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To determine the home warranty companies ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 54 companies, with each companys star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics and subcategories, including:

When looking at pricing, we looked at subcategories such as example pricing as shown on the website, instant quotes and highest and lowest service fees.

The number of covered items in the policies and the number of optional items available for coverage determined the included coverage rating.

Credibility and customer satisfaction ratings were determined by each companys BBB grade, accreditation, reviews, complaints and the number of years in business, as well as consumer ratings on Trustpilot and Google Maps.

When ranking each company on customer support, we looked at service request methods and availability.

Sign-up and restriction ratings were based on the number of plans available, whether or not an inspection is required, available contract terms and whether or not age is a factor for denying system coverage.

Category rating was based on whether customers have the option of choosing their technician or if the company assigns one.

We looked at any fees or penalties resulting from discontinuing coverage before the companys threshold.

Discount ratings for each company were determined by the availability of veteran or military discounts and any sign-up price reductions.

When rating for property types covered, we examined coverage availability for homes such as mobile or manufactured houses, condos and rental properties in addition to typical single-family home coverage.

Ratings for nationwide availability includes the number of states plus D.C. in which coverages are available.

We added or removed additional points based on average service fees and customer representative responsiveness.

All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.

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Best Home Warranty Companies in California Of January 2024 - Forbes

The primary cost factors that sway the price of roof replacement are the type of materials and the design of your roof. For example, the standard roof ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet, and you can opt for anything from asphalt shingles to aluminum, clay or copper roofing.

Your roofing cost estimate will vary based on materials and labor. Roofing materials come either by the square foot, by the bundle or by roofing squarea 10 ft by 10 ft slab of materials. Additionally, up to 60% of your price will account for labor.

Our average roof replacement cost accounts for the most common roof sizes, materials and labor rates across the country.

The cost of installing a new roof costs between $4 and $40 per square footor about $7 on averageincluding both labor and materials. Remember that in roofing terms, this means between $400 to $4,000 per roofing square, or about $700 for the most popular materials.

Estimating the size of your roof can be a headache if you dont have the original blueprints. The slope and shape of your roofhipped, gabled or flat, for exampledictate the number of shingles, shakes or tiles youll need. In the end, a professional will do the best job of clarifying the exact size of your roof.

When choosing a roofing contractor, opt for a professional with specific experience in roof replacements. Not only can they help you make the call to replace instead of performing repairs, but they will also help you design the roof thats best for your home.

The price of the service accounts for between $2 and $7 per square foot on average. The high end of this range accounts for complex jobs with steep roofs, hard-to-access areas and regions with higher costs of living. Your contractor may charge between $40 and $60 per hour for the work, but flat-rate estimates are more common for large projects like these.

The other 40% to 50% of total roof replacement costs go toward materials. An itemized list breaks down to the roofing materialshingles, shakes, tiles, etcas well as the underlayment, new flashing, roof ridges and vents. Youll also contribute to the cost of building supplies such as nails, tools, ladders and other related equipment.

The slope of your roof affects both the square footage and the labor rates of roof replacement. For one, the higher the pitch, the larger the area. While most roofs fall between a 3:12 and 6:12 ratio, steeper roofs will require special equipment and take longer to install.

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Everything You Need To Know About Roofing Prices (2024) Forbes Home - Forbes

2. Credit cards

If you're planning a smaller remodel, and can pay back the money quickly, you might want to pay for your kitchen remodel with credit cards. A credit card with a 0% promotional rate is a great way to borrow money without paying interest -- as long as you can pay off the card before the higher interest rate kicks in (you'll generally have a little over a year to pay off the card). If you go this route, plan to make more than just the minimum monthly payment for the card.

If you have enough equity in your house, a cash-out refinance is another way to pay for kitchen remodeling.

A cash-out refinance works like this: Say you currently owe $200,000 on your mortgage, and you set a $40,000 budget for your remodeling project. You could refinance to a $240,000 mortgage (amount you owe plus the money for your home improvements). Then, you'd get that $40,000 as cash to pay for your kitchen remodel.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) also allows you to use the equity in your loan. As a homeowner, you can apply to borrow a little at a time from your mortgage lender, up to the amount the lender approves. Once you pay a portion of the loan back, you are free to borrow it again -- similar to a credit card. This is also known as a second mortgage.

With a home equity loan, and you put your house up as collateral. You'll get the funds for your home improvement project in a lump sum, then pay the loan back monthly.

A final option for financing home improvements involves government loans. The Section 203(k) program is offered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It allows you to take out a new mortgage or refinance your current one and roll the cost of home renovations into the loan. There are limits on what the funds can be used for, but they tend to cover things like bath and kitchen renovations.

Knowing how to finance a kitchen remodel can help you create your dream kitchen. Before you get started, work your budget, decide how much you can afford, and go into your kitchen renovation project with a clear financial plan.

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How to Finance a Kitchen Remodel - The Motley Fool

Its hard to avoid your kitchen cabinets. They're often the most prominent feature of your kitchen, and if theyre super dated or just not your style, they might make you cringe every time you enter the space. However, even if a kitchen renovation isnt in your budget or you dont have the bandwidth for it, you don't have to be stuck with cabinets you hate. Here are five ways to refresh your kitchen cabinets without having to shell out for all-new cabinetry.

One thing that makes your cabinets look dated is the hardware, especially if you have the builder-grade hardware they likely came with in a newer home. A fresh set hardware can instantly change the look of your cabinets.

There are many ways to go about this. If your style leans more eclectic and vintage, you can visit a local flea market or estate sale to find unique pulls and knobs. Or, head to Wayfair or Amazon and browse different modern options to outfit your cabinets.

Even renters can make this swap. Just make sure to keep the old hardware and change it back when you move out.

If your cabinetry is in good shape and you like overall style but just hate the color or stainyou can fix that. Repainting or staining is completely possible. However, you will need to carve out a decent chunk of time for this project. Repainting your cabinets requires time for cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, and drying in between coatsso it's important to plan ahead before taking on the task. But, once you're done, your kitchen will be fully transformed.

Theres a myriad of colors, finishes, and options out there to paint your kitchen cabinets. You can even create contrast in the space by painting the upper and lower cabinets in different colors.

Peel-and-stick wallpaper can be magical in any room, so why not try it in your kitchen? This works best for flat panel cabinetsbut if you're going for a more playful look, you can also try applying wallpaper to the inset panel of Shaker-style cabinets.

Use a solid-colored wallpaper to mimic the look of paint without all the mess, or create a bold, retro look with a fun print. This is also a great way to refresh cabinets that can't be easily painted, like those made from laminate or non-wood materials. Renters can also try this cabinet makeover, but just be sure to test the wallpaper first to make sure it won't affect the cabinets once removed.

One of the biggest cabinetry trends right now is keeping the frame and shelves but replacing the doors. Its a far less expensive option than something entirely new. It also doesnt require major construction. Semihandmade has beautiful options designed to work with Ikea systems and other brands. This can change the aesthetic of your entire kitchen and it doesn't require a full demolition.

Now if you really hate your cabinets and don't want to salvage any part of them, you can remove them entirely. But the cost of replacing them with new cabinetry can be rather steep. So, a more affordable alternative is to replace them with open shelving instead. This can make your kitchen look instantly more modern and fresh. Just make sure the shelving is the right size and sturdy enough for heavier items like dishes and platters.

Keep in mind that you probably only want to do this with the upper cabinets and keep the lowers closed for stashing away less aesthetically pleasing items, like pots, pans, and small appliances.

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5 Ways to Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets If You Hate How They Look - Real Simple

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City to continue Brooktree renovations with kitchen remodel - Southernminn.com

As a new year begins, take a moment to judge whether the signs you need a new kitchen in 2024 are apparent. An objective look at the room could reveal that a kitchen remodel should be top of the agenda this year.

Its easy to become so accustomed to a room that you overlook its issues, but an impartial assessment will allow any inconveniences, wear and tear, and datedness to stand out. And thats when the kitchen ideas that will transform it come to the rescue.

But which are the signs that indicate a new kitchen is a must? We asked interior designers and kitchen experts to reveal the giveaways of a room in need of a refresh and this is what they told us.

Know what to look out for and it can become very clear that its time for a kitchen remodel as a number one priority in 2024. These might include problems with kitchen layouts that at best are inconvenient but at worse can create a risk of harm when working with hot pans and sharp knives. Alternatively, kitchen countertops might be damaged or unhygienic, or kitchen cabinets inadequate for storage, for example.

To decide whether you need a new kitchen, use this list of signs that its time for a remodel from interior professionals.

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Even hardwearing kitchen materials and fittings eventually show their age. When surfaces are cracked, its time to make things better, says interior designerArtem Kropovinsky. The way to ensure new features last? Pick hard materials like quartz or granite for counters, Artem suggests. These will last for a long time.

Pay attention if cabinet doors no longer hang properly either. Invest in well-constructed cabinets with soft-close hinges and consider modern styles like Shaker or flat panel for a timeless look, advises Rassan Grant, director at Norstone USA. And look out, too, for cracked tiles and leaky faucets as signs a new kitchen should be on the agenda, he says.

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Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky boasts extensive global design experience spanning a decade. With a commitment to sustainability and authenticity, Artem, alongside his dedicated team, undertakes projects both in the US and internationally, earning recognition through prestigious design awards. Artem is the founder of Arsight, an esteemed global design firm known for its expertise in residential and commercial interior design.

(Image credit: Marie Flanigan, Photography Julie Soefer)

How we live changes over time, leaving unmet needs. One of the biggest signs that its time for a new kitchen is when you notice a lack in functionality, says interior designer Hilary Matt on behalf of Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove.

Kitchens need to be designed in a way that caters to our lifestyle and allows us to be as efficient as possible and, more likely than not, your lifestyle has changed since you last renovated your kitchen.

For example, you may host much more than you used to, with the need of double wall ovens for extra cooking real estate, or you might have gotten into wine collecting and would really enjoy a wine storage unit. Appliances that have specialty uses are a great way to invest in your space and cater it specifically for your needs.

(Image credit: St Charles New York)

Worse than kitchen cabinet doors that no longer hang correctly are those that sag. If your wall cabinets are sagging and trying to become base cabinets, its probably time to remodel, says Thomas Borcherding, lead designer and owner of Homestar Design Remodel.

Wall cabinet sagging commonly occurs when the cabinetry is made of medium-density fibreboard (MDF), he says. The higher quality option is plywood construction, where sagging is virtually non-existent.

(Image credit: Ema Peter)

Battling against a bad layout? Its a clear sign its time for a change. The cooking zones design is crucial so the room works well, but also for safety.

The golden triangle (sink, stove, refrigerator) is more like a trapezoid, explains Rassan Grant. A poorly organized cooking zone frustrates even the most seasoned chefs. For the future? Opt for an efficient layout that prioritizes traffic flow and ease of movement, he says.

A layout that has unused corners and wasted space is also a hint that its time to remodel. Maximize every inch, Rassan says. Built-in cabinets, corner shelves, and pull-out drawers can reclaim lost space and make your kitchen feel larger and more functional.

(Image credit: Future / Mary Wadsworth / HM interiors)

Style is personal, but a kitchen with golden oak might be one worth refreshing. The presence of golden oak in a kitchen increases the likelihood that you need to remodel exponentially, says Thomas Borcherding.

The once iconic but now infamous golden oak color has long been out of style. While theres nothing wrong with oak, you may wish to opt for a stain that doesnt carry such a yellow hue with it.

(Image credit: deVOL)

Theres a just right when it comes to kitchen lighting, and if yours isnt, its one of the reasons why you need to remodel.

A kitchen can feel bad if its too dark or very bright, explains Artem Kropovinsky. Modern kitchens use different types of light like task, general and focused. They often use LED lights to save energy and manage brightness better.

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Inspect grout it could reveal that a new kitchen is a great idea. Something I commonly see prior to remodeling a clients kitchen is cracked grout lines, says Thomas Borcherding.

Cracked grout lines are indications of subfloor and kitchen tile shifting, whether it be from foundation settlement or deflection in the plywood. In order to prevent this problem, future tile installations should utilize whats known as an uncoupling membrane. An uncoupling membrane provides relief between two hard surfaces, allowing energy to transfer without the formation of cracks.

(Image credit: Future PLC)

Previous generations of appliances were energy-hungry compared to the latest designs, so a kitchen thats still relying on them is one in need of a revamp.

Broken old machines not only raise energy costs, they will also affect how well the kitchen functions, says Artem Kropovinsky. Choose the best kitchen appliances - energy-saving, smart devices in 2024 to make things work better and cause less harm to the environment.

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

Effective kitchen storage is crucial to the room, so take an objective look at how its working. Filled or empty cupboards show a difference with current storage needs, says Artem Kropovinsky.

A new kitchen is a chance to match the space available to requirements when planning cabinetry for the new room. Consider versatile options for a remodeled room, too. Prepare your kitchen for the future by adding storage options that can change, such as shelves or drawers you can move, suggests Artem

(Image credit: GettyImages)

Theres one appliance thats a must-have for the room, according to Steve Pallrand, founder of Home Front Build and CarbonShack. If your kitchen does not have an electric induction cooktop, it is definitely time for an update in 2024, he says.

Induction cooktops are the present and the future. They are not only a precise and versatile cooking machine, the Tesla of cooking, but they eliminate indoor air pollution.

There are some kitchen looks whose moment is long past. Honey oak cabinets and floral wallpaper are one outdated kitchen trend. Embrace sleek, handleless cabinets in muted tones or natural wood textures. 2024 trends lean towards minimalism and warm, inviting spaces, advises Rassan Grant, director at Norstone USA. And you might want to wave goodbye to avocado appliances and harvest gold hardware, he says. Its time to ditch the throwback appliances and swap for sleek stainless steel or statement black matte finishes, he adds.

A new kitchen is a major investment, so be sure to invest time in planning and designing a kitchen to ensure it meets all your demands for style and functionality. Check out the full range of kitchen styles, too: traditional, transitional, Scandi, farmhouse, or others might suit you and your home. And take inspiration from the experts kitchen styling tips to get a pro-level finish.

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10 signs you need a new kitchen in 2024 and the knowhow you need to update it | - Homes & Gardens

Blue is in, as we can see across many Irish kitchen design companies and interior designers. The best part? It is beautifully versatile

Planning a kitchen refresh for the new year? Its amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do, whether on your walls or cabinets. And if you are planning a remodel, the options are endless when it comes to incorporating blue. It can set a fresh cheerful tone, a bold mood, a soft romantic scene or something a bit more sophisticated. The versatility of the colour allows you to set the mood youre looking for in your kitchen. With so many shades available, the blue you choose can be accentuated with many other materials like white tiles, marble, quartz, terracotta, walnut and stunning brass accents to name a few. Scroll down to get some beautiful blue kitchen inspiration for your next remodel

FAMILY STYLE

This family opted for a complete kitchen redesign. A previously small and dark room was turned into a welcoming, bright, spacious space. When it came to choosing the colour the family used the floor tiles in the cooking area as inspiration. They created a colour scheme with a sense of unity and one that comes to life with the natural light that has been introduced. The matte blue kitchen island, combined with the white countertop, splashback and cabinetry offers a fresh feel with the navy doorway bringing it all together. For more on this kitchen redesign see here.

TEXTURED BLUE

This is a truly beautiful space in Tipperary with views of the river Shannon through the stunning glass wall to the rear of the property. Colin Maher Design worked alongside architectural designer Rachel Carmody to achieve this bespoke design. The rich, royal blue on the textured timber cabinetry is a gorgeous combination and makes the kitchen all the more inviting. The veined marble on the countertop and splashback contain blue tones and helps to bring this water-esque space to life. http://www.colinmaher.ie

NATURAL SPACE

This open space in a Connemara home is made seriously sophisticated with the ceiling-high, blue shaker cabinetry, brass handles and epic veined marble splashback provided by Miller Brothers Stone. A true blue showstopper. This kitchen designed by Newcastle Design also has a ceiling lantern which pours in natural daylight to really keep the calm airy feel to the space. http://www.newcastledesign.ie

LUXURIOUS TWO TONE

This bespoke scheme from OConnors of Drumleck has been custom crafted from solid tulip wood, in a hand painted Farrow & Ball finish. The blue on the island accompanied by the white cabinetry helps to make it a standout kitchen perfect for entertaining. http://www.oconnorsofdrumleck.ie

LIGHT MODERNITY

Noel Dempsey Design used a minimal palette for the finishes painted cabinets, Corian worktops and slatted oak on the island. The result is a stunning modern kitchen with a hint of Scandinavian design. This paler blue tone gives the kitchen a lighter feel in keeping with the Scandinavian theme the design team was going for. http://www.noeldempsey.com

NAVY BLUE

This Step Shaker in-frame kitchen was hand painted in Little Greene Basalt. This deep, distinctive blue colour looks fabulous on doors or woodwork. The worktops are made with Silestone lagoon and there are antique mirror splashbacks either side of hob area to accentuate the blue and add some shine! http://www.bespace.ie

HOMELY BLUE

This Midnight Blue Kitchen from Cash and Carry kitchens is seriously homely. It is practical and feels warm perfect for busy family life. This space feels cosy and inviting. http://www.cashandcarrykitchens.ie

BOLD BLUE

This bright cobalt blue kitchen is inspired by history and mythology in the London home of artists and designers, Luke Edward Hall and Duncan Campbell. A graphic Balineum splashback and deep green marble worktops are the backdrop to this space with a salmon pink wall. It sure is an eye catcher. http://www.britishstandardcupboards.co.uk

BRIGHT WHITE

This grand navy kitchen is complimented beautifully by these hexagon, dotted floor tiles. The white bright flooring and splashback bring the kitchen together to create a very welcoming, modern space. http://www.rhatiganandhick.ie

WALLPAPER TOUCH

This Little Greene kitchen provides great room inspiration. Its painted in Hicks blue, with Lavaliers low wave wallpaper and a skirting in a French grey. This is a gorgeous textured space, brought to life by a patterned wallpaper and textured side board. http://www.littlegreene.ie

WARMING DRAWER

Well you will want to host in your new blue kitchen, of course! A Siemens warming drawer is just what you need. Siemens spacious warming drawers will keep food, drinks and dishes evenly warm at temperatures between 30C and 80C. http://www.siemens-home.bsh-group.com

All the usual great, glossy content of our large-format magazine in a neater style delivered to your door.

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10 Beautiful Blue Kitchens To Inspire Your Next Remodel - The Gloss Magazine

With its clean lines, fresh color schemes, and functional features, Scandinavian design has made a global name for itself. Although the aesthetic works in every room of the house, the kitchen may be the to implement Scandi design principles, from painting the walls to stocking the pantry. Perfect for those who feel their kitchen has become a bit too cluttered, a Scandi scheme elevates any space and makes for a cozy yet classy place to grill, grub, and gather.

Niki Brantmark provides interior design guidance to clients online and blogs about Scandi-inspired design daily. We spoke to Brantmark about the principles behind a true Scandi kitchen, and she shared her top tips for achieving the Scandi look right at home.

Whether youre ready to go all-in with the Scandinavian style or looking for ways to give your kitchen a quick refresh for the season, there are a few main principles to keep in mindthe materials you use, how to fill your cupboards, and more. Heres all you need to know about achieve a Scandi kitchen.

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The name of the Scandinavian design game is functionalityin every sense. Even though the aesthetic is clean-cut and nice to look at, it rests on the idea that form should never compromise functionality, Brantmark says.

Scandi kitchens are minimalistic, and every item has a purpose. This goes for functional kitchen items like appliances and utensils and for the design choices. You should even select the color scheme with intention and purpose.

"The beauty is in the simplicity," Brantmark says.

If you're designing your kitchen from scratch, think carefully about your regular kitchen use and go from theremake sure every task has a designated place that makes sense to you. If youre just tweaking your space a bit, dont be afraid to rearrange. If you have unused, awkward, or cluttered places in your kitchen, nows the time to set them straightits the Scandi way.

When it comes to which colors and materials to go with, just look outside. Scandinavian design relies heavily on natural elements: muted colors and patterns, repurposed wood, and touches of green throughout.

Scandinavians are drawn to nature and like to use natural materials such as wood, stone, and linen, as well as earthy tones, which draw nature indoors, Brantmark says.

Add houseplants, but take it one step further by using natural elements in every nook and crannywooden cabinets and islands, bamboo kitchen equipment, and woven light fixtures and placemats will make your Scandi kitchen shine.

To master Scandi designs simplistic nature, you need to take the clutter down a notch, Brantmark says. This way, you minimize waste and keep the kitchen as efficient as possible.

Have a good declutter so you can more easily see and find the cooking essentials and food items you have so that nothing goes to waste, she says.

The long-term solution to clutter isnt simply getting rid of things, though. Instead, minimize your clutter while installing smart storage solutionsdisplay what brings you joy and hide the messier items. Simplicity is the goal.

Work with natural, well-made materials that will stand the test of time and create a mix of open and closed storage to ensure a perfect balance between clutter-free and relaxed."

Niki Brantmark

Your kitchen wont be fully functional if youre struggling to seeand though radiant, natural lighting is ideal in a Scandi kitchen, it isnt always reality. If you didn't luck out with floor-to-ceiling windows, adequate task lighting will make your time in the kitchen more pleasant.

Ensure good task lighting for a highly functional kitchen no matter the season and time of day, Brantmark says.

Experiment with a mixture of standing lamps and overhead lighting to ensure every part of your kitchen is well-lit year round. When those dim winter evenings come around, youll be glad for the extra brightness.

Scandi-style mindfulness and practicality dont stop at your cooking spacethey extend to the pantry as well. Just as you want to channel functionality in every surface, appliance, and material you introduce to your Scandi kitchen, be intentional with how you stock the cupboards too.

Work with in-season, locally-produced food to create dishes that are full of flavor and fill your kitchen with the scents of the season, Brantmark says.

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Sleek Design Meets Function with Scandi-Inspired Kitchens - Better Homes & Gardens

There's no doubt that even the lower-end priced onyx countertops make a statement. They often have bold colors or swirling patterns that help give them a dramatic look. The aesthetics can be versatile enough for a bathroom that's focused on luxury and relaxation or in the kitchen when you want an ultra-modern, showstopping space to entertain. When you design your countertops to be underlit or even backlit, you'll see more of the deep veining and detail that makes onyx so reliably beautiful. This translucency is unique among most natural stone countertops, making it a stunning option to place on your wet bar or as a fireplace mantel.

There are other benefits to using onyx in your home, including that, as a natural stone, it's going to last for years to come. Though it requires some maintenance, you can expect this stone to endure, with some products lasting a century or longer. At the same time, it's also lighter in weight than what you may expect from marble, granite, or other types of natural stone countertops. That means you may need less overall support for it and can put it on a wider variety of cabinetry, such as those that may be lighter in weight themselves. It may also be a bit easier to manage if you are trying to install it yourself (though it's best to let a pro handle this type of highly valuable stone).

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The Showstopping Countertop Material That Will Give Your Home The Most Luxurious Feel - House Digest

Vinegar is a versatile cleaning tool on its own, but it can also be diluted and aided by other household staples. You may consider diluting it with water, to start. Vinegar doesn't need to be concentrated to clean windows, and mixing it with water can help to stretch it, as well as reduce the potency of the smell. If you have particularly hard water in your home, consider using filtered, distilled water in this mixture. This will prevent additional hard water mineral stains.

Another great addition to use alongside vinegar on windows is simple dish soap. Dish soap, like vinegar, can effectively break down grime and grease, but it does so in a different way. Dish soap is a true soap, which differs from detergents, and is made up of water-attracted and fat-attracted molecules. When combined with water, soap bonds to both fat and water molecules found in grease and grime, gently breaking down the residues. By using both acidic and neutral-alkaline (depending on the soap's formula) cleaning agents, you can harness the cleaning powers across the pH spectrum, and tackle more window-staining ailments at once. Just mix the water, soap, and vinegar into a spray bottle for an easy, affordable DIY window cleaner. You should also use a lint-free microfiber cloth to wipe the windows to prevent streaking.

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Is Vinegar The Secret To Dazzling Clean Windows? - House Digest