Phililadelphia PA House Cleaning Services | Maid Services

Keeping Your House Clean

2011-04-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

No one in this world would ever like to live in a dirty house. When you enter your house after hours of work at the office, your mood will be refreshed if you have a clean house. Otherwise, the thought of a tough cleaning process at home will surely spoil your mood. House cleaning is not a one time process and it should be followed frequently to keep your house clean.

Create a timetable for house cleaning work. It is not that you always have to wander around the house with cleaning supplies to keep it clean. Spotless and perfect house is not possible to maintain, however, you can keep your house clean enough. Try to involve your family members to help you clean the house.

Clean different parts of the house during different days. The whole cleaning process cannot be completed on a single day. You can consider cleaning toilets on one day and furniture on the other. This way, you can split the burden of house cleaning and enjoy the process.

You need essential cleaning supplies to clean your house. For every part of the house such as toilet, closet, windows, and furniture, you need different types of cleaning solutions. You need to have appropriate supplies to clean the house perfectly. If you don’t have any supply, take some time to buy it before you start the cleaning process. You can look for quality products that save money.

Organizing clutter is the first step to clean the house. If you have a mess in any room, you must first sort out the things that are to be thrown. This way, you can control and organize clutter. The best way is to prevent things from messing up. However, if you have playful kids, mess at home cannot be avoided. Keep garbage bins at easy reach and tell your kids to throw the garbage into the bin.

After you finish cooking in the kitchen, wipe out spills and remains in the kitchen appliances. If you are free, enjoy music while you clean the kitchen shelf and unused jars. Clean your refrigerator and throw all those stuffed products that are past expiration date.

Every time you wash your face or shave before the mirror, use a clean paper towel to wipe away drops of water on the mirror. This will prevent streaks on the mirror and make it easy to clean. When you are on wait on your phone, utilize the time to sort out magazines and catalogs that are outdated. You can also use the time to scan junk mails and throw them to garbage bins.

Try to clean spills and stains when they are fresh. Furniture with delicate fabric and fine wooden cabinet will look ugly if there are stains on the surface. While at home, it is unfair to restrict the activities, you must take steps to clean the stains immediately. This will save your time, as the spills are easy to clean when they are not dry. Train your kids and other family members to clean the mess they have created.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sanjana_Antony

Prevent Problems with Your Toilet and Kitchen Sink Drain

2011-04-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

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I’ve had some interesting conversations with plumbers of late. The first one cleared the drain in our kitchen sink. His advice was three-fold:

Use an enzyme product (available at most any hardware store) once a month to keep things running smoothly.
Never put onion skins, celery, rice or pasta down the disposer. Pasta is absolutely the worst offender as it really “gums up the works.” He estimates that half of the jobs he does on kitchen sinks are due to pasta overload!
And do sharpen the blades of your disposer by feeding it chicken bones, broken glass or ice cubes as often as possible. Of course, the racket is horrible, but gotta keep those blades sharp.

A week or so later the toilet in our office spontaneously overflowed. The plumber on this case worked and worked, but was really having a hard time getting it cleared. At one point he asked us if we put dental floss down the toilet. “Dental floss??! What in the heck does dental floss have to do with a stopped-up toilet,” we laughed. He did not return our laughter. Plumbing, it seems, is very serious business to Charles the Plumber. (I would think he would grab any opportunity to laugh in his line of work, but that’s just me). Anyway, he was very clear that nothing was to ever be put in the toilet that would not disintegrate like toilet paper. No wipes of any kind, no make-up remover pads, and, no, not even dental floss–nothing that doesn’t disintegrate. Got that?

You’ll be relieved to know, perhaps, that we were vindicated as to the dental floss matter. The stringy stuff was…are you ready for this…tree roots growing up the pipe toward the second floor. I don’t even want to think about it!!

Do You Use Microfiber in Your House Cleaning Business?

2009-07-28T19:16:00.002-07:00

Microfiber cleaning towels have been around for about ten years now. When I first heard about them they were being sold through distributors in an MLM business. Since my business was professional house cleaning, I couldn't see how they could benefit me due to the high cost.

But I've been wondering more and more, could these really benefit the professional cleaners? So I've been doing some research and what I found should certainly be shared.

What is Microfiber? It is an ultrafine synthetic fiber that is very strong and lint free. Each fiber is split during manufacturing, providing specific benefits. The density of the fibers make the product very absorbent with the ability to hold up to six times its weight in water, and the microbifers have a positive charge that attracts dirt and dust, which has a negative charge. Not only do the micrifibers attract dust and dirt, they hold it tightly so that it is not redistributed while cleaning.

Does Microfiber Really Work? Absolutely! Not only are the microfiber towels available, but now you can purchase microfiber mops to replace both your dry and wet mops.

I purchased a mop that came with three removable mop head pads. These pads are attached to the mop with velcro. The mop has a swivel base that allows it to get under and around furniture. I have wood and vinyl flooring in my house and found the microfiber mop to work very well and it was easy to use.

While dry mopping, I was able to pickup not only dust but small debris from the floor and it was not moved around; it actually was held in the fibers. Due to the swivel mop head, I was able to get into corners and along baseboards.

I prefer cotton string mops for cleaning floors, but I found an immediate benefit to the microfiber. No bending over the water bucket, no wringing out the mop head and no fibers getting caught around table legs or split wood edges on cabinets. And I could still use the figure eight back and forth motion that I use with string mops. In fact, I found that I could mop standing up straighter because the mop is lightweight and maneuverable. Great benefit here to eliminate back pain, shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger injuries.

The microfibers can hold a lot of water without dripping thus leaving the floor cleaner with less standing water. The floor dries much faster, reducing the chance of slipping and sliding. In fact I used a very dry mop head when mopping the wood floor and could see the water evaporating as I mopped.

These microfiber mop pads are very durable and are estimated to last ten times the normal life span of cotton loop mops used in professional cleaning.

So with all these benefits, are there any areas of concern? There are a few: initial investment, cost versus quality, not appropriate for mopping up spills or floods, cannot remove or spread wax, cannot be washed with lint producing items, cannot be laundered in industrial washers and some brands are not recommended for the dryer.

If you're managing teams or a high number of employees, the initial investment can be double or even triple the cost of cotton loop and string mops. And you won't be able to launder these with your terry towels or use a commercial laundry service.

To determine if you should convert your house cleaning business to microfiber, you'll definitely need a cost benefit analysis to see the cost tradeoffs. If your Workers Comp costs are running high, is it due to scrubbing or mopping? Microfiber mops could possibly reduce the costs related to mopping injuries.

You might also want to consider the use of microfiber as a partial or total replacement for terry towels. Or even just using microfiber for cleaning glass and mirrors. They have the ability to clean and shine without using chemicals. This could possibly also reduce your product cost.

You can purchase microfiber towels on the Internet and also at your local depot and automotive stores in the automotive section. But be aware that all microfiber towels are not equal. There are companies that make only one kind and other companies that have a specific microfiber towel for different tasks.

I would definitely recommend more research into quality and cost before investing in microfiber for your house cleaning business.

Ensure Your Home is Well-Maintained With Exterior Cleaning Services - Gutters, Windows, and More

2009-07-28T19:16:00.001-07:00

Ensure your home looks great with professional exterior cleaning services. Offering a full range of cleaning services, these experts can keep your home in tip-top shape. And, even though many homeowners assume cleaning is just an aesthetic issue, many cleaning chores can actually help prevent damage to your home.

Pressure Washing Services

If the exterior of your home or business has started to look a little dingy, it's time for a thorough pressure washing. With both high and low power washing available, it's the ideal solution for blasting away stains, dirt, and unsightly mold and mildew-just about any exterior grime can be washed off! Most pressure washing services can clean your roof, siding, fences, decks, masonry, and sidewalks and driveways. And keep in mind that mold, mildew, fungus, and lichen growing on your home, deck, or driveway not only detract from your home's lovely appearance, but they can also cause building materials to degrade and negatively impact their lifespan. So for aesthetics as well as preventative maintenance, it's important to call your power washing contractors today to remove stains, mold, and grime.

Window Washing Services

Window washing is one of those chores that homeowners dread, but you can avoid it altogether with professional window washers. Let them get your windows sparklingly clean while you sit back and relax! Pollen, dirt, rain spots, and other grime can build up on your windows, creating an unsightly mess and making your whole home look unkempt. But window cleaning professionals can get your windows clean, no matter what type of windows you have. From standard double hung windows to large picture windows, your window washers have the skills, tools, and expert knowledge to efficiently and effectively make your windows glisten once again. Save yourself the hours of hard work by calling the professionals.

Gutter Cleaning Services

You may be surprised to learn that gutter cleaning is about more than just aesthetics. While clean gutters do tend to look better (no weeds growing in them, etc.), they also ensure that rainwater is directed away from your home. If your gutters are clogged or overflowing, it can actually lead to moisture problems in your foundation and basement. Gutters catch the rain flowing off your roof, diverting it away from the foundation, but when they're not working properly, all that rainwater has nowhere to go--except into your house! Moisture in your basement can cause structural issues as well as encourage mold and mildew growth, so it's important to keep your gutters in great working condition. Professional gutter contractors are your answer for getting those gutters clean without having to tackle the dirty, strenuous cleaning yourself. Your gutter cleaning service can ensure that any debris is removed, downspouts are unclogged, and water is flowing freely through your gutters for optimum function.

Even if you don't have the time or tools, it's important to ensure your exterior maintenance chores are taken care of. Not only will your home look better, it will be protected from potential damage as well. Save yourself even more hassle down the line by taking care of your exterior cleaning before problems develop. Contact your local exterior cleaning specialist today!

Maid Service Business in Philadelphia

2009-06-25T12:47:00.001-07:00

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What You Need To Do When Starting A Carpet Cleaning Business

2009-05-28T04:35:00.001-07:00

Business with carpet cleaning services can be proved as a well profit business if you live in some heavily populated area. A number of people now-a-days rely on carpet cleaning companies to do the job for them because they do not have enough time to clean up their own carpets. A carpet cleaning business may just be the right business for you, if you are one of those enterprising people who would like to start you own business and be financially independent. This is not a hard process to go to star some carpet cleaning business. On the other hand, you should first study the business well before starting a carpet cleaning business, because there are already a lot of carpets cleaning companies out there.

Getting Started with this

First of all you need to study the market before you actually go to invest something in the carpet cleaning business. You should know how much of this demand is still not served, regardless of the doubt that there is a strong demand for carpet cleaning. You may need to draw out statistics, to get this done.

You need to match the number of people that are in your area that needs some carpet cleaning services and for those companies that offer these services there. You can make your assumptions very conservative and avoid being too optimistic when determining how much share of the carpet cleaning market is open to you. Always remember that when it comes to starting a carpet cleaning business, anything can happen especially during your first few months of operations.

Like every business, there is always a risk that you will not make your business targets so do not set your hopes too high if you do not want to be severely disappointed. However, you should not also set your targets too low because this can cause you to be less productive than you should be. In other words, you need to strike a balance between reality and expectations.

There are some steps that you need to take before you actually start the business. The first step includes that you see carefully about your opponents. Expert say that if you want to have a good grip on whatever business you are going to start, then you need to study and know the secrets of the well-known and well establish companies that are in the relative field for a long period of time. You can learn more about the business, by studying your competitors. If you have a model organization that you can get some ideas from, then it will always be easy for you to start any new business. On the other hand, you should be careful when it comes to follow business strategies of your competitors. Keep one important thing in you mind that when it comes to starting a carpet cleaning business, what works for other companies may not really work for you

Remove Pet Urine From Carpets

2009-05-28T04:34:00.001-07:00

As a carpet cleaner we get asked many questions all the time. The number one carpet cleaning question we get is how to remove the urine smell from carpet. Even after you have your carpets cleaned many times people find the urine ordor coming back on those hot summer days. The reason for this can be many reasons.

When an animal urinates on the carpet many times they move around and spread the urine out over the top layer of the carpet. When a carpet cleaner cleans the carpet they stand a good chance of getting all the top urine out.

Some times animals do not move and when that happens a large amount of urine soaks in on one spot. When this happens the urine sinks down into the foam padding underneath and it can be very difficult to fully remove even if you clean the spot right away.
So how do you remove the urine Odor from carpet?

The good news here is you can still get the odor out but it will cost you for the cleaning solution. We use an enzyme that actually eats urine and then dies off after the urine is gone. The product we recommend out can only be bought online to the best of our knowledge and is called antiickypoo. I know it is a funny name and why it is called that I could not tell you. The cost is far more then any normal store product but that is because it works. It’s not a bad idea to have this stuff on hand if you have a pet because you never know when an accident will happen. You can also do a search on www.Amazon.com for carpet injection kits that go with antiickypoo. CLICK HERE to learn more about antiickypoo.

We would also recommend using their Anti-Icky-Poo P-Bath Pre-Treatment as well as the antiickypoo product. Be sure and follow the directions to the tee as they have a set process that works very well.

This is the same product that many carpet cleaners use. It works great but it can take a few days for solution to fully work. You should also be aware that the enzyme that eats the urine does release small amounts of ammonia into the air. While this is still perfectly safe even for small children you should closing off the room to birds. I do not know of any bad stories from this product and have used it for years on end but you just never know.

Remove Wax from Carpets

2009-05-28T04:33:00.002-07:00

Many people spill wax onto carpets. This is one of those things that is sure to happen to any candle lover over the long run. Just feel blessed that your house did not burn down and all you have to worry about is how to get that wax out of the carpet.
This guide was written for the common person so we are not going to use fancy chemical names or hard to use methods.

The first thing to do is to grab a carpet pick and try to gently scrape off most of the wax. If you do not have a carpet pick then consider using a regular comb or fork as a last result. Just take caution not to damage or pull up the carpet fibers. If you have loops in your carpet you will want to take extra caution not to break or pull at the loops.

Once you have removed as much of the top layer as you can we are going to use something referred to as the Heat Transfer Method. Please read this full guide first people jumping into this method. You will need a clean terry clothe towel that you do not care about. An iron and a piece of white paper, brown paper bad or card board.

First get the towel slightly dam. It does not have to be that most. Then heat the iron on the lowest setting. Place the piece of paper over the wax and then the towel over the paper. Then working in a circular motion apply the heated iron to the towel. The object here is to heat the wax and make it stick to the paper. You may have to play with the settings on the iron to get it hot enough. Whatever you do, DO NOT place the iron right on the paper or the carpet. The heat can damage the carpet fibers so we want to take a little caution. That is why we are using the towel. In most cases people are able to melt all of the wax onto the paper. You may need several sheets but that all depends on the amount of wax you have. If not all of it comes up then while the wax is still a little hot you may be able to pick the rest out with a comb or carpet pick.

Because most candles now a days are synthetic and have colors to them you may have some dye that bled into the carpet. In most cases you can use any spot cleaning solution like resolve to fully remove the spot. If you have never used the particular cleaning agent on your carpet before then BE SURE TO TEST IT FIRST. Go into a closet and in the very back corner test out the product and wait ten minutes. This is to ensure you do not stain or bleach your carpet. In most cases you will be fine as long as you are not using some cheap cleaner that you found at the dollar store.

Remove Gum from Carpets

2009-05-28T04:33:00.001-07:00

Removing gum from carpets can be a huge pain. Other adhesives such as duct tape residue and the like can be just as hard. I have even had to remove bikini wax from carpets and can tell you straight up you have a bit of work ahead of you.

Here are the initial steps you can take to help remove gum and other adhesive products.

First try to scrape most of the gum off the carpet. You can use a metal carpet pick or even a comb. Removing the larger solid chunks will make the rest of the process that much easier. If you are having issues removing the larger chunks you can try to freeze them with ice or try to heat them with hot water. You can also use this Gum Remover product to help remove the gum from the carpet.

Keep in mind that even if you remove all visible evidence of the gum or adhesive, chances are that spot will come back in a few days because not all of the adhesive residue is gone from the carpets.

How to remove the left over adhesive residue.

Getting the gum chunks off the carpets can many times be the simple part of gum removal from carpets. The harder challenge is removing the rest of the material.

Often times high heat help. One such tip is to take a clean damp terry clothe towel and double fold it over the spot. Then taking an iron and heating it up to it’s lowest heat setting. Now with the DAMP terry clothe towel double folded over the spot work the iron over the gum in a circular pattern. DO NOT place the iron direct on the carpet as it will only burn and singe the carpet fibers. Once the gum is heated you should be able to remove the rest of the gum from the carpets.

Once this is done you can take a carpet cleaning solvent like the Un-Du 4 Ounce Adhesive Remover to remove the rest of the gum or adhesive from the carpet. When ever you use any cleaning product on your carpets it is better to test it out first in the back corner of a closet or some were out of sight. This test is to ensure the product does not stain your carpets.

Whatever method you use keep in mind NEVER use a cheap cleaning product from the dollar store. All too often people avoid paying the 8 bucks for a good product and purchase the cheap one. This often times leads to very bad results and carpet stains.

How to clean hardwood floors

2008-10-07T00:17:00.001-07:00

Cleaning your hardwood floors can become a nightmare if you don’t maintain them. Truth be told, if you want the finish on your hardwood floors to last, you need to keep up with all of the dirt, food, and water that makes it’s way onto the floor throughout the day. To help keep your maintenance to a minimum, I suggest you either enforce a “no shoe” rule in the house (except when you have company over) or in a less drastic measure place thick rug near ever entryway to the house. If everyone gives a couple of wipes on the rug before stepping onto the hardwood floor, there will be less debris on the bottom of their shoes that could end up on your floor.

Follow these tips to keep your hardwood floors looking great:
# Clean up any spills immediately.
# Using a swiffer or a vacuum do a quick pass over the floor every other day.
# Always clear all debris from the floor prior to wet mopping.
# When wet mopping, make sure to only use products recommended for use on finished wood floors.

Wet mopping tips:
# If it’s your first time using a cleaning product, always test it out in a small area in a corner first.
# A little bit of cleaner goes a long way. Don’t over do it with the cleaning product and follow the labels instructions. Murphy’s Oil Soap recommends diluting 1/4 cup to 1/2 a cup of Murphy’s Oil Soap in a gallon of warm water. If you use more than this, it’s likely you end up with slimely floors and have to mop it two or three times.
# Do not use Pine-Sol, as it is not recommended for use on wood floors.
# Depending on how dirty your floors are, you may need to use two or three fresh buckets of cleaning solution. If the water is black, chances are you’re just reapplying dirt and debris back onto your floor.
# Always ring out your mop before applying it to the floor. You do not want to end up with puddles of water sitting on your floor.
# Once you are done wet mopping, attach a microfiber cloth or even a terry cloth to a Swiffer and do a quick pass over the hardwood floor. This will help the floor dry faster, and help prevent streaking.

The Best Maid Service in Philadelphia

2008-10-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

At hire-maid, we strive to be the best maid service in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. This takes hard work, dedication, and most of all great customer service. If you hire Maids Our Us, you’ll quickly see that a maid service can be professional, reliable, and affordable without sacrificing quality.

Urine Stain and Odor Removal from Wood Floor

2008-08-23T23:50:00.001-07:00

The ideal solution for removing a urine stain from a wood floor is to sand and refinish it, since it is very difficult to match up the floor finish once you have treated a urine stain in the wood. However, you can still try. To remove urine stains and odors from your wood floor, first blot the area with an absorbent cloth to remove any excess urine. The newest technology uses peroxide and detergents to penetrate the soiled area to remove the stain and deactivate the odor. Simply spray a product such as PAWS - Pet Accident Washup Solution on the soiled area, and then allow it to penetrate for approximately five minutes. Wipe clean. Another option to try is to wipe the stained area with cool water; blot dry. Next, blot the stained area with undiluted white vinegar. Wipe again with cool water and blot dry. With either of the above methods, do not saturate the wood or allow any liquid to stand on the surface for any length of time. Wipe with cool water and blot dry.

If the stain remains, you can buff with super fine 000 grade steel wool and floor wax. Rub with the grain of the wood. If the spot begins to blend with the finish, continue the wax and steel wool treatment until the appearance of the wood is restored. If the stain persists, place a paste of either pumice powder or rottenstone and vegetable oil on the spot. Using a clean, soft, absorbent cloth, gently rub the paste into the spot, following the grain of the wood. When the stain is removed, rub the surrounding area of the wood gently with the abrasive and oil paste to prevent spotting.

If the stain is still visible, the urine has probably penetrated the finish and marred the wood, in which case it is necessary to remove the finish and refinish the surface. You may be able to use super fine 000 grade steel wool and a small amount of mineral spirits to remove urine stains, but afterwards you will have to refinish the area by waxing and buffing and even then it will be difficult to match the treated area with the rest of the floor.

Paint Removal from Windows

2008-08-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

Before you set about painting your window frames, be sure to properly prep the windows with tape or vaseline. If you don't you're creating a window cleaning nightmare. No one wants to scrape paint from glass. If you do get paint on the windows however, try this window cleaning tip: Wet the paint with some soapy water ( a mild dishwashing liquid works fine) or vinegar. Whent he paint is softened, scrape away with a razor blade, being careful not to scratch the glass.

Window Screen Cleaning

2008-08-23T23:47:00.002-07:00

Screens are not the most attractive part of window cleaning. They're dusty, they have dirt and debris stuck in their little holes. They can honestly present a window cleaning challenge. They can also be a lot of fun to clean if you use the right window cleaning equipment. Try taking them outside and cleaning them with a garden hose. Saved for a hot day, cleaning the windows can cool you off as well! Hose down both sides and leave in the sun to air dry. Here's an additional window cleaning tip: The hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner will get dirt out of all of the little holes and crevices.

Aluminum Window Frame Cleaning

2008-08-23T23:47:00.001-07:00

When we're cleaning our windows, there are areas we don't forget. We like to make sure the glass shines. We'll also clean the sills and the frames. The inside tracks however, are a whole other story. The window cleaning supplies needed to clean aluminum window frames are liquid dishwashing soap, a scouring pad, and a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean the inside corners. After the window frames are clean, rub the area with a little mineral oil (food oils can turn rancid) or even baby oil to keep the window moving smoothly.

Cleaning Window Blinds

2008-08-23T23:46:00.001-07:00

Cleaning Window Blinds

Many people find their window blinds extremely difficult to clean but it shouldn't be that hard if you know what you're doing. First of all, how you clean the blinds depends on exactly what kind cleaning you wish to do. For:

* Light, routine cleaning: First make sure your blinds are lowered and the slats are closed. Wipe the blinds gently with a damp rag. When you are done with one side, close blinds the other way and wipe the other side.
* Deep cleaning: You must remove the blinds from the window and lay them outside on a cloth that can get dirty. Then spray the blinds with an all-purpose cleaner and allow them to sit for a few minutes. Scrub the cleaner into the blinds with a soft-bristled brush in a parallel motion to the slats. Do this on both sides of the blinds and then rinse with a hose. Allow the blinds to dry outside before re-hanging.

Get Out More Dirt

2008-08-23T23:40:00.001-07:00

The most important part of carpet maintenance is
removing and disposing of accumulated dry soil. The
removal of dry soil will improve the air quality
indoors, extend carpet life, and help to maintain
the carpet. Keeping regular maintenance on your
carpet is one thing, although being sure you have
the right equipment on the job is another.

The Green Label
For vacuum cleaners, the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute)
has developed a Green Label testing program. The
CRI developed the performance protocol with the
goal of protecting indoor quality, keeping all
surfaces as clean as possible, and all without
putting dust back into the air.

The Green Label program helps to identify vacuum
cleaners that meet three different types of criteria:
1. Removing soil.
2. Keeping dust out of the air by
containing it within the filtration bag and the
machine itself.
3. It doesn't damage the carpet and helps
to keep the appearance looking good.

The tests for determining the certification of a
vacuum cleaner were developed by carpet and vacuum
experts and reviewed by scientists with experience
in maintenance and the quality of indoor air.

Soil removal
The soil removal protocol will require that the
vacuum cleaner remove a specified quantity of soil
from the test carpet in four passes.

Dust containment
The protocol for dust containment will dictate the
total amount of dust particles that are released
into the surrounding air by the action of the
brush rolls, through the filtration bag, and any
leaks that come from the vacuum system. with this
test, the vacuum cleaner can't release more than
100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter
of air.

Carpet retention
The testing protocol for appearance retention will
require that the vacuum cleaner not adversely
affect the appearance of the carpet, based on
a year of normal usage.

If a vacuum cleaner meets all three of the above
requirements, the manufacturer may then display
the official CRI Green Label on it's brand of
vacuum cleaner. The CRI tests canister and upright
vacuums, wide area vacuums, and even walk behind
types as well.

Matching machines
Looking for that important Green Label is the first
step to providing longer carpet life and cleaner
air for your home or office. The next step is
selecting the proper vacuum cleaner for a specific
area. You can think of vacuum cleaners like
screwdrivers, as you wouldn't want to use a Phillips
head screwdriver to remove a flathead screw.

In the bigger, more open areas, a wide are vacuum
cleaner or sweeper can produce excellent results,
as well as an increase in productivity. The
average 14 inch upright vacuum can clean at a rate
of 3,000 square feet per hour, while the average
walk behind can clean at a rate of 40,000 square
feet per hour, and also lift the pile of carpet in
high traffic areas where the carpet fibers are
subject to crushing and matting.

The two motor upright vacuum cleaner is an excellent
choice in areas such as executive offices, lobbies,
conference rooms, and break areas. A two motor
upright can provide grooming of the fibers in the
carpet and removal of the dry soil. Most uprights
with two motor setups will also have a removable
hose and on board accessories for cleaning other
areas as well, such as vents and chairs.

Along with the type of area, you should also give
some thought to the needs of the operator. If
you are a manager, you should look for vacuums
with ergonomic features, especially if the vacuum
will be used for long periods of time.

If it isn't ergonomically designed, it could result
in injury to the operator. At the very least, the
cleaning operator might want to avoid using
vacuum cleaners that could result in injury.

Choosing The Right Vacuum Cleaner

2008-08-23T23:39:00.002-07:00

As history indicates, the first model vacuum cleaner
wasn't even a vacuum cleaner at all, more of a carpet
sweeper. This was invented by a man named Daniel
Hess, who in 1860 patented a machine that featured
rotating brushes on the bottom and bellows that
helped to create suction.

However, there is no evidence that this very machine
was ever produced. Some 40 years or so later, in
1908, James Spangler of Canton, Ohio received a
patent for the very first portable electric vacuum
cleaner. It was in fact his cousin in law, William
Hoover, who lent his name to the legendary company
that produces quality vacuum cleaners even today.

For more than 150 years, the vacuum cleaner has
been improved upon greatly. From doing your weekly
vacuuming of your home, doing a spring cleaning,
or simply leaving the vacuuming up to the robot,
there is a vacuum out there suited to your needs.
With upright, canister, HEPA filtered, bagged and
bagless, there is always a vacuum cleaner for your
needs on the market.

There are actually 2 ways in which a vacuum cleaner
cleans. The first, and the way we rate a vacuum
on most is how debris and dirt is picked up off
of a carpet and the floor. When you are searching
for a vacuum, keep in mind the power of the
suction motor, as this is very important for getting
good performance.

The second reason, one that isn't often thought
about, is how well the vacuum filters the air and
puts it back into the home. Those with allergy
problems will find a HEPA vacuum to be the best
choice. There are some models of HEPA vacuums
that can filter out 99% of pollens, dust, and
other common household allergens.

There is also the choice of canister or upright
vacuum, as this is more or less based on personal
preference. Both vacuum types have their pros and
cons. The heads of canister vacuums are able to
reach under your furniture, also making it easier
to vacuum the stairs as well.

Canister vacuums on the other hand have a retractable
electric cord, which is much more convenient than
wrapping the cord back around the neck of the
vacuum. It is often times easier to push the light
weight canister vacuum head as opposed to pushing
a canister style vacuum.

When you choose your vacuum cleaner, keep in mind
what you plan to vacuum. There are several designs
and types intended for different uses. If you have
hardwood floors, you obviously wouldn't want to
use a carpet vacuum.

The little things such as this will be a huge factor
in selecting your vacuum cleaner. If you play
your cards right, you'll have the perfect vacuum
cleaner for your home - and other areas as well.

Choosing Canister Vacuum Cleaner

2008-08-23T23:39:00.001-07:00

The major criteria involved with choosing a canister
vacuum cleaner is what floor surfaces you plan to
clean versus the power of the vacuum. Almost all
canister vacuum cleaners offer 3 choices of tools
for the surfaces of floors:
1. A bare floor hard plastic brush that's
about 10" - 12" wide with soft bristles.
2. Turbo brush that features a spinning
drum roller with harder bristles.
3. A power head brush that is similar to
the turbo brush although it is powered by a seperate
motor.

Both the turbo brush and power head brush vacuums
have a spinning drum roller with bristles that
resemble that of an upright vacuum cleaner. While
the brushes look and perform pretty much the same,
the power head brush vacuum has a smaller seperate
motor that turns the brush on the bottom of it,
therefore making it more powerful and much more
aggressive than the turbo type brush that is
turned by the flow of air being pulled past it.

These types of brushes will snap the fibers of
the carpet and allow the air to get beneath the
dirt particles. If you can't get air to go under
these particles, then you won't be able to suck
them out, regardless of how much suction power you
are able to apply with a vacuum cleaner.

When you purchase a turbo or power head vacuum
cleaner to be used primarily on carpet surfaces,
you'll also receive a brush for bare floors as
well that is perfect for areas without carpet.

The rule of thumb as to which model of vacuum
cleaner you should choose is:
1. The bare floor model of canister
vacuum cleaners are perfect for smooth surfaces
with no expectation of having rugs or carpeting.
The best choices for bare floor vacuum cleaners
include Eureka Oxygen 6992 and the Miele Solaris
Canister.
2. Turbo types of canister vacuum cleaners
are best for scatter rugs and low pile wall to
wall type carpeting. The best picks here are the
EIO family vacuum cleaner, the Miele Solaris, and
the Sebo Turbo canister vacuum cleaner.
3. The power head brush types of vacuum
cleaners are great for wall to wall carpeting and
very important if you deal with pet hair. The best
picks here include the Sebo Canister 3.1, the
Miele Silver Moon, and the Eureka Oxygen 6996.

Some of the other important features for canister
vacuum cleaners include reliability, purchase price,
HEPA filter and sealed unit, the cost of replacement
filters and bags, weight, storage and quality of
tools, control locations, noise, adjustable wand,
retractable cord, ease of changing attachments,
bag change indicator, filter change indicator, swivel
hose, and other extra features such as dirt alerts.

Almost all canister vacuums are similar in size,
offer similar radiuses of cleaning, and come with
the same tool attachments.

Carpet Cleaning Machines

2008-08-23T23:38:00.001-07:00

With the creation of the carpet, the invention of the
carpet cleaning machine wasn't far away. The very
first hand held carpet cleaner was designed and
tested in Chicago in 1860, while the first power
operated vacuum cleaner was invented in the 1900s
by Cecil Booth.

Around the same time Cecil Booth finished his
invention, a man by the name of James Spangler came
up with his own invention - a vacuum cleaner that
he later sold to his cousin Hoover. As everyone
knows, Hoover has since became one of the most
dominant names in the world of vacuum cleaners and
is certainly one of the most popular household
names in the world.

For many housewives, the vacuum cleaner was deemed
a blessing, as it helped to keep the house clean
in a fraction of the time. From the beginning,
vacuum cleaners were only able to suck up dust and
dirt, although with modern technology these days,
inventors are able to design wet cleanes that can
steam carpets and kill germs at the same time.

Carpet is capable of covering the floor of a
house, flat, or bungalow and keeping people's feet
warm in the winter. Years ago, people needed to
sweep their floors or carpets, but with the
invention of the vacuum cleaner, people could
easily detract the dust and dirt from their
carpets with less effort. It was also determined
that businesses, corporations, and apartments
would need someone to clean their carpets as
well, so the invention of the commercial carpet
cleaner wasn't far away.

Vacuum cleaners operate by using a pump system.
The pumping system will suck up the air from a
hose, which will in turn suck up the dirt and
dust from anything that stands in front of the
house opening. On the inside, the vacuum cleaner
is a filtering system that will collect the dust
and dirt that can later be placed outside in the
garbage.

Right now, there are seven main types of vacuum
cleaners - the upright, canister, back pack style,
built in, robotic, hand held, and the wet/dry
vacuum cleaners. These different types of vacuum
cleaners are available in a variety of different
styles, sizes, and offer various voltage and
power sizes as well.

One of the most significant developments in
vacuums has been the invention of the very popular
cyclone carpet cleaner. Unlike the previous
vacuum cleaners, the cyclone collects dirt and
dust in a large cylinder. The cyclone operates
using a central air force and number of filters.
The filter will filter the dust and dirt into
stages, so that the air being sucked up into the
cylinder can be cleaned then released back into
the air through a central outlet.

Buyers Guide

2008-08-23T23:37:00.000-07:00

Deep cleaning vacuums
The typical features with these types of vacuums
include rotating brushes that agitate the carpet
pile and loosen the dirt for better clean. There
are some models that offer a handy automatic tool
conversion button or switch that you can push or
flip as you move from carpet to hardwood floor.

Hand held vacuums
Hand held vacuums are light weight, can be corded
or cordless, and you can even mount most of them
on the wall if you prefer. The performance of the
cordless models will depend on the charge of the
battery, as the battery power drops, so will the
suction power.

The two types of hand held vacuums include straight
suction and suction with a power brush. If you
are considering a hand held vacuum cleaner, you
should consider its primary purpose, if you plan
to use it on a regular basis or occasionally on
smaller jobs.

Broom vacuums
Stick or broom vacuums are great for smaller type
apartments, quick clean ups in the kitchen, or
a family room. The benefit of a broom vacuum is
the light weight. If you have trouble pushing
your heavier upright around, the broom vacuum
may come as a relief. You'll also have the option
of getting your vacuum corded or cordless.

They usually weight 2 - 7 lbs. and allow you to
easily store them in the closet, as they take up a
minimum amount of space. For quick disposal of
the dirt and debris, most models are also bagless
as well.

Wet or Dry vacuums
The wet/dry vacuum combination may very well be the
most versatile vacuum cleaner on the market today,
with numerous attachments and functions it is a
very handy machine to have around your home. The
canister types can vary from the smaller 6 gallon
sizes to the larger 22 gallon sizes.

The HP ranges as well, from 2 to 10 HP. You should
always try to match the size of the unit to the
size of the job and frequency of use.

Upright vacuums
One of the most popular features of an upright
vacuum cleaner is the bagless system. In addition
to the increased performance, there is no need
to purchase any bags. Emptying the canister can
be a little dusty, although it's still better than
messing with bags.

Most upright models come with a standard set of
attachments that may even include an upholstery
tool, a crevice tool, and even an extension wand.
A retractable cord and manual or automatic pile
adjustments are other common features. A HEPA
filter is another common and popular feature found
with most upright vacuums.

Canister vacuums
Canister vacuum cleaners normally include retractable
cords. Considering the fact that most cords are
around 25 foot in length, this feature will prevent
you from having to drag the cord around and
possibly damage furniture. A push of a button or
a slight tug on the cord will retract it into the
canister of the vacuum.

The nozzle can be one of two types, nozzle or
power nozzle. To get your carpet as clean as
possible, it is recommended that you use the power
nozzle, which will agitate the carpet and loosen
up the dirt for deeper cleaning.

Another feature worth looking for is a suction
control switch, as this allows you to adjust the
flow of air for cleaning delicate material such
as upholstery and drapery.

When choosing your vacuum cleaner, you should always
choose the one you like best. The best vacuum for
the job is the one you should choose, as things
will work out much better that way.

Removing Urine Stains and Spots On Carpets and Clothing

2008-08-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Though not the most pleasant of substances to think about, it's surprising easy to remove. Urine contains various chemicals including uric acid. Most components of urine can be washed away in the normal course of laundering. Uric acid presents problems in stain removal. If you heat uric acid crystals, they will become fixed on the fabric. The effect will be permanent. Insoluble uric acid crystals are difficult to remove with normal cleaning solutions like bleach.

Uric acid crystals stick to any surface including smooth surface like tiles and porcelain. These crystals have to be physically removed by mechanical means like scrubbing etc.
Pet Stains On Carpets:

Pet urine stains on carpet should be removed as early as possible. Any delay will cause the uric acid to crystallize on the rug and carpet. The effect will be permanent on the carpet. So take a quick and immediate action. The following course of action is recommended

1. Blot up the urine immediately. Keep the stained area wet with a damp cloth
2. Use the liquid shampoo for the rugs.
3. Work from out side to center to avoid spreading the stain.
4. Rinse with cloth dampened with water.
5. Clean and wring the cloth as often as possible
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 until you see that the stain is gone.
7. Dry the rug as early as possible.
8. During the drying process if you find that the stain is not gone, repeat steps 2 to 5 until you see the result. Do not wait until the rug has dried completely.

Dried Urine Stains:

If the urine stain has dried repeated applications of detergent, white regular household vinegar, and household ammonia will have to be done until the stain has been removed. The mixture of detergent may be made by mixing one teaspoon of a mild non-alkaline and non-bleaching detergent with 1 cup of warm water. The mixture of vinegar may be made by mixing one third cup of vinegar with two third cup of lukewarm water. The mixture of ammonia may be made by mixing one teaspoon of the ammonia with half cup of cold water.

Do not use hot water or heat steam-cleaning method on urine stains. This will have exactly the reverse effect. As soon as you apply heat in any type to urine stains, it has the effect of fixing the stain instead of removing the stain.

Pet Urine Stains:

Pets can sometime leave urine stains on the floor and the odors from these stains unfortunately persist. To remove the odor and the stain, use the following procedure.

* Use your nose. Find the affected area. This can be done with your sense of smell and sight together
* Clean the area completely of odor and the stain
* The wooden floors will need enzymatic cleaners to clean the odor effectively.
* The stains may not be removed completely and the surface may need a recoat of surface treatment it received before it was affected by urine stains.
* It is necessary to make sure that your pets get training properly and they go to the area reserved .
* Make sure that odors are removed completely. If a pet can smell urine on your wooden floor, it might think that this is the area reserved for urination and may use it for that purpose again.

Pet Urine Stains on Fabric or Clothes:

Pet urine on clothes is a rare occurrence. It is necessary to wet the affected area as early as possible and ensure that urine is diluted with water as far as possible to ensure that to stains and odor does not remain on the clothes. Discard the particular piece of cloth if the immediate dilution is not possible.
Urine Stain on Clothing or Fabric:

Modern methods of urine absorption make this as a rare occurrence. It is still possible when you have children your own house and the practical solution to this problem will be to wash the affected piece of clothing as early as possible or at least to dilute the spilled urine by putting the cloth in a bucketful of water and wash it off at the first opportunity.

How To Clean Wood Floors

2008-08-21T22:44:00.001-07:00

Wood floors are beautiful, but they are a lot of work. The key is to keep them as clean as possible so you don’t have to refinish your floors. It’s not only incredibly difficult, expensive, and time-consuming; it will eventually ruin your floors. Every time you sand, you’re taking off a layer of the wood. Frequent refinishing of your floors is not a good idea. With proper care, you can avoid having to refinish your hardwood floors.
The Dust Mop is Your Friend

You should have a dust mop and use it what might seem like constantly! A disposable cloth mop (like Swiffer) can actually damage your floor. A dust mop is softer, and will pick up particles that you might be scraping against the floor with a Swiffer or other disposable cloth dry mop.

Innocent little particles can do serious damage to wood floors. Every time you walk on them, you are grinding them in and scraping the floor. Spills can also be quickly grabbed with a dust mop. Get a dust mop where you can remove the mop part and wash it regularly.
Damp Mop for Cleaning

Chemicals can damage your wood flooring. Your best bet is to use a damp mop with clean water as often as possible when you clean your floors. If the floor is still dirty, only then should you move up to a stronger cleaning solution than water. You have to be careful even with water!

Water is the enemy of your wood floors. When you use a mop, don’t apply it like you’re in the navy and your job is to clean the deck – sloshing water all over the place. Any excess water can damage your floor. You should get a mop that you can wring, and you should wring it twice. Your mop should be damp, not wet.
For Tougher Cleaning

When the damp mop just isn’t cutting it, you need a stronger solution to clean your wood floors. You can use a special cleaner for wood floors, preferably with a neutral pH. Follow the instructions on the label and dilute the cleaner in water. Once again, be gentle with the water. It’s always a good idea to wring out your mop twice. Follow up with clean water isn’t necessary with most of these cleaners. The label will specify.

You can try a homemade mixture of 1 cup white vinegar to 2 gallons of warm water. Cider vinegar is different from white vinegar, and you should not use it as a substitute. Apply it with only a damp mop, and then you should wipe it clean with a dry cloth or clean dust mop.
Clean Your Wood Floors with Tea!

The secret of everyone’s grandmother that really works well is to clean your hardwood floors with tea. You can’t use instant; you have to brew it. And you have to brew it STRONG. We are talking anywhere from 5-20 tea bags in 2 quarts of water. Experiment with the number until you find a solution you like. If you’ve never heard of cleaning wood floors with water, you’ll probably be amazed with the results. It cleans, brings out the grain of the wood, and adds a nice shine. No rinsing with water is required and remember – damp mop only!

How To Remove Granite Stains

2008-08-21T22:43:00.001-07:00

If you have spent a small fortune installing granite into your home, you should know ahead of time how to take good care of it.

Yet, even if you follow your manufacture’s care instructions to the T, you can still find problems with stains down the road. Each stain has its own mind and getting that stain out is likely to take a bit more work then it did with a standard Formica countertop.

Granite stain removal is a process that requires a bit more of a unique method of cleaning then a standard countertop would. But, there is help for you.
The Problem With Granite Stains

Why does your granite stone stain so easily?

The fact is that unlike other types of countertops, yours are porous, allowing liquid and chemicals of all sorts to easily get into the top layers of the stone. These stones are much like a sponge, allowing liquid to be absorbed into them.

In most cases, you will have a protective layer used to cover the granite, especially if it is used as a countertop. But, this is not necessarily the case when it comes to granite used in walkways and other more rough conditions.
Removing Stains From Granite

The best way to remove any stain from granite is to use a poultice.

A poultice is a material that is made of special products that will actually work in the opposite manner as the granite did. It will work to absorb the stain back out of the granite and into the poultice. Just as the stain entered, in many cases, it can come right back out in the same manner.

Your first step is to learn what a poultice is. It is made of powdered whiting and hydrogen peroxide. You can find whiting in any of your paint stores or home improvement stores. Now, to make it, follow these steps.

* Wet the area in which the stain is at. Doing this will allow it to better allow the stain to be removed.
* Mix the poultice as directed by the manufacturer. You want to create a thick paste.
* Apply to the stained area. Do not put any onto the non stained area though. 1/4 of an inch in thickness is perfect.
* Overlap the stained area by about an inch.
* Cover with plastic wrap. Seal the edges with tape. Poke a couple of holes into the top of the plastic so that the poultice will dry faster.
* Allow to dry. Do not move it until it is fully dried. Wait about two days before removing.
* Remove from the stain. Rinse with distilled water.
* Dry with a clean, dry terry cloth.

You may need to repeat this process several times before all of the stain will be removed. You can do this up to five times and still see results in the removal of stains from your granite. This method of using a poultice will work for many of your common stains such as grease, coffee, iron and rust stains, mildew, algae, cooking oil, food caused spills, and even markers and pen stains.

For more help in removing these stains, keep reading below.

Cleaning Tips

2008-08-21T00:41:00.001-07:00

One of the most annoying things about moving house is the cleaning – and removing stubborn stains and marks is one of the hardest things to do when prepping your house for a move. Its always important, when using these tips to spot test and ensure that you won't be doing more damage than good. You should also always take your cleaning items with you – a box of your most commonly used items or a checklist can save you time and effort in the long run.
Some of the most common stains and marks can be removed with ease – with every day household items.

Scuffs and marks on woodwork can be removed with a pencil eraser – these marks, from shoes, wheels, or rubber bumping against things are hard to remove any other way, but come off with ease with a rubber.
Toothpaste isn't just great for cleaning teeth – you can use it to remove stubborn ink, crayon, or scuff stains from any surface – be careful to test it on wallpaper first in an inconspicuous place. You'll have to remove most of these stains from walls before painting as they can show through several layers of paint.

Toothpaste is also good for removing crayon from radiators, or glass – just rub lightly with a non abrasive cloth, or for tough stains, leave to sit for up to one hour before scrubbing gently.

You can remove unwanted paint from most woodwork by carefully scouring with a brass scourer – not too hard though, or you'll scratch the other paintwork.
Scum stains, dried toothpaste and lime scale come off with liberal application of an oxy based paste – you can get any 'oxy' based cleaner (one that fizzes and heats up the water slightly) in most supermarkets.

You can remove moldy or damp smells just about anywhere with bicarbonate of soda. Simply apply to the smelly area (or leave a tub open in a cupboard or fridge) and the smell should be vastly diminished or gone within 24 hours. The same goes for activated charcoal, or a few drops of vanilla on a cloth. Baking soda is good for a whole month, so can be used continually, not just for cleaning for a move.

If you're washing textured walls, use a nylon sock to do so – it means you won't leave fluff in your wake – and always wash walls from the bottom up to avoid streaking, applying any cleaning solution you're using (once tested to ensure paint, or wallpaper fastness) in small patches whilst you're cleaning.
You can remove wax from carpets, floors or curtains simply by using an absorbent cloth and a hot iron – the wax should stick to the absorbent cloth and peel away easily.

Finally, don't mix cleaning products – most contain either ammonia or bleach and when combined the fumes are deadly. Care should be taken when cleaning any are that has been spot treated with a different solution than you are mopping with, because not only are some mixes deadly, but others can react with one another and cause spotting, or ugly marks.