Beware of Garbage Disposal Smells!


Garbage disposals are convenient for breaking down food waste, but unpleasant odors can build up over time if not appropriately maintained.


Homeowners, just like you, should be aware that food particles, grease, and bacteria can accumulate inside the disposal, leading to unwanted smells that can spread throughout the kitchen.


Why the smell?


Food scraps, grease, and organic debris that pass through the disposal can get trapped on the sides and in the crevices of the unit. Over time, these particles decompose, allowing bacteria and mold to develop, which results in foul odors. Furthermore, leftover grease and fat can harden, creating a coating on the blades and walls that is difficult to remove.


Nasty indeed.


Here is how to keep your disposal in good working odor without off-gassing malodors that will run you out of the kitchen.


Run the disposal

One of the easiest ways to prevent smells is to run the garbage disposal frequently, even when there is no food waste. This practice helps clear away any particles that may have settled and keeps the blades clean.


Clean with natural solutions

Regular cleaning is vital in keeping odors at bay. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal to break down any buildup. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with hot water. Additionally, grinding up citrus peels, like lemon or orange, can help naturally deodorize the unit while cleaning the blades.


Deep clean the blades

If odors persist, it may be necessary to clean the blades. Ice cubes and coarse salt can be added to the disposal and ground together to dislodge stuck food particles. The ice and salt's abrasive action scrapes away the buildup.


Avoid certain foods

Avoid putting fibrous materials (such as celery and corn husks) or starchy foods (like pasta and potato peels) into the disposal to minimize odors and clogs. These items can get caught in the blades or cause blockages, contributing to foul smells.


Following these simple steps, homeowners can keep their garbage disposals fresh, clean, and odor-free. Regular maintenance eliminates bad smells and prolongs the disposal's life.


And when you need extra help with some specialized cleaning tasks, such as carpet cleaning, tile and grout maintenance, furniture care, or others … do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company today. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Ring Around the Collar!


For anyone who wears dress shirts regularly, one of the biggest frustrations is dealing with ring around the collar. Many assume that removing this stubborn stain is nearly impossible, but it’s quite manageable with the proper techniques.


Here are a few tried-and-true methods that not only help you remove ring around the collar but can also prevent it from returning.


1. Shampoo Treatment


A simple and effective way to tackle ring around the collar is by using shampoo. The oils and grime accumulating on collars resemble what builds up in your hair, which shampoo is designed to remove. Before tossing your shirt in the hamper, apply a small amount of shampoo directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit until laundry day. When you wash the shirt as usual, the shampoo has worked its magic, making the stain easier to remove. This is an excellent option for tackling dirt buildup without requiring specialized products.


2. Pretreatments


Another highly effective solution is using a cleaner made specifically for pre-treating laundry. You can see several options at your favorite department store. These powerful cleaning products work wonders on stubborn stains like ring around the collar. Spray the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then launder the shirt. These products are usually bleach-free, making it safe for most fabrics. You may need to repeat the process two or three times for tougher, set-in stains.


3. Oxygen


Oxygen-boosting agents are another excellent option for removing the ring around the collar. Oxygen boosters are a type of color-safe bleach. To use, spray the collar with the mixed oxygen treatment, allow to dwell for a few minutes, and then wash as usual. After washing, if you still see any residue, repeat the process until the collar is clean.


4. Prevention


Preventing ring around the collar is easier than you think. Good hygiene and regular showering is essential. Because of this simple fact, you see more ring around the color with children than adults, as kids are more active and may not shower as often.


With these methods, removing and preventing a ring around the collar is a task everyone can handle. Using these tips is easy and efficient.


And when you have specialty cleaning tasks you can’t handle alone, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. They can handle carpet, floors, and more. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Bad Food!


Some people eat to exist, and some say they exist so they can eat. Some consider food a necessity, while others consider it a delicious activity.


But we often don’t eat everything when we eat, so we store some for later. That’s where food storage comes in because if not done properly, you end up with bad food, which can lead to waste, illness, and even worse.
Food storage is an important part of maintaining health and ensuring the safety of food that goes through our bodies. Proper storage helps maintain the quality of flavors in foods and protects one from foodborne illnesses caused by harmful bacteria and pathogens. The best practices in food storage greatly reduce the chances of eating poor food and health concerns.
Good food storage is built on understanding the foods you are working with and their storage needs. Generally, foods can be separated into three groups: 1. perishable, 2. semi-perishable, and 3. non-perishable.
Here are some easy tips to keep your food fresh.
Store in airtight containers
Food must be stored in airtight containers to preserve it for longer and eliminate contamination. This practice is crucial, especially for dry groceries such as flour, sugar, and cereals. Hermetic containers deny food air, which spoils the food and attracts pests.
Label and date stored food items
This method will enable you to track when food was stored. Thus, it minimizes the waste of older items, as these would be used before the newer ones.
Avoid overcrowding
Adequate air circulation is needed to ensure uniform temperatures inside the refrigerator. Overcrowding blocks air flow and results in uneven cooling, which might cause spoilage.
First in, first out (FIFO)
This means using food products according to their dates, with the oldest being used first. You can easily achieve this by rotating foods in your pantry and refrigerator.
Store food at the recommended temperature
Each type of food has its optimal storage temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure your fridge and freezer are kept at the proper temperatures. Eating improperly stored or spoiled food can lead to harmful health effects.
Besides keeping your food fresh and healthy, don’t ignore other aspects of health — such as keeping the entire home sparkling clean. Call your favorite cleaning company when you need help with specialty projects, such as carpet and furniture cleaning or hard wood floor care. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Dirty Oven Racks!


Keeping the oven clean is essential for health, hygiene, and even the flavor of the food. Imagine putting a perfectly crafted pizza on an oven rack with several months’ worth of food clinging for life. Yes, an oven cleaning may take care of the sides and bottom of the oven, but those racks are another story.
Oven racks must be removed for cleaning — don’t try to clean the oven with them inside. Remove the oven racks from the oven very carefully. Try not to let bits of baked-on food drop on the floor or let the greasy racks touch the walls or floor. This way, you don't have to do a separate cleaning job.
Spread some newspapers on your patio or driveway and lay the oven racks on top. Per the manufacturer's instructions, spray the racks with your traditional oven cleaner. Leave the cleaner to work for the stated period to break the grease and grime down.
Put racks that you think are still unclean in a plastic bag. The best types for this method include large trash bags and garden leaf bags.
Pour 1/2 cup of ammonia inside the bag with the racks. The ammonia will break down stubborn grime and help open any remaining debris on the racks. While doing this, think about safety. Ammonia is a potent chemical. Keep it away from children and pets, and ensure the area is well-ventilated during cleaning.
Seal the bag tightly so there are no leaks and put it on a shelf in your garage that is out of the way of children and pets. Leave it there overnight with the ammonia.
Take the bag outside the next day—don't open it in your kitchen. With gloved hands, lift the racks from the bag and discard the bag in the trash. The contents may be disgusting, so be careful.
Inspect the racks. If there is still any grime, lightly scrub with a soft sponge or green scrub pad to scrape off the remaining gunk. Scrub until all the grime is gone.
Rinse racks thoroughly enough to remove all traces of the cleaner and ammonia. You may air-dry the racks in a dry, safe, clean area, free from dust, or wipe them with a clean, soft cloth. Once the racks are completely dry, return them to the oven.
Oven cleaning is a tough chore. Once you finish this, you won’t want to tackle the carpet, furniture, or other surfaces. Leave that to your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Dirty Carpet!


A clean floor is a healthy floor. Yet many neglect cleaning one of the most common surfaces — carpeted floors. There are many reasons to beware of dirty carpet!


While “clean” has primarily been directed at surfaces, what is hiding or that lies beneath, such as what can be in your carpet, is potentially harmful. If you have a significant amount of carpet in your home, it’s your biggest filter, and it collects a lot of dust, dander, and allergens.


Look at your carpet from several angles. It’s a significant part of your home décor, it’s comfortable, it’s acoustical, among other great qualities. But it is also a reservoir for soil.


Carpets may trap allergens like pollen, house dust mites, mold, animal dander, and microscopic parts of insects. These may cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, red and itchy eyes, a runny nose, or breathing discomfort. This can become a serious health issue, especially for people with developing or advanced respiratory conditions.


The situation is sometimes aggravated when improper vacuuming loosens particles into the air, which may cause instant allergic reactions. Dirty carpet carries harmful bacteria from a variety of sources. And this can be more threatening for children and pets because they are in contact with carpet for an extended period.


Moreover, spills or pet urine, in particular, foster mold growth, expanding the potential health hazards through gut health and possibly acting as a repository for potential toxins. This can lead to microbial activity, causing carpet fiber damage, and can impact overall immunity in those you love. High microbial contamination in an environment like a dirty carpet causes the body's immune system to work more to fend off possible infections. Skin contact with dirty carpet can also cause irritations and infections like athlete's foot or worsen preexisting skin problems, such as eczema.


It is essential to recognize potential issues and do the right thing: Keep your carpet clean. It’s just like any other surface. It would be unheard of to go a year without sweeping and mopping your hard floors. Imagine a bathroom floor going weeks or months… you get the picture. Why allow the carpet to go that long between cleanings?


While you should beware of dirty carpet, you should embrace clean carpet. Do the right thing right now. Call your favorite cleaning company and book your cleaning appointment. While you are at it, book some furniture cleaning, too. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Determined to Degrease




Have you seen yellow spots on the edges of your toaster, oven hood, or grills? You might wonder how it got there in the first place?


Contrary to what you might think, these marks don't result from burning or heat—they're likely congealed cooking grease. But how do you tackle grease solidified on appliance surfaces, seemingly impervious to traditional cleaning methods?


Here's how to banish stubborn yellow grease from your kitchen appliances.


While a selection of degreasing products is available, you can also whip up effective solutions using items you already have at home. However, before using any product—store-bought or homemade—ensure compatibility with the surface of the appliance you are to clean. To avoid adverse reactions, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first.


Mix half a cup of dish soap, three tablespoons of ammonia, and half a gallon of warm water to create your degreaser. Apply this mixture generously to the appliance, using an absorbent cloth (do not soak electronic appliances, obviously, and make sure whatever you work on is unplugged), allowing it to soak for a few minutes, depending on the amount of the soil. Afterward, carefully scrub the area with a pad or brush, avoiding abrasive or metal scrubbers to prevent surface scratches. Finally, rinse the area with soap and water, then dry with a paper towel.


Another effective solution is WD-40. Apply it to the affected area and scrub the grease using a pad or brush. Then, wash the grease and WD-40 off with soap and warm water for a sparkling clean finish.


Of course, the best defense against stubborn grease buildup is prevention. Make it a habit to wipe down your appliances regularly, especially after cooking sessions that generate a lot of grease. Simply using soap and warm water to wipe down kitchen surfaces can save you from facing future tough scrubbing battles.


By incorporating these cleaning methods into your routine and staying proactive about maintenance, you can keep your kitchen appliances free from unsightly grease buildup and ensure they remain sparkling clean for years.


Cleaning your home is often challenging to do and time-consuming for most. There’s an easier way, especially for special projects such as carpet and furniture cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, window washing, and more. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

How to Load a Dishwasher


You open the dishwasher, pull out a rack, and drop a dish into a slot. You keep doing that until there is no more room and push “start.”


Is that the best way to load a dishwasher?


Loading a dishwasher may seem like a simple task, but doing it right means sparkling clean dishes, and doing it wrong means scraping the crud your dishwasher missed and then just redoing a load.


There are a few easy, expert tips you can implement to get the most from your faithful dishwasher.


Pre-Rinse


You don’t need to do this with a modern dishwasher. They are designed to remove food residues, and they do it well. While you should scrape large food particles from your dishes, put them in the dishwasher dirty. Give your dishwasher a chance.


Dish Placement


If you want hot water to spray easily on all surfaces, put large items on the bottom rack, as the directions should say. Face them inward toward the spray jets, but leave room for water to spray up and past those, reaching other dishes. Your dishwasher may have more than one spray arm, but it doesn’t hurt to leave gaps between dishes so more water flows throughout the interior.


The Top


The top rack, that is. All your smaller items go here, including cups and glasses. Place everything so dishes won’t tip over. If you have plastic dishes to wash and are concerned about the high heat and possible warping, those should go right at the top. If you are really concerned, you know what to do: Wash by hand.


Utensils


Your dishwasher has a special place for utensils, and you might think, “I’ll just put them all in there, and all good.” That might work, but some utensils, such as forks and spoons, can stick together, limiting cleaning. Put some upright, some upside down, and leave room for water circulation.


The Right Stuff


When choosing a detergent for your dishwasher, do your research. Look at the reviews. If your dishwasher has a prewash option, use it. It’s there for a reason.


While you may do your dishes, you should leave some cleaning for the professionals, such as your carpet, furniture, and hard floors. Those are tougher than dishes. After all, it pays to call a pro!

The Dirty Sponge


We all need towels, rags, or sponges to clean hard surfaces in our homes. The ubiquitous sponge is a very common one found in virtually all kitchens and most bathrooms. They are used to clean everything, from dishes to countertops to stovetops and more.


And while we tend to toss paper towels into the garbage can, or wash cotton or other cloths when we do the laundry, at times the sponge can be used and reused and weeks—even months—can go by without cleaning the sponge itself.


How can you clean and reuse sponges? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), your microwave or dishwasher is one of the best ways to clean them and kill bacteria simultaneously. They can eliminate nearly 100 percent of bacteria, helping you to maintain proper hygiene practices.


For cleaning and disinfecting sponges in the microwave, thoroughly wet the sponge before putting it inside. Do not microwave a dry sponge, that’s a fire hazard. Microwave the wet sponge on high for just one minute. That zaps the bacteria. Take it out, thoroughly wash it with soap and water, and wring it out and you now have a fresh, clean, healthy sponge to use again.


Your dishwasher is effective as well, but not as quick. When you wash your dishes, put it on the top rack and let the dishwasher do all the work. It’s pretty simple. Having the drying option activated means it gets that high heat, which will kill bacteria.


But there comes a time when you need to make a hard decision. Yes, that sponge has been faithful, but a kind but firm farewell is warranted after so many uses. The USDA recommends replacing sponges every two weeks to minimize the risk of bacteria buildup and even more often if they get a funky odor. Most do not follow this recommendation, but it's an option if your budget for sponges is healthy.


Other maintenance tips include wringing them out in hot water after every use and allowing them to dry completely by putting them in a spot that provides fresh air and even sunshine, which is often possible in a kitchen.


Keeping your home nice and clean and healthy is important, and besides doing some of the tasks yourself, there is a better way. Call your favorite cleaning company today, especially for those tough project jobs such as tile and grout cleaning, carpet cleaning, and furniture care. After all, it pays to call a pro!