Latest news with #household
ABC News
2 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Four couples on how they split household chores
Are chores a bone of contention in your household? While some couples take a divide and conquer approach based on strengths or schedules, for others, a roster or spreadsheet helps get things done. There are also circumstances in which — intentional or not — one person shoulders the bulk of responsibilities. We spoke to four people about the different ways they handle chore splitting in their home. Claire Jensen, 38, Townsville/Gurrumbilbarra, married with three teenagers How do you split the household chores? I have a lot of health issues and work long hours through the week. My husband Chris cooks every night and does a lot of the cleaning through the week. He also helps with organising our children's support workers and appointments. I know my husband is not the norm though. I do all the clothes washing on the weekends, and any other jobs that have been missed through the week. On school holidays I do deep cleaning of some areas. How we manage the chores has evolved over time due to my decline in health. What would you like to change, if anything? I think we have a system that works for us most of the time. How are chores divided in your household? We'd love to hear more perspectives: lifestyle@ Gray, 38, Brisbane/Meanjin. Lives in a share house with their partner and teenage son, and three other adults How do you split the household chores? We have myself, my partner and my teenage kid living on the top level and three adults on the bottom level. Each level has a bathroom, but we share the only kitchen upstairs and office space, and have a shared laundry downstairs. We take care of the main upstairs and the other three do downstairs. We have one housemate who does the lawn. He enjoys doing it. Some of us are more proactive than others. I tend to not be great at tidying and leave things like paperwork and clothes on surfaces and chairs, but I do a lot of the deep cleans. The dishes stay under control since I purchased a sliding dirty/clean magnet for the dishwasher. My teenager keeps his room clean, does his bedding, and washes his clothes. My partner and I tend to try and split the cleaning but depending on how stressed we are sometimes that falls harder on one person. What would you like to change about the arrangement, if anything? I'd probably get my teenager to pitch in more. He has always kept his room spotless and has been doing his own washing since he was about seven. That seemed so great for his age, I think I just never pushed him harder to help more. I'd love a regimented cleaning schedule for us to stick to. It would help me, too. Samantha Popovski, 39, Brisbane/Meanjin, married with one teenager How do you split the household chores? My husband Dusko is in charge of the outside — maintain the pool, mowing lawns, putting the bins out. He is also the "finance minister" of the house, as he calls himself. I used to be in charge of paying bills, but always forgot to do it. I'm in charge of the inside — cooking, washing, shopping. Things like floors, dishes, and the bathroom are alternated. We do most of our cleaning before guests come over, so split things that need doing. Our 14-year-old daughter is responsible for unloading the dishwasher and helps with washing. She vacuums and cooks about once a week. What would you like to change, if anything? I'm pretty happy with the way it is mostly, but I do feel like the coordinator of it all and have to ask Dusko to do things sometimes. I also have trouble giving up control of certain things because I don't trust anyone to do it the way I like. I'm trying to be better at letting go. When I'm away they both seem to survive. Kylie Bartlett, 48, Sunshine Coast, married with four children, two teens living at home How do you split the household chores? We share everything. If something needs doing, one of us will get it done. If anything, my husband Sean does more than me. He's the one that cooks dinner every night and does the groceries, and does all the gross chores, like cleaning the toilets and bathrooms. I do most of the laundry because I have a system and I enjoy it. I make the bed because I like the way I do it better. I love a good spring clean. Our kids have always had chores to do and so everyone does something whether it's the dishwasher or feeding the animal — we all just get on with it. We are proud that our kids have grown up seeing both mum and dad doing the chores and that chores are a part of life. While they're not that fun, they still need doing. When the kids were younger, I felt a huge pressure from society to be that super woman/wife/mum so I'd be prepping meals for the week. I was the main cook, I did the bulk of the care giving, bath times, bedtimes, and housekeeping as a stay-at-home mum. Then over the past 10 or so years I've had injuries, and then cancer, which made it impossible for me to do much at all. Sean had to step right up and take on my roles. What would you like to change about the arrangement, if anything? The only thing I want to work on now that I'm healthy again is getting back into cooking. I love cooking. I'd like to try reclaim my love for it, and also my recipes that Sean has used over the years… and dare I say improved. But the rest of the chores he can keep, if he wants.
CNET
4 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Can a Home Energy Monitor Lower Your Bills? We Asked an Energy Expert
If you want to keep an eye on how much energy your household uses and how you can reduce some of your monthly utility bill, a home energy monitor seems like a good solution. A home energy monitor can help you identify the power hogs in your household, so you can figure out ways to cut down your usage or change the time of the day when you use certain appliances in order to be more efficient and lower your electric bills. However, since you're trying to save money here, you may wonder if the initial investment into a home energy monitor is worth it, and how long it will take for those savings to make up for that cost. Let's take a look at how monitoring works and how you can use it to your advantage by figuring out exactly where most of your electric bill comes from. This sensor, made by Wattvision, attaches to an electricity meter to track how much electricity is being consumed in real time. It's one of a few whole-house energy monitoring products designed to give you more insight into how you use electricity and clues on how to reduce waste. Martin LaMonica/CNET What is a home energy monitor? As the name implies, a home energy monitor keeps tabs on where and how power is distributed in your home. Most importantly, it identifies the main power draws so that you can reduce your power usage and, by extension, your energy bill. Most monitors work by attaching to power cables inside your electrical/breaker box. Typically a monitor unit will slot in somewhere inside the box, and then clamps running from it to the primary power cables will track usage. The monitor unit will then output measurements either to a control panel or, more commonly with modern devices, to an app, where you can view data on how you're using energy and tips on how to reduce usage. Newer smart electric panels like the Savant Smart Budget we saw at CES 2025 may have this energy monitoring feature built-in, sparing you from having to install a separate device. Tyler Lizenby/CNET Is a home energy monitor worth it? Typically, users who install a home energy monitor save money, though the exact amount will vary according to a few factors. The typical user saves around 8% of their energy bill each month after installing a monitor, according to Renuka S., a representative from monitoring system-maker Sense Energy who didn't want to give their full name. "The amount an average user can save with a home energy monitor like Sense varies depending on several factors, such as the size of the home, the number of devices being used, the efficiency of appliances, and the user's current energy habits," Renuka said. Sense This is where the question of whether a monitoring system is worth it gets a little thorny. A home energy monitor isn't a magic wand that will save you money just by installing it. Ultimately, its only function is to provide you with data; whether or how you use that data is entirely up to you. A home energy monitor "is designed to track and analyze your energy usage in real time," Renuka said. "It provides insights into how electricity is being used throughout your home by identifying individual devices and appliances. The system uses sensors to detect patterns in your electrical usage and sends this data to the Sense app, where you can monitor your energy consumption, track costs, and identify energy-saving opportunities." What it doesn't do, however, is directly reduce usage. If you're already aware of energy inefficiencies and have taken steps to reduce them, the value of a home energy monitor is much more limited than if you're approaching the problem for the first time. Energy monitor apps let you track and manage the power use of specific appliances. Screenshots by Brian Bennett/CNET Ultimately, being conscious of your usage, particularly by things like "always-on" devices, or whether or not you're using high-draw appliances like washing machines or dishwashers during peak hours, can make a home energy monitor redundant. This is especially true if you've taken additional steps to make your home energy efficient, like reducing leaks that can sap heat during the winter or tax your AC during the hot summer months. Many utility companies will now provide energy saving tips as well as data about your energy usage for free alongside or in addition to your monthly bill. That said, if you're a novice in terms of energy efficiency and would prefer a single source of truth about your usage, a home energy monitor, particularly a highly rated one that provides ample information as well as tips for streamlining your setup and usage, can be a valuable boon for homeowners. Options include the Sense Home Energy Monitor and Neurio Intelligent Home Monitor, both of which CNET has reviewed, and Smapee, which is geared more towards interfacing with EV charging and self-consumption. Pros and cons of a home energy monitor Savant's Smart Budget system can manage your power use to stave off a utility upgrade. Savant Pros Gathers lots of useful information: The right energy monitoring system doesn't just provide raw data about your energy usage, it also provides actionable tips about how to use that data to directly reduce your bill. If you're completely lost about where to start in making your home more energy-efficient, a home energy monitor can be a powerful launchpad. Can help identify vampire loads: Always-on devices can be one of the most costly contributors to your monthly electric bill. "Always On power accounts for 23% of the average electric bill, which makes it an opportunity for big savings," said Sense's Renuka. "A monitor lets you track it over time, so you can see the progress as you turn off idle printers, forgotten lights and devices sitting on 'standby' that don't really need to be." Potentially identifies faulty appliances or other devices: By isolating energy spikes, a monitor can help you identify broken or faulty devices, particularly those that are activating at times when they aren't supposed or scheduled to. Similarly, if an appliance starts uses more energy over time, this can indicate an appliance that's deteriorating or leaking, like a fridge or damaged AC unit. Cons Doesn't directly correct any inefficiencies: An energy monitor doesn't address any of the issues directly with your home energy setup. Instead, it just provides data (and, in some cases, advice) that you can then wield to correct any inefficiencies on your own. Often, this data, and some of the most important cost-saving advice, is available from other sources, including the CNET Home Energy team, which has no shortage of ticks and tricks to lower your energy bills. May not immediately recognize some devices: Energy monitors may take some time to identify individual devices, particularly systems that don't have access to machine learning to help parse the data the monitor receives. When we reviewed the Sense Home Energy Monitor, it took time for the monitor to identify 14 new devices, including the HVAC, the oven, the ice maker and the refrigerator. Typically requires a network connection: Many modern home energy monitoring systems require a stable Wi-Fi connection to function properly and transmit data. If your Wi-Fi goes down, your home energy monitor may not be fully functional or operate at all. Is 2025 the year you finally figure out how much electricity your TV uses? Technology is making that a lot you buy a home energy monitoring system? The value of a home energy monitor will vary based on your living situation and your current energy efficiency. If you're a novice in saving energy or you're facing a ballooning electric bill, a monitor can save you a significant amount of money. This is also true in larger homes or multifamily units that share the same breaker box, where it may be difficult to keep tabs on where costs are rising or what some of the biggest power hogs in your home may be. However, if you've already taken extensive steps to reduce inefficiencies, you may find that a monitor isn't worth the initial outlay. This is particularly true if your utility provider offers monitoring tips and tools, as an increasing number do, either online or by mail. With a monitoring system starting around $150 to $200, and many costing several times that, it may take a long time for an energy-efficient household to recoup that investment. This system from eMonitor has clamps attached to the circuits in a home by an electrician. That allows you to see, via the web or dedicated energy display, how electricity is being used in the home with great detail. Energy Circle Home energy monitoring FAQs What's the best home energy monitor to buy? While which system is best for you will depend on your needs and budget, we contacted Sense specifically because it provides some of the best and most highly rated energy monitors on the market. Neurio is another brand that CNET has reviewed. Siemens and Emporia also provide competent and well-regarded monitoring systems, like the Inhab Energy Monitor and Vue Home Energy Monitor. Can a home energy monitor work in an apartment? As long as you have access to your electric box, you can install an energy monitor in your apartment. However, bear in mind that it will monitor and provide information about any units that share the same breaker box, which could potentially present a privacy issue. What information does a home energy monitor provide? A home energy monitor can provide a range of data, including individual appliance or device usage, information on always-on power draws, historical data about your energy usage, advice on reducing energy usage, cost estimates, peak usage data and more. More energy-saving advice
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I swear by a £1 household hero to banish stubborn stains in EVERY room of your home – it's so satisfying in your kitchen
IF you're a lazy girl that can't stand cleaning, you've come to the right place. With many of us constantly faced with to-do-lists as long as our forearms, if you're on a mission to get your home sparkling but with barely any faff involved, then we've got you covered. 16 There's nothing worse than having to spend your whole Sunday morning scrubbing, but luckily for you, there's a new household hero buy that takes the effort out of those dreaded chores. And not only is there barely any effort involved thanks to this purse-friendly buy, but it also works incredibly fast too. With the hugely popular Astonish Original Cleaning Paste, in just 60 seconds - yes, you heard that correctly - your surfaces will gleam. You can use it in every room in your home - whether that's on your kitchen sink, your shower, or even your radiators. Not only this, but this ultimate all-purpose cleaner, which has a vegan, cruelty-free cleaning formula for 'endless uses' can also work miracles on filthy ovens or even grim BBQs too. Here, I, Abby Wilson, test out the viral product - which I used for just one minute on each surface - and you'll be shocked to see the rust vanish in my bathroom. For those on a budget, you'll be pleased to know that it's available in many major retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, The Range, Iceland and Wilko, from just £1. It's been described by many influencers as 'the best' cleaning product on the market, as it cuts through grease, grime and stubborn stains with ease, all without harsh chemicals. Not only is it ideal for everything from enamel and grouting to glass and steel, but after my quick test, it's now a must-have in my cleaning arsenal. So if you don't want to splash the cash on 10 different cleaning products, you'll need to check out this multi-use buy. 5 damaging TikTok cleaning hacks you should NEVER try Giving pans a proper clean If your pans have seen better days, this Astonish buy is bound to be your new best pal. My Ninja frying pan is an absolute favourite of mine and despite not having it for very long, it's definitely showing its use. Of course I always give my frying pan a good scrub after using it, but I only recently noticed that the underneath of the pan was looking pretty tragic. In less than one minute, I was absolutely gobsmacked at the paste's ability to totally eradicate the pan's mess. It now looks brand new and there was barely any effort involved. Removing rust As well as scrubbing up my pans, this paste also worked a treat in my bathroom. I've tried to scrub at my shelving unit on numerous occasions, but the rust just doesn't seem to budge. 16 16 It's gross (I know), but thanks to this cheap buy, the rust literally slid off in a matter of seconds. It's not like me to be left speechless, but for once, I was totally lost for words. So if you've noticed rust anywhere in your home, you'll need to give this a try - and trust me, it really does produce jaw-dropping results. Shower shine Whilst in my bathroom, I'm not afraid to admit, I can't remember the last time I cleaned my shower. Yes that's probably something I should keep to myself, but after I've spent ages washing my hair and shaving my legs, the last thing I want to do is get my gloves on and start scrubbing. But thanks to this miracle paste, all of the hard work and effort is now not a problem. I assumed that my shower's slightly matte appearance was normal, but after literally 10 seconds of using this cheap product, I immediately saw a gloss that I haven't seen for a while. It also worked its magic on the shower head, which was previously covered in water marks - and now, it's so shiny I can see my reflection. Sparkling sink Another cleaning job I absolutely can't stand is cleaning my bathroom sink. It's something that shouldn't take that long, but I always find incredibly tedious. 16 So if your sink is covered in toothpaste marks like mine, fear not, this handy paste is one you'll need to try. It was one of the quickest things to clean in this test, and now, my sink is incredibly shiny. The dreaded toothbrush rim is nowhere to be seen and I have to say, I don't think I've seen my sink this clean for a while… Stained surfaces Not only does this paste work wonders in bathrooms, but it's great in the bedroom too. If your bedside tables have seen better days, this paste is one you'll need to add to your shopping list. 16 16 I always thought the marks on my white table were stuck there for good, after using countless sprays and wipes in an attempt to get them off. But it turns out I didn't need to break the bank on posh cleaning supplies, as after using this paste, the table is now whiter than ever. Not only this, but it's left a subtle, but fresh scent to my room too - what a win win! Cleaning hacks and tips Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro: How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling How to clean your microwave using cheap household items Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle You're cleaning your carpet all wrong - here's how to get it spotless again in no time Unblock a toilet without a plunger Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps If you haven't cleaned your mattress in ages, here's how Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps Give your TV screen a once-over Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning? Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps Run to your radiator I'm admitting it here now, I have NEVER cleaned my radiator before. It's not a job that was ever at the top of my list and quite frankly, I didn't realise what a state it was until I got down and had a closer look. 16 I can't say I'm totally sure what the stain actually was, but thankfully, after literally 20 seconds, it was gone. Despite the mess never bothering me before, thankfully, now it looks brand new. Wave goodbye to water marks Now, although I don't look like I clean a lot (because I don't), my kitchen sink is something I never miss. 16 16 It gets wiped down at the end of every evening before I go to sleep, but after doing the washing up recently, I noticed the water marks looked worse than ever. I normally use a multi-purpose spray to get my sink shining, but thanks to this paste, the cleaning game has been totally changed. Despite taking barely any time at all, my sink has now had the deepest clean of its life - and is sure to leave my guests gushing. The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Mysterious keys and stale food ‘among most ridiculous items home movers find'
Keys and cables with a mystery purpose, food well past its use-by date, single shoes and menus from defunct restaurants are among the most ridiculous items that home movers have uncovered while packing for their new property, a survey has found. Gadgets that are past their prime are also among the most bizarre items that people have unearthed, according to the research for Compare My Move, which commissioned a survey of 2,000 people who have moved house at least once. People were asked to select up to three items. Three in 10 (28%) people said a bundle of cables that fitted no known device was among their most ridiculous items, while a similar proportion (27%) had taken a mystery key or keys. Nearly a fifth (18%) had found old mobile phones, while one in seven (14%) had a remote control for an unknown device. Around one in 10 (11%) people found birthday cards they had bought years ago, while a similar proportion (10%) uncovered clothing with the tags still on. Nearly one in 10 (9%) found food which had gone past its sell by date, with some saying this was several years old. One in 16 (6%) found a single shoe rather than a pair, while 3% discovered unopened Christmas or birthday gifts and 8% leafed through menus from closed-down restaurants. Unused appliances, such as ice-cream makers or sewing machines, were also highlighted by 6% of home movers, perhaps for hobbies which never got off the ground. And 7% said 'cringeworthy' teenage diaries had been among the most ridiculous items discovered by home movers during their pack. Some discoveries were pleasant, however, as 7% had found misplaced jewellery during their move, according to the survey carried out by OnePoll in May. Dave Sayce, co-founder of Compare My Move said: 'It's no surprise to see random leads topping the list of the most baffling items people uncover when packing for a house move. 'We've all opened a drawer and found a tangle of wires we can't match to anything we own – it's a common side effect of modern life. 'Keys with unknown origins and old mobile phones follow close behind, reminding us just how easy it is to lose track of items over the years.' Mr Sayce suggested decluttering before packing and donating or selling unwanted items on. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
The Independent
7 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Independent
Mysterious keys and stale food ‘among most ridiculous items home movers find'
Keys and cables with a mystery purpose, food well past its use-by date, single shoes and menus from defunct restaurants are among the most ridiculous items that home movers have uncovered while packing for their new property, a survey has found. Gadgets that are past their prime are also among the most bizarre items that people have unearthed, according to the research for Compare My Move, which commissioned a survey of 2,000 people who have moved house at least once. People were asked to select up to three items. Three in 10 (28%) people said a bundle of cables that fitted no known device was among their most ridiculous items, while a similar proportion (27%) had taken a mystery key or keys. Nearly a fifth (18%) had found old mobile phones, while one in seven (14%) had a remote control for an unknown device. Around one in 10 (11%) people found birthday cards they had bought years ago, while a similar proportion (10%) uncovered clothing with the tags still on. Nearly one in 10 (9%) found food which had gone past its sell by date, with some saying this was several years old. One in 16 (6%) found a single shoe rather than a pair, while 3% discovered unopened Christmas or birthday gifts and 8% leafed through menus from closed-down restaurants. Unused appliances, such as ice-cream makers or sewing machines, were also highlighted by 6% of home movers, perhaps for hobbies which never got off the ground. And 7% said 'cringeworthy' teenage diaries had been among the most ridiculous items discovered by home movers during their pack. Some discoveries were pleasant, however, as 7% had found misplaced jewellery during their move, according to the survey carried out by OnePoll in May. Dave Sayce, co-founder of Compare My Move said: 'It's no surprise to see random leads topping the list of the most baffling items people uncover when packing for a house move. 'We've all opened a drawer and found a tangle of wires we can't match to anything we own – it's a common side effect of modern life. 'Keys with unknown origins and old mobile phones follow close behind, reminding us just how easy it is to lose track of items over the years.' Mr Sayce suggested decluttering before packing and donating or selling unwanted items on.
