Category Archives: House Cleaning

How to Clean Wool Area Rugs

September 30, 2024   Matt

How to Clean Wool Area Rugs

Area rugs that are made of wool are one of the people’s favorite choices. More and more consumers are in fact using such product and it’s worth noting that as the use of wool area rugs increases, the demand for cleaning these rugs also rises. This is highly notable not only in homes, but in offices as well.

To clean wool area rugs is to some degree an act of “profit”. It can even be tremendously profitable especially if the delivery and pick up of the wool rug is included in the cleaning service as in this kind of situation. Customers usually pay extra for the convenience that the cleaning company has offered. But, there is a best alternative to that which is much profitable in some sense, that is, to clean wool area rugs by your self.

It is easy to wash and clean wool area rugs especially if you have all the materials needed to make them clean. Among the most important materials you’ll need to clean wool area rugs are the following:

* Vacuum cleaner
* Stain remover
* A garden hose
* Mild cleaner
* Clean sponge or sponge mop
* Mild detergent
* Water

Once you have all of these materials, you can start your cleaning. Wondering how to start? Well, here’s how:

1. Take your vacuum cleaner and vacuum the wool area rug thoroughly. You can clean wool area rugs with a vacuum cleaner on both sides.
2. Stains are often found in wool rugs, so look for clean stains and remove them with a stain remover. However, be sure to use a stain remover that is designed specifically appropriate for wool rugs. And, be sure to test the stain remover first on a less visible area on the rug for color fastness.
3. Take the area rug outside of your house and look for a paved area where you can place it.
4. Hold the garden hose and treat the rug with water, wetting the rug up and down.
5. Take out your mild cleaner and apply it on the rug. Many experts use two capfuls of this cleaner to a bucket of cold water and they whip up suds in the bucket with the use of beater.
6. Take out your sponger or sponge mop and apply the suds to clean wool area rugs. Clean the rugs by simply wiping it with your sponger as you go.
7. To better clean wool area rugs, rinse then thoroughly after the application of the suds.
8. Roll up the rug in dry towels to squeeze the remaining water. Consider this as rolling up a wet rug can be heavy to bear.
9. If done, lay the rug flat to dry. However, to maintain the color and quality of wool area rug, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as that can trigger the texture of your rug to shrink and the color to fade.

So that’s said. To clean wool area rugs, you simply need time and enough effort.

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When To Use Replacement Water Filter Cartridges

September 20, 2024   Matt

When To Use Replacement Water Filter Cartridges

Many under the sink water purification systems have replacement water filter cartridges which need to be changed every 600 to 1200 gallons; unless there is a gallon-o-meter attached to the average person’s faucet, the number of gallons used could be somewhat difficult to determine.

One simple way to decide if it is time to use a replacement water filter is if the sink begins to loose water pressure; the sink will loose water pressure because the filter is clogged with dirt or other sediments. Depending on the microns the filter is able to keep out of the water some units may be washed out and reused for a time; usually if a filter stops less than 5 microns from escaping the filter, rinsing out the filter is useless.

A good rule of thumb is that an average household will use about 600 gallons of water per month from their kitchen sink for drinking, cooking, and cleaning; using the replacement water filter before the water actually starts to taste or smell bad is a good idea, however waiting until there are signs that the filter is loosing effectiveness is a good idea to prevent waste.

Whole House Units

Whole house water purification systems are the most practical for homes with hard water or contaminates which irritate the skin because impurities such as lead take a time to dispel with most whole house units and are treated more effectively using point of use or under the sink units.

Using replacement filters for whole house units is very similar to using replacement water filters for countertop/ under the sink units; the difference will usually lie in the amount of microns it filters. Whole house units in general allow more contaminates to pass to provide adequate water pressure for the entire home; as a result many of these replacement water filters can be rinsed out to prolong their usefulness.

Lessening water pressure is a good sign that the whole house water filer cartridge needs to be replaced; though these types can be rinsed out, it is a good idea to only rinse them one time before using a replacement water filter cartridge.

Also if a peculiar smell or taste returns to the water a replacement water filter cartridge is also necessary; most water filter cartridges will last for three or four months in whole house water filtration units.

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A Handy Solution For Beautiful Hands

September 15, 2024   Matt

A Handy Solution For Beautiful Hands

Before getting rid of dust and grime in your house, make sure your hands don’t take a beating in the process. Give your hands the care and attention they deserve by following these tips:

• Lock in the Moisture: Applying moisturizer to damp skin immediately after a shower or bath allows skin to seal in the moisturizer. Choose a moisturizer that’s effective and safe for sensitive skin, and free of potentially irritating fragrances or dyes.

• Guard Against Harsh Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals and detergents in household cleaning products can take a toll on hands and dry out and irritate sensitive skin. Look for gloves that are designed to keep hands looking their best. “Playtex Living Gloves have multiple layers of neoprene to provide superior protection, versus ordinary latex gloves, from the harsh chemicals found in common household cleaning products,” says Joe Hourihan, a vice president of research and development at Playtex Products, Inc. Get into the habit of wearing gloves every time you clean.

• Fight Bacteria and Germs: Hourihan says Playtex Living Gloves have Ultra-Fresh® anti-microbial protection to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. The gloves also provide excellent hot-water protection.

• Protect Your Manicure: Your hands are your ultimate accessory and you’ll want them to look good in any season. Wearing gloves whenever you’re cleaning will help your manicures last longer and keep your nails from becoming brittle.

• Take Your Hands to the Spa: Warm a cup of milk in the microwave for 30 seconds (or until warm but comfortable to the touch). Soak your hands for five minutes to strengthen nails and hydrate skin.

Take a page from the model’s beauty handbook and wear gloves to keep your hands looking young and feeling silky.

“My hands aren’t just important to me, they’re my business. So I make it my business to take care of them,” says Ellen Sirot, top NYC hand model, Ford Models. “Whenever I do anything that can damage my hands, such as housework, washing dishes or even gardening, I always wear my Playtex Living Gloves.”

In addition to keeping your hands soft, Playtex Products Inc. is proud to make a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. on behalf of Playtex Living Gloves (www.NationalBreast Cancer.org).

Following a few simple tips may be all it takes to keep your hands beautiful.

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Simple Tips On How To Get Rid Of Arthritis (4)

September 10, 2024   Matt

Simple Tips On How To Get Rid Of Arthritis

In the United States alone, there are more than 50 million people living with the pain of arthritis. So why isn’t there more information out there on what can be done to help? This article will give you some absolutely essential arthritis advice that everyone should know and that you may not have found elsewhere.

You should always stretch because when you stretch with arthritis it helps with the injuries you could get throughout the day. Stretching also warms up muscles and tendons that are more limber and less likely to get torn, but never overstretch. You should always listen to the noises your body makes so you don’t over stretch and hurt yourself.

Establish a work out routine with your doctor. You should not try to exercise too much or the pain will become worst. Usually, exercising three times a week for thirty minutes should be enough. This will make your joints more supple and reduce the pain as well as give you more energy.

Arthritis can be a strain, both physically and mentally. Make sure you are getting enough help and do not feel isolated because of your illness. Go see the same doctor regularly, talk to your friends and family about your issues, and look for new friends with similar issues if your family is not helping you enough.

Always make sure that you are doing everything you can to protect your joints, even the ones that are not causing you pain right now. If you are suffering from arthritis, don’t lift a lot of things with your hands. For example if you are cooking, instead of lifting the pot, try to slide it across the counter to make it easier.

It is important that you get the flu shot if you suffer from arthritis. Just like with many other chronic illnesses, arthritis symptoms will get much worse if you get the flu and could even land you in the hospital. The flu shot is a simple shot that you only have to get once a year.

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

Stretching should be a daily activity to keep your arthritis symptoms under control. You can prevent injuries just by spending 10 minutes a day stretching all of your major muscle groups. These stretches warm up for your muscles and tendons making them less likely to sustain an injury.

Sometimes, the treatments that your doctor offers for arthritis can be assisted and enhanced with alternative treatments such as hydrotherapy, yoga, hot and cold therapy or some herbal or dietary supplements. Be sure to ask your doctor about alternative treatments that will help you make the most of your arthritis care.

With millions and millions of people dealing with arthritis, it’s important to spread any useful information about arthritis that you can. Now that you’ve read this article, don’t just apply the tips to your life. Be sure to share them with others too. Everyone should know what they can do to help manage their arthritis.

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Get Yourself Feeling Better With These Simple Arthritis Tips

September 05, 2024   Matt

Get Yourself Feeling Better With These Simple Arthritis Tips

Many people say that arthritis is one of the most painful and irritating conditions that they have ever suffered from. Like anything else, it is much easier to reduce the pain and irritation of arthritis if you are properly informed. This article contains a number of tips on dealing with your arthritis effectively.

Start a regular and appropriate exercise regimen to help you manage the effects of arthritis. While weight training or resistance training may be difficult initially, following a medically sound exercise routine strengthens the muscles around your joints. This means you are less likely to cause further damage to joints and less likely to experience pain as a result of normal daily activities.

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

As with any disease, your mind plays a significant role in how you respond to the symptoms associated with arthritis. One mindset that can help with arthritis is to think of the pain associated with this disease as a signal to take positive action. This is a better response than concluding that the pain signals unending trouble with that joint. One pro-active step you can take is to practice relaxation. Relaxation can instill in you a sense of control plus a feeling of well-being which can make pain management somewhat easier. Other positive actions include getting gentle exercise, taking supplements such as fish oils, and so on.

Learn the information that is out there about your condition. When you get the diagnosis of your specific type of arthritis, hit the internet and all the sources that are offered, even pamphlets and brochures from the doctor’s office, all about arthritis and your specific type, so you know what you are dealing with and how to fight back.

Check out the Arthritis Foundation’s list of recommended products and appliances. A lot of products are not easy to open for someone who suffers from arthritis, and certain appliances might be difficult to operate. This list contains products and appliances that can be opened or operate easily for someone with arthritis.

Make sure your doctor is knowledgeable on the subject of arthritis. Some doctors have had extensive training in the field, and know better and more effective treatments than other doctors might. Ask your doctor how much they know about arthritis, and if they would be comfortable recommending you to someone more experienced.

Make sure you don’t smoke. Smoking has been shown to increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Not only that, but if you do develop it, smoking has been shown to worsen the joint damage. Patients who smoke most often have much more severe symptoms than those patients who don’t smoke.

As was stated at the beginning of this article, dealing with the pain of arthritis is a matter of having the proper knowledge and information. If you know the right way to treat your arthritis, it becomes much more manageable and less irritating to handle. Apply this article’s advice and be on your way to improving your arthritis.

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If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!

August 31, 2024   Matt

If You Think Mold and Mildew Hibernate During The Winter, Think Again!

If you associate mold and mildew stains with the summer months, you’d be correct. The hot and humid weather provides a perfect environment for rapid mold and mildew growth. The winter however, despite cold temperatures in much of the country is not a mold and mildew-free season by any means.
In fact, the development of mold and mildew stains can actually be intensified during the winter. That’s because people tend to lock-down their houses to prevent cold air from coming in and heat from escaping. The reduced circulation of fresh air results in a higher concentration of airborne spores which in turn, can increase the likelihood of mold and mildew stains on ceilings, walls or other surfaces.
In a warm house, mold and mildew will continue to grow in areas such as basements, attics and crawl spaces. Once the Christmas decorations are put away, emerging mold and mildew growth has a free, undisturbed ride until Memorial Day when the summer gear gets pulled out.
The worst-case scenario is mold that silently grows behind a wall, under flooring or above acoustical ceiling tiles. This type of mold growth is usually caused by a leak that wasn’t repaired properly, or if it was repaired, the surrounding area wasn’t sufficiently dried or treated before covering it with new drywall, tile, etc. If any part of your house has water damage history, it should be inspected carefully.
There have been many newspaper articles and news reports about families being forced to move from their homes and school closings due to toxic mold. But despite the media hype, most of the mold people encounter is usually the harmless, gross-looking variety.
The jury may be out on what the health effects of certain types of mold are, but the fact is that there is usually a point of origin and mold growth is a fairly slow process. For those concerned about mold and mildew stains, here’s a simple, four-step plan that should be followed all year long:
1) Inspect – Look for early signs of mold and mildew in places such as basements, shower areas, walls that house water pipes, ceilings, etc.
2) Repair – Fix plumbing leaks, drain clogs, roof leaks or poor bathroom ventilation that can encourage mold growth.
3) Remove – Treat emerging mold and mildew thoroughly with a powerful cleaning product such as InstaGone Multi-Purpose Stain Remover.
4) Restore – Once mold and mildew stains have been treated with an effective cleaning solutions such as InstaGone, let the area dry thoroughly, apply a mold resistant primer and repaint the area.
The use of long rubber gloves, non-vented goggles and a chemical respirator to limit your exposure to mold are recommended. If you have an area of mold larger than 3 feet by 3 feet, have severe allergies or have been experiencing symptoms such as headaches and difficulty breathing, it’s best to avoid the health risk, and call a certified mold remediation specialist immediately.
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Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to publish this article in its entirety in print or online as long as the resource box is included without modification and all links are included in print publications and active in online publications. A courtesy copy or link is requested upon publication.

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