afd3307123434cdeafa74824bafaf84d

Why Do Floors In Some Commercial Facilities Look Neglected?

183:750120556 (Jeff Volinsky) — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 19:01:00 GMT

We Deliver Worry Free Facility Services

It is not uncommon to find dirty carpets and floors in commercial buildings. This does not mean the facilities floor care providers are giving a poor service. The occupants responsible for the carpets and floors in their building are not always floor care experts. In most cases, they do not know much about taking care of the floor or protecting it from further damage. They were given no instructions on how to take care of it. When ignoring floor care issues for as long as possible the result is floor damage, dirty floors and carpets. There is an easy remedy.

The first thing is to find a service provider with the expertise to assess your buildings floor surfaces and carpets and explain what needs to be done. They will also call attention to floor care issues that will present problems in the future and how to avoid this from happening.

The second thing is to administer a proper floor care plan on a regular basis that will keep your facilities floors and carpets presentable and looking great.

Commercial Cleaning and Sanitizing

183:750120556 (Jeff Volinsky) — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 20:32:10 GMT

Commercial Cleaning and Sanitizing

You probably hear it constantly: “We’re still in a pandemic ,” or “It’s not going away.” If you weren’t born yesterday, you’d find that while health restrictions have eased up amidst COVID-19 ’s decline, sanitization is more prevalent an issue than ever.

The workplace has become an epicenter for potential infection of COVID-19 and other viruses. Employees can bring in sicknesses wherever they may have gone outside office hours. As the office manager, you must keep your hard-working constituents out of harm’s way so they might maintain their health, their families can stay healthy, and productivity. Unsanitary workplaces could also face fines from OSHA , and nobody wants that. Since 2020, cleaning services have increased as they are now more imperative than ever. But does your cleaning provider understand the differences between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting?

In your searches for commercial solutions, it’s essential to know the differences between cleaning and sanitizing. See below why you should consider cleaning and sanitizing solutions from commercial cleaning and janitorial services and how you can determine the best fit for your organization.

The Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Process

At first glance, cleaning , sanitizing , and disinfecting are similar. The truth of the matter is there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Cleaning and sanitizing are each two sides of the same coin; one acts as a necessity for the other. These are each part of a three-step cleaning process. Each step relies on or overlaps with the one before it. Note that one part of this process does not replace the other.

Cleaning

Cleaning is the removal of physical dirt and unsightly specimens from a surface. This is useful for extracting visible debris from a surface, but the job is far from over. These materials leave behind harmful microscopic lifeforms, microbes, or chemicals that continue to render the surface unsanitary.

Cleaning and janitorial professionals resort to deep cleaning and basic processes like sweeping, mopping and vacuuming before sanitizing and disinfecting. As the surface-level portion of the process, cleaning is more about appearance. That doesn’t mean it isn’t important. A more inviting fascia is a sign of a trustworthy company. It helps keep employees and clients comfortable. No one wants to conduct business in an office rife with crumbs and mud. That said, the cleaning tools might remove some germs and viruses, but when the main goal is maintaining an appearance and nothing less, it’s time to step forward into sanitizing.

Sanitizing

You’ve got the office clean, and it looks great. But the infectants are still there. You don’t want the trust built from a clean appearance to end at the surface level. You’ll want the place to be as healthfully good as it looks. Unfortunately, bacteria and viruses aren’t visible to the naked eye, and cleaning can only do so much to make them go away. Sanitization is the process of removing germs and infectants from the surface to a healthy level using methods that cause minimal damage to surfaces. Think about the removal properties of cleaning, but on a microbial scale.

There are a few different approaches to sanitization:

Natural sanitization involves mixes of ingredients like lemon juice and white vinegar. These are particularly useful in residential settings, but commercial sanitization goes beyond home remedies.
Chemical sanitization involves using materials like iodine, bleach, and quaternary ammonium that kill bacteria. These chemicals attack lifeforms by breaking down proteins and cellular membranes. Chlorine is among the most commonly used chemicals as it is inexpensive and effective. The EPA and FDA regulate chemical sanitizers, but not to the degree of disinfectants. Sanitizers are diluted to prevent them from causing further harm to surfaces, but just enough to prevent bacteria from being harmful.
Heat sanitization kills pathogens using heating methods, like hot air or water, energized at 171°F. Water shouldn’t be more than 200°F, as this will convert the water into vapor and impede sanitization.

Sanitization is a common practice in the dining service industry. This method can have the capacity to kill bacteria, but it doesn’t kill them in significant numbers or, at the very least, the ability to reproduce. Sanitizers are not specialized in killing viruses, either. Labels should always be checked to make sure sanitizers are food-safe before use.

You might be thinking, “What about hand sanitizer?” While “sanitizer” is in the name, these products are out of the EPA’s hands and are watched by the FDA. These fluids are considered effective when equipped with 60% alcohol and work in a pinch, but not on the overarching level of professional services.

Disinfecting

The third stage of the cleaning process, disinfecting, is the most effective solution in the presence of harmful microbes. These powerful tools kill bacteria and viruses across a broad scale. Think of all the products you’ve seen in stores that say, “Kills 99.9% of bacteria,” commonly found on disinfectant wipes. As mentioned earlier, many disinfectants, such as bleach, are also used as sanitizers. Where they differ is the amount diluted in the mixture, although, similar to sanitizers, disinfectants don’t kill microbial spores, giving bacteria a scant chance of reproducing. Disinfectants for use in food prep areas exist, but these should always be verified as having food-safe chemicals before use. Disinfectants are used in the presence of bodily fluids, including sweat and mucus. Application of a disinfectant should remain for about 30 to 45 minutes for maximum effect.

The FDA and the EPA bear down further on disinfectants than sanitizers. Disinfectants undergo vigorous tests and are EPA registered before use. Put simply; disinfectants are the only substances approved by the EPA to kill bacteria on hard, non-porous surfaces. Disinfected surfaces mustn’t make direct contact with food. The chemicals used in disinfectants are highly effective at killing microbes but can be harmful to humans if used in excess—hence why disinfectants are under close watch by government health organizations.

Disinfecting advancements have led to exciting scientific solutions, such as electrostatic disinfection. Think of this method as the anti-droplet technique. Pre-cleaning is used on high-risk surfaces before subjecting them to electrostatic foggers. When released, these highly charged particles cling to infected surfaces to provide touchless, 360-degree disinfection. Like traditional disinfecting solutions, this takes 30-45 minutes before the job is done while being more effective and thorough as it spreads throughout the area, clinging on surfaces that would otherwise be tougher to disinfect

Another point of note is that disinfecting should not be confused with sterilizing. Sterilizing involves complete microbial destruction. This includes the bacterial spores that the disinfectants miss, eliminating any chance of microscopic life remaining.

Disinfecting vs. Sanitizing

This is where the terms can get muddied up. Given the similar ambition of these two actions and the age of coronavirus, the lines between “sanitizing” and “disinfecting” have blurred. The primary differences are the scales and volatility of chemicals. Because they are more diluted, regulations on sanitizing are less stringent than those devoted to disinfecting. The two occasionally have cleaning agents in common; however, this does not supplant commercial cleaning methods. If someone has entered the workplace sick, the best action is to disinfect the area as soon as possible before the sickness spreads.

What commercial cleaning and sanitizing provider works for me?

To find the best-fit cleaning service for your organization, research the day-to-day operations around the property. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting needs vary with:

The type of industry
Ventilation and environmental regulations of the building
Current health risks
Higher risk occupants
The amount and type of traffic your business yields
Is your organization the subject of dirt and grime? Is it an office setting? Is it an area of food preparation? Did an employee enter work with COVID-19? Make sure your cleaning provider suits your needs, and don’t pay for services you need less than others.
Sanitization providers should be beyond deep cleaning. Look for professionals geared towards biohazard prevention and environmental health and safety. Surfaces that should be disinfected regularly in a professional environment include:
Soft surfaces: Curtains, chair cushions, rugs, and carpets
High-touch surfaces: Door handles, elevators, and bathroom equipment
Electronic equipment: Telephones, keyboards, tablets

Wrapping It Up

When exploring methods for cleaning and sanitizing your home or organization, the most reputable firms understand the cleaning process steps and apply them when necessary. Once again, this is a multi-step, multi-level process, and no all-encompassing solution exists. Ensure that the service provider knows how the cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting methods differ and overlap. Cleaning removes debris and a few germs, sanitizing reduces the number of germs to a healthy level, and disinfecting kills germs and viruses but does not remove them or debris. These service providers should be well-equipped to attack these processes with FDA-approved and EPA-regulated tools and methods.

View the three-step cleaning process as a guide, each step—cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting—being more necessary than the next. These vary by site. You’ll want things like doorknobs, keyboards, and toilets disinfected more often than carpets, drapes, and floors, typically cleaned at the least and sanitized at the most. This changes when a contagion has entered the picture, and disinfectants must take hold. Manage your services accordingly and ask your janitorial providers what might work best.

Hiring a commercial cleaning and janitorial firm should assure you that your cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting needs will be met. The proper research should be done on your business to determine the best solution for the workplace. Work will not only look nicer, but it will also be safer, too. Remember, it’s your workspace, too. You’re not just respecting your clients and employees; you’re also respecting yourself.

Our Commercial Cleaning Services

Thu, 08 Sep 2022 18:01:29 GMT

How can Commercial Cleaning Services help you manage your time and money better?

There are many reasons why commercial cleaning services can clear the way for you to manage your time and money efficiently. Take a look at them below:

Structural Integrity: One of a professional cleaning firm’s primary duties is to maintain structural integrity throughout the property. Things like flooring, plumbing, office chairs, and desks, for example, are not a one-and-done deal. These implementations and systems need proper care to make the most out of their capabilities. Commercial cleaners have the tools and know-how for these structures to see through to their usable lifetimes. This is essential in saving the firm from costs dedicated to damages and repairs, as well as the replacement of equipment and furniture. A structurally stable environment will keep employees in the office, and adequately kept equipment will allow them to bring the best in their jobs. Think of commercial cleaning services as an investment, maintaining productivity and a safeguard from repair and replacement costs in the future.

Absences: An oft-overlooked benefit of commercial cleaning services is their ability to reduce employee absenteeism. In a post- COVID environment, firms must maintain a clean environment to prevent their constituents from contracting a significant risk to their health, and it’s even more critical to stopping any viruses before they spread. Of course, there is always the chance of an employee bringing sickness in from outside the workplace, but commercial cleaning aims to reduce this chance and keep the office at total health and capacity. Professional sanitary practices are the best way to prevent the transmission of sickness and disease. Additionally, by maintaining a healthy working environment, the company can save money by keeping employees at work.

In-House Cleaners: The time and money meant for managing an in-house cleaning team instead of passing the work to professionals devoted to the craft will levy additional costs towards training, salary, and insurance. Keeping managers and employees around longer than necessary means more overtime work. Self-managed cleaning professionals are a non-invasive solution that fewer damages company revenue, allowing more room to save, employee pay, and upgrades to office equipment and structures. Your firm’s property will be visited by a team of trained full-time cleaners committed to keeping the property spotless. Taking from the previous point, absence costs will only apply to the cleaning company, not yours. Moreover, company staff can divert more time to productivity, thereby increasing profits.

Employee Appeal: Commercial cleaning can make the workplace more presentable to personnel. Nobody wants to show up to the office riddled with clutter, unclean bathrooms, and dust flying in all directions. A company’s personnel coming into a messy, grimy office every day, let alone cleaning the messes up themselves, would be a waste of time and resources and possibly risky to anyone susceptible to disease and allergies. By taking the job up with a commercial cleaning firm, the environment will be kept in order with the ability to bring the best in cleaning and good housekeeping. A professionally sanitized, the orderly workplace will make employees happier in their place of employment. It should encourage workers to make their way to the office daily and stay until the end of the day without worrying about their health.

Health and Safety Standards: Maintaining a safe, clean work environment is also beneficial to properly following lawful health and safety standards in places of employment. Workplaces must follow regulations such as OSHA to ensure their cleaning staff are permitted and well-versed in properly using tools such as lifts and ladders. The potential hazards to come of these are not worth the risk. Commercial cleaners trained in these practices can eliminate this risk from your employees so they can focus on bringing their best to work, thereby saving time and money devoted to absences, medical or injury leave, insurance, and liabilities.

Clientele: Corporate image is important, and clients are a good firm’s base, their lifeblood. No matter how great the capacity, whether it’s all clients or a few, it’s essential to provide a safe, inviting presence in the office. A lasting impression should have customers who want to come back, not to leave. Stains and unwelcome odors cannot be tolerated. The professional touch of commercial cleaning service will keep your patrons returning. Buyers enjoy an organized, pristine environment. It lets them know that the company they are dealing with is one they can count on. This will enhance the business-to-consumer relationship and prevent any environmental hindrances from losing clients. Additionally, it can provide a sense of status.

Deep Cleans: Think about the messes you had to clean on your own in the past. Is there a stain on the carpet in your office that still gnaws at your brain, no matter how hard you’ve tried to make it disappear? It’s safe to say that professional cleaning might not be part of your job description. That isn’t fair to you or your hard-working employees. Count on commercial cleaning professionals. They have the expertise, care, tools, and procedures to eliminate any stains and other unsightly details that are tough to get rid of and hard to reach, like ceiling cleaning, floor waxing, and window cleaning. Deep cleaning every few months will prevent any sicknesses or allergies from flaring up throughout the year.

Cleaning Equipment: Your company probably has some cleaning equipment, but are all the industrial-grade tools (waxers, microfiber mops, high-strength vacuums, chemicals, and sanitizers) at your disposal? Do you have the right people in charge of using these tools? What do you do if any of these tools are damaged or lost? Leave it to the professionals. They, too, are focused on getting the job done as swiftly and sufficiently as possible. Commercial cleaners are armed to the teeth with industrial-grade equipment and are constantly looking for new, state-of-the-art tools to keep your firm’s place of work cleaner for more extended periods. If these tools are damaged, the cost goes to the cleaning company, not yours. Time and fees that were once focused on these things can be spent on providing the best services and solutions to your laborers and clientele.

Parasites: Nobody wants to make a call to the exterminator. Unclean air vents can be home to dust mites which can spread to carpets and curtains, and any culprits of allergies or diseases left hiding in the wake of fungus or pests may start a breakout throughout the office. With a professional cleaning service, you can rely on good housekeeping and devote more time to productivity without having to work from home. This brings us to the next point.

Keeping work at the Office: All firms are different. During the coronavirus lockdowns, not everybody transitioned to the work-from-home setting smoothly. Some employees had an excruciating time maintaining a proper work-life balance, partially because they didn’t have the high-speed computers or equipment to undertake the workload they used to in the office. Meetings done over video calls that were once done in the office were canceled due to overloaded servers and technical difficulties. Some couldn’t afford to stay in business beyond the office. If this is still a significant issue for your employees, a commercial cleaner will minimize the chances of transmission in the office and improve employee morale and productivity.

How can you find a commercial cleaner capable of maintaining quality cleaning services you can trust? The best way is to research and evaluate the company you are interested in. Here is a list of criteria you should be looking for:

· How many years of experience do they have?

· What do the customer reviews, if any, say?

· What services do they provide?

· Are they licensed by the state?

· Are they insured?

· Are the employees trained?

Once the cleaning company departs, provide the proper feedback:

· How was the job overall?

· What did you like about the job?

· How could the team improve?

Ask some business partners or network with your colleagues to find out which services they use. Conduct your due diligence. When you do meet with a cleaning company, it’s also a good idea to establish a good rapport and build a healthy relationship. Make your needs clear, and help them to help you. People who like each other are willing to do an excellent job for one another for a long time. You and your employees deserve quality and trust.

In Conclusion

So to answer the question, “How can a commercial cleaning service save time and money?” Commercial cleaning services can save time and money spent on:

· Structural Integrity

· Absences

· In-House Cleaning Services and Training

· An Environment Appealing to Employees

· Health and Safety Regulations

· Clientele

· Deep Cleans

· Cleaning Equipment

· Parasites

· Keeping Work at the Office

Furthermore, “How can I find a cleaning service with the quality I can trust?” Do your research. Please make sure they are credible, reputable resources. Make a good impression. Be clear about your expectations. Ask the right questions and provide good feedback. Network with your colleagues in your industry to see if they put in a good word for their cleaning team.

Quality Cleaning For A Great Price

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 18:01:16 GMT

One Person Cannot Clean A Full Size Facility

When you are hiring a cleaning company, making the right choice can be hard at times. Obviously, everyone looks for the cheapest price when searching for services or supplies. It is a mistake to always go with the cheapest price. What happens is the cheapest price will never work out for you because they are not equipped to get the job done correctly and efficiently. Always keep this in mind when looking for a cleaning company to help you keep your business clean the right way. Franchise cleaning companies give cheap estimates in larger facilities and use 1 to 2 people to clean. They are set up to fail right away. 1 to 2 people are realistically unable to clean everything all the time and cannot keep up with the work.

Now Is The Time To Have Your Building Cleaned Daily. - Corona-Virus.

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:54:02 GMT

With the corona-virus and flu going around right now, it is time to keep your buildings clean and your customers and employees safe. Disinfecting desks, bathrooms, and work areas are important. We aim to please customers and employees and make it safe for them. This time of year we should always keep from spreading any germs and sickness.

Taking Care Of Our Clients

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 17:11:25 GMT

Communication with clients is the most important thing to us. If there is good communication between you and your client, you can always solve any issues. All it takes is communication and teamwork. Cleanway Janitorial Services ' main goal is to provide the best service and customer service we can provide. When a client asks or notices anything that has been overlooked, it is essential to rectify it and make it part of the daily cleaning routine. It makes everything much more manageable when both parties can communicate and get feedback.

Janitorial Supplies Importance

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 16:07:27 GMT

Which Supplies Best Suit Your Companies Needs?

For many reasons, deciding what janitorial supplies you need for your company can be significant. Knowing how much of it, you need a month to stay within your budget. Also, depending on how big or small your company is, that can determine which supplies the best suit your needs.

For instance, if you have a much larger company with over 50 employees, Jumbo Toilet Tissue is probably the right way to go. Jumbo Toilet Tissue will last you much longer than Small Toilet Paper Rolls and is cost-effective. But some like to use the Small Toilet Paper Rolls because it gives off a nice home feel. If customers come into your business throughout the day, then using Small Toilet Paper Rolls for their bathrooms might not be a bad idea.

Once you know which products are best suited for you and your company, you can start to manage how much is used each month and monitor your budget. Getting too much product is not bad for the first month or two. Doing this will allow you to have a backup supply. You can then start to pinpoint precisely how many cases of each thing you use throughout a month.

Tips To Stay Organized When Busy.

Fri, 21 Jun 2019 19:14:28 GMT

Create A To-Do List. ...
Keep An Inbox — And Prioritize It. ...
Find A Pattern To Your Work Flow. ...
Don't Let Things Pile Up. ...
Break Up Intimidating Tasks. ...
6. Make Sure Everything Has A Home. ...
Don't Be Scared To Purge.

Maximize Your Time

Fri, 24 May 2019 18:00:22 GMT

Use the following tips to maximize your productivity .

1. List “ Time -Wasters” ...
2. Hide Or Uninstall Social Media Apps. ...
3. Set Daily Goals With Reminders. ...
4. Complete Most Important Tasks First. ...
5. Stop Multitasking. ...
6. Make Use Of Dead Time . ...
7. Read Time -Management Books (And Take The Advice!)

Keep Your Garden During and After Heavy Rain

Mon, 13 May 2019 16:29:29 GMT

Taking Care Of Your Garden

BEFORE

1. Remove damaged shoots and limbs

Before a rain storm, remove any dead shoots and limbs from your plants to make them as streamline as possible and reduce the risk of snapping and tangling.

2. Support taller plants

Heavy rain can put taller, less secure plants through their paces, especially when combined with strong winds. Push a wooden or metal support into the ground and gently tie the plant to it. This will protect it from the physical damage and prevent it from snapping.

3. Drainage

To avoid water collecting in a pool anywhere in your garden and potentially drowning the nearby plants, make sure there is adequate drainage. Make sure there is a proper runoff that slopes away from that garden and, most importantly, make sure it is not blocked.

DURING

4. Cover the most delicate plants

Use a waterproof covering such as tarpaulin to cover young and fragile plants, including herbs and vegetables, if the rain if hard and persistent. Make sure the covering is slanted in the correct direction to ensure adequate drainage away form surrounding foliage.

5. Turn your compost

Ensure the entirety of your rich, nutritious compost is watered by mixing the damp with the dry under layers.

AFTER

6. Check your vegetable roots

Once the rain has stopped, make sure there are no exposed roots following soil erosion. Recover them with soil or compost before they dry out and risk harming the plant.

7. Check your pots and planters

These can easily become flooded if the drainage is compromised. Check pots and planters before, during and after rain and cover if necessary.

8. Keep the slugs and snails at bay

Moist conditions are heaven to slugs and snails.

9. Pull up weeds by hand

The moist soil means you are much more likely to retrieve the whole root without it snapping and breaking.

10. Pick lettuce

It will be sweet and tender after a good shower.

11. Make the most of your mint

This herb loves moist conditions and will make a lovely mint tea after a wet day.

How To Clean Porcelain Tile Floors

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 15:07:44 GMT

How to Clean Porcelain Tile Floors

Porcelain tile is one of the most durable flooring options you can choose from. But that’s not the only reason people pick porcelain. It also comes in a range of colors, styles, and sizes. If you opted for a neutral concrete-looking porcelain tile, you’d want to clean it often to retain its actual color. It is recommended to sweep porcelain at least twice weekly and mop once monthly.

What is needed:

Soft-bristle broom
Vacuum
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 gallons of clean water
Sponge mop
Microfiber cloth or towel

What steps to take:
1. Sweep your porcelain floors.

2. Using the brush attachment, vacuum up any remaining particles.

3. In a bucket, add white vinegar and water.

4. Use the sponge mop to apply the solution to the floors, rinsing with clean water.

5. To dry the wet porcelain floors properly, drag a towel under your feet or get on all fours with a microfiber cloth.

Yes, It’s tedious, but you only have to do it once every 30 days or so.

Window Cleaning Method

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 14:34:10 GMT

Follow These Steps:

Mix one part hot water with one part distilled vinegar.
Sponge cleaning: Moisten the window, using the solution, then clean.
Squeegee cleaning: Always dampen the squeegee first and clean from the top down, wiping the edge of the squeegee after every stroke.
Clean only when there is no direct sun on the windows.
Rinse and dry the window frames immediately to avoid any damage.

What is the best way to wipe?

You can ensure a streak-free, squeaky clean window by using one of the above tips and wiping with paper towels, microfiber cloths, or newspaper. Whatever you use, make sure it is lint-free.

Squeegees are harder to get the hang of using but always do a better job than anything else.

How To Pressure Wash Siding

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 17:38:04 GMT

Find the Right Pressure Washer.

Don't be intimidated by the power of a pressure washer. Pressure washers are easy to operate and provide significantly more pressure than your garden hose to give your home a complete cleaning.

Choosing a suitable pressure washer is easy. An electric pressure washer packs enough punch for one-story homes to get the first floor sparkling.

For two-story homes, homeowners should consider a gas-powered pressure washer to reach high, hard-to-reach spots.

Getting a pressure washer is only the first step. Follow these six additional tips for getting your vinyl siding to radiate cleanliness.

1. Use Pressure Washer Detergent .

Don't forget to accessorize. Soap and water are always a better cleaning combination than water alone.

Most pressure washers come with an injector to mix cleaning solutions into the jet stream.

Only use solvents that say "approved for pressure washer use" on the label. Unapproved solvents may not be environmentally sound and could eat away at critical pressure washer components.

2. Apply The Detergent Solution.

Apply the soap mixture under low pressure with smooth, overlapping strokes. To prevent streaking, start from the bottom and work your way up. Pressure washing is a lot like painting. You're bound to miss a spot if you get "hose happy" and randomly spray everything.

If you have a multi-story house, you should consider using Campbell Hausfeld's High-Pressure Soap Lance. Most pressure washers only spray soap under low pressure. The new lance sprays detergent up to 25 feet under high pressure.

3. Use A Pressure Washer Brush For Tough Spots.

If your home hasn't been cleaned in a while, use a rotating or utility brush to help loosen thick layers of dirt.

The brush simply snaps to the end of the pressure washer wand. Best of all, it acts as a foaming brush, emitting a soapy solution as you clean.

4. Let It Settle Before Rinsing.

Why bother using a solution if you don't give it time to work? It's okay to allow the soap mixture to sit for five to 10 minutes, as long as it doesn't dry.

5. Start From A Distance.

Pressure washers are designed to pack a punch. If you spray too closely, you could damage, instead of clean, the area. Hold the wand a couple of feet from the surface and gradually move closer if additional cleaning power is needed.

6. Spray Your Siding Clean.

Be careful not to spray directly at eaves, vents, or light fixtures. High water pressure can knock out loose windowpanes or break them. Also, keep the angle of the wand pointing down so you don't spray up under the laps of the horizontal siding. This will prevent the vinyl siding from buckling under pressure. When rinsing, start at the top and work down to ensure the entire area is soap free.

Pressure washers are a blast to use. Best of all, they work extremely fast, so you can spend more time admiring your work than actually doing it. In addition, pressure washers have lots of other handy uses around the home - from stripping paint to cleaning your deck to scrubbing your sidewalks.

How To Clean Bamboo Floors

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 18:38:51 GMT

How To Clean Bamboo Flooring.

Items Needed:

Have a soft-bristle or fine-fiber broom accessible to keep bamboo in like-new condition. Without regular sweeping, ideally once a day, gritty dirt and dust can scratch the floor’s surface.

Mop weekly, using a hardwood-rated cleaner or a wood soap to maintain shine and protect the surface. Avoid ammonia-, vinegar-, or other acidic-based cleaning agents, which can discolor bamboo floors or harm the finish, making them more susceptible to other damage.

Some water stains or discolorations can be successfully treated with a dollop of real mayonnaise . Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, then wipe off and polish with a soft, clean rag. If the oil-rich mayo doesn’t do the trick, it shouldn’t make matters worse; however, various other “remedies” you might see online can harm bamboo flooring, so proceed cautiously.

Never steam clean your bamboo floors.

Never use rubber or latex-backed mats. They collect moisture and will stain the floor.

Avoid keeping furniture in the same spot for years. Sunlight can discolor the floor and will be stained forever.

Always remember that particular shoes like high heels or sports cleats can do a lot of damage to bamboo floors.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 15:03:21 GMT

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Wipe Walls and Ceilings. Use a vacuum to remove dust . ...
Reseal Grout Lines. ...
Vacuum and Shampoo Rugs. ...
Dust Books and Shelves. ...
Clean Upholstered Furnishings. ...
Polish Metal Door and Window Hardware. ...
Dust Your Home Thoroughly. ...
Wax Wooden Furniture.

How To Make Your Home Smelling Good

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 15:36:47 GMT

How to Make Your Home Smell Good

Make a stove simmer. ...
Make your own scent-filled jars. ...
Clean your garbage disposal. ...
Place candles strategically. ...
Bring the outside in. ...
Soup up your air vents. ...
Turn on the oven. ...
Use dryer sheets outside the laundry room.

Cleaning Leather Seats

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 18:55:42 GMT

Leather seats need extra care compared to cloth upholstery because of the premium quality of the material. To clean messes and stains off of leather, try one of these do-it-yourself ways:

Use nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol . Blotting the stain with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol will slowly lift the mess from the leather. And once the stain is lifted, clean the alcohol off the seat with warm water and dish soap.
Use non-gel toothpaste . A more unique technique is to dab a bit of toothpaste on the stain and then use a clean toothbrush to scrub away the stain gently.
Use lemon juice and cream of tartar paste. Mix an equal portion of lemon juice and cream of tartar into a paste and apply to the stain. It should sit for about 30 minutes, and then you can wipe it away with a damp sponge . The paste has a bleaching effect, so it should only be used on light-colored seats.
The vinegar mixture works on leather seats as well!

How To Clean Cloth Seats

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 19:14:15 GMT

Use club soda . Lightly spray it on the stained area and use a brush to scrub the stain, then wipe it away with a clean towel.

Use a baking soda solution. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with a cup of warm water, then use a light layer of the solution and a toothbrush to scrub away the stain. If the stain is difficult, let the solution sit for around 30 minutes.

Use a vinegar mixture. Mix a cup of vinegar , a few drops of dish soap , and about a gallon of hot water in a bucket. Then dab the mixture into the stain and use a brush to scrub it out of the seat; use clean water to rinse the seat off.

Use laundry detergent . If you don’t have a specific upholstery detergent/cleaner , mix some laundry detergent with hot water and dampen the stains. Use a towel with cold water to rinse the detergent off the seat and scrub the stain away.

What To Use To Wash Walls Before Painting

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 17:47:58 GMT

A good idea is to remove furniture from the room altogether, if possible.

Remember to wear safety goggles and older clothes in case the paint splatters.

Dust and clean the walls.

For most surfaces, use a towel or a vacuum cleaner.

When painting a bathroom or kitchen, wash the walls with a solution of approximately three teaspoons of laundry detergent to one gallon of water.

Scrape any cracked or flaking paint with a paint scraper. For other minor imperfections on the wall, such as plaster bumps, smooth them away with sandpaper. Use muscle power with a piece of sandpaper stapled to a sanding block, or use an electric sander.

How do you clean floors naturally?

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 17:23:54 GMT

Two cups of warm water.
1/2 cup of white vinegar.
1/4 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol (surgical spirits in the UK)
Three drops of liquid dish soap.
5-10 drops essential oils (optional)

How To Clean A Deck

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 17:42:05 GMT

Cleaning Your Deck

How To Clean A Deck

Sweep away noticeable dirt and debris weekly.

Then, give it a thorough surface cleaning every season to keep your deck in good shape.

You will need:

A broom
Tarps to cover items below the deck
Bucket
Stiff scrub brush
Garden hose
Oxygenated bleach (like Oxyclean or Biokleen)
Power washer (optional)

Inspect and Sweep

1. Remove everything from the deck. This includes chairs, planters, grills, toys, etc. If you can’t remove it all, you’ll have to work in two parts, moving things to one side of the deck while you work on the other.

2. Inspect the structure. Grab your broom and clean the house's exterior walls where the deck attaches to it. Inspect the flashing and ledger where your deck is connected to your home. If you notice screws that have worked loose or any signs of rot, contact a licensed contractor immediately to repair them.

3. Sweep. Use the broom on your deck railing, where cobwebs often build up, then sweep the top of the deck. If you can get beneath it, also clean the underside to eliminate debris that will collect moisture.

Optional Power Wash

1. Clear and sweep it first.

2. Low pressure is better.

3. Keep the nozzle moving.

4. Don't get too close.

5. Let it dry for at least two days.

6. Inspect again.

Dryer Sheets

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:30:03 GMT

Dryer Sheets

Even after they’ve been used, dryer sheets can work magic around your house!

Here are some great uses:

Buff water spots from mirrors, bathroom/kitchen fixtures, and shower doors
Remove the ring inside the toilet
Wipe baseboards clean

Wear A Carryall Apron To Help You Around The House

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:17:22 GMT

Carryall Apron

Here is an excellent Pro-Tip!

Before you throw out that old kitchen apron, stash your essential spring-cleaning supplies in the pockets and use them as you go from room to room. It will leave your hands free to scrub and polish, and you won't have to lug a heavy cleaning bucket around the house.

To create storage compartments, turn up the bottom 12 to 18 inches of a long apron.

Determine pocket widths by using the size of your cleaning supplies as guides.

Stitch vertically using a sewing machine.

Counter Stains

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:10:59 GMT

Zap Stone Counter Stains With Hydrogen Peroxide

Removing counter stains is not impossible.

You can remove most coffee or juice stains with a bit of hydrogen peroxide in water, plus a few drops of ammonia, according to kitchen designer Florence Perchuk.
For everyday wear and tear of your stone countertops , buff away minor scratches with superfine dry steel wool called "grade 0000."

Cleaning A Shower

Tue, 11 Sep 2018 16:01:35 GMT

What Is The Best Way To Clean Your Shower?

Steps:

Apply a paste of baking soda and vinegar.
Allow this mixture to work for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of scum present.
Scrub using a microfiber cloth.
You can add a drop of dish detergent or a few drops of hydrogen peroxide for extra cleaning.