Cleaning

Cleaning Tall or Second-Story Windows

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:27:00 GMT

Windows let you feel as if you are experiencing the outside while being indoors. They bring in light, helping to make a space feel larger. With windows becoming more energy efficient, homebuilders are using more windows in new builds and remodels. Unfortunately, you have to clean windows at least twice a year to keep them looking great. While first-story windows can be easy to clean, tall or second-story windows can be a challenge. These tips and procedures will help you keep your windows clean.

Types of Window Cleaning Processes

You might think there is only one way to clean a window—the same way Mom always did—but this isn't the case. You can use one of three major ways to clean your windows.

Squeegee Cleaning: After washing the window, squeegee off the water. This is usually the fastest way to get a spot-free and streak-free window. If you are using a squeegee, wipe from top to bottom, starting on one side and moving to the other. Then swipe the squeegee in a horizontal motion along the window's bottom.

Wipe Drying: This process uses a dry towel to wipe up the excess water from the window. You will be able to control where the excess liquid goes, since it will be on your towel, but it is harder to eliminate all the streaks. Additionally, drying windows this way requires more towels and cleaning supplies.

Dry Cleaning: Use a dry towel or duster to pick up dust or light dirt. This cleaning method may allow you to go longer in between wet cleaning, it is fast, and it produces very little mess.

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How to Wash Windows That are Tall

The only difference between cleaning ground-level windows and upper-level windows is the added height. If you usually hire a window cleaner but you want to try your hand at this task, follow these steps.

Step 1: Decide how you want to reach the upper-level windows.

cleaning tool

window cleaning

Step 2: Wash the windows with a window cleaner.

great for bathrooms

green cleaner

Step 3: Wipe down the windows.

cleaning glass

Step 4: Remove the excess water.

A clean window makes a huge difference, not only for your looking out, but also in your curb appeal. If you don't think ladders or poles will work for you, replace you windows with ones that flip inward. All you need to do to clean these is flip the windows into the house and clean as normal. For a great routine, check out our house cleaning checklist to help you get started with your cleaning plan.

The Best Power Tools for Cleaning your Bathroom

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 02:54:00 GMT

It's hard to find someone who actually likes cleaning the bathroom. If you like cleaning bathrooms, and you're currently single, add that fact to your next online dating profile, and you may find potential suitors lining up for you. The fact is that most can put off cleaning the bathroom for almost any little excuse. That includes, "The bathroom is just too dirty right now." Unfortunately, if you put it off long enough, the job will turn into a major cleaning task. That's why having the right power tools and cleaning products can be the perfect remedy. These tools will make it easier to get a deep bathroom clean.

Bathroom Power Tools - Why or Why Not?

Indoor bathrooms have been common since the 19th century. That's a long time for humans to have been cleaning bathrooms! For most people perform this cleaning task by hand. If you're still in this mood, get ready to enter the modern day.

Power tools for cleaning have been around for a while, but you may not realize that simple fact. For carpets, you have a vacuum cleaner. For dishes, you have the dishwasher. For clothes, you have the washer and dryer. Of course, these tools won't exactly fit in a bathtub or around the tight corners of a toilet. The tight angles and crevices in a bathroom make it hard to create the perfect tool, and you'll encounter other issues, too.

Mechanical tools are often too bulky or too simple. While an electric power tool could be powerful and small enough, you should never mix cleaning liquids with electricity. A connection between the power source and the liquid could severely harm or kill the person using the tool. That's why the best power tools for bathrooms are battery operated.

With the difficulty in making the perfect tool for a clean bathroom, you may be wondering what tools you can buy. Here are three to consider:

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ScumBuster Extreme Cleaning Tool

Black & Decker

cleaning grout

power scrubber

SonicScrubber

Sonic

clean faster

dirt and grime

Power Scrubber

PKS160 Power Scrubber

Make Life Easier

With the right power cleaning tools, you'll be ready to tackle your bathroom chores. While you may not enjoy the process, it will be easier and faster with these tools. Once you finish your deep clean, you can use these tools as often as every day. A super fast, light touchup, can keep your bathroom sparkling. Once you tackle this beast, you may find that you are ready to consider a small bathroom remodel. For a great routine, check out our house cleaning checklist to help you get started with your cleaning plan.

The Best Way to Clean Your Refrigerator

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Cleaning the refrigerator can be a big chore, but you should add it to your cleaning list. The refrigerator started to become available for the average American around the 1915, and over 60 percent of all American owned one by the 1930s. The device allowed people to keep food longer by providing an environment that is difficult for bacteria to grow in. Fridges also keep the clutter of your daily meals out of sight from guests. If this is your first time diving into your fridge for something besides food, you'll want to follow these steps to make sure you clean your refrigerator correctly.

Step 1: Get Containers

You will need containers to put all of your food into while you clean. The best containers are coolers. If you do not have enough, you can buy inexpensive Styrofoam coolers from your general store. Put some ice in each cooler to keep the food cold while you work. If you don't want to buy a cooler, you can use any box with a lid — just remember that you will need to work quickly so your food doesn't spoil while you are cleaning.

Step 2: Make a Fridge Cleaning Solution

Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with 1-quart warm water. You can buy a cleaning product or use a general cleaner that you have around the house, but this homemade solution has some advantages besides being cheap. First, it is all natural, so you do not need to rinse out the refrigerator after cleaning and before putting food back in. Second, baking soda is an odor-neutralizing compound, which will help with any smells. Third, it will brighten materials as it cleans, bringing your refrigerator back closer to its original condition.

Step 3: Remove Contents

Pull everything out of the refrigerator. Check expiration dates and throw items away that you haven't used lately. If money is an issue, make sure you don't throw out food without cause. The expiration date on products is not the actual date that you can no longer eat the product. It's actually the last date that a store should sell the product to you, either because of optimal taste or for health reasons. You should have enough time to consume the product before it goes bad if you purchase it on the expiration date. When in doubt, throw it out.

If you want to organize your fridge after you clean it, save time by grouping products with similar items to make organization go quickly when you return the food to the refrigerator. You should also wipe down all the items as you place them into their containers. You will not want to put dirty items back into your clean refrigerator.

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Step 4: Drawers and Shelves

Remove all drawers and shelves that will come out. These are usually in the worst shape since they catch spills and have the most contact with items. They are easier to clean on top of a counter than bent over inside the refrigerator. To make the job easier, soak the shelves in your tub. You can put cleaning solution on them or fill the tub with plain hot water. You will come back to these later.

Step 5: Wipe, Scrub, and Brush

Wipe down all the walls, top and bottom, and seals. Use a kitchen scrubber or a brush with nylon bristles to help get stubborn areas. The brush also works really well cleaning the seals. You'll want to clean the seals on both the flat surface and the corrugated sections, which will provide a tighter sea. Clean seals can help you use less electricity and prolong the life of a refrigerator.

Step 6: Return to the Drawers and Shelves

Now that these have had time to soak, the dried spills and muck will come off quickly. Use your cleaning solution as a final wipe down. When you feel like the items are clean, take the items back to the refrigerator.

Step 7: Final Preparation

After you clean the fridge, let everything dry. If you used a chemical cleaner rather than a natural cleaner, rinse the cleanser off all the surfaces before you wait for the fridge to dry. You may want to line the drawers with parchment paper or a kitchen hand towel to make clean up easier in between deep cleanings.

Step 8: Reload Your Groceries

Now, you are ready to load the refrigerator. The easier it is to find and reach items, the less likely you are to buy something you don't need or to let something spoil. Organizing your fridge can also help you avoid spills. You may event get your fridge to the point that your house cleaning service can wipe it out quickly during its regular cleaning schedule.

Cleaning your refrigerator may seem like a big job to get into your cleaning routine, but by following these steps, it isn't too bad. Remember that food-borne pathogens grow well at temperatures between 41 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit, so keep an eye on your products while you clean. Most people have no problem cleaning the refrigerator fast enough. However, if you feel you may have trouble, use boxes that are small enough to fit inside your refrigerator. If you need to, you can take a break in the middle of cleaning and stack the boxes inside the fridge. Check out our house cleaning checklist to help you get started with your total cleaning plan.

3 Ways to Make Your Grout Look Like New

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:32:00 GMT

Grout can add a subtle sophistication to any room, but dirty grout can be a problem. Not only does the grout look discolored, it can make a clean room feel dirty. Cleaning grout may help, but you may need to do more. Check out these three ways to make your grout look new.

1. Clean Grout to Remove Mildew

Mildew is mold that grows in a flat pattern. It usually occurs in humid bathrooms. Certain regions of the U.S. have higher levels of humidity, which can mix with the moisture in a bathroom to create more of a problem. In these areas, mildew affects even clean bathrooms. To get rid of mildew, follow these steps:

Make a paste with water and baking soda. You can also use Oxy-clean or other powder-based cleaning products instead of the soda. Rub the paste into the grout and allow it to set. You may want to use a toothbrush to apply the paste. Once the paste has time to set, rinse the area.

Consider using a pumice stone. Mildew can stain your grout, making it more difficult to clean. The rough texture of the pumice stone can remove the stains without causing permanent damage, provided you follow the directions that come with the stone. As an added benefit, a pumice stone is a great green cleaning product. Keep water running on the area where you are cleaning so the pumice stone doesn't create too much friction.

Use bleach to clean white grout with mildew. For a quick and easy application, use a bleach pen. The fine point will easily fit between the tiles, and it has the right amount of bleach to do the job. You can also make a solution using a ratio of 1:5 of bleach to water. Allow the bleach to dry and then wipe the grout. Don't use bleach on colored grout.

2. Get Rid of Hard Water Stains

Sometimes, hard water can discolor your grout. Even after you use household cleaners, the stains can dull the grout's appearance. To make your grout look like new, soak paper towels in vinegar and lay the towels on the grout. You can even apply the towels to vertical surfaces. When the towels begin to dry, replace them with wet ones dipped in vinegar. It can take up to eight hours to remove deep stains.

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3. Strip Away Old Protective Coatings

Dirty grout can occur when bacteria or other products manage to seep through protective layers. These layers may actually prevent your cleaner from reaching the grout, allowing the bacteria or stain to grow. Use an over-the-counter striper to remove the grout sealant. You may be able to use wax stripper to do so. Once you get the grout sealer off, you can clean the grout using similar techniques that you would use to remove mildew. Rinse away the cleaner and allow the grout to dry before you reseal the grout.

Cleaning grout so it looks new can take effort and time. In some cases, you may need to remove the grout completely and apply new grout in order to get a fresh, clean look. If you use a grout removal tool with a carbide blade, you can safely cut away the grout without damaging the tile. If you can match the existing grout exactly, you may need to remove a small section of grout only, rather than replacing all the grout.

Don't let stained grout make your home look or feel dirty. Try one of the aforementioned ways to clean it. For more information on cleaning or for advice on making a house cleaning checklist, read our other articles at our DIY blog.

Get a Clean House in Just 19 Minutes a Day

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 17:30:00 GMT

Cleaning the house can be a pain, especially if you have kids or pets. The on-going chore often feels as uninspiring as wash, rinse, repeat. Well, it's time to kick the tedious task of keeping the house clean out the door! The following house-cleaning schedule can maximize your cleaning time, leaving you with a clean house in just 19 minutes a day.

Minutes 1 – 2: Start With the Bedroom

Your daily cleaning can start before you ever step out of bed. Pull the covers up to your chin, like you're ready for a good night's sleep, and then slide out the side of the bedding. Simple smoothing motions will give your bed a crisp look.

Minutes 3 – 5: Tidy Up the Rest of the Bedroom

Toss dirty clothes in the laundry. Take the time to fold or hang any clothing that is out, and put up any jewelry or other items left out. If you have a nightstand next to your bed, give it a once-over (shouldn't take you more than 30 seconds) to straighten it.

Minutes 5 – 10: Take Your House Cleaning Into the Bathroom

Most people head straight to the bathroom after they awake in the morning, making it the perfect time to pull out the cleaning products. Keep a stash of Lysol wipes or other anti-bacterial wipes under the sink and pull one out after you get ready for the day. Wipe out the sinks, swipe the countertop and clean around the edges of the tub.

Clean the shower after each use, which will reduce water spots and scum build-up. Purchase an automatic household cleaner, like Scrubbing Bubbles, to clean the shower at the press of a button or buy a bathroom cleaning spray that you can leave on without rinsing. If you have a glass door on your shower, put a squeegee in the shower and use it as soon as you turn the water off to clear the door.

Don't forget to wipe the toilet seat and swish the bowl with a toilet cleaning brush. If you haven't exhausted the wipe you used for the sink and counters, you can use it for this task to cut back on the amount of cleaning supplies you need.

Finally, wipe down the mirror and the faucet with the towel you used when you dried off after your shower. Typically, your shower will add moisture to the air, steam cleaning your mirror and faucets. With a quick swipe, you'll have a streak-free mirror.

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Minutes 11 – 15: Clean the Kitchen

A clean kitchen can help you feel like your entire house is in order. Keep the sink free of dishes by rinsing them and putting them into the dishwasher as soon as you finish using them. If you left any dishes on the counter, put them in the dishwasher first. To save time, give the dishes a quick rinse only — most dishwashers can handle regular food grime without you having to scrub the dish first.

Have another supply of cleaning agents, like the ones for sale at Cleaning Stuff, on hand for quick access. Consider disinfecting wipes and use one to clean the sink, the stovetop, the countertops and the refrigerator door.

Take care of the kitchen floor with a mop/vacuum combination tool, like the one from Swiffer. Quickly suck up crumbs and dirt before swiping the surface.

Minutes 15 – 19: Straighten Any Other Room in the House

You may find that one room in the house, such as the living room, attracts more clutter. If so, you may focus on the same room each day. People with larger homes may need to rotate which room gets cleaned on which day. Rooms that you use less often usually only need a touch up once a week.

For a basic living room, straighten the couch. Fold any blankets, pick up any toys and put away videos, games or CDs. Vacuum floors and straighten anything else out of place. Don't forget to use a non-static wipe to remove dust and fingerprints from the TV and coffee tables.

Share the Workload

What about homes with more than one bathroom or living area? You may be able to get to these other areas during the 15 – 19 minute time frame, but you have a much simpler solution: delegate tasks. Have your spouse or kids help out with the rooms they frequent. Older kids can handle daily chores, such as cleaning their rooms and bathrooms. If you're single, consider hiring a house cleaning service.

A clean home is possible, especially when you divide the tasks. For more house cleaning checklists and other cleaning tips, read our DIY blog.

How to Keep Your Stove in Pristine Condition

Sun, 01 May 2011 17:28:00 GMT

Stoves are often the focal points of kitchens, especially in homes with high-end appliances. Regardless of whether you have a basic GE or a Viking model, proper cleaning can keep your stove looking great enough to be the center of attention when you're hosting a family meal.

Step 1: Wipe Down the Stove After Each Use

Most cooks splatter oil, sauce or other kinds of food during the cooking process. The more dishes you prepare at once, the larger the mess. While the stove is still warm, but not hot, clean the stove to remove these food particles before they can stick. You can use hot soapy water and a sponge. For tough spots, use a small bit of a non-abrasive household cleaner, such as Soft Scrub. If you have a flat stovetop, skip to Step 4.

Step 2: Clean the Grates and Burner Caps

The smell of burnt food often occurs when you forget to clean the burner or grate after a spill. Once the smell hits the air, it can take hours to remove. To clean these stove parts, take them outside and set them on newspaper. Spray a stove cleaner onto the pieces and allow it to sit for an hour or two. You may need to flip the burner caps and the grates over so you can clean both sides. Wipe away the cleaner with warm water mixed with a mild detergent.

Dry the pieces with a rag and allow them to set out in the air until they are completely dry. If you replace the parts before the underside dries, the trapped moisture may cause the metal surface to rust. Use vegetable oil to condition the stove parts before you put them back in place.

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Step 3: Keep the Burner Bases Clean

A quick wipe with a sponge dipped in soapy water can help remove dirt and grime in the burner base. Clean the area while it is cool to the touch, and avoid using anything abrasive. This area can scratch easily. Soak stubborn spots by placing a warm wet towel on them for a few minutes. You can also use a nylon spatula to pry the food gently.

Step 4: Get Grime Out From Under Knobs

When you're juggling multiple pots and pans, it's easy for food to drip down the front of the stove. Food tends to collect around the knobs, and it can lead to unsightly buildup over time. In some cases, it may cause a faint odor. Remove the knobs by pulling them gently away from the stove. Take care not to turn the stove on when you do this.

Soak the knobs in warm soapy water while you wipe down the stove surface around the knob posts. Don't use anything abrasive, or you may remove graphics or paint. Using 409 or a similar cleaning agent can help remove tough grime.

Step 5: Put the Self-Cleaning Features to Work

If you have a house cleaning service, have the staff add cleaning the oven to the list of tasks. For most self-cleaning stoves, this is as easy as flipping a switch. The process, which can take several hours, will finish before you head home from work.

You'll want to check your stove cleaning manual before you engage the self-cleaning function. Certain manufacturers may direct you to remove the oven racks and supports, while models clean these parts safely.

Step 6: Tackle the Oven's Interior on Your Own

Ovens without self-cleaning capability sill need attention. Your house cleaning service may offer this, but the service may cost extra. If you're oven cleaner, start with the door. Using a household oven cleaner, like Easy-Off Fume Free Max Oven Cleaner can help loosen up the oils and food residues clinging to the interior walls. You can pull the grates out and clean them using the same process from Step 2. Rinse off any cleaner with soapy water and follow all the manufacturer's directions.

Step 7: Take Care of Miscellaneous Tasks

Your kitchen stove may have extra parts that you need to clean, such as a griddle or a grate. Unlike the other areas of the stove, a griddle doesn't need a soapy clean after each use — the oils form the foods will actually help season the surface. Grates are an area that clean easier when they are warm. Another thing you may need to address is rust. If you see spots, use a cleaning product, like Bar Keepers' Friend, to get rid of it.

The kitchen stove is the heart of dinnertime. Treat it right, and it will look great for years. For more DIY tips, a house cleaning checklist and other home-improvement ideas, visit our blog.

The Benefits of Green Cleaning Products

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 03:44:00 GMT

Green cleaning is more than a trend — it's a better choice than using traditional chemical cleaning products. More and more research companies are performing studies to see whether the chemicals in cleaning products have any negative long-term side effects, and the results are clear: there are links between health conditions, like asthma and cancer, and the chemicals in household cleaners.

What Effects Can Chemical Cleaning Products Have On the Body?

The chemicals in home cleaners can affect people differently. Some people may develop asthma or other respiratory problems while others do not. However, just because you can't notice a difference, it doesn't mean that the chemicals aren't affecting you. Consider the following case studies.

In 1982, researchers tested 89 men from different locations to determine the amount of chemicals detectable in their bodies. The study searched for levels of lead, cadmium, other heavy metals and organochlorine compounds. Not only did researchers find these chemicals in the bloodstream, they also found the chemicals in semen samples. Additionally, men who lived or worked in areas where these chemicals and other products had high usage had higher traces than those with less exposure. The study shows that what is in your environment, including house cleaning supplies, will become part of your body and part of what you produce.

A 2005 study tested the connection between the development of asthma and chronic bronchitis in the employees of house cleaning services and the development of the conditions in the general population. While the study did not identify which specific cleaning products contributed to development, it did show that working with chemical cleaners contributes to these health risks. Specifically, exposure to bleach products and inhaling cleaning vapors increases the risk of asthma symptoms and other respiratory health issues.

To protect consumers, the U.S. government requires cleaning products to meet OSHA, EPA, FDA, CPSC, or DOT guidelines, depending on what the product claims to do. These guidelines determine the amount of each chemical manufacturers can use in cleaning agents. When chemical levels exceed the guidelines, the regulatory organization may deem the product harmful. You can learn more about a cleaner's potential dangers by reading the product's packaging. The font may be tiny, but the warnings are real.

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What Makes a Cleaner Green?

A green cleaner, or an eco-friendly cleaner, is not always a natural or organic cleaning product. The US government defines eco-friendly products as those that reduce the negative effect the products have on human health and on the environment. Often, this definition comes in comparison to past products. For example, a new household cleaner may be better for you than one with a different chemical composition. The definition leaves too much room for compliance; however, any step away from known dangers is an improvement.

Natural and organic household cleaners also fall into the category as green cleaners. You can find these at sites like Simple Green. Both have stricter guidelines than eco-friendly products. Natural cleaners restrict ingredients to those that occur naturally. This can include products created with synthesis. Some organizations, like the National Product Association, certify household cleaners and tighten the definition of the word natural so it excludes any product with petroleum compounds.

Organic cleaning products are the healthiest household cleaners you can use. The products are chemical free, and the government only allows this label when a manufacturer maintains an organic environment from harvesting through distribution. For example, an organic lemon cleaner will use lemons grown under organic conditions, it will process the lemons in a chemical-free environment, and it will package the cleaner using organic processing methods. Each step must maintain the organic status of the product.

Implement Green Cleaning Practices

Switching from traditional household cleaning products to green products can be as easy as buying a different cleaning agent when you go to the store. Manufacturers that take the time to develop eco-friendly products usually display the status clearly on product packaging. If you use a house cleaning service, check with the company to see whether it can use green cleaners on your home.

You can help keep the environment, humans, and pets healthier when you use green cleaning agents.

Even if you don't use organic cleaners, you can still take a step in the right direction by using other green cleaning products. Check out our blog for a house cleaning checklist you can use with your eco-friendly cleaning products.