Tag: household cleaning

  • How Often Should You Clean These 20 Household Items?

    Cleaning the house is one of those things that most people just don’t like to do. Getting out the rubber gloves, smelling all of the chemicals and spot cleaning with a toothbrush isn’t exactly the most appealing activity.

    However, different areas in your house can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and fungus. Places you didn’t know were hazardous like your kitchen and bathroom sinks can become some of the most disgusting places.

    So how often, exactly, should you clean each area of the home? We’ve got your answers!

    Living Rooms

    Your living rooms are naturally some of the cleanest parts of the home. However, we can track dirt in or kids and pets can make spills, so it’s best to keep up with this area fairly often. Here’s how often you should clean things in your living room.

    Carpet

    Once a week: Your carpet is a place where dust, dirt and allergens tend to hide. Giving your floors a weekly clean with a good-quality vacuum cleaner is super important. In places with constant foot traffic, you may want to vacuum more than once a week.

    Protip: If you need to spot clean a stain, you can mix a teaspoon of liquid dish detergent with a quart of warm water and teaspoon of white vinegar. Apply this mixture on the spot and then rinse and blot dry!

    Couch

    Once every two weeks: Most people don’t realize how much dirt, dust, fur and oils your furniture absorbs. It can host allergens and other nasty things if left unattended. Regular cleaning can help extend the life of your furniture, which means a surface cleaning every couple of weeks using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum.

    Protip: You should also plan to have a professional clean the upholstery about once a year, depending on how much you use the piece of furniture. If you develop a stain in between cleanings, put your iron on the “steam” setting and wave it back and forth over the problem spot.

    Windows and Blinds

    Once a month: The windows and blinds in your house can accumulate dust and dirt. To keep the mess at bay, you should try to wipe down your windows and blinds at least once a month.

    Protip: When cleaning your blinds, you can use an old sock dipped in a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Stick your hand inside the sock and swipe it over each blind for a quick and easy clean.

    Ceiling Fans

    Once a month: Have you ever had dust accumulate on the blades of your ceiling fan? Since it’s so high up, many people forget that it’s up there until the dust bunnies have already taken over and interfered with the function of the fan. To prevent dust buildup, clean the top of your fan once a week.

    Protip: You can prevent the dust from falling everywhere if you slide each fan blade into a pillowcase, enclose the case around it, then slide it off.

    Furthermore, make sure you have a ladder that lets you reach high enough to comfortably reach the fan without pulling on it. Otherwise you may potentially break the wire fixtures, requiring emergency electrician options to fix or replace it.

    Baseboards

    Once a month: Your baseboards can collect dust and dirt, but most homeowners don’t see cleaning the baseboards as a priority. If you keep up with cleaning them once a month the task won’t be too time-consuming.

    Protip: Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to swipe the top edge where the dust settles. If there are scuffs or spills, wipe them away with an erasing sponge.

    Fireplace

    Once or twice a year: If you own a fireplace, it is most likely that you would use it mainly in the winters. Cleaning it once a year, preferably just before or after the entire timespan of you using it, can be ideal. The same goes with the chimneys.

    Protip: Do not try to clean your fireplace by yourself. There can be a high chance of you getting the dust and soot everywhere and not really getting anything cleaned. Instead, you can hire professionals for Milwaukee chimney sweeping services (or based on your location), and let the experts handle the job.

    Bedrooms

    Your bedroom may accumulate more germs than you realize. Since you spend a good amount of time here (approximately one-third of your life), it tends to accumulate germs. How often exactly should you clean your sleeping quarters? We explain here.

    Bed Linens

    Once a week: Bed sheets can accumulate a serious collection of sweat, body oils, dirt from outside, and more. When they get too dirty they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Those are not things you want sharing a bed with you! While most people wash their sheets only every four weeks, experts recommend washing them once a week.

    Protip: If you have white sheets, toss a squeeze of lemon juice in the washer. It’s a natural brightener without the chemicals in bleach products.

    Duvet Cover

    Once a month: If you use a top sheet you can get away with washing your duvet cover once a month. If you don’t, you may want to wash it every two weeks just to be safe. Like pillows and bed linens, duvet covers can be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and dust mites.

    Protip: Changing a duvet cover is on most people’s list of top annoying things, but did you know there is a simple hack to make the job easier? Use the burrito method for an easy switcharoo. Turn your duvet cover inside out and place comforter on top. Roll it up, tuck it in, and unroll it-it’s magically on!

    Mattress

    Every three months: Your mattress is another thing that can accumulate sweat, dust, dust mites and allergens quite easily. To keep the bacteria and fungi at bay, clean your mattress with the seasons. You can use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the mattress, and clean its cover (if it has one).

    Protip: Spot clean oil stains or food spills with a mix of baking soda, salt and water. Cover the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes then wipe it away with a damp cloth.

    This might not always be the best way forward, you have to know when your mattress has had enough and you need to upgrade. There are plenty of places to find a new mattress online. Perhaps it is a better bet to find some reviews of styles and materials so you know what might be best for you. Everyone has their own unique desire of comfort. Start with this interesting aldi mattress as an example of a good all rounder mattress.

    Closets

    Twice a year: It’s usually a best practice to do a full-closet cleaning and purge twice a year. While it can seem like a daunting task, having a clean closet full of clothes you actually wear can be a game changer for your morning routine.

    Protip: When purging, keep basic, classic items and toss anything trendy you haven’t worn in over a year. You can also ditch duplicate items or things you don’t feel comfortable in. Your closet should be full of only things that make you happy!

    Bathrooms

    We all know the bathrooms can get pretty gross, but most people probably still don’t clean them as often as they should. Things like bath towels and bath mats can accumulate mold, while your toilet and sink can be a bacteria breeding ground. Here’s how often you should clean the things in your bathroom.

    Toilet

    Every day: Toilets have a reputation for being the dirtiest place in the house, but the average toilet is cleaner than you think. To make sure your toilet stays sanitary, it’s best to give it a light clean every day, then give it a deep clean once a week.

    Protip: Want to keep toilet stains at bay? Pour vinegar in the top of your toilet and let that sit while you spray vinegar around the seat and clean. If you are continuing to get excessively nasty smells from your toilet it might be a sign of a plumbing issue. The Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling – plumber website might be able to help you if you suspect this to be the case.

    Bathroom Sinks

    Every day: Did you know that your bathroom sink is even dirtier than your toilet seat? The bacteria travel from your hands onto the sink every time you wash your hands, so it’s incredibly important to disinfect your bathroom sinks every day.

    Protip: You can use disposable disinfecting wipes daily to make sure the area stays sanitized. It’s easy, and you can throw the whole mess away afterward!

    Bath Towels

    Every three or four uses: Towels are tricky, because the more you use them, the more often you will need to change them. If you take more than one shower a day, or if you have multiple family members using a towel, it may need to be cleaned once every couple of days.

    Protip: On the other hand, if you’re the only one using it and you shower at the gym three times a week, you may be able to get away with washing it weekly. Be sure to wash your towels in water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius) so that you kill all of the bacteria that’s inevitably breeding them.

    Shower Grout

    Once a week: Your grout can be one of the most annoying things to clean in your bathroom. However, it can also make the most impact on how clean your bathroom looks. Nobody likes a shower with dirty grout, so keep up with cleaning it weekly.

    Protip: To clean, dip a toothbrush in bleach and scrub any discolored areas. Every once in a while you will need to seal your grout so that water and mold can’t seep in.

    Bath Mats

    Once a month: Bath mats that have rubber backing can wear out faster if they are washed more than once a month. However, mats that don’t have a rubber backing, or that are in a frequently used or extra-dirty space like the kids’ bathroom can be washed more often.

    Protip: If a rug doesn’t have time to dry out it can harbor all kinds of mold and fungi. To kill all signs of life, wash the rug on high heat. Rugs with rubber backing should be air-dried.

    Bedrooms

    Your bedroom may accumulate more germs than you realize. Since you spend a good amount of time here (approximately one-third of your life), it tends to accumulate germs. How often exactly should you clean your sleeping quarters? We explain here.

    Bed Linens

    Once a week: Bed sheets can accumulate a serious collection of sweat, body oils, dirt from outside and more. When they get too dirty they can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Those are not things you want sharing a bed with you! While most people wash their sheets only every four weeks, experts recommend washing them once a week.

    Protip: If you have white sheets, toss a squeeze of lemon juice in the washer. It’s a natural brightener without the chemicals in bleach products.

    Duvet Cover

    Once a month: If you use a top sheet you can get away with washing your duvet cover once a month. If you don’t, you may want to wash it every two weeks just to be safe. Like pillows and bed linens, duvet covers can be a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and dust mites.

    Protip: Changing a duvet cover is on most people’s list of top annoying things, but did you know there is a simple hack to make the job easier? Use the burrito method for an easy switcharoo. Turn your duvet cover inside out and place comforter on top. Roll it up, tuck it in, and unroll it-it’s magically on!

    Bed Pillows

    Every three months: While you should be washing your sheets (and pillowcases) once a week, you should be washing the pillows themselves once every three months. Pillows can play host to critters and debris like dirt, oil, skin cells and even dust mites.

    Protip: Most down-alternative pillows can go in the washing machine, while feather pillows need to be dry cleaned. Buy down-alternative to ensure cleaning is easy and frequent.

    Mattress

    Every three months: Your mattress is another thing that can accumulate sweat, dust, dust mites and allergens quite easily. To keep the bacteria and fungi at bay, clean your mattress with the seasons. You can use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the mattress, and clean its cover (if it has one).

    Protip: Spot clean oil stains or food spills with a mix of baking soda, salt and water. Cover the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes then wipe it away with a damp cloth.

    Closets

    Twice a year: It’s usually a best practice to do a full-closet cleaning and purge twice a year. While it can seem like a daunting task, having a clean closet full of clothes you actually wear can be a game changer for your morning routine.

    Protip: When purging, keep basic, classic items and toss anything trendy you haven’t worn in over a year. You can also ditch duplicate items or things you don’t feel comfortable in. Your closet should be full of only things that make you happy!

    Kitchens

    Believe it or not, your kitchen is one of the dirtiest place in your house. This is pretty unsettling considering we cook our food here. But, that’s precisely why it’s so dirty! Germs like e.coli can stick on cutting boards, hide in your fridge and set up camp in your sink. Here’s how often you’ll need to clean to maintain a safe and sanitary cooking environment.

    Kitchen Counters/Sink

    Every day: The kitchen sink and counters can be another place that germs accumulate. Since you’re often cutting meat and dealing with food products, the kitchen sink can actually end up being one of the dirtiest places in the whole house. Also, while doing your dishes, make sure you don’t put food particles into the sink. Regular deposits of leftover food can end up clogging up the sink and you may have to call in a professional plumber from firms like AC Plumbing (https://www.acplumbing.com.au/plumber-brisbane/) or the ones like them in your vicinity who can fix the clogging issue. Additionally, a clogged sink can be the perfect place for bacteria and viruses to thrive. Therefore, it’s imperative that you disinfect your bathroom sinks every day.

    Protip: To keep your eating area sanitary, use one tablespoon bleach in one quart of water and spray down the sink daily. You can also use disposable disinfecting wipes here.

    Sponges

    Every week: Unfortunately, the trend is to keep your kitchen sponges until they smell and fall apart. Letting them get this bad means that they’re teeming with bacteria, funguses and things that can potentially make you sick. You should be cleaning your sponge weekly, and replacing them every two to three weeks.

    Protip: For their weekly cleanings, mix cups bleach in one gallon of water and let your sponges soak for several minutes. Then just rinse and you’re done!

    Oven

    Once a month: Many people think that cleaning their oven is something to save for a special occasion, but the longer you wait to clean it, the harder it will be. Keeping up with monthly cleanings is the best way to make sure your oven stays in good working order.

    Protip: A trick to making the process easier is to put a bowl of water in the oven and turn it up to high for 20 minutes. This will help loosen some of the dried dirt and grease. Then, wait for the oven to cool before wiping it clean!

    Dishwasher

    Once a month: Most people don’t realize that their dishwasher can accumulate all sorts of gunk and grime. It cleans the dishes you eat off of so you will want to make sure you give it a routine cleaning once a month (and a deep cleaning once or twice a year).

    Protip: Place a cup of vinegar inside the dishwasher and run it on a hot water cycle. This is a great way to routinely clean your dishwasher and keep it in tip-top shape.

    Refrigerator

    Four times a year: A clean fridge is a safe fridge, yet nobody likes to deep clean it. While it’s best to give it a wipe down daily, you should only need to give it a deep clean about four times a year.

    Protip: When you’re getting ready to clean the fridge, purge it of any ingredients that are past their “use by” date. Remove and soak the drawers in warm water while you wipe down the rest of the fridge. It’s best to work in sections so that all of your food doesn’t get too warm!

    Originally posted on HireAHelper.com

    How often should i clean thesese household items
  • Your Home Is A Jungle: How Improper Cleaning Invites Creepy-crawlies Into The Home

    We tend to think of our homes as islands cut off from the rest of the world. Where nothing lives except ourselves and our loved ones. But in reality we share our home with millions of little creatures – and not just bacteria. Some of them even live on us and our pets.

    And while some of these creatures are a normal and natural presence in the house, others aren’t supposed to be there – instead, bad cleaning habits (or not cleaning at all) can “invite” them to come in and live in the house with us.

    All of these creatures – normal or not normal – can make us ill if we don’t clean properly enough. Because a dirty environment gives them the chance to multiply, and in large numbers we begin to “feel” their presence, such as through allergies or other means.

    For example, dirty swimming pool water can cause a slew of issues. If the water in a pool isn’t sparkling and clear, don’t even think about diving in. Not only does this condition imply poor maintenance, but the lack of visibility itself is also dangerous. It could become a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria, including E. coli, which could be lurking below. Furthermore, if the dirt keeps reappearing at the bottom of your pool after you’ve vacuumed it, your pool’s filter may be malfunctioning. Pool filters and leaking pipes frequently fail to function properly because they need proper cleaning or remodeling. In order to have a perfectly remodeled swimming pool in your backyard, all you have to do is look for swimming pool remodeling companies around the locations where you live. The experts can also help turn your ideas into reality and ensure that the project disrupts your life as little as possible.

    Let’s take a look at some of the creepy-crawlies that call our home theirs, and what we can do to get rid of them.

    Toxoplasma

    This parasite lives in the stomach-lining of cats and dogs, and its eggs drop out through feces. Litter-trays and dog poop is therefore a hotbed for infection. The eggs can even “stick” to the paws of your beloved pets, where they are transmitted easily throughout the house. The scary thing about this parasite is, it is a mind-altering parasite. It can infect the brain, where it subtlety influences our behaviour.

    It is important that you regularly and thoroughly clean up after your pets’ mess, and that you also clean their feet. Try to limit where they go in the house, and certainly discourage them from jumping up on the worktop (in the case of cats) or the couch. Wash your hands after touching your pet.

    Cryptosporidium

    It’s a bit of a mystery, where this microscopic spore comes from. But it has a nasty habit of infecting water – even chlorinated water. Usually, you will instinctively know if a source of water is infected with it, as it will generally be dirty or contaminated. A major source of contamination is shower water, or swimming pool water.

    Exposure can make you ill with stomach cramps and fever. This isn’t so much of a cleaning tip as a general awareness tip. If you have reason to suspect your water supply is contaminated with cryptosporidium, notify your water supplier.

    Crypto

    Face mites

    Mites live on your face. Yes, you read that correctly. At least two species, that aren’t even closely related to each other.

    And while it is normal to have thousands of microscopic mites moving about, breeding, and eating around your hair follicles, not cleaning properly can encourage a boom in their reproductive cycles.

    Too many face mites can cause acne and other skin conditions like rosacea; itching and hair loss. To get rid of them, use creams designed for oily skin in conjunction with tea tree oils and wipes, and try to wash your face several times a day. This should get down their numbers.

    Dust mites

    Up to 10 million of these tiny, microscopic spiders can inhabit an old mattress, where their excessive droppings can trigger allergies. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 5 people are sensitive to excessive dust mites.

    You can get rid of them by regular damp dusting; washing fabrics at 60 degrees Celsius, and swapping the feces-laden mattress every seven years for a new one. If you are in the stages of picking a new one now, you can Click here as well as go into a local mattress shop to see what is available so you can finally get rid of your old mattress.

    Mosquitoes

    These tiny terrors need no introduction. In the summertime, and particularly at dusk, they like to gather around light and water sources, and feast on whatever sweet skin they can get their hands on.

    If you have rising damp in the walls of your house, then it would attract a lot of mosquitoes. These insects thrive on moisture and warmth, which is why it is important to give your house a rising damp treatment. Not only would this protect your walls from rain damage, but it would also keep the mosquitoes from festering in your home.

    A lot of bites are avoidable and also stem from the condition of the garden. A rundown garden, with refuse or rubbish, open sources and long grass, can all encourage them to breed and hatch – and make their way inside through an open window. Reduce their numbers by cleaning and cutting the garden; clearing any debris away, and eliminating/covering any likely breeding grounds.

    Cockroaches

    These beasts are attracted to offal; crumps, leftover food and water, and live in cracks and crevices in old foundations. When they don’t get what they want, they leave “smear marks” that not only smell rotten but spread disease.

    The best way to fight against cockroaches is to not encourage them in, in the first place. Clean up after eating, and especially check to see if there aren’t crumbs lying about. Once an infestation is established, it may be time to call in an exterminator. Options such as roach control services from Expest or similar service providers should be considered immediately to prevent the cockroaches from multiplying and get rid of them altogether. Regular vacuuming will work well to clear away the eggs.

    Bedbugs

    Actually bedbugs are a sign of a clean home, as they love clean environments. They are actually common in affluent hotels and esteemed apartments – so think of the infestation as a sort of compliment (well, that’s one way to look at it anyway).

    Bedbugs owe their success to their eggs’ ability to survive in transportation for long periods of time. So if you’ve stayed in a room that’s not your own – and especially if you’ve been to a hotel – isolate your clothes and case and check for eggs. Vacuum them up if you see them. If your home is already infested, call an exterminator.

    Ticks

    Most ticks cannot survive for long inside – they are woodland creatures. Except for the Brown Dog Tick. If you’ve been on a long walk with your dog, and especially in a grassy or leafy area, give it a check for ticks. Like with mosquitoes, the garden is another culprit here. Keep your garden tick-unfriendly by pruning back any bushes and trees, and by trimming the grass short.

    It is understandable if you don’t have the time to manage your front lawn or garden. In all such situations, getting in touch with landscaping experts can solve most if not all of your garden management problems. That said, HOA landscape management personnel or other similarly trained teams may prove to be a worthwhile solution.

    Thus, a neat or well-maintained garden can prevent the tick population from getting out of hand, which means you and the pets can live a itch free life.

    Ticks Infographic

    This article was written by Neil Wright of Pure Freedom, a company that manufactures window cleaning systems for professional cleaners in the UK.

  • Tips for Easy and Effective Cleaning

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American usually spends at least one hour every day cleaning the house. Knowing how to keep your house clean between work, errands, parenting, and the other demands of everyday life can be one of the hardest lessons you learn in life. While it might be impossible to manage all the household chores and your office work, these easy and effective hacks shared by our friends from best vacuum expert will help you keep your house clean and your life in order.

    1. Keep all your cleaning tools in the same spot

    Keeping your collection of cleaning tools in one place will make things easy for you. You won’t waste any time looking for your tools when you want to clean, and you do not have to worry about assembling them before your next cleaning routine. Whether it is a tote, bucket, or caddy, having all your cleaning tools and products in one portable object will make it pretty easy to get the job done.


    2. Sanitize your countertops and other surfaces


    You can start by wiping down all the hard surface areas from appliances, countertops, and cabinets to light switches, doorknobs, telephones, and TV remotes. Remotes! The most important thing that you could lose easily, especially if you have lots of them for different appliances. A universal remote (like the ones available at VIZIO) seems to be a plausible option to consider in cases like this. This will not only save you from scourging your home for lost remotes, you will only have one remote to sanitize! Sanitizing some of these surfaces, especially the ones which may deliver germs to the faces and fingers of people. You can make a nontoxic disinfection substance by mixing apple cider vinegar with some water.



    3. Focus on sinks, toilets, and tubs

    Residential Concrete Trough Sinks, or any other bathroom sink for the matter, covered with hair and toothpaste splatters sink can look nasty. Spray a suitable cleaning product on your kitchen sinks and then on your bathroom sinks, toilets, and tubs. Allow it to sit for several minutes to give the cleaner enough time to dissolve all the dirt and stains. Return to your kitchen and begin scrubbing and cleaning toilets last. If you need to clean a little deeper, like in the drains, then you can always pour some bleach down there or if it’s something that’s more severe and requires a professional hand, then looking to MetroPHA home services might be a good idea. It is important to note that whenever you use the sink, try not to let any food particles go through the sink pipe which may happen if kids are around and use the sink improperly. If this is not checked, it could clog the drainage system and eventually lead to the sink overflow or a pipe burst. Therefore, setting a rule for the kitchen which includes proper waste disposal instruction like segregation of wet and dry waste can be useful. Moreover, you can keep the contact with services such as Sydney emergency plumbing and others like it in your locality that could help you out in case of an emergency plumbing disaster. That said, you can keep a container of some disinfecting wipes under the sink, so they are handy. Wipe your sink’s faucet and basin after you are done getting ready for your day.

    4. Keep moving as you vacuum

    To keep your house clean, you should invest in a handheld vacuum. Don’t worry about getting everywhere when you vacuum. You should keep moving through your house, running the compact vacuum in each carpeted room in a single pass. Some tasks do not require to be done every week. These include cleaning the windows, waxing the furniture, as well as washing bath mats and area rugs. Inspect these home accessories and make your decision.

    5. Do at least one load of laundry every day

    Doing one laundry every day is life-changing. You can put your load in before leaving for work. However, if your washing machine comes with a delayed beginning cycle, you can set it to run before you return home. Transfer all the damp clothing items to the dryer after taking dinner, and then fold them before you retire to bed. Putting away a single load of laundry will take a short time, and you can also do it before going to bed.

    6. Clean up each time you cook


    Generally, dirty countertops and surfaces can attract household pests as well as make your kitchen space look awful. You can load dishes in your dishwasher after snacks or meals and then clean or wipe your countertops. This task does not involve moving everything. Start by putting any food away, spray your cleaner, and then clean.

    7. Clean the entire house

    Cleaning is more effective if you pick a single task at a time like dusting, vacuuming, or mopping. You should do the same task in each room in your house to prevent you from feeling as if you are in a constant cleaning cycle, beginning the same job over and over again.

    8. Make cleaning a team activity

    One of the best techniques to clean your house fast is by making the cleaning routine a team effort. You can schedule a specific time with your family in advance and assign the tasks to every individual. Working together as a group can bring some fun to the cleaning routine, and your entire house will be tidy and organized within a short time.

  • 5 Tips for More Effective Cleaning at Home

    5 Tips for More Effective Cleaning at HomeIf you think that cleaning is bothersome and tiring, perhaps all you need to do is change the way you have been doing it so far. It is true that there are many things you have to take into consideration when it comes to effective home cleaning, but it is by understanding these basic guidelines that you can have easier time cleaning and longer lasting results. Alternatively, you could try a service similar to Red Deer cleaning services that might be able to help you with your cleaning, but if you want to you can follow the tips below to have effective cleaning results.

    • Develop a cleaning routine – this will allow you to manage your time better. Cleaning routine means a schedule that you will follow for your chores, and of course not forget to be flexible when you need to. Home cleaning consists of chores that you have to perform on a regular basis in order to keep the conditions of your room perfect. A typical example of a cleaning routine is to set an hour for carpet cleaning every second Sunday and take some time to de-clutter your rooms on Saturdays. Also, think about getting professional carpet cleaners dublin to clean your carpets each season. That way you will know exactly what you will have to do and how much time it will take you.
    • Take the small tasks out of the way – often time when you look at how much cleaning you have to do, you feel dread and feel like ignoring the chore. This is because when you leave your home unattended for too long chores add up. But if you deal with a number of small tasks you will notice that there is suddenly less home cleaning left to do. When you take care of the clothes lying around, clean the dishes in your sink and change the pet litter for example, you will get a better idea of what needs to be done.
    • Take regular breaks – this is important if you want cleaning to be less stressful and cause you less headaches. You will be able to work faster if you do not feel constantly tired and you will accomplish much more.
    • Always research for better solutions and techniques – if there is one thing that can frustrate you about cleaning it is the fact that sometimes it just does not work. Reading about how to deal with Water Damage Clean Up, for instance, can improve your chances of maintaining your high standard kitchen. No matter how much effort you invest and how much you spend, sometimes no positive result is present. For this reason you should take your time to research more ways to tackle home cleaning. This is very important because it can not only help you with a more efficient way of cleaning, but it will also teach you exactly what to use and what to avoid. Imagine if you pour a cleaning detergent on your carpet that will damage its fibers because you didn’t take the time to research what you should use.
    • Get help – home cleaning is not a chore ( for example, a company like http://www.greenfacilities.co.uk) that should fall on the shoulders of one member of the family. If you have been doing it on your own so far, maybe it is time to get others involved. If you are living alone, you can acquire the service of a cleaning company. Usually this is very effective solution, as the cleaners will come equipped with their own tools and very quickly deal with any cleaning task you have for them.

    These simple tips will guarantee a better result next time you have to clean. Follow any number of them and you will quickly notice a positive difference.

  • Sitting room cleaning, step by step

    Sitting room cleaning, step by step

    Sitting room cleaning, step by stepIf you are concerned that you could be cleaning the sitting room in a more efficient way, then you could well be right. If you don’t have the right order or products then you could be missing dust and dirt every time you clean. Having high-quality products, such as a Hoover, then you will be able to get all of the dirt up in one. If you think getting good products will be too expensive then 10BestCarpetCleaners has done a budget friendly series on the best Hoover’s so be sure to take a look.

    If you can get an order for doing any job together, it will ensure that you are not at risk of repeating yourself, wasting time, or having to think of what to do next when you are in the moment. The beauty of the ordered approach is that you will repeat it, and start to learn it off by heart, meaning that it will eventually become your natural way of doing things. You will likely find that the best way to deal with this is to develop your own order, but that can be hard, so there are some pointers below and a rough outline for the job. Have a look at how the order may work for your sitting room, or any room for that matter, and adapt it to your needs, so that the whole thing becomes a really useful tool in your overall cleaning sequence.

    First, tidy everything away in to the places where it needs to be. You will find that there are many different ways in which you can find these places, but it is best to have a set place for everything, to ensure that there is no question as to how you tidy the house. You will find that tidying immediately makes the room look better, which can spur you on, as you are already half way there. You will find that it also removes the amount of stuff that the next step knocks dust on to, meaning that you have less to dust afterwards, which makes it a lot more practical to do first off…

    Next, dust the room from top to bottom, with a feather duster for any difficult to reach bits. You will likely find that you have to run over the surfaces under the higher areas a few time to ensure that you get rid of it all easily enough. There is a lot to be said for taking objects off of mantles and sills whilst you are doing this, as it ensures that you are not having to dust around them, and it means that you are getting dust on less stuff again.

    Next take the sofa cushions out, shaking the dust off of them, so that you can get rid of all of the rubbish and debris that comes to settle on them through use. Take a hoover and vacuum under the cushions, having taken out any money or larger objects that fall down the gap. Failure to do this may well result in breaking or clogging up the vacuum cleaner. Return the pillows to the sofa having plumped them up nicely.

    Once you have dusted off the surfaces, polish them and the objects up with a polishing cloth and some polish, should the surfaces and objects need it. You will find that this is a pretty simple job, and that you will be able to get a decent shine up with a few sprays and a couple of buffs with the cloth.

    Take the vacuum cleaner and vacuum the floor. If it needs mopping be sure to do this afterwards, as otherwise you risk scratching the floor with the mop as you push the debris around, and that would be a real nightmare, as that will mean even more cleaning and polishing to do after all the rest of it! http://www.carpetcleaningcleaner.co.uk/carpet-cleaning-wandsworth/carpet-cleaners-wandsworth.html

  • Removing Hardening Stains

    Removing hardening stains like wax, tar, chocolate and chewing gum

    Removing hardening stains like wax, tar, chocolate and chewing gum1There are all sorts of stains that come in all sorts of varieties, from fatty, oily stains, to strongly colored stains, and then those that will be concentrated on in this article, the hardening stains like wax, chocolate and chewing gum. If you feel like you suffer too often at the hands of the hardening stain, you will likely want to ensure that you have a set way of dealing with such issues. With most stains, the time with which you take to deal with them is the key part, but with stains that get hard, you have a little grace period, as the wax or gum has to be hardened anyway to get the residue away in the first place. Have a look through the following tips to see if they can work for your cleaning process.

    For a start, with all of these stains, you need to get down to the core of the stain, where the color of the offending product has mixed with the fibers in the material that you are cleaning. This means that you need to get rid of any residue that has been left over it by the spillage, as this will only defend against the cleaning products that you use to get the stain from the fabric. For the most part, you can use a bag with ice in it to harden the viscose liquid into a solid mass, which can then be peeled or scraped off. Use a blunt but narrow object like a dull knife or a spatula to lift the hard residue off, so that the actual stain is revealed. Be careful not to rip or tear at the fabric, because this will leave a mark itself, and the issue may suddenly be that you have a hole in your sofa, rather than a bit of wax!

    You can then address the actual stain, having rid yourself of the worst of it. For chocolate, you must use lukewarm water, as cold water will make the chocolate set in to the fabric more. Use a sponge with the water and a little detergent to work it out gently, and to be sure that the stain is not spreading. Keep flushing the area with water, and ensure that you dab it out with a clean cloth, as otherwise the dirt will spread to the regions outside of the stain. If you are able to keep repeating this, then you should find that the stain start to shift. If you feel like you have taken it as far as you can, and the material is machine washable, then you can throw it in the machine for a cool wash for the last step. If not, and you can’t get rid of completely, then you need to talk to a professional.

    The rest of the materials that may cause hard stains will often be removable with a little rubbing alcohol or WD-40. You will find however, that certain fabrics will not be as resistant to such harsh treatment as others, so it is imperative that you check an area that is not as visible first, to ensure that you are not at risk of making the whole issue any worse! Again, if you have tried all that you can, and then do not get frustrated if a stain persists, just call a professional for some advice, and see if they can help you out.

    Fulham Carpet Cleaning

  • 10 Cleaning Tips for Often-Missed Places

    Cleaning tips for places that you may often times forget.

    Cleaning-Tips-and-Tricks
    Sometimes when cleaning gets tedious, we tend to cut corners to shorten the time it takes us to get our chores done. I know I need to take some of the below cleaning tips more seriously in my own home. Since it’s flu season right now, it’s especially important to get the high-contact areas; this will make sure to keep your home germ free and flu free, too. It’s not only your home that needs to be clean during these times, but it goes for any public spaces too. For exceptional infection control, you can find companies who specialise in these commercial places and who offer services like Church, School or Office Cleaning services. Cleaning is important all round so you have to know how to do it properly. Here are some of the places where cleaning can be missed:

    Door Knobs
    Its FLU SEASON, are your knobs germ free? Door knobs are probably the dirtiest thing we can forget to clean. Countless people come into contact with them every day, leaving behind the oils from their hands, their germs, and who knows what else. Simply take a clorox wipe and wipe down your doorknobs daily to keep the grime at bay.

    Lamp Shades
    Lamp shades always seem to attract a massive amount of dust and pet hair, a simple and effective way to clean dirty lampshades are by running a lint roller over the shade. For more soiled plastic, fabric, or stitched shades, go ahead and fill up a tub with cool, mildly soapy, water, swirl, then rinse clean. Alternatively, if this doesn’t seem to be doing the trick of getting rid of any dirt or stains,y ou can always click here for Pagazzi’s selection of table lamps and purchase a new one.

    For paper and shades with glue water might not be a good idea for obvious reasons, your best bet is to vacuum them frequently with your dusting/upholstery attachment.

    Plant Leaves
    Use water and a very mild degreaser-if you absolutely must use chemicals to clean, although I’d only suggest water for LIVE house plants.

    Microwave
    Of course, wipe away all crumbs, then fill up a microwaveable safe bowl with about 1-2 cups of water, mixed with lemon juice (or a freshly cut lemon half, squeezed into the bowl) microwave until the water boils and let it sit for a few minutes to let the steam really penetrate, the steam will loosen any yucky dried on particles and the lemon will leave a nice smell, naturally. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth, and wash the revolving tray like any normal dish. Wipe down the outside after spraying with your choice of kitchen surface cleaner. Also, don’t forget to microwave the rag or sponge you used for 45 seconds to kill any nasty bacteria it may have picked up.

    Base Boards
    As you sweep, take your broom and run it along the edges of your baseboard to knock off any dust that may have accumulated, then go over it with a Lysol or Clorox wipe, or your own favorite cleaning solution, to make them sparkly clean.

    TV/Computer Screens
    Here are some cleaning tips for a few different types of screens. Each type is a little different, but they should all be handled with care. If you’re not sure about something, refer to your owner’s manual for further cleaning tips and instructions. If you are getting glare off your screens and cleaning them hasn’t helped, you may need to look at glare reduction glasses from websites such as https://felixgray.com/glare-reduction to see if they can be more beneficial.

    Plasma- Use only a microfiber or 100% cotton cloth, to dry dust. If you absolutely need to damp your cloth using only water, however if you need a little more power in your punch, you can add a touch of vinegar

    LCD– Follow the steps for a plasma tv, but make sure to dry the surface quickly with a separate dry cloth, make sure your screen is dry before turning it on and never push on the screen, it can permanently damage your screen, and that would be a bummer.

    Projection- Projection televisions that have a special plastic screen over the actual television screen can be cleaned with a damp soft cloth. The screens can be damaged by paper towels and heavy duty cleaners. Projection televisions without a shielding screen will need special consideration, so refer to your owners manual.

    Conventional- While older televisions can usually be cleaned with glass cleaner and a paper towel, some newer models still have special coatings on the surface that could be scratched and damaged. If your not sure about your television, the best thing to do is use a soft dampened cloth.

    Books
    Books can get especially dusty, especially fast. Make sure your books are tightly closed, weather it be because you are holding it, or because they are packed on a shelf. Take your dusting/upholstery extension (the kind with bristles) on your vacuum and go to town.

    Kitchen/Bathroom Drawers and Carpets
    Every 2 to 4 months pull out your drawers and carpets can be give them a good wipe down with a Clorox wipe, or surface cleaner. This is also a good time to re-organize your junk drawers. However, if you have pets, it is possible that your carpets get stained more often and the Clorox wipe may not work well. You know, the pee and the furs stick longer. So, thoroughly cleaning the carpet might be a complicated task. You can contact professional carpet cleaning in Beaufort County (or where it is more local to you) to remove all the unwanted stains stuck inside your carpets.

    Front Door
    While your guests are waiting to be let in, they’re staring at your front door, think, is your covered with grime from seasons past? You can simply spray the door down with a hose, but for the more adventurous, an alternative solution–give the front door a makeover, painting it in a playful, fun color! We like RED! The outside of houses often gets forgotten when it comes to cleaning but it’s also important to clean your gutters, or at least get some gutter covers from MastershieldAtl to stop a build-up of leaves and other debris. If your door has seen better days and a clean-up is not doing as well as it should be, you may want to look into having it changed so that not only is it a lot cleaner but it is more protective for your home. Companies such as Doors Plus can help in these instances.

    Bonus Cleaning Tips:
    Since flu season is in full swing, and not letting up any time soon, go ahead and take your clorox wipe and attack any and all surfaces that come into contact with germs! To help get your mind rolling here are some suggestions, but make sure you’re wiping down anything that gets handled a lot, such as: the phone, keyboards and mice, doorknobs iPods and tablets, faucets, coffee pot handles, the steering wheel and gear shifts in your car, etc. If you’re wanting to give your car a once over detail to make it look like it’s near-new research into cleaning products on the likes of Australia’s leader in car cleaning and detailing products and see which could be the best products for you to make your car have a new sheen to it.

    Hopefully these cleaning tips will help you keep your home germ free this spring. And, as always, you can’t forget the most important thing–your carpets! Fresh, clean, carpets are inviting, and clean carpets say ‘I care about my home’!

    Call us today to schedule your carpet STEAM cleaning!

  • 30 Uses For Hydrogen Peroxide

    Get the Most Out of Your Hydrogen Peroxide With These 30 Tips

    hydrogen peroxideToday I will be giving you some tips on cleaning with the miracle compound H2O2, also known as hydrogen peroxide. This product is used in tons of cleaners today; you can always spot the brands that contain H2O2 because they have “Oxy” in the name. Hydrogen peroxide is a great cleaner that you’re able to use in any room of the house. It’s safe for kids and pets, cheap, readily available, and best of all, it actually works! However, getting it in your eyes can cause damage so keeping it away from the face is advised; when using the substance in laboratories, being positioned close to a storemasta eyewash station safety shower would be a good health and safety measure to avoid permanent damage. Here are some interesting facts about hydrogen peroxide:

    • Because hydrogen peroxide is basically the same chemical makeup as water (with an extra oxygen atom), it breaks down quickly and harmlessly in oxygen and water.
    • You can find it in all living matter
    • Your body’s white blood cells naturally produce H2O2 to fight bacteria/infections.
    • Vegetables and Fruit naturally produce H2O2. This is why it is so healthy to eat fresh produce, among other things.
    • It is found in large doses in a mother’s first milk, and when fed to the baby it boosts their immune system.

    The different uses for hydrogen peroxide are endless. Here are a couple of ideas you can utilize the next time you grab a bottle of this miracle cleaner.

    In the Kitchen
    1. Clean sponges of bacteria. Sponges get gross after a couple weeks of use, so use hydrogen peroxide to revitalize your sponges. Soak them in a mixture of half H2O2 and half warm water for ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

    2. Wash your fruit and vegetables naturally. Add ¼ cup to a sink full of cold water, then rinse thoroughly afterwards.

    3. Add a couple of ounces of H2O2 to the detergent before turning on your dishwasher for a sanitizing boost. You can also make your dish soap more sanitizing by adding 2 oz of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to the bottle.

    4. Clean your kitchen appliances with hydrogen peroxide. It’s great for cleaning places that you store and cook food because hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic.

    5. Remove gunk from pots/pans by combining hydrogen peroxide with baking soda until you get a paste. Rub this onto the dirty dish and let it sit for a while. After enough time has passed (it really depends on how baked-on the gunk was), grab a sponge and some warm water and the gunk should wipe right off.

    6. Clean your countertop and cutting boards. Let the hydrogen peroxide bubble for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse like normal.

    7. Wipe your kids’ lunch boxes/bags with hydrogen peroxide to sanitize.

    8. Just like using lemon juice on apples, you can use hydrogen peroxide on your leftover salads to keep them from wilting. Use a mixture of one tbsp of H2O2 to half a cup of water and spritz your salad to keep it looking and tasting fresh.

    In the Bathroom
    9. Freshen your breath by using hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. It will kill the bacteria that causes halitosis.

    10. Between uses, soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide to keep it clean. This will also prevent the transfer of germs. This is an extremely tip to use if your family has a cold or the flu.

    11. Clean your toilet bowl. Pour ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide into the toilet, let stand for twenty minutes, then scrub and flush.

    12. Whiten the grout in your bathtub/shower. First dry the surface well, then spray it with hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for a while, then scrub the grout with an old toothbrush. This process may have to be repeated a few times.

    13. Remove mildew and soap scum from shower curtains with hydrogen peroxide. For plastic curtains, wipe down with H2O2 and then rinse. For cloth curtains, put them in the wash with a bath towel, then add your regular detergent plus one cup of hydrogen peroxide to the rinse cycle.

    14. You can kill any bacteria/viruses in your shower or tub with hydrogen peroxide. This is what the bubbling is doing!

    15. Use baking soda and H2O2 to make a paste that’s good for brushing your teeth. Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide until you get a paste, then brush. This helps kill bacteria, so it’s good for the first stages of gingivitis. If you mix this solution with salt, hydrogen peroxide will work as a whitening toothpaste as well. Even though this might be another way for people to get their teeth clean, not everyone is going to feel confident in giving this a go. With that being said, it may be easier to check out sites like HTTPS://WWW.DURHAMDENTAL.NET/OUR-SERVICES/, in the hopes of booking an appointment at Durham Dental (or a local clinic). Leaving something like this to the professionals may be for the best, especially if there is uncertainty.

    16. According to some physical therapists, adding ½ a bottle of H2O2 to your bath water can help to detoxify the body. Some are still skeptical about this claim, but bathing has never hurt and the addition of hydrogen peroxide will leave both you and your tub squeaky clean.

    On Cloth Materials
    17. Hydrogen peroxide can remove yellowing from lace curtains or tablecloths. Fill your sink with cold water and 2 cups of three percent H2O2. Soak for at least an hour, then rinse in cold water and air dry.

    18. You can use hydrogen peroxide to pre-treat stains on clothing, curtains, tablecloths, etc. Soak the stain in 3% H2O2 for a little bit before tossing it in the laundry. You could also add one cup of hydrogen peroxide to your whites to boost brightness. It works just as well as the green bleach alternative.

    19. Get rid of the musty smell in your bath towels. Combine ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide and soak the towels for 15 minutes. Then wash normally.

    Miscellaneous

    20. Control the fungi in your aquarium. Don’t worry, this won’t hurt the fish any. Use sparingly in this case.

    21. Dab some H2O2 onto acne or pimples to clear your skin. However, since the skin on your face is sensitive, it would be wise to use something natural, such as CBD oil or creams (available from online dispensaries like Blessed CBD), which may be less harsh on the skin and might offer better results.

    22. Clean humidifiers and steamers by adding one pint of hydrogen peroxide to a gallon of water, then running them.

    23. Add natural highlights to your hair using hydrogen peroxide. Spray a solution of half water and half H2O2 on wet hair to create subtle, natural highlights.

    24. Ward off the fungus that grows on your plants. Next time you spritz your plants, add a little hydrogen peroxide to the water to help out your plants.

    25. Hydrogen peroxide helps improve the health of new sprout seeds. Use 3 percent H2O2 once a day to spritz the seed whenever you remoisten. You can also use hydrogen peroxide diluted in water to improve your plant’s root system.

    26. Clean your children’s toys and play area. Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use around kids and people with respiratory problems because it isn’t a lung irritant. Spray toys, doorknobs, toyboxes, baby gates, anything your kid comes into contact with on a regular basis.

    27. Help make foot fungus go away. Spray a mixture of half H2O2 and half water on your feet (especially the toes), every evening and let it dry. Alternatively, you could soak your feet in this solution to help soften calluses or disinfect wounds.

    28. Remove ear wax with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and olive or almond oil. Add a few drops of oil, then H2O2. After a few minutes, tilt your head to the side to remove the wax and the solution.

    29. Brighten your floors. Combine a gallon of water with ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide then scrub your floors. Because H2O2 is so mild, it is safe for all floor types, and you won’t have to rinse.

    30. De-skunkify yourself with 1 qt of three percent H2O2, 1 tsp Dawn Dish Soap, ¼ cup of baking soda, and 2 quarts of warm water. Wash with this to make the skunk smell go away.

    *BONUS* Follow this link to find out how to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Urine!

    If you liked this post, check out some of our other helpful cleaning posts like Carpet Stain Removal Tips or our Spring Cleaning Guide.

  • 15 (Different) Uses For Blue Dawn Dish Soap

    Great Cleaning Tips Using Original BLUE Dawn Dish Soap!

    Blue Dawn Dish Soap is no longer limited to just washing your dirty dishes. While it works amazingly well for cleaning pans, pots, glass, tupperware, or any other diningware you can think of, it’s everything else it can clean that makes it so useful to have around the home. In fact, Blue Dawn is almost as versatile as baking soda when it comes to cleaning products! Here are a few tips that will make cleaning your home that much easier.

    1. Pretreat Stains from Clothing or Upholstery
    It seems that most stains people tend to get are oil based stains; this is one of the hardest kind of stains to get out. Some examples of oil based products that commonly end up on clothes/furniture is lipstick, butter, motor or cooking oil, grease, and certain pen inks. Dawn dish soap can take care of these stains for you! All you have to do when faced with an oily stain is apply the soap directly to the stain and scrub the spot with a toothbrush until the oil stain is removed. For clothes, launder as you normally would after this.

    2. Make your ant problem disappear
    Getting rid of ants is easy with Dawn Dish Soap. Spray a mixture of water and Dawn directly onto countertops, floors, sinks, or wherever the ants seem to be. This will leave behind a residue that ants refuse to walk across. It is also safe for kids and pets, so you don’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals. If you spray the solution directly on an ant, Dawn will penetrate their exoskeleton and kill them on contact. This also works for wasps and cockroaches. If you have a bigger infestation than you initially thought, you’ll want to get in contact with professional exterminator services such as pest control Olathe KS that provide their services in many other areas too!

    3. Window Washing
    Clean your windows like a pro with Blue Dawn! Fill a spray bottle with only three drops of Dawn to a gallon of water, then clean your windows the same as you would with any other window cleaner. This will leave your windows shiny and streak-free!

    4. Remove Stains from Your Driveway
    We always want to keep our driveways clean because they’re one of the first things people see when they arrive at your house. This is why people get pearland pressure washing companies to clean their driveway regularly. But what do you do if you find there’s a stain on your driveway? A lot of concern with using chemicals is whether it is biodegradable or not. There are many chemical degreasers and solvents that could get rid of outside stains, but they aren’t really good for the environment. Blue Dawn, though, is and it can take care of stains in your driveway. First, use the kitty litter method to pick up all the extra oils then use warm water and Dawn Dish Soap to further remove oils from your pavement with great effectiveness. Finish the job by using a little elbow grease and a scrub broom on the spot, and your driveway will soon by stain free!

    5. Take Control of Smelly Pets and their Pesky Pests
    Were you aware that Dawn can kill fleas on contact? It is not as expensive as dog/cat shampoos, and safe for the babies who are too small to be given medicine for their flea problems. For bathing larger animals, use 1 tsp per gallon of water and half a tsp for smaller animals. Make sure to rinse THOROUGHLY or the leftover residue will dry and cause mild skin irritation for your furry friend. To help add moisture to their fur and skin, finish the bath with a few drops of conditioner.

    *BONUS* To completely get rid of fleas, make sure to clean any furniture your pet may use often as well as the carpets. Wash your pet beds in warm water mixed with Dawn soap. To clean carpet or upholstery, fill a 16oz spray bottle with water and 1 tsp of Dawn Dish Soap. Shake well to mix them together, then spray the solution onto whatever needs cleaned. Let this sit for 15 minutes, then wipe down with a damp towel and vacuum (for the carpet).

    6. Unclog Your Drain
    Instead of calling a plumber, try Dawn Dish Soap to get rid of clogs in your drain. To make the solution boil 3-4 tbsp of Dawn in a pot full of water. Pour this mixture down the clogged sink drain, but be careful not to burn yourself! This will break down most sink clogs because Dawn can break down grease. If it’s not just grease blocking pipes and there’s still a blockage then you can get Tucson plumbers to help get rid of it. Failing to address the problem in time could cause the issue to snowball and become even more costly to fix. This is why you should find professional plumbers local to you and contact them so that they can come and solve whatever plumbing problem is getting you down. Perhaps turning to the likes of Elite Plumbing in El Monte could be the solution to your problem and return your plumbing to working order once more.

    7. Clean Grimy, Messy Tools
    Dawn is a lifesaver for cleaning tools in your workshed because of how tough it is on grease. Right after finishing your automotive projects, soak your tools in Dawn and water to remove all the grime and oils from them. Many mechanics also claim that Dawn can keep the tools from rusting.

    8. Find Leaks with Bubbles
    Find a puncture in any tire by mixing Dawn Dish Soap and water and brushing the soapy mixture on the leaky tire. The exact location will be easy to find because it will bubble in that spot. You can try this same method with anything that holds air to find a hole.

    9. Keep Glasses Lenses Clean and Defogged
    Prevent fogging of your lenses by rubbing a drip of Dawn Dish Soap on eyeglasses and the wipe them off. This will clean them and leave a film that prevents fogging.

    10. Get Gunk Out of Your Hairbrush
    Mix 1 tbsp of Dawn Dish Soap, 1 tbsp of borax, and ¼ cup of water, soak your dirty combs and brushes in the mixture. Rinse well and let dry.

    11. Keep Yourself Clean When Painting
    Before starting a paint job, rub straight Dawn Dish Soap over your hands and arms, wherever you think paint might end up, and let dry. When you’re finished painting, any paint that may have gotten on your will wash right off your skin.

    12. Clean Up Your Fireplace
    You can use Dawn to remove soot that has settled or hardened onto the external bricks of your fireplace by combining equal parts Dawn Dish Soap and Morton Salt. Add enough water to this mixture to make a cream, then rub the mixture into the brick with a cloth. Wait 10 minutes, then scrub the dried solution with a stiff brush and wipe clean with a wet sponge.

    13. Make Your Grill Look Good-As-New
    Clean up your grill for those Sunday dinners out on the deck. First place the grease-coated grill in a trash bag that can be sealed. Using a half cup of Dawn Dish Soap to a gallon of water, pour the soapy mixture over the rack that’s inside the bag, seal it, and let it sit overnight. The next day, scrub the grill with a wire brush and rinse.

    14. HAVE FUN!
    This is a giant bubble recipe used in bubble makers at many museums for children.

    Gently stir a mixture of half a cup of Ultra Dawn, half a gallon of warm water, and 1 tbsp of glycerin (available at any drug store). Skim the foam off the top, because too much foam keeps bubbles from forming. Then just dip bubble wand and begin blowing. Have fun!!

    15. Save the World!
    Sort of at least-You can use Dawn to do your part in saving wildlife. By supporting Dawn products, you are also supporting efforts to clean oil spills and protect wildlife across the globe. Dawn Dish Soap is the preferred wildlife cleaner after an oil spill. According to the “International Bird Rescue Research Center,” Dawn is the most effective at removing grease while not harming the skin of birds. It is also biodegradable and doesn’t contain phosphates.

    DAWN WILL DONATE $500,000
    TO HELP SAVE WILDLIFE THIS YEAR!!
    Over the past year, Dawn donated a total of $500,000 ($250,000 each) to two wildlife organizations-The International Bird Rescue and The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC)- so when you’re using these tips just remember, you’re supporting a company that contributes back in a great way!

    On a side note if you ever need a carpet cleaning service, and you live in the beautiful Eureka CA area. Give A-1 Cleaning Service, LLC a call. They also perform carpet cleaning in Arcata Ca.

    For more great cleaning tips, see some of our other posts like our tips for Removing Grass Stains or Must Haves for Your Cleaning Kit!