Category Archives: House Cleaning

What Are Some Economical Things That Eliminate Odors?

February 03, 2024   Matt

What Are Some Economical Things That Eliminate Odors?

Running a household is not easy. Between keeping up with children and pets, maintaining sanitary conditions in and around the home, and providing your family with a nurturing environment, housekeeping is one of the hardest jobs around. So how is it that you can spend all day cleaning, and your house still does not have a fresh scent? Even with the best cleaning and laundry agents, everyone needs things that eliminate odors from time to time.

If you have pets and children, you know that odors come with the territory. But other odor-causing elements can create smells that linger long after the source of the smell is gone. Take cooking, for example. If you spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, you may be releasing smells into your home that do not disappear just because the leftovers have been eaten. Fragrant vegetables, hearty stews, dishes made with fish, all of these are odor-causing meals that can linger, not only in your kitchen, but in the furniture, carpet, and curtains of your home. And just because a dish smells good when you are cooking does not mean that the remaining scent will be as attractive. Often, the smell that a delicious meal leaves behind is anything but appetizing. If you are a frequent cook, look into some things that eliminate odors in the kitchen before they reach the rest of the house.

A room freshener is good place to start. Many fresheners come in spray form, allowing you to use them on an as needed basis. Among things that eliminate odors, liquid air fresheners (Liquid Air Freshener – Rainforest) are known as long-lasting and easily dispersed through the air because they are made with scented oils. When you create a particularly fragrant meal, simply use your air freshener as you go, spraying periodically to restore a fresh scent to your home.

Also keep in mind that if you, your family members, or your guests smoke in the house, even one cigarette or cigar can create a stale smell that rides on the smoke and embeds itself in your upholstery, destroying the fresh scent you worked so hard to achieve. A long history of smoking indoors can create a difficult odor problem that may call for things that eliminate odors on a daily basis.

Pets are a source of joy and constant companionship. Most pet owners believe that they are well worth the time and effort it takes to maintain their health and happiness. Unfortunately, many pet owners forget that maintaining the home’s freshness against persistent pet odors is also necessary. We have all walked into a home and immediately smelled the pet odors that linger in every room, making it obvious that the owners, though diligent in their pet care, have neglected to include things that eliminate odors in their daily cleaning regimen.

For persistent smells like pet odor and stale smoke, a daily upkeep of your home’s air quality is advisable. Look for a room freshener that provides a continuous fresh scent and can stand up to the everyday smells created by smoking or pets.

One concern that many people have is what to use to eliminate odor on furniture. Upholstery holds onto smells when it has been exposed to adverse conditions. You can do a sniff test to see how strong the smells are and to help you determine what to use to eliminate odor on furniture in each area of your home. You may be able to use a spray deodorizer or simply vacuum the smell away if it is mild. When determining what to use to eliminate odor on furniture though, it helps to know if the odors come from a stain or are embedded in the entire piece. Stains can be treated with a good one-step upholstery cleaner.

If the source of the smell is not a stain, to truly restore a fresh scent to your upholstery, you may need to take some time to clean it. When you have decided what to use to eliminate odor on furniture, keep in mind the type of fabric you have and how long it will take the cleaner to dry before you make a purchase.

Overall, there are some very efficient and cost-effective things that eliminate odors in your home. If you have trouble diagnosing your own needs, ask a trusted friend or relative to come over and give you an honest opinion. Often, people become accustomed to the smells in their homes, even the bad ones. Remember not to be offended by their comments. Instead, use the feedback to find things that eliminate odors for good. And then take a deep breath for a job well done.

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Getting The Most Out Of Life With Arthritis

January 29, 2024   Matt

Getting The Most Out Of Life With Arthritis

You need look no further than this article if you want the best arthritis advice. There is a lot of information available online, however you have found some hand picked advice that is specific to those who suffer from arthritis. Read this article and you will be glad you did.

One way that you can combat arthritis trouble is to be on the lookout for ergonomically-designed household tools. Today many manufacturers produce appliances and tools designed to maximize comfort and ease of use. These alternatives require less strain than traditional designs. Buying and using such products can help you prevent joint stress and avoid arthritis flare-ups.

Arthritis can sometimes cause rashes on the arthritic areas on your body or on your face. If this is the case, you can buy cover up and other make up to hide these rashes. Many arthritis sufferers think that they should stay away from make up, which is not true.

Drink a tall glass of juice as a quick pick me up to battle arthritis-related fatigue. Juice is a healthy way to get a boost of sugar into your body, giving you a quick shot of energy that can get you moving again. It’s also super, tasty and full of great nutrients like Vitamin C.

Keep your joints loose and lubricated by working on exercises that target your bodies range of motion. Spending time on these areas will help your joints better handle the tasks we set it through the day. Taking an aqua fit class or working on a stationary bicycle are both great ways to work on those joints without putting stress on your body.

Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue can be difficult to overcome, but if you’ve tried everything and are still lethargic you should consider other problems you might have. Visit a sleep clinic to get an assessment and you might find you’re actually battling sleep apnea, a condition where you literally stop breathing overnight.

Exercising can help you manage your arthritis symptoms by helping you to lose weight. Weight loss can help your joints function more efficiently and help keep those symptoms under control. Talk with your doctor about setting up an exercise plan that you can do safely on a routine basis.

While cleaning the house is important, it should not be done all at once, without breaks, and without the help of other family members. Different activities performed while cleaning the house are relentless and awkward, producing unneeded stress on the body. While the house must be clean, do it the right way.

Just because there is no cure for arthritis doesn’t mean you can’t find relief from the pain. Be sure to pay close attention to your doctor’s advice regarding diet, exercise, supplements and pain relievers. By remaining pro-active in your treatment plan you can overcome a great deal of the pain and debilitation of arthritis.

Hopefully, you found at least something of use and will be able to begin to apply it to yourself. Use the advice given to you and stop suffering from arthritis pain, starting today.

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Simple Steps On How To Fight Arthritis (2)

January 24, 2024   Matt

Simple Steps On How To Fight Arthritis

Arthritis comes in many different forms. Learning how to deal with your particular type of arthritis is vey important to being able to avoid flare ups and the pain that comes along with them. Read on to learn some tips and tricks for prevention and management of your arthritis symptoms.

Studies have shown that calcium and magnesium supplements help to alleviate arthritis pain and other pain of the body. These minerals are recommended to be taken as a preventative more than as a painkiller. It has also been proven to help women reduce pain associated with premenstrual syndrome if taken consistently.

Be careful of what herbal remedies you take for arthritis and be sure you speak with your doctor before taking them. People think that because herbal remedies are natural, that they are healthy for you. This is not always the case. In fact, certain herbal remedies can make your arthritis worse.

Make an effort to regularly take fish oil supplements. These supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in helping to control inflammation in the body. They can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, giving arthritis patients a wide variety of different health benefits when they consume them.

Let the sun in. Vitamin D has been shown to help relieve some symptoms of arthritis, and sunshine is well-known for increasing positive thoughts and bettering moods. Opening your blinds for around fifteen minutes every day can be enough to give you some great benefits, while still being in the comfort of your home.

Know your limits. Pushing yourself too hard can be detrimental to your health and safety. If you want to attempt something that may be a reach, try to have someone nearby in case you need assistance. You do not want to cause undue stress on your mind or your joints, so give yourself boundaries.

While cleaning the house is important, it should not be done all at once, without breaks, and without the help of other family members. Different activities performed while cleaning the house are relentless and awkward, producing unneeded stress on the body. While the house must be clean, do it the right way.

Plan your day smartly. You need to do things when you have the energy to do them, and when your pain is low. Don’t plan a busy day if your arthritis seems to bother you often. Listen to your body, and don’t try to push it harder than it wants to go.

You should take vitamins, in addition to your diet. Vitamin E can help with arthritis by reducing the damage to the joints. However, taking vitamins on a daily basis can have some side effects. You should check with your doctor and make sure you are taking the right kind of vitamins.

There are over one hundred different types of arthritis, all of which have items to focus on particular to that specific type. Talk to your doctor and other arthritis sufferers to learn more about dealing with your condition. Take these tips to start with and set your self on a path to healing.

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Get Rid Of Toxic Black Mold!

January 14, 2024   Matt

Get Rid Of Toxic Black Mold!

Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Some people may have more severe reactions to molds. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases like COPD are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

How to Remove Molds?
In most cases mold can be removed from hard surfaces by a thorough cleaning with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Absorbent or porous materials like ceiling tiles, drywall, and carpet may have to be thrown away if they become moldy. If you have an extensive amount of mold and you do not think you can manage the cleanup on your own, you may want to contact a professional who has experience in cleaning mold in buildings and homes. It is important to properly clean and dry the area as you can still have an allergic reaction to parts of the dead mold and mold contamination may recur if there is still a source of moisture.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

1. Never mix bleach with ammonia. Mixing bleach and ammonia can produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
2. Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
3. Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
4. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Specific Recommendations to prevent Mold:

1. Keep humidity level in house between 40% and 60%.
2. Use air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
3. Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms.
4. Use mold inhibitors which can be added to paints.
5. Clean bathroom with mold-killing products.
6. Do not carpet bathrooms.
7. Remove and replace flooded carpets.

Toxic mold spores can become airborne during the cleaning. Before cleanup begins, the affected area should be contained and HVAC systems should be shut down to prevent the spores from spreading.

Each area affected by mold should be separately contained. Use plastic sheeting and duct tape to seal doorways, vents, and other openings.

Where possible, place an exhaust fan in a window that is open to the outdoors to direct air flow and mold spores outside.

To limit health risks and reduce the spread of mold spores ensure dust levels are kept to a minimum. Air purifiers and /or Ionizers can be used to minimize airborne particulate.

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Home Improvement Doesn’t Have To Be A Chore

January 09, 2024   Matt

Home Improvement Doesn’t Have To Be A Chore

Even the simplest home-improvement project can be quite daunting if you do not have the necessary information about how to accomplish it. This article is full of some great tips to help you get through the home-improvement projects that you decide to take on. Read through the tips carefully and gain the knowledge that you need to succeed.

A great tip for home improvement is to inspect your windows and see if they need to be replaced. The key here is to make sure you are going to get enough value for what you pay for. If the windows just need some maintenance it is better to do that than replace because windows are a major investment.

For the budget-minded homeowner working on a plumbing home improvement project, plastic PVC piping makes an entirely suitable substitute for expensive copper piping. PVC has been extensively tested and used for years without danger or failure. It is easy to work with and highly durable. The money saved by using PVC can be applied to more visible, usable home improvements.

Try a mural painted on the wall to resemble a window in order to open up a room without the costs and work of taking out a wall or adding a window. If you get a high quality mural painted on the wall to resemble a window, you will find that it opens the room up quite well without causing you to go through the costs, effort, and stress of actually putting in a window.

When you are cleaning the interior of your cabinets, vacuum them out first. This will help you remove all of the loose dirt that is on the inside. Clean shelves with a mild soap and water mixture. You should start your interior cleaning at the top and work your way down. This is a good time to replace old cabinet liner and to repair sagging shelves.

Are you ready for a home improvement project, but need to hire help? If you get a bad feeling or don’t trust a contractor when you first meet, DO NOT HIRE THAT CONTRACTOR! Home improvements are meant to improve your house, but if the person doing the work doesn’t put in the effort to do quality work safely, then you could be in big trouble! Choosing a contractor you feel good about will better ensure that you get what you pay for.

Get new tiling. If your tiling does not match your walls, or is cracking and becoming damaged, replacing it is a great home improvement project that is relatively simple and inexpensive. Stick-on floor tiles are available at many home improvement stores, and if you want to use the real ones, they are not too expensive either.

Surely, you found the information that preceded to be helpful for many different projects around your house. A bit of knowledge about home improvement can go a long way in helping you transform your house into your home. Take on the challenge of making the improvements on your home with the help of the included information.

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12 Things To Know About Carpet Cleaning

January 04, 2024   Matt

12 Things To Know About Carpet Cleaning

Carpets, there in all of our homes. Of course it’s a given that at some point you will be doing some carpet cleaning. Here are 12 things to know about carpet cleaning that will make your life easier.
1. Toxic
Most of the products on the market for carpet cleaning are safe and will have a minimal impact on the environment. However some of the carpet cleaning products do contain toxic chemicals which can be hazardous to the person using them as well as other people in the house or pets. So be sure to read the labels carefully before using. Always try to choose a product with the least amount of chemicals and in the mildest you can find that will work.
2. Clean Often
It’s always best to clean your carpets on a regular basis. If you do not clean your carpets on a regular basis you will need to use a stronger chemical product because the dirt will have ground itself deeper into the carpet and it becomes more difficult to lift. Cleaning your carpets on a regular basis is easier on the environment, your health, and it will help extend the life of the carpet.
3. Use Caution
Read labels very carefully. Not only on the product but on any documentation provided with the carpet. Should you use the wrong product or a product with stronger chemical than your carpet can handle you could damage the carpet.
4. Hire The Pros
If you are not comfortable with cleaning your carpets yourself or you can’t be bothered to rent a carpet cleaning machine, drag it home, and get to work, then hire the pros! There are many professionals that will clean your carpets for a very reasonable fee and give you a guarantee on the work they do.
5. Installation
If you are laying new carpets chances are the reason you are doing this is because you want them to look appealing and accent the room while at the same time providing functionality. If you install the carpet poorly or install the wrong type of carpet for the area you will have a higher maintenance cost and the carpets will need to be cleaned more frequently. So make sure you choose the correct carpets. Regular vacuuming and spot removal will also lower your cleaning maintenance costs.
6. The Right Underlay
The underlay is more important than you might think and is directly related to carpet cleaning. You need to match the underlay to the type of carpet you will be installing. Carpet should not be placed in areas were water, chemicals or hard to clean products could be spilled on the carpet. Kitchens, copy rooms, lockers, and entrances to buildings are not a good location to place carpets because your carpet cleaning costs will be high. Poor grade underlay will affect how the stain soaks into the carpet and how difficult stain removal becomes.
7. Stop The Worst
The worst soiling on your carpets comes from outside. So if you stop outside soil from coming in contact with your carpet you will reduce the amount of chemical cleaners you will have to use. Place a large walking mat at all outside entrances Every few days you should vacuum the mats this will prevent soil from entering the carpeted areas of your home. Have visitors remove their shoes so that they aren’t dragging that loose dirt across the carpets.
8. Vacuum Often
Believe it or not daily vacuuming with a good vacuum cleaner that has good suction and a power head with a brush type power bar will help to eliminate soil build up and reduce the amount of times you will need carpet cleaning performed. That’s because the dirt gets picked up before it has a chance to get ground in and soil the carpet.
9. No Drinks
Limit the places you allow the kids to have drinks and messy foods. If you have young children make them stay seated while drinking. If you are really concerned about reducing staining then don’t let any family member’s family drink or carry soft drinks, coffee or other food items across the carpet.
10. Act Fast
If you can react to the spill immediately and any spots you see with a good spot remover you will help prevent stain from becoming permanent and it will save you having to use a carpet cleaner. Be careful what you use to remove stains because if you use the wrong chemicals you could smear the stain and spread it further and deeper into the carpet. Always first try clear cold water and blotting with a cloth to remove the stain and only move on to a stronger product only as a last resort.
11. Toxic Chemicals
You should know that carpet spot removal cleaning products contain some of the most dangerous chemicals found in any cleaning products. If you us these products be sure to wear gloves and use the cleaner according to the manufactures directions. Avoid all type 4 spot removers because they contain Tetrachlorethylene which is very toxic to people and pets.
12. Steam Cleaners
Steam or rotary cleaners for carpets use a fairly mild products so they are an excellent choice. But you can still misuse them so follow the directions carefully. If you use this type of cleaner you will have to be careful that you do not saturate the carpet with hot water because if you do it will take longer to dry and may result in damage to the carpet.
Some of the cleaners supplied with the machines you rent from the local store are highly toxic so be sure the room or rooms you are working in have a good supply of fresh air. Be sure to keep kids and pets off the newly cleaned carpets until it is dry because there is always a residue left on the carpets that can be harmful to kids or pets. Always let the carpets dry completely and then vacuum right after it is dry to remove any residual contaminants.
These 12 things to know about carpet cleaning that will make your life easier much easier and keep you on top of the carpet cleaning game.

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