Home maintenance is important, but it can get tedious. That’s why many people are tempted to take shortcuts. Unfortunately, some of these shortcuts can do more harm than good.
Read on as we explain the truth about common home maintenance shortcuts:
1. Hot Water Eliminates All Germs and Bacteria
Yes, hot water can kill some bacteria, but not all. In order for water to eliminate microorganisms on a surface, it needs to be very hot (approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit). A standard water heater is set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is way below the needed temperature to kill many germs. If you need to disinfect your home, chlorine, bleach or pine oil can get rid of germs more effectively.
2. You Can Sanitize Sponges by Placing Them in the Microwave
Studies have shown that even after being heated in the microwave, 40% of the bacteria in sponges remined. In order to completely eliminate all of the bacteria, the sponge would need to be exposed to scorching temperatures that would leave it incinerated.
3. You Can Remove Water Stains by Painting Over Them
Painting over water stains won’t get rid of them. They’ll keep coming back until the root cause, which in this case would be a leak, is addressed. Keep in mind that water follows the path of least resistance. As such, the source of the leak won’t necessarily be in the same location as the water stains.
3. You Don’t Need to Clean Gutters With Gutter Covers
Well, this isn’t entirely false. Gutter covers can reduce, not eliminate, a gutter’s maintenance needs by keeping leaves and other debris out. The only exception is Gutter Helmet®, the best gutter guard on the market. Gutter Helmet is the only brand on the market with a Never Clean Your Gutters Again® guarantee.
Want to learn more about Gutter Helmet’s features? Gutter Helmet of Cookeville offers professional gutter protection services, including installations of the best gutter guard on the market. To get a free estimate, call us at (800) 824-3772 or leave us a message here. We serve homeowners in Cookeville, TN, as well as the surrounding communities.
