Washing Machine Care Hacks

How to Keep Your Washing Machine Up and Running?

Manually doing your household chores has become a passé! Because smart electronic equipment has taken over the territory to ease off your stress. But imagine about the worst-case scenario when any of them breaks down and leaves your life out of place? For example, your much-needed washing machine giving up on you one fine day! How are you going to handle this sudden disaster on the face of your already piling up dirty linen? Well, before it’s too late with this great help of yours, we bring you couple of quick tips as how to take care of it.

So, here we go with those amazing washing machine care tips:

1. Perform Deep Cleaning: Though we mostly ignore to show some to our home appliances it’s important to pamper them every once in a while. Because one fine morning it might stop working and make your day troublesome with a pile of dirty clothes to be washed. The minerals found in water are usually harmless for your machine and clothes, but over time detergent, dirt and fabric particles get deposited inside your machine and clog the pores of the tub. This eventually makes the sensors to respond poorly and might result in serious issues. So, ensure to get the washing machine cleaned with a good cleaner at regular intervals for it to function flawlessly. The cleaning solutions are available for less than 500 rupees which is nominal when compared to an out of order washing machine. Yet if you feel that you are not sure of handling it on your own, then calling for professional help is recommended. There are plenty of service providers such as ServicePik to take care of this.
2. Protect it From Splashes and Spillage: Detergent, dirt and water result in a residual mixture that usually ruin the look of your top loading machines of late. Because everything such as water, detergent, softeners are poured from the top which leaves splash and spillage marks on the machine exterior. With time build-ups and stains start appearing on your washing machine. Before it goes out of hand and block the sensitive parts of your machine ensure to perform regular cleaning of the gasket and the appliance exterior as well.
3. Pick the Appropriate Detergent: Avoid using harsh detergents with your machine, as harsh chemicals might ruin your machine. Not only machine parts but also clothes get spoiled with strong alkalic detergents. Pick an environment-friendly powder or solution recommended for your washing machine.   
4. Safeguard the Finish of Washing Machine: Washing machines are no longer only appliances that clean your laundry, but a piece to show off your interior skills. Yes, you heard it right, they nowadays are a part of the look and feel of the corner you have placed them in. A stylish looking washing machine certainly adds a charm to your space apart from tidying up your dirty linen. For front loading machines, people even use the top portion as a display table to keep cleaning solutions, detergent powder and stuff. But, be aware keeping all the things over time would leave dirt and scratches over the machine surface and ruin its beauty. A sparkling clean machine will enhance the look of your space unlike a dirty and cluttered one. Make sure to wipe off the top of your machine using a glass cleaner to maintain its original finish and gloss.
5. Clean the Dispenser-Trays: Softener and detergent dispenser trays in your washing machine let the machine to mix water with the softener and soap, and pouring them into the washing tub. Though it’s a clean process, with time gradual build-up of residue occurs over the trays if not cleaned at regular intervals. Eventually it leads to bacterial growth and toxic elements that contaminate and ruin the hygiene of your clean clothes.
6. Tidy up the Gasket: Your washing machine’s gasket always goes under the grill with bucket loads of laundry being washed frequently. Detergent spillage and dust are accumulated on the gasket usually on top load machines as dust particles are deposited with every operation (opening and closing the lid). The dirt and grim get stuck to the gasket, and as the gasket doesn’t get properly wet, it is seldom self-cleaned during a laundry session. The gasket protects your clothes and your hands from sharp edges of the machine’s washer-dryer and needs regular to work well. Make sure to clean it up every now and then.
7. Prevent Moisture Deposition Inside the Machine: Once you are done washing clothes or drying them, leave the lip of the machine open for a while. Let the moisture get evaporated, however you should not leave the lid open for longer and attract dust and grim. Immediately closing the lids will trap the moisture within the machine and result in bacteria and germ build up. Allow the door to stay open for about 15-20 minutes and then wipe the moisture off with a soft towel.
8. Use a Cover and Trolley for your Machine: As most machines are kept in balconies, make sure to cover it with a plastic cover to protect it from dust or rain splashes. Moreover, use a trolley to keep the machine over it and move it as you desire indoors or outdoors. Clean the cover every 2 to 3 weeks to avoid dust and grim depositions.

(more…)

How to beat Air Pollution

Hello Delhiites’! How you breathing?

“Dilli Ka Sab Acha, Sirf Hawa Nahi”

Do you share the same feeling?

Checkout what can help you to combat pollution, it’s just a 5 minutes job.

The title itself says what we are going to talk about but there’s a twist! We are not going to repeat the same words we will be telling you easy ways to beat the pollution instead! Air pollution refers to the presence of excessive amounts of certain impurities such as dirt, dust, and chemical substances, gases, etc. that can be dangerous to health.

As the skies lit up with fireworks on Diwali, pollution peaked across northern India like every other part of the country celebrating this festival of lights.  But the pollution in Delhi  came to the limelight two weeks before Diwali. Making the city, one of the un-safest places to breathe in.

Let’s check the Air Quality Index statistics of New Delhi in October.

The initial days of October served a good air quality index. Post 2^nd October, gradually the air quality started deteriorating as the festival days were ahead. The results prevailing at the month end was worst and Delhi was being called as a poisonous gas house that was hazardous to live in!

The Government of Delhi has already started acting on air pollution through the ‘Odd-Even’ Scheme. But the question is what are we doing on our part and is this enough to beat the demon called ‘Air Pollution’? After the festive season, we are not in a mood to pull our socks down! Since we work to help you in this crucial situation, we have come up with a solution to this issue!

So, let’s list down what can you do to improvise or work on fixing the monstrous pollution in Delhi. Judge yourself on this!

1. How often do you clean your home and outside verandas?
2. Do you prefer wearing a mask or breathe in a fresh air?
3. Do you have plants – both indoors and outdoors?
4. Public transport or your personal vehicle – what’s your pick?
5. Do you have air purifiers at home?
6. The main question, do you or anyone at your place smoke?

While reading the above points, we know you have all the right answers to all of the questions. We always look to blame others for the problems we face, that’s common human tendency. Keep in mind that there is always two parties involved in every issue. Hence, we are also a part of the problems we face! You cannot always blame the society, for polluting the environment. You must always stand first, take responsibility and convince others to follow your steps.

We have jotted down ways to save you from the black chamber outside:

1. The task with utmost priority is cleaning your surroundings. It comprises of cleaning everything from the water tanks to washrooms, rooms having windows and dust prone areas in the house. You can get the cleaning done with the help of service experts from online providers like ServicePik. Many factors can affect the quality of indoor air, from cooking to burning incense. Also ensure to chuck major dust collectors, such as old cushions and heavily upholstered furniture.
2. You can keep air-purifiers at home and to keep the indoor air clean. This air friendly technology can make you free from harmful airborne particles such as dust, dander and pollen, is the best way to cope with allergies as well as other respiratory infections. This is highly recommended for expectant moms-to-be or new mothers, new born babies, toddlers, elderly people, people sensitive to pollens and dust allergies, or pets at home. This is an expensive deal and is only preferable when you spend most of the time indoors.
3. Wear a mask, but a breathable respirator. Because, you shouldn’t get choked by the mask. To avail the benefits, you’ll need to purchase an air-purifying respirator, rather than a facial accessory made from cloth. Wearing a respirator seems essential to those diagnosed with lung infections, asthma, cardiovascular disease and are obese or diabetic.
4. Allow indoor plants to spread freshness and vitality as plants absorb carbon dioxide and release pure oxygen in the environment. If you cannot afford Air purifiers, you can keep air-purifying indoor plants inside your house. Plants such as Snake plant, Spider plant, Boston Fern, Peace Lily etc.  can remove harmful toxins from the air.

You can check the plants that are suitable under this category.

What all services does ServicePik offer?

House Cleaning Services: Take the help of ServicePik experts to get rid of dust and dirt from your house. Home services include Sofa deep cleaning, Bathroom cleaning, Fan cleaning, wiping and cleaning the rooms, floor cleaning, kitchen and living room cabinets, deep cleaning the home, etc.

You can book your house cleaning services through the following link:

https://www.servicepik.com/home-services/

Car Wash Services: Dirty cars, means dirty air. Cars and trucks are one of the leading causes of air pollution — but cleaner vehicles can help limiting the emission and pollution. Keeping your car washed is a low-cost way to protect and prevent against contaminants such as dirt, pollen, tree sap, air pollutants and deceased bugs. To book car cleaning services, you can call ServicePik right away!

Now that you have a fair idea about fighting air pollution on your own, here is a quick Vastu tip for your rescue!

Vastu Tip: Tulsi (Holy Basil) Plant

It is a great air purifier, and is highly significant in Vaastu Shastra. For best results, place a Tulsi plant in a pot in the north, east or northeast direction of your house where there is ample amount of sunlight and air. It brings positive energies and purifies the air with its aroma.

So, to beat Dilli Ka Pollution, follow the above stated tips. We hope that it turns out good for you and the environment. If you have any suggestions or more tips that can help, feel free to share them  in our comments section!

Super 7 Desk Exercises at Work to Keep You in Shape!

Are you sitting and reading this article? Well, it’s time you should stop and think how long do you SIT and READ on the screens! We know the technological advancement has forced us to stay fixed with the computer screens leaving us deskbound for longer durations, however entertainment is not the only purpose any longer. Modern-day jobs involve a sedentary lifestyle whether you work with an IT firm, a government establishment or any other industry. But, have you ever thought of the numerous repercussions to your health? This is too obvious nowadays to guess that you spend all your time going through e-mails or scrolling through your favourite social media. Have you realized that all of these are restricting your physical movements as you don’t budge from your place? We get so engrossed in the mechanism of working and earning that we don’t even leave the desk to have food, in order to eat and work simultaneously!

According to WHO, an estimated 3.2 million deaths in the world attribute to a lack of physical activity. The sedentary lifestyle being followed by most of us is responsible for increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes as well as the loss of muscle and bone strength.
We spend a lot of time sitting! On an average we spend more than 9 hours sitting, and 7+ hours sleeping, don’t you think that’s too much of sitting!! The impact of this may lead to an increased rate of obesity and other related diseases.

It’s high time that you understand that sitting idle at one place for longer is going to harm your health immensely. Also, it’s time to break the myth that being at office and sitting on a chair for the whole day means a sacrifice of your exercise routine!

Here are a few exercises to get you going…

1. Chair Squats

Take time for these between meetings, on calls or any time. Stand up from your chair, lower your body back down, stopping right before you sit back down. (Keep your weight in your heels to work those glutes). Then stand back up again. Do it at least 10 reps at once.

2. Squats

This exercise is quite similar to chair squats with a slight variation. From your chair, stand up, sit back down and repeat 10 more times. Simple! You can look left and right alternatively along with this to do a little exercise of your neck as well to relieve the strain.

3. Tricep Dips

Tricep dips can be done pretty much anywhere. Use your desk or your chair if it doesn’t have wheels on it. Position your hands shoulder-width apart on that desk or chair, then move your butt off the chair with your legs extended out in front of you. Straighten your arms, keeping a little bend in your elbows to keep tension on your triceps and off your elbow joints.

4. Calf Raises

Stand up behind your chair and hold on for support. You can even take the support of the cubicle to do so. Raise your heels off the floor until you are standing on your toes. Slowly lower yourself back to the floor. Do 3 sets of 10 reps each.

5. Shoulder Press

Look around the office and find an old phone book or a ream of paper, something that weighs a few pounds. You can even use 2 water bottles of 1-liter capacity. Hold it at shoulder height and then raise it all the way overhead. 10 reps. 3 times.

6. Lunges

You can keep this move stationary and do it at your desk, or you could go all out and lunge down the hall to the printer and back. With one leg in front of the other, gently lower the knee of the leg that is at the back down towards the ground. Like you were going to propose to a co-worker. 10 times on each leg. Keep your hands at your sides. You can even hold some weight on both the hands.

7. Desk Push-Ups

First things first: Make sure your desk is sturdy enough to support your body weight! Then, take a few steps back, so you can place your hands flat on your desk, a little wider than shoulder-width. Lower yourself down towards your desk, keeping your core tight. Then push back up until arms are straight but not locked. Try to do 20 reps.

There are countless ways to inculcate more activity in your daily life. There are plenty of desk and chair exercises that you can incorporate in your daily routine. But one of the best ways to eliminate back pain and stiff necks is to make sure that your posture is correct and you sit properly. For all the sitting we do, honestly, we aren’t very good at it. Being out of alignment causes aches and fatigue that can have serious consequences such as asthma, disc compression, arthritis, and sciatic nerve pain.

Your neck and back strain can be drastically reduced if your desk chair is at the right height, your knees and hips are at 90-degree angle and your feet are flat on the floor. To maintain a good posture, keep your lower back pressed against your chair. Another important hack you can try to maintain a good posture is to make sure that the top one-third of your monitor is above eye level.

You now have a lot of tips and tricks to save yourself from the sedentary lifestyle and reduce your waistline. Ideally, you should get up from your desk at least once in an hour even if it’s not an exercise. Set an alarm to remind you to stop looking at your screen and get up and move! Or, you can wear a health band or fitness band to remind you to wake up and get moving. Walking for just a few minutes an hour can reduce the negative effects of sitting. You aren’t still sitting, are you?

GET UP! GET MOVING!!

How to stay positive in life?

In this fast running world, we thrive to get successful, earn more, offer a better lifestyle to our families, and so on…he wants are never-ending! One thing that comes complimentary with all the hard work you put to meet your professional and personal deadlines is STRESS. Stress is good, yes it is, but to an extent where it inspires you to emerge victorious out of all your professional and personal challenges. The problem arises when this stress starts taking over your mental and physical wellbeing. Stress being the part and parcel of modern-day life should not steal your peace and tranquillity. So, what shall you do to move ahead and be happy?
All we need to accept is that stress is a part of life and we need to deal with it on a daily basis. If you become pessimistic and lose hope in difficult or challenging situations, get adversely affected by them, and find it tough to maintain a positive attitude towards life then you need to look for ways to inculcate positivity in your outlook towards life.

1 Positive self-talk

There are stressful situations at every stage of life. We come across numerous hurdles and challenges but passing through these tough situations becomes easier when we carry a positive thought in our mind, with a smile and confidence that this too will pass through. No one else can cheer you up than your own self. Be your own confidante and motivate yourself when required. Talking to yourself, giving assurance and thinking positively can do wonders. Practice positive self-talk and you’ll notice a change in the situations surround you as well as the way you deal with them.

2 Exercise Regularly

One of the best ways to deal with stress is to channel it in the most positive direction and the one which tops this list is exercise. A quick break at any time of the day to do some exercise can help you in relieving your stress. Your body releases endorphins or happy hormones when you exercise. Endorphins help the body in coping with feelings of anxiety and stress. So, regular exercising will help you remain active and will lower down stress for a happier and healthier you. If you find no time to hit the gym or join a Yoga center, signing up with an online service provider can avail you, at-home trainers easily.

3 Focus on solutions and not problems

Don’t allow too much of negativity to crowd your mind and surround your thoughts. If you find yourself focussing too much on the tasks you have to accomplish on a daily basis or in life and the related challenges, try to refocus on brainstorming the possible solutions. Your solutions might be long term, but bringing a direction to work on in life will bring positivity.

4 Don’t second guess your decisions

Constantly second-guessing or self-doubting your decisions can bring in a lot of stress and anxiety to your life. If your choice doesn’t yield your expected results, don’t complain. The road not taken could’ve been even more disastrous. You never know. So, rather than re-assessing the current situation, you should focus on finding an alternative to it. Constantly complaining about the situation will neither make it better nor will it lead you to any solution. It’s better to stop thinking about something that’s out of your control. Rather than wasting your energy on thinking about the negative thing, shift your focus to something positive instead.

5 Ask for help

You can pass through a situation on your own, but reaching out for some help or motivation or encouragement can do wonders. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends, relatives or colleagues. Use the people around you to help you out in your low times when you are unable to do it alone. We all need assistance at some point or the other, so don’t be embarrassed to reach out for it. Stay close to people who are positive and their positive energy will definitely inspire you in life.

6 Interact

Social interaction helps as a positive outlet that helps us to mentally recharge ourselves and de-stress from daily work. Spend time with your family, look for activities to do together that strengthens your bond and can make memories for you and your family that you can cherish even in stressful times. Family provides a sense of belonging, make the best memories from it. However, this sense of community ad belonging doesn’t necessarily have to come from your family only and can be achieved by joining any kind of group. There are many communities that you can involve yourself according to your interest such as book clubs, community centers, orphanages, sports teams, and religious groups. All you need to do id to stay active and connected in a community that you love to be.

7 Be thankful

Always remind yourself to be thankful for what you have. Gratitude brings fulfillment and happiness in life. Stop complaining about your job, your boss or your co-workers. Instead of complaining, do something to feel better about your own self. Putting down others isn’t a good practice, it doesn’t even help you to release stress or make you happy. Harbouring anger never pays off. Instead, remind yourself about all good things in life and be thankful for that. The secret of being happy is to choose that state of mind. The power to stay and think positively is within you, take the first step now!

Happiness is contagious. It’s within your power to be happy. You will emit positive energies when you’ll be happy which others will take notice. When in stressful situation, try to share that feeling of happiness and positivity with those around you. Stress isn’t good for anyone as it causes people to be angrier, make poor decisions, experience lack of sleep and even more serious health problems. Use the above strategies that will help you cope with stress at work and in life. Try to find an appropriate work-life balance to become a happier and more optimistic person. Bring in some transformation in your thought process and you’ll notice positivity in all aspects of your life!

Top 7 health benefits of aerobics training

“The first wealth is health” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Of every wealth in the world, health is the most precious and fragile one. Often in the hustle of our busy lives, we neglect it for so many reasons. When we are busy taking care of our families and loved ones, we must not forget that our health is also important. Following a fitness regime along with a healthy diet can certainly help you in this regard. And, of the many fitness options available for you out there, aerobics seems a good option. There are numerous aerobics classes in and around Delhi, which you can look out for maintaining good health.

Let’s explore what aerobics is and how can you reap health benefits out of it. This form of physical exercise involves stretching, strength training, and rhythmic aerobic exercise. It is basically a form of cardio vascular workout method which also includes swimming, brisk walking etc. Aerobics is usually performed along with music in a group or individually with the help of an instructor. Aerobics workouts enhance cardio-vascular fitness, flexibility and muscular strength. The instructors design the sessions in a dance-like fashion to help you reach your fitness goals, without getting bored.

What are the different levels in aerobics?

Usually aerobics classes depending upon the intensity and complexity are categorized into various levels. When you are opting for the perfect aerobics class in Delhi, it must include the following major components within:

1. Warm up – It lasts for 5 to 10 minutes. It’s essential to prepare the body for rigorous workout.
2. Cardio vascular conditioning – This is a 25 to 30 minutes affair. It is essential for a healthy heart.
3. Muscular strength and conditioning – It takes 10 to 15 minutes. It is important to strengthen your muscles and relax them as well. Healthy and strong muscles offer support to your body’s bone structure and impart a strong body.
4. Cooling down – This takes almost 5 to 8 minutes and makes sure that your muscles aren’t injured due to excessive workout and gets time to get back to normalcy gradually.
5. Stretching and flexibility – Stretching activities take around 5 to 8 minutes. Endurance and flexibility are improved with this.

Well, now that you know the basics of aerobics are known to you. Let’s go through the numerous benefits of aerobics for a healthier lifestyle:

Increasing stamina of the body:

Aerobics exercises instantly tire and exhaust you, but it will make you feel active and strong in the long run. It reduces fatigue and increases the stamina of the body. Aerobics not only keeps you fit and active by enhancing your stamina but lifts your mood too.

Weight loss:

When you want to shed those extra kilos from your body without getting bored, choosing aerobics is the perfect way to go. This highly energetic form of exercise helps your body burn more calories faster by enhancing your metabolism. If practiced sincerely with a suitable diet plan aerobics workout can help you lose a significant amount of weight in a short time span. You can look for a reliable fitness training center and book for aerobics classes in Delhi to begin your weight-loss journey.

Improves immunity:

Aerobic exercises not only make the external muscles on your body workout, but the internal organs’ soft muscles as well. This ensures that your heart and lungs muscles are well worked as they extensively work to provide blood and oxygen to the organs. This way, carbon dioxide is eliminated from your body and strengthens your diaphragm as well.

Strong heart:

A strong and healthy heart beats properly to effectively pump blood throughout your body. This in turn helps in improving blood flow and keeping you healthy and free of any heart ailments. Aerobics makes your heart workout along with your body and thus keeps the heart muscles active and flexible. Most aerobics classes in Delhi focus on working at strengthening your heart with numerous cardio vascular exercises.

Lowers anxiety and stress level:

One of the other benefits of aerobics on your health is, it helps in reducing anxiety and stress. By working out, your body releases the happy hormones called ’endorphins’. This in turn lifts up your mood and makes you happy. Aerobics is your go-to thing, when you want to stay happy and healthy.
According to fitness experts, aerobic exercises are considered to be the best and the most important factors for improving body fitness. It has been said that those who are regular at aerobics have an extended lifespan with decreased risk of coronary artery diseases, cancer, blood pressure, and diabetes. Aerobic provides the much-needed energy for maintaining physical activities for a long haul, and one can join any of the aerobic classes in Delhi for better health. So, what are you waiting for? If you are wondering where to find the time and place to work out, you can book at home fitness classes in Delhi from ServicePik. Do aerobics and stay healthy!