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Skin-crawling pics inside CT house of horrors where wicked stepmom is accused of locking up son for decades

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**Haunting Photos Reveal Interior of Connecticut “House of Horrors” Where Stepson Was Allegedly Imprisoned for Over Two Decades**

Skin-crawling photos have emerged showing the chilling interior of a Connecticut “house of horrors,” where a wicked stepmother allegedly imprisoned her stepson in appalling conditions for more than 20 years.

The images, obtained by The Post just weeks after a judge ruled Kimberly Sullivan, 57, could return to the Waterbury home, reveal a scene of devastation. The house was scorched by a fire set by her 32-year-old stepson in February, as he attempted to escape from her clutches, according to police.

Now standing empty after the blaze, most of the rooms have been reduced to bare beams and boards. Drywall and plaster have been torn from nearly all the walls, while loose wires, dirt, debris, and broken glass litter the dark, nearly uninhabitable halls.

One room, however, appears untouched by the fire, offering clues to the tastes of the lady of the house. In a hot pink den on the first floor, a large pair of women’s eyes with full red lips seductively peer across the room toward a poster of a kitten lounging in a lawn chair, with “Lazy Days” scrawled over it. Hanging in a ceiling corner, a doll with blonde hair and piercing blue eyes watches over the room.

In the remains of the kitchen, a half-melted poster of Marilyn Monroe hangs over the counter. But the rest of the house is barren. Upstairs, nearly all traces of the alcove where Sullivan’s stepson was allegedly held since age 11 have been burned away or knocked down after the fire tore through the room.

One relic remains: a stained lace angel’s wing pinned to the raw wood where the stepson spent years imprisoned, forced to use bottles as a bathroom and passing the endless hours by counting cars out the windows.

The stepson, known only as “S,” weighed just 68 pounds when responding firefighters discovered him covered in filth amidst the burning home on February 17. He quickly recounted a horrifying tale, claiming Sullivan had held him prisoner for more than two decades. According to authorities, she withdrew him from school as a child and locked him in an 8-by-9-foot storage space, providing only scraps of food and water for 22 hours a day or more.

Sullivan was seen at the home after the fire but was arrested within weeks. She now faces charges including unlawful restraint, kidnapping, and other abuse allegations. She has pleaded not guilty.

After posting $300,000 bail and being released, a judge issued a protection order for her stepson, who listed the Waterbury home as his address. This barred Sullivan from returning to the house. She subsequently petitioned a Connecticut court to amend the order, arguing that her stepson no longer lived there.

On October 3, a judge ruled in her favor, allowing Sullivan to return, according to NBC Connecticut. However, it remains unclear if she has gone back since. The home appears completely forgotten, with neighbors reporting no sign of her presence.

“It’s all open and it looks abandoned to me,” said next-door neighbor Zeffrey Guarnera, who has not seen Sullivan since she posted bail. “There was something I never really liked about her. There was something weird about her. I can never tell you what it was, but all our other neighbors are very friendly, wave and say hello.”

Guarnera also revealed he was unaware of the stepson’s existence until he was rescued from the home. “There was no him,” he said. “There were two daughters, that’s who I ever saw. When I found out there was a him, I was shocked.”

Sullivan has denied holding her stepson captive, instead blaming his father—who lived in the home until his death last year—for what happened. Her lawyer has also claimed the stepson could have walked away whenever he wanted.

“This is a woman who has never committed a crime in her life,” said Sullivan’s attorney, Ioannis Kaloidis, after a recent court hearing.

Sullivan is expected back in court on Halloween.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/23/us-news/inside-connecticut-house-of-horrors-where-stepmom-locked-up-son/

Pregnant Jana Duggar Details Major Home Renovation

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The parents of 19 and grandparents of over three dozen little ones started out as high school sweethearts. Michelle has recalled being “saved” at 15. Then, one night, Jim Bob was making home outreach visits on behalf of his Baptist church and he ended up knocking on the Ruark family’s door after his friend told him that “this girl from school that just got saved and is a cheerleader” lived there. They invited Michelle to Sunday school at their church and, Jim Bob said, he prayed to god that they could be each other’s spiritual leaders-though apparently their first meeting wasn’t as memorable for Michelle. A year later, she applied for a job at the frozen yogurt shop owned by Jim Bob’s parents. “You came to the counter where I was standing by the cash register and introduced yourself,” Michelle remembered in a letter posted on the family blog in 2017 for Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd wedding anniversary. “You were shy but very sweet! I really don’t remember much about that conversation, except that you finally mustered up the courage to ask me if I would go to your junior-senior banquet with you!” She attended the dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, but it was when they hung out afterward discussing the Bible for hours at her parents’ house that she knew.”From there, we believe our hearts were knit together,” Michelle has said. “We graduated high school in May of 1984 and were married in July. I was 17 and Jim Bob was 19.” The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run. Jim Bob is a former state legislator, having served in the Arkansas House of Representatives for the sixth district from 1999 until 2002, during which he was vice chair of the House of Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. A run for U. S. Senate in 2002 ended in the primary, as did a bid in 2006 to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35. He and Michelle, who are both licensed realtors, have been active in conservative causes-an aspect of their lifestyle that won them and 19 Kids and Counting and sons Michael (June 15, 2011) and Marcus (June 2, 2013)-when the scandal broke, Anna gave birth to their fourth child, Meredith, on July 16, 2015, the same day TLC canceled 19 Kids. Their fifth child, son Mason Garett, was born Sept. 12, 2017, daughter Maryella Hope arrived Nov. 27, 2019 and baby No. 7, Madyson Lily, was born Oct. 23, 2021. In a federal indictment filed in April 2021, Josh was charged with a count apiece of receipt and possession of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty on both counts. In 2022, Josh was found guilty of both (but the possession charge was vacated by the judge) and sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison. Shortly after Josh was born, Michelle got pregnant again, but suffered a miscarriage. While she and Jim Bob were still grieving that loss and praying for guidance, they found out that twins were on the way. “We felt it was a double blessing,” she told Love to Know. “God was encouraging our hearts. We’re still learning. It’s really so unusual, because I breastfeed my babies, but my children are so close together. I have a baby and then eight months later I’m expecting. Just another unusual thing the Lord has seen fit to do with our situation.” John David Duggar and his twin sister Jana Duggar were born on Jan. 12, 1990. After a whirlwind courtship (they did know of each other for several years, before meeting at a church event in Abbie’s home state of Oklahoma) and a short engagement, John David and Abbie-Grace Burnett got married on Nov. 3, 2018. They welcomed daughter Grace Annette Duggar on Jan. 7, 2020 and son Charlie Duggar in September 2022. On their 30th birthday in January 2020, Jana wrote in a sweet message, “Ever since John and I were little we’ve been asked if we have that ‘twin thing’. You know, the thing where you feel what the other one is feeling or know what the other one is thinking. Well, John, I’ve always answered that with a no-but now I can honestly say that the day little Gracie was born I felt every bit of happiness that you did, so I guess it must be real!” Jana continued, “It’s so sweet watching you & Abbie as parents! You’re naturals! And the same qualities that have made you a wonderful brother will also make you an amazing dad.” Jana watched 11 of her 18 brothers and sisters get married before she found love with Stephen Wissmann-whose sister Hannah Wissmann is married to the TLC alum’s brother Jeremiah-but despite some admitted frustrations, she maintained it was all part of God’s plan. “I haven’t always understood what the bigger picture is, but I know that God knows what is best for all of us. And so for me, it’s getting married later,” Jana told People ahead of her Aug. 15, 2024, wedding. “Each of our stories will be written differently. If we were all the exact same, it would be a boring life.” Just over a year later, the couple shared that they’re expecting their first baby. Jill (Duggar) Dillard was born on May 17, 1991. In a love story reminiscent of her parents’, Jill first met Derick (who grew up about 45 minutes away) on Christmas 2011 when he stopped by the Duggar family abode while out caroling with his church group. Jim Bob played matchmaker, and Jill and Derick hit it off, growing closer over email and Skype. Father and daughter went to visit Derick in Nepal that November and Jill and Derick continued to fall for each other. In February 2014, Derick asked Jim Bob for his daughter’s hand in marriage, and they tied the knot on June 21, 2014. They are parents to three sons-Israel, born on April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and Frederick, born July 7, 2022. In April 2024, Jill shared that she had suffered a pregnancy loss while expecting her and Derick’s first baby girl. Jill and Derick reflected on the controversies and religious beliefs surrounding her family in the Amazon Prime Video documentary Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets, which premiered in June 2023. Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child, Jessa Duggar, was born Nov. 4, 1992. Jessa met Ben through church and he began courting her in 2013-the old-fashioned approach to romance coming as a brand-new notion to a lot of viewers. The kids never talked about their romances pre-engagement, so Jim Bob explained to People, “Courting is getting to know each other in a group setting, both families spending time together and the couple setting goals together to determine if they are meant to marry. With dating, a couple will often pair off alone and that sometimes leads to a more physical relationship.” Ben asked for Jessa’s hand and then proposed in August 2014-sealing the deal by holding her hand for the first time. They married on Nov. 1, 2014. Jessa was pregnant with their first child when 19 Kids and Counting was canceled and TLC subsequently aired a special about sexual abuse, featuring Jill and Jessa, to further educate viewers on the subject. The sisters would end up the stars of their own show, Jill and Jessa: Counting On, that winter; the show then evolved to become Counting On, featuring other Duggar siblings as well. Meanwhile, Jessa and Ben welcomed son Spurgeon on Nov. 5, 2015, son Henry on Feb. 6, 2017, daughter Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019 and daughter Fern in July 2021. In February 2023, Jessa shared that she suffered a miscarriage over the 2022 holiday season. She gave birth to son George in December 2023. In August 2025, Jessa announced the birth of son Edward. The sixth Duggar child, Jinger Vuolo, was born Dec. 21, 1993. Jinger and Jeremy met doing ministry work in Laredo, Texas, and started courting in 2016. They married on Nov. 5, 2016 (the bride’s nephew Spurgeon’s birthday-but you just try not overlapping milestones when you’re one of 19), and were promptly the subject of pregnancy rumors. “Where we see ourselves in a year is probably just settled down, still doing ministry here in Laredo, and just seeking to serve the Lord, however, we can,” Jinger said on a June 2017 episode of Counting On. Their daughter Felicity was born July 19, 2018. In May of that year, they revealed that Jinger was pregnant again-and that she had suffered a miscarriage the previous fall. In November 2020, they welcomed daughter Evangeline Jo. Son Finnegan Charles was born March 29, 2025. No. 7 Joseph Duggar was born on Jan. 20, 1995. Taking advantage of the romantic setting, Joseph proposed to Kendra (whom he met through church) at his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017 after just a few months of courting. “I was definitely nervous going into it, but I wasn’t afraid that she was going to say no, because she has said, ‘I’m just waiting on you!'” Joseph told People after popping the question. Added Kendra, “I’m so happy and so shocked. There’s so many words I want to say, but just shocked.” They’ve since announced the births of son Garrett, born June 2018, daughter Addison, born November 2019, daughter Brooklyn, born February 2021. Eighth in line, Josiah Duggar was born on Aug. 28, 1996. Just a few months after his courtship with Lauren went public, the couple announced their engagement in March 2018. “The place where I proposed to Lauren is the exact spot where her parents were engaged,” he said in a statement. “There’s a lot of family history on this property making it a special place for Lauren.” Her future mother-in-law, Michelle, said in a video posted on the family’s blog, “We love Lauren, she is such a precious girl.” Jessa and Ben also offered congratulations, and chocolate shaped like x’s and o’s. “Pretty sure that y’all want to save your first kiss for your wedding day, but if you come over here we’ll give you.” She held up the sweet consolation prize. A previous courtship with Marjorie Jackson didn’t work out and they went their separate ways in the summer of 2015. “Marjorie and I had a good time together,” Josiah recalled to People in March 2016. “We were just trying to follow God’s lead on everything. She didn’t feel that it was the right timing then, so we called it quits for a bit.” He and Lauren tied the knot June 30, 2018, telling People their wedding day was “absolutely perfect.” They welcomed daughter Bella Milagro on Nov. 8, 2019-the name translating to “miracle baby,” after the couple revealed Lauren had suffered a miscarriage in October 2018. They welcomed another daughter, Daisy, in 2022, and a son named Ezra in May 2023. Charmed No. 13, James Duggar was born July 7, 2001. Not publicly courting a potential significant other yet, he’s a doting uncle to dozens of nieces and nephews. “He is the ‘funcle’ (fun uncle!) and all the younger boys around here look up to him and want to be just like him!” mom Michelle wrote on his 19th birthday in 2019. “James is able to do just about anything he thinks up. Even as a child, we would find James ‘fixing’ various household appliances. He has always been one to take things apart, figure out how they work, and put them back together-with a few special modifications! “This year James worked hard to get his CDL, and he has become an expert at driving all the big trucks and heavy machinery! We can’t wait to see what God has in store for him in the future!”.
https://www.eonline.com/news/1423909/pregnant-jana-duggar-husbands-nebraska-home-renovation?cmpid=rss-syndicate-genericrss-us-top_stories

How to keep your dog’s bed clean

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**How to Keep Your Dog’s Bed Clean**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 30, 2025, 11:01 am*

Keeping your dog’s bedding clean is essential for their health and comfort. Regular cleaning helps keep away allergens and bacteria, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy. While professional cleaning services can be costly, there are budget-friendly DIY hacks to keep your dog’s bed fresh without breaking the bank.

Here are five practical tips to maintain your furry friend’s bed on a budget:

### 1. Use Baking Soda for Odor Control
Baking soda is a versatile and inexpensive household item that works wonders in controlling odors. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your dog’s bedding and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, vacuum it off. This simple trick absorbs unpleasant smells, leaving the bedding smelling fresher and creating a pleasant environment for your pet.

### 2. Vinegar Solution for Stain Removal
Vinegar is another budget-friendly solution ideal for removing stains. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and apply it to the stained areas on the bedding. Let it sit for about five minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. The acidity of vinegar helps break down tough stains without using harsh chemicals.

### 3. Wash with Natural Soap Flakes
Natural soap flakes are an excellent alternative to commercial detergents when washing dog bedding. They are gentle on fabrics and skin-friendly for pets. Dissolve some soap flakes in warm water and use this solution to hand wash the bedding or machine wash on a gentle cycle. This method keeps the fabric soft while effectively removing dirt and grime.

### 4. Sunlight Drying for Freshness
After washing your dog’s bedding, dry it outdoors in sunlight whenever possible. The sun’s UV rays naturally disinfect fabrics and leave them smelling fresh. Sunlight also helps eliminate moisture more quickly compared to indoor drying methods like tumble drying or air drying indoors, which may take longer.

### 5. Essential Oils as Natural Fresheners
Essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus can serve as natural fresheners for dog beds when used sparingly. Add one or two drops onto cotton balls and place them near—but not directly on—your dog’s bed. This ensures no direct contact with your pet, as some oils may cause irritation if misused. This method gives a pleasant aroma without compromising safety.

By incorporating these simple and affordable tips into your routine, you can keep your dog’s bedding clean, fresh, and comfortable for your beloved pet.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/diy-dog-bedding-cleaning-5-hacks/story

How to keep your dog’s bed clean

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**How to Keep Your Dog’s Bed Clean**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 30, 2025, 11:01 am*

Keeping your dog’s bedding clean is essential for their health and comfort. Regular cleaning helps keep allergens and bacteria at bay, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy. While professional cleaning services can be costly, there are budget-friendly DIY hacks that can help you maintain your dog’s bed without breaking the bank.

Here are five practical tips to keep your furry friend’s bed fresh and clean on a budget:

**1. Use Baking Soda for Odor Control**
Baking soda is a versatile and inexpensive household item that works wonders in controlling odors. Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your dog’s bedding and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming it off. This trick absorbs unpleasant smells, leaving the bedding smelling fresher and creating a pleasant environment for your pet.

**2. Vinegar Solution for Stain Removal**
Vinegar is another affordable and effective solution for removing stains. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, then apply it to the stained areas of the bedding. Let it sit for approximately five minutes before blotting with a clean cloth. The acidity in vinegar helps break down stains without the need for harsh chemicals.

**3. Wash with Natural Soap Flakes**
When washing dog bedding, natural soap flakes are an excellent alternative to commercial detergents. They are gentle on fabrics and safe for your pet’s skin. Dissolve some soap flakes in warm water and use this solution to hand wash or machine wash the bedding on a gentle cycle. This method keeps the fabric soft while effectively removing dirt and grime.

**4. Sunlight Drying for Freshness**
After washing, dry your dog’s bedding outdoors in sunlight whenever possible. The sun’s UV rays naturally disinfect fabrics and leave them smelling fresh. Additionally, sunlight helps eliminate moisture faster than indoor drying methods, such as tumble drying or air drying inside, which can take longer.

**5. Essential Oils as Natural Fresheners**
Essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus can serve as natural fresheners for your dog’s bed when used carefully. Add one or two drops onto cotton balls and place them near—but not directly on—the bed. This ensures your pet does not come into direct contact with the oils, as some may cause irritation if misused. This method provides a pleasant aroma while maintaining safety.

By following these simple and cost-effective tips, you can keep your dog’s bed clean, fresh, and inviting—promoting a healthier and happier pet!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/diy-dog-bedding-cleaning-5-hacks/story

Eight interior designer-approved easy updates to give your home an autumnal update – including the top designer dupes

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1. Go Brown (Yes, Really!)

Chocolate, caramel, and espresso shades are popping up on everything from rugs to tiles and walls. As striking (and practical for homes with kids or pets) as a brown sofa can be, it’s best to start small with a vase or cushion and build from there. Sostrene Grene has a wide range of brown textiles and furnishings to help you test out the trend.

Another option is to refresh walls or furniture with a coat of brown paint. This will pair beautifully with other autumnal tones such as rust, ochre, and forest green, while also grounding softer neutrals like cream and blush. Painting an internal door, skirting boards, a bookshelf, or even a wall will quickly dial up the cosiness factor.

Try the ganache-inspired Affogato from Little Greene or the soft cinnamon-brown Hidden Valley from Benjamin Moore Paint.

2. Warm Up with Bulbs and Lamps

Lighting is one of the easiest ways to get your home autumn-ready, and the best part is, you don’t need to buy new fittings or call an electrician to enjoy the glow. Simply swap your existing bulbs or LEDs for amber-toned versions to create a warm atmosphere. B&Q sells a good selection.

Replacing lampshades with ones in warm materials such as brass or wicker is another easy win. Try Next for stylish and affordable options.

3. Try a Designer Dupe

This season, it’s easier than ever to channel designer style without the hefty price tag. Some of our favourite high-street finds include:

  • Lakeland’s colourful 8-in-1 Only Pan (£60), a dead-ringer for the iconic Our Place Always Pan (£125).
  • The Otto duvet cover set by Made.com (£50 for a king size), strikingly similar to the Kemptown Stripe from Piglet in Bed (£199).
  • Georges navy Bobbin lamp (£15) from Asda Direct, a budget-friendly option that channels the look of Pooky’s £72 design.

4. Block Out the Draught Stylishly

Insulating and draught-proofing your external doors is crucial as the weather gets cooler. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. This season, many high-street stores are offering plush and patterned draught excluders.

Among our favourites are the Ollin (£25) from Perch & Sparrow, and Dunelm’s Linford Stripe (£16) from Dunelm.

5. Bring Nature Indoors

A touch of the outdoors can make a big difference to the look and feel of your home, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Instead of splurging on fresh flowers, fill vases with branches for a sculptural centrepiece, or use dark foliage such as eucalyptus parvifolia and Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ to create an instant focal point.

You can find these at most local florists, while retailers such as Layered Lounge offer a convincing faux selection — cheaper, and no one will notice.

6. Get Cosy with Textiles

Swapping lightweight linens and cottons for velvet, wool, and chunky knits is an easy way to prep your home for autumn. A throw draped over the arm of a sofa, cushions, or a bedspread in earthy tones can instantly transform a space at low cost.

H&M and Zara Home have a wide selection. Instead of buying new cushions, consider investing in covers — they are easy to store away when spring rolls back around.

7. Spice Up Your Room Scents

Change breezy summer florals for warm notes such as cinnamon, clove, and sandalwood. Room diffusers and sprays often last longer than candles and are just as decorative.

Rituals has recently launched a limited-edition reed diffuser, Intuitia (£37.90), with notes of saffron and vanilla that linger for up to three months.

For a DIY approach, try making your own seasonal scent. Simply simmer sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks in plenty of water on the hob to give your kitchen an instant aromatic boost that can last for hours.

8. Dress the Dining Table

[Content for this section was not provided in the original text.]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-15125343/Eight-interior-designer-approved-easy-updates-home-autumnal-update-including-designer-dupes.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

How to keep your home clean on a budget

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**How to Keep Your Home Clean on a Budget**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 18, 2025, 05:14 pm*

Keeping your home clean and organized can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a budget. However, with some innovative strategies, you can maintain a tidy living space without breaking the bank. This article provides practical tips and tricks to help you achieve a clean home using affordable and creative methods.

From repurposing household items to utilizing natural cleaning solutions, these insights will help you keep your home spotless without spending much.

### 1. Use Vinegar for Natural Cleaning

Vinegar is an inexpensive and versatile cleaning agent that can be used for several purposes around the house. Its acidic nature makes it great for cutting through grime and mineral deposits on surfaces such as countertops, sinks, and windows.

To use vinegar as a cleaner, mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. This solution can be used to clean surfaces easily without any harsh chemicals.

### 2. Repurpose Old Clothes as Cleaning Rags

Instead of throwing out old clothes, repurpose them into cleaning rags. Cotton fabrics like t-shirts or towels make great absorbent materials for dusting or wiping surfaces.

Simply cut them into manageable pieces and store them in a convenient place for easy access during cleaning sessions. This way, you not only save money but also reduce waste by giving new life to old garments.

### 3. Utilize Baking Soda for Stain Removal

Baking soda is another budget-friendly item that works wonders when it comes to tackling tough stains around the house. Its mild abrasive properties make it perfect for scrubbing surfaces such as sinks or stovetops.

To use baking soda effectively, make a paste by mixing it with water and apply it directly on stains or spills. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a cloth or sponge.

### 4. Create an Organized Storage System with Jars

Transform glass jars into storage solutions to organize small items around the house, like buttons, screws, or craft supplies. Label each jar clearly so that you can find what you need quickly when you need it.

This not only declutters spaces but also makes them visually appealing without spending extra money on expensive storage solutions.

### 5. Implement a Daily Cleaning Routine

Establishing a daily cleaning routine goes a long way in keeping your home consistently tidy without spending much money on professional services.

Devote just 15 minutes every day to simple tasks like dusting surfaces, sweeping floors, or organizing cluttered areas. This way, you can prevent dirt from accumulating over time while maintaining an orderly environment within budget constraints.

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By incorporating these practical, budget-friendly tips into your cleaning routine, you can enjoy a clean and organized home without stressing over expenses. Give them a try and see the difference!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-keep-your-home-clean-on-a-budget/story