TheSweepers Home Improvement and Maintenance

Cleaning Your Stove

01/09/2012 17:44:00

Regular cleaning of your gas cook stove will keep it looking as good as the day you bought it, but you need to take care with the cleaning products you use on your gas stove or oven. Many commercial cleansers and abrasives will cause discoloration and can scratch gas stove and oven surfaces.

Before cleaning any gas stove or oven surface, be sure the unit is off and completely cooled. Steam burns can occur from wiping a hot surface with a wet cloth or sponge. Follow these guidelines for care and cleaning without damaging your gas stove or gas oven surfaces.

Surface Burners and Burner Box

Most newer gas stove models have sealed stove top burners. This means they are completely sealed off from the burner box (area of the stove top below the metal cook top). Sealed burners should never be removed by home owners - it's a job only for professionals during installation and service. Sealed burners also mean that food and spills cannot spill into the burner box, so removing the burners is not necessary in order to clean the stove top. If you have an older model stove with a lift-up cook top, follow your manufacturer's instructions for opening the surface for cleaning.

Regular cleaning of spills will lessen your cleaning work load. Wipe your stove top after each use when it has cooled. Clean burners with dish soap and a plastic scouring pad. Stubborn cooked-on spills can be cleaned with a mild abrasive cleanser and a cloth, or make a paste from baking soda and water for a mild homemade alternative. Wash removable burner grates in a sink full of warm, soapy dishwater with a plastic scouring pad. Rinse all parts with warm clear water and dry.

Be careful to avoid the gas ports on your burners. If they should become plugged with debris, poke the ports clean with a toothpick or straight pin, or brush gently with a soft-bristled brush. For pilot-less stoves, check the port and area below the igniter wire and clear it as well. Debris left under the igniter can keep the gas burner from lighting.

Clean the solid cook top surface with soapy water. Avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface of stove top finishes like porcelain enamel. Rubbing alcohol and household ammonia diluted with water (1:1 ratio) are other good stove top cleansers that will leave your top shining.

Controls

Remove control knobs and wash them in warm, soapy water. For clocks and display areas, wipe with a damp cloth and dry. If you are cleaning the display with glass cleaner, spray it first on a cloth and not directly on the surface to avoid cleaner seeping inside the mechanisms. Replace controls after they are cleaned and turn each one on briefly to ensure proper replacement.

Oven Door

The oven door on nearly all ovens is removable for easier cleaning. Avoid soaking the door or window with excessive amounts of water; it can seep inside and caused staining or discoloration. Wash the door and window with soap and water and rinse with clear water. Use glass cleaner only if sprayed on a cloth first. Do not use abrasive pads, powdered cleaners, or steel wool on glass and enamel, or the surfaces will be scratched.

Oven Interior

Mild abrasive cleaners and plastic pads can be used inside the oven. Metal scouring pads will scratch the oven's surface. Commercial oven cleaners should be used according to manufacturer's instructions.

Acidic spills (like tomato and milk bases) should be wiped up as soon as possible to prevent discoloration of the porcelain. To absorb a spill when it is hot, pour salt on it and wipe it up when the oven has cooled. A mildly abrasive baking soda and water paste can be used in the oven, too.

Remove oven racks and clean them in warm, soapy water. Stubborn messes can be cleaned by using mild abrasive cleansers or a soap filled scouring pad. Rinse and dry the racks before returning them to the oven. For easier cleaning of oven racks, soak and wash them in the bathtub - they fit much better into a bath.

Trim

Spills and drips from fat, grease, and acidic foods like tomatoes should be wiped up immediately using a paper towel to keep your trim and finishes from discoloring.

Metal trim can be cleaned with glass cleaners or mild cleansers, soap and water. Abrasives or cleaners made for oven interiors should not be used. Plastic trim pieces are best cleaned with a glass cleaner on a soft cloth. Any abrasives and harsh cleansers can cause pitting and discoloration to oven surfaces, and so should not be used.

For a good, general, all-around cleaner for your gas stove and gas oven, use warm, soapy water. Avoid anything that is very caustic or abrasive. Baking soda and water pastes are good back-up, mild abrasives. When using commercial cleansers, read the manufacturer's directions to be sure it is safe for use on your stove's finishes. Consistent care and cleaning of your gas stove top and oven will keep your appliance shining and new looking.

TheSweepers of Union Beach, NJ Can take care of all your Housekeeping needs...

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Computer Maintenance

01/08/2012 11:04:00

Healthy habits to boost PC speed and performance

Check your PC regularly for unseen errors and clutter to keep it in peak condition

Did you know that PCs need daily maintenance to stay operating at peak performance? Just as you need to brush your teeth, clean your house, and tune your car on a regular basis to keep them in good condition, your PC needs regular checkups in order to perform at optimal levels.

This is because every moment it’s in use, your PC accumulates a variety of unseen problems that lead to inevitable slow downs, freezes and crashes.

Running an anti-malware program is not enough

The first step to keeping your PC healthy and in good condition is to run an anti-malware scan; however, running the occasional virus scan is not enough. This is because the need for regular maintenance should not be confused with problems caused by a virus or spyware.

Malware programs are like diseases or infections that produce acute and dangerous symptoms right away and must be dealt with quickly before irrevocable damage occurs. Once the "disease" or "infection" is cured, it shouldn’t come back unless the PC is specifically exposed and does not have sufficient defenses.

However, the everyday problems that can slow your computer down—registry errors, junk file clutter, file fragmentation, and so on—don't just go away: they need to be checked and repaired on a regular basis.

TheSweepers Electronic Service keep a PC healthy and in shape

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Blind Cleaning

01/03/2012 23:22:00

Pleated Cloth Shades:

These shades present many cleaning problems. Never use a cleaner of any kind on day-night shades. They stain easily. Vacuum often to prevent dirt from taking control. Be sure to clean the bristles of your vacuum attachment before you vacuum. Hardware stores carry a dry sponge you'll find in the wallboard section. Use the sponge dry and wipe over the surface. The micro fiber towels do a good job as well. Dampen with water and wring out all the excess moisture. Quickly wipe over the blinds. Do not get excess moisture on them. Store the shades in a closed position whenever possible to keep the pleats well defined. Wood Window Shades Vacuum regularly. To clean, remove them laying them on a towel on a linoleum floor. Scrub with a soft nylon brush dipped in Ivory and water.When it's time to clean your blinds and shades, even your best friend is hard to find. But there are some simple and effective ways to clean blinds and shades with minimal effort.

Aluminum Mini blinds:

Putting off the job? Can't blame you, but here's an easier way to clean them. For general cleaning fill a spray bottle half full with water add a squirt or two of Ivory Liquid dish soap then finish filling with water. Ivory is inexpensive and makes a great all-purpose cleaner. Spray on a lint-free towel. Turn the slats toward you and wipe down going easy so you don't bend the slats. Reverse the slats, walk around behind the blinds and wipe once more. It only takes few minutes, so clean one set every time you dust to avoid that miserable buildup. If your blinds have reached the Cape of No Hope, removal becomes necessary. Pull up the tabs on each end and slide the blinds out. If the blind refuses to slide out, heat with a hair dryer for a few minutes. The heat expands the metal and they pull right out. Work early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid water-spotting problems. Hammer two nails into the side of your home and hang the blinds from the nails. Don't worry, it only takes a year for your neighbors to regain their composure from the laughter. Spray the blinds with a foaming bathroom cleaner (Dow is a good one). Spray the pull cords with shaving cream. When the dirt has left the scene of the grime flip the blind over, reverse the slats and spray again. Wipe with a clean very damp sponge and dry on a large bath towel.

Wood Blinds:

Care must be taken when cleaning real wood blinds. Washing the blind is NOT recommended. Although the wood is sealed, water or even excessive dampness may cause warpage or discoloration of the slats. Since the surface of the slats is smooth, dust may be easily brushed off at regular intervals using a clean soft dust cloth or a vacuum cleaner brush attachment. Clean them as described above.

Fabric Pleated Shades:

Cellular Pleated Shades:

Most of the cellular shades, like the Hunter Douglas Duette shade, are anti-static, and they require very little cleaning. A light sweep with your vacuum cleaner brush attachment is all that is needed to keep them dust free. For a more thorough cleaning, the entire shade assembly may be gently wiped with a soft damp cloth using lukewarm (not hot) water. Take special care when handling opaque (blackout) shades to avoid creasing, and do not immerse them in water. For tough stains, spot clean with a mild detergent. Some shades, like the Graber Crystal Pleat have a "soft hand" fabric. Be very careful not to abrade the shades when cleaning these shades to avoid "pilling." Wood Window Shades: Vacuum regularly. To clean, remove them laying them on a towel on a linoleum floor. Scrub with a soft nylon brush dipped in Ivory and water.

Conclusion:

When in doubt, contact the establishment where you bought the shades or blinds for assistance. You can also check with the manufacturers, which usually have Service Policies Help Lines.

TheSweepers of Union Beach, NJ 07735 Can take care of all your Housekeeping needs...

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Carpet Stains?

12/29/2011 20:24:00

Having friends over or entertaining during the holidays can be a very pleasurable event. But in all the excitement people tend to get a little careless, and, before you know it, you have beverage stains on your carpeting or that new sofa you just had to have for the holidays. Getting these stains out can be a daunting task, but can be made a lot simpler if you use the proper materials and a little elbow grease.

Getting the stain cleaned up before it has a chance to set is probably the best thing you can do for things like beer, coffee, and wine. Carefully blot the stain, and use the proper cleaner to remove it. Don't rub the stain - you will only spread it around and drive it in deeper. Chances are that during an evening of entertainment, a stain will get overlooked and you end up the next day with a nice stain dried on valuable clothing, carpeting, or furniture. Here is what to do.

Wine stains, especially red wine, can be removed if you follow the correct procedure. For clothing that can be laundered, mix a good liquid detergent such as Dawn half and half with hydrogen peroxide. These cleansers must be used together, and the mixture should be fresh. Gently pour over the stain and allow it to sit as a presoak.

Use a clean towel between the stain and the back of the garment to avoid the stain leeching through. Launder following care label instructions. Research shows that white wine will remove red wine stains. Hold the game or tablecloth over the sink, and pour white wine on the red wine stain. It will disappear. If wine stains get on carpeting, pour hydrogen peroxide on the stain. Allow to stand for a few minutes. With a spray bottle mixture of half water and half of a good carpet cleaning shampoo, such as Bissell Fiber Cleansing Formula, mist the stain, and blot dry with a clean white cloth. This will work well even on white carpeting.

Mix one teaspoon of a mild pH balanced detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent) with a cup of lukewarm water
Blot
Mix one third cup of white household vinegar with two thirds cup of water
Blot
Mix one teaspoon of a mild pH balanced detergent (a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent) with a cup of lukewarm water
Sponge with clean water
Blot until dry as possible

To Keep your carpets clean, Call out Carpet Cleaning Service

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888 848 4578

Kitchen Cleaning Tips...

12/26/2011 11:37:00

The kitchen sink should be one of the cleanest surfaces in our home. Unfortunately, quite often, the kitchen sink is full of germs. After all, the kitchen sink sees a lot of action.

We rinse our fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, poultry, and almost anything we can think of in the sink. We drain our pots and pans into the sink. We wash dishes, glasses, and silverware in the sink.

Sometimes, we even toss a child or two in the kitchen sink for a nighttime bath. Maybe we even rinse the pet’s dishes and toys in the kitchen sink.

Unfortunately, simply rinsing the kitchen sink until it looks clean is not going to keep it germ free. Regular cleaning and sanitizing should take place in order to protect your family from germs and bacteria. Different types of sinks require different types of cleaning solutions. However, they can all benefit from a simple sanitizing procedure that works to deter germs and bacteria from taking roost.

To sanitize the kitchen sink, you have three basic options. You can purchase a commercial disinfectant and use it according to the directions that are included on its label. Commercial disinfectants are available in most home improvement stores, discount stores, supermarkets, and online.

For ceramic and cast iron sinks, you can prepare a solution of one part liquid chlorine bleach to sixteen parts water. You cannot use this solution on stainless steel sinks. Additionally, you need to exercise caution when using a solution that includes liquid chlorine bleach. Pour it slowly and be careful not to get any on surfaces that will undergo damage.

An application of undiluted white vinegar on the sink is another option that you can use. For the best results, apply the vinegar using a clean cloth to ensure that the entire sink is treated with it.

TheSweepers of Union Beach, NJ Can take care of all your Housekeeping needs...

Schedule an appointment today by filling out the form on our contact page or call us at 732 347 3034 toll free

888 848 4578

Welcome to TheSweepers Blog

12/26/2011 11:09:00

Welcome to TheSweepers Blog...

Cleaning is the most time consuming job in house keeping. Worse of all, some stains are hard to clean out. Even if you are spending all your efforts or energy, you may not clean them probably. So how to combat with all those difficulties and save your time on these cleaning tasks? Do It

This blog will serve as a point of interest for those who want to share stories about their Home Improvement and Maintenance Service. We here at TheSweepers offer everything for your Home Improvement Needs. From House Keeping, to Lawn Maintenance. We have a fully trained staff that can handle all your Home Improvement needs. Call us if you need Housekeeping... Call us if you need Lawn Maintenance... Call if you need Computer Maintenance... Call us for your Carpet Cleaning needs... Call us if you need some Light Electrical work... Call us if you need some Light Plumbing needs... Call us...

Schedule an appointment today by filling out the form on our contact page or call us at 732 347 3034 toll free 888 848 4578