Fall Home Improvement September 2021

September 2021

Fall Home

IMPROVEMENT BATHROOM REMODEL page 3 TIPS FOR BUDGETFRIENDLY DIY page 12 CLEANING SAFTEY

page 14

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2 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Top tips for homeowners to prep financially for natural disasters Climate change is making natural disasters more extreme, from extending the duration of disaster seasons to increasing the intensity of fires, storms and floods. Indeed, the U.S. Geological Survey notes that with increasing global surface temperatures, the intensity of storms will likely increase. The agency also predicts coastal flooding to double in the coming decades.

Health and safety are first priorities after a disaster, but financial resilience is critical too. If you’re a homeowner — or a prospective homeowner — here’s how you can get prepared:

of work. Make a communications plan for your own household and share it with all the members of your family. ► Seek disaster relief: If your home has been impacted by a natural disaster, contact your loan servicer right away. Your loan servicer may be able to extend a full range of relief options, including: suspending foreclosures by providing forbearance on your mortgage payments for up to 12 months, waiving assessments of penalties or late fees, and not reporting delinquencies to the nation’s credit bureaus. About one month before the end of your forbearance period, contact your mortgage company to determine the most appropriate option for re-establishing your mortgage payments.

► Compile documents: Assemble important financial documents. Store paper copies of all files in a fireproof and waterproof box or safe, or in a bank safe deposit box. Consider making digital copies for easy accessibility.

Store these in a password-protected format on a removable flash or external hard drive, in your fireproof and waterproof box or safe, in a bank safe deposit box, or with a secure cloudbased service. ► Understand your insurance coverage: Having adequate insurance will ensure protection in times of need.

The extent of your coverage will depend on where you live and what types of disasters your location may be at risk for. Review your policy annually and make changes or additions as needed. ► Update documents: Regularly revisit and update documents, particularly if you have significant

changes in your life, such as marriage, death or the birth of a child. ► Start saving: If you’re able, start saving today. Having an emergency budget allows you to react quickly if you’re affected by a disaster. Plus, households that have an emergency savings account tend to fare better overall.

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► Go electronic: If you depend on regular benefits such as Social Security, consider switching to electronic benefits to protect yourself should mail service be disrupted during a disaster. ► Know the plans: Stay up-todate with the emergency plans in your community, children’s schools and place

► Become a savvy homeowner: Familiarize yourself with how to prepare your home for natural disasters and extreme weather, as well as where to find resources to help recover if disaster strikes.

Freddie Mac’s My Home website has a comprehensive suite of tools and resources about homeownership, including details on support options if you are struggling to make your mortgage payments, at myhome. freddiemac.com/getting-help.

Natural disasters can strike at any time and with little warning. However, proper preparation can help you weather the storm.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, September 22, 2021 3

Bathroom remodel

Makes a 1939 home ready to ‘age in place’ DONNA MIDDLETON West Central Tribune

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My husband Rand thought he would like a new pickup. I had a different idea, something that would allow us to “age in place” in our home.

Our tiny main-floor bathroom featured state-ofthe-art fixtures circa 1939.

It was 5 feet wide and 5-feet-6-inches deep, with an additional 18 inches with the door closed.

Our master bedroom is on the second floor and the laundry is in the basement.

The main floor has two bedrooms, one of which has been used as an office.

The bathroom was

expanded by installing a walk-in shower that is the size of a standard bathtub, taking the space from the office. If future owners would want a bathtub, the solid surface surround could be cut out and a standard tub put in.

The general contractor was Charles Construction.

Shower, vanity, lights and accessories by Interior Design Studio. Shower doors by Total Glass, Inc. PHOTO 1: This is the original bathroom from the hallway. There were just 10 inches between the toilet and bathtub while the sink hung over the edge of the tub.

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4 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

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2 PHOTO 2: The bathroom was gutted to the studs.

The basement is unfinished, which allowed easy access to move plumbing and heating vents.

PHOTO 3: New walls were built. This view was taken standing in the office.

PHOTO 4: On the office side of the bathroom wall are washer and dryer hook-ups.

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PHOTO 5: Back shower wall showing “backer boards.” I was very concerned that we have backer boards in place in case we need to add grab bars in the future. The white box is the washer hook-up in the office. I even took photos with a measuring tape so I would know exactly where they are.

PHOTO 6: Backer boards for toilet grab bars

and towel hooks. You can see the tub plumbing has not yet been removed and the walls are framed into the office.

PHOTO 7: Shower before the doors are installed. Walls are solidsurface and go to the ceiling. A ceiling light was installed in the shower.

The center of the shower head is removable for hand-held use.

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6 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

PHOTO 8: The shower with glass doors and the shelves at the end.

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PHOTO 9: A granite vanity top on standard (kitchen height) cabinets with the shelves next to the shower and the control for the underfloor heat reflected in the mirror. Besides the electric outlet next to the counter, there is one inside the vanity cabinet.

PHOTO 10: The back of the door has the original hook,

and I chose the same type for the towel hooks in the room.

PHOTO 11: A view of the finished bathroom. The toilet is regular height and is a pressure-assist toilet, rated “high efficiency.” Its average consumption is one gallon per flush. The window covering is adjustable top and bottom.

The bathroom seemed the perfect place for Rand’s photo of the Athabasca Glacier in Canada.

You may contact the author at dmiddleton@wctrib.com

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, September 22, 2021 7

Must-have features in your bathroom remodel Metro Creative Connection

Veteran homeowners recognize the value of remodeling their kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchens and baths tend to appear dated more quickly than other spaces, such as living rooms and bedrooms, which can always be revamped with some fresh paint and new furnishings.

The home improvement pricing resource Home Guide indicates an average bathroom remodel costs anywhere from $5,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and scope of the renovation. However, a bath redo can increase a home’s resale value and can return as much as 68 percent of homeowners’ investments. As homeowners plan their bathroom

renovations, it’s a good time to consider improvements that will improve function and add design appeal for years to come. ► Floating vanity: Add an airy feeling to the room by creating space between the vanity and the floor. A floating vanity can be a counter with a vessel sink or even have cabinets, as long as the vanity doesn’t extend to the floor. ► Freestanding traditional sink or tub: There’s something elegant about a freestanding tub or pedestal sink.

Such features can lend a classic vibe to a space. However, freestanding fixtures also come in modern or eclectic forms, so there are options for any design style.

► Frameless showers: Switch to a walk-in shower option, which improves aesthetics and makes it easier to “age in place” in a home. Pair that frameless shower with clear glass shower doors so sightline in the space remains unencumbered. ► Natural textures: Create a calm and serene sanctuary in the bathroom with light, natural hues and materials.

Nature-inspired colors on tiles, walls and vanities can add to the spa vibe. ► Dual sinks and vanities: With a double vanity, two people can share the space and easily use the bathroom without getting in each other’s way. One vanity with two

sinks works, but homeowners can create even more personal space by dividing vanities and mirrors. ► Small textured tile on shower floors: Small textures are appealing and add safety.

The added texture and grouting will keep feet from slipping on wet floors. Also, opt for mold-resistant grout to make cleanup even easier. ► Special shower heads: Invest in shower heads that can run the gamut from creating steam showers to rainfall effects. Some showers will have multiple shower jets to offer an invigorating experience. ► Improve drainage: Increase the diameter of the drain pipe in the bathroom

from the standard to a twoinch drain pipe. This will reduce the risk of clogs and overflow leaks. ► Install a window: Natural light and air flow can reduce the risk for mold and mildew growth, and windows add some aesthetic appeal to a space. Just be sure to choose frosted privacy glass.

Additional considerations for a bath remodel include heated floors, well-placed and attractive storage options and a toilet enclosure (water closet) for added privacy.

These and other bathroom renovation ideas can add value and improve the appeal of the room.

8 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Is your HVAC system ready for cool weather?

As you enjoy mild autumn weather, take time to ensure your home is equipped to handle the chilly months ahead. Following these steps will mean a more comfortable, energy-efficient winter:

wasted energy for a reduced carbon footprint. Be sure to choose equipment bearing the ENERGY STAR logo. Highefficiency systems reduce your impact on the environment and can also save you money.

You may also be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit if you select a qualifying model.

► Clean your air filters monthly. Dirty filters make HVAC equipment work harder and cause more wear and tear on your system. They also increase your energy bill and reduce indoor air quality.

► Use a humidifier during colder months. It not only adds moisture to your home, it can actually make it feel warmer. In turn, you’ll be more apt to lower your thermostat, saving money and consuming less energy.

► Compare the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency of your heating system with newer models. If it’s below 13, you may want to consider a new, more efficient system. Remember, the higher the rating, the less

► Check and maintain your insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics,

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basements and crawlspaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance.

Adding weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also go a long way to improving your home’s insulation. ► Turn down your thermostat. Keeping your thermostat five degrees cooler can lower your heating bills without affecting your home’s comfort. Install a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures. ► Clean the furnace area. Don’t keep chemicals or cleaning products near your heater, and don’t store anything next to it that could impede ventilation. Keep

vents and returns free of obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front of them, or obstruct the flow of air. ► Have a technician give your HVAC system a pre-season tuneup so that everything is running efficiently before temperatures plummet. Even the most efficient system can suffer if it’s not properly maintained.

Just be sure your HVAC equipment is installed and serviced by a North American Technician Excellencecertified HVAC technician, as they have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated

heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test developed and supported by all segments of the industry.

Working with a NATEcertified technician translates to a longer life for your HVAC equipment, increased energy efficiency and fewer callbacks and warranty returns. To find a NATE-certified contractor in your area and for more HVAC tips and insights, visit https:// www.natex.org.

With a few simple considerations in fall, you can reduce your home energy bill and improve your home’s comfort all winter.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, September 22, 2021 9

Lost and found: tips for managing commonly misplaced items In the haste to break free from your pandemic routine, you may find your new schedule overwhelming and hectic.

And with that, comes the inconvenience of misplacing commonly used items.

According to a survey conducted by Bluetooth tracking company Pixie, Americans spend an average of 2.5 days out of each calendar year searching for lost items.

The most common reason we keep misplacing our items is absentmindedness.

Psychologists have a phrase for this, “If you don’t encode, you can’t retrieve.” This means that

if you go through your day without consciously thinking about where you’re placing your keys, your brain has no information stored about the item’s whereabouts.

Other factors, such as stress levels and overall mental health, can also play a role in how often you misplace items.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent your precious possessions from going missing: ► Set digital reminders: If you regularly lose track of specific items, digital reminders might be for you. There are a variety of great productivity

apps available on most smartphones to remind you to double check your wallet before leaving the house.

Most calendar apps such as Google Calendar and Outlook have remind features that can help you organize your valuables. There are also useful apps like Todoist that specialize in creating reminders and daily lists. ► Retrace your steps: “Retracing your steps” after losing an item can be a useful approach when activating your brain’s contextdependent memory.

With contextdependent memory, your

memory is the strongest when you mentally or physically place yourself back in the environment in which the item was lost. Reconstructing these events visually can help trigger your memories and be an important step in rediscovering a misplaced item. ► Try a Bluetooth tracker for smaller items: For smaller items like your phone, wallet and keys, Bluetooth trackers can provide much-needed tech relief.

Trackers like these are designed for those times you lose an item within close proximity. Instead of wasting precious

moments searching for your lost item, you can pull up an app to tell you where it is. ► Use the power of GPS tracking devices for high-value items: When it comes to highly valuable items like photography equipment, luggage and even pets, you’ll need more protection.

Products like T-Mobile’s SyncUP Tracker uses a combination of GPS technology and T-Mobile’s reliable nationwide network to track an item at any moment from anywhere.

Other devices that rely

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on Bluetooth technology often have tracking range limitations and shorter battery life. T-Mobile’s SyncUP Tracker includes a rechargeable battery and virtual boundaries that alert you if an item leaves the designated location, all via your smartphone through an app available on both iOS and Android.

Just because you lost an item doesn’t mean that you should lose hope or panic. With a few changes to your routine and even some tech upgrades, you’ll find it much easier to cope during those forgetful moments.

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10 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

How to personalize any space using custom-designed wallpaper In case you missed it, wallpaper has made a comeback in the interior design world.

This is for good reason. Today, there are literally millions of designs from which to choose.

Not only that, new types of wallpaper can make application and removal easier than ever.

Need a little inspiration?

The world’s largest custom, print-on-demand fabric, wallpaper and home decor digital marketplace, Spoonflower, recently challenged home decorating bloggers to “facelift” a small space using wallpaper.

Having successfully completed their updates, these DIY-ers are sharing tips and insights for enhancing your own spaces: ► Create a focal point: Bethany Sy, the blogger behind Reality Day Dream, who enhanced the wall behind her mantel with wallpaper says, “A little color and pattern can create the perfect focal point in any room.” ► Think beyond walls: With a little creativity, wallpaper doesn’t just have to be for walls, you can use it to update furniture too.

Take a cue from Victoria Ford,

the Prepford Wife blogger who recently refreshed an old dresser with the Bee Life Toile wallpaper designed by independent artist, Lucinda Wei. “This dresser has lived many lives in our homes and it was time for it to get a little update with a design that was irresistible and perfectly on brand,” says Ford. ► Complement your current style: As Ashley Dusing of Our 1917 Farmhouse notes, wallpaper can be paired with any room’s current design elements to enhance its overall style.

“We selected a wallpaper with a vintage style to complement our mid century bedroom decor and offer a bold pop of color. It was everything this bedroom (turned office space) needed.” ► Consider your needs: Before selecting wallpaper, think about your home decorating habits.

For example, Spoonflower offers three wallpaper options: Prepasted Removable Smooth wallpaper, Peel and Stick Removable wallpaper and Non-Pasted Traditional Pebble wallpaper.

If you love to mix things up every year or every

season, Charlotte Smith of At Charlotte’s House says peel and stick is the way to go.

She recently wallpapered the fireplace surround in her family room, but already has sights on the future. “I used removable peel and stick wallpaper so I can easily change things up in a year or two if I want a different vibe.”

When redesigning your space with wallpaper, consider shopping with a company that supports independent artists, such as Spoonflower, which connects artists and makers with consumers in the creative economy, and pays a commission to an independent artist with every purchase.

With over one million unique designs available and the ability to upload your own design, you can easily use wallpaper to create your own signature style at home. To learn more or to shop styles, visit spoonflower.com.

Whether you wallpaper an entire room, create an accent wall or revamp a piece of furniture, adding style and personality to your interior spaces can be easy with this impactful DIY project.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, September 22, 2021 11

Illuminating ideas for hanging string lights in your backyard

So, you’ve created the backyard of your dreams and love everything about it – except that seeing your surroundings can sometimes be a challenge once the sun’s gone down.

As the days grow shorter and we head into fall, it’s one of the best times of year to enhance your backyard life at night.

While hiring someone to install outdoor lighting can be really expensive and involved, patio string lights are a simple, cost-effective solution. Best of all, you can create a look that reflects your style using any number of patterns.

In a recent episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects” called “Light Up Your Life,” expert landscape designer Doug Scott demonstrated how to hang string lights, as well as discussed what to consider before, and while, doing so.

Here are his steps for adding fun, personality and light to your outdoor living and dining spaces:

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First determine how long your string lights need to be and how many strands you’ll need. The only other materials you’ll need for this project are appropriate, outdoor-grade hardware (such as cup hooks or a similar fastener) and possibly an extension cord.

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Next you’ll want to sketch your design to make sure you capture what you’re going for and second, to ensure you’re purchasing the correct number and lengths of lights and hooks.

For a more relaxed look, you may want a crisscross or free-form pattern. For a more uniform look, you can simply hang lights across the center or around the perimeter of the space.

“Regardless, just make sure your design represents you and how you want to live outside,” says Scott.

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When measuring your lights, be sure to add a few feet on each pass to allow for slack. One other thing you’ll want to consider is whether you’ll be able to make light connections in discreet places, ideally where they connect to the wall, post or tree.

“Having a connection in the middle of a swag won’t be the end of the world, but you’ll want to minimize this as much as possible,” says Scott.

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Install your hooks according to your plan. Then, hang your lights with the bulbs removed to decrease your chances of breaking them. You’ll also want to make sure that your first strand reaches an outlet, or you have an extension cord that will.

Once you’re satisfied with your general look, install one bulb in each strand to test that everything is working properly. If all is good, install the rest of the bulbs, light them up, then kick back and enjoy.

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With a few supplies and a little creativity, brightening your backyard and enhancing your backyard life at night can be a simple DIY project. StatePoint

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12 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Tips for a budget-friendly DIY home upgrade ► Add personal pops of style. Think about the spaces where you spend a lot of time doing things you may not always enjoy – like the office or laundry room.

Give these spaces a little TLC. Add fresh color to the walls, organize and hang photos of your favorite places to balance energy, encourage productivity and make everyday tasks feel less like chores.

As a homeowner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by necessary renovations and all the things you’d like to accomplish around your property.

If your list of updates is long, but your time and budget are strapped, remember, even small changes can make a big impact.

Here are simple, affordable ways — inspired by FrogTape brand painter’s tape’s annual Paintover Challenge Room Makeover Contest — to make your space feel like new. ► Use bright and bold colors. It’s common to keep interiors neutral with trendy grays and off-whites, occasionally adding in pops of color with accessories or accent walls. If you’re looking to take a unique approach to rejuvenating a room, consider adding bright and bold hues to your walls.

Take inspiration from the outdoors, fruity drinks or blue skies to evoke emotions of joy with vivid greens, pinks or blues.

Each year, celebrity designer Taniya Nayak teams up with FrogTape brand to share design trends. In 2021, Nayak suggests using the bright and bold colors of the “play hard” design trend, which is all about designating a place for fun and happy activities.

► Embrace patterns in unexpected places. You may think of patterns for playrooms or children’s bedrooms, but have you ever considered using them to create a focal point in your kitchen, dining room or even your patio?

With just a few tools, including paint, brushes and tape, you can add striped or checkered designs to walls, tables and floors. Creating a pattern doesn’t have to mean splurging on a variety of paint colors.

You can create subtle variety by alternating high gloss and

matte finish paints, or by adding varying amounts of white paint to create multiple shades of the same base color.

However you create the pattern, having the right tape will be critical to avoid paint bleed from stripe to stripe.

FrogTape Multi-Surface Painter’s Tape is made with PaintBlock Technology, which forms a barrier that seals the edges of the tape, to ensure sharp paint lines and professional-looking results every time. ► Create calming spaces.

While old homes have unique

character, outdated features can make the task of modernizing interiors feel like a major undertaking.

For bathrooms, it’s simple and affordable to sand down what you have and refresh it with a coat of paint. Consider giving boring, outdated square tiles a contemporary look with different tones of gray. You can take it a step further by updating the vanity with deep green paint and gold accents.

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► Dedicate areas for happy moments. Do you have that one spot that you’re not sure what to do with? It could be a nook or the basement.

Use these areas as places to live well and embrace the calming, happy moments in life, like relaxing with family, reading a good book or playing a board game.

Add comfy, cozy textures of knit throw blankets, worn leather sofas or knobby rugs.

Consider comforting, familiar shades like navy, light blues and grays, and cognac. These colors and textures work well on fireplaces, bookshelves or walls.

With creativity and the right tools, making impactful interior updates can be simple and affordable.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, September 22, 2021 13

How families can comfortably share close quarters As the COVID-19 pandemic stretched on, families had to adapt to changing situations. Quarantine proved challenging even for the most resilient people, and families sharing close quarters had to find ways to stay calm and comfortable under one roof.

resource BobVila.com says that the average home in the United States is around 1,760 square feet, but when everyone is clamoring for a spot to spend most of their days, even the most expansive home can begin to feel a bit too confined. The following are some ways families can live comfortably when sharing close quarters for extended periods of time.

During the pandemic, families have spent more time together thanks to school closures, remote working and social distancing restrictions that limited contact between people who live in different households.

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► Designate personal spaces. Bedrooms can be private respites, but they’re not necessarily the best places for people to spend the majority of their time. Try to create nooks that family members can call their own, like a man cave in the garage

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or a desk in a spare room for school lessons. ► Designate times for common areas. Make a schedule that designates spaces for specific times, particularly for those who may need uninterrupted study or work periods. ► Establish defined routines. Stick to a routine so that everyone at home knows what to expect and when.

Parents can work around children’s school schedules when they know how school days are arranged. Children can avoid interrupting meetings if they realize that meetings occur at the same time each day. Set break times

for meals so everyone can take a break and spend time together each day. ► Voice concerns and keep communication open.

Family members should be able to freely express frustrations, anger or even fear of situations without being judged, according to the wellness resource Step to Health. Make sure everyone in the home recognizes others’ feelings are valid. ► Get out when you can. Family members can opt for safe interactions with friends or peers when needed.

Engaging in conversation or getting a perspective from someone outside of the home

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can be beneficial. Even a short stroll alone outdoors can help to reduce stress. Parents of young children may want to establish a “quaranteam” with other caregivers so they can get a respite outside the home and leave the kids with trusted help. ► Use this as an opportunity to grow.

Spending more time together can be beneficial. Use the time together to make meals as a family, talk more, engage in family game nights, and build stronger relationships.

Some patience and cooperation can help families make the most of spending so much time together at home.

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14 Wednesday, September 22, 2021 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Make safety an important part of home cleaning METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Safety may not be on the minds of people when they gather equipment and cleaning supplies to clean their homes, but even seemingly innocuous items can be dangerous. The National Safety Council warns that accidents and deaths often occur when least expected — including when doing chores around the house.

The online safety advocate SafeWise says that more than 160,000 Americans die as a result of an accident every year, and household injuries

account for 75 percent of those deaths. It’s important to be careful when cleaning around the house, and part of that caution includes recognizing where hazards may be lurking.

Here are ways to prevent cleaning and organizing accidents. ► Never mix cleansers. Cleaning chemicals are often effective because they employ bases or acids to produce cleaning actions. By themselves, many of these products are generally safe to use provided users adhere to

the usage instructions and precautions.

However, when mixed together, certain cleaning products can be extremely hazardous.

According to Velocity EHS, an environmental, health, safety, and sustainability advisement company, users should never mix products containing acids and bases. Common cleaning products containing acids include tub and tile cleaners, vinegar and mold removers. Products containing bases include, bleaches, glass cleaners, and drain cleaners.

Mixing these products

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home?

can produce toxic gases, intense heat or even explosions. ► Avoid falls. Falls are a major contributor to home injuries. Be especially careful when climbing ladders, and do not lean too far to either side. If possible, have someone hold the ladder steady. Wear nonskid shoes and go slowly. Do not climb on furniture or stack items to reach high spots like top shelves, as this can create a precarious situation. ► Lift with care.

Moving furniture or rearranging storage

boxes can strain the back and other muscles. Use proper lifting techniques, which include lifting with the legs while keeping the back straight. If the item is too heavy, wait and ask for help. ► Wear masks and safety gear. Whether dusting off the ceiling fan, cleaning out the crawlspace or removing debris from gutters and downspouts, protect the eyes, hands and lungs by wearing the right gear.

Safety goggles, durable gloves and a dust mask are must-have cleaning supplies.

► Remove supplies promptly. The NSC says about 10 people die from drowning every day in the United States.

Children between the ages of one and four are at greatest risk.

Do not leave cleaning buckets filled with water unattended, and make sure to clean up any supplies used right after cleaning to prevent injuries.

Cleaning and maintenance keep homes looking great.

Homeowners should always keep safety in mind when cleaning around the house.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, September 22, 2021 15

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