The Importance of Maintaining  Your Home’s  Exterior

The Importance of Maintaining Your Home’s Exterior

The phrases ‘home improvement’ and ‘home maintenance’ place so much emphasis on the interior. Home improvement and home maintenance involve the home’s exterior too. Three reasons explain why homeowners should care for the home’s outer walls, roofing, doors, windows, and foundation.

A Protective Barrier from the Outside

A home’s outer walls, roofing, doors, windows, and foundation are the protective barrier protecting us from the outside. The exterior is the first line of defense from flying debris, severe weather, and rowdy people. It only works when homeowners do their part to care for the exterior. Maintenance strengthens and extends the shelf life of exterior features like the roof, siding, gutters, walls, plumbing, and deck. Longer shelf life means longer protection and peace of mind for homeowners and their families from the outside.

Shields the Interior from Damage

Repairing the outside prevents home interior degradation from developing. A fix on the outside can stop existing interior damage from worsening. The interior damage will require eventual repair, but it won’t be as expensive as an exterior and interior repair combo. Exterior maintenance prevents holes, cracks, leaks, or discoloration from affecting the interior’s features and appearance. It also prevents moisture from entering the home, which causes rot, mold, mildew, and water damage.

Keeps the Home Insulated

All homeowners need to do is caulk window and wall cracks, weather-strip doors, repair wall siding, and repair roof shingles. This method is part of insulation, and the protective barriers keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. By insulating the house, the light, gas, and energy bills will remain low year-round too. Regular home maintenance will inform homeowners of additional or upcoming problems preventing the home from being properly insulated.

Curb Appeal

In real estate, the home’s exterior is the first impression of the home for buyers. It gives buyers a pre-judged indication about the interior’s condition and beauty, and the color scheme on the house presents personality. A visually pleasing home will encourage buyers to view photos and virtual tours, visit the home in person, and engage in bidding wars. Meanwhile, a beautiful-looking home (along with a well-kept landscape) may raise the home’s value, boosting a return on investment for sellers who place their home on the market.

The home exterior is the locator for homeowners to return home after running errands, for contractors to find you for repair, and for guests to locate you for get-togethers. It prevents problems from spiraling into gigantic issues and protects everyone inside from the outside. It is very unwise to neglect the home’s exterior. 

This article has been provided by SJ Exterior, a pressure washing and exterior maintenance company in Southern New Jersey.

 

How to Deal With Emergencies Around the House

Emergencies can strike at any time, and being prepared is key to keeping your home and loved ones safe. In this guide, we’ll provide you with practical advice on how to handle common household emergencies and ensure your home is a haven of safety. From small mishaps to larger crises, here’s how to deal with emergencies around the house.

Fire Safety: In case of a fire, your top priority is to ensure everyone’s safety. Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in key areas of your home. Make sure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher and establish a family evacuation plan. Regularly check and replace smoke detector batteries to keep them in working order.

Plumbing Problems: Leaky pipes and overflowing toilets can quickly lead to water damage. Shut off the water supply to the affected area and have essential plumbing tools on hand, such as a plunger and pipe tape, to make quick fixes until a professional arrives. For extensive water damage restoration, it’s essential to contact a qualified specialist immediately.

Electrical Issues: If you experience electrical problems like flickering lights or sparks, turn off the power supply at the circuit breaker. Don’t attempt to fix the issue yourself, as it can be dangerous. Call a licensed electrician to assess and address the problem.

Gas Leaks: A gas leak is a serious emergency. If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company. Do not use any electrical devices, light switches, or open flames, as they can ignite a gas explosion.

Natural Disasters: Be prepared for earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods by having an emergency kit on hand. This should include essentials like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, and first aid supplies. Make a family emergency plan and know the safest areas in your home during these events.

Medical Emergencies: Have a well-stocked first aid kit and know basic first aid procedures. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Learning CPR and basic life support techniques can be invaluable.

Home Security: Protect your home from burglaries by installing deadbolt locks, security cameras, and motion sensor lights. Additionally, consider joining a neighborhood watch program to enhance safety in your community.

Pest Infestations: Dealing with pests like rodents or insects can be an ongoing concern. Prevent infestations by sealing cracks and crevices, keeping food stored in airtight containers, and maintaining a clean home. For severe infestations, consult a professional pest control service.

Power Outages: Keep essential supplies like flashlights, batteries, and a battery-operated radio on hand for power outages. If an outage lasts an extended period, contact your utility company for updates and estimated restoration times.

Regular Maintenance: Finally, preventive measures are crucial for emergency preparedness. Regularly inspect your home for potential hazards and perform maintenance tasks, such as cleaning gutters, checking for roof leaks, and testing your home’s safety equipment.

Remember, staying calm and having a plan in place can make all the difference when facing household emergencies. Whether it’s water damage restoration, fire safety, or a medical crisis, being prepared and knowing how to react can keep your home a safe and secure haven for you and your family.

Window Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Windows are essential to any building, as they allow natural light and fresh air to enter while providing a view of the outside world. Windows can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime, making them look unattractive and reducing their efficiency. Keeping windows clean is vital for maintaining the appearance and functionality of your property.

  1. Use the Right Tools

Using the right tools is essential for effective window cleaning. A squeegee, microfiber cloth, and a bucket of warm, soapy water are the essential tools you will need. A squeegee is ideal for cleaning large areas of glass, and a microfiber cloth is perfect for wiping down the edges and corners of the window. Invest in a specialized window cleaning solution or vinegar-based cleaner for tougher stains.

  1. Clean Your Windows on a Cloudy Day

Cleaning windows on a sunny day may seem like a good idea, but it can make cleaning more challenging. Sunlight causes cleaning solutions to evaporate, leaving streaks on the glass. To avoid this, clean your windows on a cloudy day when the temperature is mild, and the sunlight is not too intense.

  1. Start from the Top

When cleaning your windows, starting from the top and working your way down is essential. This prevents dirty water from dripping onto areas that have already been cleaned. Start by wetting the window with the cleaning solution, then use the squeegee to remove the excess water from the top of the window, working your way down to the bottom. Finally, use the microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water and streaks.

  1. Use a Scraper for Tough Stains

Sometimes, windows can accumulate tough stains that are difficult to remove with a squeegee or cloth. In these cases, you may use a scraper. Be sure to use a scraper designed for windows, as using a different type of scraper can damage the glass. Use the scraper at a 45-degree angle, applying gentle pressure to remove the stain. Afterward, clean the window as usual with a squeegee and cloth.

  1. Don’t Forget the Window Frames

When cleaning your windows, focusing on the glass and forgetting the window frames is easy. Cleaning the frames is as important as cleaning the glass. Use a soft-bristled brush or cloth to clean the frames and remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the corners.

Window cleaning is essential to maintaining your property’s appearance and functionality. Proper cleaning habits and careful use of the right tools will help you keep your windows free from grime and dirt, maintaining their clean and fresh appearance. Cleaning your windows can be a simple and effective process with the right cleaning tips and tricks.

ATR061924

Holiday Cleaning Checklist

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and cleaning. Whether you’re hosting guests or want your home to look its best, use this holiday cleaning checklist to finish the job quickly and efficiently. This checklist has everything you need to make your home shine, from decluttering to dusting to deep cleaning the kitchen.

Before the Guests Arrive

It’s always a good idea to clean before guests come over. This way, you can be sure that your home is presentable and that you can save time cleaning while your guests are there. Here’s a quick checklist of things to do before guests arrive:

  • Vacuum all floors and carpets.
  • Have area rugs professionally cleaned.
  • Dust all surfaces.
  • Wipe down all bathrooms.
  • Make sure there are fresh towels in all bathrooms.
  • Straighten up any cluttered areas.
  • Put away any personal items that you don’t want your guests to see.
  • Check that the guest room is clean and ready for your visitors.

During the Visit

When you’re getting ready for holiday guests, the last thing you want to worry about is a messy house. Use this checklist to ensure your home is clean and welcoming before visitors arrive.

  • Wipe down all hard surfaces, such as countertops, tables, and chairs.
  • Clean all mirrors and windows.
  • Make sure there are no Cobwebs in corners or on ceilings.
  • Empty all wastebaskets.
  • If you have pets, ensure their areas are clean and free of pet hair.

After the Guests Leave

After the guests have left and the house has quieted down, it’s time to start cleaning up. Here’s a checklist of what needs to be done:

  • Take down all decorations and put them away.
  • Wash all dishes, glasses, and silverware.
  • Wipe down countertops and appliances.
  • Sweep and mop floors.
  • Empty all trash cans and recycling bins.
  • Do a deep cleaning of the bathrooms.
  • Laundry! Wash all towels, sheets, and tablecloths.

Now that everything is clean and put away, you can relax and enjoy the rest of your holiday season.

The Benefits of a Clean Home During the Holidays

The benefits of maintaining a clean home during the holiday season are numerous. A clean environment can help prevent the spread of germs and illness, make your home more inviting to guests, and reduce stress levels. In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, taking the time to keep your home clean may seem like a daunting task. However, following a few simple tips can help make the process easier.

Start by establishing a daily routine for cleaning key areas of your home, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Enlist the help of family members or roommates to share in the cleaning duties. Regular cleaning tasks will help prevent a build-up of dirt and grime that can be difficult to tackle.

Conclusion

With the holiday season here, now is the time to start getting your home ready for the festivities. This holiday cleaning checklist will help ensure you don’t miss a spot and that your home is shining brightly for all your holiday guests. So grab your cleaning supplies and start making your home merry and bright.

In addition to day-to-day cleaning, take some time before holiday gatherings to give your home a deeper clean. This may include vacuuming carpets, mopping floors, dusting surfaces, and cleaning windows. Not only will this create a more pleasant atmosphere for your guests, but it can also help reduce potential allergens in the air.

If you are short on time or overwhelmed by holiday chores, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to lend a helping hand. Many companies offer special holiday packages that can ready your home party in no time.

No matter how you approach holiday cleaning, taking time to tidy up your space can pay off in countless ways.

Cleaning and Organizing Hacks for Back-to-School

The first day of school can be an exciting time for both students and parents, but it can also be stressful if you let clutter pile up during the summer. All those toys and beach towels that are thrown around your house are taking up valuable space that could be used for learning and studying. It’s time to clean up and get back-to-school ready with these three helpful hacks.

 

Hack #1: Prepare The Backpack Ahead of Time

To give you some time to prepare before the school season begins, have your child pack up their backpack weeks ahead of the first day of school. This will get them (and you) ready to face the new academic year in no time.

By packing their backpack with the supplies they’ll need for the first week of school, you’ll discover just how much space their extra notebooks and pencil cases take up. A good idea is to have your child remove the items they don’t need as they begin to use their school supplies over the course of the year. This will keep them from bringing home unnecessary items that would otherwise pile up in their backpack.

Hack #2: Declutter the Bedrooms

As the weather gets warmer, students are spending more time outside and less time studying. Some parents may not be aware that this lack of focus can translate to a cluttered bedroom after the summer break.

Make cleaning part of their chore routine. As you help your kids clean up their rooms, make sure nothing is being wasted, and everything has a place where it belongs. Although a messy room may not seem like a big deal, it can lead to a cluttered mind.

Kids need to have an organized workspace in their bedroom because they’ll be spending so much time there unpacking and repacking their backpacks, studying during homework time, and sleeping at night. By keeping their bedrooms neat and clutter-free, your children will be able to study and sleep better, which results in happier kids overall.

Hack #3: Create a Healthy Kitchen

We all know that junk food can be tempting to kids, especially when they are struggling with their studies. To help them make better decisions about what they eat while in school, take all of the snacks and sugary cereals out of their kitchen cabinets, so these items aren’t visible or available to students during homework time. If your child feels that they need to snack, teach them to grab a glass of water or some fresh fruit instead.

This hack is a fantastic way to keep your child focused on their studies. It also gives you an opportunity to teach valuable life lessons about eating healthy foods and staying hydrated.

Hack #4: Deep Clean

A thorough deep cleaning of your home will remove dirt and allergens that have accumulated over the summer. Dust all surfaces including shelves and window blinds. Clear cobwebs from the ceiling and light fixtures. Remove dust bunnies from under the furniture. Hire a carpet cleaning service to deep clean carpets and floors.

This hack will remove dust and other allergens that might be preventing your student from getting a good night’s rest.

Clean up your house and prepare everything for the new school year with these three helpful hacks. The less clutter and disorder you have in your home, the more space you’ll have to focus on what’s really important – raising a successful student who is eager to learn and study. It’s never too soon to start preparing for the next school year, so take advantage of these hacks while the weather is nice and you’re in a cleaning mood.

 

5 Ways to Use Citrus to Clean Your Home

Citrus fruits are a great way to add flavor to your food and get some added nutrients into your diet. But did you know that you can also use them for cleaning? Citrus fruits have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them perfect for cleaning surfaces in your home. Here are five ways to use citrus fruits to clean your home.

  1. To Clean Countertops

Citrus fruits are a great way to clean your countertops. The natural acids in citrus fruits can help break down stubborn dirt and grime. You need to cut a lemon or lime in half and use it to scrub your countertops. You can also use orange peels to achieve the same effect.

If you have tougher stains, you can make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it away.

  1. Cleaning Stovetops

If your stovetop looks slightly worse for wear, you can use citrus fruits to give it a good scrub. The natural acids in citrus fruits will help break down any grease or burnt-on food stuck to your stovetop.

Cut a lemon or lime in half to clean your stovetop with citrus. Then, use the cut side of the fruit to scrub the surface of your stovetop. You can mix equal lemon juice and water parts in a spray bottle and use it to mist the stovetop. Then, use a cloth or sponge to wipe away dirt or grime.

You can also make a paste out of lemon juice and baking soda to help remove tougher stains. Once you’ve finished scrubbing, wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.

  1. To Clean Your Bathroom

You can also use citrus fruits to clean your bathroom. The natural acids in citrus fruits can help break down soap scum and mildew. All you need to do is mix ¼ cup of lemon juice, ¼ cup of vinegar, and 1 gallon of water. Use this solution to mop your floors and clean your counters and toilet.

If you have tougher stains, you can make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it away.

  1. To Clean Carpets and Floors

Citrus carpet cleaning is an environmentally friendly and effective way to keep your carpets looking, feeling, and smelling great!

Citrus fruits are also great for cleaning your floors. The natural acids in citrus fruits can help break down dirt and grime. To clean your floors with citrus, start mixing a quarter cup of lemon juice, vinegar, and one gallon of water. Use this solution to mop your floors.

If you have tougher stains, you can make a paste of lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain and sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it away.

  1. Making Homemade Furniture Polish

You can make a homemade furniture polish using citrus fruits. The natural oils in citrus fruits can help to nourish and protect your furniture. Mix a quarter cup of lemon juice, olive oil, and one tablespoon of beeswax to make a furniture polish with the citrus. Then melt beeswax in a double boiler or the microwave. Once it melts, add the lemon juice and olive oil and mix until well combined. Finally, pour the mixture into a glass jar and allow it to cool and solidify. Once it is solid, you can use it to polish your furniture.

Conclusion

Citrus fruits are a great way to clean your home. The natural acids in citrus fruits can help break down dirt and grime. You can use citrus fruits to clean your countertops, kitchen, floors, and furniture. Try using citrus fruits the next time you need to clean your home.

ATR100522

5 Things You Can do Right Now to Get a Jump on Your Spring Cleaning

Smiling woman cleaning windows

Spring is the perfect time for a little bit of housekeeping. You can give yourself and your home a much-needed fresh start by doing a little spring cleaning now. It’s a good idea to get rid of the clutter and clutter-makers that have been plaguing your life for too long. These five easy tips can help you get ready for a clean and happy home this spring.

1. Set a Timer to Get Things Done

One of the best things you can do for yourself and your home is to set a timer for the things you want to get done. Even if you don’t usually work well under pressure, setting a timer helps you focus on the tasks at hand without drifting off or getting lost in other activities. You can perform small or major tasks in this way, whatever will have the biggest impact on making your home and life run more smoothly.

2. Hire a Cleaning Service

When you have a lot of things you need to get done, hiring a cleaning service is one of the best ways to make it all happen. You can get the job done faster and better by hiring cleaners who specialize in various types of cleaning. For example, you can have a carpet cleaning service come in and clean your carpets while someone else cleans your toilets or vacuums or whatever else needs attention.

3. Create a Routine That Makes Your Life Easier

It takes a lot of effort to make your home look the way you want it to. However, if you create a routine that makes your life easier, you can do all the things that will help keep your home looking great without putting in a whole lot of extra effort. This is a great way to designate the space for what it needs to be used for or if too much stuff is cluttering up your home.

4. Keep Good Tools On Hand

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you see all the items you need to clean your home, but you mustn’t let the clutter get the better of you. Instead, keep the tools you need on hand so that they are easy to find and quick to use. It’s also a good idea to label small tools to avoid getting lost or misplaced. Tools can help make some jobs quicker so that you are less likely to put off what needs to be done.

5. Use Machine-Washing to Clean Your Clothes

These days, washing clothes by hand can take hours. Still, you may feel more comfortable doing it this way if you have a lot of clothes that need to be washed. If you’re looking to save time, however, consider using machine-washing. This is an easy way to clean several thick things at once and get them through the laundry cycle quickly.

ATR072624

Top Time-Saving Housework Tips

Everyone appreciates a clean house, but hardly anyone enjoys cleaning. If you don’t have much time to get the house clean, then you need to do things differently. These time-saving housework tips will help you have a clean house while spending less time doing the work.

Set A Timer To Get Some Work Done

You will be shocked by how much work you can get done in just ten or fifteen minutes. Set the timer if you have a few extra minutes before leaving the house in the morning or the evening when you get home from work. Dust, vacuum, wash the sinks and get as many small projects done as you can before the timer goes off.

Take Advantage Of Your Machines

The dishwasher and washing machine can do more than you might think. Some toys can be put in either of those machines for quick cleaning. Rugs, pillows, shoes, and blankets may also do fine in the washing machine, and you just need to read labels and be thoughtful about what you put in it for easy cleaning.

Keep Good Tools On Hand

It is easier to dust as often as is needed when you have a duster. The same is true of bathroom and kitchen cleaners and tools. Keep all your products and tools in a convenient location so that you can grab them and do a quick cleaning anytime you have a moment.

Have A Fresh Set Of Sheets Ready To Go

If you avoid changing the sheets because of how long of a process it is, then you need another set of sheets. Keep them on hand and quickly replace the dirty sheets. That way, you can make your bed immediately and worry about washing the sheets later.

Hire Help For Big Jobs

Getting a professional to help with large household chores such as floor cleaning and deep cleaning can save you time now and in the future. Hire a maid service to come deep clean your kitchen cabinets. Regularly schedule a professional carpet cleaning. Doing the big jobs well will save time with daily cleaning tasks.

Create A Routine That Is Easy To Keep

Don’t try to be overly ambitious with your cleaning routine or you won’t keep it. Instead, set a few easy daily and weekly goals and do the big projects when you have extra time. Figure out what time of day works best to get in a few minutes of cleaning so that you won’t avoid it even when you are busy.

You are never too busy to have a clean house. Use these tips to get on top of things. You will feel good about the housework you get done each day when you clean for even a few minutes.

 

 

Benefits of Low-Moisture Carpet Cleaning

With Covid-19 running rampant among us, cleanliness is important. Not only must we keep our hands and eating surfaces clean; we must keep our homes sanitized as well. This includes any carpets we may have in the home. Traditionally, deep steam cleaning and vacuuming were among the top methods used to keep carpets clean and dirt-free. Recently, however, carpet cleaning professionals have begun recommending low-moisture or dry carpet cleaning. Unless your carpet is deeply soiled, low-moisture carpet cleaning can prove to be a better choice in the carpet cleaning process. Benefits from low-moisture carpet cleaning include less drying time and fewer bacteria and mold problems than traditional methods such as deep steam cleaning. It also provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution than deep-cleaning. Ultimately, low-moisture carpet cleaning can extend the life of your carpet.

Carpet Dry Cleaning. Vector Flat Illustration.

Low-moisture carpet cleaning can have your carpet cleaned and ready for traffic in about two hours. Using less water to clean your carpet means it does not take your carpet the same 48 hours to dry as it does with traditional steam cleaning methods. As a result, there are fewer problems with bacteria and mold buildup. In addition, the quicker drying carpet is ready for traffic within a couple of hours. This is ideal for situations in which your home or business needs to be ready quickly after the carpet cleaning process.

 

Processes that require lots of water and chemicals are not environmentally friendly. With deep cleaning steam machines, there is a huge amount of waste. Many gallons of fresh drinking water is mixed with large amounts of chemicals and dirt and must be properly disposed of. Low-moisture carpet cleaning machines do not require the same methods of disposal as those that require lots of water. This is ideal for DIY carpet cleaners who want to clean their own carpets.

 

Finally, low-moisture carpet cleaning is better for the life of the carpet and flooring beneath the carpet. The low volume of water protects the carpet from stretching and prevents the water from reaching the flooring below. High volumes of water can saturate the carpet and allow water to reach the wood in the floor. In the long run that can lead to wood damage and cause the carpet fibers to weaken.

 

So, unless your carpet absolutely requires deep cleaning, it is best to go with low moisture carpet cleaning. It will preserve the life of your carpet, reduce the likelihood of building up mold and bacteria, and it will be more eco-friendly. In addition, the carpet will be as clean as if you had used deep steam cleaning.

Tips for Moving to a New Home

Top Tips for Moving to a New Home

Moving is almost always a stressful time, but planning ahead and considering the details can make your experience much smoother. There will be plenty to do so have your lists ready and keep these top tips in mind when moving into a new home.

Funny young couple enjoy and celebrating moving to new home

Decide In Advance Where Furniture Should Go

Furniture pieces are among the most difficult items to move due to their size and weight. Because of this, you should plan out where each of your large pieces will go in advance if possible. You can even measure and mark where they should go on the floor with painter’s tape so whoever brings your furniture into your new home knows exactly where to place it. If you do this, you are less likely to have to move them again later to adjust.

Label Everything Logically

You should always label your moving boxes to reflect what is in them, but there is no best system for doing this. You could label boxes by the room they should go in, by the specific items they hold, by priority, or by some other method. Color-coding can make it very easy to see immediately what types of items a particular box contains. You should consider all of your possible options and then decide on a system that you feel will work best with both your possessions and your sensibilities. Once you have everything packed away, you can ensure high-priority boxes get brought in and unpacked first by placing them on top or otherwise in an easily accessible place.

Pace Yourself

Moving is a momentous task, and trying to tackle everything at once is likely to leave you burned out. This can take a toll on both your mental and physical health, so take it easy. As soon as you know you need to move, begin preparing by packing a little at a time, focusing at the start on items you will not need between now and your move. Some people must move quickly and unfortunately won’t have much time, but pace yourself as much as you possibly can.

Get Help

Moving without assistance can be laborious at best and dangerous at worst. Many people choose to hire professional movers and are better off for doing so. This is especially wise if you have many items that are large, heavy, and difficult to move, or if you are not physically up to the task of moving. You may be fine just asking friends and family to assist you at various stages in the process, such as packing, physically moving your belongings into your new home, or lock replacement and repair.

 

Some simple hacks can make moving into your new home considerably easier. However, if you decide to undertake the task of moving, make sure the systems you put in place are going to work for you. This will help ensure you are settled into your new home far faster.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Cool and Comfortable This Summer

Happy african-american girl messaging on smartphone at home

The hot days of summer might be great for when you are at the lake or beach, but they can be uncomfortable for just sitting around the house. While a well-maintained AC system goes a long way toward keeping your house cool, it can only do so much. As the temperatures rise, make sure to use these tips to keep your house cooler throughout the rest of the summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Keep the Windows Covered

Blocking out the harsh sun rays is an essential part of keeping your house cool. You have several options for window coverings that all work great for this purpose. Sun-blocking curtains have thick layers of fabric that can also help to darken a room. Or, you can choose blinds and shades that are also made to help shield the windows from the sun.

Check for Drafts

Older windows and doors can develop drafts that allow the cold air to escape and the hot air to come inside. You can feel for drafts by running your hand around each door and window to see if you feel slight air coming inside. If you do, then you may need to investigate to find out why. Damaged weatherstripping or caulking may need to be replaced. Or, you may have outdated windows that have lost their seal. Doing these repairs can help your HVAC system function better, and avoid air conditioner repair costs. 

Watch for Heat From Appliances

Many modern appliances give off large amounts of heat, and televisions are one of the worst. If you have a large-screen TV, then turn it off when you aren’t using it. You might also need to avoid using your clothes dryer during the hottest part of the day. Choosing meals that don’t require you to use the stove or oven is also helpful. This might be a time to enjoy a cold sandwich or salad. If you want to cook, then consider using a grill so that all of the heat stays outside.

Encourage Good Air Circulation

Fans are a wonderful thing to have in your house on hot days. Ceiling fans might need to be adjusted to circulate in the right direction for the summer months. Floor fans can be used to create a crossbreed between rooms or to bring in cooler air at night. You can also set up smaller personal fans in areas where you may sit the most for work or relaxation.

Staying cool typically requires using multiple strategies to lower the temperature in your house. As you do, make sure to take note of what works the most. You’ll want to make sure to use these strategies next year before you start to feel too hot. Keeping your house cool from the very beginning helps you avoid having to wait for the temperature to get to a comfortable level.

ATR041124

What’s The Best Carpet Cleaning Pros Do (And You Should Too)

You should hire a professional to clean your carpet. However, if you choose to do it yourself, then you can take advice from professionals. Carpet cleaning professionals recommend that you do the following.

carpet cleaner working

Blot Stains

When you see a stain on your carpet, the first thing that you probably want to do is rub it. However, you should blot the stain instead of rubbing it. You should take a sponge, cloth, or paper towel and put a few drops of a cleaning solution on it. Blotting will help soak up the stain.

You Can Use Club Soda to Get Rid of Stains

You may already have something that you can use to clean your carpet in your home. Club soda is effective for getting rid of stains. You can pour a small amount of club soda on a cloth and blot it. If that does not get rid of the stain, then you will need to mix water and white vinegar together. Spray the mixture on the area and allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

You Can Use Shaving Cream

Shaving cream is something else that you can use to get rid of stains. You can apply the shaving cream to the area and allow it to sit for about 30 minutes. You can also mix it with vinegar and water.

Vacuum on a Regular Basis

Vacuuming your carpet is one of the best ways to keep it clean. The vacuum cleaner will help remove the dirt that is deep down in the carpet fibers. The amount of foot traffic that you have in your home is one of the factors that will determine how often you need to vacuum. Many people need to vacuum two or three times per week.

Steam Cleaning Is The Best Way to Get Rid of Stains

Even if you take good care of your carpet, it will still need a steam cleaning every now and then. A steam cleaner will use hot water to extract the debris and dirt from the carpet. The steam penetrates the fibers of the carpet.

You Need to Use a Carpet Protector

You can maintain your clean carpet by using a carpet protector. It will be a lot harder for stains and spills to penetrate the carpet if there is a protector on it. Not only will this prevent stains from developing on the carpet, but it will also help your carpet last longer.

For more information, visit http://repelecarpet.com/.

Cleaning and Organization Hacks for Your Home and Office

If you’ve ever struggled to find something important in your home or office, only to realize it was under a pile of clutter, then it’s time to make the organization a priority. While the thought of going through your things might be overwhelming, the hacks below can make it easier than you ever imagined. With some time and determination, you can turn both your home and office into clean and organized spaces.

 

  1. Hang a Wall Cubby

If you’re tight on space or just don’t want to take up more of your floor area, then a wall cubby is the perfect solution. Each square can hold something you use often, whether it’s a box with pens, files with paperwork, a basket with snacks, or books. You can even add in a few faux plants for a natural and maintenance-free accent.

 

  1. Place Papers in Magazine Holders

Without a filing cabinet, it can feel like paperwork or documents are taking over your space. Fortunately, you can control the clutter by picking up a few cheap plastic magazine holders. These store papers and folders perfectly and fit easily in most cabinets. Slide these out whenever you need something and you’ll never struggle to find your important documents again.

 

  1. Place Storage Turntables Under Cabinets

Are your cabinets cluttered and impossible to get through when you need something? Ditch the mess by placing non-skid turntables underneath your bathroom and kitchen cabinets. Once your supplies are placed inside, you’ll be able to find what you need with just a quick turn.

 

  1. Expand Cabinet Space With Stacking Shelves

Place stacking shelves inside of cabinets to double the vertical space you have inside. This is an excellent way to fit more cups and plates inside of kitchen cabinets or more boxes on a storage shelf. You can also use these shelves in the office to store more cleaning supplies, boxes of paperwork, or extra products you sell.

 

  1. Use Utensil Holders in Junk Drawers

If your junk drawers are overflowing with odds and ends from around your home or office, then clear them out and throw away what you don’t need. From there, grab a kitchen utensil holder and place it inside the drawer. This can be used to easily organize pens, pencils, paper clips, keys, and anything else you might find in this essential space.

 

  1. Bring Baskets Indoors

Baskets are great for the organization because they hide messes while still looking great. These can keep toys together, clothes hidden from sight, and office supplies contained in one area.

 

Ready to Organize

 

Clutter can become a memory of the past when you use the organization hacks above. They’re affordable, simple, and easy to take advantage of, so you can get started as soon as possible. With these on your side, you’ll never have to spend hours searching for something again. Now that you have an organized space, you can keep it clean and sparkling! Visit http://staydrygogreen.com/

 

Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean and Cozy in Winter

As many people prepare to embrace the bitter cold weather and spend more time indoors, it’s always helpful when the home feels inviting and happy. Even if you’re not a homebody, one of the best ways to make sure your home remains a place you’d like to stay involves the intentional effort of keeping it clean and cozy. In order to turn your house into a cozy home, consider the following tips.

 

  1. Switch to Warmer Fabrics

It’s time to pack up the thin linens and look for fabrics like fleece and cashmere. Anything that feels extremely soft to the touch will work perfectly. If the family room is the perfect area for watching movies, conversations, and game nights, find a large basket that can hold a bunch of comfortable throws and blankets for the couches.

Cozy Kitten in Sweater

  1. Keep Up With Cleaning Tasks

To maintain a high level of cleanliness in your home, it’s a good idea to stay on top of all of the surfaces. Whether it’s the surface of your coffee table, the kitchen countertops, or the bathroom vanity, take a few disinfecting wipes and walk through the house with them. As you wipe down these surfaces, you’ll eliminate the chances of dust piling up. It’ll also be helpful in getting rid of germs or debris. Carpet stain removal should be tackled as soon as the stain happens.

 

  1. Pinpoint the Disorganized Areas

For many people, it’s not uncommon for the kitchen countertop to become the area where the mail piles up. Instead, create a mail system for immediate management and efficiency. When you bring the mail in, sort through it immediately. When you’re able to keep areas organized, it’s a lot easier for a home to look clean. Clutter can do a lot to bring down the morale of those who need a sense of order.

 

  1. Tackle a Little Each Day

Instead of waiting until the weekend to deep-clean the entire home, it’s a better idea to do a little bit each day. On Monday evenings, make sure all of the showers are scrubbed and sanitized. On Tuesdays, vacuum, and mop all of the floors. For areas that get the most traffic, sweep, and mop on a more consistent basis. As you work on doing a little each day, you’ll never end up with a monstrous mess at the end of a week.

 

  1. Hang the Right Curtains

The cold air can seep through closed windows throughout the house. This is one of the reasons why it’s wise to change your curtains during the colder months. Hang heavier curtains as they can absorb more of the cold air. Thicker fabrics like velvet can easily provide a luxurious look to a room.

 

  1. Keep Decor Simplistic yet Personal

Simplicity is best as it pertains to your decor. When there are too many accessories and details, it can look crowded and chaotic. Keep your decor streamlined and simple. Hang beautiful artwork and large mirrors on the walls. Include a couple of photos of family members and friends to personalize the look as well.

 

As you work to keep your home clean and cozy, recognize that this isn’t a process that happens overnight. It will take intentional effort, time, and creativity. However, when you’re able to create a home that’s perfect for facilitating the best memories and moments, you’ll know that you’re on the right track.

Why Cleaning and Sanitizing is Important for Healthy Living

With a dangerous virus going around, keeping things clean is a given. Our hands, countertops, door handles, and even groceries need to be cleaned properly. However, there is a difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. While all three are key to remaining healthy, they are different from each other.

Here are the differences between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing and why they are important for healthy living.

Cleaning

You may have heard that cleaning helps get rid of bacteria. This is both true and false. Cleaning does indeed wipe away germs, dirt, and other harmful particles. However, cleaning does not necessarily kill them.

All it does is move them away from the surface. But that does not mean the method of cleaning is useless. In fact, you can’t sanitize or disinfect until you have cleaned first. To effectively clean a surface, use a paper towel or static pad to pick up the contaminants. If needed, you a cleaning agent that removes surface dirt completely.

 Keeping your carpets clean is paramount. Dirt, dust, and allergens can collect in carpeting and cause major problems if it is not cleaned regularly. Vacuum at least once a week and schedule regular professional cleaning. 

Sanitizing

Sanitizing is kind of similar to disinfecting. However, instead of killing bacteria, sanitizing aims to control it. There are many ways to do this, but the most common and effective way is mixing bleach with water. Before doing so, it is important to understand that you can’t just mix bleach and water haphazardly.

It must be mixed at the right ratio. Make it too weak and the solution won’t be able to do anything. If you make it too strong, it can become a hazard. Lastly, sanitizing requires you to leave the solvent to sit for a set period to take effect.

Disinfecting

You may think that wiping off a surface with something such as a Clorox wipe is cleaning. To a certain degree, it is, but Clorox kills the germs, which means it is more along the lines of disinfecting.  Viruses are extremely contagious and it is important to disinfect regularly. This is especially true for high-traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

disinfecting wipes

Although continually disinfecting may seem ideal, it can have serious repercussions. Overexposure to powerful chemicals can cause nausea, respiratory issues, and dermatologic issues, like contact dermatitis or psoriasis.

Cleaning and sanitizing properly are two of the best ways to enjoy healthy living. Take the time to find what works best for you, your family, and the areas that need the most attention.

ATR081624