Slate Sealer for Tiles

The right slate sealer is not hard to find. The search should start in determining the characteristics of slate as a construction material. Slate has been used for billiard tables and electric motor parts because of its fire resistance and excellent insulation properties and was later introduced as a material for making tiles. It was also used in the olden times as roofing materials called roof shingles and has been continuously used as a fine stone material for building purposes in today's modern construction industry. Its use as slate tiles for flooring has become popular and it is for this use that the right sealer for slate tiles is sought by contractors.

Slate tiles retain the porous characteristics of the natural occurring slate rocks which are actually sedimentary shale formed by geological forces for millions of years. Although such rocky materials are hard and sturdy, they are easily penetrated by water-borne substances and organisms that can ruin its aesthetic qualities. Using a sealer is the best way to preserve slate materials that are made into kitchen floors, outside pathway floors leading to pools and external patio floors. To protect slate from molds and other similar organic matter that attack the tile surfaces, the sealer must be applied properly and made to penetrate the interior of the stone tiles with substances that can preserve their aesthetic qualities.

Aside from proper application, the kind of sealer must also be taken into consideration. Many prefer water based penetrating and impregnating sealants because they are more efficient in providing protection for the surfaces of slate tiles. Without protection, the tiles will lose its natural color and the surface becomes spotty and unsightly to behold. A good water-based sealer must be able to penetrate the surface of the tiles and impregnate them with the right chemical shields that will prevent discoloration and tarnishing of the tile surfaces.

A good water-based sealer provides the transparent coating that allows the natural color of the slate tiles to stand out due to the almost invisible film that protects the outer surface of the tiles. Because the sealer penetrates deep into the pores of the stone tiles, the surfaces applied with the sealer become resistant to oil, water and stain, pushing out any harmful chemical substances or organic matters that threaten to invade the surfaces. It is important therefore that when the slate tiles are installed, they should be immediately treated with a water-based sealer for slate tiles to make sure that they will be stay intact for a long time.

The protective action of a water-based sealer is actually designed to penetrate the pores of the slate and impregnate those pores with the emulsified substance that it holds and delivers through its water carrier. When the water evaporates, what remain in the pores are the protective chemicals that repel oil, water and staining substances that attack the slate tiles. In order to make maintenance that more easier in the future, sealing slate is absolutely essential.

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Top House Cleaning Service Considerations

A house cleaner is a bit of a luxury no doubt, but for many with busy lives, it is well worth the expense to keep one's home clean and tidy. Here is a collection of tips to keep in mind.

Know who you are hiring: It is important to do some background research on any firm or individual you are considering. If hiring a house cleaning firm, be sure to confirm they have proper licenses and they are bonded and insured. Hiring an individual these days is a bit of a risk, as many do not carry the proper insurance. This can leave you liable if there are injuries sustained by the employee, or it would leave you no recourse if something gets broken or goes missing.

Prepare your home for cleaning: There are a few things that you should do before the house cleaning service arrives. First, put jewelry, valuables, and cash in a safe, out of the way. If you've done your background work, the risk of theft is likely low. This will remove any issue and it could help you avoid things getting damaged or misplaced.

It is also a good idea to try and reduce daily clutter so the cleaners can be more efficient. If your household bills are scattered on the dining table or the kid's art supplies are all over the kitchen counter, it makes cleaning harder where you won't get a good job done.

Also, make a list of your priority cleaning items and provide any other instructions that are important to you. If you have certain cleaners that you prefer and you are responsible for hiring them, make sure that you have an adequate supply of materials where the cleaners know where to find them.

Let the cleaners know your cleaning bug bares: Everyone has something that drives them crazy, if it's not done correctly. A scenario such as sitting on your favorite chair in the afternoon where you can see dust under an end table that catches the light and looks like snow can definitely upset you. It's making sure the items on the shelf are put back the way you like it. Whatever it is, if it bugs you, let the house cleaning crew know about it so that they could act accordingly.

The same goes for cleaning supplies. Some people have preferences for different cleaners or techniques. Discuss it with the cleaners and agree on an approach. You may find out that they have a better or less harmful cleaner or some trick they have from experience. No matter the case, communication is vital to the long-term success of a house cleaning service.

Stay out of the way: Aside from showing the cleaners what you want done, try and stay out of the way and resist the temptation of getting into the action and clean alongside. Also, keep kids and pets away from the cleaners. This will likely just slow things down. You should refrain from offering food or drink as house cleaners are there to get the work done. They need to get on to the next job or go home for the day.

Be Appreciative: Just as it is important to provide feedback on improvement, it is also recommended to let house cleaners know when they're doing a good job. Tipping is certainly not required even if your home was in particularly bad shape, or if you asked them to do something out of the ordinary. Nevertheless, tipping is certainly appreciated.

If you are using the same house cleaning crew regularly, an end-of-year gratuity can also show gratitude.

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How Often Should A Carpet Be Cleaned?

Do you wait until the carpet starts to look dirty before calling a professional carpet cleaning company to perform 'restorative carpet cleaning?

Waiting for a carpet to look dirty before calling in the cleaners is what most people do but, is that leaving it too late?

When you leave a carpet so long that it looks dirty, lots of permanent damage has already occurred. You will have been walking on a carpet, with lots of trapped dirt, cutting away at the fibres, causing premature wear. This same dirt will have ground its way into the fibres and permanently changed the colour of the carpet.

Leaving the carpet to look dirty before cleaning means, your carpet has already worn down and permanently discoloured. How can you prevent this from happening?

Professional carpet cleaning is the only way to guarantee removal of deep down dirt, that causes wear and discolouration, but how often should you perform professional carpet cleaning?

If you leave carpet cleaning to once a year, you can expect the level of appearance to be as follows

(The values change depending on variables such as number of children, number of pets and frequency of vacuum maintenance.)

On average, you can expect a carpet to look 50% of what it did, when new, after just one year. By having professional carpet cleaners in, you can restore the appearance to 80% of what it was when new. Leave the carpet another year and, the carpet deteriorates to look 30% of what it looked like when new. Having your carpet professionally cleaned at the end of year 2 restores the look to 50% of what it looked like when new. At the end of year 3, the carpet falls to look 20% of what it did when new and professional cleaning of the carpet at the end of 3 years improves the look to 40% of what it did when new.

Have your carpet professionally cleaned once a year and, after 3 years you can expect it to look 40% of what it did when it was new!

Having carpet protection applied at the same time as professional carpet cleaning, improves the level of appearance significantly.

Can You Have Your Carpet Professionally Cleaned Every Month?

The level of appearance improves dramatically, if you can have your carpets professionally cleaned on a monthly basis. Have your carpet professionally cleaned once a Month and, after 3 years you can expect it to look 80% of what it did when it was new! In fact, the level of appearance only drops a small amount and, if the carpet also had carpet protector applied on a regular basis. The carpet would still look almost like new after 3 Years of use!

You now know that you should have your carpets cleaned as often as possible but, how often should your type of household have professional carpet cleaning?

Below, is a carpet cleaning maintenance plan, which is the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) guide to carpet cleaning frequencies. "The Clean Trust S100 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Carpet Cleaning".

The IICRC (or The Clean Trust as they are now known) is one of the world's foremost authority and examining board for professional carpet cleaners.

When looking at the following carpet cleaning frequency guide, please consider factors such as:-

Amount of trafficSoil levelsVacuuming schedulesSpot cleaning methodsProfessional periodic cleaning frequencyRestorative professional carpet cleaning

Please note: Follow the carpet manufacturers cleaning schedule to maintain your warranty.

Carpet Cleaning Maintenance Plan

Should your household have...

Light Soiling

Vacuum once a weekSpot clean as and when requiredProfessionally clean 'tracking areas' every 12-18 MonthsRestore - Professionally clean all areas every 2 Years or as manufacturer's warranty

Normal Soiling (families with children or elderly staying at home)

Vacuum twice per weekSpot clean as and when requiredProfessionally clean 'tracking areas' every 6-12 MonthsRestore - Professionally clean all areas annually

Heavy Soil (families with pets or smokers)

Vacuum 2 - 4 times per weekSpot clean as soon as spots appearProfessionally clean tracking areas every 3 - 6 MonthsRestore - Professionally clean all areas twice a year

Extreme Conditions (large families, multiple pets etc.)

Vacuum dailySpot clean immediately spots appearProfessionally clean tracking areas every 2 - 3 MonthsRestore - Professionally clean all areas quarterly every 3 - 4 Months)

I hope this information has helped you understand the necessity for regular carpet cleaning, so that you can keep your carpet looking good for many more years to come, compared to not having carpet professionally cleaned.

Do not let your carpet look dirty before calling a professional carpet cleaner. But, do have your carpet cleaned as often as possible.Have carpet protector applied often, to extend the time your carpet keeps looking good.

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Condense the Mess in the Laundry Room With These Tips

There is nothing more discouraging than a messy laundry room. Condensing the mess is a great step to making it a more pleasant task.

In the first place, laundry is a thankless task. After just one wearing, laundry is right back in the hamper waiting to be washed all over again. If you can make the laundry environment just a bit more appealing, you will find it less of chore. The secret is bringing some order to the laundry room.

Make more room

The first trick is to make more room in the laundry room. This means you need to make better use of the unused spaces. For example, most laundry rooms can make use of the space between the washer and the dryer. With as little as 8 inches, you can add a set of narrow wicker drawers that fit between the washer and dryer. These four graduated drawers hold fabric softener sheets, stain sticks and even your eye glasses so you can read the tags on clothing. The plastic front resembles hand-woven wicker. It measures 36 inches high, 19 inches deep and 8 inches wide.

With just about the same amount of space, you can add a roll-out laundry caddy that stores some taller items, like laundry detergent, fabric softener and the iron. The sturdy melamine caddy has three open shelves with raised side rails to keep the products in place. The caddy is set on dual track casters, so it easily rolls out and goes back in between the dryer and washer. It measures 31 inches high, 25 inches deep and 8 3/8 inches wide. Some assembly is required.

Hanging tricks

Sometimes the best way to get rid of clutter is to go up. The fold down overdoor laundry hanger gives you a closet where there is not one. It creates a place to hang clothing when it comes out of the dryer or if the laundry instructions recommend line drying. It is made with a locking hinge that supports 10 hangers. When it's not in use, simply fold it down and way. There is felt padding on the inside of the bracket so it won't scratch the surface and it fits over most doors.

A simple way to air dry your laundry is with a set of five hanging clips. Made to fit over a towel rod or wire shelving, these drip dry hanging clothespins let you air dry anything from delicates to towels to socks. Their no-slip teeth keep your clothes hung up and off the floor.

Laundry carts

If you have ever seen the laundry carts in a Laundromat and thought they would be useful at home, you are in luck. Laundry carts are available in everything from commercial size to personal butler size.

The laundry butler is compact enough to fit in the smallest laundry rooms. The chromed steel frame has 3-inch industrial wheels with double locks and a large basket to hold your laundry. You can hang wet or dry garments on the valet bar that rises above the basket. There is a bottom shelf underneath the basket that can store laundry soap and other supplies. It measures 67½ inches high, 24½ inches wide and more than 20 inches deep.

If you are looking for something with more storage space, consider the classic antique bronze laundry center with its three heavy duty, removable canvas laundry bags. It also comes with two bags - one for lingerie and one for sweaters. Hanging above the three laundry bags is a crossbar where you can hang the clothing you just ironed. There is also a high shelf for storing clean clothes or laundry accessories. The laundry center will roll across your home on smooth rolling casters with two locking wheels. The bronze finish on the steel frame is attractive enough you won't want to rush to put it away. It measures 72 inches high, 30 inches wide and 18 inches deep.

Extra space

If counter space is at a premium in your laundry room, then you probably could use some extra space where you can fold your laundry. This steel, rolling laundry station offers extra space and more. The cart's two shelves hold detergent, fabric softener, folded clothing and more. There is a slide-out wire basket that can hold small items, like stain sticks, clothes pins and scissors to clip loose threads. When closed, the melamine doors on top can be used to fold laundry. They open to reveal a removable canvas bag. All this rolls along on casters and measures 31 inches high, 26¼ inches wide and 18 inches deep.

Another easy way to increase space is with a wire shelf that mounts over the top of a washer or dryer. Measuring 26½ inches long and 10 inches wide, the vinyl coated shelf will easily hold detergent bottles and boxes.

Make laundry less of a chore by condensing the mess so you can focus on getting the wash done and getting back to your family.

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Surviving Home Disasters, Major or Minor: Fire/Water Restoration and Other Pro Services Can Help

Damage from fires, floods, and other incidents don't have to mean your home is beyond repair. Turn to fire, water, and other restoration professionals to preserve your house and weather the storm with minimum loss and maximum peace of mind.

Your house is your biggest investment, but it's very often so much more than just an inhabitable savings account. It's also your home, the place were lives are lived and memories are made. Which is why when disaster strikes, the devastation can be doubly costly. When your property has suffered from a fire, flood, or other incident, major or minor, you need to act quickly to not only preserve the structure in terms of a financial investment but also to restore your house into a home that's safe and welcoming for you and your family.

Water Damage Restoration
Natural disaster, roof leaks, burst pipes: no matter how the water entered your home, when you're dealing with a flood, you've got a real mess on your hands. It might be easy to just throw your hands up and call your property a total loss, especially with both fire and water damage, but instead of giving up on your home, bring in a professional flood restoration company. You'll be amazed at what these experts can do to evacuate standing water, dry out absorbed moisture, and stop the damage in its tracks. You may have to replace soggy drywall and refinish your floors, but when you call for water damage restoration in time, you'll be surprised at how well this professional team can contain the damage and stop the problems from compounding with concerns like mold growth and wood rot.

Fire Damage Restoration
When you have a fire in your home, you typically end up with the double trouble of both damage from the fire itself and damage from the water used to extinguish the flames. However, even these dual concerns don't always mean the space isn't salvageable. Modern technology offers a full range of fire restoration techniques including structural drying, smoke and soot removal, and odor elimination. Fire/water restoration companies in your local area have the necessary tools and training to tackle these problems and help you minimize losses.

Additional Services
In addition to the large-scale drying and cleaning services offered by nearly all fire and water damage restoration companies, you may also find yourself in the market for specialized services such as mold removal, carpet cleaning, or tile and grout cleaning. These additional options can help you to clean away evidence of the incident from walls and floors that are in good enough shape to preserve. By revitalizing these finishes, instead of tearing them out and starting over, you're able to help keep the cost of the job down while still returning your home to a clean, beautiful condition.

For major home disasters such as extensive flooding or serious fires, you might want to ask around until you find a disaster restoration company that is also a general contractor. That way, if/when your project requires rebuilding walls, reinstalling flooring, and other major changes, you won't have to deal with juggling multiple service providers. Working with a general building contractor from the get-go who also specializes in fire and flood restoration can help make your life just a little easier during this stressful time.

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How to Choose Hospitality Supplies for a Commercial Kitchen

When setting up a new kitchen from the ground up, the amount of shopping around, price comparisons and essentials buying can be completely overwhelming. How can you know what the right hospitality supplies are for your needs, and how do you choose which models or brands offer the best value? The answer to choosing quality and value obviously depends on the specific product you are searching for at the moment, but here we have collected a brief guide to help you pick the essential hospitality supplies for the commercial kitchen.

When stocking your kitchen you might turn to one of various catalogues and other resources available to help the restaurateur. These catalogues can be helpful but often have the motive of selling as many hospitality supplies as possible to the inexperienced chef or manager. So instead of relying completely on a salesperson's advice, you should meet with all the key players in the kitchen and plan ahead to determine which hospitality supplies are really necessary and warrant spending more of the budget on.

It is important to choose high quality, long lasting hospitality supplies in all areas of the kitchen, although this can be a significant problem if money is short at the beginning of your business endeavours. If you decide to restrict spending on key hospitality supplies such as pots and pans, utensils, kitchen knives and storage facilities you will only find yourself incurring escalated costs later on as more time is spent cleaning and maintaining the inefficient and faulty equipment.

As well as the cooking equipment essential to the efficient operation of your kitchen, there are other products to consider, such as chefs and wait staff uniforms, table settings and interior decorations. These additional items are vital to enticing customers into your restaurant and can make the difference between a banal and uninteresting meal and an experience your diners will rave about to their friends. Choosing these supplies requires a little more creativity and involves designing an entire image for your business and choosing products to fit and complement your style.

As they say, the devil is in the details, and it is important to choose each of your hospitality supplies very carefully to engineer the perfect experience for your customers. By thinking of small ways to improve your service you can instantly get ahead of the competition and build up a loyal following of diners. You could, for instance, purchase hospitality supplies such as a water filter and cooler for delicious complimentary water, delicate and beautiful crockery, thick linen napkins and heavy cutlery to build an air of elegance in your restaurant.

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Safely Store Wool Long-Term

It's warming up outside and it is feeling like it's time to store away those heavy winter clothes and blankets. Before you seal your wool items away in a plastic space bag or container, you should read this. Wool, alpaca, mohair, and angora are actually animal hair. This is why they are so susceptible to becoming the feeding grounds for insect larvae. Properly preparing and storing these items will save you money, time, frustration and can even help you to avoid health problems.

Storing wool and other clothing in plastic doesn't allow them to breathe properly. If there is any moisture or humidity at all then the clothes will grow mold and mildew that can be hazardous to your health. This is why clothes that are sealed up smell musty when you take them out of storage. Storing clothing in breathable cotton or paper will allow air to circulate around them. Storing wool items in pillow cases or paper bags will also create a barrier that bugs and insects will not penetrate.

Insects are attracted to wool and other animal hair clothing. They lay their eggs there and then the larvae hatch and eat away at the fabric, ruining your wardrobe and blankets. People used to use moth balls to repel insects while their clothing was in storage, but we now know of the terrible side effects that moth ball vapors can have on human beings and pets. Using natural deterrents is far safer and just as effective.

One way to keep pests from being attracted to your clothing is to have it cleaned before you store it. Wool items should be dry cleaned to remove any body oils that may have come in contact with them. Human body oils are irresistible to moths and other insects. Wearing your suits or sweaters and then storing them will only attract more pests to your closet or storage areas.

Cedar is the simplest, safest way to repel unwanted pests away from your clothing. Using cedar clothes hangers for suits, coats and even blankets is enough to confuse and deter them. Cedar also absorbs moisture from the air, turning your closets into ideal places for storage. The fresh scent has been loved for hundreds of years and cedar actually deodorizes the area where it is kept. Using cedar products in your drawers and storage containers is an inexpensive way to keep everything safe.

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Clean Air Means Less House Cleaning and Dusting? Yep, Sure Does!

Does it seem like you're cleaning all the time? And every time you turn around, there's another layer of dust on that piece of furniture? Time for carpet cleaning...again?! Does house cleaning ever end??!!

Let's face it. Very few of us have time to constantly clean and dust. We're just too busy! Plus, in this economy, most of us don't have the extra money for house cleaning services, either! Where does this dust and dirt come from anyway?

Well, it's a combination of stuff we track in from outside, the dust from your ducts / air conditioner vents, and tiny particles that are released when our hands and feet rub across furniture, bedding, carpets, etc. The air that's moving inside the room picks up the particles and those particles settle on everything, and there you go-more dusting and cleaning to do. Ugh.

You mean having clean air can really help us keep up with our fast-paced lives, reduce house cleaning time and the cost of cleaning supplies? Absolutely. It just makes sense. If you can remove the particles from the air, then there will be less to settle and accumulate-in the corners, and in our noses! And you'll get the added benefit of feeling better, with less sneezing and coughing, or even asthma attacks. Don't forget, dust is very dirty stuff, composed of dirt, dead skin cells, dust mite/insect parts, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, pollen, mold spores and more. In a month or so, you'll be happy to notice that you just aren't buying as much cleaning supplies, cleaning services, Swiffer duster refills, carpet cleaning--and probably less allergy medications!

So how do we do clean up the air? All you need is a 1) a good allergy rated filter in your home a/c system, 1500 rating or higher, and 2) get a quality air purifier that can handle the amount of air in your home or room, and has a true HEPA filter, which will remove 99.97% or higher of the particles floating around. Be sure to change the air filter in your home at least every 3 months, and the HEPA filter in your air purifier as indicated by the manufacturer. And the air purifier will actually extend the life of the home air filter, too, so that's another cost reduction!

One very good air purifier we found that is very good for getting rid of dust is the Blueair 403 This unit features durable steel construction, a powerful HEPA filter that removes up to 99.99% of particles, healthy negative ions to further purify the air, and an available lifetime warranty. This will handle rooms 375 square feet and smaller.

For larger spaces, up to 1500 square feet, the Aller Air 5000 Exec works very well.This air purifier features a true HEPA filter, a pre-filter, and a full 18 pounds of activated carbon to remove chemical vapors and odors-vapors and odors that cause allergy attacks, headaches, and more! Got headaches that you can't put your finger on? It really could be in the air!

Both of these air purifiers will definitely reduce the need for house cleaning and dusting, and leave you more time for the important things like family and fun times.

As always, if you have any questions, give us a call at 1-800-701-2513. The expert staff at Air Purifiers and Cleaners.com is standing by to help.

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Get Bad Smells Off Your Carpet

The material that is used to make carpets is pretty much easy to guess. The fibers used for carpet making are porous and consequently they easily absorb residue into the fabrics. This is especially true for juice, tea or coffee spills that provoke unpleasant odors in the house. When these spills are not promptly and properly dealt with, they cause bad smell which may lead to air pollution in the house. Needless to say this pollution is a potential health hazard for those living in the house.

I know the question running through your mind now is, what do I do to get the horrible odor off my carpet?

My oldest tip for treating a smelly carpet, while at the same time steering clear of the shampooing process, would be to spread a good amount of baking powder on the carpet and leaving it on for a while. After leaving the baking soda on for a while, vacuum the carpet for a fresh smell.

Home Uses of Baking Soda and vinegar

There is no doubt, looking back at its long history of use, that baking soda is a precious element when it comes to getting rid of carpet odors or any other odor from fiber objects. Another very useful product that helps to get rid of bad smell is vinegar. A blend of two parts of water and one part of vinegar can be scrubbed unto a carpet to deal with odor issues. This option is more affordable than buying shampoo dedicated to carpet cleaning or hiring a shampooing cleaner for the same purpose.

The use of fresh air

Indeed, the use of fresh air to clear your carpet of odors may seem a little strange for a beginner. However, this method is a good aid in combating carpet stench. Nevertheless, spraying a carpet or air freshener on the carpet will only mask the smell for a little while. If you want to thoroughly handle the odor, it would prove inadvertently wise to do intensive shampooing of the carpet. The type of shampoo to use for this would be one that is very strongly scented. To get the best of this cleaning process, you would want to do several repetitions. You will want to concentrate most of your efforts on the particular area that was affected and that is causing the bad smell.

Furthermore, you may scrub the affected areas with a brush before you start the shampooing and vacuuming process. Should in case the shampooing does not give the desired results, you will need to pull up the carpet from the floor and clean beneath. Pulling up a carpet is no walk in the park; you must therefore take all things into consideration.

Indeed, you can use the strongly scented shampoo to get rid of odors provoked by pet urine. However, the scent may not completely go away. As such, you may need to hire the services of a professional carpet cleaner for such delicate situations. If the services of the professional do not deal squarely with the situation, you may want to give up the carpet and get a new one.

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Taking Good Care of Your Hard Wood Floor With Wax Finish

The best advantage of having hard wood floor is that you don't have to worry about allergens getting trapped like they do in carpet. Cleaning the floor at least twice a week using the right vacuum cleaner, sweeper, dry mop and wood floor cleaner, keeps the floor from abrasive build up and keeps its shine much longer.

If stains find its way to your floor, clean it right away. This will prevent the substance from staining the hard wood floor and saves you the hassle of having to remove the stain later on. To clean the stain on the floor use a hot water, a clean cloth and a cleaning solution that is suited for hard wood floors. Do not use abrasive cleaners as it will damage the coating of the floor.

Maintenance Guide for Waxed Finish Hard Wood Floors

If vacuum cleaning, mopping or sweeping does not make your wax finish floor shiny again, buffing it is your next best choice. Buffing should be done first before you apply a second coat. Often times you would not need a new layer to coat after buffing. If buffing does not make your floor shiny, you'll have to use a liquid wax for wood floors and a wood floor cleaner. Apply the wax to the floor and buff it after it dries.

In removing stains from waxed finish floors, here are some tips that you can follow:

Ink stains and water Stains- to remove this type of stain use a #000 steel wool. If it won't work try using a sand paper with fine grain together with a wood floor cleaner and a #00 steel wool. After that make sure you wax and buff the area.

Common Surface Marks- common scratches and marks on the surface of your wax finish floor can be adhered by applying wax on the area. Buff the area to restore its shine.

Food stains- In cleaning this type of stain use a damp cloth and start cleaning on the outer surface of the stain and move your way inside. After removing the stain see to it that you dry and wax it afterwards.

Sticky Stains- harden the stain by applying a cold pack of ice. When the stain hardens it should crumble off of the floor. Use a rag or cloth to clean the stain off.

Furthermore, to avoid unwanted scratches on your floor, never drag heavy equipment and furniture across your waxed floor. Also, if your kitchen and bath room floors are made of wax coated hardwood floors, place a rug directly below the sink and on the door step of the bathrooms.

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Inexpensive Ways to Clean Your Toilet

Baking Soda:

To clean your toilet bowl naturally, dump in half a box of baking soda and let it stand in the bowl overnight. In the morning, flush the toilet several times to remove all the dirt and grime. Run a brush around the ring to loosen any part of the ring that remains. Flush again and that's it!

With this toilet cleaning method, you can be the Queen of Green by using the baking soda that you've had open in the fridge to soak up musty odors and moisture. Just open a new box of baking soda and place it in the back of the refrigerator. Take the old box and put 1/2 box in your toilet bowl. If your home has two toilets, you can clean both of them at the same time, using 1/2 box in one toilet and 1/2 box in the other.

Baking Soda and Vinegar:

Pour one cup of white vinegar into your toilet and let it soak for half an hour. Now dip your toilet brush in the toilet bowl and sprinkle it with baking soda. Scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Re-sprinkle the brush with baking soda a couple more times. Flush twice, and your toilet will glisten.

Note that vinegar is an excellent fungus and mold killer. If you have black mold in your toilet, especially under the rim, be sure to dip your brush in the vinegar and run the brush under the rim. Wait 30 minutes and scrub with baking soda and brush.

Borax:

If you were a child in the '50s or '60s, you may remember 20-Mule-Team Borax. This stuff will blast through lime deposits and black mold. Make a paste of Borax and lemon juice or white vinegar and rub under the toilet bowl rim and on ring. Let it sit on porcelain for awhile, scrub and rinse.

Tea Tree Oil:

Tea Tree Oil is a natural disinfectant and cleanser. Add one tablespoon to a gallon of warm water. Pour in the bowl for a few minutes. Scrub and swish. It smells good, too. You can put some of the liquid into a spray bottle and use it on the outside of the toilet, too. Since tea tree oil is an essential oil, you can buy it anywhere that natural cleaning products, essential oils and supplements are sold. A little tea tree oil goes a long way.

What About the Ring?

Bleach, Vinegar and Borax Power will obliterate a toilet bowl ring. So will scrubbing a toilet bowl ring with a pumuce stone.

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That Insignificant Thing We Call Dust

No matter how much we clean it, wipe it, spray it, wash it, vacuum it, sweep it...it still keeps coming back! Its virtually impossible to get rid of. It gets into everything. Even inside cabinets that are closed all of the time. What am I referring to? Undestructable, insignificant DUST. We have spent hours cleaning our homes, our offices, our vehicles, our computers, our bikes, our closets, and although everything we've cleaned looks great, I'm talking white glove clean, its only for a day or so. Of course its not like the next day we see a bucket full of dust around our cleaned areas. But if you were to look close enough, its starting to show up already. What led me to write about this was because I had just used wet-wipes, for cleaning various surfaces, all around my home, like I do all the time. I was proud of my home. It looked all clean, smelled cleaned and I was happy. So I continued about my day doing whatever chores needed to be done for that day. Just a day later I had to retrieve something out of a small cabinet in the bedroom. I opened the door and reached in to grab a book I wanted. I looked at the shelf the book was on and much to my surprise I could see that wicked dust starting to accumulate there. I couldn't believe it! I ran my finger over the surface of the shelf, looked at it, rubbed my fingers together and sure enough it felt dusty. Now there's no need to get freaked out about it. Its just a little dust. I knew that all I could do was make sure to clean it again later on. But this incidence got my curiosity going. We've always seen dust, been around it all of our lives right?

But I've never made an effort to write about it or do any research about it until now. Plus the other day, I ventured onto my Facebook page, I saw a really cute picture of a bunch of dust rolled into a little pile with bunny ears on it. It was a 'dust bunny.' LOL! It was funny, in a cute gross kind of way. So I guess that was a sign for me to do a little research on this insignificant thing called dust. Looking up the word 'dust' this is what I found: Noun, Fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter lying on the ground or on surfaces or carried in the air. Eeeeww! Dust consists of particles in the atmosphere that come from various sources such as soil-dust lifted up by wind. (source of information: Dust - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia) If we really get down to all of the places where dust comes from you'll be amazed at how many different things make up dust. Skin cells for one, we loose dead skin cells all of the time. Ever wonder where all those skin cells go? You got it. Where ever we are dwelling. Dogs and cats carry their own dander and dust and it falls off of them all of the time too. Dirt-dust from outside comes in just by us going in and out of the home. So now we know where it comes from, so how do we get rid of it? Fact is we can't get rid of it. Like the definition says its in the atmosphere. So unless you live in a bubble dust is going to be around us for eternity. But that doesn't mean we can't do things to make it easier and healthier for us to live with. With the brilliance of medical science we can learn to use devices, if needed, use specific cleaners to protect our dwellings as much as possible from this irritant called dust.

So what can we do to live better with dust? If you want to spend the extra money you can purchase air purifiers, hepa air purifiers and not to forget dust-mite purifiers. Yup thats right, there is such a thing as a dust-mite purifier. I had no idea. Using a furniture polish and a clean rag is great for temporarily removing dust. Microfiber cloths are very good at collecting and holding onto dust. Those disinfecting wet-wipes work wonders but I suggest you don't use the ones with bleach in them on your fine wood surfaces. I'm not too keen on using a feather duster. I believe they just move dust around and they don't really remove it. A vacuum with those cute attachments is a great way to get dust out of corners and off the ceiling, off of blinds and furniture etc. Its also a great idea to take all of the sheets off of your bed and vacuum the mattress. Also don't keep your pillows for too long a period of time. I don't think you want to know why they really seem to get heavier over time. No dust-mites or dust-mite do-do. Ewwww! A dust mop is good too. I spray a little pledge on mine and then go over the wood floors. Not only does it clean them nicely, it smells good too. Even better, take a look at all of the items you have displayed around your home. The more "stuff" you have strewn about the house the more it'll attract dust, the more you'll have to clean. So take an inventory. Honestly too much clutter isn't really healthy for you anyway. If you're attached to all of the things you have about your home, maybe you could pack some away for safe keeping. You may be surprised how much you'll like the less-cluttered look.

If you're going to use a wet mop, that's great but be sure to rinse it in clean water frequently. I remember seeing a maintenance man lugging around a big old bucket with a huge mop. He would always be mopping the floors but I never saw him change out the water for clean water. Imagine how dirty that floor was. If you don't change out your mop water with clean water frequently, you're mopping with dirty water and that stays on your floors, yuck! So all in all we've discovers what dust is, where it comes from and what we can do to at least tone it down in our homes. I'm certain you have your own ways of resolving the collection of dust too. Because dust is eternal we will never get rid it completely. But we have discovered that there are ways to combat it and make it easier to live with. So the next time you happen to see dust floating through the air by way of the sunlight streaming in through your window, think about how insignificant as it is its not insignificant at all. It has taken over our world like an unforseen force that cannot be stopped. That insignificant thing we call dust. Enjoy the day.

Copyright(c)2012.That Insignificant Thing We Call Dust. Written by Sherrie Vitello. All Rights Reserved.

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Types of Sandstone Sealer

Because of the variety in colors and design performed by nature, sandstone is a popular building material used both for interior and exterior use as well as for domestic and commercial use. A sedimentary rock made up of sand-sized particles of quartz and other minerals, it is a natural occurring building material that has been a popular choice in building temples, cathedrals and monuments since ancient times. It is also considered an eco-friendly material since it can be source near the building site saving precious energy and excess materials from cutting and trimming are not wasted since these can be used in making concrete.

Considered the youngest of the stones, sandstone defers in its porosity, strength and permeability. Thus it has found many uses in gardens as an architectural ornament, as pavement, a fountain or a wall. Sandstone is a popular material as a countertop, tiles for floors, in showers or part of a wall as a vertical design. Although a stone, sandstone is very porous thus is susceptible to stains and damage. Water or any liquid such as oil will be absorbed by the sandstone very quickly and over time will cause damage to the surface thus sandstone sealer is applied to protect it. To further protect the beauty of sandstone, regular cleaning is required since dust may also cause scratches. Sandstone floors should also be cleaned with a cleaned with a dry untreated mop or wiped with warm water with a sponge or mop. Cleansers especially made for sandstone or stone should be used since regular cleaners that contain acid such as bleach or ammonia can damage surface of the sandstone.

There are generally two types of sandstone sealers in the market, the penetrating type and the topical type. The type of sealer usually depends on the location and the application of the sandstone. The penetrating type of sandstone sealers also known as impregnators are designed to penetrate the surface of the sandstone binding with the substrates of the stones. This will help block any liquids from penetrating the surface of the sandstone. Water may be colorless, but when left to penetrate sandstone, it may dry but a stain will result, more so with oils. This type of protection is usually applied in pavements, floors, or any exterior use since impregnators are UV resistant compared to the second type, the topical sealers.

Topical sealers which can either be permanent or strippable. Most are water based and are much cheaper than the penetrating type of sandstone sealer. Topical sealers will only coat the surface and will not penetrate the insides or substrates of the stone. A disadvantage of topical sandstone sealers is it is prone to show wear especially in high traffic areas such as floor. It is also not UV resistant and will yellow over time. Constant stripping and resealing may result in scratches and etch marks on the sandstone although topical sandstone sealers are more skid or slip resistant as compared to penetrating sealers.

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Before You Sign the Lease, Call a Mold Testing Company

When it comes to purchasing a home or renting an apartment, it is very important that you find out whether your potential home has a problem with mold. No one wants to live in a place where there is a life threatening problem with air quality. Even though you may not think it is that serious, simply inhaling spores can cause some serious respiratory problems later on. If you have children and pets that are going to be living with you, you want to make sure that you are moving into a healthy environment. Many owners, real estate agents and management companies will not give you a definite answer on whether or not mold is present. This is why you should leave the inspection and removal up to a certified mold testing company.

No one is saying you should have every home you are looking at should be tested, but any place you are very serious about should be looked at. Mold testing every home you like can be a bit expensive if you are not willing to weed out some of the homes yourself. Here are some things you should look for that can signal whether or not that home or apartment has a problem with mold.

Do you remember your mother flushing the toilets and looking at the pipes of any place she was interested in? There was a specific reason she did this even though she may have looked silly to you as a child. Pipes that are leaking are a sign of a potential mold problem. Look under the sinks, flush the toilets and take a look at the pipes in the basement. If you see any sign of leakage or moisture, this home may not be safe for you and your family.

Smell the air all throughout the home. If you smell a stale, musty or mildew odor, there may be some spore growth going on where you can't see it. Turn on the A/C. A lot of times mold will grow where there is moisture and the HVAC system is a big breeding ground. If you smell mildew, especially after running the air conditioner for a few moments, move on to the next home on your list.

Be on the lookout for cracked or peeling paint. Also be on the lookout for walls and ceilings that are discolored. These are all signs of an impending mold problem. If you see any rust or condensation, run don't walk out of that place.

Of course, if you see a place that you really want to purchase or lease and you suspect that there is a mold problem, you can always hire a reputable mold testing company to come and investigate. They will be able to tell you if the infestation is mild enough so it can be treated or if the infestation is so severe that the home is not safe for anyone. If you take the proper precautions now, you can avoid a lifetime of health conditions, enormous medical bills and loss of investment.

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How to Keep Your New Carpet Looking Beautiful

When you buy a home, you want to decorate it with carpeting to match your personal style. Over time, carpet can get dirty and dingy from being walked on constantly. Luckily, there are measures you can take to ensure your carpet will last as long as possible. Here are some tips to care for your home's carpet to keep it looking nice and new.

Vacuum Regularly

Be sure to vacuum your carpet often; one to two times a week is best. Vacuuming will help to remove any soil that can ruin the fibers of your carpet. It is important that you continue to vacuum since much of the dirt that can slice your carpet fibers is not visible to the naked eye.

Check Your Carpet Warranty

When you first, make sure read the manufacturer's warranty. The warranty should spell out any specific instructions on what you need to do to keep your warranty valid. If the carpet manufacturer has any recommendations, try your best to follow it.

Spot Clean When Your Carpet Gets Soiled

It is inevitable; eventually something will get spilt or dragged onto your new carpet. New carpet typically comes with an anti-stain barrier to help protect your carpet from such events. Some anti-stain technology is better than others, and your first spill is the perfect time to test yours out. Your manufacturer warranty should list what types of stains are covered under warranty, and also what their recommended method for spot cleaning is.

Protect Your Carpet

Carpet is made to be walked on. The more people you have living in your home the more wear and tear your carpet will endure. Carpet tends to wear down first in high-traffic areas, such as those in front of the front door or in a hallway. To protect your carpet from such wear and tear, use runners or mats in those high-traffic areas. Runners can be placed down your hallway to protect rug burn, the wearing down of your carpet. You can also use a sticky-backed plastic on your stairs to help protect the carpet from constant use. Rearranging your furniture every now and then can also help by changing the pattern of heavy traffic in your home.

Get Professional Cleaning

In general, it is best to have your carpet clean by a professional carpet cleaning company once a year. If you have areas that are subjected to really heavy traffic and a lot of dirt, you may want to have it cleaned more often than. Professional cleaning does not leave any residue, and completely and thoroughly gets the dirt and stains out of your carpet. Many anti-stain carpet manufacturers state in their warranties that you should have your carpet professionally cleaned every other year. Cleaning by a professional can remove the dirt and soil that vacuuming may leave behind.

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Spring Cleaning With Your Local Commercial Janitorial Service

When we hear the word "spring cleaning" we usually think of tasks that don't get done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. These jobs are typically not a priority, but that does not mean that they need to be neglected all together. Here are a few parts of the office that may get overlooked and need some extra attention this spring.

1. The dull and cloudy windows.
Windows are made of clear glass, so that we can look out of them and enjoy the outdoors, even when we are sitting at a desk. It is especially nice in the spring to see flowers blooming and birds happily flying around. If the windows in your office space are covered in finger smudges, pollen, dirt and splatters, then now is the time to clean these windows to a sparkling shine (on the inside and the out) and bring some of that sunshine in! An experienced janitorial service knows exactly how to professionally clean your windows to a brilliant luster and sparkle.

2. The stained carpets.
If you have carpeted floors in your workspace you are aware of the wear and tear, especially in heavily trafficked areas. Added to that is food and drink stains and you have yourself a floor that is anything but presentable to your customers. Not only will your carpet look like new again, it will freshen up the smell of your office. Your janitorial service can tackle this job with ease and efficiency with one simple phone call.

3. Dusty baseboards, mini blinds and window ledges.
These are dusting jobs that most people typically ignore around our own homes, so why would we do them at work? Truth is that dust builds up in these areas, especially when you add tons of copier paper and documents to the mix. These surfaces may not be noticeably dirty by your clientele, but they need to be thoroughly cleaned a few times a year, at the very least. Your friendly commercial cleaning company is ready for the job!

4. Ingrained odors.
This could be located anywhere, but as much time as you spend at work, you know exactly where these odors lurk in your particular office. It could be that weird smell in the kitchenette that nobody can get to go away. It may be a section of the tile in the restrooms that has been ignored for way too long. A commercial janitorial company can get rid of these odors. The areas that tend to smell are the parts of our office that get used the most. The good news is that setting up a cleaning plan will allow the janitor service to maintain these areas, so that odors will stay gone for good.

Start making of list of all of the areas in your office that need some attention and then call your local janitorial cleaning company. They will gladly go over what services they offer and set up a plan with you that can be adjusted whenever your needs change. Discuss with the experts what you want cleaned and when you need them to start. "Spring" into action and hire a professional cleaning company to help your office space shine.

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The Benefits of Hiring Professional Carpet Cleaners for Your Business or Home

Everyone is afraid of added bills that may prove difficult to pay off. If you have a carpet at your workplace, then it is necessary to add the cost of 'professional cleaning sessions' to your annual financial expenses. However, when it comes to carpets, bills should be the list of your worries because, a dirty carpet can cause more harm than would an unpaid bill. The importance of having a clean and fresh working environment cannot be over-emphasized. You are bound to stay motivated as well as keep your workers feeling happy and good. The services of professional cleaners tend to be more expensive because they make use of their own cleaning tools and technical know-how.

The job of professional carpet cleaners takes just a few hours of hard labor to complete but the results last for an amazingly long time. The process of restoring and/or cleaning a carpet in high use is no walk in the park. It takes several hours of hard labor, patience, commitment, time and energy. The cost of hiring a professional cleaning company will vary from one institution to the other. Cleaners are paid according to the number of hours they use to clean the carpet thoroughly; it does not matter if it is a home carpet or an office carpet. As such, there is a record of the number of hours spent on the project. It is important for you to take notes about the services provided by a particular company. If you do not like what you got for the money spent, simply switch to another carpet cleaning enterprise.

It is true that carpet cleaning seems like an easy thing to do. However, carpet cleaning professionals, deep-soak carpets in steaming water and re-absorb it for the carpet to get back in good shape. The working conditions are quite stuffy and not easy to work in. Indeed, some companies sometimes add cost according to the working conditions. A good company will give you great satisfaction and there will never again be a day when you will do your carpet cleaning by yourself.

Who does not want a neat and beautiful looking home or office? There is a good feeling that oozes from a well-kept carpet, be it at home or at work. If you want a fresh looking carpet and a welcoming environment, then consider using the services of professional carpet cleaners at least two times a year.

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How a HEPA Filter Makes the Best Steam Cleaner Even Better

When looking for the best steam cleaner for hospitals, hotels, and other commercial areas, it's important to look for units that have vacuum extraction capabilities as well. Ordinary steam cleaning units can soften and dissolve a range of tough deposits and stains. But it's up to the user to manually wipe up the slurry that is left behind. This can be a relatively easy task when spot-cleaning or doing small cleaning jobs. For larger cleaning jobs, it can be easier to select units that don't just steam-clean the area, but can extract the dirt and slurry from the surface as well. This extraction capability can often do a better job than manually wiping the area as manual wiping may not remove all the debris from the surface. Some steam cleaning units offer vacuum extraction capabilities and much more.

Complete Cleaning
The best steam cleaner will work to ensure that the entire area is as clean as possible. Many vacuum cleaning machines may do a great job of extracting germs, pollen, and allergens from carpets, upholstery, and other kinds of surfaces. But oftentimes, they release a lot of these same allergens back into the atmosphere during cleaning. Most vacuum cleaners have a small duct to expel air and it is usually through these kinds of vents that allergens and germs are reintroduced into the air. This is very similar to washing down a hard surface with dirty water. Though it may appear that you have cleaned the surface, the cleaning process may have just reintroduced that very same dirt and debris into other areas.

This is why the best steam cleaners have a HEPA filtration system in place. This is part of a two-step filtration process to insure that any air that is reintroduced into the environment is as clean as possible. When air is sucked into the machine, it is passed through a water filtration system which works to trap dust mites, allergens, pollen, and other kinds of particles. The air is then passed through a HEPA filter, which can remove particles which are as small as three microns. This ensures that any air that is reintroduced into the environment is as clean and germ-free as possible.

A Hygienic Option
The best steam cleaner with vacuum extraction capabilities isn't just an effective cleaning option, it is hygienic as well. These steam cleaning machines are ideal for tackling cleaning tasks in hospital areas and nursing homes where cleanliness and hygiene are of the upmost importance. These kinds of steam vacuum cleaners, floor steamers, and vapor steam cleaners can also be used in cleaning commercial kitchens and bathrooms. Such commercial steam cleaner provides a cleaning solution that isn't just efficient, it is much quicker than conventional cleaning methods.

Best of all, the best steam cleaner provides a cleaning option that is eco-friendly as well. Whether it's steam vacuum cleaners, vapor steam cleaners, or floor steamers, these steam cleaning machines rely on the super-heated power of steam to clean and disinfect different surfaces. Such a commercial steam cleaner is a smart choice for those who are looking for efficient cleaning solutions that won't harm the environment.

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Pressure Washing Tips

If you are a home or business owner and you are thinking about doing some pressure washing around your home or business, there are a few important things that you should consider and understand before you attempt anything of this nature.

Pressure Washing is a common service that many home, property or business owners may decide to attempt themselves and not engage a professional power washing services company or contractor. However if they are unprepared, then this will more than likely turn into a big mistake because it will take up too much of your valuable time, time probably better spent on doing something else. Also because the results that you are likely to achieve will be far less superior than if you had engaged a company who specialize in doing this type of thing day in and day out every day of the year.

The biggest issue that could result is damaging your property, house or building. Damage that could be permanent without expensive replacement costs.

If you are up for the challenge then let me point out the basics of what you need to know before you undertake such a task, this is from somebody who has been in the pressure cleaning or pressure washing industry depending on what part of the world you are from for nearly 15 years.

Identify the stains that you are trying to remove (sodium hydrochloride is great for mold, mildew and algae. De-greasers should be used for oil and grease stains on driveways)Identify the substrate that you are attempting to clean (some substrates such as concrete will tolerate much higher pressure, whereas bricks and sandstone are much more delicate and can only withstand low pressure)Make sure you have the proper equipment and attachments for the job (many pressure washers that home owners buy are not suitable for the job of cleaning large scale areas such as a home or driveway. Also if you have an industrial strength pressure washer, ensure you have the right nozzles and lances to make the job easier)Realize that pressurized water alone is not sufficient and you will need to find appropriate cleaning agents to complete the job to the highest level (as with any cleaning procedure, water alone can only do so much. You need cleaning chemicals or agents to complete the task)Wear appropriate P.P.E Personal Protective Equipment (Ear Muffs, Water Proof Clothing, Hat, Gloves, Boots. Wear a respiratory when working with chemicals)Ensure that waste water is not going to escape into storm water drains and pollute the environment (it is against the law in most areas to have waste water from pressure washing run into drains and hefty fines apply)Ensure plants and gardens will not suffer from over spray of chemicals or from flooding (an inexperienced contractor could easily kill plants or small shrubs or trees during a pressure washing undertaking. Ensure that your garden is protected)

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Natural Remedies to Use Around the House and Garden

We are now starting to realize that all of the pesticides and chemicals we have been using for all of these years are taking a toll on the environment. Many of the species of plant life that once were found in abundance are now extinct due to the pollution we have created in the air and the water. If we intend for this planet to remain a viable habitat for life we are going to have to work hard to stop the use of all of those pesticides. One way we can reduce the harmful chemicals is to use some of natures remedies to get rid of pests, and to clean, and when possible to medicate ourselves.

One of the biggest problems in the garden is the stink bug. No birds or other animals want to eat them, and they can destroy your tomatoes, your squash, and even your okra. The secret to having a garden that is free of these creatures is the color yellow. They are attracted to the color yellow. All you have to do is get out away from your garden a little and plant some yellow sunflowers. The sunflowers attract the stink bugs and in the fall you will be rewarded with some wonderful seeds you can roast and eat.

To stop sand fleas from coming in your home you need to go around the house on the outside with regular table salt. The fleas hate the salt and you are bug free. It also helps to wash your pets bedding in vinegar and rinse your pet in vinegar to keep the fleas from being attracted to them.

Mosquitoes can send you in the house quicker than any other pest. You can purchase poisonous sprays to rub into your skin to keep them from biting, but you do not want to put these poisons on the skin of small children that might place their hands in their mouth. So you can take a wet wash cloth and pour a small amount of vanilla on it to create a repellant for them that is non-toxic. The vanilla must be one hundred percent pure vanilla and not an imitation.

Another wise little tip for the garden comes straight from your kitchen. Use all of your used coffee grounds to place around your tomato plants. These grounds feed the plants and encourage fruit production. You can also weaken the coffee with water to create a mild liquid fertilizer to use on your indoor plants.

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Useful Tips for Carpet Cleaning

Most everyone would agree that it is necessary to regularly clean carpets and rugs to keep them looking good and keep one's home healthy. However often times regular Hoovering isn't sufficient to keep things looking their best. Here are some hints from professionals for keeping carpets and rugs looking new yourself, as well as some tips for hiring a professional cleaner:

Hoover at least once per week. Whilst this may seem obvious, the vast majority of loose dirt and crime is removed with a good vacuuming.

Improve your Hoovering technique. Move the Hoover with the carpet or rug's pile direction to remove the surface dirt, then again against the pile direction to get at deeper bits.

Change traffic patterns. Moving furniture even slightly on a regular basis will help prevent carpet wear and soiling in high traffic spots. Rotating rugs will have the same effect.

Clean liquid spills quickly. Immediately after a spill, blot up the moisture with a paper towel or clean rag. Blot from the outside of the spill toward the center to keep the spill contained. Never rub the carpet to pick up the spill as this pushes the liquid deeper into the pile. Once fully absorbed, use a spot remover and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Act quickly on dirt and traffic stains, too. As soon as a stain becomes apparent, work to clean it with a spot or area cleaner as soon as possible. Leaving it to sit will force grime deeper into the pile making it harder to clean later.

Most carpet, rug and upholstery manufacturers recommend professional cleaning once a year. Unfortunately most individuals wait until they begin to see noticeable issues, but this may make cleaning and bringing the carpet back to looking new more difficult. Like any fabric, regular care and maintenance is important.

When looking for a professional cleaning firm, the first priority is to find a reputable name. The best way to do this is to ask for recommendations from family and friends (in some cases it seems one can find out who to avoid, rather who to hire). You can also check the internet or the local directory.

Check consumer review websites to see if the firm has good reputation. You can also check out Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) to see if the firm has been accused of any scamming practices.

Next is to get service quotes. Many firms will provide an initial quote online or over the phone. While this will provide an initial start, it is important to make sure the firm visits the premises to give a full estimate. Be sure the firm is fully indemnified against potential damage. The estimate should be complete and include all services to be provided. Also ask for a few customer references. If the firm is hesitant or cannot provide any, consider another firm.

Another tip for choosing a firm is to check the cleaning firm's training program and equipment. Don't assume just because someone has been in business for a long while that they are using the latest technology. When the representative is visiting to develop the estimate, ask for a detailed explanation of how they clean and what equipment is used.

Then it's time to make a choice and have the work done. Most are astounded at the difference a professional cleaning can make on the look of their carpets and rugs.

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How Low Water Flow Technology Makes a Better Rug Steam Cleaner?

Whether it's an industrial complex or a commercial building, these areas need the right kind of rug steam cleaner to keep carpets clean. The carpeting in these areas is not only exposed to some of the toughest kinds of dirt and debris, they also have to deal with steady stream of traffic. Conventional carpet cleaning methods may get carpets clean, but they also leave them very damp after cleaning. In many cases, it simply isn't possible to cordon these areas off for long periods of time, just to allow the carpets to dry. The best way to deal with this situation is to choose carpet cleaning units that are not just designed for effective cleaning, but also to help the carpet dry out quickly.

Tackling Dirt from a New Angle

If you look at a conventional rug steam cleaner, you will notice that they use a considerable amount of water during the cleaning process. This is understandable, especially when dealing with ground-in stains and sticky deposits. Unfortunately, the more water the carpet cleaners use, the damper the carpet will be after cleaning. This can be a huge inconvenience as damp carpeting can take a very long time to dry out completely. In humid climates, it can take even longer. Apart from that, damp carpets provide the perfect conditions for mold and bacteria to take root. Carpets that haven't had a chance to dry out completely often emit a foul odor. This often happens in areas where the carpets are not exposed to any kind of aeration.

In these instances, it's clear that the problem lies in the excessive water used during cleaning. The good news is that a rug steam cleaner doesn't have to use copious amounts of water for cleaning. In fact, some of the most effective carpet cleaning units rely more on suction and extraction powers to get carpets clean. Even ground-in stains and hardened deposits that have settled deeply into the carpet fibers can be removed using the right kind of extraction powers.

Less Water, More Clean

A rug steam cleaner that uses low water flow technology provides multiple benefits for commercial and industrial cleaning tasks. As these units use less water, the carpets are not left soaking wet after cleaning. This means that the carpets can dry out much faster, sometimes in just a matter of a few hours. There is less chance of mold and bacteria settling in the damp carpeting. Even in humid climates, these carpet cleaning machines can help assure that the carpets have a chance to dry out completely. Carpet cleaners that use low water flow technology is also an eco-friendly option. These rely mainly on suction and extraction powers to get carpets clean. They do not need to use chemical-based detergents or cleaning agents.

Selecting a rug steam cleaner or carpet shampooer that uses less water can mean a faster and more efficient carpet cleaning process. A portable carpet cleaning machine provides extra user convenience, and is particularly useful when cleaning large areas. No matter how big or how small the area is, a portable carpet cleaner that uses low water flow technology offers multiple cleaning benefits.

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Intelligent Questions to Ask a Carpet Cleaner

When choosing a carpet cleaner... ask questions.

I have owned a carpet cleaning business for more than 34 years. Over the years I have learned what questions people should be asking their carpet cleaners.

All carpet cleaning companies are not created equal. There are very significant differences in methods of cleaning, knowledge and experience, quality of equipment and cleaning solutions used, attitude towards customers and pricing.

So how do you know which company uses the best cleaning method for your needs, has the knowledge and experience to eliminate any problems in your carpets, is using quality and effective equipment and cleaning solutions, who has an attitude that you are comfortable with who fits within your budget?

You ask. Understand, in any business if you ask them if they can get the job done they will all say, "yes, no problem. We are the best." This means you need to ask specific questions to know if they really are who you want in your home.

Here are some questions you should ask.

What cleaning method do you use and explain to me exactly how your system works.

Think about any situations you might have in your carpets, bad traffic areas, urine stains, odor problems or any other concern that you have and ask them...

I have (name the concern/concerns) How specifically does your method take care of my concerns? Ask to speak to the owner or manager and then ask him/her detailed questions about this. Questions include what cleaning solutions do you use? How exactly does that cleaning solution work?

What you learn from their answer is their method, their knowledge and their attitude. If they give you incomplete answers or seem hesitant to answer your questions then I would call a different company.

Are you licensed and Insured? If not call somebody else. If a company is not professional to be licensed and insured then they most likely are not a very professional company.

Tell me about your guarantee. If they do not have one call someone else. Some companies have a guarantee that says, "best cleaning ever, or it's free". Think about it, this is not quantifiable. Who is to say that it is or is not the best you have ever received. I dislike these guarantees based on marketing hype. The best guarantee is the one where if you are not satisfied that they have done everything they could reasonably do to they will reclean the areas of concern for free. If you are still not satisfied then you will not be charged for those areas.

Of course you will ask about the price. Here is some advice about pricing. Just because one company charges a lot of money does not make them good and conversely just because a company charges a lower rate does not make them less competent then their more pricey competition. I believe that a company that charges close to the middle in your areas pricing for carpet cleaning is usually a good choice. Remember that if you have situations like urine, large stains or a high number of stains you will most likely need to pay extra for those situations. Always be clear before you schedule the work how much they charge for these situations. I would be cautious about a company who did not charge extra for these kinds of situations.

In summary- Ask detailed questions about how they can take care of the concerns you have with your carpets, make sure they are licensed and insured, ask about their guarantee and choose less on price than on how comfortable on how you felt about how they answered your questions.

Use this guide and you will find a carpet cleaner who will be able to take care of the concerns you have with your carpets.

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How Mold Remediation Can Protect Your Property and Your Health

Do you know what is considered among the most serious of common household hazards? This hazard is also one of the most difficult to eradicate. If you see signs of mold infestation or have recently recovered from flood damage, it's extremely important to check your home for mold damage. The best way to keep you, your family, and your possessions safe from this fungus is to hire a qualified mold removal company.

Mold spores grow wherever they can find a reliable source of moisture, which means that they can grow almost anywhere. This dangerous substance commonly forms in homes after flooding and plumbing problems, but it can also develop in humid basements or even within wet clothes. Bathrooms are also a common place for a mold problem to start. Their warm and moist atmosphere makes them a breeding ground for mold.

When mold grows in a household, it produces irritants and allergens that can induce sneezing, stuffy noses, sore throats, and dermatitis in people, particularly children and the elderly. In addition, mold can cause permanent damage to furniture, carpeting, and even walls.

Some ways to avoid mold growth in your home is to maintain common mold deterring practices such as:

Keeping moist areas well ventilated.Regularly cleaning areas where mold is likely to grow (showers, kitchens, sinks).Removing "mold food" or organic materials that have gone bad.

Eliminating mold from a house is not a simple task, and ordinary cleaning methods may not suffice, especially if mold has grown within walls or beyond the surface. Proper mold remediation involves using specialized equipment to safely remove all affected substances from a home along with anything that is causing mold to form. A mold remediation professional will do this with care and respect for a home, aiming to restore a household to its prior condition.

While regular cleaning practices can help repel mold growth in moisture-rich areas, if water damage has affected areas of your home that are beyond reach, mold could become a serious problem. To avoid mold damage after a flood, have a professional water damage repair company clean up any water damaged areas.

If you believe that any part of your home has become contaminated by mold, you should have an inspection performed by a mold removal company. A trained professional will be able to tell you where you have a serious mold presence in your home and provide you with a removal estimate.

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Granny's Best Carpet Cleaning Secrets: Removing Stains With Vinegar

One of the best uses for vinegar is removing tough stains from carpets.

Removing stains with vinegar is perhaps one of the most effective and environmentally friendly ways to get even the toughest set-in grimy spots from a carpet. As a young pup growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, I can remember my Granny using some of her time-tested, old-school methods for keeping a spotless and almost sterile-clean house. Many of those old-time recipes included using vinegar cleaners for just about any room in her house. One of her favorites was using vinegar to clean stains from her carpets. She was a loving soul but one of the things that Granny hated most was stains in her carpets. With so many grandkids running through her house every day, there were a lot of spots, stains and dirt.

How to Remove Stains with Vinegar

While it may not lift out every type of stain from your carpet, using white distilled vinegar as cleaner will take out just about any stain. Here's how you do it: First, dissolve 2 tablespoons of salt in about 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar. Rub the solution into the carpet stain, let the area dry and then simply vacuum. If you have a larger stained area, try mixing 2 tablespoons of borax into the vinegar-salt mixture and treat in the same way.

Spot Treatment with Vinegar as Cleaner

You can also make a spray-on spot treatment by mixing 1 part vinegar with 5 parts water. Get a second spray bottle and fill it with a solution of 5 parts water and 1 part non-sudsy ammonia. To treat spot stains in your carpet, soak a cloth with the vinegar solution and saturate the spot or stain. Let it sit for a few minutes and blot dry with a clean cloth. Now spray the ammonia solution on the spot or stain and blot dry. Repeat this alternating treatment until the spot is gone.

What Granny Knew About Removing Stains with Vinegar

Some folks tried to encourage Granny to start using some of the commercial cleaning products available from the local grocery store. They claimed these new-fangled cleaners would save her time and help Granny to get the job done quicker. Granny simply smiled and went on doing as she had done for so many years. Perhaps she knew more than she was telling about these natural cleaning methods, or maybe she was just stubborn. Either way, those old-fashioned ways of cleaning are making a big comeback in this era of environmental awareness.

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Five Tips in Finding a Good House Cleaning Service

Finding a good and trustworthy house cleaning service can sometimes be difficult. Generally, one finds a house cleaner from a friend, a friend of a friend, or someone who knows where these good services are found. Well, you get the picture. And it always seems like the first time the new cleaning service cleans, the house looks perfect. Then there are the odd occasions when the quality can go down. Here are some tips to help you find good service, which ensures that they keep doing the job you want.

Tip One: Don't just go with the first company you meet. For some reason, many people are uncomfortable interviewing service workers. It feels very personal, especially if you're meeting the actual person who may be cleaning your home or apartment. Even if you've gotten a stellar recommendation from someone you absolutely know and trust, you still need to meet and interview at least two firms or individuals. Ask how long they've been in the business, how many people they have cleaned for and how were they hired by the people they work with.

Tip Two: Get four references, and make sure you call them. This is another one of those things that we sometimes feel is too much work to do, but it really is crucial. When speaking to the person, you need to be specific in your questions, such as why would you recommend this person? This question form will force them to give you reasons. The other key question to ask is what would be the one thing that you would change about the way they clean your home? This gives the individual the opportunity to be critical without being negative. Sometimes, this is the most enlightening part of the conversation.

Tip Three: Give the firm a try. Now this may seem like a waste of time. Won't they do their very best job on this first cleaning? Yes, they should, as you can sense what their very best is. If after this first cleaning you find there are problem areas, then they're probably not the firm for you.

Tip Four: At the first cleaning, be sure to do a walk through with the service to find out what they use or recommend on different surfaces. Although most companies use similar products, it is good to let them know of special requests ahead of time. This little walk around could also tell if the person does not seem to know what to use. It can be an indicator of inexperience or lack of attention to detail.

Tip Five: Be critical. When reviewing the cleaning work, make note of anything you find unacceptable or uncertain. Again, don't be shy about giving honest feedback. Most people have little individual pet peeves regarding their house cleaning, so these need to be addressed. If the service doesn't consistently measure up, move on. A good, conscientious service will know what is important to their customers where they will make sure that those things are consistently handled.

Keep these tips in mind when hiring and you'll have a much better chance of getting a quality cleaning service.

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Simple and Effective Rust Removal

Wikipedia describes rust remover as "chemical solutions or primers that can be applied directly to a rusty surface on steel or iron alloy surfaces to convert initial and residual rust to barrier and adherent chemical compounds onto the surface. These chemical compounds interact with iron oxides and also protect the surface from further corrosion process. These are able to develop a protective film on the metal surface that protect against rust." Thankfully, for home improvers and DIY-ers like me we don't need to know all the science behind the process to know that rust remover just works!

Almost everyone has experienced rust in some capacity. Most of the time we see rust and we are then disappointed, thinking that it will require lots of work and the use of harsh chemicals. However, now there are products in the market that are safe and very effective. Before you buy any product, be sure to keep a few things in mind. First, you want to make sure it is safe. This is a product that you are most likely going to use in your home, perhaps near children or pets. There are many products that are non-toxic and safe. Commercial products that are harmful or scary to use are a thing of the past. It should also be something that is safe on a variety of materials. The item you may be cleaning could be made from multiple metals or finishes. Find a rust remover that is safe for metals as well as plastics or vinyl. You'll also want a product that will prevent rust in the future. Choose one that will inhibit rust for at least 4 weeks.

When you're ready to de-rust you should first clean your item. You'll want to make sure it's free from oil and dirt. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when working on the rust blemish. Some products require soaking, anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, while others require circular spraying or wiping. As your working on your item be sure to be checking often, this will help you get the best results in the least amount of time.

Home repair stores and the internet are great places to purchase rust remover. However, going to the home store with its stocked shelves can often leave you a little overwhelmed and confused. For those who prefer to conduct research and shop from home, products like wholesale Evaporust may be a good option.

Hopefully, you're now ready to tackle that DIY project you've been putting off. Rust removal can be an easy, effective way to restore an otherwise overlooked treasure.

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A Guide to Mold Removal

Many homeowners often assume that they can remove the toxin on their own and that hiring a mold removal company to remove it for them will be a waste of money. In order to remove this allergen from the home properly, there are quite a few things that someone needs to know and be able to do if they want to do it in the safest manner possible.

There are many different types of mold that could be growing in a home. If someone tries to remove any of them him or herself without wearing any protection, they could potentially inhale spores into their lungs, which could lead to serious health issues. Removing mold in a home where a family is living could put not only the person that is removing the mold at risk, but also the rest of the family that is living in the home. The mold spores could easily get into the ventilation system and spread throughout the home, which could lead to serious illness for all family members who are exposed to the spores.

When looking for a company to come and handle the mold removal, it is important to find out about their certifications, their licensing, and their insurance coverage. In order for someone to be able to remove allergens legally from a home, they need to have the proper training. In the training, they have learned how to identify all of the different types, how each one will need to be removed from a home, and how to dispose of them properly after it has been removed. This training is essential as mold spores can remain in a home for a very long time. If it is not removed properly by the mold removal company that is hired, it could leave the family at risk.

After checking the company's credentials, someone will want to ask to speak with references from previous clients. If a company cannot provide references, someone should avoid hiring them for their mold removal needs. A legitimate company will be able to provide references for work that they have done and prove that they have the experience that is needed to do a good job. When speaking with references it is important to ask about the job that was done. Someone needs to find out if any damage was done to the house, if everything was properly disposed of when the job was complete and if it was removed in a timely manner. Someone will want to insure that other homeowners have had great experiences with the company before agreeing to allow them to remove the mold from their home. Before beginning the process, it is important for a homeowner to sign a contract with the company stating the set price that will be paid for the job upon completion. This will allow all parties involved to know what amount will be paid and that the business will not overcharge for the job upon completion.

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