18 Common Household Items That Are Slowly Destroying Your Home
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Your home is your sanctuary but there are some everyday items that could be doing more harm than good. In fact, these once harmless household objects are likely degrading your living space slowly without your knowing.
While many have practical use, some can damage the structure of your home, the air quality in your home, or even the lifespan of your appliances. In this article we’ll discuss the common household items that are secretly destroying your home and how to prevent further damage.
Vinegar
While vinegar is typically a natural cleaner element, it can actually be damaging to some materials. It’s highly acid and tends to etch those stone surfaces like granite or marble and make them dull. It can also corrode some types of grout, which will cause tiles to become loose. Before attempting to clean a surface with vinegar, always check to make sure it is acid resistant.
Air Fresheners
Air fresheners can make your home smell nice, they could be containing chemicals that degrade indoor air quality. These chemicals over time can cause respiratory problems and damage surfaces, including painted walls or furniture finishes. These substances can also degrade ventilation systems by building up. Go for essential oils if you want to make your space feeling fresh.
Pet Urine
Pet urine can soak into floors and carpets, leaving permanent stains as well as bad odors. Additionally, the hardwood floors can warp from the moisture in urine and the bacteria or mold can grow. Eventually the damage becomes irreversible and can be expensive to repair. Pet safe cleaners can be used to prevent long term damage, if used as soon as an accident occurs.
Bleach
Bleach is a strong disinfectant, but if used too much, it will eat away at the surfaces over time. It’s especially hard on tile grout, and grout is the first to crumble and crack, leading to water damage. The bleach fumes can also contribute to deterioration of metal surfaces (i.e, sink fixtures or appliances) which can actually speed up rust.
Leaky Faucets
A small leak may seem insignificant, but over time, it can cause major damage to your home’s plumbing system. Persistent drips can lead to water stains, mold, and structural damage, particularly in areas where moisture can seep into walls or floors. Left unchecked, this can also increase your water bill. Fix leaks promptly to avoid costly repairs down the road.
Old Carpeting
Dust mites, allergens and mold can be found in old worn out carpets and they contribute to poor indoor air quality. The padding underneath can break down and even rot, if the fibers break down too. This in turn can cause flooring to be weaker as well as make it difficult to get rid of the unpleasant odors from your home. Replacing old carpets with newer easier to clean flooring can help keep your home’s structure.
Hard Water Deposits
People who live in an area with hard water know that mineral buildup can ruin plumbing and appliances. Limescale can eventually form on faucets, showerheads, and pipes, decreasing water flow and leading to blockages. In addition to clogging drains, these deposits can also reduce the life of the internal parts of water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. The installation of a water softener can mitigate this damage.
Running Toilet
A toilet that runs constantly can silently cause water damage. The excess moisture from this issue can lead to mold growth in hidden areas like under the flooring or behind walls. Not only that, but the constant water flow can also increase your utility bills over time. Fixing a running toilet promptly can save both your home and your wallet.
Candle Soot
Candles are so much more than just a source of light – they enhance the ambiance of any room – but the soot they produce can slowly destroy your walls, ceilings, and fabrics. The soot can stick to surfaces and discolor them, and those discolorations are hard to remove. Even soot can accumulate over time, and if it does, it can hinder your home’s HVAC system. How to Reduce Soot Choose cleaner burning candles.
Mothballs
While mothballs are intended to stop fabrics from becoming a meal for pests, their chemicals are unhealthy to the air quality in your home. Naphthalene is present in the fumes of mothballs that can accumulate in poorly ventilated places causing respiratory health damage. When they come in direct contact, they can also stain clothing or furniture. Instead use cedar chips or other natural repellents.
Plastic Food Containers
Over time, old or damaged plastic food containers can release harmful chemicals into the air and into food. BPA (and other chemicals) can degrade your food’s quality. Bacteria can also hide in cracked containers, which can be a potential health risk. Replace worn-out containers with glass or BPA-free containers.
Overloaded Electrical Outlets
If you plug too many devices into one outlet or power strip, you overload your electrical system. Not only can this be a fire hazard, it can also cause your wiring in your walls to weaken over time. Overloading outlets regularly can eventually cause electrical failures that may require rewiring. Spread your electronics across multiple outlets and unplug them when you’re not using them.
Household Plants
Indoor plants can help enhance air quality, but a few plants hold moisture and are prone to mold if overwatered. Mildew or rot can develop from the dampness from potted plants seeping into flooring or walls. Furthermore, some invasive plants, such as ivy, can damage your walls or windows if they are not controlled. Pay attention to drainage and overwatering of your plants.
Unsealed Windows
Windows that aren’t properly sealed allow moisture to creep into your home. Over time, this can cause mold growth, peeling paint, and even structural damage to the window frames. The lack of sealing also reduces energy efficiency, leading to higher heating or cooling costs. Regularly inspect and reseal windows to keep moisture and drafts out.
Clogged Gutters
If you neglect your gutters you can find water not draining properly which will damage your roof and foundation. Overflowing gutters can seep into your home’s foundation or walls and cause leaks and mold. Another issue is that clogged gutters invite the growth of plants, which will also prevent water from flowing. Preventing serious damage requires regular cleaning.
Old HVAC Filters
Dirty HVAC filters can restrict airflow, causing your heating and cooling system to work harder than it should. This extra strain can shorten the life of your HVAC unit and increase energy bills. In addition, clogged filters can circulate dust, allergens, and other particles throughout your home. Regularly replacing filters ensures cleaner air and a longer-lasting system.
Dryer Lint
Failing to clean out your dryer’s lint trap after each use can lead to a dangerous buildup of lint, which is highly flammable. Lint buildup in dryer vents can also restrict airflow, causing your dryer to overheat and increasing the risk of a house fire. This can lead to reduced efficiency and costly repairs. Clean the lint trap after every load and periodically inspect your dryer vent.
Dishwasher Detergent
Some dishwasher detergents contain harsh chemicals that will eventually wear down the interior of your dishwasher. Others are abrasive, damaging seals, hoses, and metal parts, causing leaks or breakdowns. Mineral buildup inside the machine can also make your dishes less clean. Using a gentler, eco-friendly detergent will help lengthen the life of your appliance.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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