the-maids-medway

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk!

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 09:02:44 GMT

The 5-mile Walk will take place at Boston’s DCR Hatch Shell along the beautiful Charles River Esplanade on Sunday, October 5th!

We are also excited to announce a special contest connected to the Making Strides of Boston walk. Walk Participants who register online at www.makingstrideswalk.org/bostonma and raise $300 by October 1st will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a Grand Prize of free house cleaning for a year!*

To start a walk team, please visit:

www.makingstrideswalk.org/bostonma.

To make a donation to The Maids walk team please visit:
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/themaidsnewengland

Thank you!
*For contest rules please email bostonmastrides@cancer.org

Tips for Updating Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Fri, 19 Dec 2014 10:33:03 GMT

Tired of your kitchen and looking to make a few changes that will make a big difference in the appearance and atmosphere, but not break the bank? A simple and relatively inexpensive solution is to replace the handles and knobs on your kitchen cabinets. It sounds like a small thing, but it can really make a major difference. Here are a few tips on getting the most bang for your buck.

Go With Quality

The average kitchen will go 10 or more years without being updated. Cabinet handles and knobs will get a lot of use over 10 years, so this is an area where you want to spend a bit more to get quality construction. Paying $8 for a quality handle instead of $4 for a cheap piece that will likely break is a good investment.

Faucet Love

Not sure what style you should use with the replacement knobs and handles? Here's a secret strategy professional renovators use: pick replacements that match the style of the kitchen sink faucet. It will create a consistent look across the kitchen that will be appealing in its uniformity and subtlety.

Variety

If you prefer a bit of variety in your kitchen hardware, consider mixing styles or finishes, or horizontal versus vertical hardware. For example, put one color and style of knob on vertical cabinet doors while choosing a different style and color for knobs and handles for your drawers. When done correctly, it can add a bit of personality to an otherwise boring and austere kitchen.

Anatomy

Here's a practical tip: Don't shop for replacement handles and knobs until you do one thing first – determine the measurements of the holes already drilled in your cabinets and drawers. Unless you want to spend a fortunate replacing the current cabinets and drawers, you are going to need to restrict your shopping to a selection of hardware that matches the distances between attachment holes used for your old handles and knobs. If a handle is attached to a cabinet at the top and bottom of the handle with three quarters of an inch between each point, your replacement handle should have the same measurements.

Details, Details

You might be under the impression you need to spend a small fortune to update your kitchen. The truth is you can do a lot just by upgrading the fixtures. Handles and knobs are an inexpensive but effective place to start.

When you need more time for remodeling projects, don't hesitate to call The Maids of Medway for help cleaning up the house.

Fun Things to Keep Kids Occupied While Cleaning

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 10:44:03 GMT

It’s always a challenge to keep kids occupied during the day. The harsh economic environment sometimes hinders parents from taking their children out for picnics during weekends and national holidays. Here are some fun things to keep kids occupied that are affordable:

Visit National Parks

National parks give kids an opportunity to watch various animals in their natural environment such lions, giraffes, hyenas and the list continues. There are hundreds of different parks that you can visit for free, especially during national holidays. Nevertheless, the entrance fee on normal days is quite fair.

Go to a Drive-In Movie

The number of drive-in movie theaters has really reduced over the last ten years. However, there are still entertainment joints that offer this service to clients. Unlike other modern theaters, you can bring even the noisiest of children as they will not distract other people.

Go pick fruits and vegetables

There are several organic and conventional farms that allow families to visit and learn how to pick fruits and vegetables and how they are grown. In fact, there are farms which allow guests to carry some of the harvest home if they exceed the set threshold. This is a great way of connecting with your kids during long holidays and weekends.

Visit a Science Center

One of the best ways of enhancing your child's performance in the sciences is by visiting a science center. The best center is packed with a wide array of living organisms such as plants and animals. There are also experienced guides who will answer all their questions and take them around the entire center. Be sure to inquire about the entrance fees to formulate a comprehensive budget.

Finally, it’s recommendable to inform the kids of your plans in advance just in case they have other plans. Do thorough background research to choose facilities that offer the most exciting and fun activities for kids.

While you're out with the family enjoying the day, why not let The Maids of Medway take care of the cleaning at home?

Fun Things to Keep Kids Clean and Occupied During Summer

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 10:52:41 GMT

Parents and guardians sometimes experience problems during holidays and weekends when trying to keep their kids busy. Here are fun things to keep kids occupied during summer:

Enroll them In a kids Yoga Class

There are hundreds of Yoga facilities that offer Yoga classes to children. Some of the health benefits that can be derived from this physical activity include increase in blood circulation, increase in muscles, strengthening joints, relieving stress and promoting weight loss. Be sure to choose a facility that is managed by skilled experts with hands one experience for them to get the best training experience.

Salsa Classes

Studies show that this activity has the capacity to enhance children's ability to balance their body and co-ordinate muscles. Just like Yoga, there are numerous facilities that your kids can join to become expert salsa dancers. In fact, some schools hold salsa tournaments that are not only fun but also count towards their academic grades.

Invest in a Trampoline

Your kids can use it to perform acrobatic and gymnastic exercises during sunny summer afternoons. One of the supreme health benefits of taking part in this sport is that it enhances functionalism of the lymphatic system, whose main role is to get rid of harmful compounds such as free radicals from the body. They are available in different colors, designs and sizes, so finding one that suits your needs and preferences will not be a problem. To derive maximum benefits from them, consider buying the right kids sport gear and clothes. The best are made from high quality materials that are friendly to their delicate skin. Lastly, encourage them to clean up after the exercise session to keep them looking great, and don't forget to call The Maids of Medway when it's time to clean !

Prevent Break-Ins with A Few Simple Tips

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 11:02:08 GMT

Many Americans have lost items and personal valuables to burglary. However there are some easyways to make break-ins preventable at your home. To start, a simple step such as locking your doorswhenever you leave will help stave off would-be burglars. Below are some other tips for keeping your home secure:

Lock Your Doors

It should go without saying but locking the door is a must whenever you leave your home, and also while you are home if family members aren’t outside. By locking the doors, you are likely to deter anyone who was waiting for an easy way in.

Invest in a Strong Front Door

Research shows that 34% of break-ins occur through the front door, which is a good enough reason to want to invest in a strong door and a pick-resistant lock. An added trick is to always have your outdoor entry light on to illuminate your house when night sets in.

Keep Valuables Out of Plain Sight

Avoid leaving any bait for thieves. Window shades or blinds should be closed at night and whenever you leave home to avoid people viewing what is in your home. If at all possible, avoid keeping blinds open, as potential assailants may be casing your home during the day and even while you are home.

Know Your Neighbors

One of the best safety steps you can ever take is to take your time to know the people who livre around you. Research shows that neighborhoods that are closely knit experience fewer break-ins compared to those that are not. The reason is simple: strangers will automatically stick out. Also, neighbors are more apt to watch over on the security of other people.

It is important to always try your best to keep your home and your family safe. And while you are busy taking care of these, let The Maids of Medway, in Massachusetts, worry about all your house cleaning needs!

How to Clean and Maintain Your Oven

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 11:10:37 GMT

Learning how to clean and maintain your oven is necessary to ensure optimal functionality for a long time. Without good maintenance, you risk having to replace your oven sooner than normally necessary, or even a fire breaking out in the oven. Below are tips for cleaning and maintaining your oven:

Avoid too much moisture inside your oven

If you expose your oven to too much water, you can possibly do permanent damage to it. Always make sure to refer to your owner’s manual if you are unsure on cleaning methods.

Ensure you attend the food while it is cooking

Another fire hazard when using your oven is leaving food unattended, or not timing it correctly. It is important that you always use a timer, or pay close attention to the time while you are cooking. Also, burning food can cake the inside of the oven with grime and build-up.

Clean your oven at least once a month

It is important to clean your oven at least once a month. This will ensure that your oven continues to heat your food correctly and timing is accurate. A dirty oven does not cook food as efficiently, and as mentioned above, is a fire hazard. If you are unsure of the proper method of cleaning for your particular oven, it is best to refer to the owner’s manual for instructions.

And if you would like assistance with your housekeeping needs, then do not hesitate to contact The Maids of Medway, in Massachusetts.

Great Tips to Maintain a Clean Sofa

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 11:20:11 GMT

If you have children and pets, chances are your sofa has a few stains. From dust to dirt, spills and other grime, your sofa can be stained and even be ruined if it is not properly cleaned. Removing stains can seem like an impossible task sometimes, but it is easier than you think if you use the right cleaning method for each material. Below are some tips for cleaning all types of sofas:

Vacuum Cloth Sofas Regularly

When you are cleaning cloth sofas there is no need for cleansers unless you are actually treating stains. All you need is a vacuum with a furniture or basic brush attachment. Alternatively, you can brush the sofa with a soft bristled brush to loosen and free the dirt and dust from the upholstery and un-mat the fibers of the sofa. Vacuum cleaning or brushing your sofa regularly can maintain its great look.

Cleaning Leather and Vinyl Sofas

Make sure to use leather or vinyl cleansers when cleaning these materials. Cleansers should be applied in small amounts to a soft cloth before wiping down the sofa to remove dirt or dust or even stains. These also help moisturize the sofa material and prevent it from drying out or cracking.

Cleaning Stains from Sofa Fabrics

If your sofa becomes soaked with unnoticed spills, it can become riddled with stains. However, you can remove these stains with a good upholstery cleanser. Make sure to spray the stains and allow cleanser to soak in for a few minutes before attempting to scrub them. Scrub the stains vigorously with a soft bristled brush or towel to remove them. Repeating these steps may be necessary if the stain is not removed fully.

And if you would like assistance with keeping your sofa as well as the rest of your home clean, then do not hesitate to contact The Maids if Medway, in Massachusetts, who would be happy to help with your housekeeping needs.

Steps to Remove Large Mold Infestations

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 11:34:01 GMT

Mold is a part of the natural environment: outdoors, it has its role in nature, to break down dead organic matter, but indoors, the growth of mold should be avoided. Nearly all homes get some type of mold infestations, so the trick is to stop them from growing and spreading, before they get large enough to harm your family and your home. If it becomes a major nuisance, it can discolor your walls and siding, blackens grout lines in your bathroom, and cause severe health problems for your family if not taken care of quickly and efficiently.

Cleaning Steps

Minor mold can be easily removed with ordinary household cleaning products, but large infestations require more attention, especially for allergy sufferers and those with a weak immune system. For large infestations, wear protective clothing, and get an exhaust fan running in the window, and then:

Seal Off Your Work Area

Cover all ducts in the room using plastic and tape and cover the doorway with a barrier to seal the damaged area from the rest of your house.

Remove Moldy Carpet

If your carpet has become a place that harbors mold in your home, it needs to be removed and replaced. Cut carpet into manageable sections, roll them up, double-wrap them in plastic, and tape with duct tape for disposal. When rolling, mist the surfaces using a water pump sprayer to keep the spores from spreading.

Remove Mold Affected Areas

Check baseboards, walls, wall framing, and insulation to reveal moisture damage and any hidden mold, and cut away any contaminated areas. It is important that you remove all effected building materials, as a re-infestation will occur if this is not done correctly.

Dampen and Bag Moldy Materials

Mist moldy surfaces using a spray to keep spores from spreading and double-bag the mold material in plastic bags (heavy-duty) and seal them.

Cleanup and Repair

Vacuum moldy debris using a standard vacuum; scrub the surface with a soft brush, water, and bleach to remove mold stains, and dry the area with a commercial dryer or even a hair dryer will work. Seal the area using an oil-based primer or pigmented shellac.

And if you need assistance with your everyday house cleaning needs The Maids of Medway, in Massachusetts, would be happy to help!

Storage Ideas to Help De-Congest Your Kitchen

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 10:43:50 GMT

If you are not careful, your kitchen will soon be packed with appliances and cookware. There is need to ensure that they are stored well to prevent congestion and promote optimal circulation of air. Here are some storage tips that can give your kitchen a whole new look. If you need help with detail cleaning , contact The Maids of Medway in Massachusetts. They can also help with organization if you desire. Regardless, here are some creative ideas to help with the organizational part of your kitchen.

Get a corner drawer: This is a genius idea that you can apply if your kitchen has some awkward corners. Choose one that runs diagonally into the corner so as to get ample storage space for utensils like mugs and glasses. In fact, they are much deeper and more spacious than most conventional drawers.

The under- sink drawer: Designers have come up with special drawers that can be installed under your sink. Here you can store cleaning supplies like detergents, brushes, and spray bottles. Go a step further and purchase a sliding organizer to help you maximally use the space available.

Adda pull out trash can: To keep your kitchen tidy, you need to have dust bins or trash cans. Unfortunately, most of them are very huge and uneconomical when it comes to space. Luckily, you can install a pullout trash can to help hide the unattractive bins. This will definitely free up floor space for other important kitchen accessories.

Deep cabinet organizer: This basically refers to a pullout pantry organizer that comes with unique cabinet door racks. It will help keep everything organized and within easy reach. Go for stainless steel racks as there are less susceptible to rusting.

Rolling cabinet: As the name suggests, this is a cabinet which is fitted with some sturdy wheels to help you roll or move it around in the kitchen. It can serve two purposes, that is. It can be used for store items and as a worktop when preparing meals.

Final thoughts: Do not forget to regularly clean these cabinets to keep away pests that include cockroaches that love to breed and hide in dark compartments, as well as ants, rats, mice, bees, and house flies.

Some Simple Tips That Can Help You in Dealing with Bed Bugs in Your Bedroom

Fri, 26 Sep 2014 10:58:22 GMT

Many people assume that they do not have bed bugs in their house until they notice some itching while they are in the bed. This small critter can infest your bedding and be very hard to get rid of. If you are dealing with bed bugs in your home, then the tips below can help you get rid of them.

Inspect

You should start the process with inspection, by looking for bed bugs in all the possible hiding places.

Vacuum

This is one of the best ways to deal with bed bugs. You can use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum mattresses on a regular basis, in an attempt to remove the bed bugs, and prevent them from re-infesting your bedrooms. Make sure to empty the vacuum into a sealable bag to prevent bedbugs from escaping.

Launder

Bedbugs usually do not survive in extreme temperatures, so washing your bedding or linens in hot water is recommended. Washing linens for 20 minutes in 120 degree Fahrenheit is enough to kill bedbugs.

If these methods do not work, you should contact a professional exterminator to kill the bedbugs. And once your home is free of them, the professional maid services provided by The Maids of Medway, Massachusetts can help you keep it that way!

Prevent Shoe Scatters and Disappearances in Your Home

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:59:57 GMT

Have you ever been in a hurry to leave your house, for work or some other important event, and you realize that your shoes are missing. You end up taking a lot of time trying to look for them, which can make you late. However, you can easily prevent shoe disappearance like this in your home simply by finding a better system of shoe storage. Below are some tips to help you prevent shoe scatters:

1. Install hanging shoe storage systems in your home

The method is very simple, as hanging shoe storage systems can be found at many stores. Most of these hang on the back of doors, leaving floor space for other items, or more shoes!

2. Buy a Shoe Rack

There are different sizes of shoe racks available in the market. You need to make sure to buy a shoe rack that will accommodate all your shoes. After buying the shoe rack, you have to stay committedto placing all your shoes on the rack all the time.

3. Use storage shelves

You can also use shelves to store all of your shoes. This way you may be able to use old shelves you already have, or find ones that will be useful without having to buy shoe storage.

It will be so much easier to find your shoes if you keep them organized. And if you would like to have help with your other housekeeping needs, The Maids of Medway, Massachusetts would be happy to assist you!

How You Should Clean Your House to Eliminate Allergens

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:06:21 GMT

If you are having problems with allergens in your home, you may not be cleaning properly, or as often as you should. When you clean your house properly, you can greatly reducethe allergens present in your home. Here are some of the most important things that you have to do to keep your home allergen free:

1. Vacuum and dustat least once or twice a week

To reduce the allergens in your home, you should vacuum and dust once or twice every week. This will help to remove dust and other allergens that are present in it. The build-up of allergens will also be prevented when you have a regular cleaning schedule. When you are done with the vacuum cleaner, use a soft cloth to wipe surfaces such as tables, countertops and other furniture in order to trap the dust instead of simply moving it around.

2. Damp mop hard floors on a daily basis

Allergens collect on the floor on a daily basis. That is why you should damp mop your floor once a day to remove these allergens. Get rid of them daily before they start affecting your health or the health of other members of your family.

3. Use a vacuum cleaner with double thickness bag

To get rid of allergens when vacuuming your home, you should not use the standard bag. You should use a double thickness bag that will hold the allergens without letting them escape back into the room. You will be wasting your effort if you use the standard bag when you want to remove micro sized allergens.

And if you would like to have someone come handle your housekeeping needs, The Maids of Medway, Massachusetts would be happy to assist you!

How Protect Your Children from Chemical Hazards

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 12:14:02 GMT

Hazardous chemicals can be found in most homes. The most common are household cleaners, detergents, and medicine. It is important that you store these chemicals safely to avoid poisoning accidents in your home. These simple tips can help you store chemicals safely in your home:

Keep all chemicals labeled, and never store chemicals in containers that your child might associate with foods and drinks such as juices and sodas.

You should never place insect or rodent baits where your children can reach.

Ifyou are interrupted while cleaning, make sure to close the container and keep it out of your child’s reach.

Use non-toxic products instead--for example: vinegar, or baking soda.

If chemicals will be stored in reach of children, such as under the kitchen sink, make sure that the cabinet has a locking mechanism to keep your child from accessing them.

Store medicine in a high cabinet that your child cannot reach.

Place all laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and bleach products on shelves, preferably above the appliances themselves to avoid easy climbing access.

Another option to avoid having to keep so many chemicals around your home would be to hire a professional maid service like The Maids of Medway, Massachusetts to take care of the house cleaning for you.

The Uses and Disadvantages of Chlorine Bleach

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:21:53 GMT

There are a variety of uses for chlorine bleach in your home. Chlorine bleach can be used to eliminate mildew and mold that may be growing on various surfaces; it is also used in disinfecting and cleaning many items. Chlorine bleach may be very handy to use around the home but it is also important to note that it can be a hazard, so it’s wise to use the bleach cautiously, especially in a home that has pets or children. The Maids usehousekeeping products that work as well as—or even better than—bleach but are friendly to the environment to give you the best results in a way that is completely safe for both you and your environment.

The Downside of Chlorine Bleach

There are many uses of chlorine bleach; however, it also has very some concerning aspects. One negative quality is that it quickly corrodes stainless steel, and can literally burn a hole through it. It is important therefore to ensure that the bleach is kept away from all stainless steel items.

Additionally, the bleach should not be kept separate from many cleaners that are used in the home such as acidic chemicals and ammonia because mixing them can lead to explosive reactions. It can also cause chemical reactions that may give off dangerous vapors or gases that may be harmful to anyone nearby.

Avoid splashing or spilling chlorine bleach in the process of using it since it usually causes colored fabrics to fade.

Finally, the strength and effectiveness of the bleach reduces over time. It will have lost at least 20% of its effectiveness after just six months.

Uses of the Bleach

As a main ingredient used in most cleaners today, bleach is generally considered as an all-purpose cleaner. It is used in sanitizing and cleaning the following;

House siding
Rubber mats
Floors around the home
Shower liners
Countertops
Trash cans
Toilets, showers, sinks and tubs
Children’s toys
Rags, white socks, towels as well as many other linens

When using bleach, don’t forget to consider how it should be diluted for the task at hand, and always use it with caution.

Renew the Beauty of Your Outdoor Furniture

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:27:39 GMT

If you have outdoor furniture, signs of wear and tear will appear over time. Many factors cause outdoor furniture to fade and wear, some of those being: daily use, adverse weather conditions, and scruffs and scratches. Regardless of how often you clean them or how careful you are, as the years passthe signs of use will show. So have some fun with your furniture and give it a facelift instead of replacing it. These simple tips will help you bring new life toyour outdoor furniture.

A New Coat of Paint

A new coat of paint allows you to bring back the colors you once loved that have become faded and worn. Sanding down damaged areas will remove small dings and chips in the paint, and allow for a smooth painting surface. And when you repaint the furniture it is a good idea to use paint that is designed for outdoor exposure.

A New Color Selection

A new color, colors, or pattern might bring totally new beauty and attitude to your outdoor furniture. There are paints for common outdoor furniture material such as vinyl, hard plastic, metal, or wood, just to name a few. There are several paint brands to choose from, just make sure that you select one that is designed to be used outdoors.

You will be amazed at how a fresh coat of paint can make such a huge difference, or what an entirely new color scheme can do for your outdoor space. This is a simple way to save on cost, and create a space you can enjoy with family and friends. And while you are busy bringing new life to your outdoor space, you can hire The Maids to handle your indoor cleaning.

Removal of Stickers and Their Residue from Various Surfaces

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 12:40:07 GMT

As long as the price stickers are where they belong – on the labeled products in your convenience store or other shopping malls, then they remain functional and useful. However, most stickers don’t stick there for long; they get to come off once they have been paid for after their brief shelf life. And heaven only knows where these stickers end up; they can easily become a nuisance on every surface in and around the home.The following are some of the ways to clean those stickers from various surfaces at home:

Glass Surfaces

Avoid scratching the glass to remove the sticker as this may damage the glass. Instead, apply vegetable or baby oil, allowing it to remain on the surface overnight; by morning it should peel off. Using nail polish and allowing it to soak for about 30 minutes should also do the trick.

Wooden Surfaces

Lay a cloth or paper towel that has been soaked in white vinegar over the sticker and allow it to soak into the sticker and residue for about five minutes. Peel off the sticker and once the wooden surface is clean, use wood polish to wipe the surface.

Plastic Surfaces

Heat up the portion around the sticker using a hair dryer, then peel off one side. Aim the hair dryer below the sticker as you hold up the loose side; this will allow the area to warm up and slowly release the sticker from the plastic surface. Ensure the surface doesn’t get hot enough to melt the plastic. Finish by washing the surface using a solution of dish soap then dry it.

Metallic Surfaces

Scrape off the adhesive as much of it as you can from the metallic surface then apply water-displacing spray on a cloth, but make sure not to use something abrasive that will scratch the metal . Continue rubbing the sticker with this spray, and then wash the surface using warm water mixed with dish soap. Rinse the area and dry it.

You can maintain all your surfaces and their nice appearance even after the stickers have been removed. There is always a suitable solution to deal with the unsightly blemishes on your surfaces. No need to be miserable about those annoying stickers anymore! And for all your other messes, The Maids can do your housekeeping for you.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Homemade Cleansers

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:45:44 GMT

For several years, many people have been using commercially made products for house cleaning different surfaces at home including the carpet, windows, furniture, and dishes, among several other things. Recently, there is an increasing trend where many families are turning to homemade cleansers, many of which have been used for decades. These products are eco-friendly compared to the ready-made ones on the market.

Environmentally Friendly

Most people assume that the commercially made cleaning products labeled “eco-friendly” or “natural” have no impact on the environment, but the small print on the labels often tells a different story. The safe, plant-based ingredients do not guarantee the non-existence of toxic chemicals added in these cleaning liquids. If you are making your own products, you know what you are using, and you can choose natural ingredients and avoid artificial substances that cause harm to the environment. Making your homemade products is also easy with no equipment required. in most cases, one or two ingredients is what you need.

They Are Just As Effective

Homemade products are as effective—if not more effective—than the cleaning products you buy in the stores. These cleansers are easy to modify, so you can easily add a few other ingredients or add the used amounts if you feel the already-made agent is not as effective as you would expect. You also have the option of experimenting several formulas to come up with one that works best for your purpose.

They Are Less Expensive

One of the main considerations for people considering homemade products for cleaning is the amount of money put on them and how much they can save. Unlike commercial cleaning agents, using household substances to make effective cleansers can really help you save a lot of money, which you can use on other important needs. These household substances are inexpensive and can help keep your budget in check without compromising the cleanliness level.

Some cleaning services, like The Maids, focus on using environmentally-friendly cleaning products to make sure your home is both safe and clean.

Best Garage Organization Ideas That Work

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:52:14 GMT

Are you forced to leave your car out on the street because your garage doesn’t have enough room for it? If so then its time you started thinking of how to get your garage organized. Listed below are a few tips to help you make that happen. Read on!

1. Sort

It is best to group similar items together to make them easy to find. Shelving units, a few coats of paint and some cute decals for the garage door will transform the space without spending a lot of money. Put frequently used items, such as paper towel, cleaning materials, toilet paper and drinks, on the shelf units.

2. Keep dangerous chemical in their original containers

Most people often keep paints, pesticides and auto fluids in old food containers making them very dangerous as these containers may leak and cause respiratory problems, fumes, burns and even fire hazards. Besides being stored in their original containers, they should also be kept out of reach of children or pets. This can be inside locked cabinets or on high shelves.

3. Lean the ladders horizontally

Ladders when left leaning against the wall can be a hazard. This style often seems to be the correct storage position, but what if it tips over? It can injure a loved one or damage your car. So the best position is to lean it horizontally along the wall. You can also store it on hooks, which is the better option.

4. Assign each area of the garage a specific purpose

Take your time and think carefully about what you want the garage to be used for. Also, think about the best possible way it can be divided up. Divide the space into zones to help you create a setup that does not only make sense, but also leaves the room neat and well-organized.

Ig you need help with cleaning and organizing your garage or anything else, The Maids cover it all, from one –room cleaning to whole house cleaning, as well as emergency cleanups.

Get Compacted and Save Space

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 13:09:21 GMT

If you are a housekeeper, you know just how busy you can be. There is no shadow of doubt about the amount of work you put in. However, there are certain things you can do to make it more efficient and reduce the amount of time that you require to remove all the clutter. Here is a sneak peek of some of these ways:

First, you need to have a better organization. The truth is that better organization is crucial towards efficient cleaning:

When you sort through your stuff, you will no longer inquire where they should go.
You won’t have to ask where your items will go because you will be able to tell in which category it belongs and go ahead and place it in that category.
After knowing exactly where to place your belongings, you will realize that you have saved your time for more crucial life needs.

Place some items in a lost and found drawer.

For items that neither have a category nor a drawer or items you need to ask someone about, you can choose a designated lost and found drawer and place those types of things in it. Just in case someone fails to find what they are looking for, they can always re-visit the drawer to check if these items are there. This will not only be convenient to the person looking for a lost item, but also on the person doing the cleaning.

Putting away some seasonal clothes.

The truth is that some closets have limited space. Therefore, you want to ensure that you have taken all the winter clothes out of your closet during summer. Place them in plastic storage bags or stackable totes instead. This will ensure that all the summer clothes are accessible when you want to choose an outfit to wear without winter clothes getting in the way.

Place all the puzzles in a bag.

If you have family members who love puzzles, some pieces within your home may fall out and get lost. Try placing these pieces in a sandwich bag and subsequently place them in a small tote. You will create more space and be organized in the process.

Keeping your home organized and clean is a full-time job. If your schedule is making it difficult to find time to do anything else, get in touch with The Maids for a helping hand.

Using Additional Shelves for More Storage Space

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 13:17:34 GMT

A home is a home, filled with your things—and the clutter that comes with them. However much you try, it is rather difficult keeping your home in tip-top condition all the time. You will find your cabinets filling up, drawers getting loaded, and closets carrying too many things.

The best way to overcome all this clutter is to think of innovative ideas for your shelves. Use your creativity to make more space so that all your housekeeping efforts keep your home looking great. The first thing to do is reorganize all your shelves so that they give you more space to store your belongings.

Purpose

The purpose of the shelf is very important in helping you decide what you want, and how much you want to expand your shelving units. Decide if you need shelves for storing your music and movies, for your kids’ activity coloring books and games, or other types of items.

Once you determine how much you need to store on shelves, you can decide if you need to expand with more shelving units. If you find you don’t have sufficient room for games, movies, and music on one shelf, it’s the best time to add another shelf for all of these things.

Organization

You can start organizing your things once you decide what you want in a shelving unit. You need not buy additional shelves all the time; if required, shelf systems can be compacted and restricted to fit more of your belongings.

This is because many shelf systems today have peg holes to use for self-adjustment purposes. You can thus place items on the shelves based on size, so that you have a shelf that snugly fits to the next one.

With the extra room you have, you can start adding shelves. Just go to the local hardware store to find out what they offer for shelf boards, and then cut them to the required size. If your existing shelf system is painted, just paint the new boards with a matching color.

On adding new shelves to the unit, and having pegs holding them up, you can now install a new shelf on the remaining space you have once all the new shelves are added to your existing shelf system.

Keep clutter at bay regardless of your schedule with a hand from The Maids, who will not only straighten the clutter, but also make sure your home is truly clean.

Organize Your Garage by Looking Up

Fri, 04 Jul 2014 13:24:19 GMT

Most homeowners view their garage as a two dimension space – deep and wide. If you think the same way, you are not taking full advantage of the potential storage space in your garage. To understand why, simply look up.

Most garages have a good bit of open space near the ceiling that can be used to organize and store items. Let's take a look at two ways to take advantage of this space.

Hook It

Anything in your garage that can be hung on hooks can be stored in the ceiling area. This includes bikes, kayaks, backpacks, golf club bags – all lend themselves to being hung on a hook hanging down from the ceiling of the garage. The key is to use large plastic covered hooks so the item you are hanging isn't damaged. To maximize the space savings, try to store large items in this manner as doing so should open up plenty of floor space.

Planks

What if you need to store items such as boxes that don't lend themselves to being hung from a hook? Many garages are built with open ceiling spaces. If you look up and see horizontal beams in your garage, you have an open space ceiling.

A smart homeowner can turn the horizontal beams in the ceiling into a storage platform. To do this, measure the space available on the horizontal beams where wood can be laid. Next, have one inch thick wood cut to your measured dimensions. Place and nail down the wood planks. You can now use one or two ladders to lift boxes and other items up to be stored on the planks.

Before you go nuts with this strategy, keep in mind that total weight of everything being stored. Six to eight reasonably sized boxes should not be a problem, but you probably want to avoid putting a safe up there. The last thing you need is for the planks to collapse and drop everything onto your car. That is going to be an embarrassing insurance claim.

The best approach to organizing garages often involves identifying how to take advantage of unused space. Head out to your garage and see if either of these two approaches will help you free up space.

If you don’t have much time to work on a project like this, The Maids of Medway in Massachusetts can help get the job done, as well as provide home cleaning services to give you more free time.

Top Uses of Storage Bins

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 13:36:26 GMT

There are many industries that are doing an awesome job of manufacturing safe-keeping bins. These bins are a great part of daily life as they are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes for organization and house cleaning. These storage bins are used not only in homes, but in schools and warehouses as well. You can easily get the bins according to your need from any shop near your property.

Here are the top 10 uses for household storage bins:

1. A detailed storage system:

A number of people use storage platforms with storage bins in an integrated system of shelves, cabinets, lockers, and racks. It depends upon the individual to select bins according to the particular storage need. These storage bins can be purchased in all different sizes and shapes, making it easy to choose the right size and condition.

2. Security of numerous materials and parts:

Many bins are manufactured to handle heavy-duty storage as these bins ought to guarantee the security of different materials and belongings.

3. Protection of electronic digital components:

Many containers are manufactured for the purpose of protecting sensitive items. These are the components that are supposed to be kept secure, and plastic storage bins do really a great job for this reason.

4. Different portions to arrange:

Many items that don’t require special care are needed in a home or shop, but these are typically the parts that need to be stored in an organized manner. Many storage bins have completely different portions that do a great job organizing these items.

5. Easy access:

Many storage boxes are accessible in handy form and the user can decide how to make bins accessible in kitchen or other places. Finding a bin that meets your need will help.

6. Handling of food:

Storage bins come with the ability to look at different items of food in them. Air tight boxes or even bins help food to remain protected. These bins are located in many different sizes meant for storing food without waste.

7. Storage for children’s items:

A number of shoppers buy storage bins in which they may keep their children’s belongings. These bins play a great role for protection with children's toys, books, and craft things. These bins are located in many bright colors which attract kids for enjoying these boxes as properly.

8. Organization of house:

Storage bins are manufactured to help with your organization of tools with the garage like screws, products, nails, pipes etc.

There are many other advantages of having these bins inside your homes but these had been just few important and additionally integral uses of storage devices bins.

Storage bins are one way to help keep a house organized and clean, and maid services like those from The Maids can take it one step further.

Keeping Valued Papers Safe

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 13:45:54 GMT

Preserving confidential papers is something that every household needs to know to do because nobody wants any of these papers wet, lost, burnt, or damaged:

birth certificates
registration papers
credit reports
membership cards
collectible concert tickets
home business papers
photos
and other valuable papers

Organization is key to keep your papers from getting lost, and an important part of housekeeping. The following are other ways to protect your valuable papers.

Lamination

You can laminate papers of different sizes using special products that come in different models to heat-seal lamination material over the paper for protection and preservation. Currently, you are not allowed to laminate Social Security cards, but you can do so for older cards without that restriction, including insurance cards and award certificates, to keep them protected from bends, tears, water, etc.

Fire Protection

A fire outbreak can cause damage to important documents and papers that might be difficult to replace. So, the best thing to do is to use a fire safe, a filing cabinet, or shelved cabinet to protect these items. Moreover, a filing cabinet will also help you to stay organized and avoid unnecessarily misplacement of your important items. For a small price of around $40, you can find a rectangular box that can offer you the benefits of safety with a small investment. Depending on what you are willing to part with for a decent fire safe, these products vary on how long and how much heat they can handle. A majority have numbered, keyed, or padlocked protection for confidentiality.

Sealed Bags

Large sealed bags such as Ziploc brand bags and sandwich bags can protect many valued papers from condensation, spills, decomposition, or debris.

Digital Protection

Digital storage is the best way to protect or preserve important papers. Scan your papers or visit a local photo lab such as CVS or Wal-Mart to make copies of your papers in digital form, and then store them on a memory stick, email, or in a cloud system. Use some of these techniques to protect your important papers and photos and you won’t have to regret: better safe than sorry.

Keeping your papers organized is an important part of the process of protecting them, and keeping clutter down in general will help. Of course, cleaning is practically a full-time job, so if you need some help, don’t hesitate to call The Maids.

Homemade Cleaning Agents Recipes

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:52:13 GMT

Instead of using toxic chemical products in your home, you can make your own cleaning agents using some safe household ingredients. However, never mix bleach and ammonia, as they can create a deadly gas. It is important to ensure that the ingredients you are planning to use are appropriate for the surface you want to clean. White distilled vinegar and many other basic cleansers are safe for cleaning most surfaces, and can be mixed to make great cleaning products. Below are a couple of recipes for basic cleaners and their uses:

Window Cleaner

How to Make

You will need a cup of white vinegar and a cup of water for this mixture. Fill a refillable 16 ounce trigger spray bottle with the vinegar and water. Shake the mixture and label.

How to use

Spray the mixture on the glass and wipe using a clean and soft lint free cloth, or use a balled up sheet of newspaper. This is a great recipe that does a fantastic job and is very economical.

Carpet Cleanser

How to Make

You will need six drips of oil soap, a cup of club soda. Mix the drops of oil soap with the club soda in a bowl to make a foamy cleaner.

Using the mixture

Rub mixture into the stained areas on the carpet and scrub using a brush. Rinse with water and blot immediately. Ensure that the stains on the carpet are cleanedas they happen, as the can be difficult to clean once they are dry. This agent is an effective cleanser and is strong on even the toughest stains.

While these cleaners are very effective, you simply may desire to have help. If this is the case, you can hire The Maids to assist in your cleaning needs.

Saving Space by Compacting Related Products

Fri, 30 May 2014 09:37:23 GMT

When you are working on housekeeping, it can really keep you busy. There are no doubts there. But there are efficient ways to help reduce the amount of time needed…at least on the clutter end of the task. Having better organization is the key to efficient cleaning .

You’ll no longer need to ask where anything goes as you sort through it. You won’t have to ask “What does this go to?” anymore because you will know what category it belongs to and place it in that category’s drawer. Basically, you will know where to place it and save time for more important life needs.

The Lost and Found Drawer

For items that don’t really have a drawer or category and for items that you need to ask someone about, you can place them in a designated lost and found drawer. If anyone cannot find something they are looking for; they can check the drawer to see if the item is there. How convenient is that for both the person looking for something and the person who is cleaning? No stacks of questionable items sitting around anymore or things that you want put away but have no idea what it is or where it goes. It’s just another way to reduce clutter and save time when cleaning.

Seasonal Clothes

Typical closets have limited space. Why have your winter clothes hanging up when it is in the middle of the summer. Get those summer clothes out and make them easy to access and to go through when you want to wear a certain outfit. Take all the fall and winter clothes and place them in stackable totes to save space. You can also purchase plastic storage bags that vacuum seal. Imagine how much more space you could create!

Puzzles

If you have children, you understand their love for puzzles. This usually means that you have a ton of them. The boxes tend to get flattened or torn and they don’t stack very well on shelves in that condition. Also, puzzle pieces could fall out and get lost.

Grab some sandwich bags and a small tote, and then place each puzzle in a bag. Cut the picture out of the box and insert that in with the puzzle pieces. Take each bag and place it in the small tote. You will be more organized and have less space consumption. In addition, it will fit on a shelf really well.

How To Get Organized and Create More Space

Fri, 23 May 2014 09:42:03 GMT

If you're like most people, then you could probably use some more space. A house or apartment has a fixed amount available, which will run out if you keep on adding stuff and don't free up space from time to time. Organization is the key to solving this problem, including making decisions on what you should or should not keep around.

The first thing to remember when doing this kind of organizational house cleaning is that not everything is equally important. While everything certainly takes up space, some things are not used as frequently as others. If you would like to get organized to create more space, you can accomplish it with these tips:

Determine how often you use each item and rank them accordingly.
Assign the highest priority to those items that are used the most frequently.
Remove items that have the lowest priority and put them aside.
Repeat until you're satisfied that you've freed up enough space.

Once you're done, only those items that are used the most often will remain and you should have enough free space available that you can use. You can put this into practice quickly with some items almost everyone has in their home.

Books and Media

Pretty much everyone has their own collection of books, movies, software, or console games. All of these things can really add up and take up a lot of space. Even worse is that fact that they also tend to get scattered around. You should therefore remove the ones that are rarely used and leave the ones that people really need. Those that remain should be kept on a shelf or in an appropriate cabinet or case.

The ones that you no longer need can be stored in the basement or attic, assuming you still want them. If you don't, you can get rid of them through a yard sale. Items like books and movies should still have some value and you can sell them to people that are looking for them. The proceeds can then be used for other things you want or need.

If you need a hand in getting—and staying—organized, The Maids Medway can get you the help that you need and the clean house you deserve!

How to Reduce Carpet Odor

Fri, 16 May 2014 10:21:04 GMT

We have all been in a situation where the stench of something nasty has sunk into your clean carpet, and no matter how much you scrub the smell won't come out. You don't need a miracle to clean your carpets.

All you need is some simple household goods such as baking soda and vinegar. Here are a few simple tips that can help you get rid of that nasty carpet odor and let your house continue to smell amazing once again.

The first step is to sprinkle baking soda on the area that the smell is originating from. Brush the baking soda around with a broom to allow it to work its way down into the fibers of the carpet. Once you have done this, allow it to sit overnight.

The next day vacuum up the baking soda and check to see if the smell is gone. If the odor remains, as it often will with liquid induced smells, it's time to get out the vinegar. Vinegar has an acid that allows it to eat through the bacteria causing the smell, while still not causing any harm to the carpet.

The vinegar can be applied either with a spray bottle or blotted on with a cloth. Make sure that you use enough vinegar to allow it to do the job, but try not to saturate the entire carpet. After allowing the vinegar to sit for approximately 15 minutes, blot the area dry with a clean wash cloth.

Proceed to rinse the carpet by spraying it with water and dabbing it dry with a separate cloth. Once this is done allow the area to dry then check for any remaining odor. If done correctly these methods are able to remove almost any odor from your carpet or rugs. However, if any of the smell persists, repeat the above steps until your carpet is smelling as good as new.

Tips To Restore Your Patio Furniture

Fri, 16 May 2014 10:16:38 GMT

Many people tend to focus more on house cleaning only on the inside of their houses, forgetting that the appearance of their outdoor space has a great impact on the overall picture of the home. Maintaining your patio furniture, in particular, is very essential to the overall appearance of the outdoor space. The daily exposure to the sun, humidity, and grime from substances take a toll on the furniture, which then leads to a restoration. If your furniture has lost its luster, here are a few tips you can practice to restore it and protect it for a long time.

Before deciding what to do, it is important that you inspect your outdoor patio furniture to see whether the pieces require some regular cleaning or whether you will need a new paint job.

Regular Cleaning

Outdoor patio furniture is always exposed to several elements, so it’s important to ensure that it gets thorough cleaning regularly. To avoid salt, grime or other material buildup, the furniture should be cleaned with a detergent on a monthly basis. If it is particularly dirty, then it is important that you use high pressure hose while cleaning it. This will ensure that every part of it get cleaned, especially the difficult to reach areas such as narrow gaps.

Paint to Restore Furniture

If cleaning does not work, you can consider repainting all the pieces. No matter the furniture material, whether vinyl, wood or plastic, an appropriate paint is available at your local hardware or home improvement store. A couple of paint coats is one of the best ways to restore your dull or damaged outdoor furniture. You can even decide not to remove the old finish as this has no effect on the final brand new look. Once you choose your gloss and prepare the furniture, paint your way to a new, beautiful-looking set of outdoor patio furniture. Enjoy the new feel and atmosphere with confidence with friends and family.

Keeping your whole house looking nice while juggling a full schedule can be a real chore. If you need an extra hand, The Maids Medway can certainly help keep everything under control!

How to Tell If Your Home Is Making You Sick

Fri, 09 May 2014 10:31:34 GMT

You have been feeling bad for several days or weeks. Nothing you take from the local drugstore seems to be helping, and you are having trouble getting a good night's sleep. Astoundingly, your own home could be the culprit. Common and obscure allergens may be triggering a host of unsavory symptoms that are making your life miserable. How can you tell for sure?

Symptoms run the gamut, but here is a list of the most common:

Coughing from post-nasal drip or bronchial irritation
Wheezing, difficulty breathing, and asthma (especially in children whose bodies tend to be more sensitive than those of an adult)
Sneezing, especially when you first enter your home after being gone all day
Itchy, watery eyes and runny nose or even sinus and respiratory infections that consistently recur or never seem to go away
Skin reddening and rashes from direct contact or exposure to allergens
Fatigue: This is more common when symptoms continue for lengthy periods and begin to take a toll on your body. You will feel tired all the time due to insomnia, poor sleep quality, or those other symptoms keeping you up

Visit Your Doctor

A simple trip to your family physician is the best resource you have. Their years of training and education will be much more effective in diagnosing your problem and recommending a treatment or cure than anything you will find on the internet. Do not leave this one up to your own abilities with a search engine. Ask the professional you trust instead. You may have simple allergies from something as common as dust, but it may show that you are allergic to the family pet and never even knew it. For more difficult cases, your doctor may suggest that you undergo a full allergy workup, including skin scratch tests and blood work. These are more expensive, but the fact that they are so comprehensive makes them well-worth the time and cost.

It is possible to put an end to the worst of your allergy symptoms so you can live easier and breathe healthier in your home. Learning how to clean better, removing pollutants, and changing your lifestyle can reduce your reactions to home allergens and eliminate your need for medication.

Removing Those Stubborn Coffee and Tea Stains

Fri, 09 May 2014 10:27:21 GMT

We all enjoy taking our beverages, especially coffee and tea. We stop enjoying the beverages when it comes to cleaning the cups, though; since it can be a bit of a mess. Even when you want to show off your house cleaning , there’s always a coffee or tea cup with some stubborn stains that you have been unable to remove. Below are a couple of reasons why your cups may still have stains:

You only pile the cups with the other dishes. If you pile the cups with other dishes and just clean them like the rest, the stains are more likely to stick. Soak them in water if you don’t wash them immediately.
Regular use without cleaning. At times we use our cups and refill them several times without even taking the time to clean them. This will result in stains on the cup.
Microwave use. When you use the cup in the microwave, it’s possible that they might develop more lasting stains.
Taking too long to clean the cups. You should clean the cups as soon as you finish taking your coffee. This will help prevent the stains from getting set in.

Home Methods Of Removing Stains

Baking Soda. This method involves the use of an abrasive that is used to scrub the cup to remove the stains completely. With this method you see the results instantly.

Vinegar and Salt. Vinegar and salt can be used together to produce wonderful results. Rub vinegar and some salt on the stain that you want to remove and then scrub completely. The stain will go away.

Magic Eraser. Magic Eraser is used to remove grime and other types of dirt. You can also use it to clean your coffee and tea stains. This is the best method for people who do not want to have a mess of product. The stain will be removed without a lot of hassle.

Falling behind on house cleaning? The Maids Medway can help—they’ll even load the dishwasher before they go!

Getting Rid of DUST MITES

Fri, 02 May 2014 10:43:02 GMT

Dust mites are very small living creatures; they do not transmit diseases to people or human beings but can cause severe allergic reactions to some people. People who are prone to allergies and asthma can be adversely affected by these pests, resulting to symptoms that might include a runny nose, problem breathing and coughing. Asthma is very dangerous and if left untreated, it might lead to death. Here are a few tips that can help you eradicate and prevent dust mites at home.

Lowering Humidity

These pests germinate in warm, humid temperatures. Houses with 75-80 percent relative humidity and above 70 degrees Fahrenheit attracts dust mites 10 times more than houses with air conditioners. Using either an air conditioner or a humidifier to reduce the humidity of your house might help you prevent and get rid of dust mites at the same time. You should maintain your rooms’ relative humidity at 50 percent or below.

Frequent Laundry

Since dust mites prefer to live in beds more than any other place, you might consider washing your blankets, pillowcases and sheets in hot water on a regular basis. Hot water has high temperatures which can easily kill all the dust mites that had accumulated in your bedding. Another alternative is to freeze your bedding if they are not washable. You should wash or freeze you bedding on a weekly basis in order to eliminate all the dust mites including the ones that have hatched from eggs.

Regular House Cleaning

By cleaning your entire house regularly and vacuuming your house floor at least twice a week will help you get rid of dust mites. If you are allergic to dust, wear a mask in order to avoid breathing dust particles. You might also use damp cloth to pick up the dust before using a vacuum. Choose the right vacuum for the job, for instance a micro filter bag or double-layered vacuum cleaner might be useful.

Organizing Your Fridge to Create Space

Fri, 02 May 2014 10:37:06 GMT

When you do your house cleaning , don’t forget the refrigerator! Making your fridge more spacious can easily be achieved by making sure that all your foods and drinks are arranged and in order to avoid your fridge getting messy with all those spills and mixing of foods. Organizing your fridge makes it easy for you to:

Add more foods into your fridge.
Retrieve foods and drinks easily.
Prevent you from overspending on goods that you already have them.
Clean your house quickly and easily.
Prepare your meals quickly, no time wasted to find foods in the fridge.

Organizing Your Fridge Neatly

These are some of the best ways to organize your fridge in order to create more space and save your time when you need to get your foods and drinks from your fridge.

Use of food and liquid storage bins.

Different fridge designs come with different kinds of liquid and food storage bins. Some can be used to store canned beverages, fruits, and other items. The soda bins are design in such a way that cans roll out one after the other and can even come in a double dispenser style. The other bin is designed for fruit, and the bins are often stacked in a sequence. You can also get bins that hold 2-liter drinks that prevents from knocking one over when retrieving something to avoid damage or spilling of your foods.

Use of fridge drawers.

Most fridges are fitted with drawers that are purposely designed for specific items. Some drawers are designed for vegetables; others for delicate foods like eggs. When such drawers are used for their intended purpose, you will create more space in your fridge. Always avoid using those drawers for any purpose other than what they are designed to hold.

Correct usage of the fridge sections is a guarantee of increased space. The more organized your fridge is, the more you save in terms of both cash and time.

Keeping the kitchen clean is always a bit of a hassle. If you need a bit of extra help, The Maids Medway is standing by.

Cleaning The Ceilings

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 10:48:15 GMT

Like any other part of the house ceilings also get dirty and need regular cleaning. Cleaning depends entirely on the ceiling type and the amount of dirt or stains present. Prevention is better, if possible smoke outside and buy soy candles.

There are a few materials you need for your cleaning.
These include cobweb brush, long handheld wet sweeper and long handheld duster. Start by removing the cobwebs using the handheld cobweb brush. Pay close attention to the corners and edges as some cobwebs are found in these places.

There are diverse brands of long hand held dusters in the home improvement stores and supermarkets. Choose the “magnet” duster it tends retain and pick more dust, make sure it can reach your highest ceiling therefore it should be long enough.

A vacuum cleaner can be used in places like fixtures of light and around vents. Fit the vacuum cleaner with extensions fitted with brush tips soft enough to prevent spreading of dust.
Ceilings in the kitchen areas get dirty from smoke and oils evaporating from cooking. Pre-treat a wet sweeper and use it in cleaning of grime and dust. Sponge mob soaked in an all-purpose detergent and rigged to avoid dripping can be used also to substitute wet sweeper.

To minimize spots of water, use towels or rags to dry the ceiling.
A sponge soaked with a solution of mild detergent used in dish washing can be used to clean wallpapered ceilings that are washable. Dry it immediately uses rags or towels. Be cautious when washing textured ceilings, texture can be melted by water.

However there are a few warnings in ceiling cleaning. Cover your floor and furniture to avoid dirtying them. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from dirt and wear gloves to protect your hands. Make sure your stepladder is well fixed to avoid slipping on the ground and causing injury, make sure you can easily access the whole ceiling.

Some ceilings have asbestos which is harmful to the body is extra careful when dealing with such. Make sure you have all the materials required before you start cleaning your ceiling for optimal results.

5 Types of Cleaning Sponges

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 10:52:56 GMT

All the 5 Types of cleaning sponges bring about a difference when it comes to cleaning chores. The secret with great cleaning sponges is that they will help you do more work within a very short period of time as compared to working with poor cleaning sponges. This article is about making you know the 5 Types of Cleaning Sponges, and where they can be used best.

To start with are cellulose sponges. They are very common, brightly colored and hand sized shapes. They are very cheap yet they provide the best absorbency and last long even through tough tasks. They also trap particles and residues.

The second sponge on the list is abrasive sponges. They are mostly used for outdoor grill purposes and on patio furniture. You can use them on baked-on food, on pans and also pots. They last longer hence being a bit costly.

The third are the compressed cellulose sponges. From the names implication they are like the cellulose sponges the difference being that they are flattened. They have all of the moisture and air removed hence being a flat version. They do hydrate immediately when you place them in water. They are expensive than all the others despite the fact that they don’t need a soap treatment.

The fourth in the list of my 5 types of cleaning sponges are the natural sponges. They are called so because they are collected from the sea floor. Thus makes them expensive and rare to find. Their inability to trap particles and debris makes them last for even more than a year.

The last are the dry sponge: made from rubber, best for cleaning soot on walls. They don’t require water. They can still clean fabric window coverings. Those are the best 5 types of cleaning sponges.

At What Age Should a Child Start Cleaning?

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:56:03 GMT

Though every child is different, most can begin to learn how to clean when they are toddlers in order to begin to teach responsibility. A child would benefit from learning different tasks at different ages, which will be discussed as we cover what types of cleanup that a child can perform.

As a toddler, a child can help with easy tasks that have simple instructions. Parents can ask their child to put away their toys when they are done with them. It is best to break down their chores into smaller tasks. Children can get overwhelmed with big tasks. For instance, ask your child to pick up their cars, then move on to another small task. Basically, you need to make the whole learning experience an interactive one, preferably, with demonstrations of what you what them to do.

When your child is a little older, teach them slightly more complicated tasks like putting away clothes, or even scraping off food and rinsing dishes, and cleaning their rooms. If there are tasks that are bigger to tackle, parents may need to help out a little, or at least, supervise.

As your child can perform the tasks they learned before well, parents can give more responsibility. Parents give their children a chance to learn valuable skills like organization and accountability. As children learn new responsibility, they will enjoy doing something new, as well as learning a new skill.

The question comes down to, at what age should a child start cleaning? Answer is: When they are toddlers. The parent can then keep on giving more responsibility as the child is ready, or has mastered the previous one. The learning should never end though as children look to parents to set a good example. That unfortunately, means that all the parents out there need to maintain the same level of cleanliness we want out children to uphold.

Steps for Fixing a Shrunken Sweater

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 12:00:49 GMT

Oh no! Did you forget to shut off the drying machine? Is your favorite sweatshirt shrunken up? Have no fear, the following are steps for fixing a shrunken sweater!

1. Warm Water and Conditioner

The first thing you will want to do is soak the sweater in warm water mixed with any hair conditioner laying around your house. The conditioner causes the fibers of the sweater to loosen up, making it less of a hassle to stretch out. If you are having issues getting the conditioner to dissolve into the water, you can simply rub the conditioner into the sweater by hand. After letting the shirt soak in this solution, you may remove it. However, leave the conditioner in the sweater! Rinsing it will not allow it to stretch as easily. Carefully shake out the excess water, but do not wring out the sweater! This will warp it and ruin its shape.

2. Towel

To dry the sweater even more, lay it on an absorbent towel. Use another towel to blot away more of the water out of the sweater. Remember to be gentle with the garment! You do not want the fibers of the sweater to buckle!

3. Stretch

Next, you want to stretch out your sweater... But to what size? Well, you are going to want to stretch it out a little bit larger than its original size. One thing you need to be certain of is that you are stretching the sweater vertically and horizontally. If you fail to do so, you might end up ruined the shape of the sweater, and making it unwearable.

Conclusion

Once you have completed the following steps, leave your sweater out on your towel and let it air dry. Once dry, feel free to wash the sweater to get out the remaining conditioner. Whatever you do, do not put the sweater in the drier! Otherwise it will just shrink again!

You may have thought that fixing a shrunken sweater was impossible, but it is a very easy and quick fix!

Aromatherapy Fragrances for Your Home

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 12:05:16 GMT

Aromatherapy fragrances can be used at home for so many things. For instance they can be used to get rid of unwanted smells or even stimulating your senses. The use of aromatherapy has been embraced by many quarters. In that, real estate agents are nowadays advising their sellers to use lemon essential oils in their homes before potential buyers arrive. So that they can put them at ease.

If you need aromatherapy for your home, to either uplift get rid of the stuffy feeling or to uplift our senses, then you should try using rosemary, Basil, bergamot or lemon.

The use of a vaporizer in your living room can add a fragrance that can assist in preventing ill-health; it can also balance your emotions. In addition, it can get rid of unpleasant smells that can occur. To have a peaceful night in your bedroom you should try burning either Rose, neroli or lavender oils that create some pleasant atmosphere. If you might be having visitors and your spare room hasn't been used for a while, you should use lavender. Lavender can be used to get rid of that unpleasant smell.

If you are experiencing insects in your home, this shouldn’t be a major issue to get rid of insects you should try putting either Tea tree, eucalyptus, or lemongrass in a vaporizer. For assistance to keep insects off your clothes in the cupboard, you should put a drop of oil onto a cotton ball and place in the cupboard. If you are sick, you should consider vaporizing bergamot, Tea tree, lemon and lavender, all these are essential oils that have an excellent aromatherapy properties.

Bottom line is that, aromatherapy fragrances don’t only influence your state but also how you feel, as well as relaxing your nervous system. However different perfumes have different effects on people. For example, jasmine brings the feeling of agile and alertness. Therefore, choose the aromatherapy that suits your needs.

The Uses of Vinegar in the Home

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:10:51 GMT

People say that old is gold and that a new broom sweeps clean, but the old one knows all the corners, which is very true. The modern society has gone technological that they have forgotten the beauty of using the old household cleaning solutions. Today, every household wants to use top quality house refreshers, top brand vacuum cleaners, and many other exceptional household cleaning gadgets. What they do not understand is the fact that, their predecessors lived in much cleaner houses without the branded household cleaning solutions.

One of the most versatile natural household cleaning products is vinegar. Pure distilled vinegar, can used for many home cleaning purposes. For instance, white vinegar can be used for, cleaning bathroom and kitchen fixtures, removing bad odors from the home, getting rid of carpet stains and spills, cleaning windows and many other minor home cleaning jobs.

To reap the best results when using vinegar for home cleaning, ensure that you buy one hundred percent pure white vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is the most effective form of vinegar when it comes to home cleaning services. To make sure that you have a proper balance of your vinegar, put it two separate spray bottles as some of the house cleaning jobs will require that you dilute the vinegar before cleaning them.

Using vinegar to remove bad odors from the living room

Living in a stinking house is not only unpleasant but also a risky health concern. But sometimes, fighting bad odors can very challenging especially if you are using branded air refreshers as they as fade away so easily. Also, if you are an ardent cigarette smoker, it can be very difficult to expel the disgusting tobacco stench, which is unhealthy if you are living with non-smokers under the same roof. To help fight bad odor, just put an open bottle of vinegar in one corner of the room, also be sure to spray your room with vinegar after smoking cigarette.

Removing bad odor from sinks and garbage points

To fight bad smell from sinks and garbage points, just pour one cup of vinegar in the sink or garbage point and rinse it off after one hour.

Removing bad odor from containers

Fifty percent dilute vinegar can also be used in removing bad odor from container. This is very important especially if you have fish and garlic containers.

Removing bad odor from pets

Dilute pure white vinegar can also be used to remove bad odor from pets such as dogs and cats.

Folding Clothes Properly

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 12:13:56 GMT

Folding clothes properly is an important part of caring for your garments and ensuring that they look their best at all times. There just a few simple principles to follow when it comes to folding your clothes properly. So if your drawers are filled with wrinkled, crumpled clothing and you are forever showing up at work with creases in all the wrong places on your shirt or blouse, you can look forward to an immaculate new you.

The underlying principle of folding clothes properly is to only make folds where you want creases to be. Folding a t shirt in half can leave a giant crease right down the middle of the garment. This can look so unsightly when you come to wear the t shirt. Instead, make your creases along the seams, folding each sleeve in towards the middle of the garment and simply tucking the bottom of the t shirt neatly underneath. When you fold your pants, you have a choice. Either fold each pair of pants along the seams with the pockets outward or fold each pant leg in half so that the crease lies vertically at the front of each leg. A crisp crease down the front of each pant leg looks very smart, especially on business suits.

Underwear is simple to fold. Just fold each item of underwear in half and place it neatly in your underwear drawer. Socks can be folded with one sock inside the other to ensure that matching pairs of socks stay together.

Folding clothes properly is a lot easier when they have been carefully ironed. Make ironing easier by taking your clothes out of the dryer as soon as the drying cycle has ended. Iron your clothing and fold it carefully, following the advice above. Then, lay each folded garment one on top of the other in your drawer, ready to take out. For an extra special touch, lay some scented drawer liners between each folded garment, so that when you take them from the drawer they smell delightfully fresh and sweet.

Following these easy steps for folding clothes properly will ensure that all of your garments can be worn straight from the drawer without having to iron them a second time. Properly folded clothing is also much easier and more space-efficient to store. These ninja-folding tips will also come in useful when it comes to packing a case for everything that you need on a holiday.

Having an Aquarium and Keeping it Clean

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:55:16 GMT

Keeping fish is a wonderful hobby. Picking out a shoal of gemstone-bright tropical fish or a pair of classic goldfish and watching them flit around the water is the perfect antidote to a hard day at work or school. However, keeping a fish tank clean is absolutely vital to ensuring that your fish stay healthy and happy. Thankfully, having an aquarium and keeping it cleaned is easy if you follow a few simple tips!

One of the main problems that you may encounter with your aquarium is green algae. This can build up on aquarium ornaments, leaving them slimy and dull. Even worse, algae can accrue on the glass of your aquarium too, making it difficult to see your beloved fish at all. Getting rid of algae is simple, though, and there are a number of ways to do it. Wiping the ornaments and glass every few days with a soft cloth will prevent algae from building up. Make sure not to scratch the aquarium glass as you clean it, though, or you will create lots of new little cracks and crevices in the glass for the algae to live in. Another super-efficient way to keep your tank completely algae-free is to buy a plecostomos fish, or 'plec'. These little guys actually eat algae!

They are happy to spend all day every day sucking algae off the glass, the aquarium stones, and the aquarium ornaments, keeping the tank fresh and clean. You can get both cold water and tropical plecs, depending on the type of tank you have.

Changing the water in your aquarium regularly is absolutely crucial to keeping it clean. Never completely empty all of the water out of the tank, though, when you clean it. Rather, scoop or siphon out about 2/3 of the old water and replace it with the same volume of new water. Completely removing and then replacing all the water can be quite a shock to your fish, especially sensitive tropical varieties.

One of the main problems that aquarium owners encounter with having an aquarium and keeping it cleaned involves cleaning the gravel at the bottom of the tank. Silt, old food particles, and fish poop tend to build up in the gravel, and to remain there even after the water has been changed a few times. Never fear, though! You can purchase a simple aquarium vacuum which acts like a regular vacuum but underwater. This handy device will sucking up all of the nasties that have gathered in the gravel, leaving it thoroughly clean.

Wish Your Kitchen Cleaned Itself?

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 09:03:52 GMT

Which room in your home is the hardest to keep clean? When answering this question, many people say the kitchen. That is because the work never seems to end and because grease and grime can really build up.

One of the main reasons it is hard to keep the kitchen clean is because it is a high traffic area. People are in and out of the kitchen all day long. Keeping a kitchen clean can be daunting as every time you clean it, the kids come in for a snack or it’s time to make the next meal. It can be never ending.

Kitchens are also difficult to keep clean because grease and grime can build up if you’re not careful. Even if you do a quick clean up after each meal, there are some areas you may miss. For example, you may not have the time to clean inside the oven or under the cabinets on a regular basis. Some days you may wish that your kitchen cleaned itself.

House Cleaning Services

When the task of cleaning becomes too daunting, it may be time to hire house cleaning services . This type of service can come in and help clean the areas of your home that need it the most, whether on a one-time visit, a weekly visit, or even a bi-monthly/monthly visit. When hiring a maid, you can customize the work to fit the schedule needs.

You have many options when you need it too. You could hire a cleaning service for the whole house or for that one specific area that you don’t like - such as the kitchen. You can hire them for a one-time cleanup to prepare for an event. You can even hire them to come out regularly to maintain that cleanliness and healthiness.

Kitchen Services

When hiring house cleaning services to care for your kitchen, you can expect a spectacular job. Most maid services will clean every area in that room for you. Here are a few jobs you can hire them to do.

All kitchen appliances
Microwave - inside and out
Stove - including drip pans
Countertops
Cupboard doors and knobs
Tables and chairs
Floors - Sweep and Mop
Trash Removal

It is important to let the house cleaning service know what aspects of the kitchen you want them to focus on. This will ensure that the work meets your need and your standards.

For the kitchen, weekly house cleaning services would be perfect. You will never have to worry about doing a deep clean yourself. Instead you can just focus on cooking and enjoying your meals, as well as your family.

Organization: Room for Improvements

Mon, 25 Nov 2013 09:10:04 GMT

Clutter is something that drains your energy, especially if it is out of hand. In many cases, it is not out of hand because of your housekeeping efforts, but does have room for improvement. It can be difficult to find something and you scurry around looking for it when you need it and know you have it. Moreover, depending on where the items get placed because they don’t truly have a home; they can also get damaged. Here are some common household items that wind up on the top of the list.

POSTAL MAIL

Mail tends to pile up in many households, mainly because there is no time to look, no time to decide what to keep, no time to handle the bill, or even no time to decide if you want to accept an offer being marketed. You tend to think with the word “maybe” so that mail sits around and is forgotten about or kept until you decide what you want to do with it. For mail organization, consider purchasing a mail shelf that hangs on the wall and you can use one slot for bills, one slot for promos or maybes, and one slot for other people. These shelves that you may or may not have seen or heard about have angled, vertical shelves that mail can slide into. Many even have key hooks at the bottom, which is perfect for all your household keys so you don’t have to go hunting when you need to leave at times.

BIG TOOLS

Big tools like drills, jigsaws, floor scrubbers, pruners, rakes, etc. can end up sitting just about anywhere. For homes that have garages, you can store most big tools by the entry door. Self-standing racks are excellent tool holders that sit in your garage and have many holes for tools, as well as slots on the edges where tools slide in. Another option is wall-mount tool holders. You can find these at any hardware store. For drills, circular saws, etc.; you can use shelves on the garage wall. For homes without a garage, consider an outdoor storage closet or cabinet. Otherwise, your drill may end up on the kitchen floor and the rakes and pruners may end up taking up space in the vestibule or entryway.

Visiting Window Coverings with Fabrics and Materials

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 09:15:01 GMT

Fabrics in actuality are one of several items used every day that would not exist without fibers or materials. Both terms get used a lot when it comes to curtain shopping and this can often be confusing. In conclusion, a fabric is known as the ending results of spinning and weaving materials together. A shirt is made from a fabric, whether it was woven with just cotton or both cotton and polyester. Curtains are the same in that aspect. To put things into perspective, a fabric can be made from just about any material or fibers and products like curtains can be described based on either one.

A fabric can be named based on materials used or even based on the design. This often cause confusion, but is easier to understand if you work with fabrics regularly. Chenille fabric comes from materials like acrylic, cotton, or olefin. In addition, satin fabric comes from silk, nylon, or both. On the design side of things, damask is composed of cotton and identified by small raised dots on one side of the fabric.

Materials in a fabric that are bright colored can add a beautiful, elegant touch to the fabric, but are more susceptible to fading. Duller colors within a fabric may not look as spectacular as brighter ones, but they won't fade as quickly or as easy. If you enjoy switching out your curtains periodically, brighter colors may be o.k. for you.

Each and every single curtain carries various properties, such as the strength level, durability level, design, appearance, and even style. Each room often looks magnificent because of your dedicated house cleaning efforts, yet the curtains can take away from that appeal if not the right theme, style, or condition. An education on materials and fabrics provides the power to get the right match for you and your rooms.

Obtaining House Cleaning Services Can Change Your Life

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 09:19:23 GMT

When you think of house cleaning, it reminds you of that overwhelmed feeling. Why? It is because it is important, yet consumes a lot of your time and energy. You already have enough going on, like reporting to work, taking care of the kids, transporting family members, attending meetings, balancing the budget, maintaining the car, taking care of the dogs, and many other activities. How does house cleaning fit into the mix? Truthfully, it really doesn’t. Your cleaning efforts have to go around many things in your life.

Your housekeeping efforts get scattered, whenever you get the chance to do something. Some tasks may be routine, like spill duty, washing dishes, placing dirty clothes in the dirty pile, picking up after a task, etc. Nevertheless, most cleaning is sporadic. You have to weave it into your hectic life. Unfortunately, when you do get a major cleaning task accomplished, it wasn’t without interruptions and distractions. Sometimes things may go smoothly, but not the majority of the time.

Sporadic cleaning efforts are due to surprise phone calls, the kids fighting, spills, text conversations, the dogs needing to go outside, the surprise visitors, and may other events. Housekeeping services don’t have to deal with any of that. Cleaning is their actual job so they have plenty of time to work and stay focused, unlike your situation. They usually have checklists to complete, which ensures nothing gets missed. Plus, they want to satisfy you because their job may depend on it. So there is no need to worry about them doing something you don’t like.

For the most part, hiring a maid service can relieve stress, frustration, tiredness, and even the overwhelmed feeling. You need time to get your head back in the game, as well as time to relax.

When you are running around non-stop like a chicken with its head cut off, you tend to get overwhelmed and stressed. Letting a maid service help with your housekeeping can provide you the time you need to relax, as well as spend time with more important things in your life. It is surely worth the small expense.

Boost Your Cleaning Efforts with New Moulding and Trim

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 08:25:45 GMT

You may be wondering how moulding and trim impacts your housekeeping efforts. It’s actually quite simple. Moulding can be difficult to clean when damaged, scuffed, scratched, or missing. Cleaning may make a room look nice, but the moulding can take away from all your efforts if it looks bad. Just like a rusted car with a clean interior, it does have an overall impact. If you agree and this situation applies to you, it may very well be time to upgrade your interior moulding.

Moulding is also known as molding without a “u” in it. Aside from that, it can also be called trim. This will help when shopping around so you know what is what.

When it comes to moulding, there are several details you should know about—if you don’t already. This information will make shopping around easier and will help you find the best matches for your rooms.

Moulding is made of several different materials. This includes oak, poplar, pine, polymer, polyurethane, MDF (medium density fiber), vinyl, etc. The list can go on and on. Oak adds strength and stability, but costs more than pine or poplar. Polymer moulding and polyurethane moulding clean easier, but are more expensive. MDF moulding is like wood, except it is made of fine fibers. This type may also clean easy if it has a smooth surface.

Aside from materials, finishes are important. You can usually find moulding that is pre-finished with paint, stain, or a laminated design. You also have the option of purchasing trim that is primed and ready to paint or choose an unfinished moulding that you can paint or stain.

The last detail that is of the most importance is design . Moulding can carry one of many different designs and are developed from routing the edges, engraving in the designs, or even placing the laminated surface over it as previously mentioned. The most affordable moulding is almost flat, but has a slight inward curve towards the top.

With the understanding of materials, finishes, and design capabilities, you can be well on your way to getting the perfect match for your rooms…and enjoy the positive impact it has on your housekeeping efforts.

Purifying Your Household Air Flow

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 08:30:00 GMT

Your dedication to a healthy home is reflected by the cleanliness you do with housekeeping efforts. Nevertheless, is that the only thing to consider in making your home healthy? Contaminants and allergens tend to hide well within the air of your home and cause allergic reactions or even illness. You cannot erase everything in the air, but can help take control of it.

Every house has dust, but you can help reduce the level of pollutants and allergens to make the atmosphere healthier. These irritants lead to sicknesses or allergy troubles. This happens to be more common during winter seasons or anytime windows stay closed.

The first thing to consider is air purification. Many air filtration units are available with different levels of filtering and various coverage capabilities. Options can include fan speeds, filtration monitoring, timers, etc. No matter what model you decide on, it will help reduce those air pollutants, but a more expensive model usually does a better job. Aside from that, it may be more efficient to run.

A different or additional solution is to use window fans. Install fans in several windows while leaving other windows open to bring in air. A lot of households use fans to bring in fresh air, but by sending out bad air, it brings in fresh air through the other windows. The only drawback here is to have to periodically clean those window screens, but that is not a difficult task to do.

Vacuum cleaners tend to stir up the finer debris and pollutants or tend to let allergens escape into the air. So your house may look clean, but you just shuffled up unhealthy particles. A more expensive vacuum will reduce those issues and help make the air cleaner. Some vacuums market HEPA filtration, but may not send all the air into the filter. Oftentimes, pollutants escape through cracks, crevices, openings, and zippers. Regardless, a HEPA vacuum can certainly help a little. But it will help more if it is a good design. A more expensive HEPA vacuum may do a much better job.

No matter what type of home you have, it will always have some form of air contaminants. But there are several strategies and techniques you can use to help control that level of air contamination.

Energy Efficiency and Lighting

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 08:33:56 GMT

It can surely be easy to find the right color tone for your particular room. Each and every room and sometimes area, depending on what it is used for or what occurs there requires different lighting. In other cases, minimal light is just fine to any task in that area or room.

This helps save the homeowner money in electrical use. No matter, it just depends on your individual needs and preferences. Nonetheless, most activities require lighting in the dark when the sun sets. House cleaning , computer typing, note taking all need light at night. So does many other everyday living tasks. No matter what kind of light bulb you had to have in your lighting fixture, there was an easy selection to match. A 60-watt bulb is often the most commonly used light bulb in every home. Unfortunately, wattage and energy use rise rapidly.

Incandescent bulb alternatives include either fluorescent lamps or L.E.D. (light emitting diode) bulbs. These particular types of illumination use less of the energy and reduce the cost of running lights in your home.

A fluorescent bulb equivalent to a 60-watt incandescent bulb uses only 13-15 watts of energy. This benefit alone saves you money each and every month in energy usage costs. With ease, you can replace those 60 watt daylight incandescent bulbs in your bathroom vanity light with 13 or 15 watt fluorescent daylight bulbs and have the same brightness.

In addition to fluorescent bulbs, L.E.D. (light emitting diode) lamps save even more energy. However, brightness output continues to evolve.

Fashionable Bathroom Coloration with Fixtures and Accessories

Sat, 31 Aug 2013 08:37:36 GMT

It may seem like the cleaning never ends and that your bathroom fixtures and accessories are never going to look new again. Why not consider a bathroom upgrade? Color options are one of the first things to consider when planning a remodel, aside from budget. Everything can work together to create that mood brightening room and add value to your home, including the cabinets, the light fixtures, the toilet, the sink(s ), the towel racks, the shower, and many more items. Taking your time is important so that you end up with satisfying results in the end.

Bathroom sink choices are very unique, providing various styles, options, colors, and designs. When starting to look around, find ones that capture your future room's personality and be sure it will blend in well with your color selection. You will find that there presently exist a large number of solutions like wall-mount sinks, pedestal sinks, and even cabinet sinks. Color options vary from one to the next, but you can always look into special ordering to get what you truly want. You want a bathroom you can love so be sure to take as much time as necessary.

Choose a tub, shower, or wall surround that blends in well with your choice of colors. Your cabinets also have endless possibilities. Depending on your style preferences, cabinets can be painted just about any color that fits well with everything. Options include hardware design, mirrored designs, glass designs, and solid door designs. You can even choose a solid door and paint it with style.

Incorporate Life into Your Bathing Room with Paint

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 08:42:00 GMT

If you desire having a restroom upgrade completed, picking paint colors can be really important. You work hard at housekeeping tasks, but a bathroom upgrade will make the room better than ever! The introductory procedures ought to be researching the coloring possibilities. It will make a major difference in the completed effects . You expect interesting effects that leave a pleased experience, so take all the time you need to get the right color combinations for your bathroom.

Overall, color(s) play an important role within the design of any bathing room. Every wall surface, virtually every permanent fixture, as well as every add-on will bring out an ideal looking restroom that essentially pleases your wishes. However, the most important color element is your walls. Your walls stand out more than anything else in the bathroom, as well as any room. With that in mind, it is important to start with paint on the walls.

When painting your walls, be sure the chosen colors blend well with the surroundings. If you are doing a complete upgrade, be sure to start with your walls and base everything else you upgrade around them.

It is possible to start with fixtures and accessories, and then paint your walls around them, but it is always better to start with the walls since they do stand out the most and make the biggest difference in the room.

Examine ideas in design with the help of more than one color choice for the wall surfaces, in order to help harmonize with the area and everything in it. You can go with different colors on adjacent walls or split the top and bottom portions with different colors. Aside from that, maybe choose a solid color and paint some fashionable designs with another color. Everything just depends on your preferences and desires.

A Few Tips For Great Entertaining

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 08:46:42 GMT

When it comes to entertaining, you want it to be as fuss-free and fun as possible, but you also want it to be perfect. Combining those two things is not as difficult as you might think, it just requires a little bit of planning and a few creative ideas.

Before you plan your next party, keep some of these things in mind :

Candles can go a long way. If you want something simple and elegant but still attention-getting, candles are the way to go. Set out tea lights on every safe surface you can find. Right before the first guest arrives, light them all.

They’re an easy, affordable, and fast way to add instant mood!

Generate conversation. It’s okay to be a little sneaky if it means you get your guests talking with each other. Rather than setting out hors d’oureves, pass them around on plates and bowls. They will ultimately end up on a table somewhere, but not before several hands have held them and several guests have said hello.

Prepare in advance. Whatever you can in the days leading up to the event, get out of the way. The day you plan on having guests is going to be busy enough, so don’t save your cleaning and decorating for the last days.

Hire a maid service that does same day or event cleaning to help out with getting your house pristine for visitors. Decorate the day before, including name cards if you’re making them, and preparing your tablecloths and centerpieces.

The more you can do in advance, the easier party day will be, and you shouldn’t forget to have fun at your own event!

Creating a Laundry Room You’ll Love

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 08:55:30 GMT

Chances are, when you think about your laundry room, your first thought isn’t about how great the space is. In fact, for most people, the first thought is about house cleaning and washing clothes, and that’s not usually a positive thought.

However, you can make the laundry room a better place to be by organizing the things you have there and giving it a makeover. It won’t make the laundry any easier, but it will put you in a better mood. Here’s some tips for making your laundry room great:

1. Hide everything. Visual clutter can cause a feeling of being overwhelmed and even stressed out or tired. Remove the visual clutter by hiding all of your laundry accessories. If you have cabinets, store your laundry detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets there.

If you don’t have cabinets, you’ll have to get a little more creative. Try baskets, drawers, or shelves with curtains to get those things out of sight.

2. Decorate for yourself. You don’t likely have a lot of people coming in and out of your laundry room, so you might be tempted not to decorate it at all. Having a beautiful laundry room that’s visually appealing can make being there less of a chore, and you deserve to have a space you enjoy.

You don’t have to do too much to make an impact, so try these things:

Add curtains to any windows.
Hang pictures or art on blank walls.
Add colors through paint on the walls or the cabinets.

Ultimately, this space is for you, so make it the way you want it!

3. Use stations. Sometimes a laundry room is more of a stop-and-go kind of place, but for others, the laundry room sees a lot of work. If you do most of your laundry in your laundry room, you would likely benefit from creating work stations.

Create one area for washing and drying, another for folding, and another for ironing. This will help you feel more in control of the tasks you’re working on.

Laundry doesn't have to be terrible, and a great laundry room goes a long way in making it better!

Tips for Cleaning Some of the Worst Messes

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:11:35 GMT

Most maintenance house cleaning isn’t so bad, but every once in a while you get that really difficult task. No matter how you scrub and clean, you can’t ever seem to make real headway. It’s frustrating and often leads to just giving up.

Thankfully, people are finding clever ways to clean the worst messes, like these three great tips from Woman’s Day :

1. Filthy Drip Pans. Over time, food that spills or drips out of the pots on your stove fall down into the drip pan. You may not always notice it immediately or you may run out of time to clean it. Then, one day, you look down and it’s a caked on, horrible mess.

If this happens to you, try this: fill your sink with warm water and a little bit of dishwasher detergent (it’s stronger than dishsoap). Let them soak for half an hour before wiping them clean.

If the mess is still stubborn, preheat your oven on low, spray some oven cleaner on the drip pans, then put them in the oven and turn off the heat. Leave them in the oven for 30 minutes, then wipe clean.

2. Filmy Glass Showers. Use vinegar to clean the glass door as it will cut through the grime better than regular soap or cleaners. Once you get it clean, the big secret is prevention.

Go to your local car parts store and buy water repellent protectant. It’s often used on windshields and it makes water bead up and roll off of a surface. Apply it to your shower and you won’t have to scrub again for a while!

3. Dusty Venetian Blinds. Venetian blinds are like dust magnets. How can you get them clean without either dusting each slat individually or removing the whole rig?

Turn your blinds either up or down, then dust with a microfiber cloth that’s only slightly damp. Once you’ve done the whole blind, turn the blinds in the opposite direction and wipe again. Repeat on the other side, and you’ll have hit every part in just 4 wipes!

Easy DIY Decorating Projects

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:18:20 GMT

Whatever your space—home office, apartment, house, or dorm—you want it to look great. Of course, getting your space looking great seems to take an awful lot of money. Keep the price low but the style high by trying some of these easy, inexpensive do-it-yourself projects at home :

Paint a piece of furniture. Color is the fastest way to decorate, but painting a whole room can take time (and if you live in a rented space, you might not even be permitted to!). Get the effect without the effort by painting a couple of pieces of furniture like a dresser or nightstand.

Don’t be afraid to go bold, especially since the relative size of the pieces you’re painting will be on the smaller side.

Make new pillow covers. Throw pillows with bright colors or patterns can liven up a space quickly, but buying new pillows each time you want to decorate gets expensive. Instead, make your own—it’s not complicated, and if you don’t like to sew, there are some great no-sew versions that will look just as good and are extremely easy to do.

Word art. For a simple, super-affordable art project, try this: pick up wooden word art at your local craft store (or make your own out of letters), paint them, and hang them on your wall. Add an empty vintage frame hanging around it to make it look like a complete piece of art—no one will know it only took you a few dollars and a day to make!

Life Without a Washing Machine

Thu, 30 May 2013 09:22:46 GMT

For a lot of homeowners, having a washing machine is a standard and expected part of housekeeping . However, for many who live in apartments or who have had their washing machine and dryer break, getting used to washing clothes without one is a necessity.

Apartment Therapy contributor Alison Gerber explains how her family does it—here are some of her ideas:

Have a Laundry Day. You’re going to wear yourself out trying to cart clothes to a Laundromat every day, so instead, plan one big laundry day every week. One big trip to get it out of the way will be easier than many small trips.

Accommodate the time between laundry days with large baskets and hampers to hold your clothes. You can also make laundry day an event: get snacks and coloring books or library books for the kids and go to the Laundromat together.

Keep a Retractable Clothesline. While you won’t be hanging your clothes up often since you will be washing once a week, there may be times you have to wash something to have for the next day or delicates that have to be handwashed in the sink or bathtub.

When this is the case, a retractable clothesline in your house or apartment can be a convenient way to dry your clothes without being in the way the rest of the time.

Create a Place to Soak. If you frequently have extremely soiled clothes, wash them off as much as possible, then soak them in a bucket just for this purpose. You can put a little bit of vinegar in the water to help remove stains and keep the water fresh.

Obviously, you don’t want to leave the clothes in there for a whole week, so if laundry day is still a week away, wash that particular piece at home the next day.

Keeping Sand Out of Your House This Summer

Wed, 29 May 2013 09:30:22 GMT

Whether you’re spending time at the beach, the lake, or your kids just love the sandbox, there’s sand to be found everywhere this time of year. It can make house cleaning a serious chore, but in your own home or in your beach house, there are a lot of things you can do to keep sand from taking over your house this season!

Shoes Off! If your kids are coming home from the playground with shoes full of sand, this is going to be your best way to stop it. Start a “shoes off!” policy in your home. Get your children in the habit of taking their shoes (and socks!) off outside and dumping out the sand.

You can even leave a small basket on the porch for sandy socks so they can all be washed at once without tracking sand through the house.

The Water Hose. It’s a tried and true classic: the water hose is perfect for getting sand off of wet kids (and adults who act like kids!). Keep the water hose near the door and ask your family to wash themselves off before they enter.

It doesn’t hurt to hang a towel by the door, as well; to keep those freshly-washed feet from tracking water through the house!

Sand Room. Do you have a beach front house? Being that close to the beach definitely encourages sand in the house. Thankfully, you have some control over your space! If you have the resources, you can create a sand room at your back door.

Build a small room with a shower, hooks, and curtains that will allow your guests to wash the sand off, change their clothes if they need to, and dry off before coming into the house.

Seemingly Random (But Helpful!) Cleaning Tips

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:34:47 GMT

When Apartment Therapy creator Maxwell Ryan went on the set of Good Morning America , he brought with him some great green house cleaning tips and demonstrated some of them for the audience. Some of them you may have heard, and some maybe not, but they all worked as advertised!

Clean you window with black tea. Maxwell displayed this on the show, and everyone agreed that the window looked great. All you need to do is pour black tea into a spray bottle and wash like your normally would. The kicker? Newspaper as a squeegee! The tannin in the tea is strong enough to break down dirt, and the newspaper scrapes it off.
Wash your bathtub with grapefruit and salt. You don't even need a sponge for this technique—just half of a grapefruit and about 3 tablespoons of salt. Sprinkle the salt liberally over the grapefruit half and use just as you would a scrubber. Maxwell explained that the grapefruit is acidic and the salt acts as an abrasive—and it also smells wonderful.
Never wash your expensive jeans again. You know that pair of jeans you only wear out to dinner because they cost you so much? To really keep them in mint condition, you should never wash them—never? There's a trick to this, though: the freezer. If you bag up your expensive jeans and put them in the freezer, it will the germs but not your jeans! If you have a stain or a mark, spot clean to keep your pants fresh.

Have you heard of any of these tips before? Will you try any of them?

Jeans in the freezer—now that's a new one!

Three Tips for Decorating Your Living Room

Wed, 15 May 2013 09:40:54 GMT

What do you like most about your living room? What do you use it for? How hard is it when it comes to housekeeping ? When you think about these things, you might start to think about decorating, especially now that spring has finally arrived.

While there are many, many tips for decorating your living room , these are three easy-to-implement favorites:

1. Use Color. Many homeowners are afraid of using color for fear of choosing colors that clash or look too bright together. While it’s not an unreasonable concern, you can rest easy by sticking to one or two colors and using neutrals to ground them.

Colors to try: Green is extremely popular this year. Blue is a classic, and it’s hard to go wrong with different shades of blue brought together by neutrals. Pinks are bold and can be used extremely effectively as bright pops of color, and red is always a dramatic standout!

2. Create a Gallery Wall. If you’re looking for an interesting focal point for your living room, a gallery wall might be just what you need. A gallery wall is simply a collection of artwork (usually framed) hung together on one wall.

Quick tips: While you can certainly create a consistent wall, you can also make it more interesting by mixing the types of art, the colors and styles of the frames, and the sizes of the pieces. Also, it’s a good idea to decide the layout of the wall before you start hanging!

3. Mix & Match. Mixing and matching patterns and prints can be incredibly daunting, but there are actually a lot of patterns that will work well together even if you don’t expect them to, and it adds depth, dimension, and interest to a room.

Try this: If you’re unsure about which patterns can go together, use this handy trick: choose patterns and prints that have the same color background. The consistency of the background color will tie the patterns together.

Cleaning Tips from Mom

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:46:11 GMT

With Mother’s Day coming up, many people are thinking about their mothers and the things they've learned. When Real Simple asked their readers to share some of the things their mothers taught them about cleaning , they came back with some great tips, tricks, and ideas.

Do you have any nifty hints for house cleaning from your mom? Check out these four favorites for ideas!

Use a Sock as a Duster. Want to get your kids to help with cleaning? This simple trick works wonders on the dust and on your children! Slip a sock on their hand like a glove and ask them to use it to dust surfaces in the house.

The reader who submitted this remembers doing this as a child and how novel it was—it still takes her back!

Essential Oil for Homemade Cleaners. If vinegar and baking soda are your cleansers of choice but you don’t like the smell, this is a great option for making things a little fresher at home.

A few drops of essential oil in your vinegar and water spray bottle or mixed in the baking soda you use to clean the carpet or mattress can make everything smell much better.

Boiling Water Removes Wine Stains. The reader who submitted this tip remembers her mother’s love for beautiful linens, red wine, and entertaining. Thankfully, she also remembers her mom’s great trick for getting red wine stains out of her favorite white table cloth!

Pouring boiling water over the spot will remove the stain without damaging the fine fabric of the cloth.

Dish Soap to Take Grease Off of Clothing. If you've ever gotten a drop of grease on your clothes, you know what a pain it is. It seems like no matter how you clean it or treat it, the grease refuses to come out.

One mom advised using dish soap for a common sense reason: it’s made to remove grease!

Decorating Your Home in Cottage Style

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:51:14 GMT

Cottage style is a blend of several different styles, including Vintage, Romantic, and Rustic. The idea is to have a design that comes off beautiful but comfortable, charming but unpretentious. You're looking for a certain level of coziness that says, “Come in, have a seat, let's chat on this fine day.”

The fun of Cottage style is the ability to mix and match. Pull in things from different styles and looks that work together. Think flea market chic or childhood home familiarity.

Here are a few tips for combining those different styles into a cohesive room décor :

Colors: the overall color plan should be set on soft colors. One color in several different shades is a great look, especially when balanced by a uniform neutral. Then, add a few bright pops of color with an accent wall, furniture, or accessories in a bright but complementary color.

Furniture: This is where the vintage is going to make an appearance. Look for second-hand vintage pieces, then recover them with new upholstery or slipcovers to give them a new look with a vintage feel.

Window Treatments: Time to tap into the romance! Use light, airy curtains with soft patterns and colors to provide muted natural light that will create a cozy, spring-time effect.

Accessories: Finally, pull in the rustic flare with some homemade, crafty-looking accessories like hand-woven baskets, crocheted pillows or throws, and pottery-crafted vases.

The result will be a room you'll want to spend time in because it will always feel cozy, fresh, and inviting!

Organizing the Cleaning Supplies

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:58:08 GMT

Whether you've just begun spring cleaning or you're already done, there's one thing that often gets completely overlooked that can make all of your cleaning much easier. When maid services come to your house, they have all of their cleaning supplies neatly organized to make things faster and easier—you can do the same!

The trick is to have two ways of organizing: one for things that primarily stay in the same spot and one for things you want to carry with you. Here are some of those ideas :

Hooks & Clips

Using hooks and clips in cleaning closets can free up a lot of space. The more things you can hang on the wall, the fewer things you'll have taking up floor space. Not to mention that things like brooms and mobs have an uncanny habit of falling over in your closet!

Shelving

Just like hanging things on the wall, getting things onto shelves serves a couple of purposes: not only does it free up some floor space, it also keeps everything in reach and much more organized. Maximize your shelving by keeping things grouped by purpose, and if you have the ability to add a couple of more shelves, it's not a bad idea!

The Cleaning Caddy

When you're ready to clean, it's so much easier if you can just grab the things you need and take them with you throughout the house. That's what a cleaning caddy is for. A small container with a handle is all you need, and supply it with the cleaners and tools you use most frequently. This might include:

A spray bottle with a general cleanser (like vinegar and water).
Baking soda for odors.
Sponge.
Microfiber cloth.

Keep it filled and in the cleaning closet, so that all you have to do is grab it and get to work—it will serve you well!

Magazine Holders as Containers

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:04:19 GMT

There are always those little things that never seem to have a home sitting around the house. They're not exactly clutter, because you use them, but there doesn't seem to be a good way to neatly store them. A recent post on Joyful Homemaking , though; finds a good solution to a lot of those container problems.

Need to do a little bit of de-cluttering and house cleaning ? Magazine holders might be a good option for corralling your things. Here are some of the suggestions:

Hold Books for School. If there is a small collection of books your children keep at home for homework (or if you homeschool), they have a tendency to sit around in tumbling stacks. It seems silly to put them on a bookshelf when you're pulling them out so frequently, but they certainly aren't doing any favors falling off the kids' desk!

Using a magazine holder for these books is the perfect solution. They slide easily in and can hold several books, keeping them upright but on hand.

Keep Plastic Wrap Boxes Neat. Chances are, you have a small collection of plastic wrap, aluminum foil, snack bag, and trash bag boxes in your kitchen. Do you shove them under the sink? Put them in a caddy?

This is a clever idea: use a magazine holder to hold them all neatly together while still being in reach.

Hold Onto Toiletries & Tools. Whether you've got an army of haircare tools, a slew of facial soaps, or a random collection of toiletries, they have a tendency to get out of hand. Awkwardly weighted containers and stiff, unbending cords can make the bathroom a mess.

Use a couple of magazine holders, especially for your larger items. They'll fit right in, cords and all, and keep things much neater.

Repurpose Other Containers. Magazine holders aren't the only containers you can use to hold something different: empty food jars, old tea kettles, tin cans, even creamer bottles can all be reused for organization, so get creative!

The Best Way to Clean a Large Object

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:16:39 GMT

There are likely some larger items in your home that m ake house cleaning more complicated. If you try to clean them where they are, you often miss the dusty spots, but they're so awkward! If you have Venetian blinds, large plants, filters, air conditioning window unit pieces, or anything you'd like to get a good scrub on but can't, try this!

Fill your bathtub with warm water and an appropriate cleaner (dish soap or laundry detergent are good, depending on the item). Fill it enough to cover the item if possible, or at least half of the item if not so you can easily rotate and get both sides to get a full clean.

Soak for 2-3 hours. It's a long time, but it will be worth it. When you come back to clean, it won't take a lot of effort to get things clean because the water and soap will have loosened the dust and dirt. Note: if you're just trying to clean the dust off of a plant, there's no need to soak. Go ahead and wash the vase that's in the bathwater, then run the shower over the leaves!

Scrub. This part will be easy. Take a cloth and start cleaning hitting all of the dirtiest, dustiest spots.

Drain & Rinse. When you're done cleaning, drain the tub, then run the shower over everything to rinse it of dirt and soap. Take your item out and either dry it with a towel or lay it out in the sun to dry before using it. You might want to do a final rinse of the bathtub in case any of the dirt has deposited on your bathtub.

Accenting Your Home With Green

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 11:11:14 GMT

At the beginning of 2013, design experts weighed in on what they thought would be the trending color this season, and more of them settled on a shade of green than any other color. Not only is it likely to be popular, it's also a fantastic color for spring. If you want to try using green accents, here are three ways to do it:

Furniture , especially smaller pieces. This includes end tables like the one pictured, bedside tables, benches, and chairs. Add a few of these through the house in the same shade to tie the rooms together, or use different shades to make it feel a little more eclectic.

Dishes & Vases both come in different shades of green, and with it being such a popular color, you can expect to see these all over the place. When it comes to vases, you can elevate the green by filling the vase with white flowers. Feeling like spring? Try lilies in the vase for a seasonal, elegant appeal.

Light Fixtures are a great place to add a little pop of color. Lampshades or lamp bases look great in any shade of green, after all. You can also find green light covers and even hanging lights with shades and accents of green worked in.

Fabrics from rugs to curtains to blankets, there is going to be a lot of green running through design purchases this year, so if you like the color, now is the time!

If you like green and you want to bring some freshness into your home, these are some ideas that ill help get you started!

Easy, Eco-Friendly Dishwashing

Sat, 23 Mar 2013 11:25:52 GMT

Doing the dishes is one of those unfortunate housekeeping tasks that needs to be done every day. If you've ever missed a day of dishes, you know how quickly they stack up! It takes a lot of soap and hot water to wash dishes, so if you're trying to conserve water and energy, you might be stumped on how to minimize its impact.

There's actually a bonus to washing dishes the green way: it's easier and faster by a large margin. If you're not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:

The Dishwasher. Believe it or not, the dishwasher uses less energy and less water than hand washing for an equal number of dishes. A lot of this has to do with the way people wash dishes, but even the most careful, sparing hand washer can't compete with the dishwasher's efficiency. If you have a dishwasher, you can rest easy--it really is best to use it!

The Half Sink. Whether you don't have a dishwasher or just don't have enough dishes to warrant running it, there are still some steps you can take to make your handwashing as efficient as possible. This starts with using less water. Don't fill the sink—you can effectively wash all of your dishes with only half a sink of water. Fewer dishes, less water!

Skip the Full Sink Entirely. Instead of using a sink of water, what if you took one bowl or one large cup, filled it with water and soap, and used it to scrub? One bowl of water is always going to be less than half a sink full!

Rack & Rinse. Generally, people wash one dish, rinse that dish, and put it to the side to dry before picking up a new dish and starting the process over. Change your mindset on this, and not only will the dishes be easier to rinse an dry, but you'll also conserve a lot of water.

Clear your rack before you start and make sure it's positioned for water to run back into the sink. Then, put the dishes in as you wash them. When the rack is full of washed dishes, gently spray all of the dishes with your sprayer until the soap is washed off.

The dishes have to get washed anyway, so if you can save energy, water, and a little bit of money while you do it, that's extra!

Getting a Handle on Clutter

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:32:09 GMT

As soon as you see the word “clutter,” there's probably an area of your house that springs to mind. Maybe it's the closet where you shove everything out of sight or the one corner that stacked high and deep with things. Whatever that area is, there's a way to jump in with both feet and get that clutter under control.

We'll get you started, and when you're done, call maid services to make your freshly decluttered home clean and healthy!

Before you start tackling your mess, set a timer for 20-30 minutes, then take a 10 or 15 minute break. This will help you stay focused without getting overwhelmed.

Toss (or Give Away!) Often

The tendency is to hang on to things to which you're emotionally attached or you think might be worthwhile later. Unfortunately, this can lead to a big stack of clutter. As you go through your stack or pile, keep these two questions in mind:

Am I going to use this item in the next 2 weeks?
What is the emotional attachment I have to this item?
Do I need to keep this to keep that memory?

Remember that your memories are not solely tied to objects! Keep only the things that are useful to you or mean the most to you.

Group Like Items

Once the trash is gone and you start to sort, put like items together. It makes sense that items that are similar (how you choose to group them is up to you!) would go in the same place. The important thing is to make sure you develop a system that works for you and makes sense to you.

Everything at Home

Everything in your house needs its own home. Find an appropriate place for each item or group of items and establish that as its home. The real trick is to then get in the habit of putting things back in their home when you finish with this. Get your family involved, as well, encouraging them to put things away when they're through!

How Many Uses of Baking Soda Can There Possibly Be?

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:49:02 GMT

Baking soda. It’s one of those items that has been around as long as anyone can remember and has multiple uses. In fact, the uses of baking soda can fill a pretty long list. While baking soda is primarily used in the kitchen as a leavening agent to cause dough to rise, the uses of baking soda have expanded to include a number of cleaning purposes.

A natural whitener, deodorizer, and all-purpose scrub, baking soda is a must-have in your cleaning supply closet as well as your kitchen cabinet. The uses of baking soda are listed in numerous home magazines, cooking magazines, and a wide array of other articles.

The article below from Mother Nature Network touts eleven of the most common uses for baking soda, though the many uses do not end here.

The (never-ending) uses of baking soda

Throughout your home, on your body and on your pets, baking soda truly is one of the most versatile products on the market. Here are 11 of the most popular uses.

Though the name might suggest otherwise, baking soda is not just for use in recipes. In fact, so many people use baking soda to deodorize their refrigerators and freezers that Arm & Hammer, one of the oldest and leading manufacturers of the ubiquitous powder, created new packaging specifically for that use.

What are some other uses of baking soda? Throughout your home, on your body and on your pets, baking soda truly is one of the most versatile products on the market. Try some of these uses for baking soda:

1. Clean and deodorize carpet. For stains or messy spills, scrub baking soda and water into the carpet and vacuum when dry. Sprinkle baking soda on a dry but musty or smelly carpet, and vacuum.

2. Wash clothing. Add half a cup of baking soda with your regular detergent into the washing machine for added brightness and whiteness. Many also use baking soda as a fabric softener by adding half a cup to the rinse cycle.

3. Clean a variety of surfaces. Baking soda can be used on its own — or as part of a paste with water — to clean surfaces including hardwood and tile floors, painted walls, glassware and upholstery. Various recipes exist online for creating baking soda solutions, but the most simple and multipurpose baking soda formula involves 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. This inexpensive baking soda cleaner goes a long way.

4. Keep away odors. One of the main uses of baking soda is eliminating odors. Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trashcans before adding the garbage bag, pour2 tablespoons down the garbage disposal drain as you run warm tap water, and shake some baking soda into your smelly sneakers overnight (and tap out the leftover before wearing). If something is smelly in your home, chances are baking soda is part of the sweet-smelling solution.

5. Clean outdoor furniture and baby pools. Washing with a quarter cup of baking soda and a quart of water will make your outdoor furniture gleam. Add baking soda to the bottom of a mildewed baby pool and hose it down with water to clean and deodorize.

6. Clean your teeth. Baking soda has long been used as a toothpaste. Pour some baking soda into a dish, dip in a wet toothbrush and apply to your teeth. Though baking soda toothpaste tastes unpleasant (unless you buy commercial toothpaste with baking soda and flavor), it is effective. You can also use baking soda and water as a mouth rinse.

7. Soak in a bath. Add a half cup of baking soda to your warm bathwater, and emerge with your skin feeling soft.

8. Exfoliate your skin. Make a baking soda paste and gently rub it in a circular motion onto your face, feet or other dry areas. Rinse and pat dry.

9. Deodorize a litter box. Pour baking soda in the bottom of the litter box, then add litter. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter box to remove smells.

10. Eliminate pet odors. Pet accidents often smell even after they are cleaned. Apply a layer of baking soda to the area to neutralize the odor, then vacuum when the area is dry.

11. Refresh a dog bed. Like with a carpet, sprinkle baking soda onto your dog’s bed, wait about 15 minutes, then vacuum.

While this list covers a variety of the uses of baking soda, so many other ways to use baking soda exist. For instance, if you thought mixing baking soda with a little water to put on bug bites for instant relief was an old wives’ tale, guess again. It is a legitimate use of baking soda.

Some less common uses of baking soda include cleaning the inside of the dishwasher and the coffeepot, keeping your grill grates clean with a baking soda scrub, and washing your produce. Also, in the event of a grease fire you can douse the flames with a heavy sprinkling of baking soda.

While many of the uses of baking soda are extremely common and have become very well known, other uses are relatively new with even newer uses sprouting up every day. If you were to give some thought to which new uses of baking soda you could find, you’d probably be able to test out a few theories of your own, such as adding a dash or two to your scrambled eggs for a fluffier batch.

Let’s not forget some of the original uses of baking soda that actually involve baking, such as cookies, waffles, breads, etc.

While individually we find many kitchen uses of baking soda, The Maids, as you might guess, find even more cleaning and household uses of baking soda. It certainly is one little gem of a cleaning tool. For even more cleaning tips, or better, to have your home cleaned for you, contact The Maids. We are “referred for a reason.”

How to Clean Dog Hair in Your Home

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:57:06 GMT

If you own a dog that sheds, you have probably experienced the woes of attempting to clean dog hair in your home. Not only is it difficult to clean dog hair off of rugs and sofas, but it often seems like every time you clean dog hair off of a surface, it returns within moments. While it may be difficult to prevent fur from clinging to areas in your home, there are ways to quickly clean dog hair from even the toughest spots.

When dog hair is trapped all over your home, it can stick to your clothes and the clothes of your guests, leaving everyone a furry mess. This can also pose a problem if you have a guest that is allergic to dogs, because if you don’t clean dog hair from your furniture, you are surrounding them with allergens.

Learning how to clean dog hair in your home will surely make entertaining a little easier, as well as improve the overall cleanliness of your living area. The following guide from Apartment Ratings outlines the best ways to clean dog hair off any surface in your home. Whether you need to clean dog hair from wood floors, carpets, or furniture, you will find the solution here.

How to Clean Dog Hair

Knowing how to properly clean dog hair from common surfaces in your apartment will make living and entertaining in your apartment a more attractive prospect. Getting all of the hair—even the hair that blends in with the surface—is more difficult than simply sweeping or vacuuming away.

Cleaning Hair on Hard Surfaces

It’s easiest to clean dog hair on hard surfaces because the hair is less likely to statically cling to the surface, although it may get caught between floor boards if you have any cracks. Don’t just sweep the dog hair, as you’ll be spreading the hair around and it’s difficult to scoop all of the hair into a dust pan. Instead, purchase an electronic sweeper or a sweeper with disposable cloths. The former uses brushes that are safe to use on hard surfaces to scoop all of the hair and the latter uses static cling on a disposable cloth to grip the hair. You can dispose of the hair with the electronic sweeper by emptying the tray.

You can make your own fairly effective manual sweeper by tying a dryer sheet on the end of a broom or mop for floors and just wiping other hard surfaces directly with the dryer sheet. The dryer sheet attracts the hair as you run it over the hard surface and you can simply throw it away when finished.

Getting Hair Off of Carpet and Rugs

Being able to clean dog hair off of carpets and rugs poses more of a challenge than the hard surfaces because the hair is more likely to grip onto the fibers and the hair may also be more difficult to see. The easiest way to remove the hair is to find a vacuum with deep bristle brushes (some vacuums even have pet hair attachments) and adjust the setting on the vacuum to as low as possible. You can make it easier for yourself, though, by first encouraging some of the dog hair to come apart from the carpet or rug fibers.

To loosen the hair before you vacuum, wear a rubber glove and run your hand back and forth along the carpet. You can also try patting the carpet or rug with a lightly dampened cloth or paper towel first or using a spray bottle with a mixture of 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup fabric softener to lightly spray the surfaces. Allow the surfaces to dry and vacuum. The hair should be less likely to cling.

Getting Hair Off of Furniture

You can use techniques similar to those that you use to keep dog hair off of carpets and rugs to clean dog hair off of furniture, particularly if you have a pet hair attachment for your vacuum. Don’t forget, though, that some furniture, like some variations of leather, stains when wet, so if you’re going to try to wet or mist the area before vacuuming, try the damp cloth or water/softener solution on a small, unnoticeable section of the furniture first.

You can also try rolling a lint roller or other pet-hair adhesive roller over the furniture. Sticky rolls designed to grab hair and lint work quite effectively at keeping furniture free of hair every day between more through vacuuming.

Being able to clean dog hair the right away not only makes your apartment look cleaner, but it can also help those who suffer from allergies breathe better. Using the proper tools can make cleaning up the hair much easier and more effective.

Don’t allow your pet’s coat to cling to the various areas of your home and hinder an otherwise tidy look. While having to clean dog hair is not a favorable task, you will be glad once you have deep-cleaned your home of all traces of pet hair. You will only need to thoroughly clean dog hair in your home every once in a while once you have removed it from being trapped in crevices. If you can stick to a schedule of wiping down your furniture once per day, then you will have to spend less time overall having to clean dog hair.

Don’t think you have enough time to clean dog hair at a frequency that is required for your pet? Contact The Maids! We would be more than happy to help you achieve a sparkly clean home free of pet hair.

The Best Method for Maintaining Clean Baseboards

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 13:21:10 GMT

Adding “clean baseboards” to your to-do list is probably one of the last tasks you’d like to go through with. No one enjoys having to clean baseboards, especially if you have baseboard heathers or wood boards with grooves that are pesky to get fully clean. Fortunately, tricks on how to clean baseboards are readily available, so fear not! Your apathy over having clean baseboards can be remedied.

It is important to have clean baseboards in your home, because dirty baseboards can affect the overall look of a room. Clean baseboards give the illusion of a cleaner home, so it is recommended that homeowners clean baseboards at least once per month to retain a tidy look. You will no longer have to deep clean before company arrives, just be sure you maintain clean baseboards and vacuum and your home will look sparkly fresh.

As a part of the series from Home Ever After about tackling a cleaning schedule for your home one day at a time, the following guide offers the best techniques for achieving squeaky clean baseboards in your home. Stop allowing that dust to accumulate and refuse to settle for anything less than clean baseboards and a clean home.

Clean This Today: Baseboard Heaters

Good morning, household managers! Today’s cleaning chore is to clean the baseboards in your house. Baseboard heaters are probably not an item which you have on your cleaning checklist for each room. This is all the more reason to dedicate one day a month to cleaning the baseboards in the whole house. The baseboards in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and near kitchens are often the most dirty and have buildup of grease, lint, hair products, and more. Clean your baseboards at least once a month to keep them from getting buildup that takes heavy duty scrubbing to remove. We’ve even got a trick that will help to keep the dirt from being attracted to your baseboard heaters in the first place. Who doesn’t love to make housework easier?!

How to Clean Baseboards: Complete Directions

We’ve created the perfect easy-to-follow step by step instructions for how to clean baseboards. Make sure to print out the directions and put them in your household management binder for quick reference.

The short version of how to clean baseboard heaters:

Clean all the baseboards in the house on the same day. Clean one room at a time.
Bring a vacuum with a tube attachment, a sponge, dryer sheets, and a bottle of antibacterial cleaner or vinegar with you to each room.
Vacuum the dirt out of the radiation fins first (these are inside the baseboard and look like a bunch of metal pieces side by side standing upright). -or-
If you don’t have a vacuum with a tube, use canned air (the kind used for computer cleaning) to blast out the dust from the fins.
Next, spray the sponge with cleaner and wipe down the outside of the baseboard.
Once dry, rub the outside of the baseboard with a dryer sheet to keep dirt from settling on the baseboards.

Click now to read the full directions for how to clean baseboards . Now get started cleaning your baseboard heaters and come back next Tuesday for Clean This Today to transform your house into your Home Ever After ! If you have more energy and want to try more extra cleaning projects today, then go back to our Clean This Today list.

Many homeowners attempt to clean baseboards with only a sponge. If dirt and dust has accumulated on the baseboards, then moisture will only trap grime in the grooves of the wood or metal. This is why it is important to vacuum the baseboards before cleaning.

Consider adding “clean baseboards” to your regular cleaning schedule in order to ensure that this task is done at least once a month. It will greatly improve the look of your home.

Don’t have time to clean baseboards? Call your local branch of The Maids! We are here to help you keep your home spotless!

Getting Rid of Mold and Mildew in the Bathroom

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 13:35:10 GMT

Mold and mildew are common problems in many households, and it is especially common in the bathroom. Bathrooms with showers are particularly susceptible to mold and mildew growth because the steam creates excess moisture, and moisture is what causes mold and mildew to develop.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps that one can take to rid their bathroom of mold and mildew. Fighting mold and mildew with acids is one great way to combat the problem. There are also various methods for preventing mold and mildew from growing as well, and all of these steps are simple to take. The following article from Mrs. Clean explains the best methods.

How to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew in the Bathroom

If you're having trouble getting rid of mold and mildew, you're not alone. Mold and mildew thrives in dark, damp places with high humidity and low ventilation, so it's the bane of every bathroom cleaner.

Mold and mildew will grow in the shower, on the tub, tiles, walls and floor. It grows quickly in areas with standing water, but given enough time and the right conditions, mold and mildew will even grow on shower curtains and painted walls too.

Soap scum, skin and body oils (yuck!), and any other decaying material- even rotting wood or certain chemicals will fuel its growth in the right environment.

Here's exactly how to clean it all up and keep it from coming back!

Regular Cleaning:

Vinegar and Water:

Mold and mildew will not grow in an acidic environment. Plain white vinegar is a mild acid, it kills mold and mildew and makes the environment less hospitable for further growth.

Because vinegar is a natural deodorizer, once it dries the bathroom will not just look better, it will smell better too.

Start by using a mixture of 50/50 white vinegar and water. Pour ½ cup of each into a spray bottle and shake. Spray on all of the surfaces in the shower, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes and then wipe it all down with a damp sponge.

Vinegar and Baking Soda:

Baking soda added to the cleaning solution has the added benefit of being a mild abrasive, and provides additional deodorizing power.

Mix ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda in a bowl and stir gently. Take a sponge and spread the paste on the shower walls, and allow it to stand for 10 minutes or so. Use a sponge or plastic bristle brush to scrub it down and rinse completely with warm water.

Heavy Duty Cleaning:

Vinegar Only:

If you are cleaning a heavy build up, use 100 percent undiluted plain white vinegar. Pour it in a spray bottle, spray the shower and let it stand for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a pot scrubber with plastic bristles, grout brush or an old toothbrush to clean it up before rinsing and wiping it down.

Chlorine Bleach: Dilute ¼ to ½ cup of household bleach per each gallon of water used. Spray on the tiles and scrub with a plastic bristle brush. When you are finished scrubbing, rinse completely to remove all traces because any remaining bleach will make surfaces very slippery.

Note: Use caution when using bleach. Bleach is highly alkaline and will burn you just as easily as an acid will. Wear a pair of rubber gloves and protective goggles to keep any splashes out of your eyes.

If you're working in a very small bathroom without much air circulation, turn on the fan, open a window and you might want to wear a mask.

Never mix bleach with any other cleaner especially ammonia, as this will create potentially deadly fumes.

Preventing Mold and Mildew: There are things you can do to prevent mold and mildew regrowth. The way to do this is to change the environmental conditions in the bathroom: reduce dampness, increase air circulation and light.

1. Reduce Humidity: Use the fan when bathing or showering, and leave it after you are finished until all traces of dampness are removed from the air.

2. Increase Light: Keep the light on, open the window curtains to let the daylight in.

3. Increase Air Flow: Open the window if you can to let some fresh air in. This will increase air circulation which reduces odors as well.

4. Keep it Dry: If you make it a habit to dry the tub or shower after using it the mold and mildew will not have a chance to grow. A small squeegee is really helpful in removing all traces of water after showing.

5. Keep it Clean: An after shower wipe down also removes remaining debris on the shower or tub walls and floor so there will not be a food source for it to grow on.

If mold and mildew are prevalent problems in your bathroom, be sure to take the correct steps towards preventing more mold and mildew appearing in the future. One great way to prevent shower moisture from growing mold in your bathroom is by opening a window during and after showers.

Need more assistance with your mold and mildew problem? Contact The Maids. We’d love to help you with any of your home cleaning needs!

Speed Cleaning in a Pinch

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:41:07 GMT

Cleaning is often a task overlooked in a busy household. Sometimes it may seem as if you have no time for anything but the essentials (eating, sleeping, and working)… and who wants to spend free time on the weekends scrubbing floors and vacuuming?

Fortunately, it has been found that if you stick to a schedule, cleaning takes less time and the house will stay cleaner for longer. One way to make this schedule work within your busy agenda is by carving out a time every day for speed cleaning.

The following article from Just Mommies outlines the best speed cleaning methods in order to keep your home clean in less time. Knowing the best speed cleaning techniques is also beneficial for those times when unexpected visitors arrive. With these speed cleaning tricks, the home will be comfortable and clean again in no time!

Speed Cleaning: Tips & Tricks to Get Your Home Clean in a Hurry

Who has time for thorough housecleaning these days? With these speed cleaning tips, you’ll be able to clean your home in record time with surprisingly satisfying results. If you don’t have time to speed clean your entire home, pick one or two jobs – dusting, cleaning the bathrooms – and do those throughout the house, then take on the next few tasks during another speed cleaning mission.

Speed Cleaning: Clean Your Home From Top to Bottom

When you set aside time for speed cleaning, don’t allow any distractions. Gather all the cleaning materials you’ll need beforehand – you don’t want to interrupt your speed cleaning to run to the store for rubber gloves or a can of cleanser. (When you’re done, put everything back in a handy spot for next time, and make sure to replace any products or supplies you’ve used up.) Many cleaning professionals believe it’s wisest to move in a top-to-bottom path, whether you live in a multi-level home or you’re speed cleaning rooms in an apartment or smaller house. Clean, then dust, then vacuum. Carry a basket or storage tub with you to gather clutter that can be put away later – or, better yet, tossed in the trash! Set a time limit for each room and stick to it; spending too much time in any one room will sidetrack your speed cleaning strategy. If there’s a major cleaning project that needs to get done, make a note to do it at another time. If an area in one of the rooms is already clean, don’t waste time making it cleaner. If there’s just one dirty place on a large surface (a refrigerator door, for example), clean just the spot, not the entire space. When you’ve finished each room, move on and don’t go back; you don’t want to sabotage your speed cleaning by bringing dirt back into a room you’ve already cleaned!

Speed Cleaning: Company’s Coming

Whether you know in advance or you get a last minute call from friends or family unexpectedly in town, it’s happened to everyone – company’s coming and you’ve got little or no time to straighten up. Speed cleaning can do the trick in under an hour. Gather up all those magazines and other papers and clutter and put it all in a cupboard or closet or big basket you can squirrel away in another room. Look around the living room for obvious dust bunnies and give just that area a quick wipe. Sweep or vacuum just the floor in the room you’ll be visiting with your guests. Wash any dirty dishes in the kitchen or load them into the dishwasher. You can even stash some loose items in the dishwasher while you’re speed cleaning – but remember to take them out before you turn it on later! Wipe off all kitchen surfaces to give your kitchen a fresh, clean look. Do the same in the bathroom, paying special attention to the mirror and toilet. Consolidate and take out the trash. Close the doors to rooms your impromptu guests won’t be going into. Spray some air freshener, or light scented candles in the entry way for a welcoming touch. One thing you can do in advance is keep a set of storage tubs on hand and label them with the names of each family member. As you zoom through the house or apartment doing your speed cleaning, toss loose articles into their respective tubs. If you don’t have individual tubs handy, toss everything into one big container while you’re speed cleaning and worry about putting it all away later.

It is important follow the methodology of a professional housecleaner in the instance of speed cleaning, and always clean from top to bottom as well as be prepared with all cleaning supplies. Addressing your home from top to bottom will help you avoid having to clean anything twice (like when the crumbs fall on the floor, you can catch them by vacuuming afterwards).

If speed cleaning does not allow for enough time to get your house to its optimal appearance, perhaps it is time to consider hiring a cleaning service. Contact The Maids today and we would be happy to help you improve your living space.

Getting Rid of Stubborn Household Odors

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 13:48:42 GMT

No one likes an unpleasant smell. Household odors can affect the rate of happiness and comfort in your home. It can be embarrassing to welcome someone into your home when they are struck with a foul odor. Fortunately, we have a list of ways to get rid of various household odors. These stubborn household odors can actually be removed by a variety of common household items. The following article from Yahoo! explains how to get rid of these common household odors in full detail.

How to Get Rid of Household Odors

Household odors caused by cooking, pets, smoking, and dampness can make an otherwise clean home seem neglected, smelly, and anything but clean, especially when the home is for sale or when guests unexpectedly arrive. Although it's sometimes necessary to clean and make necessary repairs get rid of recurring household odors, it is possible to get rid of some household odors with a few easy home remedies and helpful tips. Try the following ideas to get rid of unpleasant household odors, and make your home appear as impressive as possible to guests, potential buyers, or anyone else who steps inside.

Freshen a Musty Basement

If your basement smells musty due to a serious moisture problem, only waterproofing and other repairs will provide a long-lasting solution, but if your basement simply requires a little freshening to get rid of everyday household odors, try the following easy solution. You'll need several shallow pans, 20 pounds of odor-absorbing clay cat litter, and several boxes of baking soda.

Fill each pan with approximately 3 pounds of litter and one box of baking soda. Thoroughly combine the baking soda and the litter, and place the pans around the basement. After about 2 weeks, replace the litter and baking soda with a new batch. Recycle the old litter and baking soda, and save it for oil leaks or spills in the garage, or for wintertime emergencies when you need a little extra traction in the driveway.

Cinnamon Nutmeg Stovetop Air Freshener

Are unpleasant household odors taking over your home? Get rid of them! Make your home smell absolutely heavenly with a mixture of nutmeg, cinnamon, and ordinary tap water. Simply measure a tablespoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of nutmeg into a saucepan of hot water, and let it simmer on the stove. Keep an eye on the water level, and add more as necessary to prevent the pan from becoming dry during evaporation. Your household will smell as if you've been baking cinnamon bread or another aromatic treat.

Cooking Odors

Celery leaves are usually discarded, but if you plan on cooking cabbage, fish, broccoli, cauliflower, or other typically pungent foods, save the leaves from your stalks of celery and put them to good use. Place fresh clean celery leaves over strong smelling foods as they cook, and household odors won't be nearly as unpleasant.

Smoky Carpet Odors

Household members who smoke indoors, or those who have visitors who smoke can easily get rid of bad household odors in carpeting without getting out the carpet machine. For really strong or unpleasant household odors caused by smoke, allow the baking soda to set on the carpets undisturbed overnight. Otherwise, allow the baking soda to remain on the carpets for about an hour before vacuuming. The carpets will smell much fresher, cleaner, and free from bad odors.

If you like the scent of freshly dried linen, flowers, pine, or other scents available in store-bought carpet fresheners, make them go a lot further by combining them with baking soda. If possible, pop the top off of carpet freshener to add baking soda, or create your own can by poking holes in the lid of an empty potato chip canister. This is an easy way to get rid of household odors caused by smoke.

Charcoal

For miscellaneous household odors, get rid of them with ordinary charcoal. This is by far the easiest way to get rid of household odors. Place open bowls of ordinary charcoal briquettes behind furniture, in smelly cabinets, under beds, and other inconspicuous locations that could use a little freshening. You will greatly lessen or even eliminate bad household odors with very little effort or expense.

Whether your household odor problem appears only when you cook pungent foods, or your carpets are infused with the smell of cigarette smoke, you are now armed with the knowledge of how to get rid of these household odors. Soon your home will smell lovely again.

If you would like more advice on cleaning your home or would like to enlist professional assistance in getting rid of stubborn odors, please contact your local branch of The Maids. We are happy to help you freshen up your living space.

How to Clean Your Glass Stovetop

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 13:58:20 GMT

A glass stovetop can bring an air of class to an otherwise drab kitchen. Also with a glass stovetop, you do not have to worry about removing grime beneath raised burners, so a glass stovetop typically retains its sleek look. However, a glass stovetop is easier to damage by scratching and must be cleaned with a specific method in order to prevent it from becoming a streaky surface. However, with the right know-how about how to manage your glass stovetop, your kitchen will look spotless in no time. The following article from She Knows How-To describes the best methods keeping a clean glass stovetop.

HOW TO... CLEAN GLASS STOVETOPS

A clean glass stovetop is aesthetically pleasing and will add a smooth and fresh look to your kitchen décor. Cleanup is easy if you follow a few simple steps.

STEP 1: WHAT YOU'LL NEED

In order to clean your glass stovetop you will need cleaning supplies that are used only for your stove. These include: a sponge, soft cloth, paper towel, dish soap, vinegar, and a specialized scraper for glass stovetops.

STEP 2: DAILY CLEANING

Make sure that the stovetop has completely cooled down before you begin to clean the exterior. Use a soapy water mixture on a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface; repeat the process if required. Rinse thoroughly and use a paper towel or a soft cloth to buff it. A daily cleaning ensures that a glass stovetop looks spotless at all times.

STEP 3: GREASE AND GRIME

To clean a build up of grease and grime, apply dish soap with a sponge to wipe the glass stovetop. You may need to repeat the process if it is really grimy. Rinse the stovetop with a clean, damp cloth and use a paper towel to completely dry the surface. Water stains that might leave a mineral deposit can be removed by using full strength vinegar. You could also buy a special cleaner for removing grease from a glass stovetop

STEP 4: BURNED ON RESIDUE

Sugary spillovers need to be cleaned immediately. Turn off the stove and remove hot pots. Do not use abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, steel wool, or a brush as they may scratch the surface of the glass or leave a residue.

Wear an oven mitt and use a single-edged razor blade, scraping at a 45-degree angle. The scraper can be purchased at a hardware store, just make sure that it is for a glass stovetop. Delicately scrape the spill using a bit of pressure. Any remaining residue should be cleaned once the stove has totally cooled down. Do not use the stove until the entire burned on residue has been removed.

STEP 5: CLEANING THE STOVETOP SEAL

To clean the seal around the edges of the glass, lay a wet cloth over the top; wait for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. Dry it with a paper towel.

Before you begin to clean your glass stovetop, it is also a good idea to read the owner's manual that it came with. The manual will provide you with safety information to prevent damaging the glass surface or yourself. Some models may require specific store bought cleaning creams and polish.

The most important thing to remember when cleaning your glass stovetop is that the surface must be completely cooled before you come in contact with it, as the water may damage the stove, not to mention the glass stovetop could burn you. Also be sure not to place anything on the glass stovetop before it has cooled completely, as it may damage your cookware or the cookware may scratch the glass.

If you can incorporate a daily wipe down into your cleaning schedule, the glass stovetop will retain its like-new gleam and you will soon realize the beauty of owning a glass stovetop.

If you need assistance maintaining a clean home, please contact The Maids. We would be more than happy to help.

Cleaning Tips for Busy People

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:11:26 GMT

Home cleaning can often be one of the last things on the mind of a busy person. However, a cluttered, messy home only elevates stress levels in the life of an already overworked person and home cleaning needs to be completed at some point. Many do not understand that an organized schedule and the right cleaning tips can actually cut down on cleaning time and free up time as well as help you retain a cleaner home.

So many different cleaning tips already exist that it can be difficult to sort through the clutter of various cleaning tips in order to find the type of cleaning schedule that fits your lifestyle. This is why we have provided you with the following guide from Yahoo! . It brings together all of the best cleaning tips for busy people as well as provides a cleaning schedule for the busybody follow. This schedule only requires twenty minutes per weekday in order to maintain a spotless home.

Home Cleaning Schedule and Fast Cleaning Tips for Busy People

A 20-Minute Five Day a Week Cleaning Schedule

Let's face it. You're busy. You are trying to do a million things at once. Aren't we all? Has your home cleaning schedule fallen by the wayside and you're too embarrassed to let people past your front door?

I think I've finally found the answer. After spending time searching the internet, I've found the best of the best cleaning tips and methods, and mixed them together to create the ultimate cleaning schedule for the busy person. I mean really, who likes cleaning all day on Saturday? I should mention, these cleaning tips are for someone who doesn't have to search for the floor in their living room. If you have a lot of extra stuff lying around, you may want to check out flylady.net. After you've "decluttered," check back!

I've organized my home cleaning schedule monthly, weekly, and daily. Within one month, my home is completely clean, and I'm ready to start my schedule again. All it takes is 20 minutes a day to tackle the tough stuff.

Home Cleaning Schedule

Daily
Every morning when I get up, and right before I go to sleep, I have a routine that I stick to. It really doesn't take up much time, but doing this can help speed things along. Although this is not included in the 20 minutes, this takes no more than 10 minutes a day, and easily can become second nature. I've put these cleaning tips in order of how I accomplish them during my day.

Make bed - 30 seconds
Put away clothes and jewelry from night before - 30 seconds
Swipe toilet (I only clean out the inside if it looks dirty) -30 seconds
Wipe bathroom mirror with Windex wipe -15 seconds
Wipe bathroom sink with GreenWorks Wipe -15 seconds
Spray shower with shower spray - 5 seconds
Wipe fingerprints off table in living room - 5 seconds
Wash, dry and put away dishes -5 minutes
Sweep floor - 1 minute

The longest part of this list is obviously washing the dishes. If you are severely pressed on time, you can always use paper. I've found the easiest way to keep the dishes in control is to wash them as you use them. Otherwise, by dinner time, you can wind up with a big, uninspiring pile.

Second Nature
Some parts of my home cleaning schedule, are things that I don't really think about, but just do. These also help to cut down on clutter and allow you to spend only 20 minutes a day cleaning.

As I mentioned already, wash the dishes as you use them
Wash laundry on the go (either throughout the day over the week, or all at once at a laundromat)
Pick up your stuff whenever you leave the room
Sort the mail as soon as you get it

These are all a part of my daily routine. As for weekends, sometimes I do them, sometimes I don't. I enjoy sleeping in on the weekends, and generally have found my home cleaning schedule to get in the way. Home cleaning can be enjoyable, and even a bit Zen-like, but there are so many fun things to do. Who wants to clean all the time?

Weekly & Monthly

Okay, here come the biggies, my Weekly and Monthly home cleaning schedules. For the week, I have my days divided like this:

Monday-Home Sprint
Tuesday-Special Room(s) Day
Wednesday-Bills
Thursday-Home Sprint
Friday-Declutter

As you can see, Saturday and Sunday are not here. Why? Because I don't like cleaning on the weekends. Monday thru Friday, I organized my home cleaning so that I only need to spend 20 minutes to keep my home sparkling. You can too! Let me explain what each day means.

Home Sprint
Monday and Thursday are my Home Sprint days. On each day, for 20 minutes, I focus on completing ALL of the following:

Cleaning the Fish Tank
Dusting
Wiping all mirrors with a windex wipe
Wiping all door handles and light switches with a GreenWorks wipe
Wet Swiffering the kitchen floor
Emptying the trash
Watering the plants
Vacuuming

In only 40 minutes a week, I can race through all of these. I bet you can too!

Special Room(s) Day
Every Tuesday is Special Room(s) Day. This is actually my entire monthly schedule, right here! Each Tuesday of each week, I focus on a different section of my home, for a total of four sections.

Week 1: Porch & Kitchen
Week 2: Bathroom & Study
Week 3: Living Room
Week 4: Bedroom

For 20 minutes, I'll focus some particular parts that need a deep cleaning, like the inside of the kitchen trash can, or polishing the silver in the living room. For busy people who have more rooms, you don't have to just limit yourself to 4 Weeks, take a few extra if you need. The idea here is to only clean for 20 minutes and then STOP. You'll be surprised at how much of a focused home cleaning you can do in just 20 minutes. If you need a more in depth list on how to clean these areas, check out Flylady.net. She talks about something called "Zone Cleaning" which is similar to this idea, and she has detailed cleaning lists and cleaning tips that are great for people that aren't sure where to start.

Bills
Every Wednesday is Bills Day. I consider paying my bills to be a part of my home cleaning schedule, as it is simply another home chore that needs to be done every week. If I don't have bills to pay that week, I may take those twenty minutes to focus on budgeting, or researching financial advice. Most folks wouldn't include this with their cleaning tips, but it's a vital part of having a home!

DeClutter
Every Friday is DeClutter Day. On this day, I basically run around my home throwing stuff away, or putting stuff back where it belongs. However, because I'm constantly on autopilot (see above) there really isn't all that much to declutter, and 20 minutes a week is all it takes for cleaning schedule!

I promise you, if you stick to these cleaning tips and home cleaning schedule that you will never again have a messy home. You may find over time you will need to adapt these cleaning tips to fit your own lifestyle, but make sure that you find something that is doable for your busy self! Good luck!

By incorporating some of these cleaning tips into your everyday routine, it is possible to maintain a perpetually tidy living space even with a hectic life. Many people who have not read these cleaning tips will overestimate the time that it takes to wipe down a counter or apply shower spray. Once you have created a complete schedule from the above cleaning tips, your day will no longer be bogged down by attempts to catch up. Better yet, you will no longer have to spend any time cleaning on the weekends!

Perhaps the best part of the above cleaning tips is that the schedule may be adapted to any calendar or lifestyle. Depending on the scale of your living space, twenty minutes per weekday may even be excessive for maintaining a spotless house.

Still feeling overwhelmed by a dirty home? The Maids are here to help those who do not have time to clean. If you would like to learn more about our maid services or would like to hear more cleaning tips, please contact us.

Holiday Cleaning Tips

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:18:06 GMT

Most people don’t enjoy cleaning, least of all during the holidays. Why stress about holiday cleaning when the important things lie within spending time with family and friends? This holiday season, it’s time to stress less about the mess and get down and dirty with some helpful holiday cleaning tips. Hopefully by the end of this article, you will have these holiday cleaning tips down to a science and you will never fret over hosting again. The following article from Breeze Concierge has some great holiday cleaning tips that will leave you beyond thankful.

If holiday cleaning has you down, these tips for getting your home sparkling clean can help you get your house in tip-top shape in time for those family parties and neighborhood get togethers. Holiday cleaning can be very time consuming during an already busy and sometimes stressful season. Learning a few time-saving cleaning tips and tricks is a welcome gift for any busy family or individual.

Holiday Cleaning Tips

1. How to Clean Christmas Tree Sap and Needles. Bringing home a live Christmas tree can make your home smell wonderful, but it also leaves behind a sticky trail of pine tree sap and discarded pine needles. Sweeping up pine needles with your vacuum can ruin your sweeper, and cleaning up sap leaves your hands with a sticky, dirty residue that is nearly impossible to remove. For pine sap, try cleaning your floors and hands with a slightly damp towel with a few drops of olive oil. If you don’t have olive oil available, try using baby oil, Vaseline, or WD-40. Instead of sweeping up loose pine needles with a vacuum or broom, try looping a large piece of duct tape or masking tape over your hand. You can either wear light gloves to protect your hands from the needles or cover your entire hand with looped tape. Dab the needles from your floors and carpet with the tape and discard directly in the trash. You may need to wipe up any remaining residue with a little olive oil to remove any sticky spots.

2. How to Get Rid of Refrigerator Odors. All those Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner foods and leftovers can leave your fridge a little less than fresh. To prevent smelly odors in advance, try lining your crisper drawers with newspaper and place a new box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda (open) in fridge and freezer. Make sure all foods are sealed or covered, and put a washcloth under the turkey while it defrosts in the fridge to make clean up easier and prevent smells.

3. How to Freshen Linens Without Rewashing. If unexpected overnight company has you scrambling for fresh-smelling linens, you don’t have to rewash them and distract your guests until the laundry cycle is done to ensure a fresh smelling guest room. Try placing a dryer sheet between rarely used linens and use an open box of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to absorb stale odors. In a pinch, you can toss clean (but stale) linens in the dryer for five minutes with a washcloth moistened with your favorite fabric softener. The heat allows the fabric softener to penetrate the fibers of the linens faster and gives a short-term boost in freshness.

4. How to Clean Toilets Without Scrubbing. In a hurry to get ready for guests and your toilets are less than sparkling? Try dropping a denture cleaning tablet into the bowl and one in the water tank to remove stains and give the bowl a hands-off cleaning.

5. How to Clean Up Quickly After Holiday Decorating. If you’re making holiday crafts or simply stringing garland and glitter bulbs, you may find you’re left with a horrendous mess after the decorating frenzy is over. Attempting to vacuum glitter usual ends up in dispersing it throughout the room, and those little flecks of garland can be dangerous for pets who like to nibble things left on the floor. To quickly and easily clean up after decorating, try running a lint roller over your carpets, furniture, and floors to pick up stray glitter and garland. Peel off the used roller sheets often and keep a small trash bag handy to keep particles from dropping off on your way to the trashcan…

Whether you are preparing for holiday cleaning to get your house ready for guests, or thinking about holiday cleaning for after your celebrating is over, these holiday cleaning tips are sure to come in handy. Also, don’t forget to share these holiday cleaning techniques with friends and family.

Don’t allow holiday cleaning to get you down. We’re here to help! For more helpful information about holiday cleaning tips, cleaning advice in general, or if you need a cleaning service to give you a hand after the holidays, please contact The Maids. We would be happy to assist you with all of your holiday cleaning needs and relieve you from the stress that comes with this time of year. Happy holiday cleaning!

How to Clean Memory Foam

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:25:12 GMT

Memory foam mattresses and pillows are a modern comfort that has improved the backs and bedtimes of many people throughout the country. However, an owner of this miracle material may forget to clean memory foam. You may wonder “how do you clean memory foam, anyway”? Surprisingly, you do not need to hire a professional to clean memory foam. It is easy to clean memory foam at home.

There are two ways to clean memory foam. The first way to clean memory foam involves using dishwashing liquid to get rid of stains, or a vacuum it to erase hair and crumbs. The second way to clean memory foam is to deep clean the foam in order to boost freshness and remove any deep stains.

The following article from Overstock.com explains the best ways to clean memory foam.

How to Clean Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows and mattresses are great investments. They can help you sleep better, ease your back pain and reduce snoring. The biggest challenge you'll face with memory foam is the cleaning process, but learning how to clean memory foam is easier than you think. Check the care label or instructions that came with your memory foam product before you try to clean it, and if it's safe for non-professional cleaning, follow this guide to a fresh, clean piece of memory foam.

Cleaning Memory Foam:

Freshen it up. Lightly sprinkle some borax or baking powder on your topper or pillow. Let it sit for at least 30-45 minutes. This will give the product a bright and fresh smell.
Vacuum. Remove the borax or baking powder with a handheld vacuum cleaner. This will also clean other items off of your memory foam topper or mattress, such as dust or pet hair.
Wet the stains. If you have a stain, wet a wash cloth with warm water and a little bit of dishwashing liquid. Rub the stain in a circular motion. Use a fresh damp wash cloth to press against the area to help dry and blot the liquid out of the foam.
Soak up moisture. Next, place and press a dry towel over the dampened area and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
Dry it. As for drying your memory foam, you can air dry it outside, use an electric fan or place it in a well-ventilated area.

Deep Cleaning Memory Foam:

Place in a well-ventilated area. Place the memory foam item in a well-ventilated area. This will help dry the foam and also keep moisture from getting trapped and creating mold and allergens.
Steam clean it. Use a steam cleaner to extract deep stains. Depending on the size of the memory foam, you can use a handheld steamer or a full-size steaming machine.
Neutralize odors. For a boost in freshness, add a tablespoon of vinegar and lemon to neutralize any odors. Steam the memory foam item from top to bottom in long, slow strokes.
Dry it. Prop the item in a well-ventilated area for 30-60 minutes to ensure it dries completely.

While many people are under the impression that it is difficult to clean memory foam, all you really need to clean memory foam is a few regular household cleaning solutions. As stated in the article above, it is not challenging to clean memory foam.

If you continually keep a sheet or pillowcase over your memory foam, this will help prevent dirt and stains from infiltrating your memory foam. However, some stains cannot be avoided, and this is when you can utilize your newfound knowledge in order to clean memory foam.

Consider adding “clean memory foam” to your seasonal cleaning list to ensure that you clean your memory foam every few months or so. As with regular mattresses, bugs can become attracted to the dirt that accumulates on memory foam, so keeping a clean memory foam will help be sure that your bedroom is pest-free.

As always, be sure to check the product’s cleaning instructions before you clean memory foam using the above methods.

A professional can help deep clean memory foam if you don’t have the time or the means to do it yourself. Please contact The Maids for all of your home cleaning needs. We would be happy to assist you.

Tips for Fall Cleaning

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:37:15 GMT

Everyone knows about the importance of spring cleaning, but what about fall cleaning? Though fall cleaning is not a common household term, it is an excellent way to get your home ready for the holiday season and the cold weather.

You may wonder what should be included in fall cleaning. Surely fall cleaning need not be as in-depth with spring cleaning is already in place. This is true; however, fall cleaning can be a great opportunity to clean the spots that you often miss during the springtime. Fall cleaning also works to prepare your home for the colder months. Consider it “preventative cleaning” for the winter.

The following article from Mother Nature Network gives tips on how to make the most of your fall cleaning. The article also focuses on fall cleaning tips that are environmentally friendly.

Clean sweep: Fall cleaning 101

Looking for a project this last official weekend of summer? Get a head start on fall cleaning tasks — that's right, fall cleaning tasks — that will improve the air quality and energy efficiency of your home when the winter months hit.

Wow. That wasn't too subtle at all. With a few strong gusts of wind, a touch of rain, and some seriously lowered (but still comfortable) temperatures, fall officially blew into my neck of the woods last night. Evidence: I'm wearing socks around the house today.

To mark the occasion, here's a re-post of a few fall-centric eco-cleaning tips and tidbits that I published at around this time last year. As I stressed before, autumn is the season for preventative cleaning so that you don’t spend all winter — when you’d rather be curled up in bed or entertaining holiday houseguests — futzing with mundane household odd and ends. If there are any biggies I forgot, tell me about 'em in the comments section.

So happy unofficially fall, ya'll. Now get to.

The heat is (almost) on

Before firing up your furnace and/or fireplace it’s crucial to ensure that everything is in working order. This way, you’ll lessen the chance of a dreaded “oh my god, something’s wrong and I don’t know how to fix it” situation in the dead of winter and keep you energy costs in check.

Start off with the fireplace if you have one. Make sure that everything is clean and functioning. If it’s been a while since your fireplace has gotten a deep clean and inspection, consider hiring a professional chimney sweep to clean the flue and tackle any repairs, if needed. If your fireplace damper is damaged or nonexistent, install a chimney balloon to keep warm air in and cold air out of your home.

A less daunting task is replacing or cleaning a furnace filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Before you do, sweep or vacuum the area around your furnace. Regular cleaning or replacing of a furnace filter increases efficiently and prevents dirt and allergens from circulating around your home. And while you're at it, sweep or vacuum in and around heat registers to get rid of accumulated dust and dander.

Finally, inspect caulk around windows and doors to ensure that any leaks are nipped in the bud before winter hits. Fall is also a good time to venture up to the attic and check on the condition of the insulation. For inexpensive, DIY "heat in, cold out" tasks that can be performed in fall, check out my “Weatherize this” series where I discuss everything from foam outlet gaskets to attic stair covers to water heater blankets .

The air in there

Since fall cleaning involves efficiently buttoning up your home for the winter, you'll want to make sure that the air inside your home is as clean as possible — obviously, as fall turns to winter you're going to be doing a whole lot less window opening to let fresh air in. As described above, ensuring that your primary heat sources are clean is one step but you should also clean or replace the filters of any air purifiers or humidifiers. It wouldn't hurt to introduce a few new air-purifying houseplants to your home, too.

And while you clean, take a good look at your arsenal of cleaning products. Many conventional cleaning remedies contain caustic chemicals that can compromise the indoor air quality of your home — oven cleaners , toilet bowl cleaners , and drain openers are top offenders — so consider replacing them with plant-based alternatives or inexpensive DIY concoctions (more on this, below).

Yesterday’s pit-stained t-shirt, today’s handmade draftstopper

Need to make room for all those bulky winter sweaters that you’re bringing out of storage? Fall is an excellent time to root through your wardrobe for sartorial castaways and free up closet space.

Since some of your summer clothes and linens may not have survived the season — I’m talking about frayed beach towels and white shirts bearing the stubborn summer stain trifecta of underarm sweat, ketchup/BBQ sauce, and grass — you may not want to donate them or haul them off to a consignment store. For items that don’t make the donation/resale cut, keep them around as cleaning rags or incorporate them into craft projects for when you’re stuck inside in January in two feet of snow.

Nontoxic DIY cleaners: Now is the thyme

Fall’s the time to start prepping the pantry for the holiday baking season and for have-the-munchies-but-too-cold-to-leave-the-house kind of days. While you’re fiddling around with foodstuffs and taking kitchen cabinet inventory, why not experiment with staples like baking soda , vinegar , and lemon juice and make your own natural cleaning and laundering solutions? If you’ve never done it before, you’ll be surprised at their effectiveness (not to mention their money-saving appeal).

If DIY cleaners aren’t your proverbial cup of tea and you’re concerned about the presence of back to school germs in your home, try Method Antibac antibacterial cleaners which includes all-purpose wipes, bathroom cleaner, and kitchen cleaner. Like Seventh Generation’s botanical disinfecting line , Method Antibac products are “powered” by CleanWell ’s effective, EPA -registered thyme-based disinfecting technology.

And if you haven’t already, purge your home of any and all antibacterial cleaning and personal care products containing the dastardly chemical, triclosan .

Not necessarily green but still a good idea ...

Flip mattresses

Inspect (and clean, if needed) the gutters

Vacuum drapes/window treatments and upholstered furniture

Clean the "four C's": carpets, cupboards, chandeliers, and (refrigerator) coils

Wipe down outdoor/patio furniture before storing

Test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

Wash the windows

Polish the silver

Drain and store your garden hoses

Organize your kitchen

Launder all linens and bedding (give cold water washing a shot and/or line drying outdoors before the weather turns too damp/cold).

Consider creating a fall cleaning checklist that you can complete throughout the season so that you aren’t stuck doing all of your fall cleaning on one day. You can combine a lot of the above fall cleaning with winterizing your home, but remember to do any messy DIY projects before you clean your home to avoid doing twice the work.

Once you have completed your fall cleaning, you will be able to rest easy during the cold winter months knowing that the most important fall cleaning tasks are out of the way.

Don’t have enough time to complete fall cleaning in time for the holidays? Contact The Maids. We work year-round to help you with all of your green cleaning needs.

Sofa Cleaning Tips

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:47:19 GMT

The sofa in your home most likely receives heavy traffic from your family and your guests. However, most people never clean their sofa. This may be partly due to the difficulty associated with sofa cleaning. If you are one of those people that never cleans your sofa but would like to learn how, these sofa cleaning tips are for you. Sofa cleaning does not have to be a strenuous task. Rather than trashing an old, worn couch, consider conducting your own restorative sofa cleaning.

The following guide from Cleanmind explains the best sofa cleaning techniques and helps the consumer understand the importance of the sofa cleaning codes listed on the couch’s tag.

DIY Sofa Cleaning Tips

Just try to imagine your home without that old and worn out , but still most favourite sofa of yours? I bet that you can't. It has become an inseparable part of your home interior. You have spent so many happy moments on this sofa that now every time you sit down, you quite vividly remember them, as if it was just yesterday. Besides, your sofa is still in good condition, but only needs a proper deep clean. You might be pleasantly surprised at how astonishing it may look. You can decide to clean your sofa by yourself or hire a professional sofa cleaning London company to help you.

If you want your favorite sofa back, then these sofa cleaning tips will definitely help you. Besides, you can freshen up your sofa, just following several easy to implement home cleaning methods. These tips will help you to remove dirt, dust, and stubborn stains . However, have in mind that you have to be extremely careful, when cleaning your sofa without professional help. If you think that it is beyond your knowledge and abilities to perform this task, you should hire a professional sofa cleaning London company.

The Importance of Cleaning Codes

Before even thinking about any kind of sofa cleaning, it is better to first check the cleaning code of your sofa. Most of the time manufacturers put tags with cleaning codes and sofa cleaning instructions under the sofa's frame. Identifying the code is important, so you can determine what cleaner to use. There are four codes:

“W” stands for water - based cleaners. Usage of such cleaners is considered as safe.
“S” stands for water - FREE solvent cleaners.
“WS” stands for water - based and water - free solvent cleaners are safe to be used.
“X” means that no cleaners should be used for sofa cleaning.

When you have determined what type of sofa cleaning agent you need, you can rent or buy a steam cleaner that works both for carpets and sofas. Hardware and home improvement stores are the best places to look for one. Vacuum your sofa thoroughly before steam sofa cleaning. Thus you will remove any loose particles and dust, easing the process greatly. Allow three to four hours for your sofa to dry.

You can speed up the process by opening the windows in the room.

You can also try to regularly clean your sofa. Not allowing for dust and dirt to accumulate will protect your sofa and extend its lifespan. It will save you both money and time shopping for a new sofa. But if you do not feel capable enough, remember that there are many sofa cleaning companies in London. Why risk ruining your sofa beyond repair?

Now that you understand the language on sofa cleaning codes, you can successfully clean your couch without fear of damaging the fabric. Remember to vacuum before utilizing cleaners during your sofa cleaning to prevent the trapping of dirt.

If you still feel unsure about performing a sofa cleaning without the help of professionals, consider contact your local Maids franchise. We possess all of the cleaning know-how to make your home look like new.

Decorating with Nature

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 14:03:13 GMT

Need some new ideas for decorating your home? Try adopting a transcendentalist outlook and look no farther than your backyard. Natural elements are not only inspirational, but can transform the look and feel of a given room. Not to mention, natural decorating is cheap!

Do not limit yourself to a bouquet of flowers. Let’s think creatively! When it comes to decorating with nature, there are no boundaries, which really allows for innovative thinking! So, it is time to turn to the sublime and find within nature, some great decorating ideas.

As you walk around your backyard, look for rocks with a range of different textures and sizes. They make for a great mantle piece and accent the room with a natural flare. From sea glass to sticks, when it comes to nautral decorating, the options are limitless.

Better Homes and Gardens has great advice for natural decorating. We highlighted our favorite decorating tips below:

Getting Greener

Moss topiary balls introduce a natural look and add texture to this arrangement of elegant objects. Incorporating natural touches, typically seen as casual, does not diminish the formality of a traditional space. Rather, it adds another layer of personality. Opt for subtle additions and you'll maintain your room's sophistication.

Resourceful Recycling

Recycle a collection of glass bottles into an eye-catching mantel display. Gather interesting greenery from outdoors and place each piece in a different jar. Stagger jars according to shape and height, then place a mirror behind the collection to reflect light.

Decorating with Diversity

The beauty of decorating with nature is that the relics complement your keepsakes and flea market gems. Embrace decorating diversity and pair serving trays with shells, photographs, and nature prints.

Conversation Piece

Shelves filled with keepsakes become a cabinet of curiosities, sure to spark conversation with any guests. Cover books with white parchment paper to give them a uniform look. Then pile shells, coral, and apothecary jars on top of and around them for a display with dimension.

Collection Makeover

Give your sand collection a makeover with an elegant twist. Portion out your sand into antique jars and label each one with the location and date. Layer in coral and dried sea plants for an ocean-inspired scene.

Contain Yourself

For a garden-fresh display, assemble a collection of mismatched glassware, along with interesting flowers, greenery, and moss from a garden or floral shop. Arrange your natural finds inside the glassware and group together on a tabletop. Aim for an eclectic collection of natural finds in different heights, sizes, and textures.

Savvy Salvage Finds

For a subtle take on natural decorating, pair primitives with organic forms, such as branches, rocks, and wood. Burnished metal pendants with rope-covered cords set an industrial tone in this dining area. A French hay fork hangs as sculpture on the far wall, nodding to farmhouse rusticity.

Natural decorating adds balance to any given room and let’s be honest, you just can’t beat the price! Whether you are outside playing with the kids or strolling down the beach, keep your eyes pealed for any natural home decorations. Look for natural elements that you can use for natural decorating; you'd be surprised at what you can do with them!

Which natural decorations most resonate with you? We can almost guarantee that nature will inspire within you new home decorating ideas.

How to Make Homemade Candles

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 13:54:25 GMT

Candles are a great accent piece to any room and add an inspiring flare to home decor. Not to mention, the aroma from a lit candle infuses throughout every crevasse of a space. From lemon to orange, a citrus candle can freshen up your living area!

Not to mention, the aroma from a lit candle infuses throughout every crevasse of a space. From lemon to orange, a citrus candle can freshen up your living area!

Have you ever thought about making your own homemade candles? Homemade candles are simple and easy to make. The beauty of making homemade candles is that you can infuse any scent that you enjoy. We have the perfect recipe if you love citrus scents. Have you eaten an orange lately? Or perhaps used a lemon in your cooking? Take the rinds of limes, lemons, or oranges and turn them into homemade candles.

Take a look at Martha Stewart’s step-by-step instructions on how to make lemon-scented homemade candles:

Lemon Candles

Tools and Materials

1 dozen lemon
Knife
Melon baller
Candy thermometer
1/2 teaspoon lemon oil
Wicks
Wick holder
1 pound beeswax
Small paintbrush

Lemon Candles How-To

1. Cut the lemons lengthwise. Squeeze out as much of the juice as possible without tearing the skin. Hollow out the lemon halves with a melon baller.

2. In a double boiler, heat beeswax until melted, about 180 degrees. Check temperature with a candy thermometer. Turn off the heat and add lemon oil.

3. Cut 3 inches of wick; tie a knot at one end. Thread the loose end through a wick holder, and pull so the knot is secure under the holder.

4. Dip the wick and holder with wax until coated; this will stiffen and straighten the wick. Press the wick holder into the bottom of the lemon half to affix. Let the wick dry.

5. Pour the wax into the lemon half, and fill to the edge. Use a small paintbrush to coat the rim of the lemon with wax. Let the candle dry for about 4 hours.

Follow these simple instructions and you will have homemade candles in no time. These citrus homemade candles will certainly make your kitchen table look fabulous and unique.

If you don’t want to keep all the homemade candles for yourself, these citrus candles also make great party favors. Re-kindle those artistic flames and get started on this arts and crafts project of creating your own homemade candles!

Still have some stench that you can't seem to get rid of in your home? The Maids would be happy to help! Contact us today.

Flea Prevention: Natural Ways to Keep Fleas Out of Your Home

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 14:06:15 GMT

Are you prepared to protect your pets and your house from these flea pests? Flea prevention can be done easily and effectively. Prevent fleas from settling down in your house; do not need to resort to toxic chemicals. Before you know it, the April showers will be raining down upon us and soon enough, flea season will be here. Are you prepared to protect your pets and your house from these flea pests? You can easily and effectively use a natural prevention method to keep this pest out of your house. Prevent fleas from settling down in your house. You do not need to resort to toxic chemicals.

There are many natural methods and home remedies, which can be used to combat a flea infestation. Start your flea prevention crusade the natural way, by grooming your pet. Invest in a flea comb and comb your cat or dog’s coat on a daily basis. Also, bathe your pet consistently, using herbal shampoos. While grooming your pet, keep your eyes open for black specks. This may be a sign of fleas!

It is also important to remember that fleas will infest an entire household, not only your pet. Whether you want to take a proactive approach or you want to terminate the already laid flea eggs, make sure you wash your animal’s living space. Clean the cage, bed etc. and be sure to replace the vacuum bag right away.

Take a look at these natural flea control tips we found on Holistic Health News :

How to fight fleas the natural way:

Vacuum your home frequently and seal vacuum bags before disposing.
Wash the bedding of your dog weekly in warm soapy water. This is where fleas usually breed.
Bathing your pet weekly with a mild dog shampoo prevents flea invasion.
Use cedar shampoo for your dog, and put cedar oil in their sleeping mats. Cedar will repel fleas and other insects.
Fleas are attracted to dry skin, so to avoid it, give your dog Linatone oil mixed with its food. Excessive shampooing should be avoided.
A mixture of brewer’s yeast and garlic, available in powder or tablet form can be given in small doses to your pet. This creates a certain odor in pets, and fleas are surely to avoid them.
Fresh or dried pennyroyal leaves is a natural flea repellent. Use this in carpets to avoid the abundance of fleas in the home. Do not use it if you have small children around, as this could be toxic.
A mixture of 60 ml of lavender oil with 2.8 liters of rock salt can also be placed in areas where dogs usually come in contact with and this solution could also be used to wash your dog.
Planting marigolds in the yard is helpful too, it repels certain types of bugs as well as fleas.
Boiled lemon or orange peel in water can be used as a dip for dogs and can be used too to soak in dog bedding for a few hours, then washed with warm soapy water.
Lukewarm water with little shampoo and detergent is a good way to prevent fleas. A dog’s body may be dipped into the solution for fifteen minutes and then rinsed.

This only works if flea infestation is light.

So, before you resort to potent chemicals, take the natural path to flea prevention and control. Natural methods are healthier and better for your family and your pets!

Although fleas are tiny, they are huge pests. If you follow these tips, you can keep them from occupying your living space.

Getting Rid of Allergens in Your Home

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:31:10 GMT

Many allergens exist in our homes, but only certain people may notice, depending on the prevalence of allergies. If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, one great way to relieve some of the symptoms is to rid your home of the allergens that cause these ailments.

The following article from GreenAmerica.org describes the best way to clean specific allergens in your bedroom so that you and your loved ones can live a healthier, happier lifestyle.

The Allergen-Free Bedroom

Improve air quality in your bedroom by combatting dust mites, mold, dander, and more.

We spend an average of 33 percent of our time (eight hours per day) in our bedrooms. And, experts say the bedroom is often the room with the highest allergen content in the entire house.

If you or a family member have allergies or asthma, you might experience a noticeable difference in your symptoms after removing as many allergens as you can from this one room. Here are our best tips for creating an allergen-free bedroom.

What Lurks Under Your Bed

There are five main types of allergens that lurk in the bedroom:

Dust mites: These ugly little microscopic creatures feed on sloughed-off skin cells and congregate mainly in bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, curtains, upholstery, carpets, and storage boxes. It’s actually dust mite waste that triggers our allergies, not the mites themselves.
Mold: Anything damp—from pet bedding to carpets to walls and window moldings—can become a haven for mold.
Animal dander: If you allow your cat or dog to sleep in your room, allergy-inducing proteins from your furry friend’s skin, saliva, and urine—also called animal dander—may be sticking to any available surface. Animal dander also remains airborne for several hours, so it can float into your bedroom from other areas of the house.
Pollen: Pollen is often carried indoors on clothing or on pets. It can also float inside from windows or your central air system.
Cockroaches: The cast-off skins and droppings of these pests are what trigger allergies. Now that you know what allergens could be making you sneeze, it’s time to focus on getting rid of them as much as possible. If you’d like to pinpoint exactly which allergens trigger your symptoms, consider asking your doctor for a referral to an allergist, who can figure out what you’re allergic to through a simple skin test.

Simplify Your Bedroom

Simplifying your life isn’t just good for your pocketbook—it can be good for your health, too. The more storage boxes, books, upholstered furniture, pillows and bedding, and other items in your bedroom, the more places allergens have to hide.

Keep your bedroom as simple as possible. Clear out clutter, and see if you can sell or donate it instead of letting it sit around and collect allergens. Put items you can’t part with in other rooms.

Remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters, and other non washable soft items, if possible.

For children, minimize stuffed animals and other soft toys in the bedroom—they become havens for dust mites. Look for machine washable stuffed toys. Clean those that can’t be washed with a damp cloth, then put in the dryer on a high setting to kill dust mites.

Carpets: A Haven for Allergens

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) recommends replacing carpets with hard flooring, since carpets are notorious for trapping allergens and exacerbating symptoms.

To find environmentally (and allergy-) friendly flooring options, consult our Real MoneyJuly 2003 article, “Eco-Flooring Options,” or check the “Flooring” category of our National Green Pages ™ for sellers of cork, sustainable hardwood, and bamboo flooring.

If replacing carpeting isn’t an option, vacuum floors at least weekly with a machine that has a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. (Standard or water-filtered vacuums just stir up allergens.) Vacuum furniture and curtains as well.

Several green companies offer nontoxic allergen-reducing sprays, detergents, and cleaners for carpeting, upholstery, and more. (See below.)

Steps to Reduce Allergens

Use the following suggestions to expunge each of the five main types of allergens from your bedroom:

To dispel dust mites:

Encase mattresses, box springs, comforters, and pillows in airtight, zippered plastic or special allergen-proof fabric covers. These are widely available at national and specialty stores, as well as from the socially and environmentally responsible businesses listed in the resource box on this page.
Avoid down pillows and comforters, if possible, as they attract dust mites. If you choose to use them, encase them in allergen-proof covers.
Wash sheets and pillow cases weekly in hot water to kill dust mites—the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) says temperatures lower than 130°F will not kill mites. (You can still save energy by rinsing in cold water, and by washing your other items in cold water.)
Vacuum weekly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Dust weekly with a damp or electro-static cloth to pick up dust, rather than dispel it. Wear a dust mask while cleaning to minimize symptoms.

To combat pet dander:

If your pet allergies are significantly reducing your quality of life, or have become life-threatening, the only way to truly get rid of dander is to find your pet another loving home with someone who is not allergic to it. The AAAAI says that even keeping your pet outdoors exclusively isn’t a complete solution, since homes with an outdoor pet have been found to have a higher concentration of pet dander inside than homes without a pet.
If you choose to keep your beloved pet, the best way to minimize allergens is to keep your pet outside in an environment that meets its health and social needs. If your pet isn’t the outdoor sort, at least keep it out of your bedroom at all times.
Replace bedding and carpeting that has animal dander on it. “It can take weeks or months for fabrics to come clean of allergens, and animal allergens may persist for a year or more,” says the AAAAI.
Bathe your pet weekly—studies have shown that weekly baths can minimize dander.
Vacuuming does little to reduce pet dander, since vacuums don’t clean the very bottom levels of the carpet where dander collects. A HEPA vacuum may help somewhat. As with dust mites, the best solution is to install hard flooring, if possible.

To minimize mold:

To keep mold out of your home, keep dampness out. Repair and seal any leaks, and keep humidity levels below 50 percent (see the next section, “For All Allergens,” for more information).
If you discover mold, clean it promptly with a solution of water and a non-ammonia soap or detergent. Remove any carpeting or wallpaper contaminated with mold.
If the soap or detergent doesn’t eliminate the mold, and you can’t remove the contaminated materials, some green companies, such as Sneeze.com , offer nontoxic mold removers. As a last resort, a solution of water and five percent chlorine bleach may kill stubborn mold. Keep in mind, however, that chlorine bleach may react with organic compounds in drinking water to produce carcinogens and other toxins, according to the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition.
Keep houseplants out of your bedroom.
If you don’t have pollen allergies, open doors and windows periodically and use fans to increase air movement.

To reduce pollen:

Bathe before going to bed to wash pollen off your skin and hair. Leave the clothes you wore all day in a hamper outside your bedroom.
Avoid line-drying your clothes outside, as they will collect pollen. Instead, invest in a folding drying rack and dry your clothes indoors to save energy.

To control cockroaches:

Block areas where roaches could enter the home, including cracks, windows, and outside doors and drains.
Keep your home meticulously clean, especially the kitchen. Store food in airtight containers, clean counters and sweep the floor after meals, and put away pet food after your pet eats. Vacuum frequently, and take out trash and recycling daily.
If you think you need to call an exterminator, first try employing the less-toxic roach control methods such as: "The Pesticator" (an ultrasonic device that is supposed repel mice and roaches, available from www.global-instruments.com ), borax for carpets and cracks (use caution around pets and children), products from the "Pest Control" section of our National Green Pages ™, and pest-control companies that use less-toxic methods (for a list of questions to ask such companies, click here ).

For All Allergens

These steps will help reduce all five allergens:

Filter your air: Though no studies have proven that indoor air filters help clear out allergens, many people with allergies attest to their effectiveness. The NIAID recommends talking to your allergist about the best type of air filter to use. Having your air ducts cleaned has not been proven effective against allergies, says the AAAAI.
Bring in plants: Indoor plants are great air filters, so unless you have mold allergies, putting plants in your home can reduce allergens.
Keep humidity levels low: All five allergens thrive in humidity, so keep humidity levels below 50 percent by repairing leaks and using a dehumidifier. If you live in a very humid climate, you may need to turn on your air conditioner to reduce humidity and, therefore, your symptoms.
Clean your house: In addition, keeping your home, especially your bedroom, as clean as possible will go a long way toward keeping allergens at bay. Use nontoxic cleaning products, which can be found at your local health food store or in the National Green Pages ™, to avoid chemical irritants.
Avoid toxins: “Those with allergies and asthma should avoid airborne irritants, including tobacco smoke, aerosols, paint, perfumes, cleaning products, or other strong odors or fumes,” says the AAAAI.

Of course, none of the advice we’ve given is intended to replace evaluation of your symptoms by a physician. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your doctor.

--Tracy Fernandez Rysavy

Depending on the type of allergies you or someone in your home suffers from, you may need to invest some time in deep-cleaning or even replacing some of the furniture and carpets in your home. Thankfully, this article has provided a variety of “green” methods of cleaning your bedroom in order to avoid the introduction of toxic chemicals in your home.

If you would like more advice on ridding your home of allergens or would like professionals to take care of the cleaning for you, please contact The Maids.

Indoor Gardening: Health Benefits of House Plants

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:25:07 GMT

The health benefits of indoor gardening might have you putting “house plants” on your shopping list.

Enjoy the health benefits of growing indoor house plants!

In today’s hectic world, it can be tough to stay healthy and eat right. As a society, we are becoming more conscious of the foods we eat, the exercise we get and the way we live our lives.

Growing your own garden can have a wealth of benefits for your health, and those realizing this truth don’t always have the outdoor space to host a flourishing garden filled with fresh vegetables.

The solution: growing a garden indoors! Indoor house plants are not only beautiful and provide you with fresh nutrients, but they improve the indoor air quality in your home.

Plants can do anything! Whether you want to naturally freshen the air in your home, stock your fridge with fresh vegetables or enjoy the inviting atmosphere of house plants, you should definitely consider growing and indoor garden. The following article from Masters in Health Care explains the various benefits of house plants and indoor gardening.

15 Fabulous Health Benefits of House Plants

Just about everyone knows that plants are great for producing oxygen and contributing to a zen feeling in any environment. But did you know that they can clinically reduce stress, fight colds, remove contaminants, and even stop headaches? Read on to find out about the great health benefits associated with house plants.

Plants can help fight colds : Indoor plants have been shown to reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30%. This is due to their effect of increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust.
Plants can remove airborne contaminants : We breathe the same air again and again, potentially inhaling harmful substances that are trapped inside. Indoor plants can help to remove pollutants including VOCs that cause headaches, nausea, and more.
Plants can stop your headaches: Filling your home with plants can decrease or eliminate headaches. With plants, you’re much less likely to be breathing the kind of stuffy, stale air that contributes to headaches.
Plants can make you happy : House plants can contribute to a feeling of wellbeing, making you calmer and more optimistic. Studies have shown that patients who face a garden view in their hospital rooms often recover more quickly than those facing a wall.
Plants can improve your mental health : Caring for a living thing can help when you’re depressed and lonely, giving you a purpose in life.
Plants can decrease your blood pressure : People with plants in their homes have less stress, and plants have been known to contribute to lower blood pressure.
Plants can reduce carbon dioxide : During photosynthesis, plants draw carbon dioxide from the air. Removing this substance can help prevent drowsiness from elevated levels.
Plants can offer treatment: Some indoor plants, like aloe, can be applied to skin and offer pain relief.
Plants can prevent allergies : Exposing children to allergens such as plants early in life can help them build a tolerance and immunity to the allergen. It works like a custom allergy shot, naturally.
Plants can negate cigarette smoke : If you are a smoker or live with one, a plant may help you remove the airborne chemicals from cigarettes. In particular, the Peace Lily is a good choice for this health benefit.
Plants can make your brain work better : Potted plants and flowers can improve your idea generation, mood, and more.
Plants provide clean air : In addition to filtering chemicals, plants also put out clean air, improving the air quality around them.
Plants can clear congestion: Eucalyptus in particular can help clear phlegm and congestion from your system. In fact, eucalyptus is often found in congestion remedies.
Plants are natural humidifiers : Instead of buying a humidifier machine to soften the air, just bring in a plant or two.
Plants can improve your sleep: Gerbera daisies give off oxygen at night. Filling a vase in your bedroom with these flowers can improve your night’s rest.

Even large companies are realizing the benefits of having indoor plants in their offices. They relize that plants can increase employee morale, plants can increase productivity and and plants can increase health benefits.

Growing house plants is one way to clean and freshen your air, but learn about other ways you can improve your indoor air quality. Oh, and we know one more way you can clean not only your air, but your entire home: The Maids !

Citrus Cleaning: Freshen Home Naturally With Lemons

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 10:13:29 GMT

Natural cleaning takes on a new meaning when you do it with lemons.

Cleaning with lemons sounds crazy, however nearly every space in your home can be cleaned with lemons – from your windows to your laundry, lemon juice is a natural cleaning product that can be used to fight toxins and kill germs . And chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re looking for more ways to take a natural, eco-friendly approach to your cleaning, and what better to do that than with lemons?

If you’ve been on the lookout for natural cleaning recipes that are geared towards cleaning with lemons, you’ve come to the right place. Cleaning with lemons is made easy with this article from Mother Nature Network . Read below to learn some fantastic ways to freshen and clean your home naturally with lemons!

24 things you can clean with lemon

This green cleaner and natural disinfectant has a wonderful smell, and best of all, you probably have one in your refrigerator right now.

How could the versatile lemon be associated with things that don’t work well? High in citric acid, lemon juice one of the best natural cleaners due to its low pH and antibacterial properties. Lemons also smell great and aren’t likely to cause damage to materials around what you are cleaning such as fabric or wood.

When cleaning with lemons always rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth afterwards. One of the very few things you can’t clean with lemon juice is anything that is brass plated as the juice will damage the item. Aside from that, here is a list of items that can be cleaned with lemons.

1. Use a half lemon and salt to clean even the most heavily discolored brass (real brass, not brass plated). Be careful with antiques. Always test a small spot before scrubbing away.

2. The same method can be used for copper items such has copper bottoms of pots.

3. You can also shine up your chrome faucets or the chrome on older model cars with lemon and salt.

4. Diluted lemon juice not only cleans stains from cutting boards, but helps kill germs as well. Rub the juice full strength onto the stain and let sit until the stain fades. Can be left overnight, then rinsed well and dried.

5. Use lemon juice and an old toothbrush to scrub grout.

6. Clean your microwave and remove odors. Place a cup 3/4 full of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave. Heat to boiling. Don’t open the door for another 10 minutes. Then just wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry.

7. Put a dilute solution of lemon juice in a spray bottle to clean laminate counter tops. Rinse with water and dry afterward.

8. Scrub grills and grates with lemon juice and salt.

9. Soak plastic food storage containers in dilute lemon juice to remove stains and odors. Add baking soda and scrub, rinse and dry.

10. Remove rust stains from cotton and polyesters. Make a paste with lemon juice and cream of tarter and rub the mixture into the stain. Let the item sit for about a half hour, and then wash as normal (test before use).

11. Sanitize your garbage disposal. Pour a gallon of hot water mixed with a half cup of lemon juice down the drain. This tip is from Hometalk.com member Ann from Conyers, Ga. (Hometalk.com is a social network dedicated to home improvement.)

12. Brighten your clothing by soaking clothes in a hot water and lemon juice mix (about a half cup per gallon of water) and then wash as normal. Works best if laundry is then dried in the sun. Lemon juice should not be used on silks or other delicate fabrics. If you are uncertain, test a tiny area first.

13. Add a few drops of lemon juice to your dish soap to boost degreasing ability.

14. Remove odors from your refrigerator with a half lemon on a saucer. Change once a week.

15. Clean food preparation smells from your hands with a dilute solution of water and lemon juice.

16. Remove grease stains from clothing. Rub lemon juice into the spot and let sit overnight and then wash as normal.

17. Clean windows and mirrors. Put a few tablespoons of lemon juice and water into a spray bottle. Works as well as a vinegar solution and smells better.

18. Keep your toilet bowl fresh. Place a half cup of lemon juice in the bowl and swish with a toilet bowl brush.

19. Sanitize earrings by placing them in a saucer of lemon juice.

20. Unclog your drain with a mixture of baking soda followed by lemon juice. The foaming action will clear minor clogs.

21. Clean hard water stains on glass shower doors with half a lemon.

22. Clean mineral buildup on tea kettle and coffee pots by boiling lemon slices in the pots. Allow the mixture to sit for an hour or two, and then rinse and dry.

23. A dilute lemon juice rinse for your hair cuts soap residue and leaves hair softer and shinier. A dilute lemon juice rinse for your hair cuts soap residue and leaves hair softer and shinier.

24. Lastly, you can make a facial scrub of sugar and lemon juice for cleaner, softer skin

This article was reprinted with permission.
It originally appeared here on Networx.com .

Want more citrus cleaning tips? Here are a few more natural cleaning recipes featuring lemons:

Clean wooden furniture and floors. Mix one part olive oil to one part lemon juice, then rub liquid in with a soft rag.
Polish black or tan leather shoes. Apply lemon juice and buff with a soft cloth.
Wash dishes with a citrus sponge. Hand-wash your dishes with half a lemon and baking soda… this is your sponge!

The Maids take a healthy, natural approach to cleaning with every single visit. Learn about our natural cleaning methods . We understand that cleaning with chemicals places harmful toxins into the air we breathe at home and onto everything we touch, so cleaning with lemons actually sounds like a great idea. Keep your home fresh and healthy with natural cleaning products that do the job and smell fantastic.

Enjoy the fresh feeling of citrus even if you don't necessarily want to clean with lemons!

Window Cleaning For Natural Light: How to Clean Windows With Vinegar

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:16:25 GMT

Cleaning windows is a simple way to reap the benefits of natural sunlight. Cleaning windows with vinegar is a natural way to let natural light shine through your home.

Since the generation of electricity is one of the largest contributors of pollution in the U.S. it’s only natural that we should try to reduce our use of artificial lighting .

The benefits of natural lighting are far reaching, and cleaning your windows with vinegar is the easiest way to let that natural sunlight seep into your home... in a very natural way.

Consider vinegar window cleaning your natural solution to any lack of natural light in your home.

Here are some tips for cleaning windows with vinegar provided by care2.com . Learn how to clean your windows with vinegar and enjoy all the glorious benefits of having the sun shining into your space.

3 Ways to Clean Your Windows with Vinegar

Finally the days are becoming clear and sparkling, although I’d be hard-pressed to tell if I were to rely upon the blurry view from my winter-grimed windows. How do windows become so speckled and what can one do about it?

One of the earliest DIY housecleaning formulas that the media latched on to way back when was to clean your windows with vinegar. Remember that? It was a good idea, the only problem was, according to Annie B. Bond , that years of using commercial products left a residue on windows that wasn’t adequately handled by the vinegar. The result? Streaky windows and a lackluster reputation for homemade housecleaning formulas.

So if you are looking at the world through dirty windows and want an inexpensive and natural way to clean them, you might need a tweak on the simple vinegar formula. Try one of these methods depending on your situation.

First time with vinegar

If you are going to clean your windows with vinegar for the first time, you need to add an extra ingredient to help combat the residue left over from commercial products. Here is Annie’s formula:

2 cups of water
1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
1/2 teaspoon of liquid dish soap or detergent
Combine in a labeled spray bottle, spray and wipe.

Normal dirt

Once you have removed any waxy residue with the liquid soap formula, you can begin using a diluted white vinegar solution for normal dirt.

1 cup white distilled vinegar
1 cup water

Combine in a labeled spray bottle, spray and wipe.

Very dirty

If you have extra dirty windows, or windows with dried paint or hard-water mineral spots, try warming up full-strength white distilled vinegar and applying it directly to the windows.

What to wipe with?

As for what to wipe with, what’s best? To avoid streaks it’s important to dry the window as quickly as possible once you have cleaned it. Many normal cleaning cloths can leave a small flurry of lint, not ideal. Paper towels are lint-free, but are too wasteful. Some people swear by newspaper–it is lint-free, and the texture of the crumpled paper can work well on grime. But if you don’t like the feeling of newspaper ink on your hands, or if the ink smudges your white window frames or sills, you’ll need something else. Squeegees are good because you only need one towel to wipe and they really do conquer streaks once you have the technique mastered. I find that microfiber cleaning cloths work well on just about everything, including windows. What do you use? We’d like to hear, leave a comment.

Did you know you can use lemons to clean your windows , too? There are a lot of natural ways to clean your windows and let the natural light in!

Windows look best when they’re cleaned on a regular basis… but do you not have the time or desire to commit to a consistent window cleaning schedule? You can trust your team of maids to polish your windows to a sparkling shine that brings the outdoors in, every time. Enjoy all the benefits of natural light with our window cleaning services .

Cleaning Microfiber - The Right Way

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 10:54:51 GMT

Microfiber is a durable, resilient fabric commonly used in furniture, towels, and clothing. Its plush feel and appearance makes it a desirable material. However, when faced with a difficult mess, microfiber may not look its best. Depending on the color and type of microfiber that you are use, stains may turn your lovely sofa into an eye sore. No worries though, cleaning microfiber is much easier than you think. In fact, after you’re finished cleaning microfiber, it practically looks brand new!

When cleaning microfiber, remember that all microfiber is not created equal. There are various types of microfiber fabrics. Before cleaning microfiber, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s label. Their directions are the best to follow when cleaning microfiber.

However, when you’re cleaning microfiber it is important to keep in mind that gentle soap, water, elbow grease, and an upholstery brush can keep your fabric looking new. The following article from Squidoo.com has tips to make cleaning microfiber easier.

Learn About Cleaning Microfiber Furniture and More

Microfiber is a very attractive, popular fabric for furniture, clothing, and even towels and cleaning cloths. But, what about cleaning microfiber? What's the best way to clean and care for your microfiber furniture and upholstery?

On this page we'll provide information about cleaning microfiber couches, chairs, sofas or other furniture and tell you how you can do it yourself - and when you shouldn't. From getting rid of little stains on your microfiber recliner to what you need to deep clean your microfiber sofa , we've got you covered. Cleaning microfiber is easier than you might think, so let's get started.

How to Clean Microfiber

First rule of cleaning microfiber furniture: Follow the manufacturer's instructions! (Better safe than sorry.)

Your microfiber furniture probably came with information and instructions on how to clean the upholstery . Check this information first!

If you can't find the manufacturer's instructions (or even if you can), keep these points in mind:

Microfiber is a man-made polyester fabric and gentle soap, water, and the right upholstery brush are usually all you need to keep it clean.
Always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot.
When spot cleaning microfiber, use a soft cloth to rub in a circular motion. Let the surface dry naturally, then brush with soft bristles to lift the microfibers and restore the original feel of the microfiber fabric.
To avoid creating a spot, clean the area in a circular motion from the outside in.
For deep cleaning a microfiber sofa, chair, or other furniture we recommend a machine such as the Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Compact Deep Cleaner with its spray cleaner and strong suction.
For best results , clean spills as soon as possible after they happen. Obviously, set-in stains will require more work and more time to clean.
After cleaning, let the fabric air dry.
When in doubt, consult a professional. Better safe than sorry!

RECOMMENDED: OxyDeep Stain Remover by WooliteWorks on more than just carpet.We used Woolite Oxy Deep Oxygen-Activated Stain Remover to clean a food stain on our microfiber love seat. It worked great, lifted off the stain, and didn't leave a mark. Your results may vary and we aren't going to make any promises or guarantees, but it worked for us!

From the manufacturer: "Permanently removes tough set in stains like red wine, food stains, fruit juice, pet messes, mud/dirt, ink, chocolate, coffee/tea, blood, grease, and more! Eliminates household stains and odors like garlic, onion and fish. Safe for all colorfast carpet and upholstery."K2R Spotlifter for Cleaning MicrofiberAlso recommended for spot cleaning microfiber upholstery.K2R Spotlifter is a very popular quick-drying product made to clean carpets, dry-cleanable clothing, and upholstery fabrics such as microfiber. This product is recommended by satisfied customers who have used it to clean their own microfiber furniture and have given it glowing reviews.

If you follow proper instructions, cleaning microfiber can restore your fabric to look like new. Many avoid cleaning microfiber because they fear it will destroy the fabric. This is preventable by paying attention to the manufacturer’s label. TLC explains the variations of microfiber. On the tag you will see either a S,W,S/W, or X. Each of these stands for a different protocol for cleaning microfiber.

Type S means that cleaning microfiber should be done with a water-free solvent. If your label has a W, clean your microfiber with a water-based solvent. S/W means the fabric can be cleaned with either a water-based or solvent cleaner. An X means that cleaning microfiber should be done with a vacuum. Brushing the surface regularly is another method used for type X microfiber. Doing so will help hide stains. Follow this protocol when you’re cleaning microfiber for the essential upkeep to the appearance and maintenance of the material.

An additional tip to cleaning microfiber is that regular upkeep with a vacuum can evade stains. On couches, use blankets to prevent stains from reaching your microfiber. Laying down a blanket also helps avoid odor that can easily get trapped in microfiber fabric.

For more information on cleaning microfiber or other cleaning tips in general, please contact The Maids. We would be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

How to Naturally Clean an Oven

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:09:34 GMT

Many have the misconception that harsh chemicals are the only method to clean an oven. However, common chemicals used to clean an oven are hazardous to your health. Accidentally touching, inhaling or ingesting these chemicals used to clean an oven can have severe effects. However, there are better, more natural solutions you can use to clean an oven.

To initially avoid messes, line your oven with aluminum foil or use a cookie sheet to dodge spill overs. This will minimize the frequency and amount of time it takes to clean an oven. When a solvent is needed to clean an oven, you can use some basic items found in your kitchen, are Baking soda, lemon, and white vinegar are common products that fight grime and dirt. These products can be combined a multitude of ways to clean an oven and remove grease, clean up spills, remove odor, and cut down on elbow grease. To learn how to properly clean an oven with theses household items, read the following article from MNN.com .

How to clean an oven naturally

A cheesy casserole bubbles over at 450 degrees, and what's left in your oven is a tar-like black sludge that seems like it might require heavy-duty chemical oven cleaners to tackle. But toxic conventional cleaners aren't your only choice to make an oven gleam like new. Learn how to clean an oven naturally with safe, gentle ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.

Avoid chemicals in conventional oven cleaners

Many conventional oven cleaners seem to miraculously dissolve even the toughest baked-on messes after just a few minutes. There's a good reason for that: they're usually made with extremely corrosive ingredients. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oven cleaners typically contain lye (either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.)

Lye may be effective, but it's also dangerous. It can burn your eyes and skin, and can be fatal if swallowed, so it's not a safe product to have in your home, especially if you have young children.

Prevent oven messes that are tough to clean

The first step to a clean oven is prevention. Try placing casserole dishes on cookie sheets while baking to keep sauces from spilling over onto oven surfaces. You could also line the bottom of your oven with aluminum foil if you're cooking a dish that's likely to make a mess. Wipe up any minor spills immediately to keep them from hardening into a mess that's tougher to clean.

How to clean an oven naturally

It's easy to make non-toxic oven cleaners yourself with basic ingredients like baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar. These natural oven cleaning solutions are frugal, effective and totally free of harmful chemicals and caustic ingredients.

For grease, mix non-toxic dish soap like Seventh Generation Free & Clear Natural Dish Liquid with water and scrub with a sponge. Natural dish soaps contain cleaners derived from plant sources like coconuts to dissolve fats.

To tackle bad smells, squeeze two lemons into a baking dish filled with an inch of water and toss in what remains of the lemons. Place the dish in the oven and bake it for 30 minutes at 250 degrees. Not only will your oven smell like lemons instead of scorched food, the citrus oils will soften gunk on oven surfaces, making it easier to remove.

Burnt-on food and elbow grease

For burnt-on food, sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the oven and then spritz it with water from a spray bottle. Let it sit overnight and then remove it in the morning with a sponge, and most of the gunk in the oven will come out with it. If baked-on spills still remain, sprinkle on some more baking soda and then add a little bit of white vinegar. Let the bubbling mixture sit for 30 minutes, then scrub.

To remove the cloudy residue that has made a glass oven window nearly opaque, try mixing baking soda and lemon juice into a thick paste. Rub it onto the door, leave it for half an hour and then scrub, and the glass will be clear and shiny again.

Finally, for those situations where elbow grease just doesn't seem to cut it, don't be afraid to use the self-cleaning function on your oven if you have one. Self-cleaning ovens heat up to temperatures that can reach 900 degrees Fahrenheit to burn off spilled food. While this process uses a lot of energy, it's offset by the fact that self-cleaning ovens are double-insulated, reducing your overall energy consumption from regular use. Just try not to use it more than once a year or so.

If you follow these tips, you will be out of harm’s way when it’s time to clean an oven. Avoiding the use of chemicals in order to clean an oven will benefit your own health as well as the health of your household. Cleaning has become a major focus in our push towards a greener world. Harsh chemicals may seem like an easier approach, however, they are unsafe to clean an oven.

Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon provide natural alternatives to clean an oven. Also, these ingredients can be used in a variety of ways to clean an oven. You can leave baking soda overnight, mix baking soda and vinegar leave on mess, bake lemons and water to get rid of odor, or mix baking soda and lemon to remove opaque windows.

Minimize time spent to clean an oven by cleaning messes immediately. Messes that sit over time are harder to remove. In addition, if you know the dish that you are baking will be messy, try to catch it with aluminum foil or a pan. Aluminum foil works best because you can dispose it after you’re done using the oven.

For more information on how to clean an over or other cleaning tips in general, feel free to contact The Maids.

Clean Baby Toys With Homemade Cleaning Products

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 11:19:04 GMT

Parents must clean baby toys frequently. Baby toys get dirty easily, thanks to all of the slobbering, throwing, and every day wear that your baby inflicts on these toys. If your child is teething, they will be putting toys in their mouths all of the time, making them susceptible to germs. At this age you will need to clean baby toys on a constant basis. Many common cleaning products contain harmful chemicals—chemicals that should not be used to clean baby toys.

The best remedy to this is to make your own, baby-safe cleaning products to clean baby toys. That way your child can feel free to teethe all over the clean baby toys and you will not have to worry about the baby ingesting chemicals.

The following article from Make-Baby-Stuff.com enlists some great cleaning recipes for baby safe cleaner, as well as describes how to clean baby toys made from various materials. Learn how to clean baby toys the safe and money-savvy way.

How to Clean Baby Toys Naturally with Homemade Cleaning Products

Learn how to clean baby toys using natural (and affordable!) ingredients. Skip the bleach and other dangerous chemicals and even skip the expensive "natural" product brands. Make your own using these recipes!

Once you have a baby you start looking at your home environment in a whole new way. You look at those chemicals under your kitchen sink suspiciously. Dangerous! Bad for the environment! Bad for baby! Remember those headaches you'd get when you'd scrub the tub with a bleach based product? Bad. Very bad. Who would want to introduce those chemicals into baby's environment?

Luckily, there are baby safe cleaning alternatives, and I'm not talking about spending a fortune on natural cleaners either. (although those are nice too) I'm talking about going back to basics, learning how to clean baby toys like our great-grandparents did...don't worry, you can keep your vacuum.

How to Clean Baby Toys - Teethers, plastic and wood toys. Most all "hard" toys fall in this category. When your baby is in the "putting everything in the mouth" stage you'll want to wipe down her toys more often. Just think, the toys lay on the ground most of the time. Would you want to put something in your mouth that sat on the floor for a week? They also get covered in saliva (and even food if baby just ate) and handled by other babies during play dates, etc. Maybe the dog even sits on one or two. Ew.

1 Cup Water, 1 Cup Distilled White Vinegar

Mix together equal parts distilled white vinegar and water for a cheap toy cleaning solution. I put it in a spray bottle and just spray a little on a cloth and then wipe down the toys. The vinegar smell goes away completely after it dries and it doesn't leave any residue on the toys. Vinegar is edible...but you can clean with it too!

How to Clean Stuffed Toys - Stuffed animals, fabric mats and fabric toys fall into this category. These too get mouthed and can even stain. Please follow the washing directions on the tag for how to clean baby toys. However, if there are no directions or the tag is long gone there are still some gentle cleaning methods you can try. Washing Machine with Vinegar & Baking Soda - Yes, you can throw most fabric toys and stuffed animals into the washing machine and they'll be fine if the material and content is cotton or polyester blends. For heavily stained or soiled stuffed animals sprinkle them with baking soda and wash, adding 3 capfuls of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Most fabric and stuffed toys can also be tumble dried on low.

Wool Toys - If your wool toy is "felted" you can simply wash it in the machine in a pillow case or net bag. If not, you need to take special care when washing. Spot cleaning is ideal, especially for things like Waldorf dolls or knitted wool stuffed animals. To spot clean, use a mild wool soap and a damp wash cloth and let air dry.

For very heavily soiled wool toys you can also hand wash using a wool soap and then lay in a sunny window to dry. Do NOT tumble dry wool toys unless they have already been felted.

Sunning Out Stains on Whites - Our beloved white teddy bear had seen better days but I didn't want to use bleach on it. I finally gave "sunning" a try and was surprised by how well it worked! Lay white toys (this works well on cloth diapers or stained cotton onesies too) in direct sunlight and the stains disappear in a few hours.

Really! For really tough stains spritz a bit of lemon juice on the stain and then put in the sun. Like magic!

Now that are aware of the proper way to clean baby toys without the use of toxic chemicals, you can rest easy knowing that you have safe and clean baby toys in your home. Even just a few squirts of fresh lemon juice can clean baby toys as well as store-bought cleaners.

If you would like to learn more about utilizing natural cleaning products throughout your entire home, please contact The Maids.

Protect Your Kitchen Against Wasted Space

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:13:13 GMT

Kitchens always look spacious and clean on the Food Network; no wonder cooks spend all day smiling in them. So how come your kitchen never looks like the ones on TV? The biggest issue in your kitchen is probably all of the wasted space. Organizing your kitchen cabinets is a great way to utilize the once wasted space and make your kitchen a happy place again. Wasted space in a kitchen is the enemy of the cook, so figure out what items you really need in your kitchen (maybe your piles of old cookbooks that you’ve never opened need to go) and get rid of wasted space.

Wasted space appears anywhere in your kitchen. Wasted space on the counters, wasted space in the cabinets, wasted space in the drawers, and even wasted space in the refrigerator. These tips from the Container Store can give you a nudge in the right direction to eliminate your kitchen’s wasted space.

Organize Your Kitchen Cabinets

Often the biggest problem with standard kitchen cabinets in the home is the inefficient use of space. Shelves that have been installed by the builder are often spaced too far apart, leaving wasted space between stored goods and other shelves. Here are some helpful hints to assist in tackling this wasted space and make cabinets 100 percent more efficient.

When choosing an organizer, keep in mind that you want to divide the space. A free-standing stacking shelf placed on the current shelf gives you two complete shelves, where before you had only one. A much more efficient use of your space!
When organizing cabinets, you’ll find that you’ll save yourself a great deal of time (and even money) if everything is easily accessible. You don’t have to spend hours searching for that box of cornstarch you know you had somewhere and you won’t have to go out to buy a new box. A good idea is to group like items together in small bins and label the contents or even select bins that you can see through for quick identification.
Look for products that are specifically designed to tackle the hard-to-organize items in a kitchen pantry. Choose racks to keep the lids to your pots and pans (and even plastic food storage containers) under control. Your lids will be easily accessible and won’t spill out each time you open the cabinet.
Canned goods can pose problems in your cabinets. Because of the depth of the shelves, stacking the cans one in front of the other is just not practical! You will forget what you’ve got stored in the back because you can’t see it. Choose a tiered shelf organizer that provides you with a full view of your canned goods.
Many customers complain that spice storage is the biggest problem in their kitchen cabinets. Spices used most frequently can be stored on a countertop spice rack. To preserve the freshness of spices used less frequently, store them in a cool, dark place, preferably away from the stovetop.
Many times there is wasted space because cabinets are built so deep. A quick and easy solution to cavernous cabinets is to add sliding drawers. Made in a variety of sizes and styles, sliding drawers are mounted to the manufactured shelf and rest on gliders so that they can be easily accessed. These allow you to bring the back of the cabinet up front and center.
If you have a door in your pantry or kitchen area, don’t neglect that often wasted space. Our elfa Door & Wall Rack is designed to fit onto the back of a door. The system’s flexible baskets provide you with extra storage space for canned goods and other dry foods, cleaning supplies and even bottles of soda! The rack will ease the overcrowding in your cabinets and make it possible to have everything at your fingertips.

After reading these tips to fix wasted space in your kitchen there’s no reason you can’t get into your kitchen and be the next Rachael Ray, especially since you can find your EVOO easily now.

Now that you’ve tackled the wasted space in your kitchen, cleaning the rest of your house can be next on your agenda. If the rest of your home looks too daunting, you can contact The Maids to do the work for you.

Tips for Washing Walls

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:26:19 GMT

You are staring at the wall in a battle of wills. To wash or not to wash; who will break first? You will probably ignore them for a while. Why wash something that isn’t that dirty? However, your walls are probably dirtier than you believe. Washing walls is usually preluded by the accumulation of dust, dirt, houseguests, pets, and the artistic toddler. However, slaving away on a part of your home that you never expected to clean may make you feel a bit like Cinderella. While this article from Yahoo! may not get you a handsome prince or glass slippers, but it will make washing walls a lot easier.

Cleaning House: Tips for Washing Walls

Make the Job Easier

Are you thinking of repainting your painted walls because they look dingy or dirty? If you're otherwise happy with the color and condition of your walls, you don't have to paint them. Washing walls is by far the cheaper alternative, and with helpful tips, it's really very easy.

Washing walls is a task no one enjoys, but hiring someone to wash dirty walls is almost as expensive as hiring a professional painter. Fortunately, there are very useful tips for washing walls that make the job much less of a chore. These tips will help you rid your walls of dirt and grime, and you'll have them looking like new in no time!

Tips to Make a Difficult Task Easier

Have you ever washed walls or something else high above and ended up with dirty soapy water running down your arms? Water running down your arms and soaking your clothes is very uncomfortable to say the least. Prevent water from running down your arms by wearing terrycloth wristbands. If you don't have terrycloth wristbands, pin rolled washcloths around your wrists. They'll catch the water long before it has a chance to reach your armpits.

For best results, wash the walls with white absorbent rags. The dye in colored rags can bleed into the cleaning solution and onto the walls. This is especially true of the typical red shop rags sold in home improvement and hardware stores.

Having to constantly change the water is one of the most time-consuming aspects of washing walls, and if you don't change the water, you'll be adding rather than removing dirt from walls. This is one of the best timesaving tips for washing dirty surfaces. Make the job easier on yourself by filling one bucket with cleaning solution and one bucket with clear water. Use the second bucket to rinse the dirty rag or sponge during the washing process. Your cleaning solution will go much further while washing. Ask a family member to help change the water when it becomes necessary so you don't have to stop what you're doing.

Although it might be tempting to start at arms height, always start washing at the top. If you don't, dirty water might run down onto areas you've already cleaned.

To Rinse or Not to Rinse?

Some cleaning products require rinsing while others don't. One of the most useful tips is using your own judgment when deciding whether or not to rinse. Look for streaks after a test area has dried. Inspect walls at an angle in different variations of light, and look for telltale marks. If you find streaks, it will be necessary to go over the walls with clean rags and clear water. Dry the walls with absorbent white rags or towels for a beautiful streak-free finish.

Don't Forget the Baseboards

Tips for washing walls sometimes fail to mention baseboards. The baseboards collect a lot of hair, dust, and grime, so take the time to wash the baseboards while washing walls. Your home will smell clean and fresh, and your walls and baseboards will shine.

Washing walls can be a hassle, but cranking up the music or listening to a book on tape can make the task of washing walls a bit more enjoyable, even if there isn’t a prince at the end of it.

Washing walls with these tips will make your home look newer than the day you bought it. While washing walls may seem like an easy task now, the rest of the house may need the help of The Maids. Or, if washing walls seems unappealing to you, the Maids would be happy to clean your walls for you. Please contact us for more information.

The Benefits of Green Cleaning

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:36:09 GMT

Green cleaning has been in style lately as people become more environmentally conscious and aware of the dangerous chemicals that prove to be hazards in their homes. Thankfully many alternatives to these toxic products exist.

Some people may still be skeptical of green cleaning and wonder how much of a difference green cleaning products have on the environment and the home. The following article from EZineArticles.com ( http://EzineArticles.com/1957627 ) proves that most regular cleaning products are toxic. The article outlines the reasons that green cleaning is better for your world and your family.

Do You Know the Benefits of Green Cleaning?

Any family can benefit from green cleaning. When you clean green, you do not use any harmful chemicals or abrasive products in the cleaning process. Imagine the benefits of having bleach quality clean floors without having to have the harmful toxins contained in bleach in your home. Of course, when you consider green cleaning supplies, you also need to consider the benefits to the overall environment. These supplies are non-toxic, but they are also environmentally safe.

The family will benefit from green cleaning products in a number of ways. Here are some of those ways to keep in mind.

Allergies Reduced

Many families find that their children are suffering from allergies, even though their family history does not necessary say that there are no allergies. In some situations, chemicals found within cleaning products contain allergens. Bleaches, toxic cleaning sprays and other chemicals used to clean the home commonly contain a variety of ingredients specifically able to cause or trigger allergies in people. Children and the elderly are most likely to suffer from them, since they have weaker immune systems, but anyone can suffer from them. Most people do not make the correlation between the allergies and the chemicals, though.

Less Toxic Risk

Many chemicals contain toxins, including poisonous elements, cancer causing irritants, skin irritants, and harmful products for your respiratory system. Each of these is likely in your cabinet right now. They are there at the risk of a child drinking them. They can also be a risk of inhaling these products when they are sprayed into the air or applied to surfaces. There are many instances where you can easily ingest products that are unhealthy for you that contain chemicals on them. Even trace amounts of some chemicals can and do build up in your system, with the potential to lead to heart and lung conditions, including cancers.

More Risks Examined

There are many other risks associated with traditional cleaning products. These are some of the reasons you should consider green cleaning. Even if you do not do the cleaning yourself, but hire a professional cleaning service, the key is to look for the "green" factor.

Chemicals applied to counter tops or sponges will rinse down the drain into the water sources for your home. If there are a large amount of chemicals being used, the fumes from those chemicals can be dangerous coming up from the drain. Inhaling them can have immediate effects.
Some chemicals have extraordinary risks associated with them when individuals are exposed to them. A chemical called alkyl phenol ethoxylate is commonly used in many types of surface cleaners. You may use it to clean your tabletops or the cabinets in your home. In some lab studies, there is evidence that these products wind up in water sources where they cause reproductive effects in wildlife.
You may be asking, then, why should you buy green products? The answers are everywhere. No matter if you are to buy green cleaning products or you hire a professional company using green cleaning products, the key is to have them in your home instead of having other, more potentially dangerous chemicals in your home.
When you clean green, you avoid exposing your family to the harmful toxins in many of these products.
You reduce the environmental impact of your home and family on the environment around you.
You are using non-hazardous products, those that provide your family with safety even when you do turn your back for a second and your toddler climbs into the cabinet.
Buying products that are green cleaning products is also much less likely to use as much packaging and these products are often biodegradable.
Sometimes, you can reduce your costs by not having to purchase costly products.

Clean green one way or the other. Call on your local service company to provide you with the green cleaning you need. Be sure to purchase only products that have been tested to be safe to use within the home. You will be happy you did when your family's health improves from the lack of chemicals in the home.

Gone are the days when you have to open all of the windows in order to prevent passing out while bleaching the floor. Inhalation of toxic chemicals is not a problem when you are green cleaning. The article illustrates the danger found in non-environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Green cleaning does not need to costly. While you can purchase green merchandise in your local stores, the internet also has a wide array of resources for homemade green cleaning products.

Don’t have time to clean your home? The Maids proudly offers a 22 step green cleaning system, as well as a multitude of other green cleaning services. Contact us today for your professional green cleaning needs.

Steps to an Organized Home Office

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:25:20 GMT

Working from home is a great alternative to working in an office building, but oftentimes remote workers find themselves settling into an unorganized home office. It can be easy to allow disorganization and untidiness when you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder. However, clutter can often cause focus to stray. Your goal should be to have your organized home office as clean as you would keep any other office.

Set aside a space for an organized home office, don’t just do work in your kitchen table or in your bed. Carving out a separate space will help you quickly switch into work mode when necessary. Your organized home office must be contained in one space to help you avoid the distractions lurking in other areas of your house. A single file cabinet in your organized home office should suffice for the concentration of files and papers. Along with physical files, it is important to organize your electronic files as well in order to keep an organized home office.

The following article from LifeOrganizers.com (http://www.lifeorganizers.com/cm_articles/19_10_easy_steps_to_an_organized_home_office_154.html) lists ten simple steps to creating an organized home office. Follow these tips and you will own an organized home office that maximizes your productivity.

10 Easy Steps To An Organized Home Office

From personal and business filing to adding a personal touch to your home office, making your home office your personalized and efficient space can do wonders for productivity.

Without the structure of an office outside of our homes, it is easy to scatter anything work related all over the house. We still need to complete our work in a timely and efficient manner. After all, the less time we spend working, the more time we have with our family. An organized home office will make for a faster and more pleasant workday. Here are a few ideas to get you and your home office organized.

1) Do you have a home office? You don't necessarily need an entire room, but you should have a well-defined space to contain all your office essentials and files. A desk in your bedroom that will hold your files, paper, pens, calculator and of course computer will do fine, especially in the beginning. If your "office" consists of the dining room table, some of the drawers in your kitchen, a file cabinet in the basement and the computer in the bedroom, you may want to think about organizing everything in one spot. Are you spending a lot of time searching for a particular document, running from room to room to find it? Consider moving all your files and papers to one central location, preferably close to the computer if that's where you are doing the bulk of your work.

2) Keep your personal files and papers separate from your business things. You will eventually have enough paperwork to deal with without having your personal bills, magazines and the kids' after-school schedule mixed in there. Create a separate spot for those somewhere outside of your home office space.

3) Create a file system that works for you. Remember, you may be working for someone else, but when it comes to your home office, you are your own boss. Think about how you look for a particular file or piece of paper. What will be the easiest way for you to find it? Then create a file system that works for you. Don't worry, if you don't get it right the first time, you can always resort and try again. Sooner or later you will come up with a system that is "just right" for you.

4) Take a good look at your work area. Do you have piles of papers, files, mail, floppy discs and CDs lying around? Do you notice anything else piling up? Set aside a few hours and put everything away. Use your new file system and find "homes" for anything else.

5) Now that you have your office organized, set aside a few minutes at the end of your workday to keep it that way. Try to "leave work" for the day with a clean, empty desk. You will appreciate it the next morning. This will also prevent you from ever coming across a huge pile of papers again.

6) Add a personal touch to your office. Bring in some pictures of the kids; add some pretty plants, inspirational quotes, or anything else you can think of that will make your office a pleasant place to work in. In addition to getting and keeping you in a good mood whenever you step in your office, you are more likely to keep it clean and organized if it is a place you treasure. So splurge a little on some special office décor.

7) Let's talk about the files on your computer. You can waste just as much time searching for an online document as for a piece of paper. If your computer is used for work as well as for personal use, create a work folder and use subfolders for particular employers, projects etc. Again, come up with a file system that works for you and keep your work files separate from your personal files. This is particularly important if other family members access the computer as well. If that's the case, and you are using Windows XP, I strongly recommend setting up a separate user account just for work and password protecting it. This will prevent other family members from accidentally changing or deleting your work files.

8) In addition to your regular files, you also want to keep your emails organized. Let's be honest, we have all wasted time searching for a particular email that contained some vital information we needed fast. Setting up folders for different clients and projects has worked well for me, but again find a system that works for you and stick with it. Sort the email as soon as you read it. It only takes a second or two to drop it in the appropriate folder, but will save you a lot of time if you have to find it later.

9) Now that you have a good filing system (both physical and digital) in place, set aside a little time every few months (or weeks if appropriate) to purge your files. We can quickly accumulate a lot of documents both in our file cabinet and on our hard drive that we no longer need. At the very least, try to purge your files twice a year.

10) Now that your office is organized, you may also want to take a look at organizing your time. Again, come up with a system that works well for you.

I encourage you to start with a few of these ideas to get your office and yourself more organized . You will be surprised by how much time you will save not searching for files, papers or the stapler. Before long, you won't know how you ever functioned without an organized home office.

Since you are working in your own space, you are free to change and rearrange your methods as many times as necessary in order to achieve an organized home office. If one manner of organizing doesn’t seem to work for you, try something else. Take mental note of what systems work well for you and which ones don’t. Soon your organized home office will be your own personal power station.

As stated in the article, try to clean up at the end of every workday so each morning you can return to an organized home office. The absence of clutter will help reduce stress.

It is also important not to allow distractions in your organized home office (kids, non-work related phone calls, checking Facebook, etc.). Try to discipline yourself the same way that you would in an office building and don’t allow your personal life to interfere with your specified work time (unless of course, there is an emergency).

An organized home office not only will take some time to consolidate, but you must also remember to continue the upkeep of your organized home office. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the chaos or have trouble keeping a clean, organized home office, please contact The Maids and we would be happy to help.

How to Treat Stains in Your Home

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:51:15 GMT

Stains have many sources; anyone or anything can cause a stain, but the question is: how do you go about getting rid of each kind of stain? One thing that is important when we treat stains is timing. As soon as you know a stain has been made on clothing, curtains, furniture or the carpet, be sure to act immediately. The longer you wait to treat stains, the longer the stain gets to set into the fabric.

We can also categorize a given stain based on what it is made of, and as long as we know that, we will know what exactly to use to treat stains of all kinds.

Wine stains are thought to be some of the worst, but you will be prepared to treat stains like this if you follow this guide.

There is no need to panic when you find a stain. There are many ways to treat stains, and if you follow these tips from the Editors of Consumer Guide ( http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-remove-stains-and-spots.htm ), you will be prepared to treat any stain.

How to Remove Stains and Spots

by the Editors of Consumer Guide

It seems that in every household, there's at least one person who leaves behind a trail of stains and spots like a path of gingerbread crumbs: the home handyman who scatters grease spots from garage to attic, the toddler who expresses independence by painting with peanut butter on the wallpaper; the enthusiastic cook who splatters spaghetti sauce from ceiling to carpet; the new puppy that pointedly demonstrates its need for house-training.

Grass spots on jeans, wine spots on tablecloths, oil stains on the driveway. And what makes it worse is that each stain calls for a different treatment. Ketchup on carpet is not treated in the same way as catsup on concrete, and on top of having to identify both the staining agent and the stained surface, you have to work fast.

The longer most stains set, the harder they are to remove without damage to the stained surface. If you haven't identified the stain correctly, or if you use an improper stain-removing agent or technique, you may make the stain permanent and cause additional damage to the stained object.

THREE TYPES OF STAINS ON FABRICS

Generally, stains can be divided into three types. Each type dictates certain general treatment procedures.

Greasy Stains. Lubricating and cooking oils, butter, machine grease, and similar substances produce greasy stains. Grease spots are sometimes removed from washable fabrics by hand or machine laundering. Pretreating by rubbing a little detergent directly into the spot often helps, as does using a dry-cleaning solvent on the stain. If you are treating an old stain or one that has been ironed, a yellow stain may remain after treatment with a solvent. Bleach is often effective at eliminating this yellow residue.

Absorbents are dusted on greasy spots to pick up the grease. When the absorbent material begins to look caked, it should be shaken or brushed off. Repeat this procedure until most of the stain is gone. Absorbents are easy to use and will not harm fabrics. However, the other stain removal agents (detergent, dry-cleaning solvent, and bleach) can damage fibers; before using them you should carefully read the care label on the stained item and the label on the product container.

Nongreasy Stains. Nongreasy stains are produced by materials such as tea, coffee, fruit juice, food coloring, and ink. If you have such a stain on a washable fabric, the best treatment is to sponge the stain with cool water as soon as possible. If this doesn't work, try soaking the fabric in cool water. The stain may soak out within half an hour, or you may need to leave the item in the water overnight. If some stain still remains, gently rub liquid detergent into it and rinse with cool water. The last resort is to use bleach, but read the fabric care label first.

If the stain is old or has been ironed, it may be impossible to remove it completely. A nongreasy stain on a nonwashable fabric can also be sponged with cool water. Or, you can place a disposable diaper or other absorbent pad beneath the stained area and slowly and carefully flush the stain by pouring water onto it using a mister or eyedropper. You must control the amount of water and the rate at which it is poured to avoid spreading the stain. This may be sufficient to remove some stains, especially if treatment is started promptly. If not, work liquid detergent into the stain as described above and rinse by flushing or sponging with cool water. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol after rinsing to remove detergent residue and to speed drying. (Caution: If treating acetate, acrylic, modacrylic, rayon, triacetate, or vinyl, dilute 1 part alcohol with 2 parts water.)

Combination Stains. Coffee with cream, Thousand Island salad dressing, and lipstick are items that cause combination stains; that is, they combine greasy and nongreasy elements. Such stains may require double treatment-first the nongreasy elements of the stain should be treated, then the greasy residue should be removed. The first step in treating such stains is to sponge with cool water as described above, then work liquid detergent into the stain and rinse thoroughly.

After the fabric has dried, apply dry-cleaning fluid to any remaining greasy portion of the stain with a sponge. Allow the fabric to dry. Repeat applications of cleaning fluid if necessary. In order to properly treat stains, it is important not only to know what kind of stain you are dealing with, but to also follow some general rules of treating stains: Try your best to identify the components of the stain and the material that was stained. This is the best way to ensure that you treat stains properly and avoid damaging the stained surface further. Be sure to remove as much of the stain sitting on the surface before you actually treat the stain with a given product. You can pre-treat stains by blotting excess liquid or scraping it off if the stain happens to be solid. When you go to treat stains, regardless of materials, avoid the use of heat and handle the stained item carefully, being sure not to fold, rub or wrinkle it. It is important that before you treat stains, that you test the product on a part of the stained material that can be hidden. Even water can stain some materials. When you treat stains, no matter the material, make sure that you work from the center of the stain outward. Lastly, follow the directions on any product you use to treat stains perfectly; you would not want a misread to ruin the effectiveness of a stain remover.

Follow these simple stain removal tips and you will be able to treat stains of all kinds! Just remember: even though it is easy to freak out when you see your white carpet stained with coffee or your silk pillow speckled with wine, remain calm, cool and collected and use your new-found knowledge to treat stains.

How to Create a Household Tool Kit

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:56:35 GMT

Appliance problems are inevitable when owning a home or leasing apartment. While some occurrences may require you to call the maintenance person, many fix-it projects can be done without outside help. The key to preparing yourself for when repairs are necessary is to have a tool kit readied before any issues occur.

A household tool kit is simple to create and only requires a few tools that you can easily find at your local hardware store. The tool kit does not need to be very big and you can store the tool kit in a closet or drawer.

The following article from About.com

( http://interiordec.about.com/od/careandrepair/a/org_toolkits.htm ) outlines the most important items for your household tool kit. This is a great reference especially for those new to living on their own. Pretty soon your tool kit will have you prepared for just about any malfunction in your home.

Put Together a Basic Household Tool Kit

Homeowners and apartment dwellers alike need a basic household tool kit.

You may have lots of tools for particular projects that you use infrequently, and they can be kept in a garage or workroom. But having basic tools handy in your living area makes it much more convenient to do simple home repairs.

You might keep these basic tools in a hall closet, a kitchen drawer, or in a handy tool box or plastic box on a shelf in the entry or mudroom.

It doesn't really matter where you keep them, as long as they're easy to get at for quick home repairs. You'll save lots of inconvenient trips out to the garage or down to the basement.

Your in-home basic tool kit should include these basic do-it-yourself items.

Tape Measure

You may not think you need one, but a 25-foot measuring tape will work for most jobs. Whether you measure for a tablecloth or window treatment, or a whole room for new flooring, choose one large enough to easily measure your home's spaces. A second smaller tape of 6 to 12 feet can be put in a pocket or purse for shopping trips or for hanging pictures.

Screwdrivers

Two basic screwdrivers are a necessity. Choose both a good quality flat head screwdriver and a Phillips head screwdriver in a medium size. A set of tiny screwdrivers will come in handy when you need to tighten a pair of eyeglasses or fix audio or computer equipment.

Pliers

One pliers will not do. Get a small assortment in various sizes and shapes. You'll use a needle-nose pliars most frequently, but have a heavy grooved pliers for removing nails or large staples. Wire cutting pliers are good for wiring and craft jobs.

How to Clean and Organize Your Garage

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:48:40 GMT

It is easy to allow your garage to gather all of the clutter that you don’t want in your house. Sometimes garages can get so filled that there is no longer any room for your car. If you are beginning to reach that point, or already have, cleaning the garage may seem like too daunting a task to tackle.

But with these nine tips from HGTV ( http://www.hgtv.com/homekeeping/to-do-list-organizing-the-garage/index.html ), your cluttered garage can turn into a clean space in no time. If you begin with a plan for organizing your garage before you begin, chances are that you can successfully rid your garage of chaos.

To-Do List: Organizing the Garage

The garage is where we toss everything that doesn't have a place in the house. If you find yourself using your garage as a receptacle, it's likely that you haven't resolved all your organizing challenges within the home-and that your garage needs a serious overhaul. Reclaim your garage and restore order with this organizational to-do list.

1.Set aside enough time to work on the project.

Back-to-back days are recommended (like an entire weekend) so that items being sorted don't have to sit out in piles for long. Tip: Try to plan for a dry weekend, because you'll have to pull many items out of the shelter of the garage.

2.Don't tackle it by yourself.

Hire an expert, or round up a team of helpers. Otherwise, it may turn into an overwhelming task that will be abandoned halfway through. Tip: Be sure you have a plan for directing your helpers through the process from start to finish.

3.Categorize the items in your garage.

Typical categories include recycling, sports and recreational equipment, camping gear, automotive, seasonal decor, garden gear and tools. Evaluate things like luggage and paint and see whether you can store them elsewhere. Tip: It's much easier to tackle a garage after you've organized the rest of the house. Once you determine the purpose of your interior storage, many garage items can be relocated.

4. Group the garage's contents.

Once you know the categories of the items that will live in your garage, begin grouping them into the categories in the driveway or the center of the garage. A few cardboard boxes will help you to group, because everything from huge paint cans to nuts and bolts will eventually need to be contained. Be sure to label the boxes. Tip: Don't buy containers, bins, baskets and boxes to organize your items just yet. A big mistake is buying containers now and later discovering you don't have the correct sizes or sturdiness.

5. Trash or donate items that don't fit the categories.

Sometimes, random parts or items are discovered in the garage and you don't know what to do with them. If you want to keep them, assign them to the most similar category or put them in a visible place so you remember that you have them. Otherwise, start your donation and trash piles now.

6. Determine the best garage layout.

Decide where you want each type of item to live, considering its frequency of use and the available space. For instance, recycling should live near the entrance to the home, and tools should live near the workbench. Tip: Think about "valuable real estate" when considering available space. Parking space and shelves at eye level or within reach are "valuable real estate." Less valuable real estate would be very high or low shelves and should be reserved for less frequently used items.

7. Install built-in cabinets or modular storage if needed.

Now that you know what you're keeping and how much space you have, determine what containers to use. Make the most of vertical space with wall-mounted pegboards and wire grids that hold everything from sports equipment to garden tools. Also take advantage of overhead space with sturdy shelves that mount to the ceiling.

8. Relocate items to their new homes within the garage.

9. Set an organizing schedule.

Get your quarterly or biannual garage maintenance on your calendar. If it doesn't make it onto your calendar, it's less likely to happen. And remember to put things away promptly after using them.

Remember that when cleaning, a room (or garage) must get dirtier before it is clean. This is why setting aside a couple of days in a row to work on your garage project will prevent large piles of items from sitting around in your garage too long.

Also keep in mind that if you doubt the value of something in your garage, chances are it should be thrown away. This will stop you from keeping too many things that you don’t need that will only use up precious space in your garage.

If you are still feeling overwhelmed by the mess in your garage, contact The Maids. We would be happy to help de-clutter your life.

How to Remove Cat Urine From Your Carpet

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:37:57 GMT

Anyone who has owned a cat knows that cat urine is an especially strong odor that is difficult to remove from carpets. Even well-trained cats have been known to leave cat urine on the carpet, sometimes out of anger, due to a health problem, or disgust at a dirty litter box. After you have identified the reason for your cat’s naughty behavior and done what you can to prevent a reoccurrence, it is important to learn about the best methods of removing cat urine from your carpet.

The following article from caturineodor.com (http://caturineodor.com/removing-cat-urine-odor-carpets/)

Removing Cat Urine Odor From Carpets

Our cats bring us great joy, but sometimes they do things we don’t understand. When they urinate on our carpets, it’s a frustrating and smelly issue. Cat urine is possibly one of the most potent, unpleasant smells you’ll ever experience. When it has dried into your home’s carpeting, it can be a source of embarrassment and annoyance. Complicating things further, the urine is likely to be in the carpet for some time before it’s discovered, which makes the odor even harder to eradicate.

Although standard carpet cleaners provide little help, it’s usually possible to remove cat urine odor. There are several different approaches to try, and it may take more than one remedy to get rid of the smell completely.

Cat Urine’s Powerful Odor

Cat urine has a very distinct odor that is caused by proteins and high levels of uric acid. By nature, healthy cats don’t drink large amounts of water. This makes their urine more concentrated. At the time of urination, the fluid is acidic. As the urine dries, the uric acid forms crystals or urine salts and becomes alkaline. This gives our furry friends the most pungent-smelling urine that a poor carpet can suffer.

How to Find Invisible Cat Urine Stains

The first challenge of eliminating odors is finding them. Cats tend to urinate in corners, hidden areas and against borders. A helpful strategy is to check the perimeter of the carpet first. On some carpets, stains may be visible, but in many cases they’re not. There are several ways to locate the source of the smell. The first is to purchase a hand-held black light. The ultra-violet rays used by black lights use the same wavelength as biological waste such as urine. When using a backlight to find cat urine spots, turn out the lights and shine the black light over all areas of the carpet. Most urine stains will produce a noticeable glow. Use small objects to mark stained areas; you’ll need to find them again with the lights on. Unfortunately, black lights don’t work 100 percent of the time. Sometimes you may have to find stains the more difficult and distasteful way— by crawling on your hands and knees and using your nose to sniff out smelly spots.

Getting Rid of the Odor

Why It’s Difficult to Get Cat Urine Out of Carpets

Aside from removing urine odors from concrete, carpet is generally the most difficult surface to remove odors from. Let’s take a look at a this diagram to understand why.

When a cat pees on the carpet, it’s actually peeing on 4 different surfaces; the carpet its self, the carpet backing, the carpet pad, and the sub-floor. The longer the pee saturates in the carpet, the more layers it will effect, and the more layers it effects, the harder it will be to remove. Regardless of what approach you’re using to get rid of the smell, it’s important to remember that, to be effective, the solution needs to reach any part of the carpet that that the urine may have touched. One of the biggest mistakes people often make is only focusing on the upper layers of the carpet. This is partly a result of the packaging that is common with cat urine odor removal products, i.e. the “spray gun” bottling. Nine times out of ten, you’ll need to take the top off of the solution and pour it on the spot. This type of saturation allows the cleanser to reach all instances of urine and/or uric crystals, greatly increasing the likelihood of success.

First Response: Wet and Dry Stains

While it’s sometimes impossible to find stains soon after they occur, if you do happen to find a wet stain, treating it immediately will give the best results. Absorb as much of the liquid as possible by blotting with an old towel. If you have a wet/dry vacuum or spot cleaning machine, use this to remove as much fluid as you can.

Dry stains can be treated with full strength product as soon as they’re discovered. There are a variety of home-made and commercial products that are designed to remove urine stains and odor. Before using any of these, test them for safety. Some chemicals and home remedies can stain, bleach or damage carpeting. To prevent ruining your carpet, try the product in a closet or hidden area first.

Natural Treatment Methods

Vinegar and Water

Dilute white vinegar with equal parts water and saturate the carpet stain with this solution. After 30 minutes, remove as much of the liquid as possible. Several treatments may be required. The strong vinegar smell will dissipate once it’s dry.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

This may be used alone or after vinegar treatment. Sprinkle dry baking soda over the stain and work it into the fibers. Mix one-quarter cup peroxide with a teaspoon of dish detergent. Use only three-percent hydrogen peroxide. Pour or spray this over the baking soda and work into the carpet with a toothbrush. Once it’s dry, vacuum away the residue using an upholstery brush attachment.

Club Soda

Pour club soda directly onto the stain. When it stops effervescing, blot the liquid away with a towel. Repeat if needed. This remedy is more likely to work on recent stains that aren’t very strong. It’s a good alternative for when you don’t want to smell vinegar or have a powdery mess on your carpet.

Commercial Products

Enzyme Treatments

Enzymatic cleaners such as Nature’s Miracle neutralize odors without producing a strong smell like vinegar. Multiple treatments may be needed, but enzyme cleaners are generally very effective and safe for most carpets.

Combination Products

Anti-Icky Poo, a product that uses both enzymes and genetically altered bacteria, is a favorite product of many cat owners.

Oxygen Cleaners

Oxi-Clean and similar products are slightly less effective but may work well on recent stains. Test in an inconspicuous area before use.

Total Cleansing

If you can’t locate the stains, or repeated search-and-destroy missions have not proven effective, you may want to consider using a steam cleaner or carpet shampooer to treat the entire room. If you don’t own one, you can rent one and buy special carpet shampoos that are designed to remove pet odors. If you want to let the professionals handle it, consult your local carpet-cleaning services to see what pet odor removal suggestions and systems they have to offer.

Preventing Repeat Performances

Once you’ve rid your carpet of cat urine odors, you’ll want to ensure that they don’t return. Be sure that all odors are completely neutralized and undetectable. If your cat can still smell them, it may entice him to urinate in the same area again. Most importantly, find out why your cat is peeing outside of his litter box. Have your vet check for health problems and urinary infections, and invest some time in a little detective work so that you don’t have to face that horrible smell again.

Thanks to this article, you now have the option of creating your own home recipes of cat urine cleaner or purchasing the most effective commercial cleaners.

If you have tried all of these cat urine removal methods and you can still smell the odor of cat urine, it may be time to call in a professional to revive your carpets. The Maids will be happy to help you get rid of pet odors.

How to Clean a Toilet with Eco-Friendly Homemade Products

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:23:05 GMT

Do you need to clean a toilet before guests arrive but don’t have any cleaner on hand? Do not fret; we have just the recipe to clean a toilet in a safe, eco-friendly, and quick manner.

Families with younger kids are especially wary about using popular household cleaning products around their children due to the toxic chemicals in the cleaners. Many companies are pushing for more “green” products but often these eco-friendly cleaners cost more.

We have found a solution to this problem: homemade cleaner.

Homemade cleaner utilizes ingredients that you probably already have on hand and are safe to use around children, pets, and you. Plus, if you are in a pinch and need to clean a toilet, no running out to the store is necessary.

eHow.com ( http://www.ehow.com/how_5302835_use-soda-clean-toilet-naturally.html ) shares how you can clean a toilet with just two common ingredients: vinegar and baking soda. The chemical reaction that you probably used to make volcanoes as a kid proves useful when you need to clean a toilet. You won’t even have to scrub, just allow the mixture to work its magic. What a way to clean a toilet!

How to Use Vinegar and Baking Soda to Clean a Toilet Naturally

Commercial cleaners do not always sufficiently clean a toilet. Sometimes a natural method of cleaning is easier and produces cleaner results. It's easy to use vinegar and baking soda to clean a toilet naturally.

Instructions

Add about a half-cup of vinegar to the toilet bowl to begin to use vinegar and baking soda to clean a toilet naturally. Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes before adding baking soda. Do not flush the toilet.
Add about a half cup of baking soda to the toilet bowl. The vinegar and baking soda will fizz because the reaction of vinegar and baking soda results in oxygen being released from the baking soda and vinegar combination. Let the mixture fizz for about ten minutes. This will alleviate the work you need to do later on to clean a toilet naturally.
Add another quarter cup baking soda and another half-cup vinegar to the toilet bowl in order to produce more fizzing in the toilet bowl.
Use the toilet brush to swish the water in the toilet bowl along with the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Rub the toilet brush along the sides and bottom of the toilet bowl to clean the toilet. You don't need to rub too hard, and you only need to use the toilet brush for about two minutes in the toilet bowl.
Flush the toilet. The vinegar and baking soda mixture will clean the tank and plumbing pipes without causing any damage. After the toilet flushes, rinse the toilet brush in the clean toilet water and flush the toilet again.

Tips & Warnings

Depending on the severity of the dirtiness of the toilet bowl, you may be able to skip step 3.

Gone are the days when people buy expensive cleaners and have to use elbow grease to clean a toilet. You no longer have to worry about exposure harmful chemicals when you clean a toilet. With this simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda, the toilet practically cleans itself. You can also rest easy knowing that you are not flushing toxic ingredients into your septic tank.

If the idea of having to clean a toilet is not pleasant for you, The Maids would be happy to clean a toilet (or three) for our customers.

The Right Way to Care for Your Curtains

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:16:30 GMT

Curtains may be one of the most neglected aspects of your home when it comes to cleaning. After you hang them, it is easy to forget that they require upkeep as well.

It is important to vacuum and wash your curtains to prevent a gathering of dirt and dust. Especially in the summer months, curtains are also subjected to harsh UV rays that can fade and damage the curtains. You can choose from a few different options when it comes to protecting your curtains from the sunlight.

This guide from Overstock.com (http://www.overstock.com/guides/how-to-care-for-curtains) outlines the basic steps to follow when thinking about upkeep for your curtains. You may want to get started on these curtain cleaning steps right away, as many people do not care for their curtains on a regular basis. It is important to read through these steps carefully, as some curtains may need special treatment.

How to Care for Curtains

Adding style and privacy to your home is easy with the right curtains for your windows. It's also easy to keep your drapes and curtains looking great for years to come with the proper care. Whether you need to clean delicate sheer curtains or keep your lined curtains from losing their crispness, the following suggestions will help you preserve your favorite window treatments. Read on for tips on caring for curtains.

Caring for Curtains:

1.Protect your curtains from sunlight damage. If your windows receive a lot of direct sunlight, the drapes and curtains you hang will fade over time. Prevent this by hanging light-colored curtains in these windows, which won't fade as quickly as dark curtains will. Lined curtains are also a great option, as the lining will protect the outer fabric of your curtains from damage.

2.Vacuum your curtains once a month. To prevent dust from accumulating in the folds of your curtains, you'll want to use a hand-held vacuum and a brush attachment monthly to remove up dust and dirt. Make sure that you also clean the edges of your curtains, especially living room curtains, because these are frequently touched and may also accumulate dust from the window sills. Before vacuuming living room curtains or any heavy curtains, however, make sure that there are no embellishments or loose trims that could be damaged.

3.Wash curtains when they're especially dirty. You may occasionally need to wash the curtains in your home, especially kitchen curtains that absorb cooking odors and splattered grease over time. To do this, read the care instructions carefully. Bedroom and kitchen curtains made of cotton and linen can usually be machine washed, but silk curtains should almost always be washed by hand. Before washing any type of curtains, test a small patch with water to see how the fabric reacts. Some silk curtains or other delicate draperies may bleed their color when first washed. Whether you machine wash or hand wash your curtains, always use cool water and a mild detergent so that they don't shrink or become misshapen.

4.Press your curtains when necessary. You'll need to press your curtains when you wash them, of course, but you may also need to iron your living room or bedroom curtains occasionally to refresh the fabric and keep pleats looking crisp. To iron your curtains without damaging the fabric, always turn them inside out, put your iron on a low setting and gently glide the iron over the material. Check the care label on sheer curtains before ironing them; you may be able to dip them in a starch mixture and hang them again without ironing so that you don't ruin the material. Living room or bedroom curtains with embellishments must be pressed carefully so that the fabric doesn't pucker and the embellishments aren't damaged.

Aside from choosing UV protected curtains, or hanging a curtain liner, it is important to note that a third option exists. Window treatments that deflect the sunlight are also a good way to prevent curtains from fading.

Making sure that your curtains are dust-free is helpful in managing indoor allergies and asthma. Always be sure to make note of the washing instructions for the type of fabric used in your curtains so that you do not risk ruining them.

A clean house is a happy house, as we at The Maids live by!

Six Things You Should Clean – But Probably Don't

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:09:58 GMT

Having to clean our home is a chore that most of us do not enjoy. Yet it must be done in order to maintain a healthy, presentable home.

Everyone has their own routine for when and what they clean in their house, but chances are that some objects are completely forgotten—some rather important objects. This is understandable—it can be simple to overlook some objects that you see every day in your home when powering through your clean routine. Homeowners should keep in mind that it is important to clean items such as reusable grocery bags, showerheads, computer keyboards, draperies, trash cans, and doormats in order to remove a constant gathering of bacteria.

If you are skeptical about the importance of keeping these everyday items clean, then read the article below from DevineCaroline.com ( http://www.divinecaroline.com/22154/102475-six-things-clean-probably ) and you will be convinced to pay closer attention to these specific items, and rethink your own clean practices.

Six Things You Should Clean – but Probably Don’t

I am a cleaning nut. If there’s a surface to be shined, I’ll shine it. If there’s streaky glass, I’ll polish it. I’ll clean, wash, scrub, and disinfect just about everything in my house I can get my hands on, and I’ve even been known to not sleep well when I know dust bunnies are gathering under the bed. (My fiancé still hasn’t decided whether my proclivity for cleaning makes him the luckiest or most tortured man in the world.)

Regardless of whether your cleaning routine is a simple toilet-floor-dishes progression or one that borders on mania (like, umm, sanitizing your baseboards), there are likely some items in your house that are riddled with germs and need to be sanitized. Even those of us on high dirt alert can occasionally forget about these stealthy bacteria bombs.

Reusable Grocery Bags

Many of us have gotten into the habit of taking our own bags when we do our shopping, but how many of us clean them after each trip? According to a study conducted by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University, 97 percent of consumers never wash their bags. About 50 percent of the bags tested contained coliform (fecal) bacteria, and 12 percent contained E. coli. Especially since many people choose reusable bags to bring their lunch to work, to transport books or clothes, and for many other household uses, washing them after each use is the key to stopping contamination from vegetables or raw meat. Cloth bags can go directly into the washer and dryer, and recycled plastic bags can be wiped down with hot soapy water or treated with a disinfectant spray. Researchers also advise using each bag for only a single purpose—carrying raw meat, carrying vegetables, transporting laundry, or as a miscellaneous shopping tote.

Showerheads

Everyone loves a shower in the morning, but no one wants to get showered with bacteria. If you haven’t cleaned your showerhead recently, though, this is what may be happening. A study at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that 30 percent of showerheads tested positive for Mycobacterium avium, a germ that can cause lung infections, and for other various bacteria and fungi. Since some microbes may be resistant to chlorine, the best way to clean a showerhead is to soak it in a diluted vinegar solution and then scrub the deposits away with an old toothbrush. Plastic showerheads are more prone to bacterial buildup than metal ones, so people with compromised immune systems are advised to consider switching if necessary.

Computer Keyboards

A 2008 experiment by a researcher in England found that some computer keyboards harbor five times as many bacteria than the average toilet seat—bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), E. coli, and staph. The Centers for Disease Control blamed computer-equipment contamination for a 2007 norovirus outbreak that affected more than 100 people at a Washington, D.C., elementary school. Even private computers used at home aren’t immune to infection, considering that people are more likely to clean, take out trash, prepare food, handle pets, or use the bathroom without washing their hands when they’re at home. A good scrub after typing is the best way to avoid getting sick, but cleaning the keyboard is another good idea. First, eliminate dirt and crumbs using a vacuum cleaner or compressed-air canister, and then use a solution of diluted dishwashing detergent or isopropyl alcohol to swab down the keys with cotton balls or cotton swabs. (Make sure you disconnect the keyboard first.) While you’re at it, you might as well give the same treatment to your mouse, as well as your TV’s remote control.

Draperies

They may hang motionless, but drapes and curtains are a magnet for dust mites, pet hair, mold, dander, and debris of all kinds. If someone in your house suffers from indoor allergies, cleaning the curtains regularly can help reduce allergen buildup. Simple panel curtains can usually be washed and dried at home and then steamed to release wrinkles. There are certain types of draperies you should take to a dry cleaner or other cleaning professional, including lace curtains, designs with embroidery or appliqué, those with pleats or complicated fabric construction, and draperies that are too big to fit into your washing machine. In between washings, experts recommend vacuuming curtains with a hose and brush attachment at least once a month to prevent debris from building up.

Trash Cans

Considering that the kitchen is usually the dirtiest spot in any house—even dirtier than the bathroom—it’s no surprise that trash cans can become laden with germs. Even if you take out the trash regularly (which I sincerely hope you do), the can itself is still coming into contact with dirt, dust, old food, raw meat, decomposing vegetables, moldy leftovers, kitty litter, and whatever else we deem to be too old, too gross, or too disgusting to keep in the house. Clean the trash cans at least twice a month to prevent the spread of germs like E. coli, salmonella, trichinosis, and simple cold and flu bugs. Small pails can go into the dishwasher; wash large cans with hot water and a mild bleach solution or with a product designed for pet messes, which contain enzymes to break down bacteria. A hose works best, but apartment-dwellers can clean a large trash can in the shower. (Just remember to rinse out the tub afterward.)

Doormats
Researchers at the University of Arizona found that about 96 percent of shoes carry traces of fecal bacteria on the soles. If you think about the legions of feet that have crossed your threshold, you might decide that it’s time to give the welcome mat a welcome washing. Vacuum mats with fabric tops before washing to remove dust and loose dirt; you can wash rubber-backed mats in the washing machine. The easiest way to clean any doormat is to spray it down with a garden hose or use the pressure washer at a car wash, using a small amount of soap or detergent. Allow the mat to air-dry completely before putting it back into service.

No matter how vigilant we are, we can never create a completely sterile environment. It’s normal to come into contact with some germs and bacteria—they help us digest our food, keep our immune systems on alert, and provide a whole host of beneficial services. We can’t eradicate every single microbe that crosses our paths, but given the choice between living with more or fewer bacteria, you don’t have to be a clean freak to know which to pick.

Not only is avoiding a routine clean for each of these items going to cause your home to appear dirty, but it can also compromise your health. Especially if you or someone in your family has an immune disease, consider keeping these objects clean at all times. The dangerous amount of E. coli brought into your house without a frequent clean could mean more sickness for you and those living in your home, yet it is nothing that a little bit of bleach and elbow grease cannot fix.

If a regular clean is just too much for your busy schedule, The Maids are happy to help. We are dedicated to helping keep your home as clean as it can be.

Garbage Disposal Do's and Don'ts

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 13:43:27 GMT

The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the home. You cook in the kitchen, gather for those cooked meals in the kitchen and maybe even do homework in the kitchen.

Follow these garbage disposal do's and don'ts to keep your garbage disposal working properly. There's a lot of foot traffic, and you want to keep your kitchen as clean as possible, for many reasons. The garbage disposal is often an area that's neglected when it comes to cleaning your home, however. The garbage disposal is probably something you are very thankful to have (if you have one). A garbage disposal can make life in the kitchen a little less hectic and a lot more simple. So, it's important that you keep the garbage disposal running how it's meant to run.

The garbage disposal is an appliance that was created to grind, crush and dispose of all types of kitchen waste. What happens, though, is that food particles can become entrapped in the teeth of the garbage disposal, causing damage, leading to mold and giving off a foul smell in the kitchen. The following article from Horizon Services, Inc goes over some common -- and most likely some unknown -- garbage disposal do's and don'ts. Use these tips and tricks to keep your garbage disposal running properly, safely and cleanly.

Garbage Disposal Do’s and Don’ts

Proper maintenance and operation will extend the life of your garbage disposal and prevent plumbing and drain mishaps.

Good Practices Today Can Prevent Major Plumbing and Drain Problems Tomorrow!

If you have a garbage disposal in your kitchen, you know that it’s a great appliance that makes household duties less demanding. But if not operated or maintained properly, a garbage disposal can easily break down, block and clog the drains and cause a long list of expensive plumbing and drain nightmares.

Clogged drains are a major inconvenience and garbage disposal repair can be a costly proposition. Fortunately, most garbage disposal troubles are completely unnecessary, and garbage disposal care and maintenance is extremely easy. Treat your garbage disposal well, and it will treat you well, in return. Below, we describe the mistakes you should avoid and the actions you should take in order to keep your garbage disposal working smoothly for many years and minimize the likelihood that you’ll need to call for plumbing or drain cleaning services.

Garbage Disposal Do’s:

Do keep your garbage disposal clean. Pour a little dish soap inside and let the garbage disposal run for a minute or so with some cold water after washing dishes.
Do run your garbage disposal regularly. Frequent use prevents rust and corrosion, assures that all parts stay moving and prevents obstructions from accumulating.
Do grind food waste w/ a strong flow of cold water. Why cold water? It will cause any grease or oils that may get into the unit to solidify, so that they can be chopped up before reaching the trap.
Do grind certain hard materials such as small chicken and fish bones, egg shells, small fruit pits, etc. A scouring action is created by these particles inside the grind chamber that cleans the garbage disposal’s walls.
Do grind peelings from citrus fruits such as lemons or oranges to freshen up drain smells.
Do cut large items into smaller pieces. Put them into the garbage disposal one at a time instead of trying to shove a large amount in at once.

Garbage Disposal Don’ts:

The most important rule of thumb: Don’t Put Anything In The Garbage Disposal That Is Not Biodegradable Food.A garbage disposal is not a trash can; it’s for food scraps only. Non food items can damage both blades and the motor. When in doubt, throw it out!

Don’t grind glass, plastic, metal or even paper.
Don’t grind anything combustible.
Don’t grind cigarette butts
Don’t pour grease, oil or fat into your garbage disposal or drain. Grease will slowly accumulate and impede your garbage disposal’s grinding ability as well as clog drains.
Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste. Hot water will cause grease to liquefy and accumulate, causing drains to clog.
Don’t grind extremely fibrous material like corn husks, celery stalks, onion skins, and artichokes. Fibers from these can tangle and jam the garbage disposal motor and block drains .
Don’t turn off the motor or water until grinding is completed. When grinding is complete, turn off the the garbage disposal first. Let water continue to run for at least 15 seconds, flushing out any remaining particles. Then turn off water.
Don’t put too many potato peels down the garbage disposal. The starches in the potatoes will turn into a thick paste and may cause blades to stick.
Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Feed food into the garbage disposal a little at a time with the cold water running; this will help the food scraps flow down freely through the drain pipes and plumbing.
Don’t put expandable foods into your garbage disposal. Foods like pasta and rice expand when you add water in a pot; they do the same thing once inside your pipes or garbage disposal and are the cause of many jams and clogs.
Don’t grind large animal bones (beef, pork etc.).
Avoid putting coffee grounds down the garbage disposal. They won’t harm the garbage disposal and they’ll actually help eliminate odors. However, they can accumulate in drains and pipes, causing clogs. Best to avoid.
Don’t use harsh chemicals like bleach or drain cleaners. They can damage blades and pipes. Borax is a natural sink cleaner and sanitizer that effectively works on odor-causing mold and mildew that accumulates in garbage disposals. (See more below).

Keeping Your Garbage Disposal Running Problem-Free

Ice is an extremely effective and inexpensive method for cleaning your garbage disposal, sharpening the blades and breaking up any grease build-up which has accumulated. Just toss a few ice cubes into the garbage disposal and run it. As the garbage disposal chops into the ice cubes, the ice chips will effectively scour all the hard to reach areas of the unit, and melt down the drain. Try this once or twice a month to keep your garbage disposal in fine working order.

To Remove or Prevent Nasty Garbage Disposal Smells

Here are some natural methods to clean your garbage disposal that are good for the environment and very inexpensive.

Periodically, take a lemon or orange and toss it into the disposal. The oils and juice from the fruits and peels naturally clean the walls inside the garbage disposal and create a fresh, long-lasting scent.
Freeze vinegar in ice cube trays and run those down the disposal. This will keep your blades sharp while safely killing odor-causing bacteria.
For stubborn odors pour baking soda into the drain and let it set for several hours before running the water and garbage disposal.
For really stubborn odors, use a safe cleaning product like Borax. Just pour 3-4 tablespoons of Borax down the drain and let it sit for an hour. Then turn on the hot water and flush the borax away.

Tips for Removing Fallen Objects

NEVER, EVER insert your unprotected hand into the garbage disposal…unless, of course, you want to lose it! If you must use your hand to remove objects and debris from the garbage disposal, unplug the unit or turn off the appropriate circuit breaker. Always wear safety gloves to protect your hand from the garbage disposal’s sharp blades.

There are safer steps in retrieving the fallen objects. First, grab a flashlight and try to find the exact location of the object. Use a pair of extra-long needle nose pliers or an automotive finger gripper (available at most hardware stores) to extract the object from the garbage disposal. In some case, you may be able to use a bent coat-hanger to reach down into the garbage disposal and dislodge and hook the object. Even a pair of chopsticks or crochet needles can work to grab the object.

What To Do if Your Garbage Disposal is Not Grinding:

90% of garbage disposals that appear not to be working just need to be reset. There is usually a red or black reset button on the garbage disposal motor underneath your sink. Just push to reset.
If the garbage disposal is plugged into a wall outlet, ensure the outlet has power.
Check for a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
Give it a push-start. Most garbage disposals have a hole underneath that allows you to hand-crank it free once it’s been jammed. To crank it, use either an Alan wrench or a garbage disposal tool that you can pick up at most hardware stores. This should free up most non-serious jams.

If your garbage disposal isn't running as it should, there might be a quick fix that you didn't know about before. If you are aware of a problem with your garbage disposal, you should tend to your garbage disposal immediately. Whether it's a quick fix or you need to call a plumber to help fix the garbage disposal, correcting any problems now will help you from more problems with the garbage disposal later.

Natural Ant Control: How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Home

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:57:43 GMT

Having ants in the home is a constant battle faced by so many people.

As the warmer weather settles in, keeping ants out of the home is a struggle we all must deal with. Drawn by open containers, exposed food and ease of entrance, ants find your home quite attractive in the spring and summer. To get rid of ants in your home, make sure you tightly seal all leftover food well and keep your floors and countertops clean of the crumbs and stickiness ants love.

There are plenty of other natural ways you can get rid of ants in your home. eHow.com shares a wealth of information to help you keep ants out of your home without harming small children, pets or the environment. The following tips use many of the items around your home to get rid of ants naturally.

How to Get Rid of Ants Naturally

1. Heed the scouts.

The first signs of ants in your kitchen is a warning to you. These are the scout ants checking out your kitchen for signs of suitability to invade and their job will be to return back to the nest to inform the other ants that your kitchen is blooming with potential. Waste no time in getting to work cleaning your kitchen, sealing all food and removing all sources of sticky, sweet, greasy and flesh foods from their access.

Don't have any dirty dishes left out. Wash all dishes as they're used or place them into the dishwasher and shut the door tight. Wipe down all of your cupboard and benchtop surfaces with vinegar; this cleans, disinfects and leaves a nasty smell as far as ants are concerned. Remove all sources of garbage and keep the kitchen bin shut tightly. Rinse all recyclable containers before putting them into storage.
Sweep and vacuum the kitchen area daily.
Rinse off any jar, container or bottle that has a sticky or leftover residue. In particular, check jam/jelly jars, sauce bottles, pickle bottles, cordial bottles and honey and syrup containers. Place your honey jar and any other very ant-attractive foods inside a bowl of water (see How to keep ants out of honey and How to remove ants from cat food for more details.
Seal every food item in containers. The containers need to be of the sort that ants cannot get into. Be relentless about this for 3-7 days. The ants, having nothing to eat, will go elsewhere. This works because the ants are following the chemical trails left by other ants, who did find food.
You may also need to seal fragrant items such as cleaning powders, deodorants, and the like in case these attract the ants' initial attention. Just be alert to any congregations around non-food sources.

2. Seal off all entrance areas.

As part of your big kitchen clean, do some of your own scouting work. Can you tell where the ants are entering the house? Follow the first ants to see where they're entering and leaving from. Seal all the entrance holes that you can find using silicone caulk, putty, glue or plaster. Temporary methods can include petroleum jelly or poster tack. If you use a temporary sealant (such as poster tack), only do so until you can purchase a more permanent solution, as it will deteriorate over time and open up the gap again.

3. Load the soapy water.

Soapy water will both kill the ants it hits and it will destroy their chemical trail, preventing more ants from following in their tracks.This cheap and easy method consists simply of putting one teaspoon of liquid dish soap into a spray bottle and filling it with water. When you see ants, spritz them and that will be it!

Additions to the water for added potency include mint oil or citrus peels or citrus rind oil.
Adding soap to water barriers can make them even more effective than simply using the water.

4. Put up defensive barriers.

There are a number of barrier methods that you can put into place to really terrify the ants and keep them at bay. Many of the products that form these natural barriers are probably already in your kitchen; they just need to be deployed properly. A barrier doesn't need to be wider than a quarter of an inch (6.35mm) but it must be an unbroken line. Be clear that barriers won't work on ants already in the kitchen (indeed, you'll be trapping them inside) but they will prevent any more ants from coming in. Some of the items with which to make barriers include:

Powdered charcoal
Turmeric
Cinnamon
Citrus oil
Black or cayenne pepper (hotter is best); or try red chili pepper
Chalk lines
Vaseline (great for doors and windows)
Baby powder
Powdered cleanser
Desiccating dusts such as diatomaceous earth or silica aerogel.

5. Sprinkle around deterring odors.

Ants dislike various scents such as peppermint and camphor. These can be used fresh or in oil form to disturb the ambiance of any area that ants have been making their way to. The great thing about these fragrant deterrents is that your own preferences for scent can be used to improve the household odorsin general, all the while making your kitchen, pantry and other areas very ant-unfriendly. Here are some ideas:

Crushed mint leaves; and grow mint near the entrance areas. Dried peppermint is also effective.
Lavender oil; and grow lavender near the entrance areas.
Oil of clove or crush cloves and sprinkle as a barrier.
Camphor.
Use laurel/bay leaves to keep the ants away from a specific food. Ants are especially attracted to sugar, paprika and flour. Put laurel/bay leaves in your sugar can, flour canister and paprika jar. You will be amazed!

6. Create your own ant baits.

You can buy ant baits but they're chemical preparations that don't fit well with natural attempts to control ants in the home. It's straightforward to make your own ant baits and a particularly successful one is made using boric acid. A natural derivative of the mineral boron, boric acidis used in borax and some saline solutions. Boric acid is a stomach poison – when ants walk in it and then clean their feet or antennae, they ingest it. Bearing in mind that removing too many ants from your local environment can harm the good they're doing in keeping down pests for you, here is how to make a boric acid bait:

Buy boric acid at the local drug store (it's about USD$2 a bottle).
Pour about a tablespoon of real maple syrup (or anything you know ants love) on a flat plate or saucer.
Sprinkle the boric acid around the syrup so that the ants must walk through it to get to the syrup, you may even use a q-tip to ensure a good distribution of the powder around the the syrup.
Place wherever the ants are frequenting. Keep out of the reach of children or pets. Be patient as this method can take a week to take effect.

7. Use food against ants.

There are several techniques that can get rid of ants through their inability to digest the food or through expansion and death. It's not very pretty to think about but these methods do work. As with all methods, put the bait food where the ants are appearing:

Use corn meal. This method is especially great around pets or children, as corn meal by itself is not poisonous. The ants will carry it home and try to eat it, but they can't digest it properly. Be sure to put corn meal wherever you see that the ants like to frequent.
Put out cream of wheat (farina). Don't cook it – use it raw. The ants eat it and it expands in their stomachs, killing them. Put the food somewhere you know there will be ants and just leave it.
Ants are extremely susceptible to caffeine. Leave coffee grounds (used works) where the ants are and they will carry it home and eat it. This method takes a few weeks to see.

8. Deal with carpenter ants in as natural way as possible.

An invasion of carpenter ants is serious as they can damage your house structure. Be alert for their invasion – piles of broken wings can be one sign and it is longer than most ants. You may also see their fecal pellets (these appear like sawdust) and they can sometimes be heard rustling in the walls. Some ways to deal with them include:

Bait them. They like sugar, so you can turn this against them; use the boric acid method described earlier.
Vacuum their nests out of the wall if possible.
Have an exterminator drill holes in the wall and blow in diatomaceous earth, silica aerogel or boric acid. A professional exterminator specializing in natural pesticides can also use pyrethrin spray or boric acid baits of their own concoction.

9. Use a professional exterminator specializing in natural pesticides to deal with fire ants.

Fire ants rarely enter the home but if they do, get immediate help as they're aggressive and their stings are painful and can trigger off an allergic reaction in susceptible people. If the ants need to be sprayed, insist on the use of a bait that has an insect growth regulator like abamectin in it. In terms of outside areas, you can do this yourself provided you wear clothing top to toe and boots to protect yourself. Sneak up to the nest on a cooler day (the ants and queen rise to get more warmth) and pour several gallons/liters of boiling water into the nest. If you want to use additives to the water, try vinegar, insecticidal soaps, citrus oil, pyrethrum insecticide, or ammonia. And then repeat every day or so until it seems that the ants have given up and moved.

Coat your boots in something sticky to deter the ants from crawling on you as you perform this task.

Splenda

1. Sprinkle Splenda where you see ants. We use this at school where it is not a danger to the kids.

Coffee grounds

1.This really does work! You have to be persistent: empty coffee grounds on ant hills and along your house foundations. We generate a surprising amount of grounds in a week. This safe material confuses the worker ants because they lose their scent trails. Thus the hatched young in the ant colonies have no food and starve. It may take all summer at first but now we don't get ants in the house and the lawn is mostly clear of ant hills. It is important to apply grounds every year but that is what makes this safe! No residue effects. Clean kitchens are also a must.

The easiest way to prevent ants from entering your home is perform routine maintenance on all your doors and windows, ensuring that any cracks or openings are tightly sealed. Keeping your home clean is another important way to keep ants out of your home. If you need help sticking to a regular cleaning schedule, call The Maids of South CT. We’ll help you keep ants out of your home with a clean that sparkles.

How to Keep Your Kitchen Clean Between Maid Visits

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:07:05 GMT

Does your kitchen suffer in between maid visits? There’s a way you can keep your kitchen cleaner, longer, without spending loads of time cleaning the kitchen every day. Your maids will be able to provide you with a thorough, deep kitchen cleaning with each visit, but you may not have them scheduled to clean the kitchen every day (actually, you most likely don’t).

Keeping the kitchen clean doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are a lot of kitchen cleaning tips that you can follow to ensure you have a safe, healthy environment for your family year round.

The following article from RealSimple.com shares helpful kitchen cleaning tips so you can keep the kitchen cleaner between maid visits.

Keep the Kitchen Clean Longer

The only thing better than finishing kitchen-cleanup duty? Not having to do it again for a while. These techniques will make your efforts last longer.

Cabinets

Set jars of liquid or jelly on coasters, or line shelves with nonadhesive cork liner. When drips occur, just replace the coasters or the lining.

Countertops

To repel stains on countertops, twice a year apply grout sealer (available at hardware stores) to tile, and stone sealer (also at hardware stores) to stone countertops. Follow the package instructions.

Instead of using wood cutting boards, switch to plastic. Since wood shouldn’t be sanitized in the dishwasher (wood can warp when wet), it can harbor bacteria, which gets on knives and can invade your food-prep area. Pop plastic boards into the dishwasher after every use to kill germs.

To make cleanup faster when you cook, cover countertops with sheets of wax paper, parchment paper, or butcher paper before preparing food. Juices from meats, chicken, and fish never hit the counters, so there’s no need to disinfect. When finished, crumple up the paper and toss.

Freezer and Refrigerator

Place a box of baking soda in the freezer and another in the refrigerator to absorb and neutralize smells; replace them every three months. Alternatives: a mound of charcoal; coffee beans in a bowl; or a cotton ball soaked in vanilla extract and kept in the refrigerator until dry.

Every month or so, dump ice cubes from the trays and make a new batch. Stale ice traps odors, like those from frozen fish or meat.

Sink

Grind the skins of oranges, lemons, and limes in the garbage disposal with a handful of ice cubes. The rock-hard texture of the ice cubes sharpens the blades; the citrus scent of the grated peels clears the air. Or make ice cubes of vinegar instead of water. The vinegar will deodorize the disposal.

Stovetop

Reduce grease splatters on the stovetop and the hood by putting a mesh splatter screen over pans when cooking.

Following these simple and effective kitchen cleaning tips should help you keep the kitchen safe and clean for a longer period of time. If you’re looking for some more tips on how to keep the kitchen clean, read this post from theKitchn.com that offers valuable advice on how to clean the kitchen in just 20 minutes a day.

The Maids are dedicated to providing you with the healthiest, most thorough clean on every visit. Our goal is to put a sparkling touch on your home so that everyone who enters will enjoy it. Learn about our 22-Step Healthy Touch cleaning system by clicking here.

How to Become an Eco-Friendly Cleaner

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:01:59 GMT

The first step to making your household cleaning routine eco-friendly and environmentally friendly is easy!

First, get rid of all your toxic cleaning products!

Learn a few green cleaning tips so you can become an eco-friendly cleaner!

If a cleaning product contains the words caution, warning, danger, or poison, it needs to go. Of the non-eco-friendly products that you'll have, they'll contain some important keywords you need to aware of:

Products that contain the words "poison" or "danger" are highly toxic; ingesting just a few drops can be fatal.
"Warning" is the term used for moderately toxic product. A spoonful of one of these could be fatal.
"Caution" signifies a less toxic product; it would take two to three spoonfuls in order to be fatal.
Some other keywords to look out for on non-eco-friendly cleaning bottles are "strong sensitizers" and "corrosive" products. Strong sensitizers can actually increase allergies, and corrosive products can damage skin.

Does this sound like the kind of stuff you want sitting under your kitchen sink, sending wafts of toxic poison through your air, into your lungs (and into the lungs of your family)? Well, if your answer is NO, there is a surprisingly simple solution.

Gather these products and store them somewhere safe. We cannot emphasize this point enough: you do not want to pour them down your sink because that is extremely unsafe for you, your system and your drinking water. What goes down the drain does end up back as drinking water. You also do not want to discard them in your trash or even in your recycling bin if they still contain cleaner because they will cause pollution. So what do you do? Look for hazardous waste dropoff sites. Most towns contain one Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Day a year, and you can call your local recycling center to find out when that will be.

The next step is to choose new, safe, eco-friendly products that do not contain any of those keywords above on their bottles. They should be biodegradable and non-toxic! These eco-friendly products are not only better for the environment, they are better for your health. In addition to changing the cleaning product, you should change what you clean with. Decrease the amount of paper towels you use by replacing them with old shirts and rags. Recycling unwanted shirts and cloths you are not only being environmentally friendly, but you are saving yourself from overspending on non-eco-friendly products! If you absolutely must use paper towels, there are some that are more eco-friendly than others. Look for ones that are unbleached and are made of recycled paper.

Some other important eco-friendly tips are:

Conserve your water. Clean water is precious and should not be wasted! Do not leave water running when you are washing your dishes, and use minimal amounts of water to clean.
Buy indoor plants. Plants can improve the quality of the air in your home, and can make the indoors feel more like the outdoors.
Use a HEPA vacuum to purify your air while cutting down on your use of nonrenewable resources.

The Maids have been doing their part to be eco-friendly cleaners since 1995. Their methods include using environmentally safe cleaning products that are non-toxic, non-flammable, and do not contain irritants, carcinogens, sensitizers, or harmful chemicals. They also use the HEPA filtration system to clean the air and create a healthier environment. The Maids also use special tools and procedures to reduce water and paper waste such as reusable microfiber cloths. Cleaning materials and containers are washed and reused to eliminate unnecessary disposal.

Like The Maids, you can alter the way that you clean with just a few important steps. Becoming eco-friendly will make your home and the environment cleaner and healthier!

How to Live in a Healthy Environment

Fri, 25 May 2012 14:11:59 GMT

Learn how to live in a healthy environment, with some healthy cleaning tips from The Maids!

No other cleaning system is a match to The Maid's 22 Step Healthy Touch, but in between visits from The Maids there are ways to keep your home cleaner and a healthy environment.

1.Washing

Wash your hands, wash your hands, and wash your hands! You can spread unhealthy germs throughout your home if you do not wash your hands regularly. Rubbing your hands together with soap and water multiple times a day can severely minimize your chances of getting yourself, and those in your home, sick! Make the healthy choice and do not let those paws get grimy or you may be the one giving your whole family getting the flu! What good is wealth without your health?

1.Cleaning

Clean what you touch! The items and areas in your home that get touched often are the most important things to disinfect. These items include: door knobs, remote controls, light switches, etc. In addition to that, you may not know this but two of the most unhealthy breeding grounds for bacteria that can get you very sick include the phone and the keyboard! You may not have the H1N1 disinfectant like The Maids, but any natural all purpose cleaner should make a healthy improvement.

1.Hot Water

Turn that dial to Hot Water! It is important to clean things like towels and bed linens in hot water with plenty of detergent. Since they do not get cleaned daily and contain more germs and bacteria than other items in the laundry basket, they need more attention in order to better protect your health. You don't want to worry about catching a cold when you climb into bed or dry off after a shower!

1.Disinfect

Disinfect that bathroom! As often as possible, spray a disinfecting cleaner on all of your bathroom appliances, especially: toilet seats, showers, and faucets. Dirty bathrooms are a haven for bacteria and germs, so make a sincere effort to keep yours healthy by always keeping it clean!

1.Bathing

Wash that dog! Pets can bring all sorts of bacteria and other contaminants into your home. After all, some of them even roll around in their own waste (ew!). To keep both your pet healthy, and your family healthy and less likely to attract a cold, virus, or allergies, it's very important to give your pet a bath. They may hate it, and it might not be easy, but it will be worth it for the health of everyone!

Keeping your home healthy and clean does require more attention, but it is better than going through twenty boxes of tissues or sleeping on your bathroom floor!

Do you get seasonal allergies? Does the common cold somehow find its way into your system every year? Are you fearful of getting the H1N1 virus? To lower your chances of dealing with any of these ailments, a thorough cleaning of your home is essential to making it a happier, healthy environment.

Does that sounds like an impossible task? Let a professional service like The Maids do it for you. They have a 22 Step Healthy Touch system that ensures the level of cleanliness each home receives. The Maids specialize in not only cleaning for aesthetic appeal, but cleaning for health, making it less likely for their clients to get colds, flus, or allergies.

They use a HEPA filtration system that purifies indoor air by capturing 99 percent of all dust, allergens, pet dander, bacteria, pollen, and other air pollutants. The HEPA will purify your air providing you with a healthy home that feels like the fresh outdoors (minus the pollen!). They also use a disinfectant in bathrooms and commonly touched surfaces, like light switches and doorknobs, that kills the H1N1 virus. They cannot guarantee that your home will be H1N1- free, but the disinfectant can severely lower the chance of the virus spreading through your house! To further ensure a healthy home, and to remain eco-friendly, The Maids use only environmentally safe cleaning products that promote a healthy environment. These products do not contain toxins that can be harmful and unhealthy for you and your family.

Quick Tips For Your Home Organization

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:16:29 GMT

With a few easy organization tips, you can get your home looking great!

Organization is the easiest way to keep your home clean and healthy in between visits from The Maids.

Staying organized will also eliminate clutter and minimize stress. Follow these easy home organization tips to start your way towards a more clean, healthy and productive life.

Kitchen

Junk drawer? No more! Only 20% of all items in your kitchen are used 80% of the time. Fortunately, this means you can get rid of most of the stuff in your kitchen and not even miss it. Clean out the junk drawer now. Throw away any trash and then sort through and organize the remaining pile of junk. If you don’t have a place for it in the house, haven’t used it in a year and didn’t even know it was in there . . . toss it!

Purge your pantry! Look for any expired food that needs to be thrown away. Also, set aside any extra canned goods or nonperishable foods you can donate to a local food pantry. Then reevaluate your method of food storage to ensure that similar items are organized together, either by category or type of meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner). You decide!

Living Room

Welcome the wastebasket! The reason why few people have a wastebasket in the living room is because they are not attractive and can smell. It may be an anomaly to place a wastebasket in the living room but it will cut down on the mess and increase organization. Choose a wastebasket that matches the room’s décor and use a lid and deodorizing trash bags if you plan to throw food in there.

Clear surface clutter! Papers, books, magazines, etc. tend to attract flat surfaces throughout the living room - taking up space on the TV stand, coffee table and chairs. Counteract this by placing papers in a file cabinet or cart and books and magazines in a stand to restore order and organization to your family’s central gathering place!

Bathroom

Methodize your medicine cabinet! Change the purpose of your medicine cabinet and start to store items you need and use on a daily basis in there. Toss out expired medication and bring items used regularly to the forefront. An organized medicine cabinet quickly takes the place of a countertop covered in everyday grooming supplies!

Keep your floor dry, not damp! If your towel rack isn’t big enough to hang everyone’s towel then add more hooks to the bathroom for more organization. Towel hooks are an inexpensive and creative addition to provide more space for each family member to hang their towel!

Bedroom

Take advantage of under the bed storage for organization! The bedroom offers great horizontal space for under the bed storage bins. Store clothing items that won’t fit in your closet or other items such as purses, shoes or blankets. Plus, a bedskirt keeps the storage hidden!

Try to make the bed every day! Notice what a difference a done up bed can make. If you spend three minutes every morning making your bed, not only will your room look more organized but it may also motivate you to pick up those clothes on the floor as well!

Once you start to keep your home organized in between visits from The Maids, you and your family can enjoy the healthiest living environment possible. It is our mission to ensure the healthy cleaning of your home. The Maids healthy household cleaning process is guaranteed to make your home cleaner and healthier - from your kitchen to your bedroom.

Five Tips to Get Rid of Your Home's Clutter

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:24:09 GMT

Getting Started:

Clear the clutter in your home with five easy cleaning tips from The Maids.

Is your stuff taking over your home? For many people, their houses are messy not because they are messy, but simply because they have too much stuff and not enough storage. Clutter can take up space in your house that could be better used for other things, and cutting down on your unnecessary or unused possessions can really make your home cleaner and more comfortable. However, deciding what to get rid of and finding the time to sort through it all can seem daunting. An article in Time Magazine by Lisa McLaughlin gives some great tips to help motivate and guide you through decluttering your home.

Let the decluttering begin. Maybe it's because of decreasing home sales. Or rising gas prices. Or maybe just because it's still spring. Whatever the reason, there are several grassroots movements afoot that have average Joes trying to pare down their possessions and do more living with less stuff. The 100 Thing Challenge is a pledge to cull your belongings to a mere 100 items. If that seems too daunting, there's the 365 Days of Decluttering Challenge, which has people promising to donate, sell or toss one unused item from their homes everyday for — you guessed it — a year.

The biggest challenge, of course, is simply getting started. Organizing experts Julie Morgenstern and Peter Walsh each have their own approaches to decluttering, but they agree that the key to a successful purge is defining what your ideal life should look like and then deciding which of your belongings still fits in the picture. Both are also trying to draw attention to different kinds of clutter: physical, emotional, even temporal clutter. Some stuff keeps you stuck in the past and I-might-need-it-some-day clutter keeps you from focusing on the present. Here are a few of their tips figuring out what to keep and what to toss:

Tips:

1. Define your vision

In her new book When Organizing Isn't Enough, SHED your Stuff, Change Your Life, Morgenstern advises people looking to declutter to come up with a theme. "No one lets go without reaching for something else," she says. "You need to come up with a theme for the next phase of your life. Giving a name to what you want to do or feel or express will help dislodge you from your current state of stagnancy." Some common themes are creating a nurturing home, striving for career excellence, and focusing on self-expression and enrichment. Walsh agrees. "If you focus on the stuff, you will never ever get organized," says Walsh, author of the bestselling It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff. "The starting point has to be, 'What is the vision you have for the life you want?,'" he says. "Then you're in a position to ask, 'What do I need for this space?"

2. Define the clutter

Once you have your vision or theme, separating the treasures from trash should be a little easier. Ask yourself: does this item help me get there? What doesn't fit gets purged. Morgenstern emphasizes that clutter doesn't have to be messy. "A perfectly organized closet or drawer is clutter if it is filled with clothes that you haven't worn for years," she says. And clutter doesn't have to be made of stuff. "It can be any obsolete object, space, commitment or behavior that weighs you down or distracts you or saps your energy," she says. "It can be bad habits that take up too much time."

3. Start small

Purging can be very emotional. "It's a big mistake to dismiss clutter as junk," says Morgenstern. "These piles are things that were once important to you, to who you once were or who you wanted to be." To help ease you into the process, she suggests starting in the room you are least attached to. If books are your great love—and clutter weakness—don't start your purging project by the bookcases. Move to a less emotional area, like the kitchen or hall closet. Once you are successful in those parts of the house, it may be easier to tackle the rest. "And be ready for the panic," she warns. Every once in a while you will be overcome with thoughts of "what if I really need that later?" If that happens, just take a deep breath, remember your goal and keep going. "Keep in mind that if you aren't careful, what you own will end up owning you," says Walsh.

4. Let your good riddance help others

It might not be as difficult to say goodbye to your belongings if you're giving them to organizations that can really use them. For instance, those books that are gathering dust in your home could be page-turners at a library, school or senior-citizen center. And those skinny clothes that you'll probably never fit into again could be doing a whole lot more than making you feel bad; take them to a charity shop or shelter.

5. Examine all aspects of your life for clutter

Morgenstern points out that poor uses of time, outdated commitments and bad habits can all be defined as clutter and are worthy of purging. Walsh makes the case for a strong mind-home-body connection in his latest bestseller, Does This Clutter Make My Butt Look Fat? "If you think about it, the reasons why a lot of people buy stuff are exactly the same reasons why a lot of people run out and eat inappropriate food—to make themselves feel better," he says. "The parallels are amazing. Our homes, heads and hips are connected." At the end of the day, experts agree that there are many different types of clutter, and they all rob us of peace and harmony. So look at the vision that you have for your life and then ask does keeping this item — whether it be a chair, vase or eclair — help me get there.

This content is from Time.com , click the link to read more!

Easy Tips to Organize Your Closet

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:31:38 GMT

Having to organize your closet might not seem like an important part of cleaning your house; after all, if you shut the doors no one can see the mess! But if you are using your closet everyday, think of the time and frustration you could save yourself by making it easy to find what you are looking for. Closets are a primary space for clutter, and sometimes it is a good idea to go through all it in order to get rid of the some of the more interesting items you have accumulated over the years. If your closet is organized, it will give you more room to store new purchases and keep your clothes in good condition - without wrinkles anyway! Here are some great tips to organize your closet from Sheknows.com by Julie Bielenberg.

It's a part of your home you use every day, and organization is essential to keeping you sane and your belongings accessible. Does your closet need a makeover?

Closets might be one of the most visited spots in your home. Most people have the same complaint: Not enough room. De-cluttering your closet is critical in making the most of the room you have and maintaining a neat atmosphere.

To start weeding out unnecessary items in your closet, ask yourself the following:

Have you worn that article of clothing in the past year?
Will that outfit ever fit you again?
Will that outfit ever come back into style?
Will you wear that stained shirt or pants?
Do you feel good in that outfit? Does it suit your body style?

If you answered "no" to the questions above, toss the item. Here are the most common reasons the clothing needs to go:

You've made it through all four seasons in the past year and did not wear it; it's a safe bet you are not going to wear it next season.
With age come body changes. Even if your weight hasn't changed, your hips might have become more defined and that pair of skinny jeans won't fit over your hips no matter how much weight you lose.
Sure, leg warmers came back in style along with spandex under skirts, but florescent pink t-shirts and pleated skirts are still out.
Does wearing stained clothing make you feel good? How many “painting” shirts do you need?
Does an off-the-shoulder ripped sweatshirt look good at a PTA meeting? Does a really short skirt mesh with your office’s dress code?

Now that you’ve realized you can cut back on the clutter, follow these eight steps to creating a well-organized closet.

BAG OR BOX IT

If you simply cannot part with clothes that you haven’t worn in some time, purchase a large Tupperware or vacuum-seal bag to store them. Neatly stack the boxes or bags at the bottom or top of your closet or in a basement or storage room.

STORE IT AWAY

Arrange your closet seasonally. You probably aren’t going to wear the five wool sweaters in summer. Put them in storage.

IS IT A PAIR?

Shoes mate for life. If you haven’t seen the mate to that shoe in years, get rid of the stag shoe.

GET ORGANIZED

Purchase a shoe rack, or create a system that easily displays items. Some women even buy small, clear plastic boxes and label the outside of the box for easy storage.

KEEP IT CLEAN

Keep a laundry hamper or basket as well as a dry cleaning bag in your closet for easy placement of dirty clothes. Better here than on your bedroom floor.

HAVE A SYSTEM

Organizational systems such as the Elfa System or Yaffa Blocks help you keep items in their places and within view.

HANG IT UP

Hangers! You’ve got to have the right ones. Children’s-sized hangers work great for pants, clip hangers can hold multiple skirts, and padded hangers are perfect for dresses.

CLOSET PEOPLE

Check your local yellow pages for the numerous companies that will come to your home and create a system for your closet that will help you stay organized. These companies use everything from wooden shelves to wire racks to additional rods. Some of these services can be costly, but they're well worth it.

Remember, if you can’t see it, you probably aren’t going to wear it. Keep the system simple and streamlined, and your closet makeover will keep you more organized and better able to find things you need.

Having to organize your closet may not sound fun to you, but now you have the right tips to organize your closet the right way. Once you organize your closet with these tips, you will not have to reorganize many times over.

For more great organization tips, contact the Maids!

How to Organize your Small Room

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:52:04 GMT

Many of us have that small room in our house that is seemingly useless. Maybe it was once your oldest child’s bedroom and now they are all grown up and gone, and that small room is still there. Perhaps you haven’t organized the small room since they left because you either don’t know what to do with the small room, or you simply discovered that you can use that small room for storage.

Organizing a small room can make a huge difference in your home.

Wouldn’t it be nice to organize that small room and have it be used for something other than holding your extra things? Maybe the small room could be used for another TV room or a small room for the kids to hang out and play. If you want to learn how to organize your small room, make sure you read the following article from www.lovetoknow.com .

Organize A Small Room

By Marye Audet

Do you have a small room? Organize it with the following hints, tips and helps. An organized room stays cleaner, looks larger, and is much easier to maintain than a room that is in total disarray.

Cope with Clutter

One of the first things that must be done when it is time to organize any room, small or large, is to cope with the clutter. Papers, magazines, and other items are distracting and make it difficult to clean. You will need to decide what to do with each item that is not put away properly in your small room. There are three options:

Put it away
Throw it away
Give it away

Use these three labels on three boxes or large clothes baskets. As you clean and organize your room you will put the clutter in one of the three containers. The stuff in the throw away box will go straight to the trash, the giveaway box will go straight to the thrift shop, and the put away box will need to be put away properly. Once you have a clean slate to work with it will be easier to organize your cozy space.

Make a Plan

If you are starting from scratch with new furniture then make a scale diagram of your room on graph paper. Be sure to put in doors, windows, and other architectural features. Be sure that any furniture that you bring in to your space is a good fit. By having the scale drawing you can easily tell if you can fit both the three foot ottoman and the five foot bookcase on the wall by the window. When you go to buy items for your room take your drawing and your measuring tape.

Have an idea of what the room will be used for. Different types of rooms need different types of organization. If it is going to be used as both a guest bedroom and a home office then it will need a different type of organization than if it was going to be used as a den. Make notes of what containers and other organizational items you will need. Some that may be useful are:

Baskets are a great way to organize small items
In bathrooms they can hold makeup, towels, and other items
In other rooms they can hold magazines, papers, books, craft supplies and other things.
They can be used on shelves or in cabinets
Placed in a mudroom, or by the door baskets can hold library books, homework, and other items necessary for school
In a child's room baskets can hold socks, mittens, or small toys
Files
Magazine articles
Important papers
The kid's drawings

Book Cases

Books
Baskets
Magazine holders

How to Organize Specific Small Rooms

Now that you have an idea of what to do, it is time to work on each room individually. After all, a small bathroom will be organized much differently than a small kitchen.

The Kitchen

Keep spices in a clear bin with a lid. Depending on how many spices you have you may need more than one bin. The plastic boxes that are sold to hold shoes work well for this. The bins stack easily and are easy to take to the work area when you are creating a recipe.
Transfer dried grocery items like beans and pasta to clear, glass jars if possible. You will quickly be able to see what you have and they look nice.
Keep your counter tops clear as much as you can. This is especially important in a small kitchen.
If possible hang your pots and pans from a hanging rack. This will keep them within easy reach and yet leave your cupboard space open for other things.

Organize your kitchen by area:

Wet- sink area. Keep dishwashing soap, dish cloths, scrubbers, vegetable scrubbers and colanders in this area of the kitchen.
Hot - stove and oven. Keep hot pads, pans, wooden spoons, and other items that you need to cook with in this area.
Work- counter top. This is the area where you will prepare the foods for cooking as well as preparing them for storage. Knives, bowls, mixers, and other items used in food preparation should be stored here if possible.

Bathroom

Keep makeup and other small cosmetic items in plastic bins.
Have dirty clothes hamper and use it.
Use baskets to hold towels if necessary.
Use hooks on the wall to hang items.
Get a soap dispenser.
Closet Sort your clothes and put off season items in storage

Categorize your clothing by style:

Casual
Work
Formal

Hang belts on racks
Place shoes on a shoe rack, an over the door one may work best.
Use clear bins to hold scarves, shoes, mittens, gloves, and other small items.

If you have a small room, organize it to make it both beautiful and efficient. Organization takes some planning but nearly anyone can create a relaxing space when they get rid of the clutter. Whether you are downsizing to a smaller house or apartment, or you are just coping with a small sized room, an organized space is relaxing and comforting.
Remember it is your house and you can use your small room for whatever you want. No matter how you use your small room, you will want to make sure it can be used to its full potential. You will be very happy once you have organized your small room and you will discover that that small room that was once cluttered and messy, can serve a purpose in your house other than being a "storage closet."

Simple Bathroom Cleaning Tips

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:43:56 GMT

Your bathroom is one of the hardest places in clean in your entire home. It is also the one that needs it the most! Proper bathroom cleaning will help keep you and your family live healthier. You do not need dangerous chemicals to get your bathroom clean and free of germs, you just need to to know the right products to get the job done. While bathroom cleaning might not be a fun thing to do, but if you do it every week it will not be too time consuming. Here are some simple cleaning tips from Housekeepingchannel.com by Linda Cobb that will help you get your bathroom sparkling!

Over the years I have found that there is one room that generates question after question - the bathroom. The bathroom is also the room that most guests see and have the most private time to observe. I have tried virtually every cleaning product on the market and developed many of my own "Queen's Concoctions" - what follows are some of the best and easiest bathroom cleaning tips I can offer.

CLEANING PORCELAIN TUBS

To clean and polish a porcelain tub and remove stains, make a paste of powdered alum (available in drugstores) and water. Rub well, as if using cleanser. For stains, make a paste of powdered alum and lemon juice; apply and let dry, then moisten with more lemon juice and rub well. Rinse thoroughly.

Borax and water is also a great cleaner for porcelain. Make a paste and rub well, then rinse.

CLEANING FIBERGLASS SHOWERS AND TUBS

Heat white vinegar until it is hot, but not too hot to pour into a spray bottle and work with. Spray it on the shower and tub heavily. Wait 10-15 minutes and then moisten a scrubbing-type sponge with more of the vinegar and scrub down the shower, using additional heated vinegar as necessary. Rinse well and dry.

KEEPING SHOWERS CLEAN

To make shower upkeep simple, apply a coat of car wax. Do not use this on the floor of the tub or shower. After showering, use a squeegee to wipe down the shower door and walls, and your shower will stay clean and you'll have fewer problems with mildew.

KEEPING TILE AND GROUT CLEAN

Make a paste of baking soda and chlorine bleach and apply to the grout. Let dry and then rinse. Do this in a well-ventilated area, using care near carpet or fabric. Even the fumes of chlorine bleach can remove color from towels left hanging in the tub area.

TILE AND GROUT CLEANER

Combine two parts baking soda, one part borax, and one part hot water, adding additional water as necessary to form a thick paste. Apply to the tile and grout, and scrub with a soft brush. Rinse well.

This is a handy spray-on grout cleaner for frequent use, good for removing soap scum and cleaning tile counters:

1/2 cup of baking soda
1/3 cup of ammonia
1/4 cup of white vinegar
7 cups of water

Combine all the ingredients in a labeled spray bottle and shake well to mix. D0 not use this in conjunction with chlorine bleach or where chlorine bleach has been used. Simply spray it on and then wipe with a damp sponge or cloth. No rinsing required.

REMOVING SOAP SCUM AND MILDEW FROM GLASS SHOWER DOORS

Removing soap and scum buildup on glass shower doors is always tedious. Lemon oil or even plain old mineral oil will remove it quickly and easily, and will help to keep it from coming back. Apply the oil to a rough cloth, such as an old washcloth, and rub it across the dirty shower door surface. Next buff with a soft cloth or paper towels to provide a haze-free shine. The oil provides a protective coating that keeps the water beading and the soap scum from adhering. Never put oil or allow it to drip on the floor of the shower; this will prevent good traction in the shower and may cause someone to fall.

CLEANING SOAP SCUM AND MILDEW OFF PLASTIC SHOWER CURTAINS

Put the shower curtain in the washing machine with 1 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite liquid laundry detergent, and several old, light-colored towels. Fill the washer with warm water and run through a complete wash and rinse cycle. Remove from the washer and hang on the shower rod immediately.

CLEANING MINERAL DEPOSITS FROM THE SHOWERHEAD

Fill a plastic sandwich bag with undiluted white vinegar. Tie this around the showerhead and leave overnight. In the morning, remove the bag, scrub the head with a brush, and it's ready to use.

Put 1/2 cup of baking soda down the bathroom drain and follow with the vinegar from the plastic bag - great drain opener! Wait 30 minutes, then flush with water.

CLEANING CHROME FAUCETS

Use white vinegar on a cloth or sponge to remove water spots and soap scum. Dry and buff with a soft cloth. Or apply some lemon juice to chrome fixtures and buff with a soft cloth to a brilliant shine.

CLEANING SHOWER DOOR TRACKS

Plug the drain holes in the door track with a little bit of paper towel made into a ball. Pour in undiluted white vinegar. Let this soak for 30 minutes, unplug the holes, rinse the track with a spray bottle of water, and run a rag down it. This will flush the accumulated buildup out of the track.

TOILET TIP - TANG TUNE-UP

To keep your toilet clean and your dog happy, put several tablespoons of Tang Breakfast Drink in the toilet before you leave for work or at bedtime. Let it soak, use your toilet brush to swish around under the rim, and flush. The great thing about this is you don't have to worry if the kids get into the toilet bowl cleaner.

TOILET TIP - REMOVING HARD-WATER RINGS

Shut off the water at the toilet tank and flush. Spray undiluted white vinegar around the inside of the toilet, then sprinkle borax onto the vinegar. Let soak about 30 minutes and then scrub with a piece of moistened fine drywall sandpaper (looks like window screen - available at hardware stores and hone centers). If you have an old hard-water ring, you may need to repeat this several times.

TOILET TIP - CLEAN, SANITIZE

To clean and sanitize a toilet bowl, first shut off the water at the tank and flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible. Combine in a bucket:

1 tablespoon ammonia
1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (drugstore variety)
1.5 quarts water

Pour the solution in the toilet bowl and use a brush to apply it to the sides of the bowl. Let stand at least 30 minutes, then scrub the inside of the bowl with a scrub brush. Allow to remain in the toilet for up to several hours, reapplying the solution to the sides of the bowl frequently as needed. Do not use this with chlorine bleach or products that contain chlorine bleach.

With these simple tips you will be able to become a bathroom cleaning pro. If bathroom cleaning is not something you really want to do, The Maids can help you with all of your bathroom cleaning and other cleaning desires.

How to Keep Your Refrigerator Clean

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:37:40 GMT

Your refrigerator is one of the most important places that you need to keep clean. The refrigerator is home to all the food and

Keep your refrigerator clean and safe with an Eco-friendly approach!

beverages that you and your family eat and drink. You don’t want your refrigerator to be home to bacteria and mold, or any other harmful things that could jeopardize you and your family’s health and safety. If you actively clean your refrigerator on a daily basis, by keeping an eye out for expired foods, spills, and odors, you will prevent lingering odors and germs that may have potentially harmful effects.

Having an Eco-friendly refrigerator does not necessarily mean that you have to buy organic foods. It may mean that you should keep a watchful eye on the condition of the refrigerator that stores these foods. Committing to daily and weekly cleaning of your refrigerator is very important, but you should also give your refrigerator a more intense cleaning every three to six months, unless your refrigerator really needs heavy duty cleaning beforehand. Use Eco-friendly products to clean your refrigerator, keep your refrigerator clean, and protect your family and your environment. This article by Amanda N. offers readers some simple Eco Friendly Ways to Keeping Your Refrigerator Clean .

Many think going green is to sacrifice and go frugal. It’s a wrong concept. In many cases, going green is just about making the best use of what you have and doing good habits day in and day out. This article will tell you how you can clean your refrigerator in an eco friendly way, without committing to some hard-to-follow steps.

A refrigerator is where you store food, drinks, snacks, and everything that is edible. How could you not keep it clean, for your family’s sake? There are many ways to clean a refrigerator, but the best are still those that are eco friendly.

Categorize Storage

A refrigerator stores all kinds of food from raw meat to leftover. The mixed odor of the fresh and rotten, and the raw and cooked in an enclosed air-conditioned closet can be intolerable. If you don’t sort them in a systematic manner, they would soon become a mess. So, compartments and dividers are created for that sorting purpose, and you should make good use of them. Sort your food and store liquid items in containers with a lid before you put them inside the refrigerator.

Don’t Overstock

Maximizing the capacity of your refrigerator by storing as much food as possible is not only unhealthy, but also not eco friendly. When you overstock the refrigerator, it has to produce more energy to keep the food at the right temperature. Besides, fresh food, such as vegetable and meat, and other perishable food rot soon if you don’t eat them timely. The refrigerator stinks as a result. It’s better to do estimation before you shop for groceries.

Use Green Cleaning Solutions

Substituting chemical cleaners for green cleaning solutions is the most direct way to do eco friendly cleaning. The good news is you have an array of green cleaning solutions to choose from. Baking soda, lemon juice, and white vinegar are just a few of the green ingredients that allow you to be clean while being eco friendly.

Clean Your Refrigerator Regularly

Having your refrigerator cleaned regularly is a good way to help you remove the residing smell, if any, in the refrigerator. Other than regular cleaning, some models may even need defrosting when the ice gets too thick. Both cleaning and defrosting can get your refrigerator on track.

Daily Cleaning Habits

Just because you clean your refrigerator regularly doesn’t mean you don’t have to tend to it on a daily basis. Clean any dirt and stain immediately when you spot them. That way, you eliminate the potential of forming any lingering smell in the refrigerator.

There are a wide range of ways to clean the refrigerator the eco friendly way. While the refrigerator is only a small turf in your family, if more and more families are willing to take extra steps to reduce their carbon footprint, you will soon see a more eco friendly world. Think big, act small.

Be sure to clean out and throw away any outdated, moldy, or spoiled foods in your refrigerator. Cover containers if they do not have any lids to prevent odors in your refrigerator. You may find it helpful to label jars and containers with their expiration date; this way you and your family will know when it is time to clean out the bad food from your refrigerator. Organizing your containers in a sensible way, with like items together, creates easy access and less confusion. When cleaning, don’t forget any removable parts such as wire racks or drawers, the refrigerator shelves, and the food containers or jars themselves that you place back in the refrigerator. Making a conscious effort to clean your refrigerator in an Eco-friendly way will keep you and your family healthier and safer when it comes to the consumption of foods and beverages.

Spring-Clening: Tips for Your Spring-Cleaning To-Do List

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:46:05 GMT

Have you started to think about your spring-cleaning to-do-list? Your spring-cleaning should begin with a spring-cleaning to-do-list, so that you know exactly what you need to accomplish. Spring is on her way. The temperature is getting milder and the days are lasting longer. To most gracefully welcome spring, you should do some spring-cleaning.

Spring-cleaning: It's time to freshen up your living space!

you started to think about your spring-cleaning to-do-list?

Your spring-cleaning should begin with a spring-cleaning to-do-list, so that you know exactly what you need to accomplish. Typically, the spring-cleaning list is a compilation of chores that are not done on a weekly basis. You can organize your list any way you like. For example, your spring-cleaning list may be organized according to the rooms in your house or chores pertaining to your yard and chores pertains to the house. Get the idea?

Take a look at this spring-cleaning list that we found on Organized Homes :

Around The House:

Schedule a family garage clean-out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools. You'll have the jump on summer fun!
Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.
Tour house exterior and grounds. Make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance.
Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer's construction season.
Use a sunny Saturday to scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against Summer's heat and moisture--and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn. New growth will be protected from damage or disease.
Begin major Spring landscaping projects. Spring's the time to put in shrubs and trees, but check with your local extension office for specific planting recommendations for your area.

The Inside Story:

Changing seasons, changing clothes. Hold a family wardrobe check as you bring out warm-weather clothing. Sort winter clothing for discards and donations before you store.
Hold a garage sale! Declutter house and garage to turn trash into cash. Build your yard sale savvy here.
Pick a weekend and enlist the family for Spring cleaning. Many hands make light work! Reward the team with dinner at a pizza parlor.
Wash windows inside and out.
While at the window area, check drapes and window treatments. Vacuum any dust; send dirtier drapes to the cleaners.
Move furniture and vacuum beneath it.
Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems. Don't wait for the first hot day! Air conditioning firms will give better service when they're not busy.
When the weather warms, deactivate heat system humidifiers. Check the system manual for instructions on how to power down for the summer.
Drain sediment from hot water heaters.

Regardless of what your spring-cleaning to-do-list looks like, it is important to tackle the different chores little by little. You do not have to do all of your spring-cleaning at once. In fact, we can almost guarantee that if you try completing everything at once, you will be extremely miserable.

Spring-cleaning gives you the perfect opportunity to freshen up your living space. So, do not be afraid to throw things away and clear away the clutter. You cannot save everything.

Happy Cleaning! Oh, and despite the phrase “spring-cleaning,” you do not necessarily have to save your cleaning for the spring!

If you are looking for professional help, contact us at The Maids. Our team would love to help you with your spring-cleaning.

Detox Your Home: Rid Your Home of Toxic Cleaning Products

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:10:19 GMT

If “detox your home” is not on your spring cleaning to-do list, it sure should be!

Clean your home naturally and safely with non-toxic cleaning products for a detoxifying experience.

Detoxifying your home should be an essential part of your spring cleaning regimen.

You’ve probably heard of doing a detox to eliminate the internal toxins from your body, but did you know that you can also detox your hoome? Evidence shows that what we use to clean our home is just as important as what we’re putting in and on our bodies. After all, the toxins that are present in our home make their way into our bodies eventually.

Just because you can’t literally see the toxins floating around in your home, these invisible toxins still exist. Indoor air quality is actually about 2 to 5 times more polluted than the air outside. After a long winter of closed doors and trapped stale air, spring is the time to freshen up and detoxify your home!

You can find a natural, green cleaning product for just about anything these days. Below you will find helpful information from KeeperoftheHome.org that shares some wonderful recipes for non-toxic cleaning products that you can use to detox your home. You can essentially clean the whole house with four non-toxic ingredients!

Non-Toxic Cleaners You Can Make at Home

Written by Stacy Karen, Contributing Writer

Advertisers everywhere proclaim the germ fighting power of chemical-filled cleaners. Many would have us believe that there is no way to clean and disinfect without a chemical product. And doesn’t every good mother want to rid her home of germs and dirt?

May I encourage you not to buy into these messages? A little dirt won’t kill you or your children.

While it is true that some germs can be dangerous, so are the chemicals in the cleaners that claim to eradicate said germs! The toxins contained in most commercial cleaners are unhealthy for us and the environment.

In her book, The Naturally Clean Home, Karyn Siegel-Maier states:

"A study by the Toronto Indoor Air Commission concluded that, due to increased exposure to household carcinogens, women who work at home have a 55 percent greater chance of developing cancer than women who spend the majority of their time outside the home."

This is a sobering reminder that we should not be adding to our toxic load by using chemical laden cleaners day after day.

Thankfully more and more non-toxic cleaners are becoming available. However, these new choices can be expensive (and many are still not entirely safe). Lucky for us, it is easy and inexpensive to make cleaners at home. And you don’t need a bunch of fancy ingredients to do it. Keeping vinegar, Castile soap, baking soda, and essential oils on hand will enable you to make just about every cleaner you need.

Today I’d like to show you how to make a variety of non-toxic cleaners using these four ingredients.

But first, here is a brief overview of each ingredient:

Vinegar

White, distilled vinegar is great for deodorizing, degreasing and general cleaning. It’s also extremely inexpensive and readily available.

The smell of vinegar does dissipate fairly quickly, but if you dislike it a great deal, try scenting it. To create scented vinegar, simply add 75 drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil to a one gallon jug of white vinegar (this combination came from Clean House, Clean Planet by Karen Logan, page 254-255).

Castile Soap

This gentle soap is made from vegetable fat/oil such as hemp, palm or olive (opposed to tallow). It is a versatile cleaner that works well with other ingredients as well as alone.

Baking Soda

The texture of baking soda makes it useful as a mild abrasive. It is also an excellent deodorizer.Many of us already have an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb smells, but it can also be used to scrub sinks and clean toilets!

To freshen carpets, add a few drops of essential oil to a box of baking soda, stir to combine, sprinkle on the carpet and allow to sit for 30 minutes. Then vacuum.

Essential Oils

These concentrated plant oils contain powerful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties. While they can sometimes be expensive, one small bottle will last a long time. They add a lovely fragrance to your homemade cleaners, which provides psychological benefits too!

My favorite essential oils for cleaning are: lemon, orange, peppermint, lavender, and tea tree.

Image by Rowdy Kittens

Simple Recipes to Clean the Whole House

Floors

My favorite floor cleaner is made by adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of Castile soap and 10 drops of lemon essential oil to a large container. Fill with 1 gallon of hot water and stir to mix. If the floor is greasy, add up to 1/8 cup of vinegar.

Walls

The above floor cleaner will work well on walls too. If you wish to disinfect walls (or door knobs, crib rails, and so on), mix equal parts vinegar and water. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, per 16 oz of mixture, if desired.

Mirrors

Mirrors can be cleaned well with water and a microfiber cloth. If you are looking for more shine (and germ killing power), combine 1 ½ cups of water with ½ cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Add 5 to 10 drops of orange or lemon essential oil for extra cleaning power and added fragrance.

Counter tops

I often keep leftover floor cleaner in a spray bottle and use it on the counter tops. It works very well.

If this is not available I will make some disinfecting spray with lavender and peppermint essential oil and water. Adding two tablespoons of Castile soap to this mix will help loosen dirt or grime if necessary.

Toilets

Pouring a little straight or scented vinegar into the toilet bowl is a great way to clean and deodorize. For regular toilet seat wipe downs, keep some vinegar in a spray bottle. (Because it’s non-toxic and safe to use, why not give kids the job of swishing and swiping each day!)

Sprinkling baking soda into the bowl and scrubbing with a sturdy toilet brush is another good way to keep the toilet clean and fresh.

Bath and shower

The best way to keep the shower clean is to regularly spray the walls with vinegar, this helps prevent soap and scum from building up. Using a squeegee to remove excess water (a few times each week) is also very effective, especially on glass doors.

For a thorough cleaning, it is easy to make your own soft soap cleaner with baking soda and Castile soap.

The recipes shared here today are just a sampling of the natural, non-toxic cleaners that can be made with four basic ingredients (or less). There are many other possibilities.

It is always a good idea to label your homemade cleaners. Writing the recipe on the container also helps make refills a breeze.

The change of seasons marks a new beginning for your home. Take this time to create an eco-friendly and safe environment for you and your family indoors. Detoxifying your home and ridding your closets and shelves of toxic cleaning products is one big way to do so.

Breathe easier knowing you tackled the toxins that matter most in your home!

Read more about how The Maids tackle toxins in your home with our green cleaning process .

Diy Home Tips for Tackling the “Honey-Do” List Before Spring

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:23:38 GMT

Spring dreaming? That means it’s time to think about spring cleaning!

Now, about that “Honey-do” list that your spouse or significant other expects you to complete before spring makes an appearance on Tuesday, March 20th.

Find a little inspiration before you tackle your honey-do list, and spring chores can actually be enjoyable!

Stuck with the “Honey-do” list?... have you even thought about tackling that yet?

Spring 2012 will be here before you know it, so it’s time to put your thinking cap on and decide how you’re going to tackle your spring to do list as a self-proclaimed do-it-yourselfer.

Common DIY home projects, as seen on the (dreaded) “Honey-do” list:

Install shelving and hanger rods
Install door knobs, locks and deadbolts
Replace exhaust fans and covers
Install smoke detectors
Repair or replace broken tiles
Install ceramic tiles
Replace sink fixtures
Caulk tubs, sinks and tiles
Replace lighting fixtures
Fix broken drawers
Repair broken fences and gates
Paint doors, windows, trim, rooms, or your home’s exterior
Replace garage door springs
Clean and repair rain gutters
Clean and lubricate sliding doors
Doesn’t the spring to-do list seem to go on, and on?

Whether you have spring home maintenance to tackle, spring cleaning and organization chores, or you’re not even sure what home projects need priority, we’re here to help you out. We don’t believe that you should have to dread your spring to-do list!

The following article from PGEverydaySolutions.com offers a few excellent DIY home tips to make tackling your honey-do list a little easier… and a lot less dreadful. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer with a long list of spring cleaning chores ahead of you, sift through these DIY tips for some inspiration (and maybe a sigh of relief).

Get Motivated to Tackle Your To-do List

Spring is here and you've got about a million and one things you want to get done around the house. So before you get overwhelmed by the mounting tasks, give yourself some inspiration to accomplish your goals. Take some time out to strategize about how best to accomplish your to-do list, and try these helpful, motivating tips:

Ask yourself why.

Try switching your focus from what you have to do ("I've got to clean the garage, move the bikes, get rid of boxes, ugh!") to the reason why you're beginning the project. Concentrating on the why ("I'm cleaning out the garage so I can actually fit my car in here!") can get you excited about the end result.

Do 10 jumping jacks.

You remember these from grade school — jumping jacks are the perfect way to get your blood pumping. Using almost every major muscle group in your body, a quick set of 10 can energize you and help you focus. As always, you should consult your physician before beginning any new exercise regimen.

Prioritize fun.

Spend five minutes in the morning prioritizing your day. It will help you set realistic timelines and make your tasks easier to accomplish. Plus, it gives you the chance to put the most interesting or easiest project first — starting off your day on the right note.

Call in the reinforcements.

Calling on a good friend to help with one of your least favorite tasks can make the drudgery fun before you know it. Even if it's running errands, you're more than likely to have a friend or two who needs to go to the post office, drugstore or the cleaners. While you're out you can pick up a thank-you card ....

Promise yourself a treat.

While the thought of a slice of pie may not be enough to get you to jump at the prospect of washing windows, you may want to ask yourself — and your pocketbook — how much you saved by doing the project yourself. From edging the yard to cleaning out the gutters, you may be surprised to find that your to-do list tasks saved you a nice chunk of money. Whether it's a manicure or a nice dinner out, you deserve a special treat!

Work, family and the daily demands of life can turn a simple honey-do list into a never-ending battle with time (or lack of, for that matter). We hope that this article on DIY home projects will take some stress off your plate.

And when it comes to your spring cleaning honey-do list, you know you should give The Maids a call ! Our professional, licensed maids will come to your home to help you tackle your spring cleaning so you have one less thing to worry about. See how we’re always thinking green , and exactly which areas of your home we can tackle for you !

New Year’s Resolution: Sticking to Your Home Cleaning in 2012

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:55:33 GMT

A new year is almost here, that means a New Year's resolution. It's time to (try to) stick to a New Year's resolution, once and for all. Setting a New Year's resolution is one thing, but following through on your promise to yourself is the real challenge. If you've promised yourself that you're going to create a healthy home cleaning schedule for 2012 as your New Year's Resolution, The Maids are happy to help you stick to your home cleaning plan.

Healthy home cleaning is a New Year's resolution you can follow through on! Sometimes New Year's Resolutions like this one could be harder than you expected. That is why we decided to share month-by-month tips on accomplishing this New Year's resolution.

One way on accomplishing such a resolution is through a continuos storage project. A storage project can be a great way to keep your goal in sight.

The following article from BHG.com will make your New Year's resolution for a clean home possible, and a whole lot easier than you ever thought home cleaning could be. It gives great tips on monthly storage projects.Follow this home cleaning checklist each month for a simple and efficient way to stick to your New Year's resolution for a healthy and clean home in 2012!

Month-By-Month Storage Plan

Let us help you get organized! We've created a 12-month plan focusing on improving the storage in just one room each month

12 Months of Storage Projects

A complete overhaul of your home's storage system may sound overwhelming, but focusing on improving the storage in just one room each month can get you the storage you want in a quick but manageable time frame.

We've provided you with quick and easy mini projects to do throughout the month, each month. Combine the projects into one weekend or do one project each week of the month.

January Storage Projects: Home Office

Create a Mail Station. Set up mailboxes on a desk, wall, or bulletin board. Or give each member of your family his or her own labeled box, bin, or slot.

Stay on Schedule. Hang a large monthly calendar in a spot everyone can see and use it. Choose a paper calendar or dry-erase version, and encourage everyone to write important events, deadlines, and reminders.

Organize Office Supplies. Outfit a desk drawer near your main working area with a divided tray or multiple small bins. Limit the number of office supplies in each compartment. Label each compartment with an adhesive label.

Get Rid of Junk. Test all writing utensils. Toss everything that doesn't work perfectly. Group similar items (pens, pencils, markers, etc) in canisters for easy access.

February Storage Projects: Kitchen

Sort and Label. Evaluate all pantry items. Toss everything that's expired and give away everything you didn't use in the last year. (Write today's date on every item so you'll know next year if you actually used each item.) Put items back in pantry and label shelves.

Outfit a Drawer. Double the storage capacity inside a cabinet by adding freestanding wire shelves. Measure your cabinet interiors before heading to the home center or choose expandable shelves. Include riser-style inserts for small items such as spices or glassware.

Utilize Cabinet Doors. Evaluate the interior of every cabinet door and determine whether you can use the space to store spices, loose recipes, paper towels, or utensils. Add shallow shelves, racks, wall-mount pouches, and magnetic or cork boards.

Add Hooks. Install a utensil bar or metal grid above or beside your stove. Dangle five to eight frequently used utensils from S-hooks. Include a small wire basket to hold salt, pepper, cooking spray, and oil.

March Storage Projects: Living Room

Personal Storage Bin. Give every family member a spot to stash personal items. Fill a bookcase with similar baskets or bins and label containers with each person's name. Establish a house rule to put away books, magazines, toys, and projects every night.

Multifunctional Storage. Overhaul your occasional tables. Replace tables and traditional ottomans with small chests and storage cubes. Add baskets to open spaces. Skirt tables and stash items underneath.

Don't Overdo with Collectibles. Edit a collection to 12 or a fewer outstanding items. Display on a single shelf for maximum impact. Store other items in the collection in one location. Introduce three or four new items--and remove and store the same number--every season.

Create a Space for Entertainment Supplies. Designate one easily accessible drawer for entertaining supplies. Fill the drawer with coasters, napkins, and snack bowls or plates. Include a basket of favorite snacks, a roll of paper towels, and a mini trash receptacle.

April Storage Projects: Laundry

Sorting Baskets. Place a three-compartment bin or basket (look at home or office supply stores for options) in a closet or on an open shelf in your laundry room. Use it to separate out clothing to be repaired, dry-cleaned, and donated.

Keep Detergent Handy. Fill plastic beverage dispensers with laundry detergent, softener, and other liquid laundry additives. Hang a set of plastic measuring cups nearby from a cup hook.

Drying Rack. Mount a drying rack or double towel bar near your washer as a spot for air-drying clean sweaters or rugs.

Make a Catch-all for Ironing Supplies. Convert a silverware caddy into a stain-treating or ironing kit. Fill with small size cleaners, spray starches, and linen waters. Be sure to include essential tools such as brushes, dry-cleaning pads, and collar points.

May Storage Projects: Garage

Create Task Kits. Create kits for various outdoors projects by filling 5- and 10-gallon plastic buckets with all the tools, products, and accessories you need to complete specific tasks such as car-washing, weeding, bicycle repair, and more.

Stash Sporting Gear. Fill tall kitchen trash cans with large and odd-shaped sporting gear. Drill holes in the bottom of bins if drainage is important. Stabilize containers by securing to a wall with short bungee cords.

Organize the Trunk. Clean out your vehicle's trunk. Toss every item that is expired or damaged. Place all trunk gear in a canvas bin or box. Make sure the container doesn't slip by adding rubber or hook-and-loop tape to the bottom.

Tidy Up the Tools. Hang hand tools on a wall near your workbench from hooks on pegboard, magnetic board, or a wall-mount strip system. Label each tool's spot. Put extra tools in a tool box or clear plastic boxes and store on floor underneath workbench.

June Storage Projects: Kids' Rooms

Hooks for All Heights. Mount two strips of hooks or pegs to the back of a child's door -- one about 3 feet from the floor, the other between 5 and 6 feet. Two levels of hooks allow kids to grow and provide more spots for shorter items such as jackets, towels, and bags.

See-Through Toy Storage. Skip the toy box and stash playthings in large clear containers. Line up against the wall, under windows. Top with a cushion for bench seating.

Keep Books Handy. Fill open boxes with children's books based on size and shape. (Kids' books always slide around on bookshelves anyway.) Keep a box near a child's bed for favorite bedtime reading.

Kid-Friendly Closet. Replace the low hanging-bar section of a child's closet with stackable, ready-to-assemble drawers or cubbies -- or slide in a small chest or bookcase. Fill with folded clothes and other gear.

July Storage Projects: Hobby Area

Clean Out Clutter. Test all the craft supplies you own, including paints, markers, and glues. Do the same with tools such as scissors, staplers, and punches. Toss everything that doesn't work. Put similar items in clear plastic containers with handles.

Storage for Small Gear. Hang a clear vinyl shoe bag inside a closet or behind a door. Slip small parts, supplies, and tools into the pouches.

Hang Fabric. Drape fabric scraps and swatches over rubber-coated hangers intended for multiple pairs of pants. Hang from hooks on the back of a door.

Organize Ideas. Purchase eight to 10 sturdy letter boxes and fill with inspirational materials from books, magazines, photographs, and online searching. Organize and label boxes by topic, source, or project. Stack near a chair or desk and use an extra counter, end table, or resting spot.

August Storage Projects: Bathroom

Store Only What You Need. Evaluate all bath linens and keep only a two week's supply for every family member. If you have guest linens, keep them separate from everyday linens. Give away unused linens--or mark as rags with a permanent marker and store appropriately.

Non-skid Baskets. Add rubber feet to the bottom of a plastic basket and fill with bath supplies. Rest basket on tub ledge or in corner to ensure bottles stay in place.

Make Good Use of Cabinet Space. Arrange medicines, beauty, and hair products on lazy Susans to avoid forgetting about items pushed toward the back of the cabinet. Look for two and three-tiered versions to pack in more function.

Hide-away Makeup Caddy. Fill a metal or plastic desktop organizer with makeup, brushes, pencils, and other beauty essentials. Store the entire organizer under the sink when not in use.

September Storage Projects: Master Closet

Spot Unused Items. Arrange all clothes hangers with hooks facing out. Whenever you put away newly laundered items, arrange so the hangers point in. At the end of the season, give away everything on facing-out hangers because you didn't wear it.

Stacking Storage. Turn milk crates on their sides, stack, and fill with folded items divided by style or garment type. Rearrange crate placement based on season.

Workout Gear. Dangle two canvas bags from hooks on the back of your closet door. Fill one with clean, rolled up work-out clothes and other with paired athletic socks.

Organize Accessories. Stash scarves, hats, and other lesser-worn accessories in a stack of clear shoebox-size containers. Look for containers that click together and feature handles for easy transport.

October Storage Projects: Media Room

Control the Cords. Label both ends of every cord behind your entertainment center with a tag or sticker. Bundle up excess cord length with a rubber band or hook-and-loop ties.

Easy-access Discs. Set an attractive bowl (cereal-size works fine) on top of a DVD player and stereo. Place your CD and DVD favorites in the bowl.

Hide the Gaming System. Drill holes in the bottom of a storage ottoman and house a gaming system and all accessories inside. Run cords through the bottom of the ottoman and leave a few holes empty to allow for ventilation.

Label Chargers. Use permanent marker or stickers to label every charger you own. Store all chargers in one bath caddy with a handle.

November Storage Projects: Dining Area

Wrinkle-free Linens. Iron all table cloths and drape over padded hangers. Place coordinating napkins in gallon-size plastic bags and clip to hanger with clothespins.

Hanging Glassware Storage. Install top-mount glassware racks in a cabinet or china hutch. Arrange glassware by type and size.

Corral Disposables. Fill one compartment of a serving buffet with paper party supplies. Use letter holders to organize plates by size and style and mugs to corral plastic cutlery.

Stash Platters. Place larger platters in oversize plastic bags and slip between appliances or behind a hutch.

December Storage Projects: Entry

Family Drop Spot. Use a tabletop serving set as a drop spot for keys, change, wallets, and personal devices. Give family members their own bowls or sections.

Stash Away Entry Rugs. Roll up extra rugs, mats, and towels and place in a wood-carrying basket near the door.

Hanging Outdoor Gear. Hang a multi-compartment canvas shoe or sweater shelf from a closet hang bar. Fill spaces with hats, gloves, pet gear, and purses.

Personalized Coat Rack. Hang a coat rack with enough hooks for each family member to have his or her own and label it with each family member's name.

If your family has made a promise to do a better job with the household cleaning chores, it's time to put them to work for you! Achieving your cleaning goal for the new year is a lot easier if you have more than one person (you) dedicated to the monthly home cleaning checklist. See how you can get the kids to be part of your home cleaning team. Following the home cleaning schedule above, combined with an army of cleaning warriors, will help you actually stick to your New Year's resolution this year.

Here are a few more helpful cleaning tips to help you make your New Year's resolution work for you in 2012:

Create a cleaning chart. Break down household cleaning responsibilities: list the cleaning chore itself, the person who will tackle that cleaning project, and the date of completion. You can organize the cleaning chart by day, week or month.
Evaluate your home. Before you begin any home cleaning or home organization chores, make sure there's a place for everything. You may need to declutter your home and get rid of unused items before you go about your home cleaning.
Complete the cleaning checklist items on time. Create incentives and reward everyone (including yourself) for every completed cleaning project. Put on music or make a game out of it -- if cleaning is fun, more will get done!
Motivate yourself. Any New Year's resolution can be tough to commit to, especially if you're committing to home cleaning for the year. Motivate yourself for home cleaning by inviting a friend over or talking to someone on the phone while you clean.
Consider a house cleaning budget. You can save money on cleaning products by using common household items, reusing cleaning products or making your own green cleaning products.
Organize your cleaning. Keeping all of your cleaning supplies in the same, easily accessible location will speed up the cleaning process. Start cleaning in your least-favorite room to get it out of the way first. This way you can work towards a more enjoyable cleaning task with each room you complete.

Following all of the home cleaning tips will help you get on the right track in 2012 and actually stick to your New Year's resolution for a cleaner home! These storage projects can really help. Follow each of the monthly storage projects to keep up with your New Year's vision.

Of course, if you're finding that you're too time-stressed to complete your house cleaning chores each month and your storage projects are harder and harder to handle, The Maids of South CT are ready and happy to help you get your home cleaner than ever in 2012. Our professional maid cleaning services are superior to other house cleaning companies. See how our maid service is different .

Happy New Year from all of us at The Maids !

Christmas Decorating Ideas for 2011

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 10:59:25 GMT

Taking your holiday decorating outdoors can create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. 'Tis the season for holiday decorating! The holiday season is the perfect time for homeowners to spruce up their indoor and outdoor decorating themes and really create a warm environment for all who enter and live there.

Whether you're decorating for Christmas or another holiday this season, there are a plethora of holiday decorating ideas that you can find online, in magazines or by looking at other homes. And it doesn't matter where you gather your inspiration for holiday decorating, as long as you can enjoy your Christmas decorations / holiday decorations and feel good about the holiday display you've created.

The following article from HGTV.com shares some favorite Christmas decorating ideas for 2011. See which Christmas decorations you love and incorporate them into your existing decorating theme for a truly festive atmosphere.

Our Favorite Christmas Decorating Ideas

It's the most wonderful time of the year to decorate. Check out nine of our best Christmas decorating ideas from holiday experts and HGTV.com readers.

All That Glitters

Sparkle is a holiday essential, according to Cathy Barnhardt, Floral Displays Manager of Biltmore Estates in Asheville, N.C. "At Biltmore and on my own tree, we use many inexpensive 'shiny brites' as the base of the color scheme, tucked into the tree to give depth, add color and reflect the lights. The more decorative ornaments are hung closer to the tips of the branches where they can be seen and appreciated more easily," she says. Photo courtesy of Sarah's Holiday Party.

How to Light the Tree

"Light the tree from the top down working in sections rather than round and round the tree," says Barnhardt. "Work the lights in toward the trunk of the tree, and then back out to the tip of the next branch, securing it by slipping the tip between the two wires of your strand of lights. When it's time to take the lights away, just pull gently on the cord for each section. To get the lighting evenly placed on your tree, step back, squint your eyes to make things blurry and look for dark spots. Rearrange or add lights as needed. These techniques work well on our towering trees at Biltmore and on my little seven-foot fresh tree at home." Photo courtesy of Biltmore Estates.

Contemporary Twist

Preserved boxwood garland is a fresh take on traditional evergreen garlands. Rate My Spacer MaureenGeorgia dresses the garland with pinecones, bronze and silver ornaments and apple green ribbon.

Dramatic Hue

Use one color to make a statement. RMSer Manzardo mixes gold ornaments and accents into a mantel garland to create a holiday focal point. Any metallic, like bronze or silver, adds sparkle, while a more colorful choice, like red, blue or lime green, makes for a bold, eye-catching display.

Dazzling Table Decor

Create an easy decoration for any table in your home. Barnhardt suggests gathering favorite ornaments, in colors that complement your decor, and mix with pine cones or pods into bowls. Photo courtesy of Cindy Aplanalp.

Go for the Gold

Don't settle for any old candles in your Christmas centerpiece. It's only a little extra effort to dress up some mismatched candlesticks with gold leaf. The gilded treatment ties the candlesticks together so the table looks warm and unified.

Get Step-By-Step Instructions

How to Make Gold-Leafed Holiday Candlesticks

Supersize Your Garland

Intertwine fruits, feathers, pine cones and mini glass ornaments throughout garland for a designer look. For the holidays, Britt Scripps Inn in San Diego, Calif., runs an intricate garland up the grand staircase, which is original to the house, built in 1887. Photo courtesy of Britt Scripps Inn.

Bright Lights, Green Solution

As part of the Virginia Green Lodging program, The Holladay House in Orange, Va., is dedicated to proactively reducing their carbon footprint. One of the ways they do this during the holidays is "by using Forever Lights, which are made from LED bulbs. They last for thousands of hours longer than traditional lights and use almost 80 percent less electricity." Photo courtesy of The Holladay House.

Stunning Mantel Display

To create the perfect mantel, Barnhardt says to take down everyday mantel decorations, including any framed prints. Hang a fresh evergreen wreath and then gather items from around your home that coordinate with each other. For example, she collects any porcelain and pottery with a green glaze displayed throughout her home and creates a vignette on the mantel by filling the pieces with fresh holly and white pine. Add favorite ornaments or safely place candles for a warm glow to complete the display. Photo courtesy of RMSer Lisa Campbell.

"Vintage" Votives

Vintage items feel traditional, and Christmas is definitely a time to celebrate tradition. But you don't have to spend a fortune scouring flea markets or estate sales for goodies with old-fashioned holiday charm. Try your hand at these DIY faux "mercury glass" votives for the mantel.

Get Step-By-Step Instructions

How to Make Mercury Glass Votives

Festive Illuminations

Light fixtures are a great place to add extra holiday cheer. Wrap glittering leaves around a chandelier's base or hang favorite glass ornaments. Design by RMSer Silvers.

Let It Snow

Even if it isn't a white Christmas outside, you can still enjoy a few falling flakes indoors. This snowflake curtain is so easy to make, but it turns even the smallest windows into a winter wonderland.

Get Step-By-Step Instructions

How to Make a Snowflake Curtain

Do you want to focus on your outdoor Christmas decorating now? A few festive holiday decorations for your entryway can really spruce up a home's exterior. Here are a few festive holiday decorating ideas from BuildingMoxie.com that will welcome all visitors to your home, before they even step inside.

Hanging Seasonal Decorations:

Consider a twig wreath adorned with greens, gourds or berries
Design a heart-shaped wreath with miniature pine cones and dye them a brilliant shade of red
Mount an evergreen wreath or swag with glass ornaments or silver bells
Create a wreath with magnolia leaves and fresh fruit such as pears, apples and pomegranates
If you have a rustic style home, consider adding antlers, a cowboy hat or rope to your wreath
For a coastal home, consider a wreath of woven sea grass with sea shells or a brightly painted life preserver with lights and decorative glass floats
If your door doesn’t merit all the attention, consider wrapping it in bright paper with a large bow or framing it in lights
Hang a set of sleigh bells on the door knob, which will give a festive jingle every time guests pass through

Accessorizing Your Doorway:

Frame your entryway with a garland and lights – add bows or pine cones for more decorative detail
Place pots or urns planted with seasonal greenery, poinsettias and lights on either side of the doorway
Put out a welcome mat designed with holiday accents
Add new brass or nickel accents such as a kick plate, porch lights and a door knocker to dress up your door
Hang matching wreaths in all of the windows

Painting Your Door:

If it’s not yet too cold to paint outdoors, brighten up your door with a fresh coat of red paint or a strong color that provides contrast to your current color scheme. Made especially to accept paint, Therma-Tru® Classic-Craft® Canvas Collection™ entry doors feature a smooth surface that’s ideal for adding custom color to the home.

Some Additional Do’s & Dont’s:

When decorating, be careful to protect your door. Avoid putting a nail in the face of the door, as this can lead to damage in the future and/or could void your door warranty from the original manufacturer. Instead, use a door hanger to hang the wreath from the door knocker, or place a tack on the top of the door frame and use clear fishing line to hang the wreath.

Holiday decorating is a fun way to enjoy the beauty of the season and create an inviting environment for you, friends and family, and all who spend time in your home. Enjoy these Christmas decorating ideas and holiday decorating tips. Combining the inspiration of these Christmas decorating ideas with your own holiday decorating ideas can be a very pleasant way to add more cheer to the 2011 -- and any -- holiday season.

How to Treat Stains in Your Home

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:25:23 GMT

We can also categorize a given stain based on what it is made of, and as long as we know that, we will know what exactly to use to treat stains of all kinds.

Wine stains are thought to be some of the worst, but you will be prepared to treat stains like this if you follow this guide.

There is no need to panic when you find a stain. There are many ways to treat stains, and if you follow these tips from the Editors of Consumer Guide, you will be prepared to treat any stain.

How to Remove Stains and Spots

by the Editors of Consumer Guide

Three Types of Stains on Fabrics

Generally, stains can be divided into three types. Each type dictates certain general treatment procedures.

To remove grease spots from nonwashable fabrics, sponge the stain from center to edge with a stain-removal product. Removal may take several applications, and the spot should be allowed to dry completely before each sponging. Greasy stains may also be removed from nonwashable fabrics by using an absorbent substance such as cornstarch, corn meal, French chalk, or fuller's earth. Absorbents are dusted on greasy spots to pick up the grease. When the absorbent material begins to look caked, it should be shaken or brushed off. Repeat this procedure until most of the stain is gone.

Absorbents are easy to use and will not harm fabrics. However, the other stain removal agents (detergent, dry-cleaning solvent, and bleach) can damage fibers; before using them you should carefully read the care label on the stained item and the label on the product container.

A nongreasy stain on a nonwashable fabric can also be sponged with cool water. Or, you can place a disposable diaper or other absorbent pad beneath the stained area and slowly and carefully flush the stain by pouring water onto it using a mister or eyedropper. You must control the amount of water and the rate at which it is poured to avoid spreading the stain. This may be sufficient to remove some stains, especially if treatment is started promptly. If not, work liquid detergent into the stain as described above and rinse by flushing or sponging with cool water. Sponge the stain with rubbing alcohol after rinsing to remove detergent residue and to speed drying. (Caution: If treating acetate, acrylic, modacrylic, rayon, triacetate, or vinyl, dilute 1 part alcohol with 2 parts water.)

In order to properly treat stains, it is important not only to know what kind of stain you are dealing with, but to also follow some general rules of treating stains:

Try your best to identify the components of the stain and the material that was stained. This is the best way to ensure that you treat stains properly and avoid damaging the stained surface further.
Be sure to remove as much of the stain sitting on the surface before you actually treat the stain with a given product. You can pre-treat stains by blotting excess liquid or scraping it off if the stain happens to be solid.
When you go to treat stains, regardless of materials, avoid the use of heat and handle the stained item carefully, being sure not to fold, rub or wrinkle it.
It is important that before you treat stains, that you test the product on a part of the stained material that can be hidden. Even water can stain some materials.
When you treat stains, no matter the material, make sure that you work from the center of the stain outward.
Lastly, follow the directions on any product you use to treat stains perfectly; you would not want a misread to ruin the effectiveness of a stain remover.

Prepare for the Holidays by Organizing Your Kitchen

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:18:10 GMT

You may still be recovering from your Thanksgiving entertaining duties, but that doesn't mean that you should wait until the last minute to prepare for your December holiday entertaining. A great way to prepare ahead of time for the upcoming holidays is to organize your kitchen so that cooking and entertaining goes without a hitch. You likely have most of the tools necessary for organizing your kitchen already in place, so organizing your kitchen may just be a matter of decluttering and relocating.

By organizing your kitchen you can get it to look like this one, not to mention simplify your holiday entertaining.

Having all of your appliances, pots and pans, spices and recipes at your fingertips will surely help make entertaining this holiday season an enjoyable experience and you could even enlist the help of friends and family to help you get organizing your kitchen going.

Here is some great information from BetterHomesAndGardens.com that will have you on your way to organizing your kitchen and preparing for the holidays in no time!

17 Kitchen Organization & Storage Tips

Declutter your kitchen and implement efficient storage inside your cabinets, drawers, and pantry. Here's 17 ways to get it done quickly and easily.

Junk Drawer

Set aside one drawer for junk. That's right -- most organization experts agree that you can and should have a junk drawer! "There are always doodads in every home that nobody knows where to store," Lorie Marrero says in her book The Clutter Diet. "Just don't keep things in there that have a home somewhere else and that you have not used in more than a year or two." Marrero recommends using a drawer divider to keep items visible.

Small Appliance Storage

Store small appliances , such as a coffee grinder, handheld electric mixer, and toaster, inside a cabinet on a large lazy Susan. "A quick turn, and what you need is at your fingertips," author Meryl Starr says in The Home Organizing Workbook.

Upright Storage

Create upright storage for cookie sheets and cutting boards. A skinny cabinet is ideal, but to retrofit existing cabinetry, install inexpensive dividers to help items stand on end, as shown here.

Pullout Shelves

Add pullout shelves to turn every inch of a deep cabinet into accessible and useful storage. Pots and pans formerly lost in the back recesses of these cabinets are now easy to locate.

Pantry Organization

Group like items inside a pantry to simplify prep time. Organizing and productivity consultant Laura Leist suggests gathering baking supplies in a single container. When it's time to make cookies, just carry the container to your work area and all the basics will be at your fingertips.

Utilize Door Interiors

Press interior doors into service. Line a door with cut-to-fit sheets of cork to create a message center, or attach a magnetic board to the inside of a door. Attach a basket down low to keep bags in line. Or coat a door with blackboard paint to give kids a place to entertain themselves while you're cooking.

Customized Pantry

Quickly customize any pantry with tiered shelf organizers. "Can risers are like bleachers for your canned goods," Laura Leist says in her book Eliminate Chaos. "They allow you to see canned goods placed behind one another."

Island Shelf

Hang a shelf with customizable add-ons to the side of an island, and use it to store your go-to spices and utensils.

Alphabetize Spices

Slip a tiered rack inside a drawer to keep spices neatly contained. Arrange the canisters in alphabetical order. "Alphabetizing spices helps you find what you want at the grocery store; it will do the same thing at home," author Stephanie Denton says in The Organized Life. "Plus, you're less likely to buy a duplicate if your inventory is organized."

Utilize Small Spaces

Make the most of the sliver of space beside a drain pipe with a narrow two-tier basket. This model features a top bin that lifts off and a bottom bin that pulls out for easy access. The portable caddy is perfect for holding kitchen cleaning supplies. To protect the cabinet from leaks or spills, line the base with a waterproof mat.

One-Month Box Test

Try the one-month box test if your drawers are overflowing with cooking gadgets but you can't bear to part with that melon-baller. "Empty the contents of your kitchen utensil drawers into a cardboard box," author Peter Walsh says in It's All Too Much. "For one month, only put a utensil back into the drawer if you take it out of the box to use it. At the end of the month, seriously consider discarding everything that's still in the cardboard box."

Corner Cabinet Turntables

Get the most out of corner cabinets by installing turntables. Look for lazy Susans that are designed without a center pole to maximize storage capabilities.

Wire Shelving Unit

Use a wire shelving unit to slip storage into a space where none exists. Use the out-in-the-open shelves to hold frequently used items, such as coffee and tea supplies and breakfast dishes.

Presort Recyclables

Save time (and money, if you live in a state with bottle and can refunds) by presorting your recyclables as you toss them. Partitioned, pullout garbage cans built into these kitchen cabinets make quick work of dividing glass, plastic, paper, and cans. Check with your city's recycling program to find out what you can and can't recycle. Some cities only recycle certain numbers of plastic -- you'll find the numbers on the bottom of every plastic container.

Label Recycling

Change family habits by positioning recycling bins in a prominent location. Clearly labeled containers make it easy for young children and guests to stick with the program. "Consider your garbage can and recycling bin as a few of your organizing tools," says Stephanie Denton in The Organized Life. "The larger they are, the more likely you are to use them."

Food Containers

Save space by storing bulky food items in coordinating containers. To retain the cooking instructions, attach a clear adhesive pocket (commonly used to hold business cards) to the outside of the container and slip the info inside. "Plastic containers work great for items you use frequently that come in plastic bags, such as beans, rice, pasta, and nuts," says Laura Leist in Eliminate Chaos. "They eliminate the possibility of the contents spilling out and keep out unwanted guests, such as bugs." For maximum function, ensure the containers are large enough to hold a standard bag plus some.

Categorize Your Cooking

Identify food and cooking categories that suit your lifestyle -- for example, weeknight dinners, portable lunches, baking, and entertaining. Designate an area for each category inside your pantry, with the most often-used zones within easiest reach. Label all of the zones clearly so everyone knows where groceries belong.

Imagine a holiday season where you are completely in control and where you have command of your kitchen. This is an absolute possibility if you put effort into organizing your kitchen now. Organizing your kitchen now will leave you with less required prep time for cooking your holiday meal and will undoubtedly reduce your stress level, since you won't have to run around your kitchen frantically looking for the cinnamon.

The benefits of organizing your kitchen will stretch beyond just the holiday season; organizing your kitchen will allow you to regain wasted space, reduce stress, avoid duplicate purchases and allow you to readily locate your cooking supplies. We encourage you to try out these tips for organizing your kitchen, because who doesn't love a stress-free holiday? Good luck organizing your kitchen and once you're organized, you know who to call to meet your cleaning needs!

Winter Cleaning: Your Winter Cleaning Checklist

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:07:25 GMT

Winter is coming quick and that means winter cleaning is almost here as well! This is the time of year when many people spend the most time in their homes; it’s colder, and you're enjoying indoor gatherings with family and friends. While winter cleaning becomes a thought mostly due to colder weather or holiday specifics, there are a few extras to take into consideration while you're stuck at home on a “snow day”.

During winter cleaning, change your floor mat to a sturdy one.Winter cleaning doesn’t only consist of clearing snow once it comes; there are plenty of things around the house you need to consider when it comes time for winter cleaning.

While winter cleaning, consider the different linens and rug options for winter. Changing the area rugs around you house to sturdier, water resistant options may help keep mud- and water-covered shoes from tracking debris onto your furniture and carpeting and make your winter cleaning last much longer than expected. A good winter cleaning also calls for changing of your bed linens. Using a thicker blanket will prevent temptations of cranking up your heat, and adding to your monthly heating bill.

The following article from Ehow.com offers a winter cleaning checklist to follow in order to prepare your home for the winter weather.

Winter Cleaning Checklist

Prepare your home for winter.

Some household jobs only require attention once or twice a year. Winter cleaning, though not as common as spring cleaning, is necessary to keep a home running smoothly through the long, indoor months. Spread these jobs out over a couple of weekends to complete them all before the season is through.

Furnace

A furnace works hard through the winter months, so don't make it work harder than it needs to. A clean furnace runs more efficiently, saving money on heating bills, and it lasts longer as well. Replace the furnace filter monthly throughout the cold season, and vacuum the heat registers and vents every time the floor is vacuumed.

Chimney

If the chimney is used at all during the winter, hire a chimney sweet to clean and inspect it at the beginning of the season. A chimney sweep checks for creosote, a buildup of dirt and chemicals, which are a dangerous fire hazard.

Pantry

Winter is an excellent time to go through the pantry and discard any food that is well over its expiration date or that family members probably won't eat. Old food is an invitation for critters looking for a warmer place to live during cold months. Pull all food out of the pantry, toss out old food, wipe the pantry surfaces with a clean, wet cloth and replace the food after the shelves are dry.

Mattresses

At the beginning of the winter, remove all sheets, mattress pads, and dust ruffles from beds, and wash them in hot water to inhibit dust mites. Vacuum all mattresses on both sides, and remove the top mattresses to vacuum the box springs as well. Cleaning mattresses especially helps those with allergies.

Computers

During the winter months, the computer is used more often. Clean your computer very well at least once a year by vacuuming all vents, wiping all exterior surfaces with rubbing alcohol, and spraying a can of compressed air into keyboard slots and vents in the monitor and central processing unit.

On top of winter cleaning, a good way to bring in the new season would be to move winter- and holiday-themed books and magazines where they're more visible; this is an easy way to add to the winter decorations around your home and make your winter cleaning that much more successful.

Another way to bring in the feeling of winter is to change any air fresheners and potpourri to classic winter scents. Though these winter cleaning tips may not involve much winter cleaning, bringing these extras out will help make your home feel clean; it’s one of the easiest ways to help set up a cozy winter mood to your home!

Creative Thanksgiving Decorations for Your Home

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:30:54 GMT

With the fall foliage as your backdrop you are sure to create beautiful Thanksgiving decorations that will be sure to get your friends and family in the turkey-eating mood. To start, the best way to come up with Thanksgiving decorations is to let yourself be inspired by the fall color pallete and stick to that. This is something that won't be difficult given all of the great fall colors you'll have the chance to incorporate as part of your Thanksgiving decorations. Since you will be using the outdoors as an inspiration for your Thanksgiving decorations, the best way to bring those colors into your home is to use things from the outdoors -- like leaves and pine cones -- and use them to brighten up your Thanksgiving decorations.

Creating your own Thanksgiving decorations is easier than you think!

We all know that the focal point of Thanksgiving is always the dining room table. Since it will be hard to move from it after eating all of that delicious food, it's important that the Thanksgiving decorations on your table -- from your place settings to your centerpiece -- look amazing.

Some important elements of Thanksgiving decorations include: great linens, creative place settings, a colorful centerpiece and even candles. Here are some great Thanksgiving decorations from MarthaStewart.com that will help you create Thanksgiving decorations your friends and family will rave about.

Thanksgiving Table Settings

Golden Harvest Thanksgiving Table

Long before the appetizer is served, your table will make a good first impression with these ideas for place cards, centerpieces, linens, and more.

Fabric glue, glitter, and masking tape are all you need to add understated glamour to your Thanksgiving table runner. Gold and copper glitter also add sparkle to the dried corn centerpiece.

How to Create the Golden Harvest Thanksgiving Table

Table Topper: In a Nutshell

Use a nutcracker to open whole walnuts just enough to slip in paper flags bearing guests' names. Coordinate the colors of the paper and ink to match your tablecloth or centerpiece.

How to Make the Nutshell Table Topper

Glimmer and Shine

Blue is not traditionally associated with the season, but highlight it with small touches of gold and the color can become a happy participant in holiday revels. These spray-painted miniature pumpkins and place cards written in gold ink do the trick nicely. A block-printed napkin and tablecloth and the marbleized plate add patterned richness, while a mix of mismatched contemporary glassware and classic flatware keep the feeling clean and modern.

Colors of the Season

For a splash of style, adorn your table with autumn's brightest accessories: vivid fall leaves. Simply clip sprays of young leaves from a tree in your yard (ours are from a maple). Arrange the clippings at each place setting, and top with transparent glass plates. Come dinnertime, you'll be basking in the oohs and aahs of your guests.

Pom-Pom Tom Decoration

The only turkey you won't want to gobble up this holiday? One of our comely yarn-and-felt creations. Perched on a mantel or arranged on a straw-covered tray on a sideboard, they are a fun, fanciful touch. You can also use them as place-card holders (glue name tags inside their beaks), and invite children to take their feathered friends home at the day's end.

How to Make the Pom-Pom Tom

There are so many great things that you can do to make these Thanksgiving decorations your own; you can even combine elements from each one of these Thanksgiving decoration ideas. If you find yourself stuck right before the holiday without any Thanksgiving decorations, there are a few things that you can do to bring the outdoors in and still create festive Thanksgiving decorations.

One thing you can do is go out and buy small pumpkins and gourds that come in all shapes, sizes and colors, so that they're easy to incorporate into any Thanksgiving decoration scape. Another thing you can do is go out into your backyard and collect pretty leaves and pine cones. You can place these down the center of your table to add a colorful touch to your Thanksgiving decorations.

Don't let the stress of entertaining on Thanksgiving get to you. Prepare ahead of time and be sure to utilize what is around you to create the perfect Thanksgiving decorations.

Make Your Own Homemade Cleaning Products

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:10:47 GMT

There are so many great reasons why you and your home could really benefit from using homemade cleaning products as opposed to commercial ones. Using homemade cleaning products is not only more cost effective, but using homemade cleaning products is better for your health. By ditching the commerical cleaners for your homemade cleaning products you are cutting the harsh chemicals out of the equation, which makes for healthier living. Homemade cleaning products can also make it easy to lessen your impact on the environment, because you won't have to constantly be throwing out containers or be using aerosol.

Making your own homemade cleaning products gives you a great clean and is environmentally friendly!

Homemade cleaning products can also allow you to clear out some space in your shelves that's overcrowded with commercial cleaners that you don't even know are there. With the right ingredients and combinations, homemade cleaning products work just as well as commerical products, if not better. Here are some recipes for homemade cleaning products from DIYLife.com that will have you on your way to a green, clean home.

Home Ec: 7 Homemade Cleaning Products

by Francesca Clarke , Posted May 4th 2010 12:00PM

A few years ago I became overwhelmed by all the information about toxins in household cleaners. Determined to make healthy choices for my family and the environment, I switched to natural cleaners.

Like many organic products, I found the premium price almost prohibitive. Since then, I've moved almost exclusively to homemade products. First, I used mostly vinegar and baking soda solutions. They did something, but could hardly manage an intense clean. Now, I've found a handful of tested recipes that really get the job done.

Here are some great homemade cleaning products.

ROOM DEODORIZER

Commercial deodorizers can be harmful to your health . The American Lung Association cites them as a contributing factor to the spike in asthma cases. The Canadian Lung Association labels air fresheners as a hazardous product. It's no wonder that people are learning how to freshen their homes the natural way.

If you have an odor issue, first get rid of it. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, and leave it out overnight in dishes around the problem areas. Baking soda has an amazing ability to remove up odor. Once you're odor neutral, it's time to add some pleasant scents to the home. Many people still choose to make potpourri , while gelatin room deodorizers and reed diffusers are more modern solutions. For myself, I like this simple spray solution:

Baking Soda
Water
Essential oil

Combine 4 cups of hot water with 1/4 cup baking soda and mix well. Add real lemon juice or your favorite essential oil. I like to alternate between lavender and grapefruit. When choosing oils, make sure you select pure essential oils , and not synthetic ones.

The options are endless. Natural cleaning solutions that can be made easily and inexpensively are becoming more popular. People are eagerly abandoning commercial cleaners and sharing their homemade secrets. Here are a few more tips I've gathered from friends. Share yours in the comments.

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons borax
4-5 drop orange or lemon essential oil (citrus cuts grease)
2 cups hot water

Combine all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well. If you need a little extra cleaning action, replace the baking soda with washing soda . Washing soda is twice as strong as baking soda. It's recommended that you wear gloves and a mask when cleaning with washing soda, but don't worry, it still passes the natural ingredient test, and will cut through your toughest dirt and grime.

SINK CLEANER

This sink cleaner is so simple you can whip up a paste for each use.

3 tsp Lemon juice
3 tbs Cream of Tartar (you'll find it in the spice isle)

Combine the lemon juice and cream or tartar to make a paste. The proportions don't need to be exact, but the paste should be smooth and thick. Simply scrub it in gently and thoroughly then rinse it off to uncover your clean sink.

OVEN CLEANER

Chemical oven cleaner is one if the harshest household solutions, one many of us would happily avoid. This organic solution is a great alternative, but it still requires that you practice some precaution; see the oven cleaner instructions for some other important tips.

1/2 cup of salt
1/2 cup of baking soda
1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup of vinegar

Mix the ingredients together forming a thick paste. Cover any holes or openings with tin foil. Apply the mixture to the bottom and side walls of the oven. Leave overnigh. Combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this solution to wash off the paste.

TOILET BOWL CLEANER

Chemical based bathroom cleaners are the hardest to part with. Somehow we feel like cleaning the bathroom needs to induce a toxic headache or it's not really working. Trying out recipes like this one for natural toilet bowl cleaner is a great way to see just how well homemade solutions really clean.

2 tbs baking soda
1 tbs olive oil
3-4 drops essential oil (optional)

Pour the baking soda and olive oil into your toilet bowl and scrub it with a toilet brush. Add in a few drops of scented oil as a deodorizer.

WINDOW CLEANER

With six homemade window cleaners , Tip Nut has you covered. Their cleaners range from your standard vinegar solution to some more creative black tea concoctions, and I've had the most luck with this simple recipe:

1 gallon water
1/4 cup vinegar
2 tbs lemon juice
Approx. 1 tbs dish detergent (liquid)

Mix all ingredients together and store in a container, ready to refill your spray bottle. The lemon juice and dish detergent will cut through those greasy hand-prints. Spray the cleaner on your window and wipe it with a microfiber cloth, newspaper, or squeegee.

HAND SANITIZER

A pump in the bathroom, one in the kitchen, one in the playroom, three or four floating around the car and one in my purse; while it's true that nothing beats a good scrub with soap and hot water, for a family on the go hand sanitizers are essential. Here's how to make your own alcohol-free hand sanitizer:

1 cup pure aloe vera gel
1-2 tsp of witch hazel
8 drops of essential oils of your choice

Combine all ingredients, adjusting until you have your desired consistency and stir well. Tea tree oil is the best disinfectant, but isn't safe for pregnant women, children or pets. Other recommended oils include orange, lemon and basil. This recipe, along with some alcohol-based solutions and additional tips are all available from No Ordinary Homestead .

Polish silverware: Fill your sink with hot water, sprinkle in some baking soda and add a sheet of tin foil. Let the silver soak for an hour, rinse and wipe clean.

Clean a vase or bottom of a container by adding rice to your cleaning solution. The rice scrubs all those hard to reach places!

Get rid of the smell in your sink by crushing orange or grapefruit peel in the garborator.

Sprinkle borax anywhere you've had rodent problems. They won't come near it.

Mop your floor with vinegar and hot water. Add a touch of olive oil for polish.

Homemade cleaning products are a great alternative to commerical cleaning products, so why not give homemade cleaning products a try? Here's another great homemade cleaning product recipe for you so that you can make your own green laundry detergent:

Ingredients: Borax, 1 bar of soap, Super Washing Soda, a wooden spoon, a hand grater and a bowl.

Grate the entire bar of soap into the bowl.
Add 1 cup of Borax
Add 1 cup of Washing Soda
Stir really thuroughly so that the mixture turns into a powder
Store it so that it is ready to use

Now that you have all of these great homemade cleaning product recipes, you can do a cleaning product overhaul. It's time to get rid of all of the commercial products you haven't used in forever and replace them with the homemade cleaning product essentials. Happy green cleaning!

Hosting A Dinner Party: How To Prepare Your House

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 13:00:25 GMT

The holidays are coming and that means one thing: hosting a dinner party. If this is your year to host the holiday dinner party, you have a lot of planning to do. Other than getting the guest and food list ready, you need to think about cleaning your house. You’ll want your house to look spotless, but there is no reason to stress out doing so. Waiting until the last minute to clean may add to the other stresses of hosting a dinner party.

Cleaning your house is a big part when hosting a dinner party.

Come up with three separate cleaning lists that you can tackle before the big party. Creating a ‘big clean list,’ a ‘daily maintenance list,’ and a ‘short clean list’ can help you plan accordingly on both time and items that need to be cleaned before hosting a dinner party. The ‘big clean list’ should consist of a 3-4 hour cleaning session, depending on the size of your home, about a week before your dinner party. Your ‘daily maintenance list’ should consist of tidying up each day for about 10-15 minutes until your dinner party. Your ‘short clean list’ should consist of about an hour (once again depending on your home size) the day before or the day of your dinner party.

On top of following these three lists, the following article from About.com offers cleaning tips on how to prepare yourself for hosting a dinner party.

Prepare Your Home Before a Party

By Sarah Aguirre, About.com Guide

You've invited your guests, developed a menu, agonized over activities, and soon guests will arrive at your home ready to be entertained. Despite all other preparations, none is more important than assuring your guests of a comfortable, clean, place to be entertained in. Taking the time to make your home ready for guests can be intimidating for even the most seasoned housekeeper. Follow these ideas for pre-party cleaning to help you get more out of your event.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

Evaluate what needs to be done.

Writing down a quick list of rooms and places in your home that need attention will give you a plan. Don't forget entry areas and coat closets.

Start with the most important rooms.

Sometimes it helps to begin cleaning from the entryway to your home, and work your way through the places your guests are most likely to go. Check out the intense cleaning guides for living areas, bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Don't forget the clutter.

Clutter can give a spotless home a messy appearance. Give your guests room to move freely in your home. If you're having trouble getting rid of items ask yourself these questions about clutter. Try to get yourself jump started by choosing a small junk drawer and trying the quick clutter clearing ideas. Don't forget to use the 4 container clutter method to organize any job.

Take shortcuts that work for you.

If there won't be any children at the party and your guests will only be in living areas, don't worry about cleaning and detailing family bedrooms. If the party is informal, make your serving dishes informal too. Find ways to save time that fit with the party you're trying to have.

Prepare for minor cleaning emergencies during the party.

Be aware that stains are probably the number one party cleanup culprit. Stock up on your favorite stain removal products. Double check the stain removal helplist. Most of all, don't stress. These things happen and being prepared only shows more of your ability as host or hostess.

Recruit help.

Use your family or closest friends to help you prepare. Find tips on involving your family in cleaning and use them to mobilize your forces at home. Check out our ideas on making chores fun. For many people, professional cleaning help may be the better choice. If you intend to have help before or during the party, be sure to reserve your place as soon as you have the dates and times you'll need them. Especially during any holiday season, help can be hard to find.

Add your own finishing touches.

Preparing your home for a party is more than just stripping it of its clutter and dirt. It also gives you a chance to add small touches that make your home comfortable and inviting. Try flower arrangements, photographs, candles, or incense. Try to stimulate the senses of your guests. Do a walk-through after you've cleaned and decluttered to see how your guests will experience the rooms in your home.

Enjoy the party.

Try not to stress over the little things that may seem to go wrong during the party. Just enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

Tips:

The more involved and complicated the party is, the more time you'll have to prepare your home. Last minute informal gatherings do not require your home to be in perfect order. The 15 minute cleanups should be adequate to get your house in shape.

What You Need:

Pen and paper
Various cleaning supplies
4 boxes to clear clutter
Finishing decorative touches

The night has come to an end, everyone is leaving and thanking you again for hosting a dinner party, and you’ve managed to have a successful holiday dinner party. The dinner party may have ended, but that doesn’t mean your night has. It’s time to get cleaning again!

Cleaning after hosting a dinner party isn’t as hard as before; you’ll have no one to impress with your house but yourself. Here are some post-party cleaning tips:

Share the tasks if possible – hosting a dinner party is tough and your guests know this. Even if your guest does not help you clean, having someone there to talk to while you clean will quickly pass the time.
If there were any alcohol bottles, clear them away -- these will smell horrible the next morning if you let them sit around overnight.
Remove all the dishes from the dining table -- either load the dishwasher or if you’re not too tired, tackle the dirty stack. Getting the dishes done after hosting a dinner party and waking up to a clean house is more inspirational than waking to a dirty one.
Put all the food you’re saving away -- to make this even easier, do this during the course of the evening.
Give your floors a quick sweep -- after hosting a dinner party there are sure to be crumbs and spills on the floor. Just think of that clean house in the morning!

Once you’ve finally tackled all of this cleaning you are all set; you did it! Hosting a dinner party was never said to be easy, but as long as you and your guests enjoyed it you were successful. Also, you can always count on The Maids to step in and help with some of this cleaning if you’re too tired or busy!

Move In Cleaning Tips: Making Your Transition Easier

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:54:09 GMT

A big move can be an intimidating undertaking, but if you do some move in cleaning, you can make it a smooth transition. Move in cleaning is a must because nobody wants to move all of their furniture and clothing, let alone themselves, into a home or apartment that isn't up to their move in cleaning standards.

Doing your move in cleaning will make the entire move in process easier!

There are two general things that you should be sure to do when doing your move in cleaning: the first thing is do not move on the the next room or space until you're completely done with the move in cleaning in one room. This is a great idea because you won't forget to go back and finish the move in cleaning in some of your rooms, plus you'll be able to fully check a room off of your move in cleaning checklist... which is always satisfying!

Also, it's always best to do your move in cleaning from top to bottom so that you'll not have to clean the same areas twice (doing move in cleaning once is enough). Here are some more great tips from About.com that get into the details of what you should include in your move in cleaning checklist.

Clean Your Home Before You Move In

A Cleaning Checklist

By Diane Schmidt , About.com Guide

Whenever we move into a new place, the first thing I do is make note of all the things that need to be cleaned. Since it's rare that we move locally, we usually don't have a chance to do a thorough clean before our stuff arrives; instead, we have to clean around our things, which is not ideal, but does work. It just requires a little more patience.

The Kitchen

Maybe because I really hate a dirty kitchen, plus I find that people's cooking smells still linger long after they're gone, I usually tackle the kitchen first. It's also the place where I really spend a lot of time and energy making sure I've cleaned every surface. Again, this is particular to me and you might find that the previous owners barely used their stove or kitchen cupboards - lucky you!

Appliances

This is where you may need to use a heavy-duty cleaner, which may include appliance cleaner, such as a wax or paste. I'd also recommend baking soda and water, along with sponges or a heavy-duty cloth. Starting with the stove, remove all elements and clean this area using your heavier cleaner. If you're using a brush, make sure you use a brush that won't scratch the surface. Soak the metal trays and racks in a sink full of hot, soapy water while you clean the rest of the stove.

Next, take a look inside the oven, and if need be, apply an oven-cleaner. Most take approximately 20 minutes to work. This gives you time to do the rest of the stove. Make sure you clean under the hood and use a grease-remover if you find the regular cleaner isn't getting off the tough stuff. I usually lay down a sheet of brown paper just to collect any drips that might fall.

Once you've cleaned the top and front of the stove, remove it from the wall and clean beneath it. And if possible, clean the sides, too, along with the front panel and temperature dials.

Now, tackle the refrigerator. Hopefully, it's been cleaned out, but even if it has, it's always a good idea to clean it well, including removing the drawers and bins and washing them out. Wash the inside walls and shelves, removing anything that can be removed and washing it separately in the sink or bathtub. Check the freezer. If the fridge has been unplugged, wipe down the inside or clean it thoroughly if it needs it. I suggest unplugging the fridge if it hasn't been and letting it warm up before cleaning it. This will make it easier to clean. Also, use a soft cloth as anything harsher will scratch the surface.

Move the fridge out from the wall and clean behind it, then on top and its sides, too. Dust and dirt also gathers on handles and along the plastic sealing that encases the doors.

Kitchen Cabinets and Counters

Use a mild cleaner to clean the inside of cabinets, especially if they're painted or lined. If they aren't lined, consider using a liner to ensure that the insides are ready for your dishes. Lining paper can be purchased at any home store. I tend to you the kind that doesn't stick, so it can be removed at any time.

Clean the top of cabinets, and cabinet doors. If the surface is wood, use a wood cleaner or a mild soap. For grease-stains, use baking soda and water. Make a paste and apply it, letting it sit for a few minutes. Also clean handles and inside drawers.

Counters usually require less work, just make sure you clean between cracks using a putty knife to remove any debris. Clean back-splashes with a mild cleaner or baking soda and water.

Sink

I use a chlorine-free bleach to clean the sink by putting some in a spray-bottle and adding water to it. Spray the sink well and let it soak for a while. Then rinse thoroughly. Also, bleach the plugs by placing them in a small amount of bleach-water and letting them sit for a few minutes. Rinse well. Sink odors can be removed by mixing baking soda and water together, then pouring it down the drain.

Cleaning Walls

I usually clean the walls next, because they tend to be a larger job, one that I find I'll leave if I don't do it before we start to unpack. Unless the previous owners had recently (and I mean, very recently) painted the interior, you don't necessarily have to clean them. If it's a house that has been occupied by small children, look for fingerprints closer to the floor and around light switches and corners. Liquid stick cleaners from companies such as Tide work well to remove some of the more stubborn stains. Another great solution for sticky spots, one which requires very little elbow grease, is to apply a small amount of fabric softener to a sponge then rub it on the area. Whatever has stuck to the wall will disappear. This works really well for removing wallpaper or paper borders, too.

Step-By-Step Cleaning - Walls

Remove all dust and cobwebs, especially in corners and around heating vents.
Grab a sponge, or as I prefer, a sponge-mop to reach those hard to reach areas, and fill a bucket with warm, soapy water. You can use a mild detergent or dish soap. Detergent works well for any hard-to-remove stains.
Wash the walls making sure that any dirt or cobwebs that linger behind are wiped away.
Wipe the molding and baseboards.
Clean the light switch plates and along any door frames.

Cleaning Floors

Whenever we move into a new home that has carpet, we usually hire a professional cleaner to steam clean them prior to our move date. If that isn't possible, or the previous occupants claimed they had the carpets cleaned, then your new home probably just needs a thorough vacuum. Make sure you ask the previous owners if they had any pets; if they did, you may want to protect against possible fleas, especially if you have pets of your own.

For wood floors or faux wood, sweep the floor well, making sure to clean under heating vents and under appliances. Use a mild soap to clean its surface; wood soaps, such as Murphy's, work well to remove dirt and give it a polished shine (smells great, too!).

By getting your move in cleaning done before you move into your new space, you're making the potentially daunting move in much easier on you, and those you enlist to help. Once you get your move in cleaning out of the way, you're free to start unpacking and organizing all of your things without worrying about whether you're putting them in a clean place.

One key to making the move in process easier for you is to label, and there can never to too much labeling. Making sure that you label all of your boxes ensures that they end up in the right room. Labeling combined with this great move in cleaning checklist will help you to have your space ready for living in no time.

Enjoy your new home or apartment!

Preventing Mold: 9 Tips That Help Prevent Mold

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:41:10 GMT

Preventing mold, a microscopic fungus, is something that every homeowner should keep in mind. These fungi, once grown, reproduce at a rapid rate, producing spores and mycelia in the process. Some people may not think that preventing mold is a big deal; you see food spoilage due to mold, wood and leaves decaying due to mold. What most people may not know is that mold can be harmful and may affect the occupants of a home; therefore, preventing mold is a serious matter.

Preventing mold can save your house from looking like this.

Mold can cause damages to both materials it grows on as well as an occupant’s health. Mold on a material may cause discoloration or staining, cause paper or cardboard to disintegrate over time, and can also cause wood rot and structural damage. When it comes to health concerns, mold releases chemicals and spores which, depending on the type of mold and level of exposure, may cause allergic reactions and illness to those who are exposed. This is why people should be concerned with preventing mold. Those with health problems and weakened immune systems, such as pregnant woman, infants, and elders, are more at risk when exposed to mold. Knowing how to prevent mold before it starts can help keep your family and all that enter your home safe.

Preventing mold is a bigger deal then some may think. When you see that black fuzzy growth on a wet window sill, you may not realize that it's mold. Mold is attracted to damp and moist areas. Mold can occur from moisture coming into your home from the outside through the floor, walls, plumbing leaks, or even by daily life activities of the homeowner: bathing, washing clothes, and cooking. Preventing mold from coming into your house in the first place may be hard, but the following article on Mothernaturenetwork.com offers 9 tips on how you can be preventing mold in your home.

How to prevent mold: 9 tips

The key to preventing mold is simple: Moisture control.

By Heidi HillFri, Apr 16 2010 at 11:14 AM EST 8

Mold. The very word is enough to make a person cringe.

Yes, mold can be good — it's essential in making brie and penicillin, for example, and necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature — but it can also be very, very bad, especially when it grows undetected in your home.= Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated.

Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can't see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles.

Not only is a mold problem difficult and costly to fix, but mold can also produce allergens and irritants (and, rarely, toxins) that may compromise your health. So what can you do if you're concerned about mold growing in your home? The best approach is preventing mold before it becomes a problem. The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control.

Here are nine ways to curb moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it.

Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.
Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. Seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you've experienced a flood, remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can't be completely dried. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don't leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can spread quickly. Hang them to dry — preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.
Prevent moisture with proper ventilation . It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. Your energy-efficient home may be holding moisture inside, so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan.
Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless — the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available; the core of the drywall is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.
Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You'll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture (for example, turn off a humidifier if water appears on the inside of nearby windows).
Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.
Clean or repair roof gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.
Improve air flow in your home. According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.
Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants. The oil of this tree, which withstands fungi even in rain forests, helps hinder mold growth in plant soil and can be found at natural food stores.

Finally, educate yourself on your region's climate — be it the cold and wet Northeast, the hot and wet South, the hot and dry Southwest, or the cold and dry West — and how it responds to moisture. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mold prevention. Knowing what works for your climate and your home is an important first step.

Preventing mold is sometimes out of your control; if mold makes its way into your home, take action right away. The sooner you clean up the mold the better off you are from preventing mold growth in the future. You can determine how much mold your home has by looking at the size and amount of patches you find in a given area. For mold to be considered a small amount, there should be no more than three patches greater in size than a square meter. If you have small amounts of mold, preventing mold growth from continuing, use a detergent solution or bleach is the best way to kill it.

If there is an extensive amount of mold found -- a single patch larger in area than a sheet of plywood -- it’s time to call in professional help. That amount of mold is not healthy to be around. As you can see, preventing mold is a serious matter and preventing mold from making its way into your home is your best option for keeping your family, as well as your home, safe.

Homemade Soap: How To Make Homemade Soap

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:26:31 GMT

Homemade soap; this may have never crossed your mind before.

Maybe you want to make homemade soap to avoid the harsh chemicals that are found in store bought soap, or to save money. Maybe you want to make homemade soap so you can mix your own scents and mold the bars into your own design; whatever the reason, homemade soap is a fun hobby to get into.

Homemade soap is a perfect gift for the upcomming holidays.

Before making homemade soap, just be aware of the dangers in the process of making your own homemade soap and how to avoid them. When making homemade soap, lye is a main ingredient, and the most dangerous part of the process. Lye is a dangerous, corrosive chemical. It can blind you, burn your skin, or could even cause death if ingested. Don’t let this scare you away from making homemade soap though -- it’s very easy to manage if you are careful. The following article from EHow.com gives instructions on how to make your very own homemade soap.

How to Make Homemade Soap

This soap is a pleasure to give - and to receive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Soap Making 101

Dissolve 12 oz. lye in 32 oz. softened water in a plastic or glass bowl. If at all possible, do this outside or under an exhaust fan.
Add the lye to the water, not vice versa. Pour the lye slowly and in a steady stream, and stir constantly with a plastic spoon.
Set the mixture aside to cool. The mixture will heat up considerably due to the lye reacting with fats in the oils. This is called saponification.
Melt 24 oz. coconut oil and 38 oz. solid vegetable shortening in a stainless steel pot.
Add 25 oz. olive oil (not virgin) and any fragrance oils you want to use.
Allow the oils to cool.
Grease the soap mold with Crisco.
When both the oil and lye mixtures have cooled to room temperature, slowly combine them, adding the lye to the oils.
Stir slowly and constantly. If you see bubbles, stir more slowly.
Drizzle the soap into the pot once in a while. When it keeps its shape momentarily before sinking into the rest of the mix (tracing), it's time to add whatever extras you want.
Stir your botanicals, grains and coloring into a cup of soap taken from the mix.
Combine that back into the original mixture.
Pour the soap into the mold.
Wrap the mold in a towel and leave it undisturbed for 18 hours. The soap mixture will heat up and then cool down. Avoid uncovering it until it's cooled.
Allow the soap to sit in the uncovered mold for another 12 hours.
Loosen the sides by wiggling the mold a little.
Turn the mold over onto a clean counter.
Cut the soap into bars with a knife. Some people use a miter box to make square corners.
Allow the bars to cure for three to four weeks before using. Smaller bars cure faster than larger ones.

Additives

Mix candle coloring into the oil solution. If it's wax-based, melt it first in a couple of tablespoons of oil and then add it to the rest of the oil mix.
Realize that you can also use crayons for coloring. Experiment with colors. Note that purples are very difficult to keep true.
Use 1 tsp. per pound of soap of the following ingredients: cocoa powder for brown, cayenne pepper for pink-peach, liquid chlorophyll for light green, turmeric for yellow, paprika for peach and titanium dioxide for white.
Use 1 oz. essential oil to scent a 4-lb. batch of soap.
Know that 2 tsp. ground cloves makes a great-smelling soap. Try grated orange or lemon peel or ginger, too.
Use rose water instead of regular water for rose soap.
Oatmeal makes a great complexion soap. Use 8 oz.
Add 4 oz. cornmeal for a gritty texture.
Make soap with 1/2 oz. geranium oil for dry skin.
Use tea tree oil - 1/2 oz. - for problem skin.

If you wanted to take the more cautious approach on making homemade soap, you could “rebatch” your own soap to avoid contact with lye. “Rebatching” soap is a process where you use pre-made grated soap and add your own herbs, fragrances and colors to it. This is still considered homemade soap because you are adding your touches to it, just steering away from having to deal with the harsh chemicals.

Either way you feel like making your homemade soap, the experience can be a very rewarding hobby. Once you make your first few batches of homemade soap you will be able to venture out and experiment more. Eventually you can even come up with your own homemade soap recipes. Keep in mind that the holidays are coming, and what better gift than personalized homemade soap!

Fall Decorating: Fall Decorating Ideas

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:32:15 GMT

Fall is known for two things: the beautiful fall scenery and beautiful fall decorating! Colorful fall decorating can add to any house during this time of season. While fall decorating, keep in mind these five tips in order to keep your fall decorating ideas more sophisticated opposed to just placing common fall items all over the house:

Fall decorating can add color to any house.

Curb appeal- how your fall decorations look far away as well as close up.
Accessories that reflect your house style- fall decorations that don’t go with your house style are better left out.
Symmetry- fall decorating sometimes looks better in odd numbers and shapes.
Color- Mother Nature provides the best fall decorating items!
Texture- Some textured fall decorations may make better combinations than others.

Fall decorating ideas cannot only be found in stores, but using the real thing adds a special touch to your fall decorations, and is inexpensive! The following article from Thebudgetdecorator.com offers 13 home made fall decorating ideas that will make any home beautiful and fall ready!

Inexpensive Fall Decorating

Autumn provides a bounty of decorating ideas. No need to decorate for fall with cheap, plastic, fake items when the real thing is inexpensive, more tasteful, and easily creates a beautiful fall ambiance in your home. Here are 13 ideas that you can easily do.

Use a taller pumpkin as a vase for fresh flowers. Clean out the guts and seeds and use the pumpkin to arrange your flowers. Taller ones work well, but so will squatty pumpkins if you cut your flower stems short. Call your florist for great fall flower and hampers gift suggestions. You can find a lot of great theme ideas and products to decorate with at your local flower shop.
Make topiary out of a foam form (conical shapes always work well) and hot glue a variety of large seeds – acorns, walnuts, pinecones – to the form. Completely cover the foam. Easy and makes a wonderful piece for any table or countertop.
Pick brightly colored fallen leaves. Rub a good moisturizer onto the front and back of the leaves and let dry. This helps the leaves keep their color and avoid curling. Once dry, scatter the leaves on a table, around a centerpiece, or on a fireplace mantle.
Fill a tall vase or extra-large brandy snifter with a variety of colorful miniature pumpkins and gourds.
Make a centerpiece using pie pumpkins, gourds, and leaves. Vary the sizes and colors of these squashes and fill in the gaps with leaves, mini pumpkins, and gourds.
Arrange large pumpkins in a group (odd numbers work best) or on stairs. Carve or paint designs or messages on the pumpkins. For example, I saw white pumpkins used on stair treads, each with a letter spelling "Welcome".
Carve a small hole, one inch deep in miniature pumpkins for use as taper candle holders.
If you have a tiered cake or serving plate, arrange pumpkins, gourds, or squash on each tier. Use a pie pumpkin or turban squash (looks like two placed one on top of the other) on the top level. Use smaller ones, even miniatures, as well as leaves and nuts on the other tiers.
Cut a branch for a tree. Place lengthwise on a table. Nest miniature gourds, pumpkins, leaves, nuts, and votive candles among the smaller branches. (Whenever you bring branches in from outdoors, spray insect repellent on the branch outside before you cut it. Let it stay outside for a day or two. Then bring into the garage or on a porch for another day or two until the smell is gone.
Soften a three-wick candle by blowing a hairdryer on it until the wax is soft. Then press small colored leaves into the softened wax to add a fall touch.
Take tall corn stalks and attach to porch columns or mailbox or even trees with a large fall colored ribbon. Further accent with pumpkins or mums around the base.
Cut long branches with colored leaves still attached (see instructions above to prevent bringing bugs into your home). Place in a tall vase or an umbrella stand. Be sure the branches are proportionate to the vase or stand.
Use potted mums to replace your summer flowers in flower beds, on porches, near fireplace hearths, in corner of rooms – this classic never goes out of style. To give added height within a group, place one potted mum on a miniature straw bale.

Using the natural beauty of fall nature, you can easily and inexpensively decorate your home for the changing season.

Though pumpkins and gourds are the most common for fall decorating due to their versatility, nuts and acorns are another good option. A way to beautiful fall decorating out of these, is to add a touch of spray paint. Silver, black, and metallic work best; they compliment the browns and oranges that Mother Nature provides and make your fall decorating that much better. After spray painting these items, displaying them in a vase or bowl make for beautiful sophisticated fall decorations.

If you're looking for more fall decorating ideas, taking a walk around your yard may inspire you. These colorful fall decorating ideas only come around once a year, so work with them while you still can!

Halloween Decorating Ideas

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:35:38 GMT

There's no denying that Halloween is right around the corner now that the leaves are falling,so why not do some Halloween decorating to get in the spirit of the season? By doing some Halloween decorating you can help get your children excited about this candy-filled holiday while getting yourself in a candy-giving mood.

A little bit of Halloween decorating can go a long way!

Not all Halloween decorations have to be store bought. In fact, some of the best Halloween decorations are the ones that you and your children make at home together.

There are some classic elements that no Halloween decorating spree should be without, like the jack-o-lantern, but here's another Halloween decorating idea that's a little outside of the box: a cheese cloth spider web. All you need to make this cool halloween decoration is white or ivory cheese cloth, scissors, pushpins, plastic spiders, craft glue and maybe a few Halloween decorating helpers.

Measure where you will hang the cheesecloth, and cut fabric to the width of that space. Pin or hook cheesecloth in place. Cut vertical strips in cloth, varying the length of the cuts and the spacing between.
Snip, tear, and make holes in each strip; rub cheesecloth between hands to fray the edges. Attach plastic spiders to the tattered webbing with glue.

This is just one of the many creative things you can incorporate into your Halloween decorating scheme that will definitely give your house a spooky vibe. Here are some more Halloween decorating ideas from JoyHolidays.com that are not only cool but can also save you money.

Happy Halloween!

When our children were little, Halloween was their favorite holiday because we decorated our Victorian home like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. My husband went all out with dry ice in our fountain and moving "ghosts" tied to a rope in the tall trees. Because we believe that you can have fun decorating your home without going into debt, here are some Halloween decorating tips that don't cost too much.

Low-Cost Halloween Decorating Ideas

by Jeanette Joy Fisher

Halloween is a uniquely special time of year, regardless of whether you're a kid or just a kid at heart. It's a holiday time that offers lots of wonderful opportunities to decorate your home creatively, since the subject matter is different from any other holiday. If you're thinking about decorating your porch and yard for the spookiest night of the year, you can do it without having to spend a lot of money. Here are a few low-cost ideas for showing your Halloween spirit to the world:

You can get rolls of yellow Caution tape (the type you see at crime or disaster scenes to keep people out of certain areas) fairly inexpensively at most hardware stores, and if you put it up around the perimeter of your yard, accompanied by a sign that says something like "Fright Scene: Enter at Your Own Risk," it can give an eerily spooky ambience while also offering guests a wary smile.

You can enhance that spookiness either more by replacing your regular porch light with a black light bulb. Adding a few Halloween-oriented items like skulls and ghost figures that glow in the dark will be even more effective.

If you want your pumpkins to last longer (and even to be reusable when you scrap your Halloween decorations and begin decorating for Thanksgiving), don't carve them. Paint them with acrylic paint. You can create an infinite variety of faces or scenes, and your pumpkins will last much longer. There's also none of the mess involved with carving them. Place your pumpkins in groups of three to five of varying sizes and shapes. It makes for a much more effective display.

A little paint can go a long way in creating great-looking tombstones, too. You can paint simple boards grey and then use black paint to add silly or scary epitaphs that will delight visitors. Things like: "See? I Told You I Was Sick" can bring smiles, but you can also create scarier epitaphs to bring out the more ghoulish side of your nature.

You can create some wonderfully spooky scenes in your windows by cutting out silhouettes of the various Halloween icons, such as black cats, witches, and skeletons, out of construction paper. When it gets dark, your windows will take on a lovely macabre look when the light is blocked out by those eerie objects.

Simple scarecrow-type figures, topped with rubber Halloween masks, can also be effective in adding some scare factor to your front porch and lawn. Just stuff a shirt and pair of pants with straw or leaves, add the mask, and you've got an instant horror figure for just a little time, imagination, and very little money.

Halloween is a time when anyone can be a kid at heart. You can celebrate the spookiest holiday of them all to your heart's content without having to break the bank in the process. With a little thought, you can create great-looking Halloween decorations. You're limited only by your imagination.

Enjoy!

The key to low-cost Halloween decorating is to make the decorations yourself with things you have at home or things you can pick up at a craft store. Another great part of making your own Halloween decorations is that you can see all the hard work you put into the homemade decor. If you enlist your children to help with the Halloween decorations, you will be able too see their unique crafts throughout the house. What a treat!

Good luck embarking on your Halloween decorating journey, and keep in mind that imperfect Halloween decorations are sometimes the best Halloween decorations!

Oven Cleaning: Homemade Oven Cleaners

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:17:56 GMT

Regularly cleaning your oven is needed in order to remove the grease, splatters and charred carbon. Ever wonder what oven cleaners are best to use on the different parts of your oven? How about natural, homemade oven cleaners?

Cleaning your oven with natural oven cleaners is better for your health.

These oven cleaners do not contain the chemicals you may find in store oven cleaners, which include sodium hydroxide, butane, monoethanolamine, and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether... to name a few. These chemicals are harmful to the human body, so why use them when cleaning a place you cook your food? Natural oven cleaners may require more time to produce, and a little extra scrubbing time, but are well worth it for your health in the end. The following article from Housecleaningcentral.com offer safe oven cleaning tips as well as ways to make your own oven cleaners at home.

Safe Oven Cleaning Tips

It doesn't matter how careful you place dinner in the oven, you will eventually get baked on grease, spills and splatters from cooking your families favorite dishes.

The good news is that you don't have to buy those dangerous and toxic oven cleaners in the grocery store. Do yourself a favor, (and your pocketbook) and make your own homemade oven cleaner from the recipes listed below.

How to Clean Your Oven Safely:

These oven cleaning tips will help you clean your oven safely, quickly, and are better for the environment. It takes a little more elbow grease to clean with natural products, but it's better for you too, and worth the extra effort it takes to clean.

Note: Never mix ammonia with bleach containing products as a poisonous gas will result.

Home Made Oven Cleaner:

1 T Liquid dish soap
1 T Lemon juice
1 T Bleach
1 Quart Warm water

Mix all these ingredients together in a bowl or a bucket.

Apply the oven cleaning solution with a sponge to the inside of the oven. Let it sit for 1 hour. Scrub with a sponge or green scrubby. Rinse well.

Oven Cleaner With Ammonia:

1 Cup Ammonia
Put the ammonia in a glass bowl, and place it inside the oven and close the door.

Let the bowl stay in the oven over night. The next day, use a green scrubby and wipe away those stubborn stains.

Chemical Free Natural Oven Cleaning:

5 T Baking Soda
3 drops Liquid Dish Soap
4 T White vinegar

Mix the above ingredients into a thick paste. Use a sponge to apply the oven cleaner to the inside of the oven and then scrub with green scrubby. make sure to rinse thoroughly and wipe the oven clean.

Lemon Juice Cleaner:
Lemon is a great grease cutter. To make lemon oven cleaner, mix equal parts of lemon juice and salt. Apply the lemon oven cleaner to oven stains and let it sit for 15 minutes. Use a green scrubby and rinse and wipe the oven clean.

Natural Oven Cleaner:

4 T Baking Soda
4 T Hot Water

Baking soda is a great stain remover, and an abrasive.

Mix the ingredients and apply to the inside of your oven with a sponge. Let the oven cleaner sit for 15 minutes. Use a green scrubby. Then rinse and wipe the oven clean.

Tough Oven Stain Remover:

1 Cup Salt
1 Cup Baking Soda
1 Cup Water

Make a paste using these ingredients. Apply the mixture to the inside of the oven. Close the oven door and heat the oven to 500-degrees for 1 hour. Turn the oven off and allow it to cool. Use a damp rag or sponge to wipe any debris. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.

Commercial Oven Cleaner:

It's easy to clean your oven using commercial oven cleaner spray. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection if using oven cleaner. Read all product instructions and follow the manufacturers directions.

First heat the to 200° . Turn the oven off, and take the spay and completely spray the soiled areas.

By heating the oven slightly, you give the cleaning product a power boost and it will do a better job at removing the baked on grime. Let the cleaner work over night.

Take a damp rag or sponge and simply wipe the grime out the next morning. Rinse the oven thoroughly then wipe it dry.

Baking soda, a natural oven cleaner, is one of the most common household products to help remove tough oven carbon and grease. As you may have read in the previous article, baking soda is one of the main ingredients in most of the home made oven cleaners. Baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive that also soaks up oily stains and grease.

For burnt-on carbon, sprinkling baking soda over the bottom of the oven and then spraying some water from a spray bottle may work. Let this homemade oven cleaner sit overnight and then go over it with a sponge in the morning; most of the gunk should come off with it. If there are still some carbon and burnt food remaining, apply some more baking soda as well as adding some vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for 30 minutes and then scrub.

If there is ever a time where your natural oven cleaners and elbow grease don’t do the trick, don’t be afraid to turn on the self oven cleaner if you have the function. The self oven cleaner heats your oven to about 900 Fahrenheit to burn off any spoiled foods. This oven cleaning function is good to use every so often, but try to stick to no more than once a year due to the smoky aftermath that it may produce.

Simplify the Holiday Season with a Fall Cleaning Checklist

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:53:57 GMT

Most people think that there isn’t a need for Fall cleaning because there is so much hype in the Spring, but that is a common misconception. In reality, it can be much more efficient and useful to do Fall cleaning instead. House cleaning can become less of a priority over the Summer since most fill their time enjoying the long awaited heat rather than cleaning; making a Fall cleaning checklist is the perfect chance to catch up.

Get your kitchen in tip-top shape for the holidays by using a Fall cleaning checklist!

Not only will creating your own Fall cleaning checklist allow you to make up for a lazy summer, but Fall cleaning will also allow you to prep for the holidays. By getting your Fall cleaning done, you can allow yourself to truly enjoy the holiday season and spend your time picking out the perfect stuffing recipe for the holidays rather than spending time on holiday cleaning. Fall cleaning will make your holiday cleaning more bearable and less stressful. Take our word for it, following a simple Fall cleaning checklist will make your holiday season run more smoothly. Of course there are things that you would still be cleaning regularly, but here is a great Fall cleaning checklist from HouseCleaningCentral.com that spells out the essentials of Fall cleaning.

Fall Cleaning Checklist

In the past, once-a-year cleaning tasks were done in the spring. Over the years, I’ve gradually moved many of them to the fall. It just makes more sense.

If you have friends or family over for Thanksgiving or winter holidays, fall is the perfect time to do these things. It will ensure that you have a cleaner house and don’t end up putting things off until the last minute. It makes the holidays a lot less stressful.

Carpets

According to carpeting industry experts, you should have your carpet professionally cleaned every 6-18 months depending on traffic. If you do it once a year, fall is the perfect time. Your carpet will be beautiful for holiday family gatherings and parties.

Most carpet cleaning companies offer a special deal where they will come back and take care of any stain within so many months of cleaning. If you clean in the fall and one of the kids spills cranberry sauce on the carpet at Thanksgiving, you’re covered. You should also let them professionally vacuum your carpet before cleaning. They can remove more dirt than your vacuum can.

Attic

When the weather cools down, it’s the best time to get up there and get rid of your dust and mildew breeding factory. All you have to do is take a vacuum up into the attic, start at the ceilings, and work your way down. If you’ve never been in your attic or just don’t want to try this project yourself (some attics require some dangerous maneuvering), you can hire someone to do it for you.

The benefit is that you will increase the air quality in the whole house. You’ll also have a clean place for storage. Be sure to use a dust mask and protective eyewear, especially if you’ve never cleaned your attic. You are going to create a lot of particle clouds floating around up there. Check for wet areas caused by roof leaks.

Chandeliers & Light Fixtures

The beginning of fall is the best time to clean chandeliers, light globes, and light diffusers. You are probably going to have people over for the holidays, and let’s face it – that’s the only time you notice how dirty your lights are.

The easiest way to clean a chandelier is to leave it where it is. Taking apart the chandelier creates a much larger job, and you might not know how to put everything back together again. Get a step stool or a ladder and clean with a damp cloth. Another method is to use two cotton gloves – one sprayed with window cleaner and one dry.

Next you should tackle the light globes on ceiling fans and other fixtures. You should do a room at a time. Detach the globes carefully and let them soak while you are cleaning that room. Rinse and wipe them clean and replace them afterward. It’s not difficult, but most people have a lot of light fixtures. You’ll notice a change in lighting immediately. Don’t forget your porch lights.

Draperies

Check the labels of your draperies. If they are machine washable, wash them on a gentle cycle with Woolite or other gentle detergent and let them hang dry. If they say dry clean only, don’t take chances.

Oven and Range

You probably do this as needed, but this is a good time to do a thorough oven cleaning, especially if you cook and bake a lot during the holidays. Use a spray cleaner and let it sit overnight. Wipe clean in the morning. This is a much safer technique than using a self-cleaning oven. Starting with a clean oven makes it a lot easier to simply wipe the oven clean the day after Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to take off the range and oven dials and let them soak in soapy dishwater.

Refrigerator & Freezer

This is the time to do a thorough job where you take everything out and clean the shelves. It won’t take long enough to worry about food spoiling if you just get in there and do it. Use an antibacterial household cleaner and clean off all the shelves. Take out the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink. When you’re done, take everything out of the freezer and put it in one side of the sink. Use the same cleaner to wipe down all surfaces. If you have ice cube trays, wash them in the top shelf of the dishwasher or let them soak in the sink.

Polish Silver

Most people only use their good silver around the holidays, so this is the perfect time to polish silver serving pieces and tarnished silver flatware.

Furniture and Rugs

Move heavy furniture and mop or vacuum underneath it. This only has to be done once a year, so don’t break your back doing it more often. Turn over area rugs and vacuum the backs of them. This will help get out any dirt that is hiding out at the base of the rug fibers. Never beat an area rug to clean it. It will break down the rug backing and fibers.

Gutters

Of course, fall is the time of year that your gutters get filled with leaves. Clean them with a special hose attachment that has a hooked end to get down into the gutters.

Better yet, look into attaching “hoods” or “helmets” to your gutters so you won’t have to worry as much about leaves in the future

Before you embark upon your Fall cleaning mission, you should be sure to de-clutter and get rid of things you don’t need or use, which can make your Fall cleaning an easier job. For example, when you get up to that attic to start your Fall cleaning, be sure to throw out (or donate) all the stuff you forgot you even had!

Here are some more Fall cleaning tips that you can add to your Fall cleaning checklist to really help you get holiday ready:
Be sure to turn over your mattresses and wash all sheets and comforters as part of your Fall cleaning routine
Add windows (both inside and out) to your Fall cleaning checklist
Wiping down all cabinets is a Fall cleaning must
A Fall cleaning essential is to dust off your refrigerator’s condenser coil (you wouldn’t want to run into problems on Thanksgiving!)
Be sure to include vacuuming and spot cleaning upholstered furniture and cushions to your Fall cleaning checklist

The end goal of having a Fall cleaning checklist is to ultimately make holiday cleaning less stressful for you and your family so you can truly enjoy the holiday season. By using these Fall cleaning tips you could potentially have you refrigerator cleaned out, all your rugs deep cleaned and even your silver polished all by Halloween. After you get your Fall cleaning out of the way, all you will need to think about is how you are going to fit your family around the dining room table this holiday season. Good luck with your Fall Cleaning!

Fall Cleaning: Get Your House Ready for Winter

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 13:44:10 GMT

When it starts to cool off after a Summer of sun we would all love to curl up inside the house and maybe even do a little complaining about the weather, but you can make that time spent inside productive by doing some Fall cleaning. Fall Cleaning can get you saving money and time come Winter. By doing simple Fall cleaning chores like changing your furnace filter, you can save energy and money.

Get your house Winter-ready by doing some Fall cleaning inside and outside of the house!

You can also make time spent indoors this Winter more pleasurable by getting your Fall cleaning done. If you add something as simple as vacuuming all your drapery and upholstered furniture to your Fall cleaning chore list, you will be in a virtually dust free house come Winter. Especially when heating a house can be so costly, taking the time to do your Fall cleaning now can really pay off (literally)!

The following article from JournalTimes.com pulls together some great Fall cleaning tips from various sources to help you get your home ready for winter.

Fall cleaning: Tips for getting your house ready for winter

When the first warm breezes start to wind their way through the county, a lot of people throw open their windows, roll up their sleeves and dig in for a big spring cleaning.

What feels better than freshening up the house after a long winter stuck inside? Except maybe, to do a thorough house cleaning before that cold season spent indoors.

There's plenty of household tasks that it just makes sense to tackle in a fall, including some regular maintenance jobs.

If you're going to spend the majority of time over the next seven months inside, why not make it a comfortable, energy-efficient and organized one?

Local cleaning and home maintenance experts say there is plenty to do around the house in the fall.

Fall cleanup

Any deep cleaning you didn't get to this spring should probably be done this fall, said Chris Miller of Household Help Inc.

She suggests doing tasks such as:

Turning over your mattress and washing all of your bedding, including comforters and blankets.
Getting your carpets professionally cleaned. Think of all the sand and grass clippings that have been walked in on your flip-flops this summer.
Cleaning your windows, inside and out, including in between the sills. Miller said many new windows have UV filters and aren't supposed to be cleaned with glass cleaners. Instead, she suggests buying some microfiber towels. She gets them at the dollar store. "Take a microfiber cloth and get it damp with warm water," Miller said. "Wipe the window, then use a dry microfiber cloth to dry it. That's the way I clean all my windows.

Other deep-cleaning ideas for the fall from the Web site organizedhome.com include:

Cleaning your house from top to bottom, focusing on public rooms such as the living room, family room, entryway and guest bath.
Get out the vacuum. Vacuum the drapes, window treatments, baseboards and in the corners. Move furniture and vacuum beneath and behind it. Vacuum upholstered furniture, or have professionally cleaned if needed. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall, and vacuum the condenser coils. For bottom-mounted coils, use a long, narrow brush to clean coils of dust and debris.

Home maintenance

Before the chilly weather of fall begins, make sure your furnace is tuned up for the winter and change the filter, said Miller. She said homeowners with a fireplace should check the flue and have the fireplace cleaned if it is wood burning.

Fall is also a good time to have your air ducts cleaned, she said.

Greg Kruchko, the owner of the local Mr. Handyman, said one of the biggest must-do tasks of the season is to clean your home's gutters. If you don't clean out your gutters, you run the risk of water building up in them during cold weather. This can cause "ice damming," Kruchko said. "That will ruin a roof."

It's also a great time to install gutter protectors that keep debris, like falling leaves, out of the gutters, he said.

Other home maintenance tasks for the fall include:

Examining your chimney for any damage, Kruchko suggests.
Covering up your air conditioning unit to protect it from ice and snow.
Putting away summer equipment, such as outdoor tables and chairs, umbrellas, grills and children's toys.
Touching up paint on and decks, trim and railings, says organizedhome.com . Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint; prime bare wood first.
Draining and storing garden hoses, the site recommends. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots and have sprinkler systems blown free of water.
Inspecting washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or splits. Replace them every other year.
Checking the dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint, debris or birds' nests. Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when not in use.

Beware of bugs

Cindy Wysocki, owner of Maid in Racine, said she finds more cobwebs in homes in the fall, because the spiders are coming in to get out of the cold.

Bugs and mice are looking for a warm place to stay for the winter, Kruchko said. It's probably a good time to look for rotted, cracked or damaged wood around the house, which is the perfect entrance for critters into your home.

"A lot of people neglect the wood," he said. "Look at the trim around the garage door. It's typically weathered at the bottom. Wood is like a straw. It sucks the water up."

That causes rot, splitting and damage.

Kruchko said it's important to keep wood on a home painted, sealed and caulked. He also suggests replacing wood trim with PVC material trim that requires no maintenance and can be painted.

"Keep the water out and make sure the house is sealed well," Kruchko said.

Energy-saving fall ideas

Fall is the time to get your house sealed up and ready for the cold, said Kruchko. He suggests caulking around windows and doors. This will keep the chilly air and bugs out, and keep the heat in.

Although caulking is something newer homes might not require, according to Kruchko, all homeowners should also be checking weather-stripping and door sweeps.

Other energy saving maintenance ideas for the fall include:

Installing ceiling fans, which Kruchko said might sound like a strange autumn task. However, he said with the fan blades tipped to push warm air down, homeowners can help save on heating bills and make themselves more comfortable.
Using a hot water heater blanket.
Insulating and wrapping pipes.
Checking the attic insulation and adding more if necessary.
Replacing windows, which, if you can afford it now, can really help save with energy costs, Kruchko said.
Have an energy audit done, which will tell you where heat is escaping your home and costing you money

Stick to these Fall cleaning musts and you will be happy you did come the first snow fall. Aside from Fall cleaning inside of your house, it's great to do routine home maintainence in the spirit of Fall cleaning that you'll be happy you did come December. Here are 5 Fall Cleaning Tips that are also Green:

Turn Down the Thermostat
Start Composting (this means less garbage!)
Set your water heater's default setting to 120
Elbow Grease (get your Fall cleaning started!)
Plug leaks around the house so your heat isn't going out the window

By doing these simple Fall cleaning chores now, you can save energy and money over the Winter, something that we all love to do. It can't get any better than sitting my the fire place watching the snow fall with a mug of hot coco, and all you have to think about is drinking it rather than cleaning out your chimney because you already did your Fall cleaning. Have fun with your Fall cleaning; it'll be well worth it!

Cleaning with Vinegar - The Green Cleaning Solution

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:12:52 GMT

Vinegar; you’ve most likely used it to cook with, possibly as a salad dressing or a dietary aid, and possibly even in your hair to balance out the pH level (yes it works)! Did you ever think of using vinegar in other ways? How about cleaning with vinegar as an organic cleaning product?

Cleaning with vinegar is an all natural way to clean your home.

Cleaning products today are loaded with toxins that are harmful to both users as well as the people who come into contact with that cleaned surface afterwards. As consumers we believe that if our children don’t come into contact with a cleaner, they will be fine; most cleaning products state “Keep out of reach of children.” We need to consider the most common methods of exposure, through the skin and respiratory tract.

‘Green cleaning’ and ‘non-toxins’ are words getting thrown on labels everywhere now to try and get the consumer to make the purchase. Why worry about what’s in your cleaning products when you can make your own vinegar cleaning solution? If you can’t think how to go about making your first vinegar cleaning product or what to clean it with once you have, this article from Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Benefits.com offers you multiple benefits of cleaning with vinegar to help you safely clean your home.

Cleaning with Vinegar Best Tips

"Finally a site with so many 'READY TO USE' vinegar cleaning solutions!"

Cleaning with vinegar is a great way to avoid exposure to many hazardous commercial household cleaners and it's cheaper, safer and easier on the environment.

The cheaper distilled white vinegar, available at your local supermarket, is the best type to use for cleaning. The acetic acid in vinegar is an effective disinfectant, deodorizer, and cleaner which will cut grease and soap scum, dissolve mineral buildup, and inhibit mold and bacteria growth.

For the household, a number of time-honored vinegar cleaning recipes are included some of which require, for best results, the addition of other readily available non-toxic ingredients such as:

Salt - to help dissolve tarnish
Baking soda - to absorb odors and act as a mild abrasive.
Hydrogen Peroxide - to help disinfect.

Caution: Do not add vinegar directly to materials containing ammonia since this could produce harmful vapors.

Coffee Maker - Cleaning with Vinegar

Over time, mineral deposits from the water you use, build up and clog your coffee maker.Cleaning coffee makers with vinegar once a month will dissolve these deposits and will also allow you to wipe clean accumulated coffee stains.

For a regular 12 cup coffee maker:

Add 1 cup (250 ml) of warm water to the water reservoir followed by 2 cups (500 ml) of white vinegar, then run the coffee maker through a brewing cycle.
Discard the vinegar solution and clean thoroughly with water.
Run the coffee maker 2 more times through the brewing cycle with just plain water to rinse out all the vinegar.

By cleaning your coffee maker regularly, you will not only get rid of clogging mineral deposits, you will also eliminate coffee oils that can accumulate inside your coffee maker and become rancid.

There is no doubt about it, a clean coffee maker will produce a better tasting coffee!

Copper Pennies – Cleaning with Vinegar

A popular science fair project for public and junior high students is to find and evaluate household products that can restore the shine to dull copper pennies.

A copper penny looses its bright original shine because with time, the copper metal on the surface of the penny reacts with the oxygen in the air to form a dull brown copper oxide tarnish.

Cleaning with vinegar is a way to restore the shine on dull pennies. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the copper oxide layer on the surface of the coin thus exposing the bright copper metal underneath.

The reaction occurs much quicker if you add a little salt to the vinegar so try the following cleaning solution:

½ cup (125 ml) Vinegar
1 teaspoon (5 g) Salt

Another natural cleaning product that can be used is ketchup. That's not surprising once you read the label on the bottle which shows that salt and vinegar are major ingredients in ketchup.

Don't use vinegar to clean valuable or collectible copper coins since this dissolves some of the copper, which is the same thing as increasing the wear on the coin and thus reducing its value.

Electric Shaver- Cleaning with vinegar

The newer electric shavers are normally cleaned by rinsing the shaving head and hair chamber daily with hot water, once the shaver has been turned off and the power plug removed from the wall socket.

This procedure works well but it does not remove any odor which generally builds up on the shaver over time.
To eliminate this odor, simply rinse the shaving head and hair chamber with a dilute vinegar solution before rinsing with water.

A 0.5% vinegar solution works well and it can be prepared by mixing 1 part normal household vinegar with 10 parts tap water.

So, for an odor free shaver, rinsing once or twice a month with this dilute vinegar solution will do the job.

Clothes washing and drying - Cleaning with Vinegar

When cleaning clothes, instead of adding a fabric softener sheet to the dryer, use a vinegar/water liquid fabric softener in the washing machine.
To the liquid fabric softening dispenser in your washing machine, add 1/2 cup (125 ml) of white vinegar and then top up the reservoir with tap water.

Besides saving you money and reducing the amount of chemicals you add to the environment you will reduce the amount of lint that your dryer's lint filter catches, and your towels will be more absorbent because they won’t be coated with chemicals from the fabric softening sheet.

You will also be making the drying operation safer since vinegar, unlike fabric softener sheets, will not leave a waxy film on the lint filter which could, over time, restrict airflow from the dryer and cause overheating.
To check out your dryer's filter, remove the accumulated lint as you would normally do after each dryer cycle, and then place a little water on the filter. If the water doesn't go through it easily then it needs to be cleaned with a small brush dipped in vinegar.

Clothes Iron- Cleaning with vinegar

If you live in an area where the water supply contains a lot of minerals, then over time, these minerals can clog your iron's fine steam pores reducing the steam output to just a trickle.

Fill up the iron's water reservoir with pure white vinegar and then place it face down on a metal cookie rack.
Let the iron run on the steam setting until the reservoir is empty. The steam pores should now be perfectly clean.
Refill the reservoir with water and you're good to go.

Drains – Cleaning with Vinegar

Try this home drain cleaner to clean, deodorize and unclog partially blocked drains in the kitchen or bathroom:

½ cup (125 ml) Baking Soda
½ cup (125 ml) Table Salt
½ cup (125 ml) White Vinegar

Mix the baking soda and salt in a small bowl and pour the powder into the drain.
Next pour in the vinegar. A frothy foam will be produced as the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to give off harmless carbon dioxide gas.
After 2 or 3 hours flush the drain with water.

Hardwood Floors – Cleaning with Vinegar

Cleaning regular hardwood floors with vinegar or polyurethane-coated hardwood floors can be easily accomplished with the following solution:

1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
1 gallon (3.8 L) warm water

Fill a bucket with the warm water then mix in the vinegar.
Damp-mop the floor using as little of the solution as possible then dry with paper or cloth towels. Avoid leaving excess water on the floor that could work its way into small openings and cause the wood to swell and crack.

An alternative procedure would be to fill up a plastic spray bottle with the vinegar cleaning solution and spray it on the floor. Then dry with a terry cloth mop or with paper towels.

Other types of floors such as vinyl or ceramic can also be cleaned with this same simple vinegar solution.

Kitchen Cutting Boards and Countertops – Cleaning with Vinegar

The best way to sanitize kitchen food preparation surfaces such as countertops and wood cutting boards is to use the following vinegar and hydrogen peroxide germ-killing combo:

Using a spray bottle, apply undiluted apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to the kitchen surface to be cleaned.
Then immediately spray the same area with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (available in all drugstores) from another spray bottle.
Wipe the area clean or rinse with water.

According to Susan Sumner, a food scientist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, it does not matter whether you spray the vinegar before or after the hydrogen peroxide, the effect is the same, it kills virtually all Salmonella, Shigella, or E. Coli bacteria on heavily contaminated food preparation surfaces.

She also found that using both sprays was 10 times more effective than using either spray by itself and more effective than chlorine bleach and all other commercially available kitchen cleaners.

The vinegar / hydrogen peroxide sprays also work well to clean meats, fruits and vegetables of disease-causing germs.

Reference:
Science News Online – Food for Thought – 9/28/96

Odor Removal - Cleaning with Vinegar

Besides controlling body odor (such as underarm or foot odor) and eliminating pet odor (including skunk odor ), cleaning with vinegar can
also get rid of odors found in many households resulting from cooking or other everyday chores.

Vinegar works by killing the bacteria that cause odors and by neutralizing many of the basic volatile compounds that are responsible for harsh or unpleasant smells.
Try out some of these examples and see for yourself how efficient and inexpensive cleaning with vinegar can be:

Onion or fish odor can be removed from your hands by wiping them with vinegar.
Cabbage odor can be reduced when cooking by adding a tablespoon of ACV to the cooking water.
To eliminate cooking odors in the kitchen, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of water & boil this solution.
To freshen up garbage disposal units, run a tray of vinegar ice cubes through it once a week.
To remove the odor of smoke, paint, vomit, etc, place a bowl of vinegar in the room.
Vinegar can be used to freshen up and remove all types of odors (including smoke odor) found in older cars. Add about an inch of vinegar to a plastic container and place it in the car overnight with all windows closed. Remove the vinegar before operating the car to avoid spilling and repeat the procedure for about one week for best results.

Vinegar as a wallpaper remover

For a professional-looking job, old wallpaper and its adhesive backing must be completely removed before re-papering or painting.

Make up a solution of equal parts hot water and white vinegar, and apply it to a section of the wall with a sponge or a roller or even a spray bottle.
Be sure to completely soak the wall paper and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.

After that, apply more of the vinegar solution and use a wide scraper (putty knife) to peel off the old wallpaper.

Once all the paper has been removed, use more of the vinegar solution to remove any adhesive still remaining on the wall.

Windows - Cleaning with Vinegar

Many different vinegar cleaning solutions have been used for dirty windows. Here are two of the easier ones:

Use a 50/50 white vinegar water solution for normal dirt.
Use full strength warm vinegar for very dirty windows or windows that have dried paint or hard-water mineral spots.

Spray on the vinegar solution then wipe dry with a paper towel.
Alternatively, some people use crumpled up newspapers dipped in or sprayed with vinegar solution to wipe the glass, followed by a dry paper towel or crumpled up newspaper.

Why newspapers? Because they don't leave any lint behind, they are readily available, cheap and recyclable.

Another widely used vinegar formulation that is my favorite for cleaning windows, involves mixing white vinegar, water and rubbing alcohol(70%) as follows:

2 cups Water (500 ml)
1/2 cup Vinegar (125 ml)
1/4 cup Rubbing Alcohol (60 ml)

Those who use it claim that it works just like expensive commercial products and I certainly agree.

Patio, Sidewalk and Driveway Cracks - Cleaning with Vinegar

Cleaning with vinegar will remove the dirt and dark organic material that often accumulates with time on patio stones and will restore their original colors and luster.

As well, it will control the grass and pesky weeds that tend to grow in the smallest of cracks or crevices in your outdoor patio, sidewalk or driveway.

Simply spray or pour distilled white vinegar onto the stones to clean, and into the cracks to kill unwanted weeds or grass and discourage further growth in the future.

The photo below, of a section of my backyard patio, shows how well a vinegar application cleaned the patio stones on the right compared to the stones on the left which were not treated.

This will also discourage ants and other insects from building their nests there.

In these situations, the use of vinegar as a weed killer is both environmentally friendly and inexpensive.

From grease, germs and bacteria to that fingerprint on the window, vinegar cleaning solutions can work wonders. A study on vinegar announced that the acid substance in vinegar kills 99 percent of surface bacteria, 80 percent of germs, and 82 percent of molds on a counter. That is with just a 5 percent solution, like you could get at the super market (minus all of the harmful chemicals of course). Not only does cleaning with vinegar work all this magic, but vinegar cleaning solutions are a cheap alternative to harsh cleaning products as well. The average price for a bottle of vinegar is around five dollars a bottle. With all of the ways you can clean with vinegar and on a low budget, you can’t go wrong!

How to Clean Marble

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 14:20:57 GMT

Marble is a beautiful natural stone that, over time, can become damaged.Marble is a popular choice for countertops in kitchens and bathroom, as well as fireplaces and vanities. Marble countertops are constantly being used and are always under wear and tear. Marble can maintain its beautiful finish if it is cared for properly.

Marble is a great natural stone choice fo countertops.

There are some very simple tips for cleaning marble that you should follow when you decide to have marble in your home. The following article from HowToCleanThings.com offers simple and easy-to-follow tips on how to clean marble in your home. After you decide to have marble in your home – whether you have marble countertops or a marble fireplace – make sure you know how to properly clean and polish marble so you can keep your marble beautiful and long-lasting.

How to Clean Marble

If you have even a scrap of marble in your home, consider yourself fortunate to be in the presence of one the most beautiful stones around. Marble is a limestone that has metamorphosed through heat and pressure, and in the process mixed with natural elements to produce the colors and intricate veining that has so many people pining away for it. And who could blame them? If only you didn't have to keep it clean...

There are two very important things to know when wondering how to clean marble. The first is this: marble is not granite. People often confuse the two, or lump them together, but there are some major differences between marble and granite - mainly, that marble is much softer than granite, so it stains and wears more easily and cannot be treated in the same ways. The second thing to remember is that you must never use vinegar to clean marble. We often recommend vinegar on our site because it is a natural cleaning product that doesn't harm you or (most of the time) what you're cleaning. In this case, however, the acidic quality of vinegar (as well as many other cleaning products, like bathroom cleaners or those with lemon) will etch - dull - the surface of your marble. How to clean marble safely? Take a minimalist approach and go stronger only if you need to.

Cleaning Marble Countertops and Floors

For everyday marble cleaning, keep it simple.

For quick touch-ups, less is definitely more. Use a soft cloth (I recommend a microfiber one) and warm, distilled water to clean marble countertops - especially after contact with food - and then use another cloth to dry the surface. Marble is very prone to water spots, so it is a good idea to never let it air dry. For cleaning marble floors, dust-mopping with a microfiber mop or soft cloth should be sufficient on a day-to-day basis, or plain hot water if you need to get rid of any marks. Again, remember to avoid vinegar and other acidic cleaners when cleaning marble, even if you really, really love the smell of Pine Sol.

When your in-laws are visiting, get out the big(ger) guns for that marble.

You're going to need more than warm water this time. That's not to say you should go overboard; it is still important to remember that marble is delicate. A ph-neutral dishsoap is probably best when you do your deeper marble cleaning, but you may also use acetone (for dark marble only, to be safe), hydrogen peroxide (for light marble), or clear ammonia mixed with water. You can purchase a non-abrasive marble cleaner, of course, but shop cautiously. If you're nervous about damage to the stone, visit a store that sells marble and they'll be able to help you out. Whichever product you choose, be sure to rinse thoroughly so there's no residue left, always dry completely, and make sure you don't slip on your slick marble floor!

Clean marble stains as soon as possible.

Just like acidic cleaners, acidic "stuff" in general is bad for your marble. This includes wine, orange juice, tomatoes and even soft drinks, so get any spills up right away by blotting them - wiping or rubbing can make the problem worse. If you're left with a stain anyway, use a commercial marble stain remover (remember to choose wisely) or make your own. Try making a poultice (a "soft, moist mass" - not just a medical term) out of a fine powder like whiting or baking soda, going for a peanut butter-like consistency. For oil-based stains (cosmetics, grease), use the powder with some water or rubbing alcohol. For water-based ones (coffee, tea), mix the powder with either hydrogen peroxide or acetone. When you have your poultice, wet the stain and apply the mixture. Tape plastic wrap over it and let dry (usually at least 24 hours); the drying process should lift the stain out.

Protect your marble to save yourself a lot of trouble.

Use those coasters you got from Aunt Hilda, even if they're ugly. Be careful not to place anything hot on your marble countertops, and use ceramic or stone containers instead of metal to avoid rust stains. If you have marble in your bathroom, put felt under a tray for your cosmetics, perfumes, hairspray, aftershave, etc. For marble flooring, place rugs in high-traffic areas and remove your shoes at the door, and use pads under your furniture. Oh, and save the standing, sitting and dancing around like a maniac for your marble floors - not your countertops.

Make your marble shine.

Wondering how to polish marble? Well, you have a lot of options. The safest and easiest way to polish marble is with a chamois (shammy) on a damp surface; the chamois will polish at the same time as it dries. If you want more shine, try a commercial polish and then dry with the chamois. You can also use baking soda and a stick of chalk to polish marble. First wipe your marble with a baking soda mixture (3 Tbsp. soda to 1 qt. water) and let it air-dry (this time it's okay) for a few hours before rinsing it. Next, moisten a fresh cloth and dip it in crushed chalk, wipe your marble, then rinse and dry thoroughly. If you'd rather not crush chalk or launder a bunch of chamois, use a commercial floor polisher or consult a professional.

Consider adding a marble sealer and your marble may live longer.

Not all stone necessarily requires a sealer, especially since often it is sealed when it is made and/or installed. Because marble is quite porous, however (and because sealer loses its effect over time), it is wise to use a sealer to protect against staining and interior damage. A sealer isn't foolproof, but it resists moisture for a lot longer than a surface that is not sealed; this matters when it comes to spills or mud on the floor - it buys you time, at least. Before applying a marble sealer, try to find out if and when sealer was applied and what brand was used. Some sealers need to be re-applied every year or two, others every fifteen to twenty years. If you do apply a marble sealer, be sure to use one that is nontoxic and - if you're using it on countertops - safe for food preparation.

Cleaning Marble FAQ

What About Scratches on Marble?

Now that you know how to clean marble, you may be wondering how to deal with scratches. If the scratch is slight, you can try fixing it yourself by using a course-grit sandpaper (starting at a 120 and working up to a 320) or 0000 steel wool. If the scratch is deep, however, or if you're uneasy about doing it yourself and possibly damaging your marble (I would be uneasy), consult a professional.

What About Wax on Marble?

Some people use wax on marble because it can polish as well as protect, but it can also lead to discoloration - especially if your marble is white. For best results, try other methods first.

What About the "Other" Marbles?

Although marble commonly takes the form of countertops and flooring, it can be found in a lot of other places like showers, tubs, headstones, decorative objects, fireplaces, fountains and benches. And the list goes on. Basically, you already know how to clean marble: follow the same guidelines for this stuff as you would for your marble countertops and marble flooring, keeping in mind that it's best to clean marble with a mild approach first.

It’s so important to keep your marble clean and polished as much as you can so that you avoid an unnecessary damage to the marble surface. By doing this, you will ensure a nice, beautiful glow in your marble surface. Don't forget to take a mild approach first when cleaning your marble. Make sure not to use products that have harmful acid in them, as they can damage our Marble countertops.

Creative Storage Ideas for Your Home Office

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:34:22 GMT

If you're a small business owner, then you might find yourself working from your home office or space where you can conduct your business.

Your home office can increase your productivity if it is clean and organized.

A home office can be very convenient, beneficial and rewarding, but if this space is messy and disorganized, it can quickly become a nightmare. No matter the size or shape of your home office, there is endless opportunity to create a space that is customized for your personal style and work needs.

Your home office is a place where you will be spending a lot of time, so it’s important to keep the space in your home office clean and controlled, even if that means being a little bit creative with your approach. Start with a vision and ask yourself, “What do I want to see when I walk into my home office?” You probably don’t want to see a messy home office that houses piles upon meaninglessly organized piles. Turn your home office into a neatly and attractively organized work space that you enjoy being in, without spending too much money. Here are 20 creative ways to inexpensively organize your home office from Better Homes and Gardens .

Home Office Storage on a Dime

Clever and inexpensive storage is easy if you know where to find it. See basic storage items in a different light to create a budget-friendly, organized office.

1. Drop Zone

Keep a small desktop clutter-free. Stack simple trays on top for items you want in sight and in mind, such as bills to pay and outgoing mail. Use a file box to hold items you need to access regularly such as receipts and contact information. Attach an inexpensive toothbrush-and-tumbler holder to the side of the desk to stash pens, pencils, and a pair of scissors. Hang S hooks for keys.

2. Uncommon Uses

Loose papers and small items are the biggest challenges in a home office. Corral papers and mail in an unused bath cabinet mounted to the wall. The pegs offer extra space for hanging lunchboxes or clipboards. For extra organization, store small items, such as labels, note cards, and ribbons in a three-tier basket.

3. Shower Organizer

Mount a low-cost shower caddy to the wall to stash home office supplies, bills, and mail or create gift central (shown here) by storing stationery and wrapping paper. Add ribbon to a wire canister to hang writing utensils from one of the hooks.

4. Box It Up

Finding inexpensive storage is easy if you know where to look. Check out the kitchen shelf storage section and use a baker's rack for a sturdy alternative to a built-in storage unit. Take a stroll down the clothing storage aisle to find cardboard clothing boxes that house papers, books, and notebooks.

5. Declutter a Desktop

Repurpose a toothbrush holder and soap dish to round up office essentials and keep your desktop and drawers clutter-free.

6. Clear as Glass

Store pens, markers, paper clips, and more in simple glass kitchen containers. The clear glass makes it easy to spot what you need, and twist-off lids make them a breeze to open.

7. Magnetic Attraction

Install a magnetic knife wall mount to the side of a shelving unit and hang small items on magnetic hooks.

8. Keep In Touch

Need a better way to keep track of your business cards? Rather than throwing cards into a drawer, keep them organized in a leftover mint container. They're the perfect size for keeping all your contacts in one place. Don't know what to do with your own cards? Organize them in a separate container.

9. Corral with Cans

Use empty cans for wall storage in your home office. They can organize sewing essentials (as shown) or corral writing utensils, scissors, and other small office items. To make this wall storage, clean the cans, then spray-paint them the desired colors. Attach each can to the wall with a single screw through the bottom or with a heavy-duty wall-mounting tape.

10. Take Note

Don't spend money on a corkboard -- instead turn an artist's canvas into a practical memo board. For a magnetic surface, attach a sheet-metal square. Hang this above your desk to keep important items visible.

11. Hanging Around

Take advantage of your wall space by turning it into storage space. Hang clipboards, magnetic boards, and plain containers around the room. Each item is inexpensive and available at office supply stores.

12. Can Do

Recycled soup cans make great holders for writing utensils. Install pan-head screws through the backs of the cans and mount the cans to the wall.

13. Mail Center

Use unexpected containers, such as these simple mailboxes, for desk-side storage. They're perfect for organizing mail, takeout menus, and bills. Plus, they'll keep your desktop paper-free. Dress them with pretty motifs from wallpaper remnants or decorative paper, and adhere with decoupage medium.

14. Mini Compartments

This pan will do more than help you cook when you use it to compartmentalize office supplies. Use an inexpensive cupcake pan to organize small items that have a tendency to get lost in drawers.

15. Magnetic Pull

Create a magnetic memo board out of a cookie pan. Just add magnets and important papers and your memo board is ready for business.

16. Write Stuff

Can't keep track of your writing utensils? Get them in line with a holder made from a cloth napkin. Fold over one-third of the napkin and sew the side edges. Then create the slim pockets by spacing seams 2 inches apart along the napkin's width.

17. Financial Planning

Keep your finances in order with food containers turned piggy banks. Disposable food containers are great for keeping track of loose change. Pick a denomination for each container and cut a slit in the lid. The containers can also work for keeping paper clips, rubber bands, and other small office supplies organized.

18. Perfectly Plain

If you need big, open space in your office, build a large open desk area using a large cut of plywood. Support it with either file cabinets or sawhorses.

19. Mix and Match

Use small containers to compartmentalize office supplies. Don't be afraid to shop the sale racks for storage items you'll have to mix and match.

20. Hip to Be Square

Instead of having rolls of paper rolling around on the floor, transform a sturdy wine storage unit into convenient paper cubbies and keep the paper in its place.

Before you go about organizing the things in your home office that you need, get rid of what you don’t need in your home office. Rid your home office of unnecessary papers, using a shredder to destroy important information. One option is singing up for online bill statements and bank statements. By eliminating excess papers coming into your home office, you will be able to achieve organizing your home office more easily and you will enjoy working from your home office even more.

Be quick and decisive when choosing what stays in your home office and what should go out of your home office, what will be tossed out and what can be donated to make your home office a much more brethable space. Your home office should be a space that you are comfortable and productive in, and you cannot do that if you are fighting with piles of junk that keep on appearing in your home office. Having your home office organized, will help you be more productive and efficient in whatever you are doing.

Floor & Tile Cleaning

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 07:40:04 GMT

Nothing reflects your home’s beauty like your floors.

They are the among largest surfaces in your house and should also be taken care of on a regular basis. The wear and tear that a floor can encounter makes it even more important to clean them properly. Using harsh chemicals or cleaners that ruin wood finishes can reduce the value of your floor, leaving it dull and unattractive.

Sometimes floor cleaners and other floor cleaning products can bother children or pets. Making sure that you have safe floor cleaning products is also a very important thing. In order to make sure you are cleaning you floors the correct way, check out these floor cleaning tips from www.info.com .

Floor & Tile Cleaning

Find out proper floor cleaning methods for hardwood and tile.

Hardwood and tile floors require proper cleaning to retain their beauty.
Proper floor and tile cleaning is important to preserving an investment in a beautiful hardwood, ceramic tile or natural stone floor. Hard surfaces are a popular choice for homeowners, especially those with pets and allergies, because they are durable and easy to clean. Hardwood floors tend to be more popular along the East Coast and in the Midwest, while tile and natural stone products are used extensively in homes in warmer climates, such as in Texas, Arizona and California. Hard-surface floor products are typically installed in entryways, kitchens, bathrooms and throughout a home. Since these materials are often installed in high-traffic areas, they require routine cleaning. Having the right cleaning supplies and tools will make the job easier and prevent damage to the floor's surface.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors should be swept weekly to remove dirt. Time-saving devices, such as electric sweepers or vacuum cleaners, will make the task easier, and the attachments are useful for sucking up debris that collects along baseboards. Beater bar vacuum attachments meant for carpeted surfaces should not be used on hardwood because they can scratch floor surfaces.
Wood can expand, crack and even buckle from moisture, so excessive water should not be used for cleaning, and spills should be quickly mopped up. The method of cleaning a hardwood floor may be different for prefinished products than for products that were finished after installation. Homeowners with prefinished floors should use products recommended by the product's manufacturer. Floors that were sanded and had the finish applied after installation can be cleaned with a damp mop that has a terrycloth cover and rotating head. Spray-on hardwood floor-cleaning products can be used on spills, heel marks and for spot-cleaning. Cleaners with ammonia or oil can dull the surface of a wood floor and affect the ability to recoat it with urethane. Hardwood floors with a urethane finish should not be waxed.

Cleaning Tile Floors

A ceramic tile floor should be mopped as needed after sweeping. Homeowners can use tile floor products sold in stores or the manufacturer's recommended cleaner. Textured tiles might require periodic scrubbing with a soft brush or an electric polisher to lift dirt out of indentations. According to the World Floor Covering Association, scrubbing a tile floor with scouring powders and steel wool can permanently scratch the surface. Also, oil-based cleaners are not suitable for tile floors. Thoroughly removing any soap residue by rinsing with clean water prevents the tile from looking lackluster or streaked. Tile can take a while to dry and is very slippery, so make sure children do not try to cross a wet tile floor.
Grout can begin to look dirty over time, especially if it was not properly sealed. Bleach and ammonia products should not be used because they can discolor grout over time. Cleaners specifically made for grout can be used with a soft-bristled brush to remove tough dirt and stains. If the entire floor needs to be cleaned before sealing the grout, it might be worthwhile to hire a professional floor cleaning service to avoid sealing in dirt.

Cleaning Natural Stone Floors

Cleaning natural stone floors, such as slate and travertine, is similar to cleaning ceramic tile in many ways. However, stone is porous and does require some special care. Like ceramic tile, the stone should be swept and damp-mopped, but with products designed for stone, not regular floor cleaner. Using the wrong cleaning product can remove or reduce the effectiveness of the sealant. Rinsing thoroughly with water will prevent streaking or a cloudy film over the surface. Abrasive or ammonia-based cleaners can dull the luster of stone. Additionally, acidic products like vinegar or lemon juice should not be used on travertine, marble or limestone.

Now that you know more about cleaning your floors, we hope that you will be able to keep your floors' natural look. Cleaning your floors properly will make it so your floors almost always look like new. Before you clean you floors, make sure to give this article another read through, as it is important to clean your floors the right way.

Tips on Cleaning Your Area Rugs

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:17:27 GMT

Area rugs are tremendously versatile. With the appropriate pad, area rugs work on any type of flooring and in any room.

Area rugs offer unlimited combinations of color, texture, pattern and placement, and no matter what kind of room you have they can add a whole new level of beauty. They are the only flooring product that you can easily install, then pick up and move.

Area rugs add new depths of beauty to a room, but they have to be maintained properly.

Handmade area rugs can be very valuable and expensive elegant additions to a room, but despite their value they're made to be walked on. If you’re not going to enjoy and use your area rug, why have it? Knowing full well that your carpet will get messy at some point, there are many things to remember when cleaning it.

You should vacuum or sweep your area rug to keep it clean, but be sure to watch the fringes. You don’t want to have to pull them out of the vacuum cleaner. Another thing to remember is to rotate your rug every once in a while to ensure that the colors or patterns don't fade. If the occasion arises when something is spilled on your rug, clean it up immediately. Use club soda, baking powder, or salt can help clean up the mess and eliminate any odors that the mess may leave behind. For more tips on how you can keep your area rug clean and looking new, Mrs. Clean has some for you!

Tips on Cleaning Area Rugs

How to Keep Your Rugs Clean

Area rugs can be beautiful additions to your home, but they can be expensive and sometimes delicate.

It’s important to know how to clean and maintain area rugs to protect your investment.

By following our tips, you can keep your rugs looking new for as long as possible.

Improper Cleaning Can Ruin Your Rug!

People trampling all over your expensive area rug causes wear and tear over time. You might be adding to that damage by cleaning your rugs the wrong way!

There are a few very common mistakes that people make when it comes to cleaning area rugs. These mistakes can end up subtracting years from the life of your rugs, and they should be avoided at all costs.

Don’t beat your rugs!

Your mom might have taken her rugs out back, hung them on a clothesline, and beaten them with a baseball bat, but you shouldn’t. The only rugs you should shake or beat are inexpensive doormats. When you beat rugs, you can cause the woven threads to loosen, and you can damage the backing of the rug. Some rugs will separate from their backing after only one beating if they are poorly made. Don’t take the chance.

Don’t vacuum fringe!

If you run the vacuum over fringe when you are vacuuming your rug, you will remove the fringe up into the beater bar of your vacuum. At the very least, you will damage the fringe. It starts to loosen and look like a curly, stringy mess. Even worse, you could pull out chunks of fringe. The threads can get caught in your vacuum and you’ll have to unwind them from the beater bar. You can end up damaging your rug and your vacuum!

Don’t use carpet shampoos or sprays!

Carpet shampoos usually end up attracting more dirt, and carpet shampooing machines (especially ones with several brushes) can do damage to your area rugs. Drenching your area rug with water is never a good idea. It can ruin the rug and the floor underneath. Carpet stain sprays can discolor area rugs. It’s best to have your area rug professionally cleaned and only spot clean when necessary with a gentle stain solution.

Frequent Vacuuming is Key

To keep your area rugs clean, vacuum often. To properly vacuum area rugs, remove all furniture from them and vacuum to remove surface dirt. Next, flip the rug over and vacuum the back of the rug. Finally, flip the rug back over and give it one more pass on the right side. It sounds like a lot of work, but vacuuming the back of the rug is the only way to get the dirt that settles against the backing. This should be done as often as possible.

Weekly vacuuming on both sides would be ideal. If that’s not possible, you should do it at least once every two weeks. For the fringe, do not use the beater bar on your vacuum. If your vacuum has a curtain-cleaning tool that allows you to adjust the power of the vacuum to low, use that to clean area rug fringe.

Area Rug Stain Removal

If you spill something on your area rug or notice a stain while you’re vacuuming, you should attend to the stain right away. For new spills, place a clean towel or cloth underneath the rug. Use paper towels or a dry, clean towel and blot the stain. Repeat this until you’ve gotten as much of the spill as you can.

Next, try to remove the stain. Replace the cloth or towel underneath the rug with a clean, dry one. From the top, dip a cloth or towel in a little club soda or cold water. Ring it out well so it’s only damp. Blot the stain and follow by blotting with a dry towel. If it doesn’t get out the stain, try blotting some shaving cream onto the stain. If the shaving cream doesn’t work, try a gentle solution of 1 teaspoon dish soap to 1 cup of water. If your stain remains, call a professional. Trying anything harsher can damage your rug.

Maintaining Your Area Rug

Besides vacuuming, there are several ways to keep your area rug from wearing too much. If you have furniture on your rug, place a support underneath the rug where the legs rest. There are special rug supports, but you can also just use a small tile under each leg. This keeps the furniture from severely indenting the rug. It’s also a good idea to rotate your rug every six months if you don’t rearrange your furniture often. Rotating the rug keeps the furniture from poking the same part of the rug all of the time. If your area rug is reversible, flip it over every six months.

Periodically Call in the Pros!

Most area rug manufacturers recommend professional cleaning only. Some dry cleaners clean area rugs and most carpet cleaning services will clean area rugs, but make sure you ask which method they use. Read the care tag on your area rug to see what your manufacturer recommends. Any method of cleaning will be hard on your rug, so only do it when necessary. Most rugs can be cleaned once every year or two. Area rugs in high traffic areas will require more frequent cleaning. The more you baby your area rug, the longer you can enjoy its beauty!

If you remember these tips, maintaining a clean rug can drastically increase its durability and longevity. If you want your rug to look new, weekly vacuuming and steaming can help. Another thing to try is placing padding below the rug. Padding can help keep your rug in place as well as protect your rug from rubbing up against the floor.

How to Get Kids to Clean Up After Themselves

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:11:31 GMT

Think back to when you were a kid, and your parents made you pick up your room. This was a chore that you did not want to do, and you found it unbearable. Now, as a parent you wonder how you can make your children do the same dreaded chore that you had to do years ago. How do you make your kids clean their messy rooms?

With the right leadership and motivation, your kids can tackle their cleaning chores.

Getting your kids to clean their room can prove to be a difficult task. To them it is a chore and something that they don't want to do, but there are many ways to motivate them. The one thing to make clear right from the start is defining what a "clean room" is. There is no reason to go overboard and assume that kids will have a brand new room smelling of fresh pine once they've cleaned it. They are kids, and there needs to be compromise. A clean room when dealing with kids should include a bed that is made, a floor that you walk across without tripping over stuff, and nothing stuffed under the bed or on the floor of the closet. Once you have outlined what a clean room is, your kids will have a goal that they can now work towards.

Reinforcement is also an important thing to remember when approaching your kid's cleaning chores. Be sure to offer them rewards or consequences for completing or not completing their cleaning chores. Simple things like going to see a movie can be great rewards for kids if they have cleaned up their rooms. Likewise, "no TV or video games" can be reasonable consequences to motivate your kid's to do their cleaning chores.

For more advice on how to get your kids to clean up their bedrooms or any other room, PrefectingParenthood.com has a few answers.

I've looked around to find advice about how to get kids to clean their toys and messy rooms. I found a lot of suggestion, which might work, but have the downside of taking a long time and have a very high parental involvement. For me, the goal is to get the kids to clean up as quickly as possible -- and my kids are aged 2,4, and 6. Here are my techniques:

No Games: Make A Specific Clean-Up Activity

Clean-up time is clean-up time, not playing time or coloring time or reading time. Some people advocate making clean-up time a game, but I disagree (although I'm sure it works fine for them). The reason is that cleaning up isn't a fun game and I think children should learn to clean even when it isn't super-fun. That doesn't mean it has to be a bad time, it's just clean-up time.

How we make it clean up time is we say something like "Ok, dinner is almost ready. Let's clean up the living room." Then we all tackle the living room and clean until it's done. Only after clean-up is done is there an opportunity to do the next activity.

We have a little song that we sing (learned it from someone else) as we clean to keep our mind on cleaning. It's very simply chanting, "Clean-up. Clean-up. Everybody Clean-up." over and over again. Often we parents help, definitely if we've been playing with the children as well.

When is it clean-up time?

* If the kids have one set of toys out then they must put them away before using other toys.
* When they stop playing in a room the have to clean it up.
* Before bed they have to tidy up their clothes.
* After they finish their food they have to put dishes in the sink and wipe their place.
* When guests are coming over we do an extra-good job of tidying up.
* Ad hoc

Give Everyone Specific Clean-up Tasks

When we're all tackling a room, sometimes a child get distracted and then the others notice that he's not doing his fair share. The way we get around that is to delegate which types of mess each child is responsible for. It's even good to let the children choose. Example:

"Ok kids, we have to put away the lego and the cars! Who is doing which one?"

Then each child knows exactly their share of the work, and when they are done. If one finishes more quickly because the other doddles then everyone knows why and nobody argues. It's important to make the tasks about equal so they don't argue about who got the larger task. We also remind the distracted child that they should clean so we can do something else.

Reduce Chances for Mess

Toy Boxes: A parent's dear friend. Kids can haul out little storage boxes, about the size for filing, play with the toys from the box, then put them all back in the box. We have a box for Lego, and box for train sets, a box for cars and other vehicles, etc. The boxes go against the wall, or stacked, or on shelves. To clean up all we do is throw everything into the right box.

Fewer Toys: One great way to reduce the mess is to reduce the number of toys the kids have. After a certain point, we decided not to get them any more toys: You know they don't play with half of them! Any broken toys get tossed. If they want a new toy then they have to select an old toy to give away to a friend or the salvation army. This goes for books too. We love books, almost religiously, but I see that most books are about the same. Now we buy no more books, but go to the library every week to pick out three books for each child for the week; of course you have to return the old books.

Partition the Toys: A friend of ours gave us the great tip to partition and cycle the toys. So if there are four boxes worth of toys then store two boxes and leave two boxes for the kids. Every couple of weeks swap boxes. The toys will seem more interesting because the kids haven't seen them for awhile, and the messes will be smaller.

Consequences

Simply we just keep cleaning until it`s done. The kids know what the standard is so the consequence is totally natural: They`re stuck cleaning. There is no need for any other punishment besides that since it is exactly scaleable: Messy kids clean more, slow cleaners clean longer, and tidy, fast cleaning kids get to play more. It is also natural: The child doesn`t blame the parent since it`s obvious to them that their mess needs to be cleaned.

We also have a rule that any toys a parent find out-of-place are assumed to be garbage. We aren't unfairly strict about this. If we notice a crayon rolled under a chair we call to the kids, "Do you want these crayons thrown out?" Usually the child runs out and picks up the item they missed. If they really don't care about it, I ask them to throw it out. Regardless, the kids clean it.

Be a Relaxed Parent

I hesitate to suggest this to women, but allow yourself to live with a little chaos and you can relax a little more. Young kids can`t make a perfect bed, fold a perfect shirt, wipe their place perfectly. Hold them responsible for what they can handle, but realize that if you want more then you have to do it because they can`t. If it's going to make you uptight just live with it. If you you really need some clean areas then designate some parts of the house NO-TOY-ZONES. Kids don't bring their toys into those places. Our bedroom and office are the two NO-TOY-ZONES. You can always retreat there if you need some tidiness.

The most difficult thing when making your kids clean is keeping them on task. If you provide enough motivation and leadership, you'll find them cleaning their rooms in no time. When cleaning up other rooms, it can be very beneficial for you and your kids to clean up together. Working together makes cleaning up go by faster and more fun!

10 Tips On How You Can Conserve Water

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:09:19 GMT

If you're looking to cut down costs around your home, one of the easiest ways is to reduce water waste. Not only does it help you economically, but also personally.

Conserving your water can help lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more eco-friendly home

In this day and age, the green initiative is alive and well. When most people think of the green initiative, they think of clean. Cutting back on your water usage allows you to be a cleaner home owner.

Water conservation is not an easy thing to manage when it comes to cleaning your home. Think about how much water you use when you're going about your daily cleaning chores. Doing the laundry requires you to use your washing machine, which consumes gallons of water so that you can have clean clothes. Similarly, dishwashers also consumer gallons of water as well. Thankfully, many appliance producers are creating green initiative appliances that use less water.

Taking small steps towards conserving water is the easiest way to make it part of your daily cleaning routine. But the small steps you take towards conserving water go a long way. MNN.com has a list of tips that you can use to conserve water and do your part for the green initiative.

Ways to save water

The easy access and plentiful availability of water in America and other highly developed countries can be blamed for the often wasteful attitude toward water use. For some consumers, it takes a major drought to make them aware of water waste. Others are spurred into action by a particularly high water bill. Thankfully, there are also those who try to use less simply to preserve this crucial life-giving resource.

Regardless of which group you fit into – no need to confess – we’ve put together a list of ten ways to save water, use less, and feel good about preserving our limited supply. You can take daily small steps that make a big difference or go all the way by purchasing water efficient appliances. Either way, you’ll gain a healthy appreciation for a precious commodity.

Here are a few ideas:

1.

Let the pros wash your car.Retail car washes use about 1/3 the water needed to wash with a hose in the driveway, and many recycle their water. Another environmental benefit is that wastewater from dirty cars is sent to a treatment plant instead of polluting the streets.

2.

Throw those dishes in the dishwasher, unless you’ve got a really old water-hungry model.Newer models typically use ten gallons compared to twenty to wash by hand. But if you’ve got an old model or have just a few dishes to wash, fill a basin in the sink and scrub the dishes without running the tap. Then turn the water on hot and low to rinse.

3.

Don’t run a load with only a few pieces of clothing.Spend a few extra minutes rooting around the bedroom to find items that need washing. Be sure the washer is set to the correct water level.

4.

No earth-respecting person brushes their teeth with the water running.But when you do turn on the tap to rinse out your mouth, a small flow of water does the trick - there’s only so much water your palm can hold. And while we’re on grooming habits, shortening your shower by a minute or two can save hundreds of gallons a month. By all means, get clean, but do it quickly.

5.

No need to wait for the water to get warm when running a bath.Put the stopper in and then turn on the water. It’ll get hot enough to cover up for those first few cool moments.

6.

Grab a wrench and check for leaks and water wasters both indoors and out. That includes a faulty toilet flapper that constantly needs a hand at closing properly – bite the bullet and replace it, it’s not too hard. Also consider placing a Ziploc bag of pebbles and water in your tank to use less water each time you flush.

7.

Keep a small pail on the counter for compost instead of throwing peels, egg shells and coffee grounds in the disposal, which requires running the tap. As an added water-saving benefit, compost-rich soil needs less watering.

8.

Toss the murky water from your fish tank in your garden. Although it’s a nasty looking environment for your fish, it’s a nutrient-rich drink for your plants.

9.

Taller grass holds moisture better than short grass, so keep it at a higher setting when mowing.

10.

Leftover ice cubes should be tossed onto a houseplant or in the garden. And keep a pitcher of water in the fridge for cold drinks instead of running the tap until it gets nice and cold.

Implementing these water-saving tips will lower your water bill and contribute to world-wide water conservation efforts. It’s also a step toward living consciously and truly appreciating the natural resources we depend on to live each day.

But going green only begins with conserving water. If you're looking for other green alternatives, you can try using your own home made cleaning products instead of purchasing expensive brand products. Mixing a paste of baking soda and vinegar can help to remove those stubborn toilet bowl rings. You can polish wood with three parts olive oil and one part white vinegar. Or you can use a cotton swap of rubbing alcohol to clean residue off of your windows. Using all of these tips can lead to a cleaner, healthier, and greener home.

How to Clean Your Computer

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:02:04 GMT

Your computer is your lifeline to your work, social life, and information. As a matter of fact you are probably reading this on your computer right now, unless you have a fancy smart phone but that is something else. Since we depend on our computers so much nowadays, it is important to keep your computer clean.

Maintaining a clean computer can drastically increase your computer's speed and lifespan.

We're not talking about keeping computers clean of viruses, although that is important as well, but we mean cleaning on the outside. It is imperative that you keep your computer clean in order for it to run properly.

If you are one of those computer users who occasionally gives their monitor a dusting, but never bothers to actually clean their computer, you may be heading straight for disaster. Your computer could simply shut down if you do not clean it. Dust blocks the circulation of air, which is crucial for keeping your computer cool. If dust clogs the vents that cool your computer, then vital components inside your computer, like the central Processing Unit (CPU), will heat up. As any computer technician who has ever opened a faulty machine only to discover a thick layer of dust will tell you, heat is the biggest cause of computer failure.

Regular cleaning could save you lots of money in maintenance fees. But how do you go about properly cleaning your computer? Well the people who know computers best, Microsoft, will tell you how to keep your computer clean and functioning.

How to clean your computer

I have a dirty secret. I've never cleaned my computer. Sure, I've dusted my monitor, but I haven't taken off the cover or tried to reach the crumbs lurking inside my keyboard. And I honestly don't know the difference between pressurized air dusters and compressed air cleaners.
clean your computer

"Your computer could fry if you don't keep it clean," says Jonathon Millman, chief technology officer for Hooplah Interactive.

Whether it's a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, dust and lint can clog the cooling vents. This can cause your computer's brain—the central processing unit (CPU)—to heat up. And heat is the biggest cause of component failure in computers. Regular cleaning could save you costly maintenance fees down the road.

Follow the five simple steps in the cleanup and maintenance routine below to keep your computer and accessories looking shiny and new. It's an easy, do-it-yourself solution to help them run smoothly and last longer.
Not what you were looking for?

Are you trying to clean up your computer in the antivirus software sense? This guide on the Microsoft Security website provides instructions, a free safety scan, and a malicious software removal tool you can download. Or, if you're trying to find tips on cleaning out system clutter and unwanted files to make your programs run faster, you may find these articles helpful: Speed up your PC: Automate your computer maintenance schedule, Optimize your computer for peak performance, and How to delete programs you no longer need.

Preparation

You'll need:

* Standard (flat-tip) and/or Phillips screwdriver

* Can of compressed air (available from computer dealers or office-supply stores)

* Cotton swabs (do not use a cotton ball)

* Rubbing alcohol

* Soft, lint-free cloths, paper towels, or anti-static cloths

* Water

* Safety glasses (optional)

Important: Always turn your computer off and disconnect it from the power source before you begin any of these steps.

Step 1: Inside the case

If you see dust or other debris accumulating around the vents of your desktop or laptop, you can bet there's more inside—and it's only going to cause trouble. To remove it, you'll need to open the case. That may sound more intimidating than it really is. Before you begin, of course, make sure the computer is turned off and disconnected from the power source.

One more consideration: Manufacturers' policies vary, but, in some cases, opening your computer case may void your warranty. You may even encounter a warning sticker on the case. Review your warranty terms before continuing.

* For desktop computers. Desktop computer manufacturers employ a variety of fastening mechanisms to secure the case. Face the back panel: Modern cases typically use two or more small knobs that you can turn by hand, or buttons that you press in, to release a side panel or the entire shell of the case. Others may require you to remove two or more slotted or Phillips screws. If in doubt, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.

* For laptop and notebook computers. Set the computer upside down on a table or other stable surface. (You may want to place a towel or paper under the computer to prevent scratches and scuffs.) Remove the battery. On most laptops, the vents on the underside will be grouped on a removable panel, secured to the case with several screws. Typically, these are very small Phillips-type screws, which may be of different lengths. Remove them, and be sure to keep track of which goes where.

After you're inside either your desktop or laptop, touch as little as possible inside the computer—keep your fingers away from cards and cords. Look for any dust bunnies or other bits of fluff in the nooks and crannies. Pick these out carefully with tweezers or a cotton swab. Blow compressed air around all of the components and along the bottom of the case, keeping the nozzle at least four inches away from the machine. Blow air into the power supply box and into the fan.

Try to aim the stream of pressurized air in such a way that it blows debris out of and away from crevices and recesses, rather than driving it deeper in. Safety glasses are a good idea, too, to keep the flying dust out of your eyes.

Take particular care when blowing the delicate fans. Overspinning them with excessive pressure can crack a blade or damage the bearings. Position the compressed air can well away, and use short bursts of air rather than a steady blast. As a precaution, you might also carefully immobilize the fan blades with your fingertip or a cotton swab while using the air can.

Lastly, blow air into the floppy disk, CD or DVD drives, and I/O ports—but again, not too aggressively. Wipe the inside of the cover with a lightly moistened cloth, and dry it before replacing it.

Millman recommends doing this every three months if your case sits on the floor, if you have pets that shed, or if you smoke. Otherwise, every six to eight months is fine.

Step 2: Outside the case

Run a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol around all of the openings on the outside of your case. Give them one swipe with the damp end of the swab and one swipe with the dry end. Do this as often as you clean the inside of your computer.

Step 3: Keyboard

Turn the keyboard upside down and gently shake it. Most of the crumbs and dust will fall out. Take a can of compressed air and blow into and around the keys. Next, take a cotton swab and dip it in rubbing alcohol. It should be damp, but not dripping wet. Run the cotton swab around the outside of each key. Rub the tops of the keys. Don't be stingy with the swabs. Discard them when they start to get dirty, and switch to a fresh one. If you have a laptop, follow the same procedure but take extra care with your machine—treat it as gently as you would a carton of fresh eggs. If your laptop has a touchpad, use the damp swap to wipe it clean, as well. Do this keyboard cleanup monthly.

It's tempting to use a vacuum cleaner to remove the debris out of the keyboard and other parts of the computer, but technicians warn that it can create a static electrical charge that can actually damage the computer's sensitive electronics.

Worried about spills?

If a spill happens, immediately turn off your computer, disconnect the keyboard, and flip it over. While the keyboard is upside down, blot the keys with a paper towel, blow compressed air between the keys, and leave it to air dry overnight. Check to ensure that all traces of moisture have evaporated before using the keyboard again. Laptop spills need more attention because liquid can easily penetrate the keyboard and damage internal parts. For laptop spills, immediately turn off the computer and remove any external power source and other items plugged into it. Turn the laptop over, remove the battery, and then bring it to your nearest repair center to check for internal damage. Simply blowing compressed air into the keyboard and letting your computer air dry upside down overnight aren't enough, because liquids can sit inside a laptop for days.

For all spills, be aware that anything other than plain water may cause severe damage, and never attempt to dry a keyboard or laptop in a microwave or conventional oven.

Step 4: Mouse

Disconnect the mouse from your computer. Rub the top and bottom of your mouse with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scrape hard-to-remove grime with your fingernail. If you have an optical mouse, ensure that no lint or other debris obscures the light-emitting lens on the underside of the mouse.

If you use a mechanical mouse, open the underside of the mouse and remove the ball. (In most cases, you simply need to rotate the plastic ring encircling the ball one-quarter turn counterclockwise.) Wash the ball with water, and let it air dry. To clean inside a mechanical mouse, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and rub all of the interior components, paying particular attention to the little rollers, where gunk tends to collect. Finally, blow compressed air into the opening and ensure that the interior is dry. Replace the ball and the cover.

Clean your mouse monthly.

Step 5: Monitor

For liquid-crystal display (LCD) laptop and flat-panel monitor screens, slightly moisten a soft, lint-free cloth with plain water. Microfiber cloths are excellent for this purpose. Avoid using paper towels, which can scratch monitor surfaces. Don't spray liquid directly onto the screen—spray the cloth instead. Wipe the screen gently to remove dust and fingerprints. You can also buy monitor cleaning products at computer-supply stores.

For glass CRT (television-style) monitors, use an ordinary household glass cleaning solution. Unless your manufacturer recommends differently, don't use alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners on your monitor, as these can damage anti-glare coatings. And never try to open the housing of a CRT monitor. Capacitors within can hold a dangerous electrical charge—even after the monitor has been unplugged.

Clean the monitor weekly. Finally, make sure that everything is dry before you plug your computer back in.

Taking the necessary steps towards cleaning your computer can help increase your computer's speed and lifespan. Whether you use a laptop or a desktop computer, make sure to always clean the computer fan. Purchasing a small can of compressed air can also be a very resourceful tool to clean your computer with. Finally, if you have a desktop computer, be sure to leave enough room between the fan in the computer and the wall, desk, or any other object that could potentially block airflow. Long live your (clean) computer!

House Party Cleanup Tips

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:56:35 GMT

Cleaning for a house party can be a difficult task, but with a few tips and tricks it can become less of a hassle.

House parties can be a very popular thing during the summer season. What could be better than gathering at some one's house with all of your friends and partying together? But it is important that you and your friends have a clean space to enjoy together. Being the host of a house party can be a bit daunting. When it is your house being used, you want to make sure that it is clean. You also want to make sure that when your guests arrive, they have a clean house to enjoy. When the time comes, you're ready to take on the task and you're planning all of your party essentials. You've picked up enough food and drinks for the party, you've sectioned off rooms in your house to hold the party, and you've invited your party guests. There is one thing left to do though, and that is to determine a pre-party cleaning plan.

Despite all other preparations, nothing is more important than assuring your guests of a comfortable, clean, place to be entertained in. It is an unfortunate thing, but let's face it; accidents do happen. As careful as your party guests might be, drinks can spill, food might fall on the floor, or something might break. It is important to clean up those messes immediately, and you as the host will want to ensure that your guests aren't troubled by any mess. No matter if you are an expert house cleaner or someone who tidies up occasionally, planning for a party cleanup can be very challenging. You want to make sure that you leave enough time to clean the house before the guests arrive. Cleaning the house can be a bit of a difficult task because it is your house that you're showing off. As much as you want your house to be clean for the party, your guests also want a clean house to enjoy. Thankfully, About.com has a few tips on what is needed in your pre-party cleanup plan.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

1. Evaluate what needs to be done.

Writing down a quick list of rooms and places in your home that need attention will give you a plan. Don't forget entry areas and coat closets.

2. Start with the most important rooms.

3. Don't forget the clutter.

4. Take shortcuts that work for you.

5. Prepare for minor cleaning emergencies during the party.

6. Recruit help.

7. Add your own finishing touches.

8. Enjoy the party.

Try not to stress over the little things that may seem to go wrong during the party. Just enjoy the fruits of your efforts.

Tips:

1. The more involved and complicated the party is, the more time you'll have to prepare your home. Last minute informal gatherings do not require your home to be in perfect order. The 15 minute cleanups should be adequate to get your house in shape.

What You Need:

* Pen and paper
* Various cleaning supplies
* 4 boxes to clear clutter
* Finishing decorative touches
* Stain treatment products

The most important thing as a host is to enjoy your party. You're the one who has put all the effort into planning for the party and you should have a good time as well. If you follow the steps in this list, it will make cleaning before the party easy, and also make cleaning up after the party a lot easier. Much like having a designated driver to drive guests home after a party, its important to have a designated cleanup crew for the party. When done as a group, the after-party cleanup can almost be as fun as the actual party itself. Remember that planning for a party includes not only purchasing the party drinks and food, finding a party space, or inviting the party guests, but also planning for the pre-party and after-party cleanup.

Cleaning Essentials for a Very Clean Home

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:16:33 GMT

No matter what type of cleaner you are, there are a few bare essentials to have before you start.

Cleaning your home is part of being a homeowner, and while cleaning might not be the most fun task to many people, it is a necessity. With countless products on the market it is easy to get lost and lose sight of what cleaning essentials are must-haves to begin your cleaning. Whether you are taking on the large task of a "spring" cleaning, or the smaller cleaning touch up, it is a good idea to gather the essential cleaning supplies before you start.

Much like a construction worker is as good as the tools he carries, a house cleaner is as good as the cleaning supplies they clean with. One of the most important things is to find a place to keep your cleaning tools, and a small portable tote or basket is a cheap and easy way to carry your cleaning tools wherever you go around the house. HGTV.com has a list of cleaning essentials to help you get your cleaning done.

A cleaning tote is a housecleaner's best friend. A plastic bucket or totable tray, it holds the tools and supplies needed to clean it right and clean it fast. What's inside? Check your cleaning tote for these top tools:

Cleaning apron.

An apron protects clothing, keeps cleaning tools at hand and has pockets to hold spare garbage bags and collect trash or small out-of-place items. Choose a sturdy, comfortable, machine-washable apron.

Rubber gloves or washing-up gloves.

Protect hands from harsh cleaning products with rubber gloves. New colors make rubber gloves a bright addition to the cleaning tote-but steer clear of frou-frou decoration. Fur cuffs or rhinestone embellishments are fun to look at, but are not meant for serious cleaning.

Cleaning cloths.

White cotton cleaning cloths are the cleaner's mainstay. Fold them for easy access, and then use them to wipe fixtures dry, make mirrors gleam, and remove fingermarks fast.

Scrubbing sponge.

This dual-duty sponge has an absorbent side and an abrasive side. Flip from soft to tough to take out stubborn, dried-on deposits in the sink.

Squeegee.

Clean windows, mirrors and glass the way the pros do. A rubber-bladed squeegee removes cleaning solution and soil with one quick swipe. Wipe the blade dry with a cleaning cloth between strokes.

Scraper.

Dried-up gunk comes up fast when tackled with a smooth metal or plastic scraper. Keep the scraper handy in an apron pocket; it'll make quick work of blobs of jelly or dried-on oatmeal.

Tile brush.

A handled brush with thick bristles cleans tiles, bathtub surrounds and ceramic fixtures in a flash. Bristles reach into corners; the handle keeps your hands free and clear of the cleaning fray.

Toothbrush.

Tiny spaces attract big-time dirt. Tackle them with a firm-bristle toothbrush. Use it to rout gunk from around sink fixtures, sink rims or tight corners.

In addition to the above, if you are planning to buy cleaning products in bulk, you will also need the following:

Squirt bottle.

Tile and bathroom cleaner works best when applied evenly and thickly. Use a funnel to decant the cleaner into a clean squirt-top bottle to get the right amount of product in the right spot-even underneath toilet rims.

Spray bottle.

Whether you spritz it for light coverage or spray it for harder jobs, adjustable spray bottles make it easy to apply window cleaner or degreaser to surfaces. Use a color code or label bottles to tell them apart.

Equipped with these cleaning items, you should find cleaning your home to be faster and more efficient. Be sure to always have these cleaning items fully stocked with your other supplies and stowed away in your cleaning tote. It is also a good idea to keep all of these cleaning items in a closet or cabinet that is easily accessible and near most of the rooms in your house. That way, in case of a spill or accident you can easily retrieve the cleaning items and start your cleaning right away. Whether you are an avid house cleaner or occasionally tidy up a few rooms, keeping these cleaning items in your household inventory will lead you on the way to living in a clean and happy home!

How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture Cushions

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:07:40 GMT

Patio furniture cushions may be waterproof, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t get dirty!

Your outdoor patio -- and the furniture cushions especially -- are exposed to all the elements of the outdoors and therefore can collect dirt and dust that indoor furniture cushions are

Keep your outdoor patio furniture cushions clean and vibrant -- like the day you bought them!

not exposed to. It's never a pretty sight when you're planning an outdoor party with family and friends, and you uncover your patio only to discover dirty patio furniture! By properly cleaning and maintaining your outdoor patio furniture cushions, your party will be a blast -- not a dud!

To clean your patio furniture cushions, there are very simple cleaning instructions that you can follow. You should be using a soapy mixture for cleaning patio furniture cushions that is mild so that you will not damage the fabric of the furniture cushions. So how do you clean patio furniture cushions? To keep your outdoor patio furniture cushions clean and usable for a long time, follow these instructions from DIYNetwork.com .

Step 1: Mix the Cleaning Solution

Mix together 1 tsp. diswashing detergent and 1 tsp. Borax in 1 quart warm water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle.

Step 2: Saturate the Surface

Generously saturate the cushions on both sides with the solution. Do not be frugal -- it will clean off the mold and mildew. Be sure to get all the crevices and creases. The more you put on now, the less you will have to do when you wash it off.

Step 3: Wait, Wash and Dry

Let the cleaning solution sit for 15 minutes. Then with the garden hose on high, spray the cushions thoroughly to knock the dirt and cleaning solution off the cushions. Stand the cushions up on edge to let them dry to just damp.

Step 4: Add Fabric Protector

Spray the cushions with a fabric protector. This will both protect them and make them easier to clean in the future.

Step 5: Clean Canvas

Most of the time, canvas can be machine washed and then put back on the furniture while it is damp to stretch the material back into shape. However, if you can't remove the canvas, use a scrub brush and rub it across the bar of Fels-Naptha soap and then rub the brush back and forth on the canvas. You may have to do this a few times — don't be afraid to really lather it up. Fels-Naptha soap works well for canvas awnings. It does a good job removing bird droppings and many stains.

Once you get the canvas nice and clean, take the hose or a spray bottle and rinse it off.

Remember that different materials respond differently to cleaning solutions. First, find out what your patio furniture cushions are made of by checking the tags. If you have removed the tags from your furniture cushions, check with the manufacturer to get their opinion -- either by phone, in person or through an online forum.

Before you mix the cleaning solution for your patio furniture cushions as suggested above, you should remove the patio furniture cushions from the furniture itself and take the cushions to a flat surface for cleaning. You should always clean your patio furniture cushions before you put them out for the summer and before storing them for the winter. Of course, as stains can occur frequently (especially with children around!), you will need to do touch-ups on your patio furniture cushions on a more regular basis. Stick to this method of cleaning, and your outdoor patio furniture cushions will look brand new for a long time!

Why You Should Hire a Professional Maid Cleaning Service

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:02:11 GMT

Sometimes you just don’t have the energy or motivation to clean your home after a long day at work – or just a long

Hiring a maid cleaning service provider like The Maids will give you more time to enjoy life.

day in general. Cleaning is considered a chore by many, but there are options if you’re not that fond of cleaning. Hiring a professional cleaning company gives you the benefit of being able to relax in your own home, one that you didn’t have to clean. But there are many other reasons why hiring a professional cleaning service company is a good decision.

The Maids home cleaning services will provide you with a better, deeper and healthier clean than if you were to take on the task of cleaning your own home. The Maids is a maid service provider that you can count on for a deep clean. The following information from Maids.com goes over the benefits that you are sure to notice if you hire a professional maid cleaning service provider – specifically The Maids home cleaning service.

Hiring a Professional Cleaning Service vs. Cleaning Your Own Home

There are many benefits to using a professional cleaning service versus doing home cleaning yourself.

The first step to a healthy home is to clean it regularly. Family and work obligations may make it difficult for people to find the time to give their home a thorough, regular cleaning. With ongoing maintenance from a professional cleaning service, a home’s surfaces will be vacuumed, dusted, cleaned and disinfected on a regular schedule. This helps remove allergens like dust, pollen and dander, as well as viruses and bacteria throughout a home. After hiring a maid services provider, homeowners will never have to worry about the unexpected – family “dropping by” or neighbors “stopping to visit.” Homeowners can forget about rushing home to tidy up or missing important obligations in order to maintain their home.

In addition, depending on the service, a professional cleaning company may have more effective equipment, procedures or products than a consumer might use in his or her own home. For instance, The Maids’ commercial-grade Back Pack Vacs with HEPA filtration capture up to 99% of dust, allergens, bacteria, dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other pollutants. Our vacuum has been independently tested to remove up to two and a half times more dirt than a conventional upright.

If homeowners have a pet, that raises the stakes even higher due to pet dander, pet hair, allergens, and whatever else the pet brings into the house. With a conventional vacuum cleaner, tiny allergens may pass right through the bag, or the exhaust may blow still more of them up out of the carpet and into the air. Not with specialty vacuums many professional cleaning service companies use. Professional multi-filtered vacuums can capture particles as tiny as 1/210th the diameter of a human hair!

Hiring maid services means greater cleaning efficiency.

The methods of a professional cleaning company can literally make homes cleaner and healthier than using most conventional cleaning practices, and it’s a wise idea when hiring a maid services provider to make sure to ask about the company’s cleaning philosophy.

Homeowners, when doing their own cleaning, often overlook areas that are cleaned by a service. For instance, The Maids vacuum the tops of ceiling fan blades and under beds, as well as registers and vents, including the refrigerator vent, to reduce dust and allergens in the home. We also damp wipe baseboards and window sills on our first visit to a home and routinely clean more places and areas in a home than one might get to on an average busy weekend.

In addition, a professional cleaning company’s employees are trained on the proper use of the products. A homeowner, however, may use a product on sale or try something new from the cleaning aisle and not understand its proper use or what surfaces it may be safely used on, causing damage to a home.

A professional cleaning company offers cleaning efficiency. With The Maids, homes are cleaned with teams of four members. In about an hour, The Maids can save homeowners four hours of valuable time that they can spend however they want — without lifting a finger to maintain their home! If homeowners don’t have time to keep up, they should consider hiring maid services. But just make sure to ask about the company’s cleaning procedures, products and equipment to be sure the home will get the thorough clean it needs and deserves.

When it comes to hiring a maid services provider you can count on, trust The Maids.

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Improve Indoor Air Quality at Home

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:58:51 GMT

Modern homes are very well insulated so indoor air temperatures can be maintained. But air-tight homes can mean that chemicals get trapped indoors, leading to poor indoor air quality. So what can you do to improve the indoor air quality of your home? You have options.

Make sure your home is well ventilated; if your home doesn’t have a built-in ventilation system, install vents in your home or open up the windows more often to improve indoor air quality. Bring the outdoors inside with indoor plants. There are many common varieties of houseplants have been proven to remove harmful chemicals from the air in your home and improve indoor air quality.

The following article from HealthyTheory.com offers insight on the causes of poor indoor air quality, how poor indoor air quality affects your health, and what steps you can take to improve your indoor air quality at home.

How To Improve Air Quality At Home

Your home should be your sanctuary. It should offer a safe haven from the chaos of the world, a place to retreat and rejuvenate at the end of a long day. In some cases however, your home may be harboring pollutants that make it an environment that can jeopardize our health.

When it comes to air quality, indoor air is often worse than the air you breathe when outside. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to improve the quality of air you breathe at home, reducing the negative health effects resulting from breathing "bad" air. Here we look at a few ways you can breath new life into the air quality inside your home.

Recognize the signs of poor air quality

Home construction today results in buildings that are more airtight than those built in the past. Heating and cooling systems are more efficient when hot or cold air is kept out of the home. Unfortunately, this lack of fresh air circulation can lead to the following conditions which suggest a lower level of air quality inside your home.

lack of air movement, stale or stuffy air
unusual odors
noticeable odors
excessive humidity
mold and mildew

There are other causes of poor air quality beyond lack of fresh air. Indoor air contaminants such as chemicals, dust, and vapors also contribute to reduced air quality in a home. Certain building materials and even appliances can reduce indoor air quality.

How poor air quality affects your health

Depending on the air quality in your home, you may experience minor reactions or, in extreme cases, severe illness. For those who suffer from allergies or asthma, poor air quality will exacerbate the problems associated with these conditions.

Common symptoms reported from individuals affected by poor indoor air quality include; headache, shortness of breath, coughing and sneezing, congestion, fatigue and dry or irritated skin, nose, throat and eyes. If you are unsure whether air quality is to blame for health issues, keep track of when you notice symptoms the strongest. Do you notice symptoms are present at all times, even when you are outside or not in your home? If your symptoms go away when you leave your home, only to return a few hours after you arrive back, it is time to address the air quality of your home.

How to improve the air quality of your home

There are dozens of ways to improve the air quality of your home. Assuming you have eliminated any obvious air pollutants, consider the following general tips to help improve your indoor air quality.

Vacuum and mop regularly. Dust can be a major factor in poor air quality, and it is also present in every home. Regular vacuuming and mopping can reduce the chemicals and allergens which accumulate in dust. Invest in a quality vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter that not only picks up dust but also prevents it from being redistributed out of the exhaust.
Keep humidity levels down. By reducing the moisture levels in your home, you control the growth of mold, mildew and other allergens that thrive in moist conditions. A dehumidifier as well as air conditioning in the summer months will greatly reduce indoor air pollutants.
No smoking. Do not allow smoking in your home, period. If you are a smoker or live with a smoker, make a commitment to smoke outdoors. Secondhand smoke is one of the biggest indoor air pollutants and also one of the most easily managed.
Clean naturally. Cut out synthetic fragrances and opt for a clean, fresh scent in your house. All of the products available today to make your home smell "good" may also be contributing to the poor air quality in your home. Consider using natural cleaners instead of chemical cleaners. Open a window to allow for the circulation of fresh air, which will reduce stuffiness and odors that become trapped in the home.

By improving the indoor air quality in your home, you make it possible to enjoy your residence while reducing the negative health consequences resulting from poor indoor air quality.

When you want your home to smell good – think about the effects it can have on your indoor air quality. You can still make your home smell good naturally, by using fragrance-free or naturally-scented laundry products, using lemons and baking soda to clean the kitchen, and letting in the fresh air from outside. Each of these can have an affect on indoor air quality.

To keep your healthy indoor air quality levels healthy, keep your floors fresh. Keep as much dirt, pesticides and other pollutants out of your home as possible with a large floor mat. Even if people coming into your home don’t wipe their shoes, most pollutants will be left on a large mat and out of the rest of your home. When the indoor air quality is good at home, you will notice the difference and be able to live more comfortably at home. Follow these tips to better your indoor air quality.

Steps to Organizing Your Entryway

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:55:01 GMT

The entryway is the welcome mat of your home. From the small mudroom to the large and open foyer to the narrow

Keeping your entryway organized and tidy is easier than you think.

entry hall, entryways are how you greet your guests and how your home greets you. Your entryway may be large or you could have a small entryway, but no matter what shape or size your entryway happens to be, you should make an effort to keep your entryway clean and tidy -- for visitors and for your family.

Every entryway shares the same organizational challenges: the elements of the outdoors come indoors through the entryway. This means there are probably discarded outerwear (like muddy rain boots) and other items scattered about your entryway. Keeping your entryway tidy, clean and organized means finding a home for all these discarded items as well as developing a plan for maintaining a clutter-free entryway. The following article from My Simpler Life offers some great advice for organizing the entryway and a step-by-step approach to decluttering your entryway.

Some people have mudrooms where there is a lot of space so you can implement most of these suggestions. Others live in a small apartment and only have room for a few of these suggestions. There are many space saving entryway ideas out there.

This is definitely an area where organizers are a big help, but first it needs to be decluttered.

Steps to Organizing and Decluttering the Entryway

Step 1: Decide on the purpose

What is the function of this room? Do you have what you need to have it fulfill its purpose? What is the vision you have of this room? What has to go, to achieve this vision? List what things will be in this room. And think of ways to house these better. Do you have furniture elsewhere that will would make this room more functional? Measure your space before you buy anything.

Step 2: Declutter the area

Throw out any trash laying around. Put out of season things like gardening supplies or outdoor sports equipment elsewhere. Things that the kids no longer need or use can be given away. Look around the room – is everything either laundry area or landing area type things like shoes, backpacks, coats? Rooms like this can become a catch all. Is anything in this area unused or really ugly? What else can you declutter?

Step 3: Clean it

Depending on your style you may want to take just about everything out to do a good cleaning. Or for the extremely time limited, do a quick wipe down and sweep.

Step 4: Coats, hats, gloves, shoes

We don’t have a coat closet so our coats are hung on hooks. Where will your coats go? For hats and gloves, each person can have their own bin. Or a cute holder with clothespins can hang gloves to dry, especially if the kids play in the snow often.

We take off our shoes when we enter the house to make things cleaner. We used to just toss them, but ended up with a big pile of shoes. Now we have a wooden cubby system where each family member gets a couple of cubbies for their shoes. (The rest are in our rooms.) It was adjustable so we have a tall spot for a pair of work boots and flip flops can go in the smaller sections. There is an extra skinny section on top that we put things like flashlights, folded up umbrellas and baseball caps.

Since we live in Michigan a plastic rack for snowy boots is a must.

If you have the room a bench either over the shoes or a chair/ottoman near the shoes is helpful so you don’t have to do the one legged dance as you put on your shoes. (If you use an ottoman, you can get one with storage in the middle. Bonus!)

Step 5: Backpacks and school stuff

You can put backpacks on hooks as well. We did that until the kid’s backpacks became too heavy with books as they got older. Now they take them to their rooms where they do their homework. A shelf on the wall is good for lunchboxes, water bottles, etc. Or if the kids’ bins are big enough (like below) they can put them there. Do you have a spot for a briefcase or purse if you want one?

Step 6: Sports equipment and other activities

A trash can for baseball bats, balls, etc will keep those in order. You can hang up tennis rackets on the walls. Same with skiis. (This suggestion is more useful for people that have a mudroom or porch, not for a small entryway.) We have a small bookshelf on our porch for remote control cars, a bucket of croquet balls, and smaller outdoor toys that tend to get thrown around. For sports equipment that is taken to school or training, a duffel bag for each sport and each kid will make it easier than trying to use one bag per kid and changing things out each time. My mother in law made a great bag with soccers on it for my son where he kept all his soccer equipment. These can also be hung on hooks on the wall.

I have tote bags for my things as well – Kid’s Hope, Sunday School, a health group, etc. We also have a tote bag for the library books. My tote bags are kept in hooks in my office since we don’t have room in our entryway for them.

Step 7: Keys

Have a bowl or rack to put your keys so you aren’t hunting for them when you leave. We put our cat leash there as well.

Step 8: Paper

Where do you throw the mail, school papers, etc. that you get each day? If you throw them in the entryway you might as well have a place for them. Have an in/out slot on the wall for incoming mail and outgoing signed permission strips. If you throw paper elsewhere, put an in box/out box there instead. A heavy basket is good for magazines here, in the living room or whereever you like to keep your magazines.

Step 9: Trash

A wastebasket in every room of the home keeps garbage from getting left all over. The entryway is a great place to put a trash can so people can empty their pockets or purses. And let go of junk mail right away.

Step 10: Mirror

A mirror to do a quick face check before you go out is helpful, but not essential.

Step 11: Do not forget list

On the door or next to the door tape a list of things you don’t want to forget: backpack, lunch, purse, library books, etc. Scanning the list before you go can save you lots of time driving home. Have the kids look at the list before they leave as well.

Step 12: Anything else?

Is there anything that you use the room for? As you can see, it is a matter of using the room for its purpose and making sure everything has a spot so it isn’t a mess of things thrown around. And you don’t have to buy entrance organizers. You probably have things around your home you can use. (Though our shoe cubby has been so helpful.) Think of the things that were in the entryway that didn’t belong. How did they get there? Maybe they actually do belong there? You want to organize according to your lifestyle not opposed to it. Is this the place where the messageboard/control center is going to be? Will you need a place for gardening supplies come spring? Is there a place for everything?

Now: Maintain

Places which have a mishmash of different purposes can be difficult to keep looking clean. As the kids get home from school or you get home from work, check to see that everyone has put their things in their spots instead of throwing them onto the floor. If not, they stop what they are doing and fix it. Eventually they will get tired of that and put them away on their own.

Have mail time to go through that mail.

Do a quick sweep at dinner time (And have floor mats outside the door and inside the door to keep more dirt out.)
After shopping, create the habit of putting things away before sitting down to rest.

Then weekly as a family do a quick pick up. It probably won’t take more than 5-10 minutes. And then someone can mop. Entryways, mudrooms and laundry rooms don’t always get on our weekly cleaning list. But, they may be the messiest parts of the home.

Equipped with a solid plan for organizing and decluttering the entryway, you will find it easier to maintain a tidy entryway than you thought. Whether your entryway is in the front or the back of your home, whether your entryway is large or small, maintaining a clutter-free entryway will make a favorable impression on visitors and function as a comfortable transition area to the living areas in your home.

Yard Sale Advertising Tips for a Successful Yard Sale

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:44:45 GMT

When spring comes around and the sun is shining, we all get the urge to do some spring cleaning -- or at least we feel that we need to do some spring cleaning! Spring cleaning inevitably means that you will find things in your home that you didn't know you had, and that you wish you didn't have. This is when a yard sale comes into play as well as yard sale advertising. Yard sales (with the help of yard sale advertising) allow you to get rid of all those unwanted items you found in your home after you did some serious spring cleaning. But you don't want to have an unsuccessful yard sale; you want your yard sale to have as much foot traffic as possible. In order to attract any potential customer, there needs to be advertising, yard sale advertising.

The purpose of yard sales is to get rid of as much unwanted stuff that you can -- and after your spring cleaning is done, you probably have a lot of unwanted things lying around! There is also a purpose to yard sale advertising. So what do you think the purpose of yard sale advertising is? Yard sale advertising is so important because it will bring more foot traffic to your yard sale, and that means more potential customers that will buy your unwanted things. The following article from AllThingsThrifty.com offers some fantastic yard sale advertising tips that will ensure the most successful yard sale possible.

Top 15 Yard Sale Advertising Tips

Good afternoon peeps! I hope you are all having a great day! Spring time is here, and with Spring comes Spring-cleaning, and with cleaning/de-junking comes YARD SALES!

Since yard sales can be a GREAT environment to find treasures for your home and can be a great way to de-junk while earning some cash, today I'd like to give some yard sale tips on how to host the most successful yard sale possible. You may not know this about me, but I went to college and graduated with my Bachelor's degree in advertising and public relations. Not only that, but while getting my Masters degree, I even TAUGHT advertising for a few semesters. I bet you didn't know I was a school nerd, did ya!?!

Over the years, I have taught a lot of friends and family how to host a successful yard sale. A lot of those people have told me that my strategies are great. In fact, it's pretty funny when we have a yard sale because the chatter always begins with, "Man who did your advertising?" (no joke).

You may think my strategies are a bit over-kill. But with tried and trusted experience, if you follow these tips, I know your yard sale will be more successful than if you hadn't. Some have a hard time taking the time to properly promote their yard sale, and as a result, they don't have as much foot traffic. Without a lot of foot traffic, then you simply don't sell as much stuff. The main goal of the yard sale is to get rid of as much stuff as possible, right? Not only will my tips help you get the maximum amount of foot traffic as possible, but they will also help you sell more stuff once customersget to your yard sale.

Tip 1: Make your posters BIG.

Ok, how BIG, you say? From the main road (or roads) that will bring the most traffic, you need a poster board sized sign. Yep, the size of the poster board (which is 22 X 28 most of the time). Don't cut it in half, you need to get as much attention as possible on the busiest road near your home.

Tip 2: You need TWO big posters to catch the attention on your busiest road near your home.

One for the traffic going one way, and one for the traffic headed the opposite way. For example, if that busy road heads North and South, you need one to grab those vehicles heading North, and one to grab those vehicles heading South. If you only put one poster to direct traffic, then you potentially lose out on half of your foot traffic right from the start. A great way to do this is with a large A frame sign.

Tip 3: Use balloons on your large signs.

I'm telling ya, the more people that you can get to look at your signs, the more people you will have to actually turn off the road and head your way. A great compliment that I love to hear is "I wasn't even planning on going to a yard sale today, but your signs caught my eye."

Tip 4: Include your address, the date, and hours of your yard sale on your sign.

Some people may not want to waste their time if they are not sure the sale is still going on. Let's be honest here, we need to make it as easy as possible for people to want to come to your sale. We need to fill in the blanks in every way.

Tip 5: Use one color of poster throughout your advertising campaign.

If you go with a pink poster, then every poster needs to be pink. Don't change from pink to yellow to orange to white. It potentially confuses your traffic. If you stay consistent with one color, then your traffic knows they are headed to the correct yard sale not a different yard sale nearby.

Tip 6: Write BIG with Black marker.

Make sure that your posters can be read clearly from a long distance away. Remember that if your poster cannot be read by a passenger in a vehicle driving by, then you potentially missed out on that person making it to your yard sale. You'd be surprised how many signs I have seen that are written in pen, and unless I was 12 inches away, I wouldn't be able to read it.

Tip 7: Guide your traffic every 2 blocks with arrows.

Remember that using the same color of poster board is key here. If your posters are pink, than a bright, bold, pink and black arrow reassures them that they are still on the correct path to your sale.Think of the arrows as little reassurances that say "almost there" or "you are still on the right path." I have given up the hunt to find yard sales a lot if I think I'm lost. Who knows, I may have been a block away, but if I don't see arrows and I've been driving for awhile, I assume I'm not going to find it and give up. Remember, we are trying to make it as easy as possible to find your sale.

Tip 8: Along with marking a clear map with arrows, you need to plaster your town with yard sale signs.

I suggest to hang up at least 10 other signs in popular areas to inform others that you are having a yard sale. I suggest these signs to be half a poster board. Also, advertise your sale on Craigslist. Spreading the word is the key here.

Tip 9: Advertise that the sale is "HUGE," "NEIGHBORHOOD" or "MULTI-FAMILY."

If you can convince a neighbor or two (or even more) to have a yard sale with you, you can advertise your sale as such. This will catch the attention of your traffic. The more stuff you have for them to look at, the better. So, if you can round up more people to participate, go for it. Warning: Do not advertise your sale as multi-family if your neighbor brought one or two items over to sell with your stuff. Make sure that if you are advertising as "multi-family" that there are genuinely more than one family participating in the sale.

Tip 10: On your half-poster signs, include a few of your best items on the posters.

For example "Baby Items" or "Lots of Furniture" or "Hunting Gear" or "Decor Items." Be specific if you have something that will be a hot item. For example: "Trampoline" or "Little Tikes Slide."

Tip 11: At your sale, mark a few of your larger items with informative signs.

For example, if you are selling a TV, include a larger sign that says "works great." Or if you have a dresser for sale, put a larger sign that says, "Only $20.00." These signs are to catch the eye of those people who are driving by. The first step to get a potential customer to buy something is to get them to get out of their car. If you show them that your prices are reasonable and that your items are working properly, they will be more likely to come check out the rest of your items.

Tip 12: Put a price tag on EVERYTHING.

Let's face it folks, a yard sale can be chaotic. In fact, most the time, it is hard to tell whose yard sale you are attending. Some people are shy, and some people are a tiny bit lazy. So, if you have your prices clear, then you'll have more people buying. If you don't, you will have people walk away even if they are interested in one of your items. We need to make their decision-making process as easy as possible. If the price isn't on the item, you simply made their decision for them. They may think, "I don't even know how much it costs." Voila, you lost a sale. If you have an item that you are unsure of how much to ask, put a sign on it that says "make me an offer" but I rarely do this.

Tip 13: Organize your items in categories.

Some people enjoy hunting for items, and like I said before, some are a bit lazy. Don't lose all the customers that aren't the searching type. The more items you have on tables the better in my opinion. Put the decor items together, the clothing items in a separate area, and the baby items near each other.

Tip 14: Present your items in a way to help your customers visualize them in their home.

For example, if you are selling a crib, assemble it. If you are selling a couch, rug, pillows and end tables, set it up on your driveway like a living room. If you have a bedding set, lay it out on a tarp for the customers to see the entire quilt. Remember, we are making it as easy as possible for your customers to visualize the item in their home.

Tip 15: Never turn away a customer.

You need to have your items set up at least a half hour before your beginning time. You will probably have early birds (those avid yard salers that get up at the crack of dawn just to go to yard sales). If customers begin to come and you are still setting up your items, you may miss out on a sale. It may be annoying that someone is early and that they begin rummaging through your stuff before you feel completely prepared, but don't forget, the point of having this sale is to get rid of your stuff. Don't forget to welcome them with a friendly, "Good morning" greeting! If you aren't quite ready when customers begin coming, just simply tell them that you will have all the items displayed as soon as you can.

Hopefully these tips have given you some great tips of how to successfully host a yard sale. Happy Spring!!

These yard sale advertising tips should help you! Yard sale advertising allows you to have the most successful yard sale you can so that you can sell as much as you can. Take these yard sale advertising tips and put them into action the next time you have a yard sale -- which is probably very soon if you've done your spring cleaning already! Yard sale advertising shouldn't cost you much money, and yard sale advertising shouldn't have to (that would go against the whole philosophy of a yard sale). These thrifty yard sale advertising tips will ensure the success of your yard sale and your yard sale advertising without you needing to spend money. Happy yard sale-ing! And happy yard sale advertising!

Spring Cleaning Solutions

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:31:40 GMT

Spring is in the air, and that means that spring cleaning is knocking on your door, too! Spring cleaning is welcomed with open arms by some, but put on the back burner by others.

Whatever category you fall into, it’s time to get your spring cleaning checklist out and seek out helpful resources to get you through your spring cleaning projects. While the outside may not be quite ready to undergo any major spring cleaning, the inside of your home is probably more than ready to experience a thorough spring cleaning.

Preparing your home with a good spring cleaning for the warmer weather doesn’t have to be such a chore, if you’re not a spring cleaning enthusiast. The important seasonal chores that are part of your spring cleaning checklist can be broken down into smaller projects, so you’re more willing and likely to complete them. The following spring cleaning article from shelterpop.com offers some great solutions to those nagging spring cleaning chores that you want to put off.

Spring Cleaning: Tips from a Pro

Ready your spring cleaning checklist -- it's time to clean house. First tip: Start with the task you're dreading most.

Spring may not be in the air quite yet, but there's little doubt that the air around your home is ready for a solid spring cleaning right now.

But don't fret. If you break it down into some manageable tasks, says organization wizard Laura Wittmann, founder of OrgJunkie.com and author of the book Clutter Rehab, spring cleaning can be a rewarding way to spend a weekend afternoon.

"I always suggest that the best places to concentrate on first are the ones that annoy you the most," she says. "These little (or big) annoyances can cause as much mental clutter as they do physical."

Take a look around your home, she advises, and pay attention to the inner dialogue that happens when you find yourself frustrated with specific areas. Then create a detailed list of what needs to be done. For example, rather than simply saying "clean home office," break it into manageable steps that are each doable in short spurts of time, Wittman says. "You'll be amazed at what you can get done with small bursts of attention."

Then, Wittmann says, "Eat the frog." Essentially another way of saying "bite the bullet," Wittman thinks the best place to get started is the "to do" item on your list that you're dreading the most.

"You can go about your day feeling a huge sense of relief and satisfaction knowing you've accomplished a chore you've been putting off," she says. "It's very freeing!"

Another get-inspired tip? Some really energizing music helps to get you motivated as well, she adds. So throw on your favorite playlist and get to work.

Now let's tackle some of the biggest messes:

Spring Cleaning Challenge #1: Cupboards that run the risk of item-avalanche when opened.

Allot 15 minutes per cupboard; 30 minutes for a pantry.

The Solution:

Unless you're stocking up for the end of days, there's no real need to have 500 cans of kidney beans. More likely than not, the lack of organization in your pantry or kitchen cupboards causes you to "forget" what items you have on hand and double up when grocery shopping. The same goes for that burgeoning Tupperware collection that topples over every time you open the cupboard. Time for a fix.

Start with the biggest problem cupboard. Pull all items onto a nearby counter and organize by category (either foods or utility/purpose). In the pantry, if you have more than your required monthly or weekly allotment (do you really have plans to cook something this week with those lima beans?), place extras into a pile to donate to your local food bank. If it's a Tupperware dilemma, organize by storage sizes. Do you have multiples of the same size that go unused? If they're in good condition, donate to your local thrift store.

Spring Cleaning Challenge #2: Growing piles, disorganized papers and unpaid bills.

Allot 30 minutes to an hour for cleanup, no more.

The Solution:

Piles. They start with the best of intentions, but oh how quickly they go from "strategic placement" to "where in the world did I put that?" dilemmas. Nip it in the bud.

Where do you most commonly drop your mail? Purchase a mail organizer to place directly in that area; either get a counter top option or one to attach to your wall or side of cabinetry.

Immediately upon walking in the door, get into the habit of sorting the mail: catalogs/magazines to read, personal mail and bills (and, of course, have a recycle bin nearby for the immediate toss-aways). Label each slot -- chances are, as long as you see an envelope in the "bills" or "important papers" sections, you'll never be late on a payment or miss an appointment again.

For extra organization, add a small calendar with attached marker nearby; when a bill or appointment reminder comes in the mail, mark the appointment or due date on the calendar in red, then file the notification away in its designated slot. It takes a few extra seconds, but it ensures the days of buried bills and forgotten appointments are long gone.

Have a pile that needs tackling now? Lay it all out on your dining table and sort according to the categories on your new organizer. Be sure to have a recycling bin nearby for the inevitable junk mail.

Spring Cleaning Challenge #3: Drawers that don't close properly due to overstuffing.

Allot 20 minutes to clean a drawer.

The Solution:

Chances are good that you have a junk drawer (or two) that could use some attention. Commonly junk drawers become what they are because we need a quick place to cram the miscellaneous, leading to a space chocked full of random items that are rarely accessed.

So dump the junk -- lay it all out on your dining table and sort everything into small piles. Immediately toss anything you "forgot was in there" and that you don't need. Use an old ice-cube tray to sort and store small items like paper clips, rubber bands, tacks, etc. – whatever doesn't fit can be thrown out. Who needs 500 paperclips anyway? File away any important papers in a home office accordion file, and group other items together either with a paperclip or rubber band, or place them into a labeled envelope ("stamps and address labels") for easy reference.

Spring Cleaning Challenge #4: Overburdened and under-organized linen closet.

Allot one hour; two if it's been awhile since you last tackled this dreaded task.

The Solution:

We all do it. You buy a new sheet set and cram the old ones into the linen closet. The old sets pile on top of the older and oldest until suddenly you have a collection of linens resembling a decade's highlight reel.

Empty it out. Throw every item from the closet into a laundry basket and dump it out onto your bed (you'll likely need to make a few trips). First, sort by item: flat and fitted sheets, pillow cases, towels. Then sort by needs and bed size: kids' room, guest room, master. Using a permanent felt marker, write a single-letter notation on each tag for easy reference. For instance, write T/F/Q/K for quick size reference (saves you the hassle of unfolding and folding) or write family member initials.

Finally, go through each individual pile: Any items that have stains or holes should immediately get tossed. A bit too worn but still in good condition? Unless you'd be willing to put it to use now, toss it into a "donate" pile – chances are even your seasonal items will be replaced with new ones when the next season rolls around. To stay organized, place each stack into its own individual storage box or basket, labeled for quick reference. That way, when you go to change bedding next round, you can just pull out that specific basket and leave the rest of the closet in tact.

These are some of the common spring cleaning challenges and problems that people run into when they go to tackle their spring cleaning checklist. If you follow along with the solutions to these spring cleaning challenges, your spring cleaning checklist will start to dwindle with less effort, and you may even find that you're enjoying your spring cleaning this year! Also, if you enlist the rest of your family to help out with the spring cleaning chores, your work will be even easier.

Holding a garage/yard sale will certainly help to clear the clutter from inside your home, so that your spring cleaning efforts don't get wasted on items that are taking up needed space. Rather than collecting dust, give items or articles of clothing away at your yard sale or donate them to your local charity. Read our article on donating your unwanted clothing to the right charity to find your local charities and, even better, find the right local charities. Spring cleaning can be fun, you just have to find solutions to your spring cleaning problems!

How to Maximize the Space in a Small House

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:25:58 GMT

Spring is certainly about to spring - and this is usually the time that homeowners take a look at their house, whether it's a small house or a large house, and set about determined to do a

To maximize space in your small house, select furniture that has more than one use.

thorough spring cleaning. If you have a small house, you probably find that your limited space is a nuisance to your regular cleaning routine, no matter what time of year it is. A small house can mean limited space, but that just means that you need to find creative solutions to maximize the space in your small house.

Maximizing space in a small house can be accomplished by simply removing - or at least finding a way to minimize - all the clutter in your small house. A cluttered desktop, countertop, kitchen pantry, hallway or closet can really have a big impact on how you feel about living comfortably in a small house. Clutter in a small house makes doing the things you need to do a little harder than they really need to be. If you have items, even if they're pieces of furniture, in your small house that you haven't used in years, get rid of them. Do your research on local charities where you can donate these unused items that are just eating up space in your small house. The following article from The Inspired Room is definitely a creative and inspirational written piece that will give you some great ideas for maximizing the space in your small house, by putting that space in your small house to use - or to many uses.

THE SMALL HOUSE: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE

I’ve always loved the idea of having a smaller house, and making the most of the space I have. When I lived in my tiny English cottage (the house prior to when I lived in my giant house) it was like a game for me to find clever places for things.

HOW CAN YOU MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SMALL HOUSE?

1. Make finding space in a small house a game.

My small house was like a puzzle, everything had one place that it could fit. My husband’s closet was actually a linen cabinet in the hall. My canned goods fit in a neat and tidy corner of our basement on plastic shelving. We had baking dishes on wire shelving on an enclosed back porch. We put beds on risers to give us more space for things under the beds.

Oh how I wish I had been blogging 10 years ago (was anyone blogging back then, or was that before the internet was invented?)! That would have been a fun house to talk about. We did so much to that adorably small house to make work for our family.

I love coziness so for the most part, having a small house was fun for me, not a drudgery. I enjoyed figuring out how clever I could be with our storage and furniture placement. I was determined I had enough space for what I needed and it really was like a challenging game to find the solution.

2. Find more than one purpose for your rooms.

I’ve always wanted a library/dining room. Not only do I think it looks charming, it is practical too. You can use the room to dine in, but it can also hold library shelves for books or a home office. One room, multiple purposes. Love that.

I’m not sure how I feel about bookshelves in the bedroom. I wonder if it would feel kind of dusty? I do like how it looks but I think I’d rather have books in the dining room. But if the bedroom was all I had for my books, it would work!

3. Less furniture, more built ins.

Free standing furniture takes up a lot of space. If you own a small home, there are often ways you can tuck in a built in piece (or a free standing piece that fits in just like a built in) to give you more room for the buck.

For instance, I adore banquettes (built in benches with a table)! Tables and chairs take up a lot of room, so if you can build a banquette into a small niche, you can have an eat in kitchen even if the room is quite small.

Think about other ways you could eliminate pieces of furniture by having built ins. Or even if you can’t build something in, perhaps consider other ways to eliminate excess pieces and go for more streamlined furniture!

4. Get creative with the space you have!

A couple of years ago I saw this photo... and it had a pretty cool outside the box idea... a custom made dining table that opens up to reveal a pool table! You can have a family meal, then take the lid off the table and the space becomes a game room. While the table probably costs a pretty penny, imagine the cost of a whole separate pool table room! Not only is this an example of a dual purpose room, it is thinking creatively in a small space.

In our small house, for the first two years of my son’s life, our dining room was his playroom. We had to get creative with the space we had, and having a playroom for his toys at that stage was more important than having a dining room. By being willing to let go of something we used less frequently and setting the house up for what we really needed, we made the house work for us.

IF YOU ARE TRYING TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A SMALL HOUSE, CONSIDER WAYS TO DOUBLE A ROOM’S USEFULNESS! WE DON’T ALWAYS NEED MORE ROOM, WE JUST NEED TO BE MORE CLEVER WITH THE SPACE WE HAVE!

Applying a few (or all if you can) of these creative strategies to your small house cleaning and organizing regimen will make living in your small house much easier, and much more enjoyable. There are many low cost ways to creatively maximize space in your small house, you just need to find that space and be a little creative doing it. For any room in your small house, you can use hanging organizers to tuck away anything from beauty products to kitchen supplies. Bunkbeds are great if you have young children; kids love them and they're a huge space saver in a small house with small bedrooms. If you're struggling to live in a small house, you don't need to resort to having an addition or an entire renovation project.

Ways to Make Your Carpet Last Longer

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:23:34 GMT

Regularly vacuuming your carpet will prolong the life of your carpet.

Carpets are beautiful but they are susceptible to stains, matting, and discoloration.

You shouldn’t fear, though. There are things you can do to minimize the risk of damage to your carpet and make your carpet last as long as possible. Depending on the layout of your home, some areas have much more traffic than others, regardless of how your furniture is arranged. This means that those areas of your carpet are going to get worn more quickly. To avoid this, consider placing area rugs over your carpet in these locations. Watch out for spills; clean up spills on your carpet immediately, because letting spills set in increases the chances that you'll have a stain on your carpet.

You may also want to treat your carpet with a stain-resistant spray once every few months. Always test any carpet cleaning product on an unnoticeable area of your carpet before spraying it on your entire carpet. Carpet protector needs to be reapplied after you shampoo your carpet for optimum protection. Sometimes loose threads can stick up from your carpets, which can be caused by nearly anything. To remove the loose thread from your carpet, use scissors to snip it instead of pulling on it and further damaging your carpet. This article from eHow.com explains more ways that you can make your carpet last longer.

You finally had the money to do a little bit of redecorating, and replacing your carpets was priority number one. After all the time you spent choosing just the right color and texture, not to mention the money the carpet, padding and installation cost, you want your new flooring to remain looking great. With the following tips, you can make your carpet last longer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Start with a quality product.

To ensure longevity, buy the best carpeting and padding that fits into your budget. The carpet that you choose should incorporate stain protection.

Leave dirt outside.

You may feel a bit uneasy about asking guests to remove their shoes, but by leaving footwear at the door, you keep the dirt off your carpeting as well. In addition, take the time to sweep your home's sidewalks, and invest in heavy-duty doormats to prevent excess dirt from entering the house.

Confine all snacking to the kitchen.

Your family may protest this rule, but it's the only way to prevent spills from staining your carpeting. Sauces, chocolate and juices are lethal to your carpet's aesthetic value. If food does find its way to your carpet, be sure to clean it up immediately.

Run the vacuum often.

In high-traffic areas, carpets should be vacuumed daily. In less-traveled areas, vacuum one to two times per week. Vacuuming often will remove damaging dirt from the fibers. Buy an upright vacuum fitted with beater bars, or install a central vacuum system.

Call in the professionals.

You should hire a reputable carpet cleaning company to service your carpets at least once per year. The pros have the equipment that won't leave detergent in the fibers.

Keep your socks on.

While walking without shoes will help to make your carpet last longer, you shouldn't walk on your carpeting with bare feet. The oils present on the skin will stick to carpet fibers and attract dirt and grime.

Change the room's layout often.

To break up the same old traffic pattern and to avoid wearing the carpeting down in the same spots, move your furniture around. This will create new foot traffic and your whole carpet will last longer, not just one area.

When installing new carpets, always have a quality carpet pad installed underneath it. Carpet pads prevent carpeting from becoming matted. Carpet pads also allow for more efficient vacuuming. While a carpet pad may be an extra expense, it can really increase the longevity of your carpet so that you can enjoy your carpet longer.

Also consider the type of carpet you choose. Polyester carpeting, although it may be cheaper, will wear down more quickly and is harder to clean. If you have children and pets you should consider Nylon carpeting that resists stains better and will last longer for an active family. When shopping for new carpeting look for a pile that has tightly twisted fibers as they will be more resistant to soil. The higher the pile of your new carpet the harder it will be to keep it from matting down.

10 Ways to Brighten Your Home for Spring

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:16:02 GMT

Adding spring flowers can instantly brighten up your home for springtime.

This winter has been really harsh; cold, snowy, and rainy. The cure for that? Spring!

Although spring isn’t here yet, you can start preparing your house for the spring weather. Brightening up your home will make you feel much better about the nice weather to come in spring. This can be done simply. Changing the items in your home can be the easiest way to bring spring into your home. Remove winter items, and replace them with bright spring-inspired ones. Change dark colored paintings for brighter, airy ones. If you have family photos displayed throughout your home, infuse a bit of spring cheer by simply moving them around for a different feel.

If you’re trying to increase the spring vibe, winter wonderland photographs are really not so suitable, so pull out your springtime or summertime photos. You can also make a big impact with mirrors; by reflecting the light, you're making your rooms like brighter as well as more spacious. Fresh fruits in a bowl always looks pretty and will bring much needed springtime color into the space. While it isn’t very bright outside yet, you can add lamps to mimic spring sunlight later in the day. Spring is about having fun, so while you’re brightening up your room, have some fun! This article from TLC.HowStuffWorks.com will give you ten ways to brighten your home for spring.

The last days of winter tend to have an emotional resemblance to the layers of dust peeking out from behind your furniture. While the mood of winter calls for quiet colors like calming browns and cool blues, spring screams for color! Bright pastels and lively shades of red and orange bring life to a dormant room, so before yard work comes calling, it's time to get down to business and brighten up your rooms in the spirit of spring. Here are 10 tips to get you going in the right direction.

10: Clean. Spring Clean.

When was the last time you gave your house a really good cleaning? A move the couch, wash the baseboards, scrub the fridge kind of cleaning? Probably last spring, and the spring before that. Time to continue the pattern. Nothing like those first rays of warm sun peeking through your dirty windows to get you out from in front of the tube to scrub 'em good. You might even want to hit the gutters while you're at it.

9: Empty Your Cupboards

Throughout the year, stuff that we no longer need or use seems to accumulate. Spring rolls around, and the pantry is overflowing with uneaten canned goods. The kitchen cabinets are full of mismatched glassware. And those tchotchkes from your trip to Morocco a decade ago? They really don't go with your midcentury modern living room. All of this stuff amounts to clutter that takes up mental space as well as physical, so spring is a great time to purge. Make room for the new by dusting off all that old stuff and have a yard sale, or donate it to charity.

8: Sweep Out Your Fireplace

There's nothing like remnants of fires past to keep you in a winter state of mind. We'll admit this isn't the most fun job, but at least you only have to do it once a year. Old ashes can make for a stinky room, so you'll want to sweep 'em up and wash it out. You won't be roasting chestnuts for a while, so go ahead and store the firewood bucket and poker set while you're at it. Then, buy a bunch of great smelling candles and line them up on your sparkling hearth.

7: Springify Your Accessories

Wouldn't it be lovely if we could change out our furniture to coordinate with the seasons? While it's not always a logical budget item to switch from wicker to wool, there are lots of options to change up your décor with a simple flip of a slipcover. Brightly colored throw pillows are an easy way to funk up your winterized color scheme, and they can be stored for future seasons. Swap out wooly winter rugs with light sisal to add a little spring underfoot. And inexpensive accessories like vases and lamps are a great way to freshen up a room.

6: Embrace Flowers and Plants

There's no better way to bring the spring inside than to fill rooms with vases of freshly cut flowers. A weekly visit to your local florist can get a little pricey, but if you plant a cutting garden in the fall, you'll be rewarded with fresh blooms all spring. Early blooming bulbs like daffodils, crocus and hyacinth add lots of color and life to a room, and they pop up as early as February. Shortly after comes the waves of flashy tulips and irises that look beautiful in small bunches placed strategically around the house.

5: Re-think Your Paint Colors

Any decorating magazine will tell you that paint is the cheapest way to reinvent a room with a big impact. Spring is a great time to do away with the beige palette and add some color. You don't even have to paint the entire room to achieve the desired effect. Pick the wall that hits your eye when you enter the room and paint it a lighter shade of the existing color. It's called an accent wall, and it can do a lot for a room without completely changing the look. If you're not a big fan of color on your walls, freshening up your white paint will considerably brighten a room.

4: Love the Outdoors, Too

Grab a broom and sweep all the leaves off the patio to make way for the furniture that has spent the winter in storage. No need to acquire new furniture if you're tired of the old look -- you can have new cushion covers made from a colorful array of outdoor fabrics on the market. This is also a great time to start cleaning out the garden beds and plant some new flowers. Add a floral wreath to the front door, and plant the window boxes to liven up your curb appeal.

3: Enter Lightly

Coat racks full of heavy winter coats, umbrellas and mukluks don't really shout "spring has sprung." This is especially true when they're planted right by the front door. Box up your winter coats and snow boots and put them in storage. Just seeing an empty coat rack when you walk in can make a big difference. If you have a side table near the door, add a vase with some fresh cut flowers so it's the first thing you see when you walk in.

2: Brighten Your Bathroom

Swapping out bathroom accessories is an easy way to breathe new life into your bathroom. Even just changing out the shower curtain with a fun, colorful pattern will give it a noticeable a facelift. Swap those darker curtains for sheers or some light wicker or bamboo blinds that allow a little more light to peek in without giving the neighbors a peep show. Splurge on a bright rug and a few hand towels to match your new color scheme. Fresh flowers, colorful art and spring-scented candles are another inexpensive way to bring some life into your bathroom.

1: Let the Sunshine In

Opening up the windows and letting in the fresh spring air can lift the mood of a stale winterized house in minutes. While you're at it, swap out the heavy curtains that lined those frigid winter windows with a set of breezy sheers. Then, have a seat on your newly slip-covered couch, strategically placed in your fresh living room palette with a refreshing glass of sweet tea . Relax and take in the distant lawnmowers, chirping birds and playing kids. Ah, the sounds of spring.

When spring does actually come, you want to take your spring feeling outside. The grass will already be green so why not add a pop of color with some spring flowers? This will brighten up your yard and maybe bring some birds flying by. Some gardens require a great deal of maintenance, but you can choose flowers that practically grow themselves. If you’re a first-timer, go with annual flowers that only require watering a few times a week. You’ll have a beautiful spring flower garden in no time!

Creative Ways to Reuse Common Household Items

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:09:17 GMT

You would be surprised at how much you can do with what you already have in your home. So many common

Decorate and reuse clothespins to keep your chips and cereal fresh, rather than buying plastic chip clips.

household items can be reused and re-purposed, which saves you from buying more of things that just may not be necessary. There is no right way to reuse or wrong way to reuse the items you already have in your home. There are some creative ways to reuse common household items, however, some that will save you money and might even spark some creativity in other areas of your life.

When you find creative ways to recycle and reuse household items that you may otherwise throw out, you not only save yourself money but you live a more ec0-friendly life. In the following article from MoneyCrashers.com , author Casey Slide offers up some of her creative strategies for recycling and reusing common household items. These are some helpful tips on how you can live a little greener by learning how to reduce, reuse and recycle.

10 Creative, Thrifty Ways to Recycle & Reuse Household Items

My husband and I really enjoy learning new ways to reuse things around the house. We try to be creative and innovative in our ongoing efforts to reuse, and also have fun with it.

Here’s why we do it, and 10 easy ways you too can start using less, and reusing more:

Why Reuse?

Saves Money
This is obvious, but keep in mind that how much you save depends on what you are reusing, and how consistent you are with it. Some projects may only save you a few dollars a month. The key to more substantial savings is to reuse several things and stick with it. The savings will add up.
Less Trash
The amount of trash that goes into landfills is mind boggling. Even though we reuse whenever possible, my family throws out at least a bag of trash a week – multiply that by tens of millions of households. Reducing your trash will also save you money if you pay for trash pickup. Many services charge by how much they have to haul each month; the less you trash, the more you save.
Creative Outlet
The challenge of transforming everyday stuff that has run its course into useful or decorative objects really makes you flex your creative muscles! This means it’s an ideal family activity, and an antidote to work and life stress.

10 Household Items to Reuse

Shower Water
While you are waiting for the shower to warm up, gallons and gallons of water flush down the drain. Instead of wasting that water, put a bucket in the shower to catch it and then put it to use elsewhere. You can use it to water houseplants or your garden, wash dishes, or for hand washing clothes. You can do the same thing in your sink with an empty milk jug. This is a great way to save money (and resources) by conserving water!
Toilet Paper / Paper Towel Rolls
We have wires all over our house – behind the TV, behind the computer desk, and hanging down from various electronics. Not only does it look chaotic, it is dangerous for my dogs and baby. To organize things a bit, I stuff the wires into toilet paper or paper towel rolls to keep them tidy.
Butter / Yogurt / Sour Cream Containers
Instead of buying storage containers for leftovers, wash out used food containers (such as those for butter, yogurt, or sour cream) and use them instead. The smaller containers are the perfect size for storing individually portioned leftovers, ready to grab for lunch the next day. This is a reuse that can save you money and calories! It’s another step to help you lose weight on a budget .
Plastic Bags
As you may or may not know, plastic bags are in most cases not recyclable. Many pet owners reuse plastic bags to pick up and dispose of pet waste. If you do not have a pet, donate those plastic bags to dog parks . They never seem to have enough!
Wine Corks
A great friend of mine made me a wine cork board to hang on my wall for me to stick notes and pictures on. She made it entirely from wine corks that she had saved. I love it!
Dryer Sheets
An easy and inexpensive way to freshen up a room or drawer is used dryer sheets. Instead of buying a plug-in or a scented candle that has to be replaced often and costs money, lay used dryer sheets in the room or drawer that needs freshening, and replace them each time you do a load of laundry. I did this in the room where I keep my dogs, and it really helped with the dog smell .
Tissue Boxes
Do you ever need a trash receptacle in your car? Or how about a place to neatly store those plastic bags that you use to clean up after your dog? An empty tissue box fits the bill.
Blankets / Towels / Clothes
My dogs are really spoiled and like to sleep on soft, cozy beds. So whenever I have some sort of soft material that is too old to use anymore, I give it to my dogs. Again, if you do not have a pet, consider giving your old blankets and towels to a pet shelter, where they are always appreciated.
Oven Heat
On a chilly night, keep your oven cracked open as it cools down after you are done making dinner to heat up the kitchen. Otherwise, that heat that has already been generated will go to waste. Every little bit will help to reduce your utility bill and make your home more energy efficient .
Coffee Grinds Did you know that the main ingredient in commercial cellulite creams is caffeine? Instead of buying expensive lotions, reuse your coffee grinds! Rub the used grinds on the affected area, and the caffeine will help increase circulation which helps tighten and smooth the skin. The grinds also act as an exfoliant. This is obviously a different type of coffee recipe than what you may be used to, but it works!

Besides these very common household items that you can reuse, there are endless opportunities for you to reuse so many other items in your home. All you need to do is be a little creative when you're considering what to reuse. You can reuse old place mats and transform them into coasters. You can save the plastic bags that come in cereal boxes for leftovers or to wrap sandwiches. Reuse old coffee mugs to plant a mini garden in your home; just fill with potting soil and seeds, and maybe even paint the outside of the mug for an artsy approach. Burned-out candles can even be reused as pincushions.

Once you start to learn about others' ideas on how to reuse household items, you might be able to come up with your own creative ways to reuse those unwanted items in your home that don't have much more life left in them. What about those brown paper bags you always get at the grocery store? Reuse them as book covers for your kids, wrap mailed packages in them, or let your kids turn them into a colorful piece of artwork. No matter what you have lying around the home, there is probably a way to reuse it.

5 Tips for Controlling Your Laundry

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 10:02:59 GMT

If you’re like most of us, you procrastinate when it comes to doing the laundry.

If you allow that overflowing pile of laundry to build up into a mountain before you tend to it, you

Create a system for doing the laundry to make your life in the laundry room easier.

probably need a little encouragement in the laundry room, and maybe a few tips to help you create new laundry habits. It's extremely easy to procrastinate when it’s time to do the laundry – laundry isn’t the most exciting or pressing task in the home. If you let your laundry control you, and you find yourself on a never ending search for a matching pair of socks, you may find that your laundry is, indeed, a pressing issue.

Make sure that you have enough laundry baskets to accommodate your different laundry piles. Whether you separate and wash your laundry by colors, whites, fabric, his, hers, or kids, you won’t have an efficient system unless you have a place to put each laundry pile. Organize the laundry room – or each space where the laundry piles will accumulate – so that you can quickly identify which laundry piles need to be tended to first. The following article from Shine.yahoo.com shares some more basic laundry tips from a real mother that can help save you from laundry overload.

Help! Help! Do you have a laundry problem? Are you a slob, or just overwhelmed? Do you run out of clean clothes and send your kids to school wearing their swimsuits instead of underwear, or does everyone dig through piles or baskets of clean clothes and mismatched socks every morning before the bus comes or the big meeting at work?
I've been struggling with laundry pile-ups for years. The third kid put me over the edge, but it's always been a slippery slope. Here are a few tips and tricks that might help you:
More From The Stir: Soap Free Laundry? Check This out

1. Reduce the inventory

Most likely, you and your children have more clothes than you actually need or can possibly wear, so the clean, rejected outfits end up on the floor for a while until mandatory room cleaning dictates they'll be thrown in with all the actual dirty laundry. And then they don't get put away properly, because you think you should sort through them, and they end up in a pile or a basket again. Get rid of them! Bag ‘em up, stick ‘em in the car right this second, and drive ‘em out to your local charity or resale shop when you're in the neighborhood.

2. Recruit your troops with cuteness

Train your family (and yourself) to put dirty clothes in laundry baskets and clean clothes in closets. You can help the babies, but everyone else, even young kids and husbands, are more capable than you think. My 14-year-old does her own laundry, because she cares about her daily wardrobe choices more than I do. It works for me. A fun, new laundry basket like these Hello Kitty pop ups for the kids (my 16-year-old daughter is still a big fan!) or these chic, natural bamboo laundry hampers for you are also good incentives.

3. Develop good habits and attitudes

Just do the laundry! And do it the same way every time. It won't go away because you ignore it. Trust me on this, I've tried. If you know you have two loads to do every day, pick the times that work best for you and stick to them. Put in a load before work, another load after work, and put the clothes away before bed. Or, if you stay home with kids or work at home, do a load before each meal (or snack if you have several loads!) and put them away before dinner. You can do all the loads on the weekend if you must, but beware; this method can kill a perfectly good weekend.

4. Organize the chaos

Have cute hampers and practical sorters in each bedroom, and put each person who lives in that room in charge of filling their basket with their dirty clothes and putting their clean clothes back into their closets. Remind them that if you've agreed to wash, dry, fold, and sort into stacks, the one minute it takes them to put their clothes away is a small price to pay for the service.

5. Ask for help, or pay someone to help you

There is nothing wrong with this option. You aren't a bad person if your laundry gets out of control sometimes. I know this because I'm not either! I'm also not too proud to let my mom come help me get caught up every few months, even when she says, "I don't understand why you have such a hard time with this." I don't understand it either. And if you can afford a laundress, hire one! Hey, even Martha Stewart pays someone to do her laundry, and we know she can do it if she wants to. She obviously has better things to do.

If you often forget your laundry in the dryer or washer, trying setting a timer for both the washer and dryer so you’ll know exactly when your laundry is done. As with all household chores, doing the laundry should be a shared responsibility within the family. If others can help you to get the laundry done and make sure the laundry room is clean and organized, your job in the laundry room will be that much easier. You can either rotate your laundry duty days or rotate your specific laundry duty tasks – one day you’re responsible for folding, the next sorting, the next washing, and so on. Find a system for doing laundry that works for you and everyone else in the home.

Reward yourself for doing the laundry by using nicely scented laundry detergent or fabric softener, playing music, or even turning your laundry routine into some sort of dance or game. This may sound silly, but if you transform your laundry room and your laundry duty into a relaxing or fun task, then it’s not as much of a chore. If you stick to your laundry system, you’ll find that the laundry room doesn’t have to be a despised place.

Six Steps to an Organized Garage

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:57:36 GMT

Don't waste the space in your garage - organize the clutter!

Is your garage the dumping ground for everything you don’t want in your house? That is how most people utilize the space in their garage; they fill it with anything and everything. Your garage has so much more potential than that, so don’t waste perfectly good space! You can make your garage more than a place to just park your car. Make the garage an extension of your home by taking control of the clutter and reinventing the meaning of your garage.

You could turn your garage into an exercise space, for example. Remove that big, bulky workout equipment from your home to create space for something else in your home, such as an extra bed room. The garage could be the perfect spot for the home office you've always wanted, but never had space for. In your garage, you can escape the distractions of your home and completely immerse yourself in your work. Or maybe you have children who need a place to hang out with their friends? You can make that "hang out" place your garage, but only if you clean up the clutter that's stopping you from even considering a garage makeover. This is a great article from Organizingroom.com that can walk you through the steps of organizing and transforming your garage.

Your garage’s main objective is to protect and stash your vehicle or vehicles. That just can’t happen if your garage has turned out to be a glorified storage area, filled with boxes and games and gadgets and bicycles and skateboards and scooters and strollers and anything else that makes it hard to find a path through the room in the beginning. Here are 6 easy tips to help you take command of your garage again.

1. Take out every thing from the garage and organize.

Categorize all your belongings in the garage by grouping them with like items. To illustrate, kids’ toys amongst kids’ toys, carpentry tools with carpentry accessories, sports gear by sports gear, seasonal decorations with seasonal decorations, etc. Choose everything that is not working, outdated or no longer needed and sell it, contribute it, or scrap it.

2. Have the proper organizational implements.

Once you have sorted every thing, confirm what tools can help you order these items. As an example, do you wish to purchase any storage bins, rack devices, cabinet structures, tool chests, peg boards, hanging ceiling systems, hanging bicycle racks, and so on.

3. Cleanse.

After your garage is empty it is highly recommended to go to the trouble to sweep or mop out all the loose junk, clean up cobwebs and layers of dust bunnies. You may take joy in your garage better if it is a really clean garage so be sure to sweep and dust routinely to maintain it.

4. Décor.

Talking about décor does not mean I am proposing you go out there and convert your garage into a pseudo-living room, but consider if a new coat of paint on the walls makes matters look better and clearer and cheerier? How about the floor? Many folks like to paint and seal the floor of the garage to safeguard it from spills and make clean up relatively easy. Altering the wall or floor surfaces could have a considerable impact on the look and feel of the garage. If this is something you wish to try and do, now is the perfect time.

5. Classify.

After your garage is dirt free (floor and walls) it’s time to place anything back. It is best to position the gadgets that will be used on a frequent basis within easy reach. Arrange items less commonly used even further back in the garage or higher up on shelving systems or inside cabinets. Label the outside of tubs, drawers and cabinets to avoid the inconvenience of opening all of them again and again to acquire a specific thing you may be searching for. Placing labels on shelves or even peg boards will help prompt you where things should be put away also.

6. Finally, make rules and apply them.

Rules including, “Make Sure You replace gadgets you required to the place you found them,” need to be precisely abided by to help maintain the organization of your garage.

These actions will help you accomplish a tidy and properly organized garage in no time spent what-so-ever and just realize the numerous gains of having the ability to not just park your car within garage to ensure that it stays safeguarded from the elements, but having the ability to recognize exactly what you have and find it when you require it. All the best!

Another way to remove the clutter in your garage is to have a garage sale. A garage sale is great because it enables you to purge your garage of any items you don’t want or need anymore, and you may also make a buck! To host an effective garage sale, take all of the items you are placing in the garage sale and put them in a separate area from the items you are keeping. Go through and price items from your garage reasonably; you may need to disassociate yourself from the items so you don't hold on to unnecessary things that you really don't need.

When you set a date for your garage sale, make sure to check the weather forecast in advance. Advertise and spread the word about your garage sale! Make flyers and tell all of your neighbors so that your garage sale has a big turnout. Set up items in an organized manner at your garage sale; don’t make shoppers hunt around for a matching set of plates. Once your garage sale is over, do not bring the left over items back into your garage. Consider donating your unwanted items to a local charity. If you follow the above steps for garage organization, you will have a clean garage that has purpose once again - other than being just a home for your cars.

Caring for Your Hardwood Floors

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:40:36 GMT

Daily cleaning will keep your hardwood floors looking new, longer.

Your hardwood floors were beautiful when they were installed, but to keep hardwood floors looking that way, there is a little maintenance required. Cleaning hardwood floors can be broken down into three types: daily care, quarterly care, and preventative maintenance. Daily care involves sweeping hardwood floors with a soft bristle broom to remove dirt that can cause abrasions. Also, you should always clean up spills on your hardwood floors as quickly as possible to avoid water damage. Quarterly care is needed to remove surface grease and dirt that may have accumulated on your hardwood floors. Be sure to use a cleaning product that has a neutral pH when you're cleaning your hardwood floors. Ammonia or ammonia-based products should never be used on hardwood floors because they will dull the finish and may cause discoloration. Using a very wet mop with a liquid soap or using abrasive cleaners on hardwood floors is never recommended, because both methods have the potential to strip the finish on your hardwood floors, or cause the hardwood floors to deteriorate prematurely.

To prevent future damage of your hardwood floors, there are a few simple things you can do. Use area rugs in high traffic areas, use felt pads under legs and feet of furniture so you won't scratch your hardwood floors when moving the furniture, and take your shoes off at the door! This article from WFCA.org will guide you through caring for your hardwood floors.

Your hardwood floor is installed. Your house finally feels like a home. But now what? How do you care for your new investment?

Meet Mat

Floor mats are a wonderful thing when it comes to hardwood floors. Tiny particles, like dirt, can act like sandpaper and scratch your wood. By placing a floor mat at each entryway and encouraging family members and guests to wipe their feet, the majority of dirt and grime will remain on the mat. Also put a floor mat or rug in any area where water could be splashed — like near the kitchen sink. This will hinder any possible water damage.

Note that rubber-backed or non-ventilated floor mats or rugs can damage your floor. Instead use floor mats or rugs made especially for hardwood floors and be sure to shake them out regularly.

Whistle While You Work

Along with a hardwood floor comes the responsibility of keeping it clean. The better care you take, the longer your floor will maintain its original beauty. Step one is to purchase a high quality broom so that you can sweep your floor regularly of dirt, dust and other particles.

Second step is a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar, to get in between the boards and other hard to reach areas.

Deeper cleaning techniques vary depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor. For “Finish in Place” hardwood floors, using an 8”x14” terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning corners, under cabinets and along base boards as simple as pie is recommeded.

Professional cleaning products recommended by your flooring retailer can be used to remove tough stains and spills without dulling the finish of your wood floor. Makers of “Pre-finished” floors recommend their own specific products for routine maintenance. Check with your retailer for details.

Do and Don’ts

Don’t wax a wood floor with a urethane finish
Do use cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue
Don’t use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor — they’ll dull the finish and affect your ability to recoat later.
Do use a professional hardwood floor cleaner to remove occasional scuffs and heel marks (just spray some cleaner on a cloth and rub the stained area lightly)
Don’t wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor (wood naturally expands when it’s wet and can cause your floor to crack or splinter). For information on steam cleaning hardwood floors, see our blog post on Floor Talk.
Do clean sticky spots with a damp towel or sponge
Do minimize water exposure and clean spills immediately

Go Deep

If and when your hardwood floor begins to look like it belongs beneath the feet of gold miners in an old western saloon, it’s time to consider screening and recoating.

Screening is the process used to abrade or grind down your floor’s polyurethane finish. Next, fresh coats of urethane are applied. The result is a rejuvenated floor that looks as good as the day it was installed!

If the damage to your hardwood floor is severe, then you may require sanding and refinishing. This process involves sanding your floor down to the bare wood and refinishing it. Only go to this effort if screening and recoating doesn’t solve your problem. Replacement boards may be available so you don’t have to refinish the entire area. Be sure to go pro whenever you have work done on your hardwood floors!

Protect Your Investment

All hardwood floors fade or change shades over time. Like our own skin, wood’s exposure to sunlight may greatly increase this process and cause permanent damage.

Window treatments are recommended to shade your floors from the sun’s harsh rays. We also recommend rotating area rugs and furniture regularly, allowing wood floors to age evenly from UV exposure.

To avoid permanent marks and scratches, it’s a good idea to cover furniture and table legs with flannel protectors. Be careful when moving heavy objects across your floor to avoid scuffing.

Ladies — your stiletto heels may be fashionable, but what’s not in fashion (or covered by your warranty) are the dents and scratches they cause to wood floors. Likewise, trim your pet’s nails regularly and keep any and all other sharp objects away from your floors.

Love your floors and your floors will love you back for a long, long time.

To keep your hardwood floors looking new, more intense maintenance may be required as the years go by. The condition of the finish on your hardwood floors is important because it acts as protection. If you are uncertain if the finish on your hardwood floors is wearing off, you can do a simple test. Begin in a high-traffic area and pour one to two tablespoons of water onto the hardwood floor. If the water soaks in immediately and leaves a darkened spot on your hardwood floor, the finish is worn and water can damage the wood. If the water soaks in after a few minutes and darkens the hardwood floor only slightly, the finish is partially worn. If the water beads on top of the hardwood floor, the surface is properly sealed. Repeat this test in low- and medium-traffic areas on your hardwood floors. If the finish has worn off, it is a good idea to refinish to increase the longevity of your hardwood floor.

How to Minimize Allergens in Your Home

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:27:57 GMT

If you or one of your family members suffers from allergies, you understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to

Make your home allergen-free to keep you and your family healthy.

deal with allergens in your home. Allergens are substances that trigger an allergic reaction, and you or your loved ones may experience sneezing, wheezing, coughing, itchy eyes, swelling of tissues, and other bothersome symptoms. Making your home a refuge against the allergens most frequently found in homes will make living more bearable for you and your family. To minimize allergens in your home, or anywhere, you should keep away from the things that trigger your allergic reactions, which could be insect sprays, perfumes, cigarette smoke, or plants that you may keep indoors during the winter. There are also certain things that you can do specifically to your home to minimize allergens and keep you and your family healthy. The following article from The Housekeeping Channel outlines some steps you can take to turn your home into an allergen-free zone.

According to many allergists, the real cure for sniffing, sneezing and wheezing may be as simple as regular house cleaning. Common household allergens such as dust, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and cockroaches can trigger allergies, explains pediatric allergist Dr. Mary Lasley. "Simple changes in your routine house cleaning can reduce allergies and help your family live more comfortably," she adds.

Steps to Reduce Exposure

1. Control Ventilation and Filter the Air

Opening windows to let indoor allergens out of the home can bring outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores into the house. Instead, use heat and air conditioning to clean, circulate and dehumidify the air in the home. Also, using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove airborne allergens, such as pet dander, can lessen the amount of circulating allergens. Dust mite and cockroach allergen are generally heavy particles that do not stay suspended in the air and settle quickly, so air filters or air purifiers do not work well for these allergens.

2. Reduce Moisture

Dust mites and molds thrive only in high humidity areas. Maintain the home's relative humidity level below 55 percent by using heat and/or air-conditioning equipment consistently and using a dehumidifier where necessary - doing so will discourage dust mite and mold growth. Repair all roof and plumbing leaks to prevent mold.

3. Regular Cleaning

Cleaning is the best way to reduce allergens. Done regularly, cleaning stops allergens from accumulating, which helps minimize allergy and/or asthma symptoms. Pay special attention to the bedroom since most exposure to dust mites is while sleeping - 60 percent of dust mite allergen is found in mattresses and bedding. In order to control these allergens, wash bed linens in hot water (at least 130 F) weekly and vacuum mattresses regularly. Comforters, blankets and curtains should be washed frequently. Encase pillows, mattresses and box springs in "allergen-control" covers, and freeze or wash stuffed animals weekly in hot water (at least 130 F).

Clean and disinfect wet, warm areas - such as kitchens and bathrooms - weekly to stop mold growth.

Smooth floors should be vacuumed, dusted and wet mopped weekly. When sweeping, take care not to circulate dust from the floor into the air.

Vacuum carpet and rugs at least once a week - twice a week in bedrooms and high-traffic areas. Use a well-functioning vacuum cleaner that has adjustable brushes, and bears the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval (SOA). These are vacuum cleaners that have been tested for and meet strict standards for removing soil and containing the dust within the bag and the vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners may produce dramatically different cleaning results and impact on the indoor environment. The SOA program endorses only vacuum cleaners that perform each of the following three tasks well: soil removal, dust containment (without putting the dust back into the air) and carpet appearance retention.

Vacuum upholstered furniture regularly, and clean hard furniture with a damp cloth. A damp cloth should be used on window treatments, windowsills and window frames, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and storage units as well. Dust also can be reduced by storing books and knick-knacks in closed cabinets - doing so leaves fewer places for dust to settle and makes cleaning easier.

Your allergist/immunologist can provide you with more information on allergies. For further information on carpet go to the Carpet and Rug Institute's Web site, www.carpet-rug.com.

If you contact your allergist or immunologist, they will be able to determine the source of your allergies, and then decide the best course of action to take for minimizing allergens in your home. You will need to limit your exposure to the particular allergens that you are allergic to, and then begin to make appropriate changes within your home. You may need to inspect your house for leaks, as allergens, mice, and cockroaches can make their way inside your home through small holes and cracks.

Carpets are the perfect haven for dust, dust mites, and pet dander; therefore, it might also be a good idea to consider changing your carpet to a hard floor such as hardwood, vinyl, laminate, or ceramic to minimize the allergens that are affecting you and your family. If changing your carpeted flooring is not an option, then you should be sure to have the carpet cleaned regularly for a deep, thorough cleaning that vacuuming will not achieve. You may not be able to remove all traces of allergens in your home, but if you follow these guidelines then you will successfully minimize the allergens in your home for a healthier, happier family environment.

Proper Dishwasher Care and Maintenance

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:24:41 GMT

Your dishwasher is the workhorse of the kitchen, so it's extremely important to keep it functioning at its best. A dishwasher saves you time and the hassle of hand washing the dishes, and it is this efficiency that must be

For efficiency in the kitchen, take good care of your dishwasher!

optimized and prolonged. Like most other appliances, a dishwasher's lifespan can be lengthened if you care for it properly and provide maintenance when it's needed. Loading your dishwasher correctly is only half the battle of an efficiently run dishwasher. For a long lasting dishwasher, you will need to make sure that you load your dishwasher the right way and with the right dishes, that your dishwasher is clean, functioning properly, and that it gets proper attention and timely repairs when it's not functioning correctly. The products that you buy to clean your dishes, and your dishwasher itself, also affects the dishwasher's performance. Being well aware of what is good for your dishwasher and what is not will allow you to provide the proper care and maintenance that your dishwasher requires. This is a fantastic article from Horizon Services that covers the general care and maintenance needed for your dishwasher to work at its best.

General Dishwasher Maintenance Tips

A dishwasher is generally a low maintenance appliance. Below are some basic tips for keeping your dishwasher running in tip-top shape. (Note: Before doing any work on your dishwasher, turn off the power at the circuit-breaker box.)

Don’t Get Zapped. Dishwashers have built-in water heaters and motors which can consume a lot of electricity; couple that with all the water a dishwasher uses and you can see how improper wiring and connections can put you at risk for electrocution, fire or power outages. A ll dishwasher should always be plugged into a grounded outlet or wired direct. And your main socket must be rated adequately to handle the large load required by most dishwashers.
Make Sure Your Dishwasher is Level. If your dishwasher isn’t level, it could leak. To check, open the door and place an air-bubble level along the edge inside. If the dishwasher isn’t level, raise or lower either side by adjusting its “feet” or add a wedge to balance correctly.
Check Gaskets for Cracks and Deterioration. These are the rubber or plastic seals along the dishwasher door that provides a water-tight seal when you close. If you start noticing water around your dishwasher, it could be due to faulty gaskets. If the gasket is damaged, remove it by unscrewing it or prying it out with a screwdriver. You can get a replacement gasket at a hardware store or order one from the manufacturer. Before installing the new gasket, soak it in hot water to make it more flexible.
Check Sprayer Arm for Clogs. Over time Food particles, mineral deposits and other debris can clog the holes in the sprayer arm. It is essential to clean these small holes from time to time to enable the dishwasher to work more efficiently. Remove the sprayer arm periodically and soak in warm vinegar for a few hours to loosen any obstruction. Then clean out each spray hole with an awl or a pipe cleaner.
Check and Clean Screens and Filters. Your dishwasher should have a screen or filter located near the bottom of the dishwasher above the food drain to catch any large food or debris; they need to be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs (at least every other week). Your dishwasher owner’s manual should provide instructions for removing and cleaning the filter. If the filter has holes, it needs to be replace in order to prevent harm to other parts of the dishwasher. Also, inspect and clear out any food or debris that might be trapped in the food drain.
Invest in a Repair Kit. Notice any exposed metal, nicks or corrosion on your dish racks? These can cause rust and stains to dishes and dishwasher walls. Most hardward stores sell repair kits that allow you to quickly mend worn or chipped plastic.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Your Dishwasher

We measure the energy efficiency of our car in miles-per-gallon. Dishwasher efficiency is measured by a term called the energy factor. Energy factor is based on the number of cycles per kilowatt-hour of electricity. Today, the minimum allowable energy factor rating for standard capacity dishwashers is 0.46. The higher the number, the more efficiently your dishwasher is using energy. These tips can help you improve your dishwasher’s energy factor and get good cleaning results:

Watch Your Water Temperature. The single most important factor in getting good results is hot water. The best way to improve the energy efficiency of a dishwasher is to reduce the amount of hot water needed to clean your dishes. About 80% of the total energy used by dishwashers goes towards heating the water. Too cool won’t clean your dishes well; too hot wastes energy. Most dishwasher manufacturers and detergent companies recommend setting the water temperature at 130 degrees fahrenheit; this will effectively remove all food particles and residue without wasting energy. Place a thermometer inside the dishwasher to determine if the temperature is appropriate. If above or below 130 degrees, adjust your hot water heater.
Run Hot Water in the Kitchen Sink. Do this for a minute before you turn on the dishwasher. This will get hot water flowing through your pipes and start the wash cycle off with hot water rather than cold.
Avoid Using the Delay Cycle. This, too, fills the dishwasher tub with cold water for the first few cycles, meaning the dishwasher will have to work harder to warm the water up.
Avoid Using the Heated Dry Setting. Dishes can air dry without the use of heated air. This can produce substantial energy savings.
Run Full Loads Only. Running only a portion of a load will use the same amount of energy and water as a full dishwasher load. Don’t be wasteful.
Avoid Pre-Rinsing of Dishes. Scraping off leftover food is sufficient; a good dishwasher should be able to loosen and remove most food particles, even sticky ones. Soaking or pre-washing of dishes usually only necessary when something is burned or baked on.

Keeping Your Dishwasher Clean

The exterior of the dishwasher can be cleaned using a damp sponge and little detergent. Use any soft brush to clean the gaskets around the door and frame of the dishwasher; food debris can stick there and weaken the seal, allowing water to drip out while the machine is running. Look for any cracks or gaps in the seal. If there’s any damage, the gasket might need to be replaced.
The interior of the dishwasher does not need to be cleaned if it is being used regularly. If the dishwasher goes unused for a week or more, stains, mold and odor may form. Dishwasher cleaner and deodorizer can be used for this purpose. If you see many stains, clean with dishwasher detergent and water. Wear rubber gloves to protect the hand from alkaline detergents. You can also clean and disinfect your interior by running a cup or two of vinegar through the entire cycle of the empty dishwasher.
For rust removal on the inside of your dishwasher, try using a fine steel wool or a rust remover product.

Keeping Your Dishwasher Odor-Free

When properly installed and regularly used, dishwashers rarely develop problems with bad odors. Most dishwasher odor is related to food which has collected somewhere in the dishwasher and can’t be easily removed. Your first line of dishwasher odor defense is to always be sure to remove large food particles, non-dissolving and sticky food substances from all dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Also, visually inspect every nook, cranny and corner of the dishwasher to see if any hidden food has wedged somewhere out of view. Other dishwasher odor tips:

Suspect a Drain Clog. A foul-smelling dishwasher could be the first sign of a clog somewhere in your kitchen drain. If waste water accumulates at the bottom of the dishwasher and drains slowly…or if your garbage disposal and kitchen sink tend to back up when the dishwasher drains — this could be further evidence of a clogged drain. If so, clear the drain as soon as possible.
Check Your Water Softener. If not properly balanced or maintained, water softeners can cause foul odors in the water supply.
Disinfect and Deodorize. Run a cycle with a quart of vinegar to safely clean the tub and pump. Also, put a scoop of Tang powdered drink mix in your dishwasher to gently scour the interior walls and add a clean, fresh scent.

Dishwasher Detergents

What you put into your dishwasher significantly affects your dishwasher’s performance.

Use Detergents Specifically Designed for Dishwashers. Hand washing dish detergents and other soaps must NEVER be used in dishwater. They are not formulated to clean dishes in a dishwasher. And they will produce large amounts of foam, suds and bubbles which will leak from the dishwasher and spill onto the floor. use detergents that are specifically meant for DISHWASHING ONLY.
Choose Powders Over Gels. Powder detergents are usually a better choice than gels. Gels often contain chlorine bleach which car dissolve seals and gaskets. Gels don’t work well in hard water. Gels can clog the detergent dispenser which can impede cleaning performance. And gels tend to leave more spots, film and cloudiness on glassware. For best results, we recommend using a powdered detergent or tablets.
Don’t Buy Dishwashing Powder in the Super-Size Box. It may seem cost-effective to purchase large economy-size boxes of dish detergent powder, but these products actually have a limited shelf life. Once you open that box, you only have about two weeks to use it; once air hits the powder, its cleaning effectiveness is greatly reduced. Stick to regular-size boxes which can be consumed in a two-week time period.
Avoid Cheap Products. Make sure that the word DETERGENT appears on the box. Some inexpensive and non-name powders contain contain inferior cleansers; some even contain sand! These products should be avoided to prevent wear and damage to dishes and the dishwasher itself as well as sediment build-up.

Dishwashers and Glassware

Over time, spots, streaks and hazinesss can form on glassware when washed in a dishwasher, especially if you use hard water. Most manufacturers recommend that you hand wash most glassware, especially if it is finer glassware. If you do put glassware in your dishwasher, here are some things to keep in mind.

If you have well water or hard water, use a rinse-aid — such as Jet-Dry — in your dishwasher. These will prevent much of the spotting and streaking on glassware caused by insoluble deposits that dry on glass surfaces. Most manufacturers recommend that you use a solid rinse aid rather than a liquid. Solid rinse-aids disperse more evenly and consistently and are simpler to use; you just need to hang them from your dishwasher’s upper rack.
If you have a water softener, you may want to try cutting back on the amount of detergent you are using…or add a ¼ cup of vinegar to in the dishwasher before each load.
No matter what type of water you have, be sure to run the dishwasher with a quart of vinegar and no dishes or detergent. This will removes any mineral deposits and residues left behind anywhere in the tub as well as disinfect and deodorize.

A dishwasher that performs well will make your life in the kitchen much more hassle-free and efficient. Each type of dishwasher is different in respect to its needs and maintenance requirements. Buying the right cleaning materials and dishwasher detergent for your specific dishwasher will keep it running how it is supposed to. Loading your dishwasher with only dishwasher-safe dishes will prevent damage to your dishes and to the dishwasher itself. Generally, you do not want to load your dishwasher with non-stick pans, wooden spoons or cutting boards, crystal, blown glass, iron, pewter, all aluminum, gold-plated flatware, and any disposable plastics not labeled "dishwasher safe." Only use the recommended amount of dishwasher detergent, and do not mix flatware made of different metals as this could damage your flatware.

By taking care of your dishwasher and providing the proper maintenance, cleaning and repair when needed, your dishwasher will work efficiently and perform how it is supposed to. If you follow the simple guidelines mentioned above, and seek professional assistance when you have questions, your dishwasher will work at its best and live a longer life, making your time in the kitchen a happier time.

Your Guide to a Perfectly Organized Food Pantry

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:14:00 GMT

Where you store your food, how you store your food, and what types of food you store all matters when it comes to

Keeping your food pantry organized will simplify your life in the kitchen!

keeping a clean and organized food pantry. You surely can’t cook if you don’t have the right food items and ingredients for the meal, and if you can’t find where those essential ingredients are, then you might as well not even have them. If the kitchen is your personal castle, then your food pantry is your armory, the place that stocks all of your essential supplies for survival and success.

Food pantry stocking and organization sounds easy, but like most things in life, it is harder than it seems. There is common sense involved, but there is also strategy involved in creating and maintaining a well-organized food pantry. Imagine how much more simple and fun cooking would be if you never had to wonder or worry about where all the right ingredients were. No matter the size, shape, or location of your food pantry, it is possible to transform it into the perfect food pantry, at least for you. The following article by Arianne Cohen from Woman’s Day covers some basic, universal guidelines for maintaining an organized and orderly food pantry that’s perfect for your needs.

Think of your pantry the way you think of your refrigerator—as the food command center of your home. “You want to be able to open your cupboards and make dinner,” says Amy Pennington, author of Urban Pantry. “You can’t do that if your pantry only has flour, sugar, nuts and cereal.” And you can’t do that if you don’t know what you have or where it is. What you need is a master plan to get your pantry well-stocked, well-organized and ready for duty.

5 Universal Rules

Whether your pantry is a few shelves in the cupboard, a walk-in closet or three deep drawers, you can make it work. Just stick to these rules:

1. Know what you use.

How to know what to keep a stash of? Ask yourself what you eat most. If you love rice, then a 20-lb bag is great (if you’ve got the space). If you’re crackers about crackers, sure, keep a row of them. Avoid the common mistake of filling your pantry with foods you don’t often use, such as a supersize bag of flour or a row of powdered drinks.

2. Shop small.

I know, this is contrary to the dogma of rolling up to Costco in your minivan, but you don’t need a pantry that can feed your family through autumn, bomb-shelter style. The idea is to keep all items in your pantry constantly in use, filling the space you have with whatever healthy foods you might need. “People tend to go to warehouse clubs and buy giant family packs, then those huge boxes sit half-used for a year,” says Scott Dolich, chef at Park Kitchen restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Buy in bulk only the stuff you use often.

3. Go canned.

“A lot of people think canned goods are not as fresh, but canned vegetables are picked at their peak freshness, so they’re a great way to keep your pantry stocked,” says David Mechlowicz, culinary purchasing manager for Food Network. You can also enhance what you’re serving by adding fresh items to canned products. In other words, when you want to make a stew or soup or spruce up pasta, canned tomatoes are better than no tomatoes. Ditto with artichokes, pineapple, and pretty much every fruit and many nonleafy veggies.

4. Unwrap.

“Most people don’t unwrap excess packaging before putting away foods,” says Lorie Marrero, author of The Clutter Diet. “Take paper towels, for instance. Cut off that overwrap that holds the rolls together, and you can fit individual rolls much easier.” Ditto for soda, snack packs and multipacks.

5. Be cool.

Pretty much all pantry items do well in cool, dark environments. “Store foods away from your stove,” says Dolich. The biggest threat? Nearby appliances giving off heat. Dampen your hand and feel around your pantry to make sure the fridge or dishwasher isn’t heating it.

What Goes Where?

You want to create a pantry filled with easy-to-see foods in active rotation. Professional organizer Chris McKenry, a board member of the Los Angeles–based National Association of Professional Organizers, tells you how to transform your pantry.

Clean it out.

Purge. Which in this case means eat. Go through your pantry and pull out absolutely everything. Split your items into two piles: stuff you use and want to keep, and foods you haven’t touched in at least three months (if you haven’t used it by now, you’re probably not going to use it). For the stuff you generally don’t use, decide whether to toss it, donate it to a food pantry or serve it imminently. If it’s shake powder from that diet you did three years ago, toss it. If it’s cereal you just haven’t gotten around to eating, serve it soon. “Free up space so that you have room for what you really need,” says McKenry. And regift those gift baskets that take up half a shelf.

Consider relocating.

Not you, your stuff. Your pantry probably has more than a few non-food items. Perhaps the DustBuster and mop are in there. Waffle iron? Serving platters? Ask yourself, Is there a better place for these things? Here’s a secret: Doors are the great underutilized spaces in pantries. If your cleaning supplies must stay, at least get them on door hooks. I like the Reisenthel Big Eye Wardrobe Shelf. You’ve probably seen it in someone’s coat room, but its four hooks are perfect for hanging brooms and mops, while the shelf works for paper towels, all-purpose cleaners and the like ($35; Amazon.com). Or try The Grook Holder, a strip of rubber pressure clamps that hold cleaning products, gardening tools and more ($19.99; Casabella.com).

Create zones.

Group your pantry items by type—grains, drinks, pet food, baking items, canned goods, soups, snack foods, etc. And group similar items within each zone (all the canned pineapple in one cluster, canned peaches in another). The items in each zone (rice, couscous and pasta, or canned fruits and vegetables) tend to be interchangeable, so this way you’re working toward your goal: healthy meals. Each zone gets its own dedicated shelf or drawer. If your shelving doesn’t naturally separate the zones from each other, create separations. Shelf dividers, like the ones used for sweaters, work great ($7 for 2; Organize.com). Large items or jugs that you rarely use go in bottom corners.

Label.

If it makes sense for you, label the edges of your shelves with what goes there. You and the potentially confused people you live with are pretty likely to put cereal on the shelf labeled cereal.

Make it visible.

You want to be able to see everything and grab it with one hand. “Builders often design pantries with fixed shelves that are 1 to 2 feet apart,” says Barry Izsak, of the home organizing company Arranging It All in Austin, Texas. “If you use those shelves for cans or boxes of rice and soup mixes and so forth, there’s tons of wasted space, and tons that you can’t see.” For items that are hard to see or blocked by other items, consider these organizing helpers:

Bleachers: These cheap, functional little bleachers turn one shelf into three or four. Ideal for fixed shelves that are far apart. (Stainless Steel 3-Tier Expanding Shelf expands from 14" to 27 ¼" wide; $22 at The Container Store.)
Turntable: Nothing gets lost in the back if you can spin to find it. The OXO Softworks 11" and 16" turntables can hold a couple dozen cans each, and are also great for corraling bottles and jars ($11.99 and $16.99; OXO.com).
ShelfGenie: Want a truly customized kitchen? Consider ShelfGenie, the company that personal organizers have a crush on. A representative will come to your home, measure and install slide-out drawers and shelves throughout your cabinets and pantry, transforming deep cabinets into shallow, easy-to-access hubs ($500 and up; ShelfGenie.com).
Bins: Place them on deep shelves and pull them out drawer-style. Ideal for snack packs. The basic cloth bins from Target are great because they come in three different sizes ($39.99 for set of 3; Target.com).

Pantry or Not?

Bread: You may think it will last much longer in the refrigerator, but that will actually make it go stale faster, according to the Wheat Foods Council. The best way to store bread is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature.
Peanut butter: Some people like to leave peanut butter on the counter, a remnant of the fact that pantries a half-century ago were chilled. Yours should go in the fridge, along with all opened condiments (except oils).
Garlic, onions, potatoes: These should be kept in a basket or baskets—one for each kind of item—in the pantry, where it’s relatively cool and shielded from heat and light. Stored properly, they can last for up to 4 weeks.

Your time in the kitchen will be made much simpler by following these guidelines to keeping your food pantry organized. Finding the right tools – spice racks, stacking baskets, slide-out shelves, etc. – to help you organize your food pantry is a big help. Also, remember to clean your food pantry before you try to organize the food items within, and organize your pantry for you. Do what makes most sense for your food pantry: consider the type of food pantry you have; your food pantry’s size, shape and location; and what kinds of food and ingredients you use the most that will be stocked in your food pantry. Nothing in life is perfect, your food pantry included, but you can make your food pantry “perfect-ish,” at least for you. If your food is easily found, accessible, and organized in such a way that is perfect for you, you will appreciate and enjoy your food pantry so much more.

Donating Unwanted Clothing to the Right Local Charity

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:05:17 GMT

Cleaning the unwanted clothing out of your closet can be a hassle itself, but knowing what to do with the used,

Donating your unwanted clothing to a local charity will clean your closet and help others!

unwanted clothing after you have finished cleaning is another challenge.

After your closet has been de-cluttered and your unwanted clothing identified, it is time to pack up some boxes and donate the clothing to a local charity. Donating your clothing to a local charity or local organization, rather than simply tossing the clothing into a dumpster, will provide you will some altruistic satisfaction and an organized closet. The right local charity will make sure that your donated clothing is used to help support a good cause and help those in need.

After you make the decision to donate your unwanted clothing to a local charity to benefit those in your area, you must determine a cause worth donating for, such as supporting your local animal shelter, local veteren's association, or local homeless shelter. You should also know which local charity you want to donate your clothing to and how to donate your unwanted clothing to this specific local charity. The following article posted on ehow.com by contributing author Tim Burris will walk you through the steps of donating your unwanted clothing to a local charity.

There are many non-profit organizations that accept donations of food, clothing and household items either to directly provide to the needy, or to resell the items in order to benefit the less fortunate. Some organizations can be as small as a local church or community group, or much larger as is the case with national charitable organizations. As with donations of time, talent and money, if you have unwanted clothing that you would like to donate, you should take into consideration several factors before making a final decision.

Decide what charitable organization you would like to support.

Charities have different groups they benefit. Some organizations focus on impoverished areas or individuals. Others focus on workforce development for specific communities. Decide how you would like your donation to help.

Larger charities have a national reach.

Find out if your donation will stay local. Some charities, like those associated with your local church, support the community in which you live. Other larger organizations may spread out resources to other communities with a larger need. If you want your donation to benefit your own community, make sure the benefits will be received by your community.

Make sure the clothes are not damaged before donation.

Prepare your clothes for donation by making sure they are clean, undamaged and easy to transport. Put your unwanted clothes in a garbage bag for easy transportation.

Make sure your charity has a valid donation site.

Find out the location of the nearest donation site. Charities often have specific locations where they will accept donations. Some charities offer pick up at your home with advance notice, though these can be limited based on their resources.

Get a receipt and maybe you can get a tax deduction.

Find out if the charity you donate to can provide you with a receipt for tax purposes. You may be able to write off your donation on your tax return. Check with your tax adviser for specific details and limits on deductions.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure to catalog your donations in case you do not get a receipt. You may be able to claim a tax deduction anyway. Check with your tax adviser.
Make sure the charity is legitimate and has a good history, either nationally or in your community. There are fraudulent organizations.

Some local charities will pick up the boxes of clothing you are donating right from your doorstep, some local charities have drop-off boxes in designated locations that you can inquire about or locate online, and other local charities require you to bring the clothing you are donating to the organization’s physical location. Below are a few online charity directories that can be very helpful when you are making your decision to donate clothing, or other used items, to a specific local charity in Massachusetts. With these online charity directories, you are able to refine your search for a local charity by the area, charity name, or cause. Furthermore, you can view what types of clothing articles are accepted by a local charity, where the local charity is located, if the local charity offers pick-up services for your donate clothing, and how to go about donating clothing to the particular local charity.

Uscity.net provides a Massachusetts Charity Directory, enabling you to find a local charity in Massachusetts.
Donationdropoff.org has compiled a complete list of donation sites, donation centers, and donation drop-off bins in Massachusetts.
Charity-charities.org provides a Charity Vault where local charities in Massachusetts can be searched for by name, category, and city.

Answers to Your Bed Bug Questions

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 09:00:52 GMT

Having a bed bug problem in your home can be a traumatic event for a homeowner.

Finding beg bugs does not necessarily mean that you have poor hygiene. A beg bug infestation in

It is important to know everything about bed bugs, whether or not they've made your home theirs

your home can be ignited when you (unknowingly) purchase infested clothing at a retail store, stay in a hotel room with infested bed sheets, or when you bring your infested suitcase back with you from vacation. Before you understand how to treat a bed bug bite and prevent bed bugs from invading your home, it is important to be able to identify a bed bug, both by its appearance and by its bite. This article on Medinicenet.com will answer many of your questions about bed bugs and their origin, bed bug characteristics, symptoms of bed bug bites, bed bug extermination, and how to prevent future bed bug infestations in your home.

What are bed bugs? What do bed bugs look like?

Bed bugs are small, oval, non-flying insects that belong to the insect family Cimicidae, which includes three species that bite people. Adult bed bugs reach 5-7 mm in length, while nymphs (juveniles) are as small as 1.5 mm. Bed bugs have flat bodies and may sometimes be mistaken for ticks or small cockroaches. Bed bugs feed by removing blood from humans or animals. Adult bed bugs are reddish brown in color, appearing more reddish after feeding on a blood meal. Nymphs are clear in color and appear bright red after feeding. The wings of bed bugs are vestigial, so they cannot fly.

Where are bed bugs found?

Bed bugs were common in the U.S. before World War II and became rare after widespread use of the pesticide DDT began in the 1940s and 1950s. They remained prevalent in other areas of the world and, in recent years, have been increasingly observed again in the U.S. Increases in immigration and travel from the developing world as well as restrictions on the use of stronger pesticides may be factors that have led to the relatively recent increase in bed bug infestations. While bed bugs are often reported to be found when sanitation conditions are poor or when birds or mammals (particularly bats) are nesting on or near a home, bed bugs can also live and thrive in clean environments. Crowded living quarters also facilitate the spread of bed bugs.

Bed bugs can live in any area of the home and can reside in tiny cracks in furniture as well as on textiles and upholstered furniture. They tend to be most common in areas where people sleep and generally concentrate in beds, including mattresses, box springs, and bed frames. They do not infest the sleeping surfaces of beds as commonly as cracks and crevices associated with the bed frame and mattress. Other sites where bed bugs often reside include curtains, edges of carpet, corners inside dressers and other furniture, cracks in wallpaper (particularly near the bed), and inside the spaces of wicker furniture.

Since bed bugs can live for months without feeding, they can also be found in vacant homes.

What about bed bugs in hotels?

Many news reports in recent years have focused on the discovery of bed bugs in upscale hotels, and a number of lawsuits have been filed by guests in these fashionable hotels who awoke to find hundreds of bed bug bites covering their skin. Searching on TripAdvisor and other travel-review web sites regularly reveals information and even photos confirming the presence of bed bugs in numerous hotels.

Since the bed bugs can arrive on the clothing or in the suitcases of guests from infested homes or other hotels harboring the pests, hotels can be an easy target for bed bug infestations.

How are bed bugs spread?

Bed bugs live in any articles of furniture, clothing, or bedding, so they or their eggs may be present in used furniture or clothing. They spread by crawling and may contaminate multiple rooms in a home or even multiple dwellings in apartment buildings. They may also be present in boxes, suitcases, or other goods that are moved from residence to residence or from a hotel to home. Bed bugs can live on clothing from infested homes and may be spread by a person unknowingly wearing infested clothing.

What are the symptoms and signs of bed bug bites?

Bed bugs bite and remove blood from humans. Bed bugs are most active at night and bite any exposed areas of skin while an individual is sleeping. The face, neck, hands, and arms are common sites for bed bug bites. The bite itself is painless and is not noticed. Small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin are the most common sign; redness, swelling, and itching commonly occur. If scratched, the bite areas can become infected. A peculiarity of bed bug bites is the tendency to find several bites lined up in a row. Infectious disease specialists refer to this as the "breakfast, lunch, and dinner" sign signifying the sequential feeding that occurs from site to site.

Bed bug bites may go unnoticed or be mistaken for flea or mosquito bites or other types of rash or skin conditions, since they are difficult to distinguish from other bites. Bed bugs also have glands whose secretions may leave odors, and they also may leave dark fecal spots on bedsheets and around their hiding places (in crevices or protected areas around the bed or anywhere in the room).

Bed bugs have not been conclusively proven to carry infectious microbes. However, researchers have implicated bed bugs as possible vectors of American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease), and studies are ongoing to determine whether bed bugs may serve as disease carriers.a

What is the treatment for bed bug bites?

Typically, no treatment is required for bed bug bites. If itching is severe, steroid creams or oral antihistamines may be used for symptom relief. Secondary bacterial infections that develop over heavily scratched areas may require the use of antibiotics.

How do I detect a bed bug infestation in my home?

You can look to see if you can identify the fecal stains, egg cases, and exuviae (shed skins) in crevices and cracks on or near beds. You should also look at other areas such as under wallpaper, behind picture frames, in couches and other furniture, in bedsprings and under mattresses, and even in articles of clothing. While fecal stains and skin casts suggest that bed bugs have been present, these do not confirm that the infestation is still active. Observing the bed bugs themselves is definitive confirmation that an area is infested. You may require professional assistance from a pest-control company in determining whether your home contains bed bugs.

How do I get rid of bed bugs in the home?

Getting rid of bed bugs is not an easy process, and most cases of bed bug infestation will require treatment by a pest-control expert. A variety of low-odor sprays, dusts, and aerosol insecticides can be used to eradicate bed bugs. These must be applied to all areas where the bugs are observed as well as spaces where they may crawl or hide. The pest-control company can help you determine if the mattress can be disinfected or must be discarded. Since beds cannot readily be treated with insecticides, it's often necessary to discard infested mattresses and beds.

The pest-control expert may recommend certain forms of deep-cleaning such as scrubbing infested surfaces with a stiff brush to remove eggs, dismantling bed frames and furniture, filling cracks in floors, walls, and moldings, encasing mattresses within special bags, or using a powerful vacuum on cracks and crevices.

What about prevention of bed bug bites?

Avoidance of infested areas is the method for prevention of bed bug bites. Recognition of bed bug infestation and proper treatment of affected rooms (usually with the help of a pest-control specialist) is the best way to prevent bed bugs in the home. Those concerned about the potential for bed bugs bites in hotels should examine hotel beds and mattresses for signs of a bed bug infestation. Sealing your mattress in a bed bug prevention casing can be beneficial.

Bed Bugs At A Glance

Bed bugs are small, oval, non-flying insects that feed by sucking blood from humans or animals.
Bed bugs can live in any area of the home and can reside in tiny cracks in furniture as well as on textiles and upholstered furniture. They tend to be most common in areas where people sleep and generally concentrate in beds, including mattresses, boxsprings, and bed frames.
Bed bugs are most active at night and bite any exposed areas of skin while an individual is sleeping. The face, neck, hands, and arms are common sites for bed bug bites.
A bed bug bite is painless and is not noticed. Small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin are the most common sign; redness, swelling, and itching commonly occur.
Typically, no treatment is required for bed bug bites. If itching is severe, steroid creams or oral antihistamines may be used for symptom relief.
Fecal stains, egg cases, and exuviae (shed skins) of bed bugs in crevices and cracks on or near beds are suggestive that bed bugs may be present, but only observing the bugs themselves can confirm an active infestation.
A professional pest-control company may be required to help identify and remove bed bugs from the home.

Bed bugs have been an increasingly evident problem in U.S. homes and they have caused many homeowners extraordinary grief. Finding the answers to your bed bug questions is the first step to preventing a bed bug infestation or recovering from a bed bug infestation in your home. Once you have successfully identified bed bug bites and a bed bug infestation in your home, it is critical that you know how to receive treatment for the bed bug bites and how to go about ridding your home of bed bugs.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips for a Greener Laundry Day

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:54:03 GMT

Laundry probably isn’t your favorite thing to do around the house, but there are some eco-friendly ways to go about doing your laundry so that you can at least feel a little bit better about laundry days. There are some great

Get your already green laundry greener by following simple eco-friendly laundry tips.

eco-friendly laundry tips available that will help you save water and save energy when doing the laundry, and there are eco-friendly laundry detergents in the market that allow you to take a more eco-friendly approach to doing your laundry. Sometimes you just need to make yourself more aware of the eco-friendly laundry options and products that are out there.

The following article, written by Maryruth Belsey Priebe on ecolife, offers some simple yet wonderful eco-friendly laundry tips so that your laundry days are a little greener and a little more rewarding.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

Getting your laundry washed may be far from clean, especially if you use unnatural laundry detergents and inefficient appliances. And as a domestic chore you engage in weekly (sometimes daily!), it can have a big impact on your overall environmental footprint. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to develop an eco laundry routine.

Using water-saving and energy-efficient laundry appliances

Eco-friendly laundry habits begin with efficient washing machines and dryers that minimize the use of water and energy and reduce the need for detergents and fabric softeners. So the next time you’re in the market for a new laundry appliance, follow these tips for choosing the most eco-friendly options:

Choose the most efficient laundry appliances: ENERGY STAR qualifies washing machines so look for their logo on any new washer, but they do not qualify dryers. Nevertheless, there are definitely differences in efficiency. ConsumerReports GreenerChoices has Green Ratings for Washings/Dryers which should give you some idea of what’s best. Washing machines should be replaced when they’re 10 years old. A good pair of laundry appliances can save you 70% in energy consumption!(1)
Choose a front-loading washing machine: A typical washing machine will use up to 40 gallons of water for a single load of laundry! A front-loading washing machine will use 50% less energy and 40% less water than a top-loading washer.(2)
Eco-features: When shopping for a new washer, look for one that has a high-speed spin cycle to get the most water out of a load before drying. Also be sure to choose a model that allows you to control the water level and temperature. A new dryer should come with features like a moisture-sensor (allowing it to shut off automatically once clothes are dry) and perma-press cycle (for cooling the air down during the final stages of the laundry). In addition, compare the EnergyGuide ratings to be sure you purchase the most efficient model.
Solar hot water heater: If you’re considering renewable energy, check out solar hot water heaters which produce hot water without conventional energy. They have the fastest payback period of any renewable energy system and will provide hot water for laundry, dishwashing, showers, pools, hot tubs, and more.

Greener washing techniques

With a good washing machine, you’re already on the right track to developing a more eco-friendly laundry practice. But whether you’re working with a state-of-the-art washer or are grappling with an older washing machine, there are things you can do to minimize the environmental impact of the wash-up portion of your habits:

Full loads: When washing, be sure to run the machines only when full. This helps to maintain maximum efficiency since the amount of energy used to wash a load of laundry varies little depending on the total amount of laundry in the machine.
Multiple wears: You can often wear a pair of jeans or T-shirt two or even three times before it needs washing. Doing so can reduce your energy consumption for laundry by five times!(3) To don’t throw it into the washing machine unless its stained or smelly.
Cold water: Between 80% and 90% of the energy consumed to wash a load of laundry goes to heating the water. When you wash in cold water,(4) you’re effectively reducing your energy consumption by 80% to 90%.
All natural laundry detergents and fabric softeners: The chemicals you use to get your laundry clean is equally important to the energy you consume. Look for eco laundry detergents and natural fabric softeners to minimize the toxins you’re putting into the environment or make your own fabric softeners or eco detergents.
Minimize detergent use: By using too much detergent, your washer will be weighted down by bubbles,(5) making it run less efficiently, so use only enough detergent as is necessary.
Spin speed: If you live in a humid climate where it takes a long time for things to dry (either on the line or in the dryer), use the highest possible spin speed on your washing machine to squeeze as much moisture as possible out of the laundry before drying. If, however, you live in a dry climate and are hanging our laundry to dry indoors (which will reduce your need for a humidifier), this tip can be ignored!

Drying with the planet in mind

Getting your laundry dry after an eco-friendly wash cycle is easier than you might think, and could reap hefty energy and financial savings if you follow these tips:

Back-to-back loads: Choose one day as laundry day and do back-to-back loads of laundry in both the washer and the dryer. This will help to retain any heat used for the loads, reducing the total energy you use.
Clean lint trap: Your lint trap allows air to circulate through your dryer, and the more it’s clogged, the less efficient it is. It is therefore very important to clean out your lint trap before every load you put into the dryer, especially after drying towels and sheets (which give off a lot of lint).
Clear outside vent: Your dryer should be properly vented to the outside to ensure efficiency, but be sure that this vent is also free of debris and lint to improve circulation.
Air dry: ENERGY STAR does not qualify dryers, so one of the only ways to decrease the energy you consume to dry your laundry is to air dry as much as possible.
Separate fabric types: Since it takes more time for heavy fabrics to dry, separate these into a separate load from the lightweight items.
Auto, not timed: If your dryer is equipped with a moisture sensor and an automatic drying cycle, use that instead of a timed dry cycle as this will ensure only as much energy as is absolutely required is used to complete the cycle. A time dry cycle, on the other hand, will keep on heating your laundry even after it’s completely dry.
Use partial cycles: If you’re worried about fabric stiffness, try putting your laundry in the dryer for 5 minutes to quickly fluff the clothes, and then line dry the load to complete the process. This way you’ll lose less energy but won’t feel like you’re wearing starched jeans or washing with scratchy towels.

Many people ask and search for good eco-friendly laundry tips, and with good reason. It doesn't take long before the loads of laundry start piling up – especially if you have more than one person living at the home! Following a more eco-friendly laundry process can not only save you money, but allow you to help the environment and live more naturally and healthy. Get your checklist out for the most eco-friendly laundry loads, and start making some greener laundry decisions!

Creative Ways to Organize Your Child’s Playroom

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:48:28 GMT

Use creative strategies to organize your child's playroom and keep it organized!

Organizing your child’s playroom can become a tedious, and sometime endless, project that results in a constantly messy playroom. Although your good intentions lie with the child's enjoyment of the playroom, you may be going about organizing the playroom the wrong way. By looking at the playroom, and the organization of the playroom, from your child's perspective, you may find that your system for organizing is neither practical nor functional. The toys and other objects in the playroom should be labeled for simple identification, and in a way that makes it easy for your child to put toys away. Your child should also not have a problem finding the designated area or zone in the playroom where a particular toy belongs.

Rather than constantly cleaning and organizing your child's playroom with no sense of strategy or system, find a creative way to organize your child's playroom that allows your child to have more fun playing with the toys they enjoy the most and less time cleaning up after the mess. Remember that your intention when organizing your child's playroom should be to make the toys accessible to your child, not to hide the toys. If your child knows where everything belongs, they are more likely to place each toy in the proper place. This article on Organizing Playroom Spaces Using 4 Zones offers a wonderfully creative organizing strategy for a child's playroom, one that incorporates the creation of different playroom zones for different activities and related toys.

Toy Zone

This is where all the toys live, including board games, interactive toys, puzzles, stuffed animals, doll houses, etc. For this zone, consider:

Toy chests -- These are actually more efficient for bigger toys. Small toys get lost in the pile and when you do finally find that superhero, he’s usually missing an arm! I suggest filling toy chests with big toys such as balls, blocks, skates, trucks, etc. Another option is to place accessible containers inside for smaller toys. For example, maybe you can a few smaller plastic boxes inside. If the playroom is being used by more than one child, make sure you label the boxes either by person, or by items stored inside.
Toy nets -- These are ideal for storing soft and light toys such as stuffed animals, dolls, and balls. They lift the mess off the ground, giving your children more floor space. The same concept can also be used with a hammock.
Shelves -- Shelves are ideal for storing smaller toys or toys that could be broken easily. Just make sure that the shelves are clearly labeled for person or item. Shelves could come in the form of bookcases, cubbies, or even lockers. Just make sure that the toys—especially the high-demand toys—are within reach. Use the upper shelves for toys that aren’t used as much.
Plastic bins -- These are wonderful, particularly when they are clear and labeled well. For example, you could have a Barbie bin that includes a separate container for all the dolls, all the clothes, and all the accessories. Depending on the size of the bins, you could stack these on the shelves, or line them up against the wall.

Arts and Crafts Zone

This is where your children can stretch their creativity! Because kids usually like to work with lots of art supplies at a time, a round table works nicely. There are different options for keeping the supplies together, but the key is to keep them together.

Rolling cart -- A rolling cart with integrated organizers is fantastic! This can be stored against the wall when not in use. It is nice because the kids can grab the supplies they need for a particular project without making a mess.
Craft caddies -- Another option is to have separate craft caddies. (Bathroom or cleaning supply caddies work well too.) One caddy could include crayons and colored pencils, one could include scissors and glue, one could include paints, etc. Label accordingly.
Plastic boxes -- Shoe-size boxes are another very practical alternative. These can be stacked nicely on book shelves. The trick to making these useful is to keep separate boxes for separate tools (as described above in craft caddies.) If all the supplies are just tossed into the box, it will make finding the midnight blue crayon all that much harder! Label the outside so the contents can be easily identified.
See-through plastic shoe bags -- These can hang on a wall or the back of a door. They include several individual slots that are just the perfect size for small supplies. Label each slot so the supplies get placed back into its proper home.

Reading/Schoolwork Zone

This is where your children can get lost in a wonderful fairytale—or buckle down to do some homework. The following items make this zone a comfortable area:

Desk -- You want a desk that isn’t too big, but is big enough for your children to grow into. For example, they may not be ready for a computer yet, but when they are, you’ll want plenty of desktop space available to accommodate.
Comfy chair -- If the desk chair isn’t comfortable, it most likely won’t be used!
Bean bag -- While a chair is nice for the desk, a big bean bag is great for reading books.
Bookshelves -- What reading zone is complete without bookshelves?
Supplies -- Make sure that the desk is supplied with the necessary school supplies—pencils, rulers, calculators, etc.

TV/Electronic Game Zone

You may or may not choose to have a TV in the playroom, but if you do, you can stock it with educational DVDs and electronic games.

DVD and video game organizers -- These are essential to protect DVDs and games. Place them in alphabetical order to easily locate them.
Bean bag -- This is another location where a big, squishy bean bag comes in handy.

When sorting through your child’s toys in the playroom, decide which toys are worthy of being repaired and which should be tossed out, given away to other children in your family or circle of friends, or donated to less fortunate children in your area. Make sure your child’s favorite toys that get the most use are in an easily accessible area in the playroom, while valuable items are kept in an out-of-reach area in the playroom. To do this right, be sure to involve your child in the organization of their playroom. You will be able to implement a creative strategy to organize your child's playroom, and keep it organized, by finding out what your child doesn't like about their playroom and what toys and activities they enjoy the most. You may also find it beneficial to rotate toys in and out of the playroom, giving your child a few toys at a time, so that they will not become bored with, but instead be surprised by, their old toys.

Tips on How to Get Kids to Clean Their Rooms

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:40:41 GMT

Every parent knows that kids can create a lot of mess, and their rooms can be a disaster area! Teaching your kids to clean is an important life skill, and a great place to start is their own rooms. While no kid wants to clean, there are ways that you can make cleaning fun and easy for them so they are able to get into the habit of picking up after themselves. A great guide from Kaboose.com by Leigh Felesky goes over what you can do to help your kids learn to clean their room.

Get your kids to clean up their rooms with a few easy cleaning tips from The Maids.

Bed made. Clothes and toys put away. Books and papers in order. Every day, right? Not likely. Getting children to clean often comes with nagging and frustration. But with some careful planning, achieving a clean bedroom and home can be made easier.

Make it easy.

Parenting coach Barbara Desmarais, from Life and Parent Coaching in Vancouver, suggests parents use specific “action” questions and directions. For example, instead of “Go clean your room,” say, “Do you want to pick up the stuffed animals or the train? The big things or the little things? The clothes or the books?” This creates a productive team between the parent and child, and breaks the cleaning into manageable tasks so that the child knows exactly where to start and how to get it done.

Use a good storage and labeling system so children know where things are put away and where to find them, says Desmarais. For younger children, organize items similar to a pre-school room with different kinds of toys in different colored labeled bins. Home specialist Sandra Phillips, based in Whittier, California, suggests using wall space for storage as much as possible, including shelves and hooks, especially in bedrooms.

Go for kid-size.

As the mother of eight (now grown-up) children, Phillips was always frustrated by the fact that cleaning equipment isn’t kid-size. She suggests sawing off handles of brooms and mops to make them shorter. For older kids, make sure all the cleaning supplies are in one place and kept in easy-to-pour containers with clear instructions. Of course, younger children need to be monitored around or kept away from cleaning agents.

Phillips and her partner even invented the Klean-GuRoo, which appeared on ABC’s American Inventor television show in spring 2006. It’s a child-size, cart on wheels with all the tools needed to clean every room in the home.

Reduce clutter.

Living clutter-free isn’t always as simple as it sounds – for good reason. Fifty thousand new products were developed last year, explains Phillips, and there are 17 different kinds of toothpaste at the drug store. “It’s hard to be selective and we often overbuy. The result is excess that’s in, on or around us,” she explains. Extra stuff complicates our cleaning and makes kids discouraged. It causes problems because we lose things and get frustrated, and it can be the source of family fights.

To help, Phillips suggests that we “SOS” or “simplify our surroundings.” If you’re a clutter collector, ask yourself, “Is this item enhancing my life?” If the answer is, “No,” then give the item away to charity or toss it in the trash can. For other ideas, see our article, Get organized! Ten expert ideas to improve your family time.

Stay positive.

It’s crucial to encourage family fun, even when it comes to cleaning. And remember, the parents’ attitude, particularly the mother’s, drives the household pace, says Phillips. “Ask any of my eight grown children and they’ll all say that the work they did together as a family was as fun as the play – or at least they had better say that,” she laughs. “Keep in mind I had eight tries to get it right.”

Getting it right for Phillips meant that the children generally didn’t clean solo nor were they told they had to clean before they could play. Instead, she tried to make cleaning part of the play. Phillips calls it “home improvement” and a typical session would go like this: First, she told everyone ahead of time when they’re going to do home improvement. Then, she made the incentives family orientated, for example, serving a special bacon-and-egg muffin breakfast before tackling the chores. Phillips notes that there wasn’t always a reward and if there was one, it wasn’t always food. The real reward is being with the family and accomplishing something. “Children find out that good things happen when we all work together.” Phillips also encourages consistency and setting expectations that you can meet every time.

Create a game.

If games and rewards work best in your family, you may want to try role play or theme-based games. This may not work for the long haul but it can help to lay down good cleaning principles, get everyone involved and enjoying themselves. If your little ones are into trains, it’s time to clean the station. For the animal lovers, be the zoo keeper. Whatever pretend scenario you create, keep the motto that cleaning is a part of staying healthy and happy, and necessary in everyday life, whether it’s pretend or real.

For a little older kids you might want to try theme-related cleaning games. In the clean-up area, for example, hide a set number of candies, dinosaurs, or seasonal cut-outs (such as paper Easter eggs or pumpkins). Make sure they find them all and clean as they go

Take 15 minutes.

For some families, a short, 15-minute clean-up schedule works best. Clearly outline tasks on a paper list or card for every child. For task ideas, check out the House cleaning planner. Make the fifteen minutes fun by playing upbeat, workout-type music and have a clock or timer that counts down. Give warnings at ten minutes and five minutes. If your clock has hands, you can post motivational messages beside the numbers as the clock ticks down. To save time, you will want to make sure everyone has the required cleaning tools before you start.

For further rewards, you can give a sticker for those who finish their tasks to perfection in the allotted time. When the child gets a certain number of stickers she gets to pick the family activity – for example, what movie to watch or where to go for dinner.

Be a role model.

You can’t, of course, expect your child’s room to be cleaner than the rest of the house.

“Some people put a lot of energy into a spotless house, often at the expense of something else, while others don’t place it as a high priority,” notes Desmarais. Consider how important cleaning and organization are to you, and how you want to convey this to your children. Then, act accordingly and consistently.

This guide is from Kaboose.com , please visit them for more great guides!

How to Destroy the Ultimate Stink: Cat Urine!

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:36:15 GMT

There are a lot of cat lovers in the world, and cats are great furry companions. They can be playful, affectionate, and a lot of fun, but they are not without their own unique messes. It is true that one of the worst smells in the world is cat urine. And to make it worse, cats are more likely to pee on the same spot they did before unless all trace of that distinct smell is gone. So you can see that very important that that stain and smell are cleaned up quickly and effectively. Here is a great article from eHow.com by Ida Tolen about seven easy steps to clean up cat urine and get rid of that horrible smell!

Nobody wants cat urine to stink up their home; learn how to get rid of that smell!

Cat urine has an extremely powerful, persistent and unpleasant odor. When cats urinate on carpets or rugs, it can be very difficult to remove that offensive cat urine smell. You need to remove the odor and urine stain completely because cats will usually urinate in the same spot again. You can use a commercial cat odor and stain remover to clean your carpet or make your own effective homemade cleaning solutions that will get rid of cat urine smell.

Things You'll Need:

Black light
Paper towels or old towels
Plastic bowls
Water
Distilled white vinegar
Baking soda
Gloves
Soft bristle brush
Liquid dish washing detergent
3 percent hydrogen peroxide
Wet or dry vacuum

Instructions:

Locate the cat urine stain and smell before cleaning the affected areas. It is easy to spot fresh urine stains, especially on carpets, but it might be difficult when the urine dries. For dried urine, use a black light to find these stains. You can buy a black light online.
Remove a fresh stain as quickly as possible. For carpeted areas, place some paper towels over the urine and press down with your feet to absorb the urine. Do not rub the stain because it will only make the stain larger. Repeat the process of blotting the urine with towels to absorb it.
Combine equal parts solution of water and vinegar in a bowl. Pour a sufficient amount of the mixture onto the carpet and allow it to penetrate the carpet fibers. Use paper towels to absorb the excess mixture. Alternatively, you can utilize a wet vacuum for this. Allow the affected carpet area to dry completely.
Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the carpet area. Mix a half cup of hydrogen peroxide with 2 tsps. of liquid detergent in a bowl. Pour this solution over the affected area. Let the mixture dissolve in the baking soda.
Take the scrub brush and work the mixture into the stain. Wear the gloves while scrubbing the area.
Allow the area to dry thoroughly before removing any dried baking soda and mixture with a vacuum.

Get rid of cat urine smell on a mattress by using the same homemade solutions. Remove the mattress from the bed and repeat Steps 2 to 5, then use a hand vacuum to remove any remaining baking soda. Be sure that the mattress dries completely before placing it back on the bed.

Top 10 Ways to Clean Your Home and be Eco-Friendly

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:32:28 GMT

One of the best things you can do to keep both your family and the environment healthy is to try to clean in an eco-friendly way. Using fewer toxic chemicals and trying natural substitutions will remove some hazards from your home and help the earth. It might seem difficult to change to eco-friendly cleaning, but it actually is a lot easier (and cheaper) than you would expect. A great article from Care2.com goes over ten easy, eco-friendly ways to clean your home.

Environmentally friendly cleaning starts with a few easy cleaning tips.

Choosing environmentally friendly cleaning products — and removing toxic ones — goes a long way towards ensuring a home with fresh, clean air. Clean air renews and rejuvenates; it doesn’t pollute our lives or the environment. Living in a less toxic home, removed from neurotoxic chemicals, improves sleep and concentration, makes babies less fussy, and gives a sense of well-being. Your household’s toxic burden on the environment will be significantly reduced by following these steps, and this too can bring peace of mind.

1. LOOK UNDER YOUR KITCHEN SINK: Remove toxic products

WHY: Almost everyone in the world has a cupboard full of poisons under their kitchen sink. Wasp spray, oven cleaner, waxes and polishes—the place is full of chemicals that display the words poison, danger, warning, or caution. Small amounts of the poisons drift from, and leak out of bottles and spray bottles, which then waft around the kitchen. Household poisonings are one of the highest threats to the health of children.

HOW: Place products with signal words in a locked cupboard in storage for your community’s next Household Hazardous Pickup Day (see next tip); replace all hazardous products with safer versions in the future.

HIGHLIGHTS: No chemicals wafting into your household; safer environment for kids.

2. ABOUT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PICKUPS: Take toxic products

WHY: Hazardous materials shouldn’t be poured down the drain or thrown away in the trash as they can cause serious pollution problems in the waste stream.

HOW: Call your local recycling center, town or city hall. Most communities have at least one Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Day a year.

HIGHLIGHTS: There will be fewer toxic materials leaching out of landfills, burning in incinerators, and being washed into the waste water stream.

3. REPLACE TOXIC PRODUCTS: Choose non-toxic, biodegradable substitutes

WHY: Help reduce the toxic burden of manufacturing, your home, and the waste stream.

HOW: Read “Signal Words” on labels. The signal words poison, danger,warning, or caution, found on the label of products such as pesticides and cleaning products, are placed there by order of the federal government and are primarily for your production. In some cases these signal words are on the label because of the potential impact the product can have on the environment. Poison/danger denotes a product of most concern, one that is highly toxic, and ingesting small amounts—in some cases a few drops—can be fatal. Warning means moderately toxic, as little as a teaspoonful can be fatal; and caution denotes a product that is less toxic, one in which it would be necessary to ingest between two tablespoons and two cups to be fatal. Corrosive products can damage skin and mucous membranes, and a strong sensitizer is a chemical that can increase allergies.

HIGHLIGHTS: Labels provide information by which you can protect yourself, your family, and the environment.

4. LEARN NON-TOXIC CLEANING BASICS: How to use kitchen cupboard ingredients

WHY: Save money, protect your health, reduce your use of valuable resources of the earth, avoid petroleum products and other non-renewable resources.

HOW: Learning to clean from scratch—making homemade recipes—can truly work if you take time to understand a bit about the chemistry behind how the materials work. Make sure to keep all homemade formulas well-labeled, and out of the reach of children. Note how to safely reduce four airborne allergens in the home with these simple steps.

HIGHLIGHTS: Establish a safe, cheap and simple lifestyle.

5. OF MOPS, SPONGES, RAGS, AND OTHER ACCESSORIES: Natural, reusable

WHY: Reduce your use of non-renewable resources; avoid products with potentially harmful ingredients such as sponges with antibacterial ingredients; reuse old shirts as rags and more. Use cloth rags instead of paper towels to save trees. Save money!

HOW: Look at your purchase of mops, paper towels, sponges, buckets, vacuums, and more with an eye towards their durability, health and environmental impact. If you must use paper towels buy recycled, unbleached paper.

HIGHLIGHTS: Reusable mops, rags instead of paper, safe sponges, HEPA vacuums all work towards providing your home and environment with fresh, clean air, and reduce your consumption of nonrenewable resources.

6. LEARN ABOUT YOUR WATER: Is it hard or soft?

WHY: With hard water you will most likely need to clean with a detergent instead of a soap to avoid soap scum.

HIGHLIGHTS: Choosing the right product for the right job reduces time and resources.

7. DISINFECTANTS? CHLORINE BLEACH? Look for alternatives

WHY: Just as antibiotics are causing drug resistance, so too are disinfectants. Chlorine bleach can cause cancer causing chemicals to form in the waste water stream.

HOW: Make a safer antibacterial spray. Visit your natural food store and ask for their recommended chlorine beach alternative. Seventh Generation and other brands offer alternatives that work.

HIGHLIGHTS: A healthier home and healthier environment.

8. CONSERVE WATER

WHY: Clean water is one of our most precious and diminishing resources and we don’t want to waste it.

HOW: Don’t run the water unless you are using it or catching it in a bucket for use; sweep instead of wet mop when possible; put a tracking matt at the door to collect mud and dust so you will need to wash the floor less; etc. Use common sense.

HIGHLIGHTS: Do your part to preserve the earth’s precious resources.

9. CLEAN INDOOR AIR WITH PLANTS

WHY: Plants have been found to reduce indoor air pollution!

HIGHLIGHTS: Plants clean the air and provide more oxygen too!

10. USE YOUR SENSES: Smell, feel, hear

WHY: If you use your nose you will know when food is rotten, when dog beds need to be cleaned, when toxic chemicals may be leaking from old product bottles, and more. If you use your sense of touch you will know when doorknobs are sticky, the floor needs washing, etc. If you allow your senses to be your guide you will stay on top of cleaning jobs that need to be attended to.

HOW: Listen to what your senses are telling you.

HIGHLIGHTS: Cleaner indoor air, alert to potential toxic exposures.

This article is from Care2.com , please visit them for more information about how to live an eco-friendly way! New Paragraph

Why is it so Important to Clean the Carpet?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:24:57 GMT

Carpets are great for keeping you feet warm and adding extra color to a room. But as everyone knows, they can collect dust and allergens if not cleaned properly and regularly. It is also important to remember that it isn't just the carpet that you can see that is collecting dust, you also have to clean under furniture and in corners. Keeping your carpet clean will help you house not only look and smell better, but also make it a healthier place. A great article by The Carpet and Rug Institute from HouseKeepingChannel.com goes over more reasons why you should keep your carpets clean and how to do so.

It's important to clean your carpet; your carpet may be more dirty than you think!

Have you ever noticed that only a few days after cleaning, you can see dust everywhere, settled on glass tabletops and the like? Dust happens. Household dust carries bacteria, dander, mold spores, germs, and pollen. To add to the flurry of grime, your family, friends, pets — and even that open window — bring in fresh dirt all the time. A lot of it is settling on your carpet.

Between longer work days, time-consuming commutes and kids’ activities that keep the calendar full, who has time to worry about cleaning the carpet? Today, we’re spending less time on household tasks, yet we still expect excellent results. Fortunately, carpet cleaning products, methods, and equipment are improving all the time. Cleaning carpet may seem like more of a chore than dusting a coffee table, but properly cleaning and maintaining your carpet makes all the difference in the world.

Preserve the life and beauty of your carpet

With their rich colors, textures, and intricate weaves, carpet and rugs can transform any room into a home. But like most textiles, the beauty and life of your carpet depends on the care it receives.

Did you know that independent testing by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) has shown that many cleaning detergents and spot removers work no better than water? And, some leave a sticky residue that can cause the carpet to get dirty again faster than you can say, “Vacuum.” Even worse, some cleaning agents can actually damage carpet! Plus there is a significant difference in cleaning performances of the world’s many vacuums, commercial extractors, and professional carpet cleaning services. Abolishing poor-quality products and services in favor of proper cleaning will significantly lengthen the days of your carpet and preserve its appearance. Thankfully, the CRI Seal of Approval (SOA) program takes the guesswork out of selecting which products to use.

Improve your indoor air quality

Do you have allergies? Believe it or not, you can keep your carpet. Studies have shown that carpet is often better at trapping allergens than hard flooring such as tile or hardwood. How can this be? Particles and allergens fall to the floor (out of the breathing zone) and onto the carpet. The fibers of the carpet trap allergens and particles, reducing their continued circulation in the air. Proper cleaning with a CRI-approved vacuum effectively sucks up the dust in the carpet, locks it in the machine, and keeps it out of the air.

Allergic to carpet itself? Not likely. Most of today’s carpet is made from plastic fibers, which most people are not allergic to. Of course, if you have wool carpet and are allergic to wool, you might have a problem. In that case, you would remove the wool carpet and not buy a new one, just as you wouldn’t buy wool sweaters. And, if you are an allergy sufferer who wonders about carpet and mold, don’t worry. It’s difficult to grow mold on carpet. When carpet is kept clean and dry, mold simply cannot grow.

Clean + Dry = No Mold

Avoid premature replacement costs and disposal in landfills

Let’s talk about the cost/value of keeping and maintaining carpet for its full lifecycle. Proper cleaning helps protect your carpet investment and safeguards you from having to replace it before its time — great news because it also keeps carpet out of the local dump.

Keeping post-consumer carpet out of landfills is an environmental goal benefiting us all. With more than 300 million Americans — and that number keeps growing! — household waste is an environmental concern. Most school children today have learned the new “three Rs,” which stand for reduce, reuse, and recycle. If spending a little extra effort and, yes, money, on your floor covering helps meet this environmental goal, you may agree it’s worth it.

But maintaining your carpet also protects your pocketbook in the long run. Just how long should a well-cared-for carpet last? It’s hard to say. Believe it or not, there are cases out there of 100-plus-year-old Oriental rugs still in use. But generally speaking, 10 years is given as a guideline for quality carpets that are well-maintained (12.4 years according to DuPont studies). Use manufacturers’ warranties as a guide to how long you can anticipate a particular carpet to last. And look at those warranties carefully — large carpet manufacturers are tying their new carpet warranties to proper cleaning and maintenance with CRI Seal of Approval products.

This information is from HouseKeepingChannel.com , please visit their site for more house cleaning tips!

How to Keep Your Home Fresh During Winter

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:16:09 GMT

Keep your home fresh in the winter with these seasonal cleaning tips.

Winter is almost here, and getting your house ready for the holidays can be a lot of work. But beyond cleaning and de-cluttering, there is something else that most people forget: the quality of the air in your home. A great smelling home is much more welcoming and easy to live in then one whose air is stale and musty. Making sure the air in your house is fresh and free of allergens like dust and mildew will make your family (and your visitors) much happier and healthier! Here is some great tips from eHow.com about how to keep your home smelling fresh thoughout the winter.

Winter time means long days and nights of tightly closed windows and doors. It can mean drapes are pulled shut to keep out the cold and dry air inside from constant fires and furnaces. Being stuck in the dead of winter does not mean that you must suffer with stale stagnant air. Follow these tips to keep your home fresh during the winter.

MOISTURIZE - One of the most uncomfortable feelings, for me, during winter is the harsh dry electrified air. With heaters or a fire going at all times to keep warm, moisture is literally sucked from the air. Getting a small decorative water fountain for your home will not only be soothing, but will restore moisture to the air. Another simple remedy for parched air is to leave the water in your bathtub overnight after your evening soak.
CLEANSE THE AIR - A fantastic way to keep your home fresh during winter is to get an air purifier. This will combat some of dust that has been accumulating, as well as circulate the air. If your winters are mild, or you are experiencing a rare warm front, even opening your windows for a five or ten minutes will help ease your dust burden.
COMMERCIAL FRESHENERS - There are numerous products out there that can be sprayed around your house in the air and on your upholstery that will help you keep your house fresh. Febreze and Oust are two common and popular brands. Give them a whiff the next time you are at the grocery store and see if they will work for you.
HOMEMADE FRESHNESS - There are numerous methods to creating a fresh feeling in your house and one of my favorites is to bake! Baking bread can bring a welcoming familiar freshness to your house. If you don't feel like baking, try simmering some apple cider and cinnamon sticks on your stove, or keep them in a crock pot on low all day. Not only will that bring a lovely scent into your home, it can help add moisture as well.
TACKLE THE MESS - Short days and long nights can seem to zap the energy out of you, specifically your energy and motivation to clean. Try to fight this urge to zone out and clean your home. Even simply tackling one room a day will help keep dust and stale air from sticking around.
FRESHEN YOUR CARPETS - Winter weather can mean all sorts of dirt and debris gets tracked into your house. Next time you vacuum sprinkle some baking soda over the carpet 10 minutes or so before you start. This will help absorb any yucky odors from pets or people that may be lingering.
HOUSE PLANTS - House plants are not only attractive, but they give off oxygen for us to breathe! Imagine - your own personal source of breathable air! What better to keep your fresh house in winter than a house plant to supply oxygen and brighten your mood.

This article is from eHow.com , visit their site for more great articles!

Ways to Reduce Airborne Allergens

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:13:53 GMT

Winter is almost here, meaning the the windows will close and the air in your house will not circulate as much. If you have people in your home who suffer from allergies, that can make this time of year very tough. Common house allergens such as dust mites, mold, and pet dander can build up in your air, making your house stuffy and unpleasant. While most of us think about cleaning our house for the holidays, it is just as important to keep the air clean and allergy free. A great article by Cleanairplus.com goes over ways to reduce allergens in your home.

Dust Mites are a Common Allergen

Reducing Common Home Allergens

For those that suffer from allergies, indoor environments often bring their own risk of respiratory symptoms. Common triggers, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold, can cause as assortment of allergic symptoms. Respiratory problems, allergic rhinitis, and asthma are only a few of the health risks associated with indoor irritants and allergens. Fortunately, taking a few simple steps can significantly reduce your exposure to these three indoor allergens.

Before taking any of the steps below, it is important to consult an allergist or other medical professional about your allergic symptoms. Allergy testing may determine the triggers for your symptoms, and may spare you the time and expense associated with attempting to figure them out without professional guidance.

Dust Mites:

Dust is present even in clean homes, and dust mites are a common trigger for allergic reactions. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that live and multiply in warm, humid places. They do not bite or spread disease, but instead feed on particles of dander and dead skin. Studies have shown that nearly half of all young people that suffer from asthma are allergic to dust mites.

To reduce or eliminate dust mites from your home, dust often and vacuum your entire house each week using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Wash your bedding every week in hot water, and clean your draperies at least once each month. Stuffed toys that no one plays with should be stored in plastic or removed from your home. Stuffed animals that your children still use should be washed weekly. Stuffed toys can also be placed in the freezer overnight to kill any dust mites that have collected on them.

Additional steps to take include the use of allergen sprays, wrapping pillows and mattresses in vinyl covers, and using bedding products specifically designed to reduce the number of dust mites in your home.

Mold:

Any home can develop a mold problem under the right circumstances, and this allergen is often present even when it is not visible. Molds require moisture to grow, and spread by producing airborne spores that grow in house dust. Mold causes allergic symptoms in susceptible people when it is inhaled.

To reduce the risk of mold growth in your home, provide adequate ventilation and vent sources of steam from your kitchen and bathroom. Use a dehumidifier if the humidity levels in your home are high, and clean areas prone to mold with a solution made with bleach. If mold is suspected, but cannot be found, you may need to call in a professional service to search for it. Mold often grows inside walls and under floors, especially in areas near leaky water supplies.

Pet Dander:

Many people wrongly assume that allergies to pets are caused by contact with pet hair. Pet dander, which is flakes of dead skin that are shed from pets, is the source of the itching and sneezing you experience when you are around an animal. Having an allergy to pet dander does not necessarily mean that you must find your pet a new home. If your allergic reaction is mild, you might consider reducing your exposure instead of removing your pet.

Vacuuming your home frequently, and keeping your pets off furniture and beds, will go a long way toward eliminating pet dander from your home. You should also invest in a portable HEPA air purifier for any room your pet is allowed to enter, as pet dander must be airborne to cause an allergic reaction through inhalation. You should never allow pets into your bedroom, and you should avoid hugging and kissing your animals. A mask and gloves should be worn during grooming, and clothing should be removed when you are finished.

This information is from Cleanairplus.com , please visit their website for more interesting articles.

Cleaning Tips for Fall

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:10:22 GMT

Introduction

The Maids has some great seasonal cleaning tips so that your fall cleaning is easier!

Everyone knows about Spring Cleaning, but did you know that cleaning in the fall can make your house much better for the winter? It will also make Spring Cleaning easier, only 6 month’s worth of mess! TLC has Five Tips for Cleaning for Fall which will really help you get ready for the cold months, you won’t regret being prepared! A Fall Cleaning will make your house look bright and clean for the holidays, and will prevent you from having to perform some essential household chores in the cold and snow!

5: Clean the Roof Gutters

Roof gutters are traces and chutes that route water off your roof. When you buy a home, the prospect of having to periodically climb up a ladder to maintain the gutters of yourcastle may not be at the forefront of your mind, but even though gutter maintenance may not be on your list of homeowner-friendly chores, it's a necessary part of home ownership. In fact, gutter cleaning is really important for the health of your home. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on your roof, resulting in leaks and making a more attractive environment for some types of termites. Poor gutter maintenance can also lead to problems with siding, windows, doors and foundations from the prolonged effects of water draining on or near your walls.

Some new types of gutters have capped leaf-catching systems to keep leaves out, but even these gutter innovations aren't foolproof and need to be checked and periodically maintained. The best approach is to plan a day when you can get up close and personal with your gutters, read up on ladder safety, and dig out your heavy-duty work gloves.

Here's what you'll need:

Narrow trowel
Plastic garbage bag
Stiff brush
Safety goggles
Hose with pressure attachment
Heavy-duty work gloves

The easiest way to manually clean your gutters is the day after a light rain. The slightly damp leaves and dirt will come up more easily. If you're lucky enough to have a low sloping roof, you may be able to use a leaf blower to do the lion's share of the work, but if that's your plan, wait for everything in the gutters to dry out completely first.

The heaviest concentration of leaves and gunk will accumulate at the drain outlets, so start cleaning there. Use a narrow trowel to scoop up muck and dispose of it in the garbage bag; a bulb trowel is a perfect choice. You can also do it the old-fashioned way with your gloved hands, but be careful of exposed screws and sharp metal gutter edges. You can tie the bag to your belt or attach it to the ladder. If you can't get all the silt accumulation out, use the brush to work it free. Now you're ready to reposition the ladder and work on the next section of gutter.

Once you have a length of gutter completed, use the hose to remove loose silt and anything else you missed. This will also give you a chance to check how quickly your downspout drains and whether or not the slope of your gutters needs adjustment. If there's an obstruction in your downspout, you can use a plumber's snake to work it out from the bottom up. Now you can move on to the next length of gutter.

This process will be much easier if you have a helper who can spot you on the ladder and help feed you the hose when you need it. Gutter cleaning can be dirty work, so make sure that you, and anyone working with you on the ground, is wearing eye protection and old clothing.

While you're thinking about good gutter maintenance, take a look at how water is draining from your roofline. If you see large drips along the joints where sections of segmented gutter are attached to one another, or there are rivulets running down the walls, your gutters may need repair. If water pools under the downspout, consider investing in a sloped splash box that will reroute water away from your home's foundation.

In the next section, we'll take a look at the heart of your home, the kitchen.

4: Winterizing Your Kitchen

OK, so it isn't glamorous, but a good kitchen overhaul every once in a while helps keep germs and grease buildup under control. It also makes everything smell fresher and look brighter. Apart from regular maintenance, this is the time to wash the curtains, replace the shelf liners, remove and clean the ceiling fixtures and review all the bottles and cans that have taken up residence under the sink. This seems like a big job now, but once you've started to work, it will go fast.

This is also the time to give your major appliances some attention:

Refrigerator -- Yes, the refrigerator gets dirty enough for a serious cleaning, even though you spot-clean drips and spills right after they happen. Take the time to remove all the contents as well as the shelves, racks, bins and trays. Wash everything with an antibacterial cleaner. Don't forget the door gasket. Door gaskets help create a good seal that keeps the warm air out and the cool air in, so clean it now and make sure that it stays clean.

Don't stop with the interior, either. Haul out the vacuum cleaner and clean the condenser coils on the back or bottom of your refrigerator, too. You'll probably have to pop out the decorative grill below the refrigerator door. Clean condenser coils will save you energy dollars by helping your refrigerator run more efficiently.

Before you put everything back, be sure to check the condiments and other stuff that tends to accumulate at the back for freshness dates. Keep everything smelling sweet by putting a stocking filled with activated charcoal or an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves.

Stove -- No one likes cleaning the stove, but short of buying a new one, it's inevitable. If your model is self-cleaning, then you probably know the drill and can pass on some of the scrubbing.

If you detest oven cleaners, you can place a cup of ammonia in a ceramic dish in the oven overnight to loosen some of the baked on stuff, or heat the oven to warm and the ammonia will work a little faster. Be sure to wear gloves and open all nearby windows.

As for the outside, your oven's owner's manual will have some cleaning recommendations. By all means, use their guidelines for wiping down the stovetop and range hood, and don't forget to clean the range hood's charcoal insert if your model has one [source: Heloise].

Now, pull the stove out and tackle the dust bunnies and any grime on the sides.

Dishwasher -- Who knew that an appliance whose sole purpose is to get things clean could get so dirty? For this job, use some baking soda on a damp sponge and wipe down the interior liner. You can clean and deodorize at the same time. For stubborn stains, try using a plastic scrubber.

Moving on, let's take a look at the next spot we want to clean and rejuvenate: the car.

3: Clean the Car's Interior

Prepare your car for winter by trading in the summer toys for winter tools.

You may take regular trips through the car wash or spend a warm afternoon in the driveway cleaning your vehicle's exterior, but what about the inside of the car?

Summer fun can make lifelong memories, but it can also make a terrible mess. Before you spend winter locked in a car filled with beach sand, candy wrappers, suntan lotion and an extra pair of flip-flops, take an hour to clean and vacuum your car's interior. It's a great time to stock your ride with some things you might need in the next few months, like an ice scraper, umbrella, blanket and warm gloves.

There are lots of specialty products designed for cleaning the interior of your automobile, including upholstery and dashboard cleaners. If you want an inexpensive solution, you can use a little laundry soap on a cloth to do most car interior cleaning jobs. Be sure to use a vacuum with good suction, and don't be afraid to try some of the special attachments. For detail work, use a clean, 1-inch paintbrush or even an artist's brush to get rid of crumbs and dust that gets into those tight places.

Don't forget to tackle the trunk, too. Carrying extra weight in your vehicle wastes gasoline, so this is the time to pull out that accumulated clutter and replace it with a lightweight emergency road kit.

Keeping your glove compartment organized is a good policy any time of year. Having ready access to your current car registration and proof of insurance will save you from fumbling through old receipts and plastic fast-food forks if you get pulled over, and this is a great time to make sure that all your paperwork is current. After all, getting organized is one of the nice things about cleaning day.

For the next chore, we won't be going far. Just step out of the car into the garage.

2: Clean and Organize the Garage

A garage like this will nothing to cure those winter blues.

It's pretty common to cringe when you consider cleaning the garage. For lots of folks, the condition of the garage is a guilty secret. If space in its dark expanse is getting so tight that the car won't even fit inside anymore, it's time to get that clutter under control.

This can be a big job if you haven't done it in a while, so start with some preliminary recon. Take an inventory of what your garage contains and how you'd like to organize the space. Make a list of things you're planning to pitch. Move from there to stuff you want to give away, like old toys or that exercise equipment that you never use. Your third list should include items that you plan on keeping, but start to see them in relation to the space.

Begin at the car entry door and work back. Keep the most useful items, like tools, in front. Anything you won't use for six months or more can be positioned toward the back. Make some notes on the list to remind you of where put what.

If you know that you still have lots more stuff than your garage can comfortably accommodate, try considering a few creative storage alternatives, like wall shelves or overhead bins. Storage doesn't have to be expensive, and getting things up off the ground will liberate a surprising amount of space. Camping gear, sports equipment, pool toys and some larger tools can be affixed to the wall or placed on a high shelf to make getting around easier and less hazardous.

Once you have a plan, pull everything out of the garage into your three piles, sweep or go over the floor with a wet-dry vacuum, and install any shelving or bins. Now, you're ready to start putting away the things you plan on keeping.

This chore alone could easily take a weekend, but after that, maintaining a clear and useful garage space will be easy.

1: Beat Pollen and Bugs

In fall and winter, we use our homes more and close them up tight to shut out the cold. While we're protecting ourselves inside, we're trapping dust, dander and mold that can make us sick. Before you batten down the hatches for winter weather, make sure that you get your home as clean as you can:

Bedding -- Wash all bedding in preparation for cooler temperatures and use very hot water, 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54.4 Celsius) or higher to kill dust mites and bacteria. Over the winter season, be sure to wash bedding weekly [source: Minkin].

Carpets -- Shampoo all of your carpets and change your vacuum cleaner bag. When you vacuum, go over each area multiple times to get up as much dust as possible.

Drapes and Blinds -- Launder drapes and vacuum window blinds. If it's been a year or more since you tackled cleaning non-wood blinds, remove them and wash them out of doors with a mild soap. Use the hose to rinse off the soap and let them dry completely. Clean wood blinds with a mild wood cleaning solution.

Heater/Air Conditioner -- Change or clean your HVAC filter, and repeat the process every month through the winter.

Pets -- We love them, but they can be a handful, particularly if someone in the family has allergies. Whenever possible, bathe cats and dogs regularly to keep dander to a minimum. A weekly bath may seem unrealistic, but even a monthly wet or dry bath is better than nothing. If you teach them young, you may be able to train pets to tolerate the vacuum cleaner for a weekly vacuuming.

Moist Surfaces -- Clean surfaces that tend to stay moist a while, like shower enclosures, sinks and floor drains, with mold-busting cleansers or a homemade preparation made with a weak solution of bleach and dishwashing liquid.

Your warm, cozy house may look inviting to more than just your family and friends this winter. If you have or develop problems with fleas, bedbugs, mice, cockroaches or other vermin or pests, call a professional or deal with them sooner rather than later. Your family and pets will thank you.

This content is from TLC.com , please visit them to learn more!

The Dirtiest Places in Your Home

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 08:02:35 GMT

You may be surprised by how dirty some areas in your home get!

When you think about dirty places in your house, your mind automatically jumps to the bathroom. But, surprisingly, there are many places much more germ-ridden in your house. These are places that we don’t even think about cleaning, so as a result become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. WebMD has a great article by Mary Anne Dunkin about the six dirtiest places in your home that will have you reaching for some disinfectant wipes!

6 Surprisingly Dirty Places in Your Home

If you dropped a piece of fruit in your kitchen sink while rinsing it, would you think twice about popping it in your mouth? What if you dropped it in the toilet?

Germs like cold viruses and bacteria can live in some unexpected spots. Here are six surprisingly dirty places in your home -- like your kitchen sink -- and what you can do to protect yourself.

Dirty Places: The Kitchen Sink

Although the mere thought of retrieving anything from your toilet bowl may be enough to make you sick, your toilet may be cleaner than your kitchen sink, says Eileen Abruzzo, director of infection control at Long Island College Hospital of Brooklyn, New York. Food particles from plates left to soak or rinsed from dishes on their way to the dishwasher can serve as a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. They can get on your hands or spread to foods.

Although most people take steps to disinfect their toilet bowls, few give their kitchen sink the same consideration, Abruzzo tells WebMD. “They rinse their sinks with water and assume they are clean -- but they’re not.”

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

To sanitize your sink and prevent the spread of bacteria, Abruzzo recommends washing it with a solution of bleach and water once a day and then letting the solution run down the drain. Remember to remove the drain plug and clean it, too, she says. Then wash your hands.

Dirty Places: Your Toothbrush

You put it in your mouth twice a day, but do you ever think of all the germs lurking on it? “You rinse it off after using it and put it away damp,” says Abruzzo. “Bacteria like the moist area and grow on it.”

If the germs from your own mouth weren’t enough to contaminate your toothbrush, the germs from your toilet certainly are. Research in the 1970s by Charles P. Gerba, PhD, of the University of Arizona Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, found that flushing the toilet sends a spray of bacteria- and virus-contaminated water droplets into air. These germs, he found, can float around in the bathroom for at least two hours after each flush before landing on surfaces -- including your toothbrush.

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

Abruzzo recommends placing your toothbrush where it can air out and dry between uses -- but not too close to the toilet. Also, replace your toothbrush often, particularly after you’ve been sick, and close your toilet lid before flushing.

Dirty Places: Your Salt and Pepper Shaker

Could one of the dirtiest places in your home be right on the table where you eat?

Unfortunately, yes, according to a 2008 study by researchers at the University of Virginia. In the study, researchers asked 30 adults who were beginning to show signs of a cold, to name 10 places they’d touched in their homes over the previous 18 hours. The researchers then tested those areas for cold viruses. The tests found viruses on 41% of the surfaces tested, and every one of the salt and pepper shakers tested were positive for cold viruses.

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

When you wipe the kitchen table after eating, wipe off the salt and pepper shaker too. But your best protection against spreading or picking up germs when you reach for seasonings is to wash your hands -- before and after.

Dirty Places: Your TV Remote Control

It’s dropped on the floor, stuffed between the sofa cushions, coughed on and sneezed at. Everyone in the house handles it.

“Anything people touch a lot has germs on it,” Abruzzo tells WebMD. A University of Virginia study of cold viruses on household surfaces showed the remote control’s surface is among the germiest. Researchers found that half of the remote controls tested were positive for cold viruses.

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

Abruzzo wipes her remote with a bleach or alcohol wipe -- “that is, if I can ever find it or get it out my husband’s hands,” she says. Aside from that, regular hand-washing is the best way to protect yourself against these germs.

Dirty Places: Your Computer Keyboard

If you eat at your computer, sneeze on your keyboard, or sit down to surf the Internet without first washing your hands, your computer keyboard could be a health hazard. In a recent study by a British consumer group, researchers swabbed keyboards for germs and found a host of potentially harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staph. Four of 33 sampled keyboards had enough germs to be considered health hazards. One had levels of germs five times higher than that found on a toilet seat.

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

Wash your hands before and after using your computer. If you must eat at your desk, don't drop crumbs into your keyboard. To clean your keyboard, gently shake out the crumbs or vacuum it. Abruzzo recommends wiping the keys with alcohol or bleach wipes, but “nothing too wet,” she says. “And don’t forget to wipe the mouse.”

Dirty Places: Your Bathtub

The place where you clean yourself is not so clean itself. A recent study found staphylococcus bacteria in 26% of the tubs tested. A separate study had even worse findings for whirlpool tubs. When Texas A&M University microbiologist Rita Moyes, PhD tested 43 water samples from whirlpools, she found that all 43 had mild to dangerous bacterial growth. Almost all showed bacteria from fecal matter; 81% had fungi, and 34% contained staph bacteria.

According to Moyes, the main reason whirlpool tubs are so dirty has to do with the lining of the pipes. Water tends to get trapped in the pipes, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. When you turn on the jets, the germy water spouts out into the tub where you're soaking.

Quick fix to banish bacteria:

Experts recommend cleaning and disinfecting your tub with bleach or bathroom cleaner after bathing, then dry with a clean towel. For whirlpool tubs, the best way to prevent bacteria from accumulating is to clean out the pipes.

Protecting Yourself from Germs

Lots of germs are harmless, many are even good for your health. But you can help protect yourself from those that aren’t by keeping your hands clean. Your hands transfer bacteria and viruses to your eyes, nose, and mouth. They can also transfer germs to others.

The CDC recommends regular hand washing with soap and water, washing your hands for 20 seconds -- the time it takes you to sing Happy Birthday twice. “It doesn’t matter how warm the water is, what’s important is that you use friction,” says Abruzzo.

Hand sanitizer gels can be used to kill germs, but they should not replace hand washing. Hand sanitizers can build up on the hands, so you should wash your hands the regular way after every fourth use, Abruzzo advises.

This article is from Webmd.com , please go to their website to learn more!

How Does the Healthy Touch Cleaning System Protect Your Children Against Sickness?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:53:02 GMT

The Healthy Touch Cleaning System was designed for healthy cleaning of the whole home.

Kids love getting into every nook and cranny, every niche and corner of your home.

Unfortunately, that's also where dust, dirt and allergens collect. Thank goodness you use The Maids Home Services, the most thorough and healthiest cleaner in town.

Our patented Back Pack Vacs extend to clean deep under beds and other furniture . They'll lift the dust and dirt off your baseboards, out of your registers and vents and up out of your carpets. In fact, our Vacs can actually capture up to 99% of all dust, allergens, bacteria, pet dander, pollen and other pollutants.

Little ones spend a lot of time on hands and knees in kitchens and bathrooms, that's why we clean those floors-on hands and knees . It's the best way to do it thoroughly. In your bathrooms, we use brushes to help remove mold, mildew and stubborn soap residue . We use disinfectants to keep mold and mildew away. We disinfect and remove fingerprints from your light switch plates, doorknobs and telephone receivers.

Protecting Against Sickness:

If you are armed with regular cleanings from The Maids, you've got a defense against common winter ailments. The Maids Home Services 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System is guaranteed to make your home cleaner and healthier - from your kitchen to your bedroom. It isn't only what we clean, but how we clean that gives your home the healthiest, most thorough cleaning. By cleaning your kitchen and bathroom floors on hands and knees, we do a much better job on grease, germs and bacteria. Besides cleaning all kitchen cabinet, appliance and counter surfaces, we also use special brushes to clean out the little crevices where germs and bacteria gather. In the bathroom, we use a grout brush to remove mold, mildew and stubborn soap residue so unhealthy spores are eradicated. We disinfect all bathroom surfaces. We even brush clean the toilet seat hinges every visit to be sure bacteria and hidden germs are eliminated. We clean and disinfect phone receivers, light switch plates and door knobs which is a great way to stop the spread of germs. And of course, all team members are fully trained to ensure that you receive only the highest quality clean possible.

Why Should I Hire a Maid Service?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:51:17 GMT

Hiring a professional maid cleaning service may or may not be for you.

Many of the requests for estimates I received this week were very specific - some callers required their products be used, a few required that we use their vacuum, and one or two even stated the exact process to be followed.

I couldn't help but question why they'd want to hire a professional cleaning service instead of contracting an individual to work at their direction. They may have been putting process ahead of the results desired.

Our regular housekeeping customers choose a maid service for a few simple reasons:

No time to clean
Not able to clean
Don't like cleaning

They generally don't want to be involved in the how of cleaning - they are focused on the end product:

A clean home at an acceptable price.

We recognize the need to customize around the specific objects in each customer's home as well as to use manufacturer required products. There are sound reasons why many professional cleaning services do not customize too far. There are many issues to consider:

Is the newly required product safe for the home? Anything with a chlorine or peroxide base has the potential to cause permanent damage. Putting these products in the hands of someone untrained in that specific product can magnify the risk of accidentally staining a valuable item.
Is the required product safe for the individual? Our service focuses on green products - non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly for two reasons. First, it makes sense for our planet. Secondly, our work force needs to feel comfortable that they can use the cleaning products continually without developing sensitivities or health issues through prolonged exposure. OSHA and workman's compensation risks are high in the mind of business owners in our industry. We are generally hired to protect the consumer - some of this protection is lost when the consumer dictates what is to be used.
Is the required vacuum ergonomic? The #1 workman's compensation claim in our industry is for slips, trips, and falls. Changing the equipment only exacerbates the risk when the employee switches from a known piece of equipment to the customer's on site machine.
Is the vacuum safe? We conduct periodic maintenance on our machines. This includes replacing the carbons, cleaning the filters, replacing the micro filters, and inspecting the electrical system for frayed cords and exposed wires. These are steps that I've never taken with my personal vacuum cleaner; I suspect that many people have not either.
Does the process make sense? In our business we've undertaken many time and motion studies to identify how to thoroughly and efficiently clean without causing damage. Our certification system is created to support what we've learned from those studies. We find that most damage and quality complaints occur when we get outside of our cleaning system.

Back to the main question - why hire a professional maid service? Generally speaking, one should be focused on the end product of returning to a clean home in which they can relax - regardless how it was accomplished!

Which Environmentally Friendly Products Should You Use?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:46:48 GMT

We regularly encounter a broad range of product preferences when it comes to our housekeeping customers.

On one side are those that want everything disinfected and strong smell of bleach left behind. On the other are those who want their homes cleaned with the minimum trace of chemicals. Market research shows that nearly everyone (except those with strong sensitivities) identifies with some sort of smell of cleanliness. This smell can be Chlorox, Murphy's Oil, Pine Oil, or simply a fragrance - coming home to a clean smelling house relaxes the senses. Our company's challenge lies in how to deliver the results; a clean, nice smelling home in the customer's eyes (and nose).

For those that would like to require their own products, here are the considerations we make:

Is this product safe for our employees? Continued prolonged use of strong products with a chlorine or peroxide base can create sensitivities and skin problems. These problems can result in harm to the people providing service.
When it comes to green cleaning products, make the right environmentally friendly decision for you.
Is the product safe for the household? There are many cleaners available that do a fine job without potentially introducing chemicals to children and pets. Strong cleaners are sometimes needed, but more gentle cleaners are fine once a deep cleaning has been completed.
Is the product good for our environment? One of our training tips is that we have to remove any product we apply. This removal could be through our cleaning cloths or by rinsing down a drain. Ensuring that the products are environmentally preferable (non-toxic, biodegradable, and low volatile organic compounds). Minimizing the cleaning powders, disinfectants, and degreasers that pass through our water treatment facilities is just another way to reduce our impact on the planet.

Many customers continue to require their products based on manufacturer's warranties, the uniqueness of the product for the application (marble, leather, granite, and smoothtop stoves are examples). In this case, we evaluate each by reviewing the safety sheets while training our personnel in the correct application.

How Much Should You Tip Your Cleaner?

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:44:21 GMT

Should you tip your professional cleaning service, and if you do, how much should you tip?

About once a week I am asked, “How much should I tip my cleaning team?”

The question is no different in Massachusetts than in other parts of the country

The answer is really not that different either.

First, our belief is that we treat our employees fairly. That means that they get paid holidays, paid time off, paid training, and are paid hourly (rather than by the house). As business owners we take our responsibilities to our employees seriously. One of our key measures is employee tenure – a long, stable group of employees who like working together is far preferable than the opposite.

Secondly, tips are never expected. But, they are always appreciated. The surprise of customer generosity always goes over well with our teams; they clearly understand that it’s because of their excellent performance in completing a job.

Lastly, when it comes to ranges, some customers give snacks such as something they’ve baked to large monetary gifts. I’ve seen up to $50-100 given after projects and $400 given during the holidays. Each situation is different; one should never be expected to tip.

One of the best tips is to have the service back for future cleanings. Our cleaning teams in Massachusetts truly enjoy the relationships that they have with customers. They understand that the quality of their efforts creates their future work efforts.

How to Choose the Right House Cleaning Service

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 07:42:01 GMT

Find the right professional cleaning company with a few easy steps.

Over the years, home cleaning services have changed and are now available to almost everyone.

The services offered by residential house cleaners now fit the busy lives of most individuals, not just the wealthy. Do you have a cleaning job that needs to be done but don’t want to be bothered with? Professional house cleaners will come to your house and do the job quickly and efficiently. There are many options for maid services but you can’t expect the healthiest and most thorough cleaning from all of them, you’ve got to choose the right one.

Make a list of what you want your maids to do for you before sitting down with the home cleaning service. Most services do the basic cleaning such as vacuuming and dusting but not more involved tasks like clearing out a messy basement or attic. Decide what you want to be cleaned in your home before searching for a maid service.
Decide your price range - specifically the price you would be willing to pay each month. Remember hiring a professional cleaning team isn’t free but living in a clean and healthy home is worth it - in more ways than one!
Locate potential house cleaning services. This can be done by searching on the internet, looking in the telephone directory or asking family and friends. Make sure that they are 1) in your area and 2) will suit your specific house cleaning needs.

If you’re looking for a residential cleaning service in the South Connecticut area then The Maids are for you! As a leader and expert in home cleaning and maid services, our breakthrough plan offers the healthiest cleaning of your home available. The Maids combines healthy cleaning supplies with a strict attention to detail. If you are looking for the right house cleaning service then trust our highly trained, uniformed bonded and insured teams to give you the healthiest, most thorough housecleaning you have ever had, every visit, every time.

Contact the Maids today to learn more about our services and what we can do for you!

Creative Storage Ideas for Your Home Office

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 09:53:13 GMT

If you work from your home, you likely have a home office or at least a place where you can conduct your business.

A home office can be very convenient, beneficial and

Get creative with your home office storage and organization!

rewarding, but if this space is messy and disorganized, it can quickly become a nightmare. No matter the size or shape of your home office, there is ample opportunity to create a space that is customized for your personal style and work needs.

The home office is a place where you will be spending a lot of time, so it’s important to keep the space clean and controlled, even if that means being a little bit creative with your approach. Start with a vision and ask yourself, “What do I want to see when I walk into my home office?” You probably don’t want to see a messy home office that houses piles upon meaninglessly organized piles. Turn your home office into a neatly and attractively organized work space that you enjoy being in, without spending too much money. Here are 20 creative ways to inexpensively organize your home office from Better Homes and Gardens .

Home Office Storage on a Dime

Clever and inexpensive storage is easy if you know where to find it. See basic storage items in a different light to create a budget-friendly, organized office.

1. Drop Zone

2. Uncommon Uses

3. Shower Organizer

4. Box It Up

5. Declutter a Desktop

Repurpose a toothbrush holder and soap dish to round up office essentials and keep your desktop and drawers clutter-free.

6. Clear as Glass

Store pens, markers, paper clips, and more in simple glass kitchen containers. The clear glass makes it easy to spot what you need, and twist-off lids make them a breeze to open.

7. Magnetic Attraction

Install a magnetic knife wall mount to the side of a shelving unit and hang small items on magnetic hooks.

8. Keep In Touch

9. Corral with Cans

10. Take Note

11. Hanging Around

12. Can Do

Recycled soup cans make great holders for writing utensils. Install pan-head screws through the backs of the cans and mount the cans to the wall.

13. Mail Center

14. Mini Compartments

This pan will do more than help you cook when you use it to compartmentalize office supplies. Use an inexpensive cupcake pan to organize small items that have a tendency to get lost in drawers.

15. Magnetic Pull

Create a magnetic memo board out of a cookie pan. Just add magnets and important papers and your memo board is ready for business.

16. Write Stuff

17. Financial Planning

18. Perfectly Plain

If you need big, open space in your office, build a large open desk area using a large cut of plywood. Support it with either file cabinets or sawhorses.

19. Mix and Match

Use small containers to compartmentalize office supplies. Don't be afraid to shop the sale racks for storage items you'll have to mix and match.

20. Hip to Be Square

Instead of having rolls of paper rolling around on the floor, transform a sturdy wine storage unit into convenient paper cubbies and keep the paper in its place.

Before you go about organizing the things in your home office that you need, get rid of what you don’t need in your home office. Rid your home office of unnecessary papers, using a shredder to destroy important information. One option is singing up for online bill statements and bank statements. By eliminating excess papers coming into your home office, you will be able to achieve an organized work space more easily and you will enjoy working from your home office even more.

Be quick and decisive when choosing what stays in your home office and what goes, what will be tossed out and what can be donated. Your home office should be a space that you are comfortable and productive in, and you cannot do that if you are fighting with piles of junk. Having an organized home office to work in will help you be more productive and efficient in whatever you are doing.

the-maids-medway

The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk!

The 5-mile Walk will take place at Boston’s DCR Hatch Shell along the beautiful Charles River Esplanade on Sunday, October 5th!

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