How To Clean Your Shower Curtain

Face it, shower curtains attract dirt with the damp conditions and soap scum that builds up. It really makes them a mold breeding ground waiting to happen. Instead of throwing that shower curtain out, you can take a few steps to save it.

To get your shower curtains clean and looking better than new, put the them into the clothes washer. Add 1 cup of bleach and 1 cup of detergent. Add several dirty towels or a blanket, etc. to the washer and run it on a gentle cycle using either warm or hot water. Hang them back up to drip dry. The combined effect of gravity and the hot steam from using the shower or bath will cause any remaining wrinkles to disappear within a day.

Removing Mold and Mildew

To remove any mold and mildew that does occur you can wash the curtain in the washer, or soak it in the bath tub with about 1 cup of bleach. Let it sit for about 20 minutes. To keep mildew away, spray newly washed shower curtains with a disinfectant during your regular cleaning routine.

Cleaning and Care For Sinks

Our kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks get a lot of wear and tear throughout the day, over time they begin to show the wear. With a little elbow grease you can get your sink looking like new in no time flat.

Fiberglass sinks
Use a non-abrasive cleaners like dish washing soap or household all-purpose cleaners. If you want to take the green route use some baking soda moistened with water to make a paste then wet the surface and rub with the paste on a soft cloth. Rub gently and make sure you rinse thoroughly to remove all of the cleaner.
Never use any abrasive cleaners like common scouring powders, nor any abrasive scouring pads, or steel wool.

Porcelain Enamel Sinks
To clean porcelain, wash with warm or hot soapy water, using detergent or baking soda might help remove soap scum and soil. Always rinse with plain water.
If you choose to use scouring powder it should be the very finest one possible. Most scouring powders contain abrasives that can cause scratches. Once the porcelain surface has been scratched, it attracts dirt, grease and soap residue, which then becomes hard to clean.
Important Tips To Keep In Mind

* Try to rinse your sink after every use. This will make the sink smell fresh.

* Avoid pouring left over coffee, tea and juices into your sink, because such liquids can cause staining. Instead, put the liquids directly to the drain holes

* If you have a dual basin kitchen sink, then swap the sides that you use for washing and pre-washing, every now and then. This will allow the even use of drains.

* Make sure that the cleaning product is suitable for the finish of your kitchen sink, because not all the cleaners are recommended for every type of sink. For instance, in the case of a stainless steel sink, you may use abrasive cleaners. On the other hand, porcelain needs something more delicate, to prevent the surface from scratching.

* Make sure that you clean the faucet and the back of the sink as well to avoid mold and bacteria growth. You may use a solution made with one part vinegar and one part water for cleaning the faucet and handles.

Sources: http://www.pioneerthinking.com

Cleaning Blinds

Caring for and cleaning your window blinds doesn't have to leave you seeing red. In fact, with a little preventive care and maintenance, keeping your blinds clean is easy.

The most important thing to remember is to not wait until you can see the dust and dirt buildup to decide it’s time for a cleaning. Prevention is best. With weekly light dusting using a soft cloth or feather duster (an old sock in which you can stick your hand also works extremely well) you can keep your work to a minimum and your blinds looking their best.

But if you're like many, chances are your blinds get neglected in your weekly cleaning routine. So what do you do when a light dusting is just not enough to get off the weeks or maybe even month’s worth of grit and grime that has accumulated? We have your answer. Depending on the type of blind, there are easy and relatively quick ways to bring your blinds back to their original state.
Vinyl or Aluminum Blinds

• Start by using a round brush attachment on your vacuum to remove all surface dust and dirt.
• Next, remove your blinds from the window and place them in your bathtub, filled with a low
level of hot soapy water. Be sure you layer your tub with a towel or tub mat to avoid scratching
the bottom of your tub. If you're a smoker, you may want to add a small amount of ammonia
to the water, which will help remove the yellow staining caused by cigarette smoke? Be sure
your room is properly ventilated if you do so.
• With a sponge or rag, clean each slat, being careful to not bend or scratch the blind.
• Never use an abrasive sponge or pad, which can cause scratching and may dull the surface.

Wood Blinds

• Wood blinds require a bit of extra care, since you cannot use soap and water.
• Again, start by using the round brush attachment on your vacuum to remove surface dust and
dirt.
• Remove the blinds from the window and lay them flat on the floor, with an old sheet or towel
underneath to keep the floor clean.
• On some wood blinds, you can use a very lightly damp cloth to wipe each individual blind, but
be sure you check the manufacturers label first, to avid warping and damage.
• With any standard wood furniture cleaner or polish and a soft cloth, wipe each blind in long
horizontal strokes for horizontal blinds and long vertical strokes for vertical blinds.
• Depending on how dirty your blinds are, you may need to repeat this step several times.
Fabric Blinds

• Fabric tends to attract more dust, but these blinds are usually treated to repel deep dirt.
• Using the round brush attachment on your vacuum to remove surface dust and dirt is
generally all you need to do to keep these clean; however, a damp cloth or rag can be used spot
treat if necessary.
• For really deep dirt removal or to remove stains, remove the blinds from the window and soak
them in hot water, again the tub works well. Do not use soap. Use caution and be sure to read
the manufacturer’s instructions, as this step could cause dulling or discoloration of some
fabrics.
• For heavy cleaning of fabric blinds, you may want to consider taking them to the dry cleaners
to avoid potential damage.

Wiping each blind, regardless of their type, with a dryer sheet will help repel future dust, as will thoroughly cleaning your windows and sills, and should be done before you rehang you newly clean blinds.


Sources:www.topwindowblinds.com
www.creativehomemaking.com

Caring for Fine China

If you're like many busy, modern families today, mealtime doesn't get the care and attention it once did. If you're not eating your dinner out of disposable containers or take-out wrappers, you're more than likely eating off of paper plates, or on plates or bowls from a mismatched, hodgepodge collection you have handy for everyday use. Needless to say, you're grandmother's passed-down fine china, or that pricey Lenox collection you received as wedding gift, is probably not coming out of the china cabinet—or their boxes—more than once, maybe twice, a year.

But when you do finally break them out, whether for a holiday or a special dinner, you want them looking their best.

A cherished family keepsake or simply you're special occasion splurge, fine china is an investment. In order to help your set retain value, beauty and luster for years to come, it’s important that you take good, careful care of each piece, both during and after its use. Read on for some helpful tips on how to best care for your fine china.

Cleaning:

• Never scrape your china with metal silverware to remove the remnants of your meal; instead, use a rubber spatula, which will prevent scratches.

• Avoid stacking your china on top of each other in the sink and wash one piece at a time.

• Be sure to at least rinse fine dinnerware shortly after you’ve finished eating to prevent food from sticking.

• When washing, be sure to use only mild detergents and soft sponges.

• Wash with warm water—not with hot water, especially if the china is adorned with metal.

• Hand dry.

• If you dinnerware is stained, put a small amount of baking soda, salt, cream of tartar or toothpaste on the area and rub with a soft cloth.

• Prevent stains by cleaning with a solution made of one part hydrogen peroxide, three parts water and a drop of ammonia. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

General Care and Storage:

• Avoid exposing fine china from extreme temperature to prevent cracks and breaks.

• If you plan to serve hot food, run the china under warm water first to bring its temperature up.

• Repair tiny surface cracks by placing the piece in milk for 30 minutes.

• Store your fine china in a closed cupboard or china cabinet, placing foam or cloth between plates, bowls and saucers to prevent scratching. Hang cups on small cup hooks or stack those two deep, one inside the other. Turn the lids of coffee, teapots and serving pieces upside down inside the piece itself, to protect the lid handles.

• Do not store fine china sets in an attic or basement.

Sources: http://weddings.weddingchannel.com

http://tips.lenox.com

Cleaning the Refrigerator—Tips to Get it Done Right, and Get Done Fast

There not too many worse smells than that of a refrigerator that hasn’t been cleaned out and sanitized in a while. Sure the Chinese food you ordered two weeks ago was really great at the time, and all those fresh veggies you meant to cook already were on sale when you bought them; but now, something has started to grow on them, and despite how much you would love it to be a set of legs so they can walk out of your fridge and into the trash on their own, chances are its just mold and bacteria, and the main cause of that pungent odor that has started to permeate your kitchen. It’s time to clean out the fridge.

So while maybe not the most pleasant of chores, cleaning and sanitizing your refrigerator doesn’t have to be the most daunting on your cleaning checklist. With a little patience, a little elbow grease, and of course, a little baking soda, you can once again have a clean and sanitized fridge that you and your family no longer dread to open. Just follow these easy steps.



• Empty it out—and this means everything, including the drawers themselves.

• Check all expatriation dates and throw away anything outdated.

• Sprinkle the empty fridge with baking soda, and with a wet sponge or cloth, clean all of the shelves, the walls, the doors and the drawers, using a circular motion.

• For really tough smells and stains, sanitize with bleach and water solution.

• While you’re doing this, it’s a good idea to have a bowl filled with boiled water and sliced lemons on the top shelf to add freshness.

• With a clean sponge or cloth and a bucket of warm water, thoroughly wipe down the inside of the fridge, to remove the baking soda residue. If using bleach, be sure to rinse the refrigerator very thoroughly with clean water.

• Wipe down all items that are still in-date with a damp cloth and put them back neatly in their place.

• After the fruit and vegetable bins have dried, sprinkle each with a small amount of baking soda and line with a paper towel.

• On the top shelf, toward the back, place an open box of baking soda to absorb odors. Change this box once every three months.

• Be sure to wipe the top and all four sides, and remove the dust from underneath and by the fan.

This routine, performed twice a month, plus weekly maintenance to assure you’re getting rid of spoiled and expired items before they start to leave their mark, will help you to keep your refrigerator clean and sanitary!





Sources:www.housekeepingmatters.com

www.homelife.com.

How to Keep Home Sweet Home Smelling the Same—Tips for Eliminating Household Odors

Odors in the home are a lot like…bills…everyone has them, and they all stink!

All jokes aside, household odors can leave your home feeling dirty and unpleasant, and can be a real problem for you and your family—not to mention your friends and neighbors if they have the misfortune of stopping by in between cleanings. The fouls smells often found in the usual places—like the kitchen, the bathroom and the basement—are made much worse when you factor in your pets’ favorite spot on the rug, your grandfather’s old recliner and the bedroom of your teenage son…

Though the prospect of an odor free home smells so sweet—we all know it’s not quite the reality. But there are many ways that you can not only cover unpleasant odors, but also remove them. Here are some tips to cut some of the toughest and common household smells.

Kitchen and Food Odors.

In the fridge, the trash can, the garbage disposal, the drains, and sometime lingering in the air from what was cooked, as delicious as food can be when freshly prepared, it can downright putrid when left around too long. Combat food odors by:

* Empty and clean your refrigerator often to prevent odors and place an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator and freezers to catch them as they arise.
* To remove odorous food smells from counter tops, clean with equal parts of vinegar and water.
* Flush your garbage disposal and drains with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to cleanse, and follow with citrus juice to freshen.
* Clean garbage cans with a bleach and water solution once a week.


Fabric and Carpet Odors.

Whether from your pet or years of wear and tear, upholstery and carpets are hot beds for bad home odors. With lots of products on the market to mask the smell and freshen the room, try these tricks to remove the odor:

* Sprinkle baking soda on a smelly carpet or upholstery, wait an hour (or more), then vacuum the powder and the odor away. Baking soda absorbs moisture that can cause odor build-up.
* Steam clean the fabrics and carpets, adding ¼ of a cup of lemon juice or one cup of vinegar to the water.
* Set small decorative bowls full of vinegar around the house. Not only will the vinegar absorb the odor in the room, it will also add a fresh smell. (this tip is also great for removing cigarette smells)

Clothes and Bedroom Odors

At the end of a long day, your bedroom should be the place to which you retreat. Unfortunately, stale odors can leave bedrooms room smelling more like a gym locker than a relaxing oasis. Bring peace back in to your room by:

* Your browser may not support display of this image. Deodorizing your closet and dresser drawers by tucking a few unused fabric softener or dryer sheets into the corners
* Hammer pieces of cedar wood onto the back wall of your closets to prevent musty odor from building up in your closet. Your browser may not support display of this image.
* Sprinkle the insoles of stinky shoes with baking soda and leave sit overnight. Also throw dirty sneakers in a the washing machine then wash with laundry detergent and bleach (if color free)
* Be sure you’re washing you bed linens—including duvet coves, pillow shams, dust ruffles and bed spreads—regularly.



As a rule-- baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are great odor eliminators.

Sources:

www.allergyconsumerreview.com
www.biotrauma.com

Keeping Dust at Bay

Keeping your home free of unsightly and harmful dust is no easy task, especially when you learn all of the ways dust particles and mites can enter—and then live very comfortably—in your home.

Caused by carpets, furniture, heating ducts, ventilation systems and even your pets, the fact is…dust is a fact of life! Even for the tidiest of housekeepers, dust is a real problem. But getting your dust problem under control is important.

Along with sand, dirt, pollen grains, lead, and arsenic, household dust also contains dust mites, fibers from your fabrics and upholstery, parts from dead insects, human and animal hair, mold spores, bacteria and human an animal dead skin cells. Gross, right? Sure it’s a hassle to have to remove the dust from your household surfaces multiple times a week, but think about the havoc that concoction can wreak in your lungs, especially if you or a member of your family is an allergy or asthma sufferer. And if this applies to you, you have to be particularly careful when cleaning the home, as you can easily stir up the particles and worsen the reaction.



Though there is no practical way to completely remove all dust from your home, there are many steps you can take to get it under control. Here are few to keep in mind.

* Because dust can get trapped deep down inside carpet as its walked on, be sure to vacuum carpets, area rugs and floors at least once a week. For allergy and asthma sufferers in particular, its best to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
* Never sweep a carpet for a quick cleaning job—this will just stir up the dust particles.
* Vacuum and clean cloth and fabric upholstered furniture at least once a month.
* Steam clean draperies or dry clean window treatments each season. Keep blinds dusted and dirt-free.
* Polish wood furniture and hard surfaces weekly, with a clean, disposable cloth. Be sure to polish all surfaces, included decorative hanging, pictures, books, candle holders, etc.
* Your browser may not support display of this image. Wash bed linens, including dust ruffle, pillow shams and sheets, at least once a month. If they can’t be washed, at least fluff them in the dryer to remove dust.
* Toss old pillows – including old throw pillows– unless the items can be washed.
* Repair cracks in the walls and seal openings in baseboards.
* Regularly wash stuffed animals and other fabric toys for children.
* Don’t forget to dust ceiling fans and heating and cooling registers, as they are great receptacles for spread dust.
* Regularly clean pet bedding.
* Keep major appliances free from dust—including the top and bottom of the refrigerator, behind the stove, and around the washer and dryer.
* Keep air filters in your heating and air system clean, and replace them yearly at least. Consider investing in HEPA filters.



Sources:

homemanagement.suite101.com

www.healthybuilding.com

biology.about.com

Candle Wax--Shedding Light on How to Remove Wax from your Carpets and Upholstery

Candles are a great addition to any decor, adding ambiance and a sense of festivity and romance to your room, and even promoting your health and wellness through relaxation enhancing fragrances. Today, with an estimated market of over 2 billion dollars, it's probably safe to guess you have at least a few of them accenting your home. But anyone who has ever been tasked with removing spilled wax from carpets and upholstery knows that it can be quite stressful—regardless of how therapeutic they're promised to be!

The best way to tackle wax removal is to act quickly, before it's had the chance to harden around or dye the fibers in you fabric or carpet. But when that isn't option—and before you consider replacing the rugs or rearrange the furniture to cover any unsightly spots—read on for a very effective method of removing wax and eliminating stains.

Though a little time consuming, one of the most effective ways to remove candle wax that has hardened on fabric or carpet, is with an electric iron. For this, you'll need heavy duty absorbent white paper towels (a brown bag also works well) and an electric iron. Here's what you do:

1. Start by using a brush or your hands to pick away at any of the excess wax, using care to not unravel the pile or tear the fibers.

2. Next plug in the iron in and turn it on to the lowest setting possible.

3. After the iron heats up, take a paper towel and place it over the spot and lightly apply the warm iron to the paper towel. As the wax begins to melt and liquefy, the paper towel will absorb it and its color.

For thicker or more textured carpets, like Berber, you may have to press down harder with the iron. But be sure you do not raise the temperature of the iron to any higher than the warm setting, or you'll risk singeing or melting the carpets or upholstery's synthetic fibers. Also be especially careful not to pull on any fibers or loops, which can cause running much like panty hose, and ruin the carpet.

4. This may take some time, so have patience as you continue working the iron and rearranging the towel until all of the wax is absorbed. It may require several paper towels.

This method should work to remove all of the wax. But if you have a particularly large spill or stubborn stain, and you're still noticing a wax residue even after you're finished, try using an ice cube to re-harden the wax, and once again use your fingers or a brush to pick it away, and repeat the steps above. Patience is key, of course, if all else fails, call on the services of Grime Solvers.

Sources:www.thefreelibrary.com
www.essortment.com

Pet Hair Removal 101: Shedding Your Pet's Hair From Your Home

Did you ever have one of those days that just start out all wrong? Your alarm doesn’t go off, you can’t get the kids out of bed, you spill your coffee in your briefcase, and then, as you’re rushing out the door thinking you might just make it to that important meeting on time after all—you notice the chic black power suit you wearing is covered in your Golden Retriever’s long blond hair?

Let’s face it, as much as we love our pets, it’s safe to say we don’t love the mess they can leave behind come shedding season. The fact is, most pets shed. Depending on the kind of pet you have, the battle to remove pet hair from your home can be never-ending. And anyone who has ever tried to clean up pet hair from their carpet, upholstery—and clothing—knows it's no simple task.

Sure, you could spend hundreds of dollars on expensive vacuums and shampooers that claim to get the job done. You could even spend thousands of dollars replacing ruined couches and carpets. At your wits end, you might even consider taking old Spot down to the groomer for that super deluxe package —or better, yet, trading him in for one of those hairless breeds…but then you take a deep breath because you know as frustrating as pet hair in your home is, pet hair removal can be a little less painful if you remember these simple techniques…

1. Use a sponge mop. Start by vacuuming the carpet, and then lightly spray the sponge mop with water. Gently move the mop across the carpet to remove the hair from the carpet fibers. (Hint: you can attach a damp cloth to a regular broom if you don’t have a mop). When you're done, the pet hair should clump allowing you to either pick it up by hand, or vacuum it away.

2. Use fabric softener. The compounds in fabric softener soften and loosen the pet hair, allowing for easier removal. Begin by mixing one part fabric softener with three parts water in a spray bottle. Next, lightly mist the floor with the solution. Be sure you don't over saturate the carpet or fabric. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the surface to dry, and vacuum.

3. Use baking soda. This method is a great way to also freshen and deodorize your room. To start, sprinkle the carpet or upholstery with a light coating of baking soda and let sit for a few minutes. Next simply vacuum the baking soda--and the pet hair--off of the surface.

Troubleshooting Tips
1. Use a squeegee to pull up the pet hair to the surface and make it easier to vacuum away.

2. Rub an inflated balloon along the carpet or fabric and let static pull the hair to the surface.

3. If all else fails, call on the services of Grime Solvers for regular cleaning that can help stop pet hair from building up.

Source
www.howtocleanstuff.net

Carpet Cleaning Basics – Five Tips for Tackling Pets Stains

If you're like most people, your pet is just as much a part of your family as your spouse or your kids. After all, they share your last name, they're affectionate, they're welcoming after a long day and, chances are, on more than one occasion you've gotten stuck cleaning up after them!

That's right, this week we're talking about pet stain removal. Sure you love your pet, but we all know accidents happen, and when they do, you have to know how to clean up after them in order to remove stains and prevent odors from ruining your carpets. Below are few tips to help you out.

Tip 1 – The best defense is a good offense

If you're bringing a new pet into the home, particularity a puppy or kitten, and you have carpeting, it’s a good idea to first treat your carpet with a protective coating. This will add a layer of protection and buy you a little extra time if your unable to attend to the stain immediately.

Tip 2 – Beat the clock

The first thing to know is that you must act quickly. Because pet stains can harm the fibers and dyes in carpeting, time is of the essence. Be sure to pick-up or sop-up your pet's mess with a clean, dry cloth, as quickly as possible, and before applying any sort of cleaning solution.

Tip 3 – Moderation is key

When cleaning carpet, it is particularly important to be sure you do not over saturate the stained area. Doing so can cause any dirt buried below the surface in the carpets padding to resurface, causing a less treatable and more unsightly stain. Also, a best practice is to pretest your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your rug. Fading or discoloration can occur from some cleaning methods, ingredients and or products.

Tip 4 – Homemade money savers

Simple homemade solutions made with lemon juice, vinegar or club soda are great ways to remove stains and save money. In fact, one of the leading pet stain removers can likely already be found under your kitchen sink--a combination of regular liquid dish or laundry soap mixed with hot water. These two common household products contain the same powerful dirt and odor eliminating enzymes as the leading and expensive products found in the pet store, and for a fraction of the price.

Tip 5 – An oldie but a goody

To eliminate those really tough odors, one of the most effective, least expensive, not to mention oldest options, is baking soda. Just sprinkle over the affected area and let sit for 24 hours before vacuuming. While Lysol is great for killing germs, products like Febreeze are also work to freshen a room in a hurry.

Sources
www.infobarrel.com
www.housecleaning-tips.com

Caring for No-wax/linoleum floors

Linoleum can be made from a variety of materials. It is inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to maintain. However, be careful about exactly what cleaners you use because strong detergents can damage your floor.

The best defense is a good offense so when it comes to keeping your linoleum floor looking good, wet mop it on a weekly or as-needed basis. Start by vacuuming or sweeping, then damp mop it with plain water. For tough ground in spots, use a white, nylon scrub sponge. Since soil will wear away the surface make sure you get those spots up as soon as possible.

Everyday traffic can eventually dull even the best maintained floor. To reinvigorate the glossy top layer, you might consider using floor finish or cleaner recommended by your floor manufacturer to restore the shine. It is critical that you use only products that are specifically made for linoleum flooring to avoid damage. Use the appropriate cleaner on high traffic areas more often than the rest of the floor. If you floor leads to an entrance of your home than consider using a doormat to catch much of the dirt before it damages your floors.

A tip for making your mopping easier is to mix the appropriate cleaner that is recommended by the floor manufacture in a spray bottle and spray the floor with the cleaner. Then use the mop to clean up the cleaning solution.

Another tip in regards to mopping technique is to start away from the entrance of the room. Mop from left to right in three-foot sections, working toward the door. Overlap the previous section you mopped. Using this method can help prevent you from walking on the cleaned area.

Hard Water Spots

Lime scale deposits can lead to difficult to remove hard water spots on glass or ceramic surfaces in your bathroom. What is hard water? Hard water has dissolved calcium and magnesium in it. It is very common condition that is not dangerous to your health. The amount of hardness varies depending on where you live. A majority of homes in the US have hard water. How do you measure the amount of hardness in your water? The amount of grains per gallon (gpr) of water of dissolved minerals in your water is the most common measurement, very hard water has over 10.5 gpg.

How do you remove hard water spots? When it comes to your dishwashers one way to remove spots is to use a rinse aid. If you want a more environmentally friendly option try using white vinegar in the rinse.

For showers, cleaning regularly with lots of elbow grease is the primary option to get rid of hard water stains. Remember that you should clean hard water stains away regularly. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove. However, here are some tips that can make cleaning easier.

*Plain white vinegar and lemon juice – the acid helps to loosen and remove hard water deposits from glass shower enclosures.

* Oven cleaner – this works really well on shower doors. Spray, wait a half hour and rinse off the excess. Some scrubbing maybe required.

* Baking Soda- make your baking soda into a past with water and rub onto the surface. Let it sit for a few minutes then wipe away.

*Lime-A-Way and products that contain heavy acids like phosphoric acid is best used on stubborn stains from hard water deposits, rust and soap scum. Just make sure to use eye protection to avoid injury.

If the methods don’t work then it may be time to hire a professional cleaning surface to help keep hard water stains away through regular cleaning.

Part 2 of Indoor Allergies

In the last blog we talked about winter/indoor allergies. Indoor allergies are caused by several sources. Regular cleaning provided by Grime Solvers can help reduce allergies and improve your air quality and comfort in your home.

Controlling Dust Mites

Dust mites allergens are a major contributor to asthma and allergy symptoms. They can be found throughout the house, but thrive in bedding and furniture. Here is how regular cleaning can help reduce dust mites.

Bedding should be washed weekly in hot water (130° F) and dried in a hot dryer. Encase your pillows, mattress, and box spring you can buy zippered allergen-proof covers. Regularly washing allergen-proof covers can help control dust mites.


Vacuum and Dust Regularly

We can help you keep dust mites to a minimum by dusting and vacuuming at least once a week. Use a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate) filter. A damp mop should be used on wood or linoleum flooring to help collect dust. If you have ceiling fans, they should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a week and furniture should vacuumed regularly especially if you have pets.

In extreme situations, you may want to consider removing the wall-to-wall carpeting in your home and replace it with wood floors and throw rugs that can be regularly washed or dry-cleaned.

Hiring Grime Solvers to frequently and thoroughly clean your home can help reduce the affect of allergens and save you time, ultimately helping to improve your health and comfort.

Indoor Allergies

Now that winter is here we’re spending more time indoors and indoor allergies can start to become a problem particularly in the coldest part of winter. Closed windows mean that fresh air can’t circulate into your home. Allergens build up in the indoor stale air making your allergy symptoms really act up.

Indoor allergies (“perennial allergic rhinitis” [PAR] or often called “nasal” allergies) occur when allergens that are commonly found indoors are inhaled into the nose and the lungs causing allergic reactions.

With no fresh air circulating, the sources of your allergies are trapped in your home. There are some rather obvious allergy triggers such as dust, but then there are also some less common sources you may not think of like airborne cat or dog dander, dust mites and mold spores.

Your heater can be a source of comfort but it can also be a major source of allergens. Here are some simple steps you can take to maintain your heating system and reduce allergens:

Change your Filter
Be sure to change the filter on the blower for your air conditioner or furnace every month. If it's possible, install a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.

Clean Your Heating Ducts
A professional duct cleaning service can remove the dust and allergens from your heating ducts. It’s a simple process but it does require a professional. Regular cleaning of your home’s duct work can significantly improve air quality.

In the next blog we’ll talk about how professional cleaning from Grime Solvers can help reduce allergens in your home.


Sources: www.aaaai.org
http://www.essortment.com

Dirtiest Places in your Home

Since we are cleaning experts at Grime Solvers we often get asked what the dirtiest things we clean are. You would be surprised to find out that some of the dirtiest things in your home aren’t traditionally what a cleaning service would clean, their personal items that you would never think of.

1. The toothbrush holder, most people have them but rarely clean them. Bacteria from your mouth often end up in toothbrush holders after your rinse off your toothbrush. The result is often a load of bacteria and germs in the bottom of the cup. Make sure your run your toothbrush holder through the dishwasher monthly to eliminate the germs that can spread illness in your family.

2. The kitchen sink is consistently said to be the dirtiest place in your home. Food often sits in the sink resulting in germs and bacteria. But other related kitchen items can be just as dirty; these include kitchen sponges and dish towels. These items help to clean up the mess of food spills and they often stay damp. This is a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure you launder your dishtowels weekly and run your sponges through the dishwasher every so often. This will reduce germs and extend their life.

3. The remote control is the key to entertainment for your family but with everyone touching it and kids putting it in their mouths and since we are often eating while watching TV it can get very dirty. However it often is never sanitized from the time you purchase your TV. Disinfecting cleaners can be purchased that are safe for electronics and they should be used on things like keyboards and remotes once a month. Make sure you check with your electronics manufacturer before you use a cleaning spray.

It really makes you think about all of the germs hidden in and around your home. Call Grime Solvers for a truly thorough cleaning but also make sure you’re taking care of the dirt you don’t always see and think of.

Tips for Cleaning Your Oven

With all the holiday cooking you will be doing it bound to happen, something boils over or spills while you cooking in the oven. And you can’t do anything while the oven is still hot so you have to wait until it cools to begin your cleanup.

Due to modern technology, oven cleaning is no longer the arduous task it once was. For our grandmothers, it was a day long chore and a lot of elbow grease. Below I have listed a few steps to make oven cleaning a little easier.

Know Your Oven Type
Before you can clean your oven, find out what type you have to prevent damage. Oven manufacturers often equip them with a continuous clean mode. Some ovens are called self-cleaning, which is, of course, is not completely true. But, they certainly make the job easier.

Self-cleaning ovens assist you by making spills easier to clean Run the self-cleaning cycle for your oven as often as you need to. It reduces almost any spill to a powdery gray pile of ash that can easily be wiped away at the end of the oven's cleaning cycle using a damp cloth. Some ovens, during the clean mode, will produce smoke and or fumes, so be sure to open windows and ventilate well. You may need to wash down the oven door and frame with a gentle cleaner to remove soil residue.

Continuous cleaning ovens have a special surface that has a rough porcelain layer that is supposed to burn off food gradually as use your oven. These ovens do not let food harden and become difficult to remove so they can be cleaned with a little soap and water.
Regular non-self-cleaning ovens need to be cleaned each time the oven is cooled off. In most cases wiping up any spills with a hot, wet cloth will work just fine. If you do this each time, food will not build up or burn onto the oven surfaces.

Some people prefer to cover the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil, but you'll need to make sure that no vents are blocked if you choose this prevention trick.

At least 2 to 3 times a year you will need to do a more comprehensive oven cleaning. Buy oven cleaner, rubber gloves and be ready to scrub. Follow the directions on the can and be sure to ventilate well. Instructions vary depending on the brand of cleaner but generally, spray the oven and in 6-8 hours it will be ready to clean-up with a little elbow grease. Be sure the oven is completely rinsed of cleaner residue before you cook.

One green friendly you may want to try is just add baking soda to a spray bottle as a gentle abrasive that also soaks up grease and oily stains.

Removing Stains From Grout

Removing stains from grout can be one of the most difficult cleaning chores in your home. Here are a few tips from Grime Solvers on cleaning tough grout stains.

First, you’re going to need the necessary materials. Here are some items you may need to tackle this tough job. Rubber gloves and a mask are necessary items, particularly if you’re using bleaches and harsh chemical cleaners. If you’re using harsh cleaners make sure you open windows for proper ventilation.

A brush with strong bristles can also help the job go quicker. Some recommend a grout cleaning brush, a toothbrush or a denture cleaning brush. Whatever you choose your going to need to put some elbow grease into the job to get out stubborn mold and mildew.

Steam cleaners are gaining in popularity as a great tool for cleaning tile and grout. The combination of high temperatures applied with pinpoint accuracy allows homeowners the ability to steam stubborn grout stains away.

Bleach pens allow you to target the cleaning power of bleach right to the stained area. The bleach pen applicator is the perfect size to get into the grout lines to apply bleach right where you need it.

After shower spray cleaners if you have heard the saying a best defense is a good offense, then you should try these preventative shower sprays. You apply the spray right after your shower to areas that are prone to mold and mildew. The sprays prevent soap scum and mold from growing so you don’t need to scrub as much.

Grime Solvers offers residential and commercial cleaning services in Northern Virginia. Hiring Grime Solvers is allows us to keep up with your cleaning chores so you don’t need to spend hours scrubbing the mold and mildew. Call us today for a quote.

Cleaning Windows

At Grime Solvers, we clean a lot of windows for both business and residences. Clean enough windows and eventually you find tips that can make the job go faster.

Is there a best time to clean windows? This answer might surprise you but a cloudy day is the best time to clean windows. Sun actually makes cleaner dry too quickly. This could leave streaks behind because the cleaner dries before it can be removed.

What’s the best place to start inside or out? Start with the outside windows. This way when you get inside to clean you can see the streaks you are leaving behind. You can’t see the steaks when you are looking from the outside in due to the dark rooms and reflections on the window.

What is the best window cleaning technique? Spray cleaner on the glass until the window is evenly covered but not dripping. With a clean lint-free cloth, an old pillowcase also works well, wipe horizontally. Repeat on the outer side of the window, but this time wipe vertically. Wiping in different directions allows the streaks to be seen more easily.

Consider the whole picture – think about cleaning drapes and blinds as well as windows and window frames all at once. It might be painful to do it all at once but you’ll thank yourself later.

Remember if you are simply tired of cleaning your own windows let the professionals at Grime Solvers take over. Grime Solvers, it’s the next best thing to doing it yourself.