Bare Floor Cleaner - Forget the Bucket, Scrub Brushes and Mops

Throw away your scrub brushes, buckets and mops and buy a bare floor cleaner. There is absolutely no reason why anyone has to get down on their hands and knees to scrub their floors or use a dirty mop. There are many different varieties of bare floor cleaners on the market today that can clean your floors in half the time and give them a sparkling shine.
Hoover, always one of the best names in vacuum cleaners, makes several floor cleaners that are excellent. The Hoover FloorMax is one of the best floor cleaners on the market today. The Hoover FloorMax looks like an upright vacuum cleaner and works hard to pick up any debris on your bare floor. A separate cylinder holds solution and water that effectively scrubs your floor in record time. It is easier to use than a mop but has the cleaning power of a scrub brush. The Hoover FloorMax even dries the floor when you are finished, making it sparkle. In addition, there are several attachments that making even cleaning floor grout easy. Simply use the grout cleaning solution to clean and maintain grout in between tiles.
Hoover also makes the SteamVac, a bare floor cleaner that does not use solution, but steam, to clean the floor. Many people using this product have found that steam floor cleaning is effective in cleaning all stains and go on to purchase handheld steam cleaners to use in bathrooms and kitchens.
Another good name in floor cleaning is Bissell. Bissell also makes a large variety of steam cleaners and bare floor cleaners that work fast to make your kitchen and bathroom floors shine. The Bissell FlipIt cleaner is a modern marvel. This relatively compact device resembles an upright stick vacuum. You won't believe the power behind this little beauty as it works to vacuum up debris on your bare floor, clean it and then dry it. You will wonder why or how you lived without it. It is so lightweight as well, weighing less than 10 pounds!
Bissell also makes a Steam Mop cleaner. Do not let the name fool you; this is anything but a mop, although it is thin and compact and can store just as easy as a mop. The steam mop uses steam power to remove even the toughest stains on your kitchen and bathroom floors with ease. There is no need to use a solution with the Bissell Steam Mop; the steam is all you need to maintain your floors with ease. Many people are switching to steam cleaning as it is healthier as well as safer for the environment. No chemicals mean no toxic waste flushed into the eco system.
There are many different bare floor cleaning solutions on the market today that work to clean grout, tile, and remove the toughest stains. For those of us who grew up believing that the only way to clean a floor properly was with a scrub brush and bucket, a bare floor cleaner is probably one of the best gifts we can receive.
Learn how to eliminate pet hair with a Bosch vacuum simply and easily by visiting http://www.bestfloorcleaning.com a popular website that provides tips, advice and resources on cleaning laminate floors with Shark Steam Cleaner so that you can spend less time cleaning and more time having fun.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Willhelm_Williams

Clean Carpet Made Easy - A Consumer's Guide

Carpet is a relatively low-maintenance soft flooring surface that has many beneficial qualities. Some of these benefits include: a soft surface for safety and comfort, a filter to control indoor air pollution, aesthetical qualities in color and texture, and convectional warmth.

However, some consumers perceive carpet to be difficult to maintain. By following a simple routine of care, carpeting will look great and last many years. Below are some suggestions to ensure years of beautiful carpet use.

Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!

One of the best maintenance actions a consumer can make is to vacuum their carpet often. It is important to select a vacuum that meets or exceeds the Carpet and Rug Institute's (CRI) Green Label Certification program. This Certification ensures that the vacuum has surpassed indoor air quality testing as well as safeness of use on modern carpeting. Believe it or not several popular vacuums on the market are too aggressive on carpeting and can cause premature wear. Using a vacuum approved by the CRI Green Label program alleviates this concern. To find a CRI Green Label approved vacuum, visit the CRI Website. (see end of article for link)

A popular question is how often should one vacuum? Truth be told with a CRI Green Label approved vacuum, the answer is as often as needed. Factors such as carpet use, pets, children, transitional soil (i.e. dirt driveway or walkpaths to the entry of the home), and other factors matter in the decision on how often to vacuum. A loose rule of thumb is to vacuum a couple of times a week, unless factors above come into play. It's not uncommon for some consumers to vacuum once or twice a day to control pet hair and dander. Conversely if a room of carpet receives little or no use, vacuuming only a couple of times a month may make more sense. The short answer is one can not vacuum too frequently.

Treat Spots and Stains Immediately

Modern carpet has an amazing ability to hide dry soil. Above I noted that vacuuming frequently controls much of the loose dry soil, but vacuuming does not address spills, spots, and stains caused by liquids. Combating liquid spots is a fairly easy task and the sooner a consumer addresses the fresh spot the better. Modern carpeting is made with soil-blocking chemistry, but it is not bulletproof. Over the course of time this soil-blocking chemistry wears off of the carpeting and the carpet will not resist soil as well as it did when it was new. Also, some over-the-counter spotting products and home-made spotting solutions are too harsh on the carpets' soil-blocking chemistry and will cause the chemistry to be compromised.

The best way to address spots, spills and stains is to follow this 3 step approach:

1) Determine the source - attempt to discover the source by sight and smell. Please note: If the spill is corrosive or hazardous, do NOT attempt to clean it up yourself. It's best to call a professional who is trained in specialty carpet cleaning to protect yourself, family, and pets if it's dangerous or you aren't sure how to address the spill. If you have any concerns whatsoever, call the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification for a referral of a local professional cleaner. Their toll free number is: (800) 835-4624. Consumers may also access their 24-hour referral service online at the link provided at the end of this article.

2) Scoop/blot/extract - if the spill is large, using a Shop-Vac in "wet extraction mode" will make it easier to remove the bulk. Smaller spots can be scooped or blotted up with a white cotton terry towel or microfiber cloth. It's important to use a white fabric for blotting to ensure there is no transfer of color from the cloth or towel to the carpeting.

3) Treat - All spots fall into 2 basic categories (or sometimes a combination - such as some kinds of ink): oil-based and water-based. Oil-based spots are caused by fuel, oil, some inks, grease, paint, nail polish, etc. Water-based spots are caused by urine, vomit, feces, food and beverages, fertilizer, etc. It's important to treat each according to their type. Water-based spills, spots, and stains need to be treated with water-based spotting solutions and oil-based need to be treated with oil-based spotting solutions. For a comprehensive spotting chart with instructions, please follow the spotting guide link at the end of this article.

Carpet Cleaning

Vacuuming is effective for dry soil removal, and spot cleaning is an excellent way to keep carpeting looking fantastic between cleanings. Like any textile, such as clothing, a deeper system of cleaning is needed when the carpet becomes uniformly soiled. The Environmental Protection Agency and carpet mills alike recommend frequent cleaning between 3 months and 18 months, depending on use and types of soil. As noted above, carpet has an amazing ability to hide soil. Hoover Vacuum Company commissioned a study and determined that modern carpet can completely hide 1 pound of soil in 1 square foot of carpet! Over time carpet "traffic lanes" can become permanently etched if deep soil is not removed. It's best to clean your carpeting before soil shows because once it accumulates permanent damage has likely already started.

Which Method is Best?

There are 5 recognized methods of cleaning carpet - Hot Water Extraction (steam cleaning), Foam, Shampoo, Bonnet, and Dry Powder. Each of these methods has benefits and drawbacks. Hot Water Extraction is the most popular method of cleaning and is the only method that rinses carpet fibers. However, any of the 5 methods are effective under the care of an experienced professional technician.

Do It Yourself or Choose a Pro?

For minor spots, spills, and stains, consumers can usually address them by using the spotting techniques found on the spotting website above. But when it's time to clean larger areas of carpet, either for maintenance or because of large spots, spills or stains, consumers should consider the following questions:

1) Should you do it yourself? If so,

a. Should you rent or buy a machine?

b. Which machine should you use?

c. Will you be able to clean to your satisfaction?

d. Is the perceived lower price of rental or doing it yourself worth it?

2) Should you hire a professional? If so,

a. Which method should you choose?

b. Which company should you choose?

c. Is the perceived higher cost worth it over renting or buying a machine?

Only you can answer these questions, but consider this. The typical professional carpet cleaner often attends carpet cleaning classes to keep up with new trends, methods, techniques, and chemistry; A typical professional carpet cleaner also successfully cleans thousands of square feet (or more) of carpet a year. Some professional carpet cleaners also choose to become a Certified Firm, which also means they have agreed to a Code of Ethics, possess 3rd party verification of insurance and license requirements, and also have a formal complaint policy instituted, should there be a problem.

By following this guide, your carpeting will last longer and will look great year-round.

Links found in article:
CRI Green Label Vacuums
IICRC Locate-a-Pro Cleaner/Restorer Site
Carpet Spot Cleaning Guide

About the Author - Scott F. Rendall is President of Rendall's Certified Cleaning Services, a professional cleaning and restoration company specializing in carpet, furniture/textile, tile & grout and wood floor care, as well as Water and Fire Damage restoration. Founded in 1983, Rendall's Certified Cleaning Services is an IICRC Certified Firm and Registered with the Carpet and Rug Institute as a Seal of Approval provider. Rendall's Certified Cleaning Services prides itself in unparalleled customer service. For more information on professional cleaning and restoration, visit: Rendall's Certified Cleaning Services Scott Rendall is also an IICRC-certified Master Textile Cleaner as well as a business consultant to other cleaners and restorers world-wide. He can be reached @ 810-225-2184. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Rendall

The Absolute Importance Of Cleaning Pool Filters

One of the most important steps in keeping your pool clean is cleaning pool filters.

Your filter works hard to keep your pool clean and sanitary. But, if you fail to periodically clean your filter, dirt and debris can build up within.

When that happens, the filter's ability to is impaired and can become less effective. Fortunately, cleaning your filter usually takes very little time and effort. The key is to do it regularly.

By using a "backwashing" process once a week, you can remove most of the dirt that tries to build up within the filter.

Over time, however, debris can begin to collect on the removable filtering mechanisms. This is why occasional "deep cleaning" is required.

The three types of pool filters (sand, diatomaceous earth and cartridge) each require unique steps to clean them. This is due to each filter using a unique filtering process.

For example, a sand pool filter uses a bed of roughly-grained sand to keep dirt from staying in your pool. To clean this type of filter, you should plan to replace the sand every 5 - 7 years.

If you are using chlorine, you may only need to do so every 7 - 10 years.

Cleaning pool filters like Cartridge filters, on the other hand use a complex matrix within the cartridge to keep your pool clean. The main culprits that clog the cartridge are body oils, perspiration and chemicals.

There is no definite lifespan for a cartridge. Instead, cleaning or replacing the cartridge is usually determined by canister pressure. Most experts suggest cleaning the cartridge when the pressure reaches 8 - 10 PSI above the pressure of a new cartridge. However, if a tear appears in the matrix of the cartridge, you should consider replacing the cartridge.

Diatomaceous earth pool filters are generally the most effective. This type of system uses earth material that is specially-treated to filter out smaller particles than a sand or cartridge filter. However, cleaning this type of filter often requires more time and effort than the other filtering systems.

When the water is dirty, you may need to change the diatomaceous earth once a day. After the water has been properly cleaned, you should consider changing the earth material once every 30 days. In addition, the grids and filter assembly within a diatomaceous earth filter should be cleaned approximately once a year.

Cleaning your filtering system is a critical part of maintaining an immaculate pool. Though cleaning and maintaining does not require much time and effort, you should approach the job carefully.

Like any mechanical system, cleaning pool filters carries a few risks for those who are not careful. But, with some attention to detail (such as turning the filter off before cleaning) and focus, you may find the job easier than you thought.

Cleaning pool filters ensure that you're pool stays clean.

For more information, links, recommendations, pictures, and more about cleaning pool filters and pool filters in general, visit: http://www.everything-pool-filters.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Blake_Allen

Some Cleaning Tips For Your Apartment

Every now and then I pick up some great tips and ideas to help give my place that clean, gleaming feel with as little stress as possible. Cleaning and keeping your apartment in tip-top guest shape can be an overwhelming thought when you are limited for time. Then, sometimes, no matter how hard you clean and try to keep your place in shape, it just gets out of shape again...
Here are a couple of tips to help you keep your place suited for visitors and keep them from going "Ewww."
Sparkling Mirrors
I used to get so frustrated that every time I cleaned my mirror, it always ended up spotty. Turns out I was doing a major thing wrong. I was spraying the mirror directly with Windex rather than on a clean lint-free cloth. To get sparkling results in your mirror cleaning spray commercial window cleaner on a lintless cloth like an old T-shirt and wipe down the mirror. Dry immediately with another clean lintless cloth to prevent streaking. Do this once every couple of weeks and you'll be sure to impress when your guests are glancing back at themselves.
Handle the Wobblemeister
Have a wobbly chair or table? Don't pull the restaurant fix and shove a folded napkin or sugar packets underneath. A much better solution is to re-use old corks. Just take an old wine cork, cut a horizontal slice, and place it underneath the leg of the chair or table that is doing the wobble-wobble.
Fresh Flowers
Don't receive flowers as often as you'd like? Let your man know he needs to pick up his game and then try extending the life of the ones you do get. A common solution for this is to make sure and cut the stem of the flower at an angle rather than straight across , but for even better results and a longer lasting flower, add a little bit of sugar and a small amount of an acidic ingredient like Sprite, which allows for better water absorption. But, you should still get on your man about stepping up his game...
I hope you take these tips and are able to use them in ways you've never used tips before. You better not start calling me "Martha!"
Jeff's just a regular guy with a funny goatee that really enjoys people and life. On top of that he is a bit of an expert on apartments, living in them, and getting the most out of the apartment living lifestyle.
As a Managing Partner of Apartment Home Living Jeff wants to help you find the right apartment by getting to know you. Not only where you want to live & what you want to pay, but what you like. This way, we can help you find an apartment that fits your personality, not just your budget.
At AHL Apartmentites have a platform to share their own stories, get great info & tips on apartment living, read Jeff's entertaining blogs/stories, find Answers to a wide array of apartment related questions, and have a ton of fun sharing their love of apartment living with others. Don't forget to go and set up your own MyPlace page to really get the full Apartmentite experience!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Swett