Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming. Here’s an ultimate guide to help first-time homebuyers in Ambler navigate the process with confidence.
Navigating the Generational Divide in Homeownership
Explores the evolving landscape of property ownership across generations. From millennials grappling with affordability challenges to baby boomers seeking downsizing options, this insightful piece delves into the diverse perspectives and strategies individuals employ to achieve homeownership amidst changing economic and social dynamics.
A Guide to Saving Money for Down Payment and Closing Costs
Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it often comes with a significant financial commitment. Two key aspects you need to plan for are the down payment and closing costs. In this blog post, we'll break down what these terms mean, what's included in closing costs, and how The Shaina McAndrews Team can help you get closer to your homeownership goals.
Understanding the PA Homestead Act: A Guide to Property Tax Relief for Homeowners
In Pennsylvania, homeowners have a valuable resource for reducing their property tax burden through the Homestead Exclusion, often referred to colloquially as the "PA Homestead Act." This program is designed to make homeownership more affordable by offering tax relief specifically on the school portion of property taxes. Here's what you need to know about this beneficial program and how you can take advantage of it.
Creating an Eco-Friendly Haven
As the world becomes more conscious of the environmental challenges we face, individuals are seeking ways to incorporate sustainable practices into their everyday lives. One area where homeowners can make a significant impact is by adopting environmentally-friendly measures within their homes. From the utilization of rain gardens and green roofs to harnessing solar energy and embracing eco-friendly technologies, there are numerous ways homeowners can contribute to a greener future while creating a comfortable and eco-conscious living space.
Purchasing A Property with a Septic System
Types of Homeownership
Common Repairs Any Homeowner Should Be Able To Do
How to Prepare For Your New Home's Safety and Security
How Does a Septic System Work?
2023 Modern Laundry Detergent Methods- Stop Using heavy containers!
Laundry detergent has come a long way in recent years. New methods and formulations have made it more effective at cleaning clothes and removing stains. There are now effective laundry detergents without the overly soapy itch or heavy plastic containers that end up in landfills. You can even get laundry washing tools that require no soap or refills! With so many choices, try several new methods to find the perfect laundry detergent for your needs.
Let’s work collectively towards minimizing our impact on the environment by changing something so simple: howe we clean our clothes!
Seventh Generation claims that if every US household replaced a single plastic bottle of laundry detergent with a biodegradable plant-based bottle, this would save nearly 150,000 barrels of oil, enough to heat and cool 8,500 homes for a year. Assuming most households go through a bottle of detergent every couple of months at minimum, this would save nearly 900,000 barrels of oil annually.
In the suggestions below I do try to stay away from scented products as most of them are chemically hazardous.
1. Magnets
Have you ever heard of using magnets to clean your clothes? I personally have not tried this method like others on this list but it is fascinating.
Try the patented powerful “blue ball” magnets that make up the science-backed Magnetic Laundry System. They have revolutionized the way we wash our clothes FOREVER.
=> Buy Your Magnetic Laundry System Here!
Here are 5 reasons WHY the Magnetic Laundry System is SO great:
It DOESN’T need expensive detergent to work its magic on your messy clothes.
By NOT having to use dangerous, toxic filled, detergent you’re eliminating the health risk to you and your family.
These magnets are 100% REUSABLE and last a LIFETIME saving you even more money.
You ALSO save money on your water bills because the uses less water and needs less cycles to get clothes clean.
Unlike detergents these magnets are environmentally friendly.
=> Get Your Magnetic Laundry System Now!
STOP washing your clothes the traditional toxic way…
START washing your clothes the modern, magsafe, magnetic way today!
2. Detergent Sheets
These are my personal favorite items that I use in my own home. I ordered the True Earth 64 pack size and it has lasted me about a year! My skin is sensitive to soaps so I like perfectly portioned out amount per load. There is no overwhelming scent to it but my clothes and sheets are left feeling clean and wonderful. Please keep in mind that most of my loads are done with cold water which cuts down on C02 emissions significantly and these detergent sheets work just great with cold water (unlike those crappy tide pods despite being so delicious ;) ).
No mess
Extremely light to carry (great for basement or upstairs laundry)
Hardly takes up space
The whole product is environmentally friendly
About $0.23 per load!
3. Detergent Sheets: Scented
If you want the same as above but with a scent, I recommend Earth Breeze’s Liquidless Laundry Sheets. These come in a Fresh Scent. Please keep in mind, many scented liquid laundry detergent and dryer sheets contain hazardous chemicals and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), two of which are classified as carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency.
4. Detergent Tabs
Like to pop a tablet in the washer? This is for you. A little bulkier than the sheets but still lighter and smaller and more eco-friendly than plastic bottle detergents. Try Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets! The tin is kind of cute to store them in, too. So if aesthetics is part of your laundry area, this may be the better solution.
5. Laundry Booster
Looking for that extra umph? Put a little of this environmentally friendly and gentle formula from Dirty Labs in with your detergent.
6. Concentrated Liquid
Still want the liquid soap method but feel bad about the effect your laundry is having on the environment? Limit the plastic impact by using a concentrated liquid like this Fresh Linen scented one from Whirlpool.
7. Clean Your Washing Machine!
Doesn’t it make sense to keep the machine that is cleaning your clothes clean as well? This is one of the first things I do when I move into a new home. I clean the washing machine! I typically do 2 loads of affresh at a new abode then run a load every 6-8 weeks to keep the machine clean from soap build ups and other things.
8. Dryer Balls
I love these fun dryer balls. If you are still using dryer sheets- STOP! If you are one of those people using more than one dryer sheet per load, you really need to stop. They are not great for your dryer machine or for the longevity of your clothes. Dryer balls keep clothes soft and lint free and help dry up to 3x faster. I love the fun designs now available which also make them easier to find in my laundry so I keep them in the laundry room and not sitting on top of a dresser until next laundry day. Some people suggest adding essential oils to them to add a little scent. Have you tried this method?
9. Drying Rack
I know, basic! But if you air dry more often, your clothes will last longer and you save on electric/gas. A clothes dryer is responsible for approximately 6 percent of the average home’s energy use. A good drying rack is great for leggings, lingerie, bras, dresses, and materials that typically don’t wrinkle. Save the environment by using your dryer less.
BONUS! Lint Bin
This Lint magnetic box is fabulous. I am always rushed when doing laundry and having an easily accessible trash area for the lint keeps the dryer ready to use with no buildup! Keep your wool balls handy too!
More Information for you:
Smart Energy and Water-Saving Laundry Tips from the ACEEE and Energy.gov:
Upgrade old washing machines and dryers to ENERGY STAR certified models
Retrofit laundromats with multi-load units.
Wash clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible.
Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.
Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lighter-weight clothes.
Don't over-dry clothes. If a machine has a moisture sensor, use it.
Clean the lint screen in the dryers after every load to improve air circulation and prevent fire hazards.
Periodically, remove the lint that collects below the lint screen in the lint screen slot of clothes dryers.
Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the heat remaining in the dryer.
Periodically inspect dryer vents to ensure they are not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material -- not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages.
Encourage air-drying clothes on clotheslines or drying racks. Clothing manufacturers for some fabrics recommend air-drying.
If you have front-loading washers or high-efficiency top-loaders, use detergent labeled for high-efficiency (HE) machines. According to the American Cleaning Institute (PDF), HE detergents are low-sudsing and quick dispersing to clean well in high-efficiency washers that use less water.
Smart Laundry Products Tips from EPA’s Laundry Green Practices:
Wash only full loads of laundry, and select the appropriate water level or load size option on the washing machine and dryer.
Buy items, such as laundry detergent and fabric softener, with minimal packaging.
Buy items in bulk or in concentrated form (e.g., concentrated laundry detergent).
Thank you for reading and I hope you join me in impacting our environment in a much more gentle way!
4 Affordable Fall DIY Updates You Can Try This Weekend
4 Affordable Fall DIY Updates You Can Try This Weekend
Fall weather is finally here and this is a great time to tackle some home projects before the holiday rush starts. Creating a fresh, modern look to your home can be done with a few simple weekend projects. Here are the 4 best DIY projects you can try this fall to spruce up the look of your home.
1. Create a Grand Entrance – Your front door is the first thing your guests see when they come by. This weekend, give your entrance a fresh look. Add a pop of color to your front door or porch with contemporary paint colors; sage, muted yellows and navy blues are trendy colors this year.
2. Replace Interior Doors – Pre-hung interior doors come in a wide variety of styles from traditional to modern. Instantly update the look of your room or home with new interior pre-hung doors.
3. Frame Bathroom Mirrors – Many homes come with basic mirrors over the sink. Spend some time removing the mirrors and add a modern, framed hung mirror instead to add elegance and a spa-like feel to any bathroom.
4. Wallpaper an Accent Wall – Wallpaper is back. Not only are there great options available with modern patterns, colors and textures, but new adhesive backing makes it easy to apply, straighten and remove.
Fall is a great time to make updates to your home with a little time this weekend. Small changes can make a big impact; a quick trip to the local home improvement store can provide great inspiration for a weekend fall project.
