Beware of Weak Vacuum Cleaners!


Keeping your vacuum cleaner in shape is essential for maintaining a home, ensuring your carpet lasts longer, and enhancing the effectiveness of your cleaning routine.


As time passes, your vacuum accumulates dust, debris, and blockages that can hinder its suction power and overall performance, making cleaning an inefficient task for you as a homeowner. A powerful vacuum can quickly become a weak vacuum if not correctly maintained.


The bag


Regularly checking and emptying the vacuum bag or canister is essential to maintaining your vacuum cleaner’s suction power. Aim to do this when it's no more than two-thirds full to ensure smooth airflow and prevent strain on the motor.


The filters


Vacuum filters are crucial for capturing particles and maintaining air quality. Clogged filters can decrease suction power and airflow. Refer to your vacuum’s manual for cleaning or replacing the filters. Rinsing filters with water, replacing them after drying, and replacing non-washable HEPA filters as required are essential to maintain the vacuum cleaner's efficiency.


The flow


When your vacuum cleaner is not working well and seems to be struggling to pick up dirt and debris, it might be due to blockages that are not easily visible. Inspect the hose and brush head for clogs caused by items like coins or hair clumps that can obstruct the airflow in your vacuum cleaner system. Carefully removing these obstacles will help restore its suction power and ensure it continues to operate smoothly.


Clean your vacuum's brushes and rollers to remove dirt from the carpet. Trim any hair or string caught in the brush roll to maintain your vacuum's performance and longevity.


The belts


Vacuum belts rotate the brush; if they wear out or become loose over time, this can affect the vacuum's performance. Check them for any signs of damage or wear. Replacing a worn belt is a cost-effective way to improve the vacuum's performance and avoid potentially more significant problems.


Although you must vacuum regularly, more than vacuuming is needed to keep your home clean and healthy. Scheduling a professional deep cleaning of surfaces, such as carpet, furniture, tile grout, and others, is essential. The pros have specialized equipment, cleaning products, and experience, and are trained in advanced cleaning procedures. Do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

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 Air!
Your home may be considered a haven, a place of comfort and safety. But lurking and often invisible to the naked eye is a threat that could undermine this sense of security: Poor indoor air quality. Dirty air in your home can have serious health consequences; therefore, it must be dealt with. Let's take a closer look at the dangers of unclean air and why air quality is something all homeowners should be concerned about.
A hidden danger is indoor air pollution. This means that harmful pollutants originating from a range of sources are in your house, including, but not limited to, mold and mildew, dust and pet dander, volatile organic compounds, tobacco smoke, and cooking fumes.
The impacts of dirty air on health are vast and multifaceted. Some key points to think on:

• Respiratory issues: Poor air quality can worsen conditions like asthma and bronchitis and, in extreme cases, lead to chronic respiratory disorders.
  
• Allergies: Dust, pet dander, and mold are typical indoor allergens. Exposure to these might cause sustained allergic symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes.
  
• Heart disease: A recent study revealed that the exposure of a person to indoor air pollution over a long period could predispose them to a higher risk of heart disease.
  
• Cognitive effects: Other studies have also suggested poor air quality might affect mental function.
  
• General discomfort: Particularly not leading to ailments, dirty air can cause headaches and fatigue and irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
  

The long-term benefits
Improving your home's air quality is an investment in your health and well-being. You can bet on improved health, increased comfort, and energy efficiency, to name but a few. Dirty air in your house comes with lots of health risks, but the good news is that you have practical actions to take to ensure air quality in your home. By prioritizing clean air, you invest in your family's good health, comfort, and high-quality living. Proactive steps by a homeowner in maintaining the indoor environment of the house safe and healthy would result in an investment that pays its dividends in the long run.
But for a guaranteed clean home with good air quality, use the expertise of your favorite local cleaning company, especially for specialty cleaning, such as carpet and furniture. 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!