Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-07-18T11:21:00

(BPT) – By Kim Hyo-eun, vice president of the Global Marketing Center at LG Electronics

Until now, as a leader in the consumer electronics industry, LG has grown into an innovative and trustworthy brand with a focus on products such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines. LG has always deeply understood the lives of its customers and, based on this insight, solidified its position as one of the most beloved brands thanks to innovative products boasting reliable quality. However, in our pursuit to take the brand to the next height and transform it into a global iconic brand, we recognized the need to go beyond products and services and effectively communicate our core brand values to customers. This has led us to embark on the brand reinvention journey.

What’s more, as we live in a world of constant change where consumers’ lifestyles are shifting, diversifying and evolving at an increasingly rapid pace, companies have to strive harder to understand the needs and wants of their customers, and that requires a willingness to change and a passion for innovation.

An organization that has always embraced change, LG recently introduced its reinvented brand strategy to build a stronger, consistent brand image and better convey its commitment to providing a message of ‘Life’s Good.’ As the first step toward strengthening its brand identity, the company undertook a rigorous process to redefine its values and philosophy. After clearly defining three core values of ‘Uncompromising Customer Experience,’ ‘Human-centered Innovation’ and ‘Warmth to Power a Smile,’ the company set about reinterpreting and reinvigorating the LG brand, creating new visual assets that mark a new era in its history. The result of this reinvention is a younger and more dynamic visual identity that resonates more deeply with consumers across all generations and backgrounds.

To be successful in today’s market, a company must be able to connect with consumers at an emotional level. With its reinvented brand identity, LG is already fostering a deep connection with customers, showing that compassion and humanity are as much a part of ‘LG-ness’ as the technological and design innovation that the company has long been known for.

The look of LG’s iconic Life’s Good slogan has also been revamped and refreshed to better communicate the brand’s firm belief that life is good. A custom typography — inspired by various LG products’ form factors — makes the company’s well-known slogan more distinctive and unique, while the period at the end conveys LG’s confidence and sincerity in its mission to make people’s lives better through innovation.

A prime example of the ‘reinvent’ is how LG’s instantly recognizable brand symbol has been brought to life. In digital environments, the iconic LG symbol, designed as a smiling face using the letter ‘l’ and ‘g,’ can now perform eight different actions, including greeting, nodding, spinning and winking. Known as LG’s “face of the future,” the digital logo symbolizes the company’s legacy while also strengthening its bond with today’s consumers.

And, to highlight the brand’s bold and youthful nature, LG has introduced a vibrant new shade of red that will be used across all platforms — physical and digital. The new, energetic “active red,” complemented by LG’s traditional “heritage” red and a deep black, represents a passion for innovation and the boldness to deliver exceptional customer value. By incorporating these dynamic colors, LG aims to express its passion for pushing boundaries and creating meaningful experiences for its customers and attracting younger generations. This approach allows LG to emanate a youthful, dynamic, vibrant, confident and innovative image that aligns with the company’s diverse businesses, products and services.

In addition to introducing its brand reinvent to the world, LG has been sharing its updated brand and visual identity with its own employees, bringing together personnel from all levels and departments to experience first-hand what the new changes mean. LG firmly believes that its employees are the best brand ambassadors. By ensuring they understand the brand’s value and vision and incorporate it into their daily task, the company can more effectively deliver a message of ‘Life’s Good’ to customers.

Aligned with this, the company launched its first Life’s Good event for its employees in South Korea on June 12. With Life’s Good trucks reflecting the new visual identity touring LG Electronics’ business sites in Korea, the company handed out branded coffee cans and provided a chance to win various branded goods during lunch time, enabling everyone to take the time to discover the new changes to the brand. The event garnered overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic feedback from executives and employees, who expressed their excitement about the brand reinvention. They also shared that the event enabled them to better understand and visualize the reinvented brand.

We are hopeful that LG’s brand reinvent will serve as a starting point for the innovation of new customer experiences that can provide value and benefits for real customers, enabling them to feel that ‘life’s good’ and fully enjoy each precious moment of their lives.

LG acknowledges that there will be moments when people may struggle to resonate with the Life’s Good slogan and message. However, the intention is not to present an unrealistic picture of unwavering hope and positivity. Instead, it serves as a declaration of what life has the potential to be and should strive to be. It also acts as a reminder that even in challenging times, life remains incredibly precious and invaluable. In this context, the Life’s Good slogan embodies the lifestyles that LG aims for and aligns with our commitment to assisting customers in achieving a better life through our products and services.

At LG, we are driven by the desire to make consumers’ lives better than they are now. With this spirit and our unshakable belief that Life’s Good, we will endlessly take on challenges and never stop innovating. LG is a company where people work tirelessly to discover the needs of consumers — needs that they themselves aren’t even aware of — and find smart, practical solutions that deliver convenience, joy and connection.

LG’s new brand identity is infused with the collective effort and enthusiasm of the entire company. It reflects an unwavering determination to make every single day better than the last and showcases the company’s aspiration to become a globally iconic and beloved brand.

2023-07-12T11:01:00

(BPT) – Most recent data shows that in the past five years, 85% of people have shifted their behavior to be more eco-conscious and have started thinking sustainably when making purchases*. For many, the home is a natural place to start incorporating environmentally friendly products and practices.

“From utilizing green building products to incorporating high-efficiency technology, implementing more eco-friendly practices and products at home is a steppingstone towards living a more sustainable lifestyle,” said Judd Larned, President of Culligan Water. “Start with your water. Making eco-friendly choices on how you consume and treat your home’s water can have a big impact.”

Drinking water from your home tap is a great way to help the environment. Every year, overuse of single-use plastic bottles contributes to pollution, yet many people prefer the taste and quality of bottled water over the tap water in their home. By installing a water treatment solution, such as a reverse osmosis system, homeowners can get cleaner, filtered water directly from the tap and reduce their use of single-serve bottled water. The Culligan Aquasential^® Smart Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System offers 12 different filter options and is certified for the reduction of 59 contaminants which include 15 emerging contaminants including lead, arsenic, pharmaceuticals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PFOA/PFOS.

For a greener solution to traditional water softening, a high-efficiency water softener, like the Aquasential Smart High Efficiency Water Softener, is designed to minimize water and salt usage while effectively softening the water. By selecting a high-efficiency softener, you can reduce water and salt usage. Both the RO and softener also offer a smart device app that gives users intuitive control over each system with water alerts, maintenance needs and tools that track water usage and consumption at your fingertips. You’ll have real-time data to help manage water usage in your home.

Going beyond your water, here are additional tips for creating a more environmentally friendly home:

• Choose green décor. A simple way to go green with your home is to choose environmentally friendly décor. While natural stones and marbles are on trend, their use is costly to the environment. Instead, homeowners can use man-made materials that mimic the look of natural materials. Using composite materials made from recycled content or natural materials that are sustainably sourced for décor, cabinets, fixtures and countertops is a great way to get the latest trends in home décor without negatively impacting the environment.
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances. When purchasing new appliances, opt for those with high energy-efficiency ratings. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to accomplish the same tasks with less power, which reduces the need for additional power plants and decreases the extraction of natural resources such as coal, natural gas and oil. By conserving these resources, we can preserve ecosystems, protect habitats and minimize the environmental damage caused by their extraction. On appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines, look for ENERGY STAR certified products, which meet strict energy-saving standards.
• Use smart technology to conserve energy. Today, smart home technology is available to help homeowners control and track their energy usage, resulting in improved conservation as well as lower utility bills on the home front. Smart thermostats and lighting, as well as home automation systems, allow you to optimize heating and cooling or create energy-saving routines and schedules whether you’re home or away. Use energy monitoring systems to track usage patterns, identify energy-hungry appliances and provide insights on how to optimize energy efficiency.
• Recycle. Recycling is one of the most simple and well-known ways to go green at home as it conserves resources, reduces landfill waste and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing new products. Set up a recycling system in your home to separate recyclable materials from general waste. Identify local recycling centers or programs that accept different types of recyclables and ensure proper disposal. Consider going beyond traditional efforts by buying products made from recycled material or from companies dedicated to sustainability.

By implementing these tips, homeowners can contribute to a more sustainable future while creating a healthier and more cost-effective living environment. For more information on in-home water treatment solutions, visit www.culligan.com.

*According to an October 2021 Global Sustainability survey conducted by Simon-Kucher & Partners.

2023-07-12T07:01:01

(BPT) – Courtesy of Peerless^® Faucet

“Aging in place” (aka independent living) is the phenomena of older adults remaining in their homes as they age, rather than relocating or moving into an institutional setting. In fact, about 75% of 50+-year-olds would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible, compared to about half of 18 to 49-year-olds, according to AARP. With age, lifestyle needs change and if staying in your home is important to you, you may have concerns about getting around your home or getting simple tasks done, including personal care. Whether you’re a future caregiver or a care recipient, find suggestions below that can help with some of these worries along with easy ideas to ensure you have a functional home.

Plan ahead

As you prepare to make this big life step, take the time to sit down and think about the types of help you, a partner or a care recipient may need. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to take the necessary steps now to avoid future issues.

One way to plan ahead is to talk to a doctor. Oftentimes, there may be medical conditions that could affect or complicate the way one ages in place or even hinder mobility around the house. If you’re a caregiver, it can prove helpful to be proactive. While these may be daunting conversations, it’s important to have them with a doctor and discuss best practices for living in your home long-term.

Another way to plan ahead is to create an at-home checklist of simple design updates that’ll allow a safe, independent living experience. The easiest way to identify what to change is to walk around the house and take note of anything that could pose a challenge in the near future. Consider door levers over doorknobs, light switches with a rocker panel versus a toggle switch, or even awning-style windows to make them easier to open and close. Making subtle changes like these can have long-term impacts on your comfortability and ability to stay put.

Tap resources available to you

If one is already having trouble moving around the house, it may be time to outsource assistance. Some people avoid electric scooters or chairs due to the hefty price tag, but what many don’t realize is that some at-home electronic aids are covered by Medicare. Other available resources you can contact if in need of home modifications or low-cost assistive devices include Administration for Community Living, The National Rehabilitation Information Center and AARP.

If you wish to revamp your space with stylish home furnishings that allow for aging in place, having a consultation with an experienced local home designer, or Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), is your best bet! These professionals are trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging-in-place home renovations. Whether you need pocket doors to help with mobility between rooms, wider hallways for wheelchairs, or even a single-story house plan with a complete second suite, these designers can help update a home to adapt to a family — instead of a family adapting to a new home. Resources you can contact for this include Accessible Living, Paul Schumacher Homes and even Care.com.

ADA-compliant and stylish installations

Aging-in-place updates don’t always have to look and feel dull. You can make simple tweaks to make any space look presentable and elegant. An easy place to start implementing these tweaks is in the bathroom! Remodel your bath space the easy, affordable way and fit it with the all-new Precept^® ADA Tub & Shower with Hand Shower by Peerless^®. Designed for all, this sleek and modern shower trim kit assures everyone has a safe, comfortable showering experience. It also comes in three different finishes (Chrome, Matte Black and Brushed Nickel) to fit almost any bath space and design. Its 5-inch tub spout, handle operations, hand shower, hose and 24-inch grab bar are all ADA-compliant to help you create an accessible space without compromising design or functionality. You can also pair this trim kit with the brand-new accessories within the Precept^® Bath Collection for a coordinated, unified look.

Other easy home aging-in-place modifications could be eliminating hard-to-reach areas like high or low cabinets. Instead, opt for darker hued drawers right under your countertop; this way they’re more accessible and can easily match almost any kitchen décor. Need additional aging-in-place thoughtful kitchen inspiration? Introduce a mobile, adjustable kitchen island with lots of storage to avoid excess meal prepping and standing time.

If aging in place is the path forward, it’s important to realize there’s more to it than just staying put. Like every stage in life, it’s important to ensure that plans are thought through, even for the future. When thinking through ways to create a safer and age-friendly home environment, take advantage of resources available to you and prioritize updating rooms you utilize the most. Focus on the basics and create a well-coordinated and accessible space with fixtures that don’t compromise on aesthetics or functionality.

2023-07-10T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you are one of the millions of homeowners who locked in an ultra-low, fixed-rate mortgage before last year’s surge, you’re likely staying put in your home and thinking about updates to your existing space. With ample benefits and retrofit options, radiant floor heating is worth serious consideration.

Radiant heat is gaining big interest due to its ability to improve the health, comfort and functionality of a home. Adding radiant heat to specific areas, such as master bathrooms or basements, or even throughout an entire home, is a smart way to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and enjoy energy efficiency.

Plus, hydronic radiant heating systems that circulate warm water through pipes under the floors are particularly ideal in retrofitting homes with boilers that supply hot water to radiators and baseboard heaters, providing a solution that is more affordable with lower operational costs.

How radiant supports IEQ

Better air quality — Hydronic radiant heating circulates warm water through pipes in the floors as opposed to air being pushed through ductwork via fans, which circulates dust, pollen, dirt, viruses and other allergens around a home.

Superior comfort — Radiant heat keeps comfort near the floor where people are located. Plus, radiant systems work in zones, so individual spaces can offer customized comfort with separate thermostats. With traditional forced-air heat, the hot air rises to the ceiling and typically there is only one thermostat that controls the entire home.

Reduced odors — With forced-air systems, burning airborne particles and circulation of other odors (like from the kitchen or bathrooms) add to unpleasant smells throughout a home. Radiant offers a clean, consistent comfort that doesn’t circulate offensive smells.

Peace and quiet — In a radiant system, circulators quietly move water through pipes. There are no noisy fans or booming furnaces turning on and off. Plus, there is no ductwork expanding and contracting when hot air rushes through the system.

Energy efficiency — Water has the capacity to transport energy 3,500 times greater than air, making it ultra-efficient. Plus, radiant systems work well with renewable energy sources such as geothermal and solar. State and federal tax incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies can help lower costs.

Radiant innovations

If you’re interested in adding radiant heat to your home, new innovations are making it easier to add radiant heating in a home renovation or remodel.

Wireless controls

Wireless radiant controls have been around for more than a decade. However, wireless controls that can manage multiple zones for both radiant and air-side systems are new to the North American market.

Smatrix Pulse features this new technology, offering wireless control of radiant heating and cooling along with forced-air heating and cooling in multiple zones. It also allows connectivity to smart home assistants for voice-activated control along with remote control via an app, which can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Lightweight foam panels

A newly launched XPS foam panel is making it even faster and easier to install radiant heating in existing homes. Xpress Trak is a single-panel system that features XPS foam at its core, which is covered with a thin sheet of aluminum for exceptional heat-transfer capabilities.

The natural moisture resistance of the panels eliminates the need to caulk edges or panel grooves, and they don’t require insulation in the joist space below the subfloor, which speeds installations and lowers costs. Plus, the panels feature a low, 5/8-inch profile to minimize construction in remodel projects.

Design technology

While not new, LoopCAD radiant design software programs are continuing to be updated with innovative technologies. If you are doing the radiant installation yourself, make sure you have the right design before beginning the install. If you are having a radiant professional do your installation, make sure they are using up-to-date product and system information.

If you plan to stay in your home and are looking to make worthwhile upgrades with numerous benefits while increasing your property value, radiant heat systems are a smart option. Learn more at Uponor.com.

2023-06-30T14:33:00

(BPT) – Are you yearning to get back to the sun and sand? If you’re drawn to the seaside style of coastal design, why not bring the look to your own home? The keys to achieving a beachy vibe include incorporating a light palette, strong lines, and natural materials, like cypress. Here are seven ideas to transform your house from just another on the block to a staycation dream home with coastal flair.

Grand Entrances

First impressions matter, so go grand in your entryway and make a bold design statement. Tongue-and-groove pecky cypress can create a striking ceiling treatment with unique texture. Framing the area in cypress boards with a contrasting finish can add depth and dimension, while hiding recessed lighting and defining the space.

Cozy Spaces

Beach homes are made to bring people together and open concept floorplans do just that. Vaulted ceilings and open shelving — crafted from a beautiful wood like cypress — can add even more openness to a great room filled with cozy seating options. And custom built-ins and cabinetry — utilizing the same material — not only tie multiple spaces together, they also provide storage solutions to keep clutter out of site and out of mind.

Dreamy Kitchens

When it comes to coastal kitchens, choosing a limited material palette and finishes will keep the heart of your home looking clean and fresh. Real American Hardwood^® cabinetry will offer lasting value and durability. And selecting a species like cypress will add subtle style, along with character and beauty to be cherished for generations to come.

Bold Beams

Architectural details, such as exposed beams, are a popular design trend that can add function and style to any room. Pairing cypress beams with a pecky cypress ceiling and cabinetry can provide a dramatic setting for a gathering spot, like a home bar.

Fabulous Feature Wall

Open and airy spaces with abundant daylighting are staples in beach house design. With expansive windows and less wall space, installing cypress millwork to create a feature wall can evoke nautical charm — and double as a work of art. Take advantage of the wood’s natural beauty and elevate its grain pattern with a stain that enhances the room’s décor.

Serene Sleeping Quarters

For families with multiple kids, the words “calm” and “peaceful” may seem like an unattainable luxury. That doesn’t mean you can’t create a serene bedroom that sleeps two or more! Bringing in materials and details used in other spaces, like cypress millwork, will provide continuity from room to room. See, calm and peaceful, even if there’s occasional chaos.

Waves of Color

Crisp white walls with a pop of color are a classic coastal look. And while painting a wall with a tranquil turquoise or breezy blue is often a go-to, why not choose to celebrate the natural hues of real wood? Adding a patterned cypress accent wall, finished with a rich stain, can provide intriguing color with aesthetic warmth.

For more inspiring coastal cues to add a beachy vibe to your home, visit www.CypressInfo.org.

2023-06-20T12:09:00

(BPT) – Looking to give a lackluster room a vibrant makeover without breaking the bank or undergoing a major renovation? Try adding wood slats. “Architects, designers and homeowners are specifying Real American Hardwood^® slats to enhance various indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “They’re an easy, versatile and cost-effective upgrade that pays aesthetic and practical dividends.” Slats can be used to clad walls and ceilings, act as screens and room dividers, create striking decorative features, add dimension and movement to a space, or even revitalize built-in furniture and cabinetry. Plus, you’ll be introducing a natural, organic material — and its health and wellness benefits — into your home. Here are six recent examples that showcase the fresh and exciting possibilities of hardwood slats.

Architect Laura Schaeffer (@lauraarchitect) uses white-oak slats to clad the walls and ceiling of this modern addition to an 1890s Victorian house she gut renovated in Boulder, Colorado. The wood battens serve multiple functions: unifying the space, which encompasses a dining area, kitchen and covered patio over which the ceiling extends; creating a cocoon of natural, tawny warmth (the oak is oiled, not varnished); and helping establish what the homeowners call a “Scandi-Asian” vibe, one that fuses Japanese and Nordic influences seamlessly.

Screening a staircase with hardwood slats is an increasingly popular home design strategy. As B. Costello Design & Consulting (@BcDcDesign) shows in the living area of a new Denver, Colorado, duplex, it’s a good way to create a dramatic statement without overwhelming an interior. By constructing the screen from the same white oak used for the floors, the architect unifies the space visually even as he divides it physically. Light, space and movement seem to flow freely but are actually skillfully orchestrated by the sturdy yet porous structure.

Hardwood slats can be used successfully outdoors, too. Charged with renovating the exterior of a mid-century house in Minneapolis, Christian Dean Architecture (@christiandeanarchitecture) created a dynamic composition by cladding individual volumes in different materials — cypress siding, cement board, stucco. But he framed the large terrace and balcony on the second floor with slatted-cypress railings, dematerializing those elements so they add dimension and texture to the boxy structure without increasing its visual bulk.

Black-stained ash slats in this sleek New York City apartment bedroom by Sharon Blaustein of B Interior (@b.interior) are a smart way of dealing with several design requirements at once. First, they provide a soothing, shadow-animated backdrop that shifts and changes depending on light conditions. They also introduce a pleasingly crisp texture into the space while the dark stain sets up a slightly moody vibe. Last, unlike flat reflective surfaces, the battens break up sound waves, offering acoustical dampening that makes the bedroom quieter and more restful.

Quarter-sawn white-oak slats form an ethereal room divider in a Seattle, Washington, kitchen-dining area by Serra Wersinger Architects (@serrawersingerarchitects). The screen’s subtle color and refined design make the partition eye-catching and yet pleasingly unobtrusive at the same time. Not only does it create a focal point without in any way overpowering its surroundings, it also clarifies the space, separating the dining area from the open stair and offering a sense of privacy while leaving the flow of air and light unobstructed.

Hardwood slats in the garden? Dane Spencer Landscape Architecture shows how with this handsome arched portal in a Sarasota, Florida, backyard. Made of cypress finished with Sherwin Williams WoodScapes exterior house stain, the structure frames the rear garden while also partly screening it, creating a feeling of privacy along with a note of intrigue. The slats are robust enough to give the arch architectural heft yet light enough so it’s not heavy or forbidding — the keyhole for the tree branch being an especially charming touch.

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about slats and other uses for Real American Hardwood products.

2023-06-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – When summer rolls around, it can be challenging to keep all of your family members busy doing fun activities together, getting everyone away from screens and learning new skills. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy projects you can try that will not only be creative and interesting, but can enhance your outdoor living space for many summers to come.

Here are just a few projects you can do with your kids, courtesy of the DIY experts at Arrow Fastener, the leader in manual, electric and cordless fastening tools, and manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50^®.

1. Encourage green thumbs with this simple DIY Pallet Garden Wall

Want to add a pop of color with bright flowers, or create a mini kitchen garden with tasty herbs? All you need to make this project is a wooden pallet, landscaping fabric, potting soil, whatever plants you want to use, plus some extra wood scraps — along with your handy Arrow T50 Staple Gun — and you can create a mini garden wall to grace your outdoor space. This is an easy project for beginning DIYers, and you can let kids of any age help choose what to grow, and learn how to water and care for the plants all summer long.

2. Spruce up your picnic table with colorful Picnic Table Cushioned Seats

If you have an old wooden picnic table or other wooden benches that can be hard to sit on, consider creating these cushioned seats to add a touch of style as well as comfort. Using the T50DCD Cordless Staple Gun, a pretty vinyl or plastic tablecloth and some outdoor-approved foam, you can quickly and easily transform an old picnic table into a pleasant outdoor eating experience.

3. Safeguard your herbs, veggies or flowers with a Raised Garden Bed

You can help protect whatever you want to grow from many nibbling marauders, while at the same time making it easier to tend to your plants by making a raised bed with a fence. This is a little more advanced project, using the Arrow T50 Staple Gun and their PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer. The instructions are set to build a 4′ x 4′ x 2′ bed, but you can alter the directions to a size that better fits your outdoor space.

4. Add curb appeal with this Outdoor Flower Box

Could the outside of your home use a pop of color? Learn how to build an outdoor flower box using the Arrow PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer and the Arrow T50HS Staple Gun for an easy way to add some curb appeal to your home’s exterior. This flower box can also hang off a deck rail or be placed on a garden wall. While grownups or older kids may have to do the majority of the construction, even young children can help with painting and/or planting the flowers once the project is completed.

5. Invite feathered friends to visit with this pretty Birdhouse

Bird lovers everywhere will enjoy creating this home for your favorite winged friends. You’ll need an Arrow GT30Li cordless glue gun, a cedar board and some fun dollhouse trim to create this eye-catching birdhouse. Younger children can paint and decorate the birdhouse, and will enjoy keeping an eye out for its new inhabitants. You can hang your birdhouse using eye bolts with a length of small chain or wire, or attach a birdhouse hanger bracket to the back so you can securely mount it to a fence or tree. Be sure to place your birdhouse somewhere everyone can easily see it, such as in the garden or on a tree outside your kitchen window.

Ready to get started? Visit ArrowFastener.com/projects for these and many more easy DIY projects to try with your family this summer.

2023-06-15T10:11:00

(BPT) – There’s arguably nothing better than getting friends and family together in the summertime. When the sun is shining and the days are long, there’s more time for catching up, playing games and making memories with loved ones.

While the time for spring cleaning has come and gone, it’s still important to keep your space clean and ready for guests. Decluttering, deep cleaning and reorganizing can create a sense of renewal and rejuvenation for your home in preparation for a summer of fun.

Maintain your home, keep it party-ready and get more joy out of the season with these cleaning tips for before, during and after your next gathering.

1. Refresh the bathroom.

Before your guests arrive, prep your bathroom by giving it a good freshening up. While it will likely need to be cleaned after the party again, there’s nothing better than a nice-smelling and clean atmosphere to make guests feel comfortable. Disinfect hard non porous surfaces with a multipurpose cleaner like Fabuloso® Antibacterial, which contains effective grease cutters, allowing it to quickly eliminate stubborn stains and disinfect and kill 99.9% of germs¹.

2. Prep your patio.

If you plan to be outside for your party, refreshing your outdoor space is a must. Cleaning your patio furniture, lawn chairs and tables can be painless with just a few easy steps. Fit your garden hose with a spray nozzle and start by giving the furniture an initial rinse. Then, gently scrub with a soft cloth and multi-purpose cleaning solution. You can mix 1/8 cup of Fabuloso® 2X Concentrated* Multi-Purpose Cleaner with one gallon of water that combines cleaning power with fresh scents. No rinsing required, just let the furniture air dry before party time!

3. Conveniently place trash bins.

Make it easy for your guests to help you keep things tidy by placing clearly labeled receptacles for trash, recycling and returnable cups or bottles around the party area. If people can easily find where to dispose of their trash, there’ll be much less for you to do when the party’s over. Be sure to keep an eye on these containers throughout the party so they don’t end up too full or overflowing.

4. Be ready for quick cleanups.

Drips of ketchup and mustard. Sticky watermelon juice. Melting ice cream. Summer barbecue foods are delicious, but they can quickly get messy — and unfortunately invite unwanted visitors like ants and other critters. During your gathering, keep sponges or cleaning cloths and Fabuloso® 2X Concentrated* on hand for quick in-the-moment cleanups that leaves a long-lasting fresh scent. Your post-party self will thank you!

5. Inspect the floors, counters and walls.

After the party is over and your guests are gone, take some time to assess what needs cleaning. Look for crumbs on the floor, sneaky spills and other messes that might need immediate attention. You can sanitize and deodorize hard non porous surfaces throughout your home by mixing 1/2 cup of Fabuloso® Antibacterial in a gallon of sterile deionized water and apply to surfaces with a mop, cloth or sponge. Leave on surfaces for at least five minutes. No rinsing required.

6. Tackle your tasks room by room.

Take your time refreshing each space and don’t worry if you can’t get it all done at once. If it helps, make a list and cross off each task as you complete it. When you’re done, you’ll feel the satisfaction of a well-executed summer party and a fresh, clean home that’s ready for the next one!

¹Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, SARS-CoV-2, Human Coronavirus, RSV, Influenza A Virus on hard, non-porous, non-food surfaces.

*vs. non-concentrated Fabuloso Original

2023-06-15T11:31:00

(BPT) – Summer inspires many families to host outdoor gatherings at their homes. From weekend barbecues with friends to family reunions, those backyard moments are the highlights of summer weekends. However, you may find some unwanted guests like ants, spiders, flies and mosquitoes at your gatherings.

But, some careful planning can help alleviate the worry about pests crashing the party. Here are five tips to help reduce pests at your summertime gatherings.

1. Keep your yard clean

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get ahead of pests by removing places where they can breed and thrive in your backyard.

As the weather warms up, clean up your yard. Remove debris or standing water, which can attract mosquitoes, flies and other pests. Don’t forget to keep your trash cans covered to prevent insects from being drawn to them.

2. Serve food and drinks indoors

While outdoor dining is great, food and sweet drinks serve as invitations to flies and other insects. To help keep pests away, serve food and drinks indoors. Guests can grab their plates, cups and cutlery, load up on delicious food and beverages, and head outdoors to enjoy a feast in the sun or under the moon.

If you must serve food outdoors, keep food in sealed containers. Not only will this keep pests away, but it can also help keep your food fresher for longer.

3. Use insecticides with plant-based active ingredients

Nature has evolved powerful bug-fighting plants like lemongrass, mint and rosemary. When extracted, these botanicals can be incredibly effective at keeping bugs away from your guests. STEM™, a pest control brand, offers a full line of products formulated with these botanicals, making them safe to use around people and pets when used as directed. Packed with plant-based active ingredients, STEM™ insecticides effectively fight nature with nature without any added dye, fragrance or harsh chemical odor.

No matter how you like to enjoy the warmer weather, STEM™ has got your family and home covered. By using products like STEM™ Bug Killer Spray (Ants, Roaches, Flies) and STEM™ Bug Killer Spray (Ants, Roaches, Spiders), you can reduce the risk of pest party crashers at your summer gatherings. The nozzles specifically target insects more effectively to help you and your guests prevent bugs indoors and outdoors.

4. Invest in outdoor fans

If you live in a hot and humid climate, gathering outdoors with guests can be a bit uncomfortable. This weather is also incredibly favorable to mosquitoes. To keep your guests cool and comfortable while keeping mosquitoes and other flying insects at bay, consider investing in outdoor fans. Using a long, grounded outdoor power cord, you can easily set up fans on your deck, patio or porches. Enjoy a little bit of a breeze while you brunch without bugs getting in the way.

5. Install screens or netting

If you have a covered patio or outdoor kitchen, you can install screens or netting to keep flying insects like mosquitoes away from your summer gathering. Guests can sit and enjoy food and conversation without insects settling on them or their meals.

Even if you don’t have a patio, you can purchase a popup screen tent or screened canopy. These structures can fit over tables and chairs, giving your family an enclosed, pest-free space that also provides shade.

Enjoy your personal slice of nature without worrying about getting bitten or bombarded by bugs. Using these five tips, you can comfortably host backyard get-togethers and help keep insects and other pests away from your summer fun.