Mildew is a type of fungi which is white or grey in colour. Mildew forms and grows in moist atmospheres. Therefore, the bathroom has a high likelihood of containing mildew which can be unsightly, but there are ways you can prevent mildew from forming.
To prevent mildew from forming in your bathrooms, you need to keep all areas moisture free. Clean your bathroom regularly to reduce the chance of mildew forming, and keep the room dry by using the fan routinely after showering or bathing. Cleaning once a week with a multi action cleaner will help to kill germs, remove dirt, prevent mildew, and leave your bathroom looking fresh.
If there is already mildew forming attempt to clean it using a bathroom cleaning agent. With proper air ventilation and light illumination mildew can be prevented. If you have a window in your bathroom keep it open a tad to allow fresh air flow through.
Keep your bath, sink, shower, and walls dry. This means wiping up excess water that has spilled onto the floor after showering, drying the sink after shaving or brushing your teeth, and allowing the walls in your shower to air dry after bathing. Give your shower curtain a quick shake when exiting to get rid of any excess water droplets. You should also stretch the shower curtain out to prevent mould from forming in the folds of your curtain.
Hang up your towels after using them. Invest in towel hangers or hooks for the back of the bathroom door, or hang them over the shower curtain rod after using them. If towels are left on the ground in the bathroom they are contributing to the amount of moisture accumulating in the room.
By implementing these quick and easy tasks into your showering routine you can prevent the formation of mildew and mould in your bathroom.
How to Easily Organize Your Basement
If your basement has turned into a messy, disorganized, and dirty storage unit, it’s time to make a change. Organizing your basement involves getting rid of garbage, reducing clutter, and making things you often use easily accessible. You’ll need a large garbage bag, numerous bins, labels, and markers to complete this task.
Our basements hold seasonal decorations, clothes, footwear, photo albums, movies, bedding, and more. Rather than treating your basement like your own personal dumpster, it’s time to get organized. When Christmas rolls around and it’s time to find the decorations it will be so much easier to find a box that is neatly labeled, rather than going through every bin in the basement. It becomes frustrating when you know something is down there, but you are unable to find it, regardless of your strong efforts.
First off, you need to get rid of the junk you no longer need. This means creating a donation bin and filling it with old clothing and items you haven’t used in the last couple of years. Create space for the things you do have, and the items you’ll buy in the future.
Divide your basement into sections. This way when you are searching for something it will be easier to locate. Have your seasonal decorations in one place, in a clearly labeled box, your shoes and footwear in another location, sporting goods in another corner, and keepsakes and photos in another area. For other things you use regularly in the basement, like laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and other items of that nature, investing in some sort of shelving unit can help you to stay organized.
Organizing your basement is a timely task, but can keep you organized all year round. By arranging your belongings in an orderly manner, you will easily find what you’re looking for.
Time Saving Bedroom Cleaning Tips
You live a busy and hectic life, with so much on the go it can be hard to find time to keep your house clean, and this can leave you in a state of defeat. You may not have a few hours to dedicate to cleaning your home and this is normal.
Your bedroom is your oasis. It’s where we sleep, get ready in the morning, and unwind at night. Therefore, this room sees an immense amount of traffic. In order to stay organized it’s important to keep your room tidy. Clothes buried in hampers, hangers on the floor, a collection of glasses and mugs, and a messy bed promotes disorganization. Somehow, a vast majority of people can still somewhat function in these rumpled rooms, yet, maintaining an organized space will keep your life in order.
Make an effort to not simply drop clothes or towels on the floor, and do not allow your hamper to be overflowing by the time you carry it to the laundry room. Reduce the amount of clutter in your room, and get rid of things you do not need. Change your closet according to season to prevent overflow.
Keep lysol or clorox disinfecting wipes to clean your door knobs, light switches, and en-suite counter and sink. Pledge is a quick and easy dusting product you can use on your night stand, television stand, and dresser. Do a quick wipe down to get rid of dust. Keep a dust buster or small broom in your closet to quickly sweep up any dirt or dust that may accumulate on the floor.
Everyday you should make the bed. This quick and easy task will make your room look neater. You should also fold and hang clothing everyday. This will prevent piles of clean clothes from building up on the floor. Put away your jewelry when you take it off rather than letting it collect dust on your dresser.
Every week you should empty the trash can in your room, change the sheets, and organize your night table. This means getting rid of old cups of water, recycling old magazines, and so forth.
This simple and easy habits can help you to keep your room organized and tidy. By keeping the tools and products you need in proximity, you are more likely to do the small cleaning tasks in your room that are often neglected.
Professional Carpet Cleaning Vs. Doing it Yourself
Carpet cleaning is mandatory to maintain and freshen up your home. This task can be dismaying and can take an immense amount of energy to complete depending on how much carpet is throughout your home.
Nylon carpets become flat and dirty from traffic throughout your home. When you clean nylon carpets you raise the fibers back up and give the carpet a fresh appearance. The main treatment of carpet cleaning suggested by carpet manufacturers is steam cleaning. Steam cleaning involves hot water being put onto the carpet and sucked back into the system with whatever dirt or grime that was present. A cleaning solution is typically mixed in with the water to help eliminate stains.
Professional cleaners have portable machines to bring into your home, apartment, or condominium. Steamatic uses hot water mixed with an emulsifying agent to break down dirt. This solution is pushed deep into the carpet fibers and drawn back in to guarantee a fresh and clean appearance for your carpet.
The advantages of using hot water are:
Vacuuming on a regular basis and carpet cleaning will decrease the amount of dirt and pollutants in your home. By using professional cleaners you will notice a significant upgrade in the way your carpets look and smell.
Attempting to carpet clean on your own leaves you with options. You can rent a steam clean machine or buy one. These machines can be complex and have various factors involved such as the temperature of the water, amount of cleaner needed, and technique. Professional machines heat the water faster and more effectively. This gives your home the results you’re seeking. Using a steam clean machine yourself can leave wet carpets which require fans to be turned on until its dry. Wet carpets are an indication that the steam cleaner was not powerful enough to do an efficient job.
For long lasting results, professional carpet cleaning is the way to go. Even if cost savings are a concern, having Steamatic come to clean the high traffic areas is affordable and effective.
Protecting Your Home from Natural Disasters
In the case of a natural disaster occurring, you should take preventative strides in order to protect your home. By taking these preventative steps you can decrease the chance of property damage. By analyzing potential risk prior to a natural disaster striking, you can ensure your safety.
If possible, it is beneficial to elevate your home where there are flood prone areas. Another tip to protect your home from the harm of natural disasters is to elevate the fuse box and any other heating, or cooling systems. You should also install and monitor valves in sewer traps to deter water from building up in sewers.
If you live in a flood zone and are made aware that flooding could happen in your area, move your belongings, appliances, and furniture to another location if you have time to. If you do not have time for this, move the valuable things in your home to higher ground.
To protect your home in case of a fire, check and clean your roof, and keep your chimney clean. Clean your gutters on a regular basis. Keep propane stored at a safe distance away from the house. Also store firewood, picnic tables, and other wooden materials away from your home. When deciding to put a patio on your home, choose non-flammable materials such as concrete or stone. You should also ensure you have fire tools handy in the event that a fire did occur. This tools include a large ladder, bucket, and shovel. Having a water supply readily available in the case of a fire is also a key part of protecting your home from fire.
When landscaping around the house you should also keep in mind to avoid installing any fire igniting materials. Using materials like gravel, concrete, and having a fuel free zone surrounding the house will prevent flames from moving and spreading. Rock walls are a smart landscaping choice, as well as isolated gardens framed by rocks or bricks. Rock ponds add a natural and attractive aspect to your yard while offering fire protection. Maintaining your lawn is also an easy way to prevent a fire from spreading if one were to occur. This includes keeping the lawn clean of pine needles, leaves, and cutting away dead limbs off trees. Focus on the landscape closest to your home and take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of fire.
How to Maintain Your Furniture
The furniture in your home is used everyday, and should be kept as clean as possible. Furniture is expensive and not easily replaceable. Therefore it is important to preserve and protect the furniture in your home. Your furniture goes through many uses everyday. You eat on the couch, stay at home sick on the sectional, and accidentally spill a coffee in the lazy boy. You can prolong the life of your furniture by keeping up with proper maintenance.
Between professional cleaning appointments, regular furniture cleaning can help to increase the longevity of your furniture. Vacuum upholstered furniture to eliminate dust, dirt, and food. This will inhibit dirt from working its way into the fibers of your upholstery. In order to avoid overuse, try to rotate cushions. Try to avoid putting cushion covers in the washing machine as this can promote fading and discolouration. Shrinking, and fabric breakdown are another concern when putting cushion covers in the wash.
Keeping furniture out of direct sunlight is also beneficial as it will prevent fading. Use furniture polish on wooden furniture to preserve it from scratches.
Spills and accidents happen, rather than spreading the stain or making it worse, follow these helpful tips to treat stains. Use a spot remover to treat spots and spills, and do this as quickly as possible so the stain does not set in. Once the stain has set it in it is more difficult to treat. Do not scrub the stain. Blot the spill with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Put a dry clean cloth over the spill and apply pressure to absorb any remaining moisture.
By incorporating furniture maintenance into your cleaning schedule you will see an increased length in life for your furniture!
Tips for a Clean Kitchen
Keeping a clean kitchen can be a daunting task. With constant traffic, and what seems like a never ending mess, it can sometimes seem as though it is impossible. As soon as you have cleaned your kitchen, and put everything away, someone would like a snack, or forgets to clean up after themselves. Here are some tips on how to keep a fresh and clean kitchen.
To keep a clean kitchen try to keep the counters as clear as possible. This is your work space when you are cooking, and it can be irritating to constantly have to move around decor, small appliances, or other clutter you may have gathered on the counter. Wipe down the counters to get rid of any crumbs, dust, or dirt that may have accumulated.
The fridge can be a danger zone when it comes to rotting food, forgotten take-out, and empty bottles. Pull your trash can up to the fridge and get rid of all empty condiment bottles and old food. After you have gotten rid of the old food, remove everything else from the fridge and do a wipe down of all the shelves and doors. Organize your drinks, sauces, dressings, veggies, produce, and meats. This can prevent your from having to take everything out of the fridge again just to find the margarine.
Clean your stove top to get rid of any spills or spots that may have been leftover from last night’s dinner preparation. The next task is the sink. Fill the dishwasher, remove items that have been sitting in the drying rack for a week, and put them away. Scrub your sink until it is a sparkling clean!
Before finishing your quick clean, swifter or mop the floors. The floors often get forgotten, but can gather crumbs, table scraps, dust, and dirt. Get rid of the trash, recycling, and you’ve got yourself a clean kitchen!
Tips to Keeping the Office Clean
A neat, clean, and organized workspace allows for a positive working atmosphere. When clutter starts to build up on your desk, disorganization can become a problem. Losing important documents, forgetting certain tasks, clutter is not a beneficial factor when it comes to organization.
First off, keep only what you need in hands reach. For example, the telephone, your computer, a couple pens, and notepad. Keep all other supplies in a designated area which you can go to when need be.
Keep track of what you have at work that you perhaps do not need. Piles of personal reading material, old documents, or even trash can pile up in your desk.
Utilize file folders for your desk to keep organized. Organize by what you’re working on, or by month, so when needed you can easily access and find the document you’re looking for, rather than searching through a bottomless stack of papers.
Sort your junk drawer. The first drawer where you keep your pens, markers, calculator, and other things you’ve gathered is most likely a mess. Sort through, decide what you need there, and organize accordingly.
Having the documents on your computer organized is also a must. Just like your file folders, your folders on your computer should be used to organize documents accordingly. Either by month, or project, whatever best suits your work style. Get rid of old e-mails you no longer need, and organize by client or project as well.
Hanging hooks up for coats, jackets, scarves, and sweaters also removes clutter. Rather than having a coat or jacket on the floor, or on your work chair, this allows for a designated spot for your outdoor apparel.
Clean and disinfect your work station regularly. You need to be aware of how easily dust, dirt, and food stains build up. Once a week you should wipe down your desk, phone, mouse, and keyboard.
A clean office allows you to be more organized and productive at work!
Benefits of Dry Ice Cleaning
Dry ice cleaning is an efficient and effective way to promote environmentally sustainable cleaning. Dry ice cleaning uses soft dry ice at a high speed to eliminate residue. Dry ice cleaning uses compressed air to force frozen carbon dioxide to a high speed. Carbon dioxide is a liquified gas and is non poisonous which is cost friendly and easily stored.
Dry ice cleaning is a non abrasive and non flammable cleaning treatment. It is environmentally friendly and has no secondary contaminants. This type of cleaning produces less waste and does not need the clean up that a blasting method would. Dry ice cleaning is certified for use in the food industry and allows convenient cleaning without moving or taking apart items.
Dry ice cleaning can be used effectively without creating fire hazards. This cleaning technique ranges from gentle to strong methods depending on what is being cleaned.
This cleaning method provides an outstanding clean. This technique allows for superior results with less effort. Dry ice cleaning machines perform, are reliable, offer cost savings, and are multifunctional.
Dry ice cleaning can be used to treat fire or smoke damage that your business or home has suffered from. Dry ice cleaning can also be used to clean food processing equipment to eliminate traits of salmonella, E. coli, and other bacterias. It can also be used to clean equipment, such as large baking or cooking appliances. This safe method of cleaning does not produce fire or electrical hazards.
Many homeowners find that this cleaning technique is great for remediating and eliminating mould and mildew from different surfaces. This innovative, and safe method of cleaning is offered by Steamatic. This low maintenance and multipurpose cleaning technique is popular and effective. Our skilled and experienced team will provide the dry ice cleaning service in a timely manner.
Steps to Take After a House Fire
The detrimental event of a house fire can be a scary, alarming, and despairing experience. During this stressful time it is of the utmost importance you know how to protect yourself and your family from the chances of further harm.
Before re-entering your home or building ensure it is safe to do so. The fire must be completely extinguished and announced safe to enter by a professional. Allow the firefighting team to analyze the site and take their professional advice. In the unfortunate case of a severe fire you may not be permitted to re-enter your home or building at all.
After a fire it is important to let your loved ones know what occurred, and that you are okay. You also need to contact your insurance company to begin your claim and find out information regarding emergency housing and living costs. Keep all of your receipts for your claim. The insurance company will also determine clean up options for your home or building. It is also important as a renter to contact the owner or landlord and their insurance company.
Ensure your property is secured to prevent looting. Emergency services professionals will guide you on how to properly secure your home and belongings.
If your house is damaged you need to consider the clean up. Depending on the extent of the damage, and type of damage it may require professional cleaning. In the case of extreme damage the clean up should be left to professionals to ensure a professional job, and to ensure your home is safe. Attempting to clean your home yourself involves a great deal of experience and knowledge. There will be residue left behind from fire extinguishers, soot, ashed, damaged furniture, and damaged appliances. If water was utilized to put the fire out, drying your home is crucial. Hiring professionals to perform fire and water restoration services is highly recommended. Water damage to your home can lead to more serious issues like mould development.
