in Western Asia, the Oriental poppy has naturalized in parts of North America that have cold winters. This cold-hardy plant hates high heat and humidity; instead, this perennial needs cold temperatures in the winter and fares poorly for most parts south of planting zone 8.

Oriental Poppy Plant Care
Image credit: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/

Make sure you mulch around oriental poppies for the first couple of years for winter protection because most varieties are clump-forming. Also, propagate them by seed instead of transplanting because the clumps are slow to become established. Oriental poppy has multiple uses, which makes it a valuable garden plant.

Sunlight Requirements

Make sure you plant your oriental poppies in full sun. This will not only promote better flowering but will also encourage a bushy habit. If you want a tall, slender plant, then choose a location with some afternoon shade. Full sun will also reduce the chances of powdery mildew infestation, which is a potential problem with oriental poppies. At least six hours of sun a day will help your plant to thrive.

Soil Requirement

The soil should be fertile and well-drained. The plants need a lot of water in summer but less in winter. They are extremely intolerant to wet soils, so choose your planting site carefully by avoiding low areas that remain damp for long periods.

Growing your oriental poppy in a well-drained soil enriched with compost will give the best blooms. Oriental poppy also prefers neutral to slightly acidic pH. Root rot can be a problem if the pH is too high so make sure you test the soil pH and ensure it doesn’t exceed the limit.

Water Requirements

Poppies like moist but well-draining soil throughout the entire growing season and regular watering. Make sure you water when the soil is dry and avoid overwatering, especially during dormancy. Poppies grown in containers will need more frequent watering than those in the ground.

Water regularly and thoroughly so that water runs out of the planting holes at the bottom of pots. Poppies are drought tolerant; however, they will flower less and instead put their energy into developing more leaves and stems, making them greener but not as attractive.

Temperature and Humidity

Poppies don’t like it too hot. As a general rule, if you are comfortable outside, the poppy will be happy. It can tolerate temperatures down to 20°F, but you must protect the flower buds from an early frost that could damage or kill them. This plant doesn’t prefer high heat and humidity. They grow in hardiness zones 3 through 9.

Fertilizer

Poppies require well-draining soil and regular fertilization. They respond very well to all forms of fertilizer, including slow-release fertilizer in the spring. Be careful not to over-fertilize. Too much fertilizer will cause the plant’s energy to be put into producing flowers rather than leaves and stems.

Fertilize in spring just before new growth appears. If you already have fertile soil, use ammonium sulfate instead because it also contains some nitrogen. If it is too late for this application, you can side dress the soil with compost or manure tea. Make your own compost for your plants and you’ll like the outcome.

Propagating Oriental Poppies from Seed

If you have an adult poppy plant, the division is easiest to propagate new poppy plants. There are a couple of ways to do this. The first way is called layering. This takes several weeks and should only be done if you want just one or two new plants.

To layer oriental poppy, bend one of the stalks down to the ground, and bury it in the soil where it touches the ground. Hold the stalk down with a rock or other object. Water frequently while your Oriental poppy is lying on the ground to dry out too much. It’s better to do this late after the blooms have passed.

How to Plant Oriental Poppies

Once you’ve purchased these plants from a garden center, plant them from early spring into early summer. Direct sowing is the standard method for growing oriental poppies. Scatter poppy seeds directly on the surface of the soil in spring or early fall, where they’ll receive the sunlight they need to germinate.

How to Plant Oriental Poppies
Image credit: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

Poppies grown in containers are easy to plant. You gently settle them in the ground at the same depth they were in the pot. Be careful not to disturb the roots when transplanting. For bare root plants, plant them with the top of the tap root about an inch below the soil surface. Make sure you follow all directions that come with your bare root plant.

Pests and Diseases

Poppies rarely suffer from pests and diseases. But the oriental types can be set back by powdery mildew. This fungal disease can affect the whole plant by covering leaves and stems in white mildew in spring and summer.

Make sure you deadhead spent flowers and cut the plant to the ground level as you also clear fallen leaves to prevent the fungal disease from overwintering in the soil.

Oriental Poppy Varieties

Papaver Orientale Livermere

The most fragrant of all poppy varieties. It has large flowers, is very hardy, and is tolerant of poor soils. It also has a scarlet red flower that is 2 to 3 feet tall.

Papaver orientale Patty’s Plum

Patty’s plum is a variety new to the UK; it has purple petals with white markings. It is very hardy and loves poor soil. It’s heavily textured and plum-colored 2 to 3 feet high.

Papaver orientale Fireball

Fireball is a spectacular poppy with flowers up to 18 inches in diameter with bright scarlet petals, and a golden yellow center. The leaves are dark green and rough-textured, maturing to red-brown tones in autumn. It’s semi-double or double blooms.

Papaver orientale Bolero

Bolero is an amazing poppy containing purple-red flowers with purple eyes. The center of its flower is golden yellow. It’s 2 feet high, and it blooms in mid-summer.

Papaver orientale Princess Victoria Louise

This is another spectacular poppy variety that is 6 to 8 inches large, salmon-pink blooms, and 2 to 3 feet tall.

Companion Plants for Poppy Plants

Plant your oriental poppies in the middle or at the back of the flower bed to let other flowers fill in once they die. Hide the withering poppy foliage with summer bloomers such as Siberian iris, baby’s breath, Russian sage, daylilies, and rudbeckia. Protect the new poppy foliage in fall with bark mulch and pine boughs.

FAQs about How to Grow Oriental Poppy Plants

Do oriental poppies grow back every year?

Oriental poppies are true perennials, meaning the mother plant returns each year and slowly expands overtime to produce a larger plant and more flowers.

Should you deadhead oriental poppies?

Yes, you should cut back and deadhead oriental poppies after flowering. This will stimulate the growth of fresh new foliage and even new blooms.

Final Thought on How to Grow Oriental Poppy Plants

As you can see, growing and caring for oriental poppies is a fairly simple task. If you want to capture the magic of these brilliant blooms, consider planting them near your home or garden as an addition to the landscape.

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How To Wash A Silk Pillowcase

How To Wash A Silk Pillowcase

Washing silk pillowcases is not as easy as you might think. Not only do they require special care, but also dry cleaning can be expensive and time-consuming. Luckily, there are some

simple steps to follow for washing a silk pillowcase at home. Follow these instructions to keep your silk pillows in tip-top shape and avoid the risk of ruining them with improper care. Here we go!

What You’ll Need

Mesh laundry bagWasher or sinkIronDrying rackDistilled white vinegarGentle detergentCold water

Washing a Silk Pillowcase by Your Hand

There’s always a way to hand washing your silk products. However, it will take time to do, and the results may not be as satisfactory as you would like. It’s best to ask a silk product professional for guidance if hand washing is your preferred method, although we encourage you to try it on your own first before taking such a big step. Here are some things to remember:


Image caption: https://www.thespruce.com/

Read the Label on Your Pillowcase to Check How it Should be Washed

Most silk products will come with care instructions that you should always keep in mind. The care label is always on the inside corner of the pillowcase. It would recommend hand washing your pillowcase. If there’s no care label attached to the pillowcase, then get it dry cleaned to be on the safe side.

Fill Your Basin with Cool Water and Detergent

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a little bit of gentle detergent. You can learn how to make homemade laundry detergent for this purpose. Mix the detergent well with your

hands before soaking it in the pillowcase. Use your fingers to rub the laundry detergent around all parts of the silk material, making sure it’s properly cleaned. Make sure you don’t use hot water, as this can cause the silk to shrink.

dd Some Drops of Detergent

If you want to make sure the pillowcase is clean, then add a few drops of detergent. Make sure it’s not too much, as this will cause the silk to become dry and rubbery because of leftover residue.

Put in your hand and gently knead that into the silk pillowcase. Unlike how you do laundry or washing your silk in the machine washing, ensure you use less detergent. Excess detergent, even if it’s a gentle detergent, can break down your natural fiber.

Soak Your Pillowcase in the Basin Sink or Bucket for 5 Minutes

Just like the washing cycle, leave your pillowcase to soak for 5 minutes. This will allow the detergent to soften up dirt or oil that has settled into the material over time, causing it to look dirty and dull.

Soak it in a bucket of lukewarm and laundry soap, then set the timer for 5 minutes. Don’t soak it for longer than 5 minutes, as this can damage your silk pillowcase. Swirl the silk gently while soaking but do not scrub or wring as this can damage silk fibers.

Drain Water and Laundry Soap from the Bucket or Basin Sink

Remove the silk from the water and laundry soap. Quickly remove any excess water by squeezing it with your hands. Make sure you do not wring the silk pillowcase as this can cause damage to its fibers.

Refill Your Bucket with Cool Water, White Vinegar, and Fabric Softener

After removing the excess water, refill your bucket with 3/4 white vinegar and 1/4 cup of fabric softener. Stir well to mix the contents. Make sure the fabric softener is safe for the silk before adding it to the mix. The white vinegar will remove excess soap and alkalinity while the fabric softener adds softness and shine to your pillow.

Rinse Your Pillowcase in Cold Water

Once you’ve properly washed and cleaned your pillowcase, finish off with cold rinse water. Do not soak your silk pillowcase in cold water, as this may result in shrinkage. Washing it in cold water will help you clear out all the soap and water, hence keeping your pillowcase clean.

Lay Your Pillowcase Flat on a Fresh Towel to Let it Dry

Once you’ve rinsed your silk pillowcase, lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. Use a fresh towel or rag as this will serve as your drying cloth. After laying the silk pillowcase flat on the new dried cloth, let it air dry before putting it back in place. Never hang your silk fibers in a clothesline to dry, and always dry them out of direct sunlight. Exposing your pillowcase to direct sunlight may cause the colors of your silk pillowcase to fade and deteriorate quickly.

How to Wash Silk in the Washing Machine

Washing your silk bedding in the washing machine is quite possible, but you must follow a specific washing procedure to preserve its silk fibers. Also, ensure you know the washing machine brands to avoid with your silk materials so you don’t end up incurring losses.

How to Wash Silk in the Washing Machine
Image caption: https://lightsleeper.co.uk/

Check the Care Label

The label attached on the inside corner of your pillowcase should tell you whether it’s appropriate to machine wash your silk pillowcase. If it’s not, check the label attached to your silk bedding for washing instructions.

Wash Your Silk Separately from Other Fabrics

Avoid mixing your silk cloth with heavy fabrics, such as jeans or towels, because its fibers are much weaker. Remember to wash it separately from other delicate clothes. Make sure you wash your silk items alone because their fibers are very weak and could tangle with other fabrics.

Fill the Washing Machine with Suitable Temperature Water

Fill the washing machine with tepid water. The maximum water temperature that is safe for silk in a washing machine is around 40 degrees Celsius or 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you choose the most gentle cycle that the washing machine offers. If you choose a hotter cycle, you risk damaging your silk or causing it to shrink.

Put Your Pillowcase into a Mesh Laundry Bag

Pour the correct amount of silk-specific detergent into the washing machine, making sure you choose a gentle or delicate cycle. Close the mesh bag and put it inside the washer with your pillowcase. The laundry bag will help your silk stay separated from the other fabrics being washed, preventing it from developing pulls or tangling with other items such as the washing machine drums.

Use Mild Detergent

The silk-specific detergent you chose needs to mix with the water before it can spread out and get on your pillowcase. Avoid using harsh detergents such as bleach to protect your delicate fabric from getting damaged.

Put bleach in your washing machine by accident, and you risk ruining the color of your silk or dulling its sheen. If you need to bleach your clothes,  pre-soak the silk in a mixture of water and bleach before washing it to protect the fabric. You can skip the fabric softener and instead use white vinegar to give your pillowcase a fresh scent.

Use the Delicate Cycle

Add a mild laundry detergent and start up your washing machine using the most delicate setting the delicate cycle. If you have a front loader, lower its water level and increase the agitation speed to protect your silk from getting torn or wrinkled. Use cold water to prevent color bleeding and set the spin speed to its lowest level.

Let it Soak with Your Detergent

Unlike other fabrics, silk doesn’t let go of dirt and dust so easily. So to release as much grime as you can, let the pillowcase soak for about 15 minutes with lukewarm water before putting it in the washer. Put a few squirts of your mild detergent and white vinegar into the basin to soften up stains.

Leave the Pillowcase Resting Flat on a Clean Towel to Dry

Remove silk pillowcases from the washer and lay them flat on a clean towel. Leave it there to dry for another half-day before putting it away in your linen closet. Do not dry your silk fabric in direct sunlight, as this can cause yellowing and damage the silk fibers.

FAQs on How to Clean a Silk Pillowcase

How often should you wash a silk pillowcase?

Silk fabrics should be cleaned after every two weeks to maintain their freshness. Don’t skimp on this step if you want to keep your silk pillowcase looking well for a long time.

What detergent is safe for washing silk?

Powdered detergents are ideal for washing silk in the laundry. Since powdered detergents are more diluted compared to liquid ones, you can be sure that it’s gentle enough not to irritate the fabric.

Final Thought on How to Wash Your Silk Pillowcases

If you’re conscious about the appearance of your silk fabric, then it’s best to wash and dry them after every two weeks. You can also clean stains in your silk pillowcase by using cool water and spot stain removers.

Remember not to rub the fabric harshly when washing silk because it may cause damage to the material. With all these tips, you’ll have a clean pillowcase that will not only beautify your night but will serve you for a long time. Feel free to pin and share this article.

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12 Inspirational Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas

12 Inspirational Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas

If you are looking for ways to make your kitchen look unique, then try out kitchen wallpaper. Decorating your kitchen is not an easy task. You need to consider the design, colors, and patterns of the wallpapers before you start decorating your kitchen walls. Wallpaper can be used in any room of the house for a stylish look with minimal effort.

Kitchen wallpaper is one such type that adds elegance to any home décor. It can transform an ordinary space into something extraordinary and unique. These days, there are many options available when it comes to choosing from different designs of wallpaper for kitchens.

If you want a creative way to makeover your kitchen wall, try out these new ideas on how you can use wallpaper on your walls instead of paint, tiles, and marble pieces.

1. Pantry Makeover

Adding wallpaper in the kitchen pantry will instantly hide any stains on your walls. However, you must choose the right color that will complement the design of your cabinets. Consider a small pantry that uses uplifting, colorful floral wallpaper as a backdrop for shelving and storage.


Image credit: https://www.classyclutter.net/

Taking risks in this small risk space is a great way of experimenting without huge investment and commitment. Dressing up the utilitarian corners of your home in bright colors and patterns is a small life-affirming act of care for your room.

2. Backsplash

Instead of using a tile backsplash, consider vinyl wallpaper that is easy to clean and replace. If you think that tile might be too permanent, you can try samples of stone-look textured wallpaper attached only temporarily onto the wall with double-sided tape or light adhesive.

Backsplash
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

This way, if your taste changes or you decide to change your kitchen layout,, you can quickly use wallpaper remover to remove it and restore your kitchen to its original look. Vinyl wallpaper will also save you a lot of money in the long run.

3. Feature Wall

Feature walls are a great way to make your kitchen look one of a kind. While everyone else uses subway tiles or standard white tiles, you can stand out from the crowd by putting up wallpaper. You might think this idea sounds too bold, but remember that you can always use accent colors and patterns and be as daring as you want.

Feature Wall
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Install an accent wall of wallpaper in any pattern that strikes your fancy. Don’t worry about coordinating colors and styles if you want to keep the rest of the space neutral. Feel free to go bold by dressing your contemporary cookie kitchen.

4. Get Inspired by Art Deco

From the late 1890s through the early 1940s, art deco was all about bold colors and geometric patterns. This trend has made something of a comeback over the past few years in interior design, so you can even find wallpapers that look like they came straight from an art deco painting.

Get Inspired by Art Deco
Image credit: https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/

These art deco prints will never get old despite their age. So, get a huge range of art deco-inspired patterned wallpapers. Make sure you line them up well due to their intricate pattern.

5. Add a Geo Backsplash for a Special Pop

To add a special touch to the kitchen, you can use this glazed Geo backsplash tile. These handmade tiles come in all kinds of colors and shapes. You can choose the right combination for your wall and decorating palette with different colors and patterns. The silky smooth surface of these handmade tiles makes them easy to clean.

However, to keep them in top shape, you need to wipe them with a damp cloth at least once daily. If the bright color doesn’t look appealing, opt for black and white wallpaper in a neat geometric design. Geo patterns can go well with any kitchen color scheme.

6. Consider Shades of Green in the Kitchen

Choosing a green color for your kitchen wallpaper is a great idea. It will add an organic touch to the room without making it look dull and grey. If you want something more striking, use bright lime or grass green shades in your wallpaper design. The dark background makes these colors stand out beautifully to give the room a bright look.

An otherwise simple white kitchen is the perfect blank canvas for a bold usage of pretty graphic wallpaper. Green is also a great color for bringing plants into the kitchen. Grasses, ivies, and ferns will look stunning when paired with these colors. If you aren’t comfortable with grasses and plants inside your home, use different shaped plants like bottles of ferns to give the same effect.

7. Consider Tie in Statement Colors with Existing Wallpaper

When designing your kitchen, you can go bold by using striking wallpaper for the whole room or around one wall. If you want to have an interesting statement wall in your kitchen, try creating a beautiful pattern with various shades of green.

The blue and white wallpaper print makes the teal shiplap and marble countertops look like a match made in home decor heaven. Blue and white is a classic kitchen colorway that always feels fresh.

8. Bring in Dark Floral Prints for a Hint of Dramatic Flair

A pretty floral print on wallpaper can turn your kitchen from dull to fab in one simple stroke. To keep the look from being overwhelming, use it as an accent wall. In this smart and stylish kitchen, there is no room for boring or bland, so they have used their statement wallpaper to beautiful effect.

Bring in Dark Floral Prints for a Hint of Dramatic Flair
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Green patterned wallpaper is used on the kitchen ceiling, which is unusual, but it adds an interesting feature to this contemporary kitchen. If you are looking for a bold statement and a stylish focal point, go for a dark geometric pattern. The black dots are also echoed in the tiling on the wall behind the cooker unit and the hob.

9. Bring the Texture

The texture is a very important addition to any room, kitchen included. The right wallpaper not only adds visual interest to your wall but can also bring elements of texture to your entire kitchen.

10. Add a Black Kitchen Backsplash

To create a sleek and modern kitchen, you can combine black kitchen cabinets with black countertops, backsplashes, and flooring. It looks very stylish even when it is done in contrast to other colors. Black-and-white geometric tiles give you the opportunity to put your stamp on the kitchen design project. This is an inexpensive alternative to tile and gives you a perfect kitchen backsplash

11. Corner Booth

Wallpaper is a great way to add personality to any room, including the kitchen. One of the underappreciated aspects of this idea is using wallpaper in an unexpected place. When you are tired of plain tile or give up on painting cabinets, consider covering them with wallpaper instead.

Corner Booth
Image credit: https://loyalistforest.com/

12A booth can be used as both a decoration and a functional space, including a dining area where you can have family dinners and late-night drinks once the kids are in bed.

12. Go French Countryside with a Muted Floral Themed Design

You can even buy cloth wallpaper that looks just like the real thing. The best part of this idea is you will have a unique kitchen unlike anyone else’s in your neighborhood.

Thanks to the paned windows and muted floral wallpaper print, a charming kitchen will feel like a traditional chateau off the French countryside. The sage-colored cabinets, marble countertops, and minimal conces add a modern twist that helps the kitchen feel more current and upscale.

FAQs about Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas

Is peel and stick wallpaper good for kitchens?

Yes, peel and stick wallpaper lets you add fun and color patterns to your kitchen without the permanence and expense of traditional wallpaper.

Is kitchen wallpaper a good idea?

Designers say wallpaper is a secret ingredient for creating a unique, whimsical kitchen. Whether you keep it in your backsplash, bar, breakfast nook, or cover every wall, wallpaper can instantly transform your kitchen.

Final Thought on Kitchen Wallpaper Ideas

As you can see, kitchen wallpaper ideas can be easily customized to your specific tastes and requirements. Today, we have seen how an elegant and stylish kitchen can be made just by changing the wallpaper, and this makes it easy for you to go ahead with the same idea to get that stunning kitchen you always wanted.

If you love fun and adventurous styles, then there are innumerable options available at your disposal. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give your kitchen a touch of elegance by changing the way it looks.

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16 Best Backpacks for College of 2021

Choosing the right backpack can be a difficult task for students, especially in high school or college. It is not easy to pick the best backpack that will suit your needs. With so many options available today, it can be overwhelming and confusing to choose one. Which type of bag should you get? What features do you need?

Below is the list of the best backpacks for college and high school kids in 2021.

1. Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack Herschel

Pop Quiz Supply Co. is an independent designer, distributor, and manufacturer of luxury backpacks, bags, and accessories. One of their best-sellers is the Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack which has everything you need for college. This backpack is spacious, durable, and lightweight.


Image credit: https://www.gadgetreview.com/

It offers enough compartments to keep your must-have organized. This bag comes equipped with a padded laptop sleeve, fleece-lined sunglasses, and a few other compartments you can use to store your go-tos. The base of this bag is also lined with a water-resistant faux leather panel that keeps your items safe from spills and puddles.

2. Moleskine Metro Backpack

This backpack is a multi-purpose bag you can use to store all your college essentials. It has several compartments where you can store your laptop, phone, charger, and even your notebooks. It features padded straps that add extra comfort when carrying the pack for hours.

Moleskine Metro Backpack
Image credit: https://www.moleskine.com/

If you’re looking for a sleek, compact backpack that can help you keep your laptop safe from elements, then this is the right choice. This bag is crafted from water-repellent nylon, and it boasts a protective polyurethane base that keeps your electronics safe from spills and puddles.

3. Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

For minimalist college students, this backpack from Everlane is a good choice. This pack doesn’t have traditional compartments or zippers. Instead, it features a series of pouches and slots that allow you to store your stuff in the most efficient way possible.

Everlane Modern Snap Backpack
Image credit: https://i.pinimg.com/

Plus, its design allows you to store laptops, notebooks, and other school supplies. It has an exterior side pocket for your water bottle, making it safer for your inside belongings. You can also keep it for the longest time, thanks to its water-resistant cotton twill exterior.

4. The North Face Borealis Backpack

One of the best backpacks for college is this one from The North Face. It has 28 liters of storage space, perfect for carrying your books and notebooks on campus. Additionally, it features a fleece-lined pocket that allows you to keep sunglasses protected when you’re on the go.

The North Face Borealis Backpack
Image credit: https://images.thenorthface.com/

If you need a whole lot of space, the Borealis backpack is a perfect choice. Upfront, it has an elastic bungee system. This bag is also comfortable, and there’s also a version that can fit women’s bodies. It comes in various colors, fitting everyone’s preferences.

5. Mokuyobi Flyer Backpack

This is one of the best backpacks for college students because it’s got a huge amount of space. If you want to carry your laptop, tablet, or iPad with you, there are two pockets in the front that can fit most laptops with screen sizes up to 15 inches. You’ll also find several exterior pockets with zipper closures.

Mokuyobi Flyer Backpack
Image credit: https://cdn.shopify.com/

There is an open space that’s perfect for carrying several books. If you’re worried about running out of time, this is for you. It has some space for extra clothes, some make-up or perfume, and a few items.

6. Herschel Heritage Classic Backpack

If you’re looking for a stylish backpack for college, this is your answer. Herschel is a brand that’s known for its affordable and trendy bags and accessories. It has several designs to choose from, so you’ll surely find one that complements your style.

This backpack has a bit more than enough space for most students with 19 x 13.5 x 8 inches. If you also like a light, classy backpack, this may be the best backpack for you. It has a large compartment with a sleeve that can hold a 15-inch laptop and a small media pocket with a headphone port.

The classic black color with a saddle brown faux leather bottom is one of the 23 designs available. It has an air mesh back padding and cushioned straps that keep you comfortable across the campus.

7. Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

This is a cool backpack for students who are always on the go. It has one main compartment with dividers to provide easier organizing. The exterior also features two front zippered pockets, one of which is padded to protect your laptop or tablet.

There are three colors available, including dark pink camo, midnight camouflage, and navy blue. For comfort and better back support, the designers made the straps adjustable. It also has the signature feature of Dagne Dover’s backpacks and bags, which is the key leash.

The superior material is made of premium neoprene, making it water-resistant, hand-washable, and one of the most durable backpacks on the market.

8. Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port

This is great for any college student. It can fit most laptops up to 15 inches with its slim design, making it perfect for many carrying cases during the day. With two front pockets, one of them with a built-in USB port, this backpack will make it easier for you to access your phone or tablet while on the go.

This backpack has a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve and an internal organization panel. There is also a front pocket for your accessories, such as pens, calculators, tablets, phones, and more. This backpack also boasts spacious main compartments, two water bottle pockets, and two compact pockets.

9. Day Owl Backpack

If you want to live a sustainable life on campus, then the qualities of this backpack suit you well. While the bag looks trendy and small with its circular design, the interior of this backpack is very spacious and can hold your laptops, a few books, and other belongings. You can also send this backpack back for repairs to make it last longer.

Also, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly backpack that will suit all your outfits while carrying all your items in it, then you should consider this one. Since the bag is made with non-toxic materials and the company’s claim that every feature in the backpack has an environmental purpose is convincing, I’d say that there is no reason not to buy this for yourself or even friends who are into sustainable living.

10. Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack

Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack is a highly practical and stylish backpack. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable backpack that does not look like a typical boring one, this should be your choice. In addition to its durability, the Fjallraven Kanken is also waterproof and highly functional.

It comes with a number of pockets and compartments inside and out, which means you can fit everything you need in the backpack, including assorted snacks for your college days. If you’re looking for something trendy but functional, this might be the best choice for you.

The Fjallraven Kanken comes in 17 colors inspired by nature, including acorn forest green and autumn leaf. The ergonomically designed padded shoulder straps also make a comfortable journey between classes.

11. Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack

This is another great choice of student college backpacks. It’s designed to protect all your 15-inch laptops and tablets. With careful details like the Napoleon pocket that makes it easy to quickly access important items, rugged ballistic zips, and a scratch-resistant lining, this bag is just an example of what you can expect from Timbuk2 products.

If you’re going to school in a rainy city, this bag should be one of your options. It’s made out of canvas fabric and waterproof material, enabling it to keep your laptop dry. It also has a laptop compartment and a zip pocket that can hold your phone, wallet, and other small, significant items.

It has multiple storage spaces for pen holders, water bottles, and other school supplies on the inside. Apart from the laptop compartment, the main compartment can carry books, extra jackets, and other essentials. It has incognito back zip access and a secure pocket for valuable items. It also has comfortable straps which are adjustable and come with a sternum strap suitable for travelling.

12. Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Campus Backpack

Vera Bradley is a globally recognized brand with an extensive selection of luggage and backpacks. This backpack comes in 13 different designs, giving you a wide range of options to choose from depending on your style preferences.

The bag has double carrying options, a short handle, and adjustable shoulder straps. It has a front pocket with a flap and an additional zipped pocket for your valuables. It also has three pen holders. In addition, it has no natural wool fiber, making it perfect for animal lovers.

13. JanSport Right Pack

The Right pack features the signature suede leather bottom, padded laptop sleeve, two front pockets, and a side water bottle pocket. This backpack is also made of durable Cordura fabric and comes with an organizer. The company is also committed to providing durable and reliable products offering you a lifetime guarantee.

If the bag breaks down, you can send it back, and the company will fix or replace it. Additionally, there are many colors and designs you can choose from. For example, you can display your personality in bright, floral, and evergreen tones.

14. Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack

This college student backpack is for you if you’re a sports enthusiast and want academic success and a fit body. It has enough room for your laptop and comes with an expandable pocket that could hold your gym clothes. It has a water repellent fabric and comes in different colors.

The minimalist design of this college backpack makes it fit well in both class and at the gym. If you want to save time and money, this is the backpack for you.

15. Kenneth Cole Reaction Women’s Chelsea Backpack

If you’re looking for a feminine backpack with enough for all your school essentials, grab this Kenneth Cole Reaction backpack. It has enough room for your laptop and all the other things you need during class, plus it comes with an extra compartment where you can keep your sunglasses safe. It also has interior pockets where you can place your pens, phone and tablet.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Women's Chelsea Backpack
Image credit: https://qvc.scene7.com/

16. Herschel Dawson Backpack

Hershel backpacks are very popular. However, this one differs from other backpacks belonging to the same brand through its separate front pockets.

Herschel Dawson Backpack
Image credit: https://herschel.eu/

The pocket has a drawstring closure with foam padding for extra protection. Plus, the main compartment has a capacity of 20.5 liters and can hold laptops and notebooks effortlessly.

FAQs on Best Backpacks for College 2021

How do you choose college backpacks?

By the total capacity. It should be spacious enough to carry all your books, laptop, computer accessories, and toiletries.

How do you choose a durable backpack for college?

By its fabric and construction. Good backpacks are made of robust materials like leather and canvas to ensure long-lasting durability.

Final Thought on Best Backpacks for College of 2021

Being a student is already hard enough. Try to make it simple by choosing the right backpack. Remember that a good backpack shouldn’t only have trendy looks and enough space for your things. It will also contribute to your health, and a low-quality backpack can deform your spine and put you in tremendous pain.

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