Things That You Need to Know About Carpet Cleaning

Carpeting has become a staple in both modern homes and places of business. As beautiful and comfortable as carpet may be, it does get dirty and require regular cleaning. The problem lies not in the effort required to clean carpet however but rather in how to go about cleaning the many different types of carpet in use. There are no universal carpet cleaning methods or chemicals and different types of carpeting require different types and levels of care.

As if know which carpet needs which type of care isn't confusing enough, there are a cornucopia of carpet cleaning products on the market; many of which are hazardous to not only humans but pets as well. It can be tough figuring out which cleaning solutions are safe and which are toxic but carefully reading labels before buying these products goes a long way in protecting your home and your family.

You should try to have your carpets cleaned regularly. In your home you need to vacuum carpets at least twice per month but should also consider professional annual cleanings as well. So far as office carpets are concerned, they may require more frequent layperson and professional cleanings as they see a great deal of foot traffic and endure daily abuse. As dirt sets in carpet it becomes more difficult to remove and you may need to rely on stronger chemical solutions to remove these stains. Routine cleaning ensures the quality and longevity of a carpet as will help keep its appearance presentable.

Though many carpet cleanings require a professional hand, some jobs can be handled by home and business owners themselves. Spot stain removal is one such job as it's relatively easy to do on your own. If your carpets are full of spots however the job is best left to professionals. First of all professional carpet cleaners have the skill and experience to remove all kinds of stains but they also know which cleaning products will work with the unique types of carpet in front of them.

Installation

You may not think the installation of carpet is at all related to its cleanliness but this isn't the case. You need to ensure that your carpet is installed properly so that it can be cleaned correctly. Sloppy installation can leave carpet very dirty and in some cases irreparably damaged. Some carpets are more durable and easier to clean so they make a better choice for high traffic rooms. If you're installing carpet in a high traffic area go with on of those. Ultimately, you want your carpet to match the operation of the room.

In addition to the aforementioned, installing a good underlay helps to prevent stains from soaking into the carpet which can really make cleaning easier. Obviously as a home or business owner you might not desire the specialized knowledge that professional Long Beach carpet cleaners have nor do you likely have the time to give yourself that type of education. This is why most home and business owners should leave the carpet cleaning to the pro's.

Healthy Bathroom Cleaning Tips

At Maid Brigade, we get a great deal of concerns from homeowners concerned with the safety of the tools and chemicals we use. We make a point of utilizing Green Cleaning tools on all bathrooms. This not only gives our customers peace of mind but also allows environment to breathe a sigh of relief too. If you're searching for the tips on ways to clean up a restroom you've come to the right place.

Shower

The shower is among the most difficult areas in the home of get tidy. Showers are frequently the home of mold, difficult water discolorations, and soap residue. As such you'll need the right cleaning techniques, tools, and chemicals to deal with these things. If you have actually got some sodium bicarbonate and vinegar around your home, you've got practically everything required of the project.

Bathtub

Scrub the paste onto afflicted surface areas and then clean away with fresh water. Utilize a soft fabric cloth or sponge to eliminate any residue that might remain.

Difficult Water Discolorations

Since tough water is mineral-dense it can stain your the porcelain components of your restroom. One of the best options you have in cleaning these areas is baking soda.  Mixing it with water will form at paste which you can use to scrub discolored areas. For particularly difficult stains additional baking soda can be added to the mix.

Grout

Grout can be pesky however it's not too difficult to clean. Tidy your grout in the exact same method you'd use in dealing with difficult water discolorations, utilizing a tooth brush and a baking soda paste.

Soap Residue

Soap residue can be a hardheaded stain to get out of your restroom. There is however an easy and green method that you can use to eliminate soap scum. Utilizing a sponge and warm water simply scrub and then wash off the mix. You'll marvel at how pristine your restroom looks.

Mold

Mold can grow in moist environments so you may encounter it in your restrooms more frequently than in any other room. Mold can likewise grow anywhere conditions promote it but that's no reason to panic. Eliminating mold in your restroom or in any of the other places in your house, vinegar is an exceptional mold killer and the way to go every time.

Copper

Ideally the copper in and your restroom won't need cleaning to often. When copper does need some love and care however, you need only to use a lemon and some salt to get the job done. Simply slice the lemon in half, dip it in salt, and scrub away!

The Maid Brigade Distinction

When cleaning your restroom is more than a chore, consumes valuable time, or is down right impossible it's time to call Maid Brigade. When you pick Maid Brigade to keep your house tidy you're picking Southern California's best cleaning service. We never use chemicals that are hazardous or dangerous to people and/or pets. We also work quickly and quietly so that you can get on with your day without pause. With 35 years of experience and working to build a rapport with our clients, we will we leave you with a cleaner and healthier home. Our talented staff saves you time, money, and will treat your home with the same love and care they give to their own homes.

Top Reasons To Have Carpeting Cleaned Year Round

When it comes to your home, you should focus on longevity as much as enjoying your life within it. Keeping your home well maintained can increase the value, reduce break downs, and help you get the most out of your investment. With that in mind, you’ll want to look into a few reasons why carpeting needs cleaning more than once a year. In fact, you should have carpeting cleaned year-round, and there’s a few good reasons why.

Keep Your Carpet Looking New

Carpets are made of lots of fibers. These fibers can become dull, break down, and hold onto dirt and grime from shoes, and foot traffic. With proper cleaning, you can not only eliminate stains, you can make sure that the fibers are not fully pressed down or anything like that. If you want to ensure that you’re not spending tens of thousands down the line on carpeting, cleaning it more than once a year can be the ticket.

Air Quality Improvement

Did you know that there could be allergens you’re breathing in found in carpeting? Anything from water damage or mold cannot help it at all. If you want to improve the quality of the air that you’re breathing. If you have asthma, or sensitivities, cleaning often will help reduce them overall.

Remove Hard To Clean Stains

No matter how careful you may be, you’ll find that there may be stains found in your carpet. Carpeting with stains can be more than an eyesore, which is why many choose to remove stains with professional cleanings. This type of cleaning removes stains, including wine, and other options that make it seem like there’s no hope. You can clean up stains, if you ask fast.

Have Your Home Looking Great

Home or office, for that matter, can look amazing when carpets have been freshly cleaned. There’s something nice about having a home that looks pristine and is in great order. That’s what good carpeting does, and when it has been freshly cleaned, even better.

Elevate The Value

If you ever want to sell your home, cleaning the carpeting multiple times a year will be advantageous. This will ensure that whomever looks at your house, sees it for all that you’ve worked to maintain it. If they fall in love with it, they very well may invest at the full asking price, without haggling. If you don’t want to ever sell, then know that your carpeting will last for a lifetime.

Carpet Cleaning by the Pros at https://mfloorcleaning.com/

Smart Tactics For Cleaning Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one area in your home that gets used and abused quite a bit. Because of that, you may find that it gets dirty quickly, and cleaning can become a major task. There are ways to make sure that your kitchen does in fact get cleaned, efficiently, and it is not at all how you may have been tackling it. In order to clean with leverage, you’ll need to set up a new system of cleaning that involves smaller projects within longer spans of time. That way you have a revolving schedule of cleaning, and the kitchen is not neglected as a result. To further illustrate that, consider a few tips on how to get your kitchen looking great.

The Sink Goes First

As you start to micro task, make certain that you put a great deal of priority on your sink. Your sink is going to take on a lot of abuse, especially if you’re constantly washing dishes by hand, and putting dirty dishes in. You want to not only wash dishes daily, but also make sure that you clean around the sink, and within the interior walls.

Organize Your Kitchen 

Cleaning can be made a little easier if you organize your kitchen to help you. Look at putting all of your cleaning materials in one place, and make them easy to find. Also, make sure that you work on organizing pantry items, cupboards, and more. You want to make sure that you clear counter tops, and have everything in their place, not sitting out and taking up valuable resources. Organizing your kitchen will help you spot dirt, grime, grease, and other issues that can then be cleaned up with relative ease.

Change Out Your Sponges

In order to clean your kitchen, you need to have good sponges. You don’t want them to be old, smell, and you don’t want to let them dry out too often. Make sure you have a revolving door of sponges, and when in doubt, get new ones. They are not expensive, and they can provide you with a great detail of cleaning, guaranteed.

Clean Outer Edges First

When going to clean counters, make sure that you get the edges done first, and work your way towards the center points. The edges of counters are often neglected in favor of more trafficked areas, but they too can build up with grease and grime, don’t neglect them.

Clean every day if need be. Now, this doesn’t mean that you deep clean, and worry yourself sick if you miss a spot. Instead, find yourself cleaning small areas daily, and focus on moving along as the week progresses. If you do small things every day, you will not have to do a big job of cleaning the kitchen down the line.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes To Avoid Allergens

Millions of people don’t buy their laundry detergent from local stores. The reason being is not just to save money, but also because of allergens found in common detergents. Skin irritants, and other elements are known to be in detergents, and those with sensitive skin will end up with rashes, and other problems. To avoid this, it’s important to seek out a simple alternative, making your own detergent.

For families with small children, this can be a fun project to work with. Making detergent without having to deal with dyes, smells, and harsh chemicals, a few simple recipes can be followed, which can easily turn into a fun time. This is a great way to teach children about being frugal, making detergent, and of course how to have a little DIY fun.

The following quick methods will instruct you on how to make laundry detergent, today.

The Simplest Soap Base 

The first solution that you’ll want to consider is this simple mix of ingredients that can make your laundry smell great, and of course get cleaned without issue. You’ll need to purchase the following items to get started:

• Box of Borax
• Super Washing Soda
• Oxiclean 
• Zote Soap 
• Baking Soda
• Purex Fabric Softener Crystals 

With these ingredients, you are going to get momentum in regard to making your own detergent overall. The cost associated with these elements are fairly low. Once you have these ingredients, you’ll want to grate the zote bar, then cut a second bar into chunks and microwave it. Once microwaved and dry, crumble it into tiny detergent pieces, and add your grated solution as well. Once you do this, mix the dry ingredients together, and you will have a fine laundry soap that is going to clean, without allergens.

A Second Choice

The above option is simplified, but you can go even simpler with another formulation. A simple solution that only has 4 ingredients can help you get more out of your DIY soap making experience. For this option, you will need:

• Super Washing Soda
• Borax 
• Baking Soda
• Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

To make this mixture, you’ll need to add three quarters of a cup of Castile soap, half a cup of Washing Soda, and half a cup of Borax. You can add essential oils if you want to get a specific scent, otherwise, this mixture can be placed together to make your detergent.

As you can see, there are some very easy ways to make homemade soap. With as little as 4 ingredients, you can get started, and have an allergen free solution well worth exploring for many reasons.

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Focusing On The Health Benefits To Carpet Cleaning

Did you know that your carpet could be full of germs, dead skin, and mites? Many people assume that their carpet is clean, and is not at all going to be a problem. While many don’t have to worry about this, there’s still a chance that there could be issues in the carpeting, waiting to strike. If you haven’t washed your carpet in some time, then perhaps it’s time. Before going forward with this, however, consider the health benefits that comes with professional carpet cleaning today.

Removing Allergens From Fibers

When there are allergens in your home, they often fall to the carpeting. Then when you walk around, you and your family embed the elements into the fibers. That means that your seasonal allergy outbreak may not be the result of the outside world, it may be something that is in your carpet. A dirty carpet can have a number allergens in them, and the more you walk around on it, the more it gets impacted into the carpeting.

Cleaning Up Mites

Mites can cause a great deal of problems for those that breathe them in overnight. Carpet cleaning companies can help with killing off mites, and other elements that get trapped in your flooring. Homeowners may not even know that they have infestation of insects. Allergies can become a lot worse when breathing in toxicity that comes from these mites.

Never Deal With Mold 

Perhaps one of the most incredible benefits of carpet cleaning is that you won’t have to face off against mold. This is an issue that comes from water damage. When cleaning carpeting on a professional grade scale, you’ll be removing humidity, and trapped dirt that can lead to mold development. While this is not something that grows out immediately, it’s important to understand that mold can lead to a number of problems overall.

Professional Services Back It 

The American Lung Association has agreed that cleaning carpets can very well help on a number of levels. Flooring is something that everyone needs, and most commonly people use carpeting. Sustaining a good environment, one must invest in the health benefits that comes with cleaning carpeting the right way.

At the end of the day, if you have breathing issues or you just want to maintain a fresh, clean home, then you will no doubt want to look into carpeting cleaning. This is a process that can’t be done DIY, as much as people try.

Find out more about carpet cleaning at https://mfloorcleaning.com

Focusing On The Cost of Commercial Window Cleaners

Many people will want to go DIY with cleaning their windows. The assumption is that commercial window cleaners are going to charge a great deal of money to get windows cleaned. That’s not always the case, especially if you learn what the overall cost of getting professional work done may run you. You’ll be surprised by the fact that this option may be somewhat less expensive than DIY solutions. Consider a few notes on how much hiring commercial cleaners may cost for your windows.

The Initial Cost Point

First and foremost, you’ll find that the cost is going to be relegated to the size, and shape of the windows. The location also matters as well. Think about the height, width, and shape of the windows, their location, and how high they are off the ground. Many companies focus on pricing based on the difficult level, as well as the equipment they are going to need to get things done.

Multiple Factors That Change The Price 

Some companies will have a flat rate per pane, depending on the size of the building. The average solution could start below $5, at around $3 and can rise upwards of $8 or even $16 per pane, depending on location. This rate is a base fee that doesn’t include other elements such as the cost of labor, or supplies that could raise the rate depending on what the job entails.

There are additional charges that you may have to deal with, including the clean of frames, screens, fixtures, and specialty cleaning. These options can be as low as $1 per item, to upwards of $15 per solution depending on the extensive nature of the problem, and the labor needed to get the work done right.

Tips For Choosing A Window Cleaner

If you’re going to get a window cleaning company to help you out, make sure that you factor in more than just price. Consider a few simple tips that can ensure you get the right solution moving forward.

Commercial Specialist – focus on commercial work, not residential. For office buildings, and larger projects, you’ll find that residential specialists are not going to be able to deliver the same solution, or bring the right experience.

Company Reputation – consider the reputation that the company has in your area. Look for reviews, and any information that you can find on what they do, and even ask for references.

Look For Licensing – always hire licensed and insured companies, that way you’re not liable for injuries, or lackluster work done. You want to ensure you’re not to blame for any problems they may create.

Take your time. Look for the right company, consider their guarantee, if any, and get an estimate before you finalize any option. There are many different price points you may get quoted, so make sure that you take your time, and get the “right” company for your window cleaning needs.

Commercial window cleaning by https://stanleywindowcare.com/

Why You Should Use A Certified Locksmith

Think about all of the times you’re using your keys. You use them on a daily basis, and despite the fact that you are constantly utilizing them, you may have a lapse and lose them. If you lose them, and you can’t get into your car, or your home, you will need to call for help. The best way to do this is to hire a locksmith. This may seem simple enough, but there are a few issues that could mire this solution. Knowing those will point you in the direction of hiring a certified locksmith as a priority.

What Do Locksmiths Really Do? 

To be fair, the job that a locksmith does is simple, they open up locks. They do so with a variety of tricks of the trade, and you’ll be relieved to hire a real one. When you hire someone to do this type of work, you need to be able to trust them. Trust can be hard to gauge at first glance, but you can at least look for certification, licensing, and experience.

Trusting the Locksmith 

Don’t take this in haste. Don’t rush through the process of hiring. It can be tempting to just call the first person you see listed in your phone book or online, but if you don’t take your time, you could end up trusting the wrong person. Without a certified solution, you’re going to be trusting your home or automobile to someone that may have nefarious means.

Low Price Doesn’t Always Suffice

Don’t just go through the lowest priced option. Low prices are good, but if it seems too good to be true, it may not be good. Always question why a price is super low, considering the time and place that you’re at. High prices doesn’t always indicate quality, but in the case of hiring a locksmith, it may be best not to go with the lowest pricing.

Ask For Certification 

When you hire anyone, make sure that you ask them for their certification. They should have a copy of it, and they should have license numbers and information that proves that they are who they say they are. Don’t let this slide. You have to make sure that you’re protecting your car, and home after the fact. Ask for certification, and don’t accept anything else.

At the end of the day, certified locksmiths are trained to help you get into locked areas. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should only hire a licensed, certified, and insured option overall. That will give you peace of mind, which is hard to price.

Tips For Hiring The Right Housecleaning Company

Getting your home clean on a regular basis can be a little difficult. With life throwing a lot of things your way, you may find it difficult to navigate the daily routines and move forward with cleaning everything. It’s for that reason why many people call a housecleaning company to help with getting things free and clear. If you’re looking at hiring a professional, there are a few things that you should consider. The following are a few tips that are going to help you hire the right company.

Assess Your Home’s Needs

First and foremost, make sure that you think about what your home needs overall. Seriously, think about what exactly you’re going to need overall. Do you need a whole home cleaning? Do you need vacuuming? Mopping? Or do you just need a few things helped with? What are the goals that you have in regards to your home’s overall care? Without assessing what your needs are, you’re not going to be able to hire the right company, as they will ask you that up front.

Consider The Size and Experience of the Company

Ask about the size of the company’s crew. Ask whether or not they will send one or two people, or if it’s a whole crew of individuals that will be cleaning your home. Also, ask about how long the company has been in business, and what type of cleaning tools they utilize. Your goal here is to gauge whether or not the company is going to help you and their customer service. This is an important factor. You’re going to be asking someone to come into your home, so trust and customer service is critical.

Read Reviews From Every Sector

Look at reviews online, and read through the positives as well as any negatives that you may find. See if they are connected with any networking tools. A sign that they are connected with the Better Business Bureau is one option to look into. If you see that there are complaints, take into consideration why they are in place, and whether or not they have been addressed.

Ask About Price 

Do not hire anyone without asking about their price. The price that a company has for cleaning should go beyond just basics. Ask about deep cleaning, and larger discounted packages. Make sure that you explicitly ask about the price that is involved with cleaning your home and how large your home is, etc.

At the end of the day, write down a list of questions that you may want to ask a housecleaning company. When you do this, you’ll be able to gauge whether or not a company is worth hiring.

Hire A Great Housekeeper at https://www.maidbrigade.com/ca/orange-county/

Stained Glass Restoration Methods Are Not All The Same

Stained glass is an amazing thing. When you see the colorful elements in a window, you can appreciate the work and colors that are in place. However, over time, these are going to start to warp, decay, and weaken. When that happens, your beautiful artistry could very well go away if you don’t fix it. Restoring stained glass solutions is not simple. You cannot just go with any solution to fix this, nor replace it. If you’re thinking about restoring stained glass, it’s important that you choose the right solution to get this process done.

The Problem With Certain Restoration Methods

The biggest issue that you’re going to find with restoring stained glass is the location and methods. Most often, experts try to work with options that are set in place. That means trying to fix things without taking them out, or moving them. Sagging, disruptive windows are fixed and stretched in place. This method is very difficult to manage, and often can cause shatters.

Conservation methods usually take the windows out and take them apart. Then new pieces are put into place, or weight elements are used to ease stress points and stretch out glass particles. Rebuilding in this manner takes precision, time, but can be cost effective considering the lasting effects. Keep in mind that restoration in place, without removal, is just a band aid.

Replacing Lead Elements

Experts agree on lead replacement. Lead can be the one strength in restoring and conserving windows overall. Because this is pliable, it can help with strengthening glass, as well as bring sagging elements back up. It also can be sealed over with elements such as plexiglass or polycarbonate solutions that will help stand up against Mother Nature.

Phases May Be Necessary

It’s important to understand that cost is going to be a factor. All restoration and conservation methods cost money because of the use of the glass elements. Stained glass repair takes a special set of skills to do properly, and will not be able to get done by just anyone. Furthermore, getting the right pieces, re-leading, and conserving for the future can be difficult to process which is why many have to work in phases.

If cost is a factor, you may want to look into re-leading in pieces. By going in quadrants, sagging areas can be improved, restoration can slowly begin, and the glass can improve in time. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to understand that there are several options to consider when needing to restore stained glass.

Restore your glass https://stanleywindowcare.com/glass-restoration.php

Combining A Nanny and A Housekeeper – Good Idea or Bad Idea

Parents are pulled across all sectors. They are asked to do a lot more with the same amount of time other people get. Within the 24 hours a day an individual has, they have to worry about kids, work, and much more. To help alleviate the pressure and schedule overall, people often hire nannies, and housekeepers to help with some of the household issues and childcare as well. But what if you were to combine the jobs? Could having one person fill both roles be a good plan of action? There are a few things you may want to consider about this before you move forward with either solution. 

Consider Your Needs

The first major thing that you should do is simple, consider whether or not you need one or the other more? Consider whether you really want a double duty individual, or if you want one solution over another. You may find that you need one service more than the other, and while you may want both, you may not need both. There’s a different set of candidates that are going to be able to perform with a dual role. This is going to cost you a bit more than just hiring an individual to do one and not the other. Doing two jobs will require a substantial increase in your costs. 

Time And Finances

How long will the tasks you need done take. Think about how long a person will be babysitting versus how long they are going to be cleaning up the home. By knowing this simple scheduling element, you’ll be able to determine your budget and how to move forward. Ask candidates about how they work out their days and what an average day looks like. By doing this, you’ll have a better understanding of what they can do and whether it’s worth spending extra. 

Testing The Waters 

If you decide hiring a nanny that also plays housekeeper, make sure that you test the waters. This means that you should test the option out and see how it works out after a couple of weeks. You should have a clearly defined testing period to see if this is advantageous to you and your family. An individual will understand this, and will also give you a report of whether or not they can divide their days properly within the confines of doing both jobs. 

Remember, don’t rush through the hiring process. Take into consideration if you definitely need a nanny or a housekeeper. Which is more important to your family? Do you really need both? If you do in fact need both, you can consolidate, just take your time during the hiring process. 

Learn more about housekeeping at https://www.maidbrigade.com/ca/orange-county/

Cleaning Up Nightmare Messes With These Simple Tips

Cleaning up your home may be difficult. In fact, many face off against big messes and dread doing it again. If you have found that cleaning up is becoming hectic, perhaps it’s time to learn how to work smarter, not harder. With that in mind, consider the following helpful ideas to make difficult tasks a bit easier overall. These will pay off dividends, no doubt.

Microwave Problems

Use water to help clean up the microwave. What you’ll need to do is steam water, about 2 cups, and a little vinegar. Heat this up for 5 minutes and when it’s all over, you’ll have an easy cleanup project. Wipe away the inside of your microwave after this, and you’ll get everything 100% free and clear, clean and neat without a fuss.

Garbage Disposal Smell

When you’re constantly using your garbage disposal, you’re going to end up with smells. There’s no real way to avoid this. But there are ways to clean and deodorize. The best way to do this is to look no further than baking soda and vinegar. Use half a cup of each item and toss it into your sink. Then run hot water, and turn on your disposal. The combination will clean and deodorize with relative ease.

Collecting Pet Hair With Gloves

Did you know that a pair of rubber gloves can help you clear pet hair? What you’ll need is a pair of gloves and a little water. Wet the gloves a bit and just glide over surfaces where your pets hang out. Doing so will collect small fibers and will help you clear up any area that you have in place. It’s going to be a great solution, without having to vacuum, etc.

Getting Rid of Mold 

This is a secret most will not believe. To clean grout that has become moldy, use cotton balls or coils. Soak them in bleach and put them on the tiles where the mold is and leave them there overnight. Done right, you’ll find that the mold will lift and you’ll have clean tiles yet again. Make sure that your bathroom’s fan is on so that you can get some ventilation, and be careful whenever using bleach.

Cleaning Blinds

Lastly, if you want to clean blinds, use a little dish soap and water. Mix this up and then put them in a squirt bottle. Use the mix to spray along the sides of the blinds, and then close and open them, and wipe away the dirt and grime with ease. You’ll find that this can be done every few months and you’ll have clean and clear blinds.

Free House Cleaning Estimates by Maid Brigade

Security Tips You Most Likely Didn’t Think About

When it comes to home protecting, you may find that there are some common elements you go through. Locking your doors, and putting in motion sensors can be a good start. However, that’s just the beginning of what you should be thinking about overall. There are a lot of different security elements that you should consider, especially when it comes to modern protection. Much like security systems have evolved, so have the tactics that criminals use to break into homes. The following tips can help you get a leg up on some of the things you can do to protect your home against modern issues.

Don’t Let Anyone Know 

One of the worst things that you can do when leaving for vacation is simple, tell everyone. Many people make announcements on their social media pages, and many tell a lot of people about upcoming vacations. Don’t do that. You never know who can be hearing you talk and who may be following you on social networks. The last thing you want to tell people is that your home is going to be empty and ready for breaking into.

Clean Up Your Tools and Lock Sheds

If you keep gardening tools in your shed, or you leave them out in the open, you’re letting criminals have options for breaking and entering your home. Cleaning up and putting away tools is a good starting point, but also make sure that you lock your shed tight. The last thing you want is to find out that a criminal broke in using tools that you left out.

Purchase A Home Security System

In today’s internet age, you’ll find that home security systems can piggy back off of your wireless internet connection. You can also connect to your smartphone, and even get informed about all the elements that are going on in your house. You can keep a bird’s eye view of everything and ensure that you’re protected against nefarious characters. There are a variety of options that you can explore in this regards, many of which are inexpensive. Oh, and if you go this route, you can save money on renters and home insurance.

Change Your Locks

Perhaps the best tip that you can take with you today is simple, change your locks. When purchasing a house or moving into a new condo, change the locks. You don’t want to have the same key sets that a previous tenant had, and you don’t want to let anyone from the past in. Changing your locks will help you gain peace of mind in regards to locking up your home.

Home Security by http://astrolocks.com/

Getting Rid of Cat Pee Smell

You may love your cat, and you may give them a lot of love. They will return the favor when they use their litter box by cleaning up a little. Keeping this clean will help you avoid any smells, and your kitty will love you even more. But here’s the thing, they may sometimes miss the box. Whether it’s because you missed cleaning up or because they just couldn’t make it all into the box, you may find that a little dribble outside of their area can cause a bad smell. If you want to get rid of this smell, there are a few things that you should keep in mind moving forward.

Is Your Cat Sick? 

Before we get to the cleaning aspect, first determine whether or not your cat is sick. If they are not hitting the litter box, or they seem to be having a problem with peeing, they may have an issue in your home. Whether it’s because there’s another cat around, or they are dealing with a real sickness, you will need to get the opinion of a vet to figure this out. Sometimes, this is a sign that your cat is sick and needs help. If you’ve determined that this is not the issue, then you will no doubt want to get to the cleaning, which can be simple.

Fabric Options

If you have pee smell on any fabrics, including cushions, you should look into cleaning things up with simple detergent. You can clean up with baking soda, or just use a regular laundry detergent that can help you get the smell and stain out with ease. This is not complex in most cases as cats don’t really pee a great deal when they use their litter box, or don’t, rather.

Carpeting Options

If you have an issue in the carpet, you will need to clean things up by first spotting the wetness up with a towel. You can even use paper towels if you need to, and blot the area to get things cleaned up with relative ease. One you do this, you will want to add a little baking soda to your carpet and let it settle. After about 20 minutes, use a vacuum to clean it up. That alone will clean up the smell and will give you clear carpeting.

Hard Wood Surfaces

Moving forward with the next step, you’ll want to look into cleaning up with your normal cleaner. There’s a variety of hard wood cleaners that work here, and the smell is not going to penetrate deep into this.

At the end of the day, you’re going to find that the scent of pee will be easy to clean, if you don’t use any ammonia based cleaners. That’s your one caveat, which will help you get to this fast.

Cleaning Tips by https://www.maidbrigade.com/ca/orange-county/

Cleaning Windows With Professional Tips

As the weather goes from cold to warm again, you’ll no doubt want to get some Spring cleaning done. One of the aspects of this is to get to your windows. Cleaning windows can be a tough job if you don’t do it properly. Many people think that this is all easy, but then they get to the task and run into a variety of problems. The following tips are tried and true, and are some of the same things that professional window cleaners utilize on a regular basis.

The Vinegar Cleaner

The first thing that you should know about cleaning windows is that you have a powerful element in your home. If you have white vinegar at home, then you have the secret ingredient to cleaning windows. Mix this with two parts water and use a spray bottle to get started. Spray this on your windows and wipe it away, that’s it. Well that’s the starting point anyway.

Clear Dry Dirt First

Before you start the cleaning of your windows, make sure that you wipe away dirt and dust first. Use a microfiber cloth to clear off these issues. By doing this, you’re going to avoid having to wipe and clean up over and over again. While cleansers do work, the effort that you will have to put in to get things clear will be double or triple. Just wipe things down first, it will pay off.

Dry Things Well

To avoid streaks, you’ll want to make sure that you dry things very well after you spray and wipe with a squeegee. If there’s any moisture left on your windows, you’ll see streaks. Also, make sure that you clean after the sun has finished hitting the areas that you want to clean. That’s going to cause the liquid to dry too fast, and could cause streaks to show up.

Cleaning Screens

If you’re going to clean windows, you might as well clean screens as well. If you don’t do this, you’ll have dirt and grime come back onto your glass. To clean screens use a large bucket of water with a little dish soap. Then use this mixture to clean the screens efficiently. Before putting them back up, make sure that you let them dry naturally.

For Deeper Cleaning

One last thing to remember about cleaning is that you may need additional support. For instance, if you have to deal with rust, you’ll need to get a cleanser that can help with this. Also, look into picking up products like CLR if you need to remove stains beyond just dirt and grime.

Stanley Window Care specializes in OC window cleaning http://www.stanleywindowcare.com/

A Quick Look At Low-VOC Paint

Paint is one of the best things that you can invest in. Whether you have a home or you are leasing, you can always add a little bit of paint and make things stand out. You can make any space your own by just throwing a little color around. There are a lot of paint options that you can explore in this regards, but there’s an argument brewing in regards to safety. When you have children, their safety becomes paramount and that means that you will want to consider what type of paint, fumes, and other issues can end up being let out when home improvement projects start. With that in mind, you may hear about low-voc paint, and the safety that it has.

What is VOC? 

VOC is found in paint and usually is found with organic elements. These elements can evaporate quickly, but when there’s a high concentration of them in paint, it can actually cause problems. The problems associated with paints of this type include irritable eyes, headaches, nausea, and much more. Long term exposure to this can even cause liver damage and issues with the nervous system, which is definitely not good. As a way to fight back against this, the industry has put out low-VOC options that can help avoid these medical problems.

For Pregnant Women

Perhaps the biggest jump in safety is in regards to pregnant women. Pregnant women will find that low-VOC paint is safe for those that are pregnant and are doing home improvement projects. Of course, ventilation is an important thing, but aside from that, this type of paint is not going to be a problem in terms of medical issues.

How To Identify Low-VOC Options

Most hardware stores today have this type of option in their paint department. When in doubt, ask the people at the counter in regards to this solution. You’ll find that paint companies that are providing this type of option will label their canisters with zero-VOC or low-VOC as well as “green” solutions. This will help you purchase the right solution to ensure that you’re getting a new look and feel in your home with safety in mind.

It should be noted that there are still risks involved with these options. However, they will be greatly reduced versus regular paint options. Your best bet is to look around for safe options, and still have a well aired room when painting just about anything in your home.

House Cleaning Tips by https://www.maidbrigade.com/ca/orange-county/

Safely Clean Your Baby’s Toys With These Steps

It’s easy to overlook cleaning your child’s toys. They are constantly playing with them, they are touching, throwing, and sleeping around their toys and games. Along the way these things are going to get dirty, torn, and you’ll need to clean things from time to time. If you’re not sure how to get this done right, or perhaps you are trying to make things a bit easier, take on a few tips that can help you get moving forward with relative ease.

Cleaning Hard Toys

First and foremost, hard toys are going to be the easiest to clean. You could work on these in the sink, and wash them like you would with dishes. If they are plastic, you can clean them in the dishwasher without too much heat. The easiest way to do this, however, is to use a soft soap and some water to clean up the grime and dirt. You will need to ensure that they dry completely, but honestly, this is an easy option to move forward with.

Cleaning Soft Toys

Some of the toys that you are going to want to clean with care are soft. Softer toys can end up pulling a lot of drool, soaking up liquid with ease. Spot cleaning and clearing up the messes that can be left over in the plush toys that you give your child can be a bit tough traditionally. You can go far by actually cleaning them up in the washer. That’s right, use your washer and make sure to set it at a gentle pace. With the gentle cycle, you will be able to ensure that the soft plush toys get free and clear of spots, and more. Once you do that, you can air dry them or dry on low and that’s it. Make sure that you do this every few weeks, and you will ensure that your child’s favorite plush toys are going to be great overall.

When Things Won’t Clean

This is one thing that you’re going to want to consider, and it’s throwing things out. Toys are going to go through a rough cycle of cleaning, getting dirty, and then cleaning again. Over time, the cleaners that you use, even gentle soaps, can start to cause toys to break down. Instead of trying to salvage them, it may be good to throw things out. If toys are broken, peeling, or are looking a bit messed up, it’s time to get rid of them and replace them with something new.

House Cleaning Tips by https://www.maidbrigade.com/ca/orange-county/

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Buying A Security System

It’s easy to get a security system for your home today. You could easily purchase one without even thinking too much about it. There are so many on the market, finding the right one can be a bit of a task. Instead of looking at what you should buy outright, perhaps it’s important to look into what mistakes you should avoid when buying a system. It’s easy to make mistakes when buying home security systems, especially with so much marketing that goes into the decision. With that in mind, consider the following options as you move forward.

Buying Too Inexpensive Outright

The first thing that you should avoid is simple, going for the most inexpensive option possible. You can be cheap in a lot of different areas of your life, but when it comes to home security, perhaps it’s important not to work with the most inexpensive option. Price is not always going to dictate quality, but in the case of your home’s security, perhaps it’s best not to scrape the bottom of the barrel overall.

Subscription Fee Issues

You really need to balance whether or not you want to subscribe to a security plan. If your system comes with additional fees, really weigh in on if it’s worth it for you to move forward with. It’s easy to get caught up with the added expenses may not be what you need, or can afford. Now, if the subscriptions come with additional benefits, perhaps it’s a good plan for your needs. Assess what you want and need and perhaps move forward if subscription based options are right for you.

Going With The Latest Unproven Tech

There’s always going to be something new to come through. Something new doesn’t mean that it’s going to be good. Don’t go with something that has been unproven. Don’t become an early adopter of security systems, as you may find that you add risk to your home when they fail. The latest in tech doesn’t come without bugs, so don’t go forward with this just yet.

Going Overboard 

It’s easy to overextend yourself. You want protection for your home and family, so you are willing to spend top dollar. Don’t do this. Don’t overspend as you could end up with a security system you don’t use, or don’t really need. Not everyone needs Fort Knox level security elements, so don’t go too deep into the purchase of a system. It could end up being problematic in the long run.

Professional Services by http://astrolocks.com/surveillance.asp

Cleaning Secrets Straight From Professional Housekeepers

Ever wonder how the pros do things? Not just in sports, but other facets of life? For instance, have you ever thought about how a professional housekeeper gets things done? They are efficient, thorough, and spend their days cleaning people’s homes. How can you emulate what they do? Well, you could take on some cleaning secrets that they utilize every time you decide to get your home in order. With just a little bit of a push, you could have the cleanest house on the block, without wasting any time.

The Products You Use Matter

The first thing that you should consider is the type of products that you’re going to be using. What you need to consider is simple, use only products that are going to be available for multiple surfaces. What that’s going to do is simple, eliminate a lot of frivolous products you’re not going to use. Instead of having to switch through different products to clean an area, you can have one, and get the same cleaning power. You can disinfect, clean, clear, and much more.

Just Have The Necessities (Tools)

As you look into cleaning, you will have tools of the trade. It’s easy to get a lot of tools to help you, but when it comes down to actually cleaning up, you may end up using very few of them. To ensure that you’re getting things clean and clear, only use tools that you absolutely know you’re going to use. Just having the necessities will allow you to clean things up, with the right tools, so that your time spent is well focused. This includes non-traditional items, like a toothbrush. A toothbrush could help you clean in spaces where other options won’t fit.

Get A Tool Box or a Caddy

Take your cleaning to a professional level. Professional housekeepers have caddies or tool boxes to hold their products. They take them around the home so that they have easy access to all of the products that they need to move forward with. You could use a shower caddy, or you could get a tool box to help you out. Just having things with you as you move around will save you time, as you go from room to room.

Clear Your Path First

Before you get too in depth with your cleaning, make sure that you clear things out of your way. Getting rid of clutter is going to help your path, and will allow you to focus on the task at hand, rather than doing minor changes here and there. Simply put, it’s going to help you manage your time, without having to think about other tasks as you go along.

House Cleaning Tips by https://www.maidbrigade.com/ca/orange-county/

Before Decorating Your Living Room Consider The Following Tips

One of the most important rooms in your home is that of your living room. When you have your living room completely decorated, and set up, your home will flow with great ease. Decorating your living room is great, and could very well set your interior design up for something grand. Whether you want to just have a set piece or you want it to be functional, consider a few tips that can help you spruce up, change things, and set up a living room for just about any occasion.

Know The Square Footage

Before you start decorating, before you invest in furnishings, or anything that you are going to put in your living room, know exactly what dimensions you have to work with. Knowing the square footage is going to help you navigate the different options you have, and figure out how to position things moving forward. At first glance, this may seem rudimentary, but it’s going to pay off dividends down the line.

Investigate Existing Living Room Concepts

Thanks to the internet you can look into a lot of different decorating ideas. Look at existing living room ideas, and see what others have done with similar space. You’ll be surprised as to what can be done with large spaces, small spaces, and everything in between. Whether you want to have a specific design, or theme in mind, you’ll find that a little investigation will go a long way.

Change The Lighting

One way to ensure that your living room has a completely new look and feel is to work with lighting changes. By having lights switched out, and perhaps completely different, you will have a new room to work with. Sometimes, just the lighting can change the mood and flow of a room, so don’t neglect moving forward with this option.

Don’t Get Stuck With One Type of Furniture

When looking around for furnishings, make sure that you consider several different components. You shouldn’t just get stuck with a large sectional, or just a simple loveseat. Take into consideration the bigger picture, and how you’re going to sit for entertaining, for watching the big game, and much more. By doing a little extra planning, you could very well have an outstanding set of furnishings for comfort, and more.

Consider Free Spaces

As you fill out your living room with decorations, furnishings, and set pieces, make sure that you keep in mind any free space that you want to have. It’s easy to get caught up in decorations, but you should also look at free spaces. Free space should not be neglected, as you’ll need this to walk through, as well as to offset the amount of space you’re using up with decoration. Take time to look at this amidst the changes you’re going to make, to ensure your room doesn’t have wasted space.

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Ask These Questions Before You Hire A Pressure Washing Service

One of the best things that you can have done for your home’s exteriors, driveways, and other hard surfaces is hiring a pressure washer service. These service providers can help you clean hard to reach areas, hard to clean areas, and do so without having to worry about difficulty. You also won’t have to purchase or rent a washer, as you can get a professional’s touch. Before you hire a pressure washing service, make sure that you look at a few questions to ask ahead of time.

License and Insurance

The first thing that you should consider is simple, ask about license and insurance options. This is a good thing, and it will give you peace of mind. Making sure that your home is taken care of in case of damage, is important.

Ask About References

When someone does good work, they will have a list of references that you can call. Call their references and ask whether or not they are a good service to use. You’ll be surprised by what you hear, and will no doubt get peace of mind about whom you’re hiring.

Portfolio Options

In some instances, you could see the work that has been done by a company by simply asking for a portfolio. Ask for a portfolio amidst references, and you could get some detailed images of before and after work gets done. This can give you a glimpse as to what type of work you’re going to expect.

Low Pressure or High Pressure? 

Consider whether there is variable pressure available for your cleaning needs or not. A pressure washing service should have a variety of different options, and this is one that can make all the difference. Your home may need high pressure, but your windows may need something a little lower, which is where this comes into play.

Do They Offer Green Options?

The next thing that you will want to look at is whether or not they have green offerings. Green soaps and environmentally friendly options are great overall. This will ensure that your home’s gardens, grass, and other areas are free and clear of harsh detergents.

What Type of Equipment Will Be Used? 

One question that you can ask a professional service is in regards to the equipment that they have. The equipment that they are using will tell you whether or not it’s a good option for your needs. Ask whether or not their gear is on a rig, if it’s professional grade, and more. This will highlight a lot of information and will help you decide on whom to hire for your power washing needs.  

Pressure Washing Experts at http://www.stanleywindowcare.com/pressure-washing.php