Keeping Housework Simple and Cleaning

The primary housekeeper has an important job in maintaining a safe and inviting atmosphere in the home. A housework checklist, whether it is written down or simply kept by memory, is an important tool in keeping track of what is necessary for the basic functioning of a household and for what is uniquely comforting and relaxing for each family. This checklist can be essential for the physical and mental wellbeing of the entire family during difficult times.

We all function better during stress if we can maintain or re-establish a clean, comfortable, consistent base. We all want to depend on the ability to wash in clean water with soap, and to dry our hands on a clean towel. We expect to be able to sit down on a comfortable chair or to lie down on a clean bed. If our clothes are clean and we can eat a nourishing meal, it is easier for us to cope with life’s challenges. But, because the primary housekeeper may need to expend all of his or her energies on the crisis or problem, it may not be possible for them to give their houses a thorough cleaning during a stressful time. Whether the stress is caring for a new baby, meeting difficult deadlines at work, caring for a family member after an accident, surgery, or during an extended illness—or if life has been disrupted by a long-term power failure, a fire, or a natural disaster—we and our families still have basic needs to be met. Keeping a clean house in stressful times can be a challenge. These are the times to focus on the basics and to keep things simple and clean.

If you have a basic housework checklist, and if you concentrate on the chores that will make the most difference to you and your family, you can let the rest of those chores go until life settles back down. If everybody has clean clothes, if there are clean dishes to cook with and eat from, if the garbage is collected and removed from the living areas, everyone will feel a little better. Everybody has different household stressors. Some people can let everything else go for a while as long as their bathroom is clean. Other people are uncomfortable if their beds are not made. Still others “have to have” their kitchen floor washed immediately after cooking a meal. These stressors are unique to your family, and should be on your basic housework checklist.

Remember to prioritize while you are focusing on the basics of simple and clean. Focus first on the basics: dishes, laundry, and garbage. Rinse dishes immediately after they are used. Load them into a dishwasher if one is available—or soak them in hot, soapy water until the water cools, rinse them, and let them air dry. Be sure to keep towels, bedding, underwear, pajamas, and comfortable, casual clothing clean, folded, and put away. If your laundry room is already set up with a basic detergent that is safe for most fabrics and if you have an effective, easy-to-use spot remover handy you will be able to keep up with this task. Remember, folding clothes can be therapeutic—and even small children can fold towels and underwear. A shared task will help even the youngest member feel valuable to the family, especially when the adults may be preoccupied. At set times during the day, for instance after meals and at bedtime, pick up the trash to be thrown away. This is another task that can be shared.

Next, branch out to doing things that help keep your family well, like stocking up on and preparing healthy snacks. Also, make sure everyone gets enough rest, including the very young.

One important task can help fight the spread of infectious disease--wiping off the bathroom fixtures with a sanitizing solution once a day. In a pinch, pour a little alcohol on a folded length of toilet tissue and wipe off the chrome fixtures in the bathroom, including the toilet handle and the faucets and water knobs.. The sinks and counters can be wiped down as well. Then, flush the tissue. Some products make this task extremely easy and quick. For instance, try the disposable clothes that are treated with disinfectant If there is time after these basics, focus on chores that will have the greatest psychological effect on you and your family, whether that is making the bed, keeping cold drinking water in the refrigerator, or making the house smell like chocolate chip cookies. Everything else will keep until a better day.


Visit: http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

About the author:
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Housework Cleaning Checklist

Before you begin a major cleaning project around your home, it will make the job easier for you to get organized. First, be sure that all your tools are in top shape, your cleaning products are on hand and fresh, and your housework cleaning checklist is current. Go through your house and note problem areas: items in need of repair, unusual stains, and jobs you only tackle seasonally. Add your regular jobs to this list so you have a complete reference. Break the list into sections by room. This list will be your guide.

This is also the time to sort through the contents of closets and shelves. House cleaning is made easy when there is a minimum of clutter. You will be able to focus on the actual cleaning instead of getting bogged down in moving the clutter around to clean beneath it. Divide the “stuff” in your house into three piles according to how long it has been since you last used it. Label these piles to keep, to give away, and to throw away. When you have tossed or given away the things you no longer need, or when you have held a garage sale to clear that clutter, you are ready to clean.

Before you begin, check the condition of your cleaning equipment. If it is necessary, go ahead and purchase good replacements now. At a minimum, you should have a good broom and dust pan, a wet mop or sponge mop (depending on the type of floors you have), a dust mop, soft cloths for polishing, dusting, and wiping off fixtures, and a variety of brushes to clean the different surfaces on your walls, windows, and in your bathroom and kitchen. You may need a wax applicator or a window squeegee. A good vacuum with a variety of attachments or carpet sweeper is also a wise investment. Make sure that you have serviced your vacuum recently and that you have fresh bags, replacement rollers, or replacement belts on hand. Quality cleaning supplies are made for a particular job or surface. They will speed your jobs because you will not have to work as hard to get the job done. Also, this equipment will last for years if cared for correctly.

Next, be sure to have enough of your favorite cleaning supplies on hand. At a minimum, you will need glass cleaners, tile and grout cleaners, kitchen and bathroom disinfectants, degreasers, and soaps or detergents specially formulated for the type of floors you have. Again, the correct formula for each job will protect the surfaces in your home while cutting the time involved in cleaning those surfaces. Products that are too harsh can destroy a surface, while products that are too mild will not get the job done. Planning and purchasing the right products before you begin the project will also save time because it will not be necessary to stop in the middle of a job to run to the store because you have run out of cleaner. Be sure to cross-check your list of supplies against your housecleaning list and the tasks at hand before you purchase your supplies.

Find a sturdy bucket, tote, apron, or rolling cart to store all your cleaning equipment in one place. This container can be taken from room to room, saving you the time and energy to go back and forth from your cleaning storage area to the room you are cleaning. If size is a factor, fill the container with only the tools and products you will need for the room you are currently cleaning. It is a good idea to also store items on the cart that might need refilling in the room on which you are focusing. For instance, carry trash can or wastebasket liners, soap refills, light bulbs, or tissue boxes and toilet paper. Have a place to store any items that belong elsewhere in the house or to carry out any garbage you find in the room. At the very least, take two plastic bags with you – one for trash and one for stuff to put elsewhere. Organizing what you carry in your tote or cart is made simpler if you have your housework cleaning checklist at hand. That way, for example, you will have made notes to yourself that when you clean the bathroom, you will also need the screwdriver to tighten the towel rack, and will need to refill the hand soap container. House cleaning is made easy by being organized and planning ahead.


Visit: http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

About the author:
Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Keep your pool sanitary – know where bacteria lurks in your pool

Keep your pool sanitary – know where bacteria lurks in your pool


You may have a wonderful pool service that maintains your pool excellently every week. The tiles are always shiny, and the water looks sparkling clean. However, despite its cheery appearance, there may be lurking culprits that are breeding grounds for thousands of strands of bacteria. To fully keep your pool healthy and sanitary for your family, you can take a few easy steps to eliminate the bacteria monsters:

§ Floating tree leaves: Although it may seem like just an eyesore, fallen leaves are ample breeding ground for bacterial activities. Due to their inherent organic rotting process, leaves that are not removed promptly will contribute to the growth of bacteria in the pool. It is important to use your leaf rake or surface skimmer to remove the tree leaves immediately.

§ Surrounding pool area: The bacteria elements in your pool do not only come from within the water itself; if the ground around a pool is unsanitary, then these bacteria particles easily find themselves swimming with your family. For example, if you have foam padding around the pool area, then this creates interstitial space for bacteria to hide from disinfectants, thus reproducing and harming your family. It is important that you talk with your pool service company about maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the ground around your pool.

§ Cushion material: If your pool has padding materials for your pool slide, diving board, or other activity equipment, these too are breeding grounds for bacteria. The padding that is fully submerged in the pool has much less bacteria than those that are further away and damp. Thus, it is important that you keep all cushioning, whether on top of the diving board or around the stairway, sanitized from bacteria by cleaning it all on a regular basis.

§ Play features: Shallow wading areas, play equipment, and floaters contain high levels of bacteria. You should always monitor the condition of play features used in and around your pool. Those materials that disintegrate or weaken in pool water will have higher breeding grounds of bacteria; once a pool feature starts breaking down, it should be removed completely. Play features in good condition should continuously be cleaned and sanitized to ensure that the bacteria strands do not translate into the pool.

Your pool is a wonderful source of entertainment for your family and friends, and with the necessary sanitation procedures, you can keep them safe and healthy for years to come.

About the author:
www.PoolCleaningQuotes.com


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Selecting the best pool cleaning service for your pool and budget

Selecting the best pool cleaning service for your pool and budget

Your swimming pool provides wonderful memories for you and your family, and it is a great gathering place for family entertainment. However, with a swimming pool come extensive responsibilities to ensure that the pool remains healthy and sanitary for your family. If you opt to clean and maintain the pool yourself, it is critical that know exactly how to read and balance the pH levels, clean and monitor the filter, and ensure that the motor is running properly. Most people choose to use a pool cleaning service to maintain their swimming pool; most pool maintenance companies are very affordable, and they allow you to rest assured that your pool is clean, safe, and well-cared for in terms of long-term longevity.

However, there are many factors to consider when you are choosing the right pool cleaning service for you. The pool technician will be on your property, in your backyard every week, caring for the safety and health of your family’s pool. Thus, before you make the plunge, make sure that you take into consideration the following factors in choosing the right pool cleaning service and monthly rate for you:

· Ask your neighbors for recommendations. Are your neighbors happy with their pool service? Often times, you may be able to snag a good deal because the pool man already works next door.

· Go online and find recommendations and competitive quotes. There are services online that conduct extensive background checks to ensure that the pool service is professional, with a clean history. Websites such as PoolCleaningQuotes.com also conduct a sex offender check to make sure that the pool man in your backyard is healthy and safe member of society. You can also use these websites to obtain competitive quotes from professional pool services from your area, which makes your job much easier.

· Talk to several pool cleaning companies. When you speak with pool cleaning companies, it is important to compare their rates…and their reliability. If you schedule appointments with six companies, it is more than likely that one or two will not show. You can compare their competitive prices and see which company will show up every week to maintain your pool.

· Negotiate the details included in the service: The pool cleaning rate can certainly be negotiated, based upon your pool needs. For example, if you rarely use your pool, then you rate could be lower because less chemicals are required to balance the human element. Or, if you need full service, make sure that all of the chemicals are included. Is filter cleaning included? All of these little maintenance details add up to hundreds of dollars a year, if you do not negotiate them into your monthly maintenance fee.

· Consider buying an automated pool vacuum. An automated pool sweep will pay for itself in terms of the amount you save in reduced monthly pool service fees. You will only need partial service from your pool company, and thus, you will save a great deal of money in the long-run.

Your pool is a great source of entertainment and memories. If you negotiate with the right pool cleaning company, your pool can also be a cheap, affordable source of family fun as well.

About the author:
www.PoolCleaningQuotes.com


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Commercial cleaning companies

The nature of cleaning is not the same and the criteria companies are also changing their cleaners. Little by little companies are realising that it is more economical and administratively easier to find a cleaning company that can meet all their cleaning requirements.

Not many cleaning contractors are able to do this or wanted to do so in the past. They have chosen to concentrate on a particular specialism and develop that. So we have firms that are office cleaners, carpet cleaners, window cleaners, stone cleaners, kitchen cleaners, and ventilation duct cleaners to name but a few. Each of these builds up their own particular client base and their only way of growing is to expand their area of coverage. Many cleaning companies are reluctant to do this and consequently their potential for growth is limited. A large proportion of these companies are run by a single person who is quite happy to restrict themselves to a physically manageable area and manage a finite number of clients. However if you own and operate a company or want to start a cleaning company that has wider visions then you have an opportunity to take advantage of the changing market place.

Companies and corporations are now beginning to look for cleaning companies that can provide them with all the cleaning services they require. If the cleaning company wishes to take advantage of this and gain corporate clients then it must expand its areas of expertise. If the financial burden of doing this is too great for the company to bear then the alternative is to find other firms who specialise in these various areas and work together either as partnerships or sub-contract out these fields of specialist cleaning.

Companies working together in some form of partnership who share the same goals is a better solution but ultimately it is better if your own company can develop within these various areas and then you have complete control without the concern and constant anxiety of being let down. Become an expert in carpet cleaning, window cleaning, deep cleaning of commercial kitchens and ventilation duct cleaning. That way you can offer your prospective clients the complete cleaning package, increase your turnover and continue to grow.

About the author:
The author Thomas H. Lindblom talks about cleaning contractors. Little by little companies are realising that it is more economical and administratively easier to find a cleaning company that can meet all their cleaning requirements.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How to Deep Clean Carpets

Maintenance of a carpet is not one of the easiest jobs and it takes time and effort to keep your carpet in good condition. Most people use vacuum cleaners for carpet cleaning but this is not enough; your carpets also need some deep cleaning. The truth is that a carpet is easily prone to contaminants and pollutants. Your dog may walk in wagging his tail and shed some of his lovely hair on the carpet. A storm may bring in a few more surprises in the form of dust and allergens. To top it all, there is always the fear of spilling liquid or food, which may cause deep stains. All this translates to one thing: deep carpet cleaning.

It is advisable to deep clean carpets at least once in 12 or 18 months. This will not only remove the dust and the dirt but also the deep stains. As a result of deep carpet cleaning, the life span of your carpet will increase and it will also look as good as new. Deep cleaning of carpets will reduce the wear and tear and keep its colors bright. The question is how best you can deep clean your carpets?

Deep cleaning of carpets is not something that you can do at home always. This kind of carpet cleaning requires professional help. When you buy a new carpet, you will find a manufacturer note that states that the best cleaning process for all carpets is deep cleaning. It is important that you follow the instructions provided by the carpet manufacturer. You can try deep carpet cleaning at home too but for that you will require a carpet shampoo. There are different types of shampoos available in the market that can be used for specific carpets like woolen or silk carpets.

You should avoid using soap and household detergents for deep carpet cleaning as they can severely damage your carpet. To get the best results, start by vacuuming your carpet completely and then apply a pre-conditioning solution. The pre-conditioning solution is a form of mild detergents, which will help the soil on the carpet to loosen before you can start the actual deep cleaning process. Alternatively, you can also hire a carpet cleaning professional to do the job.

You can search over the internet for firm in your area that employ different deep carpet cleaning processes. The best way to find a professional is through references. Ask for references from your friends, neighbors, colleagues and family. While speaking to different professional carpet cleaners, make sure that you discuss the use of the five different methods of deep cleaning. Take their advice as they know which method will be best suited for your carpet. The five methods of carpet cleaning are:

Dry extraction: In this method professionals use an absorbent that contains special solvents and detergents. This absorbent is infused in to the carpet using special machines. The absorbent acts like a magnet and attract all the dirt, dust particles and soil from the carpet fibers. Once that happens then the carpet can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner. This process works well for sturdy carpets.

Dry foam extraction: In this method, the professional will apply a detergent solution, which will create foam. The foam will then be applied to your carpet. The foam will attract all the dirt and the other pollutants, which can be removed later on using a vacuum cleaner. This process of carpet cleaning will work well for woolen carpets.

Hot water extraction: This is also known as steam cleaning and you can do it at home. First you will have to precondition the soiled areas of the carpet and then use a specially designed hot water extraction machine to infuse the cleaning solution into the carpet. This will help in loosening and removing of the soil.

Rotary shampoo: This is one of the classic carpet cleaning methods. It is done by professionals who use a machine that has rotary brushes. With the help of the brushes, cleaning solution is injected into the carpet, which helps in removing loose soil.

Absorbent pad: This is the last of the carpet cleaning methods and should not be done at home. A specially designed machine is used for removing the soil. The machine has absorbent spin pads, which can absorb the soil from your carpet.

At the end, it is always advised to refer to the instructions mentioned by the carpet manufacturer to help you choose the right deep cleaning method for your carpet.

About the author:
David Marquardt is the owner of the leading Austin Carpet Cleaning Services company based in Austin Texas dedicated to providing the most reliable Austin Vent Cleaning.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Tips and Tricks About Cleaning Air Ducts and Vents

Is the air in your home clean? All of us breathe air when we are inside the home and most people are unsure about how clean the air inside their home is. Just like the air outside your home has several contaminants and pollutants, the air inside your home also have several contaminants. So if you breathe this air full of contaminants, the health risks increase multifold. You will be prone to various respiratory diseases, which can further get aggravated and take the form of allergy, asthma, persistent cough, nausea, headaches, and even fatigue. The root cause of these illnesses is the contaminants who have found their way into your home because your air duct or HVAC system is dirty.

Reduce health risks by cleaning Ducts

Contaminants in the air duct or your ventilation system are in different forms like fungi, Mold, allergens and bacteria. Allergens like pollen, dust, and pet dander are quite common and can get inside the HVAC system in your home, which will circulate it right into the air that you breathe. Such a scenario will pose higher health risks and create negative health consequences on a long-term basis. According to the American College of Allergy almost 50% of illnesses are caused by pollutants that exist in the air inside your home due to improper vent cleaning.

As a result, it is important to clean your HVAC system on a regular basis. It is not only the health perspective in question here but a clean air duct system will provide higher performance as compared to a dirty system. Efficient running of your air duct or HVAC system will help in reducing your energy bills. Cleaner air duct systems will have a longer lifespan and will have less technical problems. So there are many more advantages of having a clean HVAC system other than the fact that it will keep the air in your home cleaner.

Factors That Affect Cleaning

Vent cleaning is a must and needs to be done on a regular basis. The industry standards recommend that you should have an expert inspect your air ducts and vents once every two years, and also initiate vent cleaning once every 5-7 years. Of course there is no harm in initiating a vent cleaning process once every 3-4 years also but all this depends on the conditions within your home.

On the other hand the NADCA or National Air Duct Cleaners Association does not recommend any specific time frame for air duct cleaning. According to them air duct cleaning should be initiated by a homeowner when they feel it is necessary and have outlined certain factors that will lead to frequent vent cleaning. According to them, vent cleaning becomes necessary within a short period of time if:

1. Smoking is done in the house
2. There are pets in the house that shed hair and dander
3. There is damage or water contamination in the home or to the HVAC system
4. NADCA also recommends air duct cleaning prior to occupancy of a new home.

Cleaning Methods

The most effective way of air duct cleaning is by using source removal methods. A powerful vacuum cleaner is used as a part of this method and it can suck air with dirt from your air duct and ventilation system. There are certain devices, which are inserted into the air ducts like brushes, skipper balls and air whips to dislodge any dirt or debris that is stuck to the inner surface of the ventilation system.

You can choose a duct cleaning contractor who is an expert in vent cleaning and will be able to clean your piping, registers, ductwork, and blower motor. These professional vent cleaning experts also use vacuums mounted on trucks, which can clean according to NADCA standards. The vacuums mounted on trucks are very powerful cleaners.

You need to be careful while hiring air duct cleaning contractor. You can start with several contractors who will inspect your air duct and ventilation system and then offer you their best quote. You need to make sure that the air duct cleaning contractor visually inspects the air ducts and the various components of your HVAC system before offering you a cleaning solution.

If you hire NADCA contractors then you will be rest assured that your vent cleaning process will be based on NADCA guidelines. Check the license of the vent cleaning company and ask for at least 3 references. Last but not the least; don’t hire someone who offers you the lowest price because that will translate into inadequate cleaning.

About the author:
David Marquardt is the owner of the leading Austin Carpet Cleaning company based in Austin Texas dedicated to providing the most reliable Austin Vent Cleaning.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Carpet Cleaning Tips for the Do-It-Yourselfers

Carpet cleaning is a necessity and deep cleaning on a regular basis will ensure that your carpets have a long life and look fresh and new always. Deep cleaning is mostly done by professionals but you can also do it at home. Some of you may find it unnecessary to hire a professional for something you can do on your own. Some others may feel that the cost of hiring carpet cleaners is higher than your budget. What next? The next step is to get your hands dirty and start the process of carpet cleaning. So if you have made up your mind and are ready to take on the do-it-yourself carpet cleaning job then the following tips will definitely help you:

The first and the foremost thing that you need to do is remove all the furniture. You need to do this before you start the process of cleaning the carpet. After you have removed the furniture, vacuum the entire length and breadth of the room. The point is that if you are able to remove as much soil as possible before the carpet cleaning process, then you will get better results.

You can find most of the carpet cleaning systems on rent. Check each of the system first and enquire about its effectiveness. The cleaning requirements are different for different types of carpets. So make sure that you pick the one that is suited or recommended for your carpet. Some people ask why they can’t buy it straight from a retail store. The reason is that a rental store has powerful machines that will help in thorough carpet cleaning as compared to the machines available at retail outlets or supermarkets. When you rent or buy the necessary equipment, make sure that it has a maximum vacuum capacity so that the carpet can dry off within 12 hours after cleaning. If you are in doubt then take assistance or consult the carpet manufacturer or even the retailer regarding recommendations.

Try to avoid over wetting during Carpet cleaning. If there is too much moisture then it will seep into the fibers of your carpet and can cause considerable damage to its backing. Prolonged dampness can even lead to the growth of bacteria, fungus and mildew, which will cause health problems. The biggest concern in the do-it-yourself process is that of using too much detergent or water. Normally, it is mentioned on the detergent pack, how much to use and you can also consult the manufacturer regarding the right proportion to use for carpet cleaning.

Actually, it is always recommended to consult the carpet manufacturer before you start with do-it-yourself carpet cleaning. The carpet manufacturer and even the retailer can provide you with detailed information regarding the products that you can use for your carpet. It is advised to double check the detergent for its pH value, which should be less than 10. Also find out if the detergent will leave any sticky residue or not. Carpet cleaning of woolen carpet or those made from natural fibers will need a special cleaning solution that has been formulated only for them. Follow up the detergent cleaning with a clear water rinsing process so that all remnants from the detergent or cleaning solution can be removed.

Some carpets are stain resistant while others are not. If you have a stain resistant carpet then you will have to use specially formulated solutions. One very important thing is that if you have a stain resistant carpet then you will need to hire professional carpet cleaners as otherwise the warranty will become void.

It is better to avoid cleaning solutions, which contain brighteners or bleaches as they can lead to discoloration of your carpet. Try and avoid the use of silicone-based carpet cleaning treatments as they don’t have any long-term benefits and are capable of causing permanent damages to your carpet.

Last but not the least; dry your carpet as soon as possible. You can turn on the fan, air-conditioner or de-humidifier for pulling out the moisture from the air. The sooner the carpet can dry, the better it will be. Proper drying of your carpet will help to maintain the color and fabric of the carpet and also increase its lifespan.

Carpet cleaning can be done at home but always consult your carpet manufacturer before you start the process because if your carpet get damaged then it will not be possible to restore it to its original state. So you need to be extremely careful while doing it at home.

About the author:
David Marquardt is the owner of the leading Austin Carpet Cleaning Services company based in Austin Texas dedicated to providing the most reliable Austin Vent Cleaning.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How Harmful Are Household Cleaners?

With the use of household cleaning products in homes, schools, and office buildings around the world, these cleaning products are finally being exposed for their risks to our health. Many people are still purchasing these products which are expensive and pose huge health risks to their families. Household cleaning products are an area where we can exercise some choice over the degree of toxicity we expose ourselves and our families.

Many of the disinfectant ingredients found in most household cleaning products are highly toxic. Some chemicals contained in cleaning products are found in those used in industrial settings, with some actually classified as hazardous waste. These household cleaners may be responsible for poisoning our children and polluting our air. With more than 32 million pounds of toxic household cleaning products that are poured down the drain each day, damage to our precious ground water systems are put in danger. This threatens the health of our future generations. There are many chemicals found in ordinary cleaning products that are harmful to your health and which may also cause cancer.

There are many chemicals in household cleaners that are toxic. Chemicals in cleaning products are among the most toxic compounds found in the home. Some of the chemicals found in these cleaners include, phosphates, sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), phosphoric acid, toluene, tetrachloroethylene, and xylene. Our homes have been made into small chemical factories by the use of detergents, degreasers, stain removers and glass cleaners. Everyday house cleaners may be responsible for allergies, asthma, headaches, chest pains, dizziness, eye and skin irritations, birth defects, fatigue, depression and cancer. Some of these chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and can be extremely caustic and harmful if ingested.

There are many all natural, non-toxic, non-polluting household cleaning product alternatives now available. These cleaning products are non-toxic and earth friendly. Green cleaning products are non-toxic and provide for a safer home environment, a healthy family, an eco-safe and cleaner planet. Green cleaners can cost more than conventional household cleaners, but they are often more concentrated, giving you more cleaner for your money.

Public demand for green products and recognition of the hazards of many chemical ingredients in cleaners are leading more companies to manufacture less toxic cleaning products. To live green and healthy, switching to non-toxic cleaners and planet friendly products is a quick and easy way to start. With these products available to us there is no need to expose ourselves, our children and our planet to harmful cleaning chemicals. Green products keep the poisons of conventional household cleaners out of your home and your families lives.

About the author:
About the Author: Mike Merisko has a health and nutrition website at http://www.healthfreeway.com and shares a website with his wife Linda at http://www.shaklee.net/healthbuilders

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Common Carpet Cleaning Myths

It's only natural that as time goes on, we are constantly receiving new information and compiling facts. This is what enable us to throw off the myths and misconceptions that influence our decisions.

Unfortunately, some myths die a hard death. This is especially true when they are repeated over and over by the uninformed.

The urban legends about carpet cleaning are right up there with Elvis sightings and Jimmy Hoffa's final resting place. Hopefully, this article will dispel these many myths about carpet cleaning in general and hot water extraction specifically.

Below are a few of the most popular misconceptions along with the facts that offset them.

1. HOT WATER EXTRACTION CLEANING SHRINKS CARPETS

Within the last fifteen years, the carpet manufacturing industry has made a unified change in tufting carpet, not in jute, but into a woven plastic known as polypropylene. Now, using this as a primary backing in carpet and adding poly as a secondary backing, we have carpet fibers that are entirely synthetic. It's impossible for these fibers to shrink! The only way cleaning can cause shrinking is to have over-wetting of a woven carpet or jute backed carpet. This is not a fault of the method used but rather of the technician.

2. HOT WATER EXTRACTION WILL TAKE THE TWIST OUT OF THE CARPET

Nylon is the most popular face yarn on the market today. These yarns used in making carpet are set under constant heat to make them maintain their twist and resiliency. Even under the worst conditions, steam cleaning cannot take the twist out of the fibers. Low density yarns that produce less expensive carpets have little twist so they can cover more area. This creates an opportunity for the yarn to lose its twist with just traffic. However, cleaning it will make no difference, no matter what method is used.

3. ONCE YOU CLEAN A CARPET, IT WILL GET DIRTIER FASTER

I noticed that when I clean a new shirt, it loses some of that crispness it had when it was new. So, now I'm thinking maybe I shouldn't clean it for a while... you know, just keep wearing it until I finally lose all of my friends. (Just kidding)

Or, what I could do is WASH it and just restore the body with sizing. The choice is much the same with carpet except for a few differences. We deal with mostly synthetic fibers in carpet and repeated professional cleaning does not make it attract soil.

What DOES cause a carpet to resoil rapidly is that the leftover cleaning residues from an inept carpet cleaner attracted soil as we walk across it. here's the deal: Hot water extraction performed by a trained and certified professional actually refreshes the texture of a carpet. When proper and periodic cleaning is combined with the proper application of a carpet protector, the result is extended life and beauty for your carpet.

4. YOU SHOULD HOLD OFF CLEANING YOUR CARPET AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

The single most important issue with regard to carpet cleaning that began in the 90's had to with health. The level of cleanliness we can achieve in our carpets will have a direct relationship to our indoor air quality.

We walk on carpet. Our pets lay on it - and sometimes do some disgusting things on it as well. Kid crud and husband havoc cause stains and spots. All of the junk from outside settles on it. Then our kids crawl and play on it; and husbands fall asleep on it watching football, leaving drool. Doesn't it make good sense to clean our carpets regularly if for no other reason than to improve our family's home environment?

5. YOU SHOULD NOT OVER VACUUM CARPET

This is impossible to do.

The average consumer would never have to worry about this. A recent study suggested that the average carpet in a home should be vacuumed three to four times a week. But even if you vacuumed every day (and twice on Sunday), it would never harm a quality carpet.

In the real world, the average number of times carpet gets vacuumed is two to three times a month. So, we actually have some room for improvement in this area. By the way, the vacuum bag should be emptied when it is 1/2 to 2/3 full. So don't get cheap and wait until it's clogged all the way to the top!

About the author:
David Gruttadaurio is the president of UBS Clean Care, Inc. His company is a residential carpet cleaning and janitorial company serving the Southwest Indiana cities of Newburgh, Evansville and Princeton. UBS Clean Care is unique in that they promise "The Most Thorough Cleaning Ever, or it's FREE!" You can find more valuable information about caring for your carpeting by going to http://MyCleanCarpet.net



Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Hiring a Cleaning Service

A cleaning service New York is not easy to find. Any chimpanzee in an apron and rubber gloves can clean your house and apartment, but as a resident or homeowner, chances are, your choice in cleaning service will be made on several important factors.

The first factor entering your decision-making process is the hourly or by-room cost. Depending on the size of your home and the amount of rooms, a cleaning service NYC will have different pricing schedules to go by when charging you. Some will figure out the total cost based on how many rooms you have to be cleaned. For example, a cleaning service New York City will charge you for a three bedroom apartment based on the kitchen and bathrooms, whereas a cleaning service for a house will take into account the fact that the average suburban room size is bigger and in a house, the living room, den, dining room and foyer take up much more time than in the city.

Another factor is the frequency of cleaning appointments requested. For example, if you plan to have the New York cleaning service come on a regular basis, you can probably negotiate a better deal for their services than if you were just getting a one-time cleaning.

Lastly, insurance and licensing should enter the picture at some point.
Obviously, you don't want to invite just anyone into your home. The reputable New York cleaning companies will proudly display their credentials on their own websites so that you can feel confident that you have a good company coming in to do the job. Like most facets of home improvement, reputation is very important.

About the author:
Myself webmaster of http://www.cityhammer.com dealing in all type of Home improvement and remodeling need such as interior designer New York, interior decorator New York, cleaning service New York City, flooring New York, carpenter carpentry New York, cleaning service New York.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Invest Your Time in Something Better with Dorm Mom Laundry Services

There are always going to be better things to do with your time than doing laundry, but at some point you have to do that as well. If you are in college or you have a very busy life, handling work and family, doing the laundry is yet another burden that you have to handle, or at least this is how it seems. Moreover, you do not only have to wash your clothes, you also have to dry them and some even require ironing. Studying, classes, work and family considerably reduce the time you have left for laundry.

Dorm Mom Laundry Services are the best solution available to you if you are busy with college, family or work. Students must study, go to classes, participate in extracurricular activities and also enjoy the wonderful experience college has to offer. In between all these, they have to find time to cook, clean, do the laundry and of course visit their family and friends from time to time. When you live on campus, you automatically have access to free laundry facilities, but imagine how many students live on the same campus and how many of them do their own laundry. You will not only lose precious time doing the laundry, but you will also be prevented from making good use of your free time because you have to stay in line before you get a turn at doing your laundry. However, there are always alternatives and Dorm Mom College Laundry Services is one of them. Within 48 hours, your clothes will be washed, dried and ironed and all you have to do is put the clothes in a laundry bag provided to you by the laundry service and place it in your pick-up location, which is right on you hallway. What could be easier than that?

Moreover, college also means not having enough money for things like washing your clothes and Dorm Mom College Laundry Services is based on that premise. Time is money and every minute you waste waiting in line to do laundry means wasted money, not to mention that detergents are not that cheap. Dorm Mom college Laundry Services were created with the purpose of saving you both time and your money. In addition to the convenience of using these college Dorm Mom Laundry Services, you also have the certainty that you will get your money back if, for whatever reason, you should happen to be dissatisfied with the quality of the services provided.

Working parents or people with demanding jobs also face the same problem as students: they do not have time to do the laundry. Dorm Mom Laundry Services extend to these people as well. You save money, have your clothes cleaned and ironed and, at the same time, you do not have to take a trip to the nearest laundry facility because using the Dorm Mom Laundry Services, the pick-up place is at your home.

If you come to think of the facts better, college life is as demanding as family life and the less chores you have, the better. Dorm Mom Laundry Services for college students and any working people mean more time for important aspects such as studying or spending quality time with your family, less money spent and a lot less stress for you!

About the author:
For more resources about College Laundry Services or even about Laundry Services please review these pages http://www.dormmom.com

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

How to Clean Your Refrigerator: Free Online Maintenance Tips & Techniques : Tips for Cleaning the Inside of Your Refrigerator:

Learn tips on how clean & disinfect the inside of your refrigerator in this free online instructional video on maintaining & cleaning your refrigerator

Good Housekeeping Tips and Basic Home Cleaning Techniques : Expert Tips on Bathroom Sink Cleaning

Learn how to clean a bathroom sink from an expert - free video

Tips on Do it Yourself Carpet Cleaning With a Home Steam Carpet Cleaner : Letting the Carpet Dry: Carpet Cleaning Tips & Techniques

How long should I let my carpet dry after steam cleaning it? Learn the best way to clean carpet. Get carpet cleaning tips & techniques in this free video introduction

How to Wash Dishes : How to Clean Food from Dishes

Learn how to clean food from dishes when you are washing dishes by hand with expert cleaning tips in this free video clip

Home Cleaning Tips

Practical tips on cleaning parts of your home

Professional House Cleaning Tips : How to Clean Stuffed Animals

Learn how to clean a stuffed animal without ruining the toy, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Removing Paper Stains on Wood Furniture

Learn how to remove paper stains from wood furniture, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Organizing the Childrens Room

Learn how to effectively organize a child's room and keep it clean with these professional tips - free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Microwave Cleaning Tips

Learn pro tips and tricks on how to clean an extremely dirty microwave, in this free video

Housecleaning Tips : How to Keep your Home Clean & Smelling Clean : Basic House Cleaning Tips from a Professional

Learn some basic housecleaning tips to get started with your housecleaning chores, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : How to Make Homemade Furniture Polish

Learn how to make an inexpensive and effective homemade furniture polish, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Important Housecleaning Products to Get you Started

Get professional advice on which housecleaning products you should use to clean your home, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Appliance Cleaning Tips

Learn professional tips and tricks for cleaning common household appliances, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Dusting and Cleaning Electronic Equipment

Learn how to clean your electronics devices with electronics cleaning tips, in this free video

Good Housekeeping Tips and Basic Home Cleaning Techniques : How to Clean Hard Wood Floors: House Cleaning Tips

Learn how to use a prep mop from an expert house cleaner - free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Laundry Tips : Tips to Make Doing Laundry Easier

Doing laundry is a basic household chore, but it can be much easier with these professional housecleaning tips - free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Oven Cleaning Hints : How to Clean your Oven

Cleaning the oven can be a difficult chore even if the oven has a self-cleaning setting; learn how in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : How to Clean your Window Blinds

Learn professional tips for cleaning your window blinds, in this free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : Refrigerator Cleaning Tips : How to Clean your Refrigerator

Learn professional tips and tricks for cleaning your refrigerator and other kitchen appliances - free video

Professional House Cleaning Tips : How to Clean the Bedroom : Tips for Cleaning your Bedroom

Learn simple tips for cleaning your bedroom, in this free video

How to Clean Grout in Floors

Author: Steve Hanson

Copyright (c) 2006 The Janitorial Store

Restroom cleanliness is one of the most common complaints cleaning companies receive. When cleaning restrooms, keep in mind that they should not only look clean, but that they should feel and smell clean. An important part in maintaining a high level of cleanliness is making sure the floor grout is clean. Grout is porous, so over time, moisture, contaminants, and even dirty mop water can discolor it. These circumstances can lead to staining, odors, and aid in the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

There are several reasons is it so difficult to clean floor grout:

* Using a cleaner that doesn't float contaminates to the surface.

* Using a cleaner that contains detergents that settle into the grout with dirt and oils.

* Sealers may have been improperly used in the past. Instead of keeping out dirt and oils, these may now be trapped in the grout.

* Acidic or high pH cleaners make grout more porous and fragile with the result being the grout re-soils faster.

* Cleaners used in the past may have left residues that become dirt magnets.

Before starting to clean tile and grout it is important to analyze what dirt and contaminants you're dealing with. Then based on that information, select a cleaner designed for cleaning that type of soil and is suitable for the flooring being cleaned.

Using the right cleaner and using it correctly are important steps to keeping grout clean. To avoid soap scum, daily cleaners must be salt free. When deep cleaning, the cleaner needs to be free of high levels of potassium and sodium salts. The cleaner you use must be able to float contamination up as well as transfer it to the mop so the grout comes clean. Carefully consider the pH of the product you are using. Acidic based cleaners (low pH) bleach rather than clean and basic cleaners (high pH) tend to be high in salts. Be cautious about the use of citrus products. Many of these products leave unwanted residues that make floors feel sticky. It is important to use the right chemical as bacteria can get trapped into grout and tile. It may be necessary to use a germicide cleaner, especially around toilets and urinals, to kill bacteria and remove any urine that has dried into the grout or tile.

Cleaning grout is often labor-intensive at times even requiring scrubbing by hand, which may not be practical in a large restroom. There are procedures you can follow to help keep grout clean. First, use a chemical proportioning system to dilute chemicals accurately. When you use too much chemical, sealants break down faster. Second, have adequate ventilation to help prevent the build up of odors and speed up drying. Frequent changing of mop water and mop heads helps to make sure that contaminants are picked up and not pushed back into the grout. Consider switching to microfiber mops as they have proven to be the most effective at removing contaminants from floor surfaces.

When cleaning, liberally apply chemicals and don't allow the floor to dry before scrubbing. Always allow proper dwell time, which is typically between 5 and 10 minutes. The next step is to use the right tool to scrub the floor surface. To effectively clean the surfaces use floor brushes. After thoroughly scrubbing the floor, remove the excess liquid. A wet vacuum works well as it will pick up the excess water, dirt, residue and cleaning chemical used on the floor.

New and innovative equipment can also make cleaning grout faster. High-pressure water systems (up to 1200 psi) can effectively deep clean, loosen, and remove soil. Some systems also heat the water, which aids in the cleaning process. Grout cleaning systems also have auto-feed/auto-dump capabilities so you can use them continuously without stopping. The machines pick up loosened soil and leave no residue. Another option is using cylindrical brush technology. These machines do not use pads like rotary buffers, but instead use rotating brushes. These brushes penetrate and loosen the dirt in grout and tile.

To keep grout and tile looking their best it is important to train your staff and make sure they continue to follow the proper procedures when cleaning grout. Having written procedures and checklists can help to assure the proper cleaning techniques are always followed.

Lack of attention, carelessness, and the wrong types of cleaners used will lead to dirty grout and the entire floor looking dull and dingy. Paying attention and spending a little extra time when cleaning grout will keep not only the floor, but the entire restroom, looking and smelling clean.


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Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM), an online community that offers weekly tips, articles, downloads, discussion forums, and more for anyone who would like to learn how to start a cleaning business. Visit The Janitorial Store's blog and get inspired by reading cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_97101_15.html

Raising the Bar with Green Home Cleaning: Tekon Seals and Protects Kitchen and Bath from Toxins

Author: Darrel Smith

Bret Aiken has been researching, applying, and experimenting with protective coatings for bathrooms and kitchens since the 1980s. During the 80s Bret and his bother James Aiken worked together in the shower door industry for Rainbow 80s and later Rainbow 90s, as part of a family business in California. Now Bret and James Aiken own Tekon Universal Sciences Inc. together, a company dedicated to pushing the envelop for green systems in sealing, protecting and cleaning home and public environments. "With new green cleaning technologies, there is really no reason to use harsh chemicals in the home or in public spaces any longer," said Bret, "because Tekon's hygienic and hydrophobic sealants can prevent the spread of germs. Tekon's protective treatments work by sealing out the oxygen and leaving germs on the surface where they are easily wiped away."
Bret began exploring sealants for shower doors in the 1980s. "Back then we were using a product similar to Rainex to coat shower doors. The sealant only lasts 30 days, and there is no aftercare recommended or provided." In the 1990s James and Bret purchased a Diamond Seal Franchise, a superior coating for shower doors. "We thought this was a good product," remembered Bret, "there wasn't anything like it at the time. It had a longer capability of bonding to a surface." The coatings would last for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 years. "Then we would be asked to reapply it," added Bret.
In late 1997, several forces coalesced in Bret and James Aiken's lives. They began collaborating with Dr. Willis, who pioneered new nanotechnology coating processes, and Palmer Consulting Group. "By 1999 we had engineered a whole new coating process or system," recalled Bret. He continued, "We named the company Diamond Seal Systems, since we innovated and improved Diamond Seal's process." The process sealed the surface to protect it from viruses, mold, bacteria, germs and other toxins, which are easily wiped away from the surface with aftercare sanitizers and a microfiber cloth. This revolutionary coating process is based on nanotechnology, which means a little of the product stretches a long way.
The Aiken brothers soon had an opportunity to test the protective treatment for glass in a public venue. Long Beach Transit and Omni Trans busses were badly in need of some restoration and renewal. "The maintenance crew would wash the busses and let them drip dry in the yard," said Bret, who personally worked on the application for Long Beach Transit. "and the windows would etch and stain from this treatment. We developed a process to remove hard water damage from glass and restore it better than new. We also developed a restoration process for the corroded windows. After this cleansing and restoration process, we treated the busses with Diamond Seal System protective treatment." Even today, Tekon application specialists continue to clean, protect and maintain the Long Beach Transit fleet of busses.
While implementing their new cleaning, sealing and protection process in the transit system, the Aiken brothers were also busy applying their revolutionary coatings in residential settings, as well. In 1997, Tekhome was born. Bret and James first began treating and sealing bathrooms to reduce exposure to chemicals, corrosion, and keep surfaces better than new. "Our customers were ecstatic about the work we provided for them," said Bret. "Much of our business was through referral and word of mouth." In August of 2000 the Aikens were invited to appear on a television program about the homes of the California Riviera called "Home of the Gibsons." The Gibsons owned a design furniture and home items store in Newport, California. The Aikens demonstrated their process on the show, to much acclaim from viewing audiences.
Overall, support for the Tekhome coating process was widespread and growth came fast. With Tekhome, applicators began working in residences -- treating all solid surfaces: glass, stone, flooring, grout, windows, tile, cabinetry, stainless steel and metal. "Today we even treat the walls, carpet, and fabric, too," said Bret. He continued, "We also leave behind Tekon's green cleaning aftercare products like Empowered Daily, Empowered Plus Weekly, and Delta Wash once the process is complete. Clients can easily maintain surfaces at their optimum, or Tekon can train their housekeepers how to use Tekon products, if they like."
Since 2002 Tekon has expanded even further into the chemical free, non-toxic, green cleaning world and is a leader in Green Disruptive Technology (GDT). Tekon developed and introduced do-it-yourself chemical free product lines for home use with Tekon's Stone Care Kit, Bath Kit, Countertop Kit, Stainless Steel Kit and Microfiber cloths and mops. Tekon executives also continued to put emphasis on their strongest point � which is field applications of their non-toxic protective treatments for high profile public clients and homeowners alike. Tekon's process coats public trains, busses, restrooms, hotels, and cruise ships and helps to prevent the public's exposure to harsh chemicals, germs, bacteria, viruses and other toxins.
Tekon dealers include Cardinal Shower Doors, American Shower Doors and Visa Windows of Ohio who use Tekon's protective treatment for glass. And, Sureshine Flooring and Royal Care Services utililize Tekon's process to restore, polish and seal stone and ceramic tile. Green Envirotek is having great success distributing a full line of Tekon products in Northern California. Tekon US Inc. continues to strive to be an environmental leader in care for the great American home. To purchase Tekon home kits visit http://www.tekon.com or find out about dealership opportunities by calling 714-432-7700.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_44914_24.html

Dallas Cleaning Services You May Need

Author: chrono stock

Dallas Cleaning Services You May Need

Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, there will be times when you need to have your home or your workplace cleaned. When that time comes, what do you do? If you are like many other homeowners or business owners there is a good chance that you do your own cleaning or, if you are a business owner, have one of your employees do it for you. As nice as it is for that to happen, you or someone else that you know may not always have the time to do your own or their own cleaning. That is why, if you live in or around the Dallas area, you are advised to think about seeking assistance from a professional Dallas cleaning company.

When it comes to Dallas cleaning companies, you will find that most offer a wide variety of different services. These services are sometimes referred to as Dallas cleaning services. No matter what they are called, there are a number of different Dallas cleaning services that you, your home, or your business could benefit from. However, when examining common Dallas cleaning services, it is important to remember that they are just common. The actual services offered will all depend on the Dallas cleaning company in question.

Now, if you are a homeowner who is looking to have your home cleaned by a professional, you will find that there are a number of different Dallas cleaning services that you can benefit from. One of those cleaning services includes window washing. A large number of professional Dallas cleaning companies will wash your windows for you, often both inside and out. In addition to window washing, it is not uncommon to find sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting being offered. As previously mentioned, additional Dallas cleaning services may be offered, depending on the company in question.

If you are a business owner, you will also find a fairly large number of Dallas cleaning services that may be just what you are looking for. When dealing with commercial cleaning, the services offered will all depend on the type of business that you run or the type of building that your business is housed out of. For instance, if you are in charge of running an office-like setting, you may be able to benefit from Dallas cleaning services that include dusting, vacuuming, and window blinds cleaning. Of course, as stated above, additional services may also be available.

If you are a business owner who is running a business that is a retail store, your Dallas cleaning service needs may be a little bit different. For instance, most retails stores do not have carpet flooring. That is why a large number of retail stores regularly need to have their floors mopped, stripped, and waxed. A large number of Dallas cleaning companies offer this type of service. Additional services for retail stores may include window washing, outdoor sweeping, and much more.

Whether you are a business owner or a homeowner, there are a number of different Dallas cleaning services that you may want or need to use. To get an accurate list of all of the services that are available in your area, you are advised to contact one of your local Dallas cleaning companies for more information.

Wes Griffin is a writer for Full Service Janitorial . com where loads of great tips on Dallas Cleaning Services and other related information.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_98346_15.html

How to Clean Marble Floors

Author: Steve Hanson

Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

An area that causes some cleaning contractors to scratch their heads, is the best way to clean marble floors. Asking janitorial supply houses or stores that sell marble flooring will almost always lead to different answers on the best way to clean and take care of marble floors. Suggestions on cleaning vary from using an all-purpose cleaner to plain water to vinegar. But these are not the ingredients that you need to care for the marble floors in your buildings.

Begin with by realizing that marble is a natural stone so you need to treat it differently than other types of flooring. Stone floors are sensitive and you can ruin the surface if you use the wrong chemical to clean it. An acid based product may scratch and etch polished stone. The surface can actually be eaten away by an acid based cleaner with the result being a floor looking dull or pitted.

Using plain city water can cause a different set of problems. City water is usually treated with chemicals and may contain salt to soften the water. After drying, the water can leave behind residue from the chemicals and may leave a cloudy look across the floor.

The use of an all-purpose cleaner can lead to a dulling or scratched appearance if the cleaner has not been developed for use on stone floors.

So where do you begin? The type of cleaning you need to do will decide which process and chemicals you should be using.

The daily cleaner should be a mild product recommended for use on marble floors. The product should be able to remove residue from spills such as coffee and soft drinks, but will more than likely not be strong enough to remove stains or heavy soil build-up. The pH of a daily product should be neutral (pH7).

The heavy-duty cleaner will contain stronger solutions that can cut through heavy soil build-up and even some stains that have gone unnoticed for a time. A typical heavy-duty cleaner will have a higher pH, probably around 10 or 11. As these are strong solutions, they can affect the surface of marble and you should use them cautiously and only when necessary.

Stain removers are specialty cleaners and can do a great deal of harm to a marble floor if you don't take the proper care. Only use these stain removers if nothing else has worked.

Once you have decided on the chemical you need to use, begin by deep cleaning the floor. Deep cleaning will remove spills that daily maintenance has missed. Make sure to use a cleaner that has been designed for use on natural stone -- a heavy-duty cleaner with a pH of 9 or 10 will work best. Follow all label directions, especially when it comes to diluting the chemical - more isn't better.

Mop the cleaner on to the floor, and then gently agitate the cleaning solution. Avoid the use of abrasive pads as they can scratch and damage the floor. Let the cleaning solution soak for about 10 minutes. Then agitate the solution again and use a wet vac or mop to remove the solution. It may be necessary to rinse the floor. Once the process is complete examine the floor for any residual soil or stains.

At this point it may be necessary to try to identify any remaining stains and clean them with the suitable stain remover. Try to find out if the stain is from a water-based or oil-based product. If the stain has been there a long time or is difficult to identify it may be necessary to re-polish the floor with specialized equipment. If you have a good idea of what the stain is, try a stain remover in an inconspicuous area to make sure that it will not harm the floor.

Once you've cleaned the floor, keep it looking its best with a daily maintenance program. Use a neutral cleaner made specifically for marble floors. Follow the label directions carefully, especially when determining the dilution ratio.

After cleaning the floor, evaluate it for any potential problems. Check for areas with deep soiling or scratches and re-polish these areas to keep the floor looking its best. A regular program of routine maintenance and inspections can stop small problems before they grow into large headaches.

Another important step in keeping marble floors looking their best is through prevention. Use walk-off mats to protect and prevent scratches on the marble. Use mats that not only catch dirt and soil from shoes, but that will also absorb liquids. Make sure the mat used is long enough to do the job. During winter months or periods of bad weather, consider running mats from the front door to the elevators. Make sure to dust mop the floor to pick up any soil that is not picked up by the floor mats.

Keeping marble floors looking good means spending time evaluating the floor and finding the suitable products to care for the floor. The proper maintenance program for your marble floors will not only make the floor shine, but your company as well.


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Steve Hanson is co-founding member of TheJanitorialStore.com, an online community for owners and managers of cleaning companies who want to build a more profitable and successful cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift. Read cleaning success stories from owners of cleaning companies at http://www.cleaning-success.com/ .

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_38555_15.html

What Cleaning Contractors Need to Know About Mold in Carpet

Author: Steve Hanson

Copyright 2006 The Janitorial Store

One area of growing concern to building owners is indoor air quality. Feeding poor indoor air quality can be one of over 1,000 types of mold found in the United States and over 100,000 types found worldwide. Mold and mildew can grow rampant indoors and lead to various health problems such as allergic reactions, asthma, sneezing, eye and skin irritation, and other respiratory complaints. Carpets that are not cleaned and dried properly can be a haven for mold spores, which thrive on excessive moisture.

There is no practical way to keep mold spores from entering your buildings. Spores enter through open doorways, windows, and ventilation systems. People also track mold spores through buildings, as they can attach themselves to clothing and shoes.

Molds need three things to grow: moisture, nutrients and a suitable material such as carpet, paper, ceiling tiles, drywall or a host of other materials. When molds are disturbed they are released into the air and inhaled by the people in the room. Some individuals are not affected by mold, but others can be highly sensitive.

If asked to clean a carpet that has mold problems you need to first assess the situation. Are there underlying factors that are causing excessive moisture? Water problems, such as broken pipes, leaking roofs, over-watered plants or flooding, and improper carpet cleaning can lead to mold in carpets.

Assess the situation to make sure that it is something your company can handle before agreeing to rid the carpet of mold. First make sure the source of the water problem, such as broken pipes or a leaking roof, is fixed. Then make sure the problem has not escalated to a point where the carpet should just be replaced.

If you decide you can handle the job, clean the carpet with a product such as a biocide that is designed to stop microbial growth. Following are some steps to follow when removing mold and mildew from carpet:

1. Apply a low alkaline all-purpose spotter and wipe it off.

2. Rinse with a mild acidic carpet rinse and neutralizer.

3. Thoroughly dry the carpet.

4. Apply a mildew stat carpet sanitizer. Make sure you follow all label directions and recommendations. Let the solution air-dry.

Although the EPA recommends a bleach solution to kill mold in some situations, many of the mold and mildew removers that contain bleach will harm carpet fibers, so you should not use it. While cleaning, employees should wear gloves and respirators to avoid breathing in the mold spores.

After cleaning, use fans to dry the carpet. Once you handle the mold problem and the carpet is dry, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove any remaining mold spores. Vacuums with HEPA filers won't stir up the remaining mold spores into the air. If the area is one that will continue to have excessive water, you can recommend the building owner replace the carpet with tile or laminate flooring so you can easily mop up the water as needed.


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Steve Hanson is co-founder of TheJanitorialStore.com, an online community for owners of cleaning companies. Sign up for Trash Talk:Tip of the Week at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com . Read success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com .

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_82614_15.html

Upholstery cleaning Orange city for the people

Author: Markus Skupeika

Carpets are very affordable and durable flooring option for the people who want to give their house a well defined and shiny stare. It is capable of standing up to years of harsh use and looks beautiful the whole time. It is however affected by many things that can cause it damage like dust, spills, mud and substance of beverages or the drinking liquor color. One type of damage your carpet can develop is heavy debris of dust in the carpet fibers and backing separation. These carpet cleaning processes are well embarked upon by the Berber carpet cleaning.

Backing separation occurs when the primary backing of the carpet begins to loosen from the carpet. The backing of the carpet is held together with the latex glue. This glue can be broken down by a number of different things. One thing that can cause it to break down and lead to separation is flooding or water damage. This can cause the glues to weaken and the backing to separate if it is left wet long enough. The carpet cleaning service San Jose California is taking great of the carpets by measuring the carpet life for the long time. Another thing that can cause the backing to separate is foot traffic.

Over time if a carpet is exposed to a great deal of traffic the pressure and vibration can cause the glue on the backing to degrade and lead to separation. Yet another cause of separation is age. Over time the glue will naturally degrade and cause the carpet to break up. Like the carpet cleaning there are some certain factors that result enormously for maintain the upholstery.

For the upholstery cleaning job the upholstery cleaning Orange County understands the material by which the upholstery is a made of. First they will snip a piece of material from a hidden location. The best location is usually inside the zipper of a cushion where here is excess fabric. Right after this the professional will separate a thread and burn it for getting the eminent idea about the upholstery materials.

Steam cleaning or the carpet dry cleaning is the most popular method as far as the customers satisfaction is concern. It has so many beneficial aspects than the other cleaning methods like the flushing capacity. This is important to people and their children because it means that more of the soil is moved out of the home instead of just moved around. Another advantage of steam cleaning is that it allows for the use of more specialty cleaning chemicals. Since most of the industry is geared towards steam cleaning, most of the chemicals are designed to be used in conjunction with steam cleaning.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_204169_15.html

Keep your carpets clean with the carpet cleaning service San Jose, California

Author: Markus Skupeika

Even though a lot of carpet maintenance might seem like a lot of extra work, you'll definitely find that it is worth it when you get several more years out of the carpets in the home. Additionally, proper carpet care will keep your home looking beautiful as long as you live there. It is advisable to ensure the long life of the carpet people should contact the carpet cleaning service San Jose California for the maneuvering life of the carpet in uphold way.

There is no doubt regarding the health benefit that people may obtain while choosing the right carpet cleaning methods or the resources, as there is nothing like the feel of walking barefoot on a freshly cleaned carpet. When a carpet is installed for the first time, it exaggerate the look of the house flooring and the walls.

Whether it's from stains, tears, or just general wear and tear on a carpet, you will start to notice signs of aging as your carpet gets older. However, this does not have to be the case! With proper carpet care and maintenance, you'll be able to keep your carpet looking newer for longer by hiring reliable and professional carpet cleaning Orange County, and you'll even be able to prolong the lifetime of your carpet.

The most important things that you need to remember regarding carpet care are also the easiest things to do. First of all, you should clean up any spills as soon as they happen. This will reduce the chances of stains, and will also keep the spills from soaking too far into the carpet. You should also make sure that you carpet dry cleaning regularly - at least once a week if you can manage it. That way, you'll be able to keep the dirt that gets tracked onto your carpet from getting ground too far into it. You will also reduce the mess that occurs when there are spills.

You should make sure that you get your carpet fully cleaned once every one to three years depending on how much wear and tear it sees during those years. For children's rooms and other areas of the house that see a lot of wear, you may want to consider best carpet cleaners for cleaning the carpet at least once a year. For other rooms of the house, you may only need to do a full cleaning once every few years.

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