Natural Cleaning Products

You have a stain, now what do you do with it?  You have scrubbed it with everything under the sun and still the stubborn stain is still staring you right in the eye.  It’s time to get down and dirty with that Mr. Stain and call in the professionals.  Now you know you need to call someone but what types of carpet cleaning services are out there?  Which one is right for you and your Mr. Stain?  There are many types of carpet cleaning services out there so lets take a deeper look as to what your choices are.

Shampooing

There are carpet cleaning services that offer shampooing.  This is where they apply some type of chemical detergent solution and then “scrubbed in” with a carpet-cleaning machine.  They solution is then extracted from the carpet leaving your carpet looking and smelling fresher than before. These types of carpet cleaning services are good for quick fixes but the stains tend to come back after the detergents effects expire.You may want to check what chemicals they are using and how harmful constant use would be to your carpet.You want to keep the life of your carpet for as long as you can without breaking down the fibers from excessive chemicals or cleaning.

Another form of carpet cleaning services is dry cleaning.  This is a favored method, as you do not have to wait for the carpet to dry.  Carpet cleaning services apply a layer of powder with special cleaning agents that attract the dirt.This powder must be worked into the carpet and then thoroughly vacuumed up. There is also the foam carpet cleaning which is similar to the dry carpet cleaning method.This method uses a very small amount of water and foam and is also worked into the carpet.  Once the foam has dried it must be vacuumed away as the dry cleaning method.

The type of carpet cleaning service that is most used in commercial places is the bonnet cleaning method.This type of carpet cleaning service works best on industrial carpeting so this is not commonly seen in residential homes.  Perhaps the most common used carpet cleaning service is the steam cleaning method.   This method utilizes hot water to clean the carpet in combination with detergent, then it extracts the water, dirt and detergent back out of the carpet with intense suction.  Choosing the right service is simple just know what and how big your stain is, this makes the choice very simple.

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Granite maintenance is not time consuming nor does it need to be difficult. Following a few basic steps of regular care and knowing how to effectively deal with stains and other common granite problems will keep countertops and vanities in prime condition. Below is a break down of what to do on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis. Plus, we offer solutions for common granite countertop problems.

Daily Granite Maintenance

Wash your granite countertops on a day-to-day basis. Granite is somewhat porous and can absorb spills. So don’t leave that juice that splashed onto the counter until tomorrow. Things like coffee and tea, peanut butter and butter are common food products that may end up on the countertop and then seep into the stone. Granite may also hold water stains so it’s a good idea to use coasters. While stains are not impossible to remove, it is much simpler to keep the granite clean to begin with. So a little daily granite maintenance involving mild dishwashing detergent and water can prevent the hassle of undoing stains later.

Weekly Granite Maintenance

Once a week or more, wipe down your counters with a stone cleaner. It doesn’t take very long but it will keep the countertop protected, leaving it extra clean and sparkling. Again, some relatively simple granite maintenance that will go a long way in preserving your granite countertop for years to come.

Yearly Granite Maintenance

Some recommend sealing your granite countertop once a year. But once every few years may be enough for proper granite maintenance. Either way, sealing your countertop protects the granite by creating a barrier. It will help prevent staining and keep the original sheen alive.

Dealing With Countertop Stains

Even with a strict regimen of granite care and consistently wiping up spills, stains may still happen. Though granite is somewhat porous, stains can be removed with easy home remedies.

For most food stains, some recommend mixing 1 cup of flour with 1-2 tablespoons of dishwashing liquid (the same mild detergent you use to clean with). Apply the paste on top of the stain and cover with plastic wrap, leaving it overnight. If it’s an oil stain, substitute hydrogen peroxide for the dishwashing liquid. If it’s an ink stain, substitute nail polish remover (acetone) for the detergent. Never use vinegar, lemon juice, or ammonia on granite surfaces. These and other abrasive cleaning agents will damage the surface.

Dealing With Surface Pores

Your yearly granite maintenance may require more than a surface sealer at times. If you notice any pores in your granite countertop, apply a penetrating sealer instead to return the stone to its former glory.

Remember that granite is stone and in the end is not that delicate. Keeping on top of basic daily, weekly, and yearly cleaning and sealing should be enough in most cases. Taking a few preventative measures before problems arise will go a long way toward effective granite maintenance. A little knowledge will keep your investment shiny and healthy for decades to come.

Anyone who has carpeting in their home, at one time or another, wants it cleaned. Especially people who have pets or kids, stained carpeting is almost inevitable. That’s why a carpet cleaning business will always have a steady stream of customers. However, there’s so much competition in the carpet cleaning industry that, unless you have a lot of people waiting for you to open your doors, chances are, people are going to go with a name they know instead of your recently opened carpet cleaning business. For this reason, it’s a better idea to get in on an already established carpet cleaning franchise.

The Franchise Is Already Established

A carpet cleaning franchise is already established, which means that they likely already have a loyal fan base. If you open a carpet cleaning franchise in a new town, people will have already heard of the name of your new carpet cleaning business. Especially if the carpet cleaning franchise is national, there should already be plenty of advertising that’s already done for you. There’s no need to market yourself, the franchise heads have already done all the work for you.

To get started with a carpet cleaning franchise, ask the franchise that you’d like to be a part of the number to their corporate office. They will likely tell you all you need to know to jump on board to open your own carpet cleaning franchise. They will probably already have a list of customers for you, too, since you’ll probably be opening one of their franchises in a new town where there wasn’t one before.

Carpet cleaning will always be in demand as long as people have carpeting in their homes. Not only that, but there are many apartment complexes who require a carpet cleaning franchise to help them get apartments ready for new move ins. The customers are out there and they’re just waiting for you to open your doors. So, start asking questions today on how you can jump on the carpet cleaning bandwagon and open your own carpet cleaning franchise.

The cost may be high but it’s worth it when you consider that you’ll be helping so many people out to make their carpet look great. A clean carpet does wonders for the look of a home and there’s no better feeling than knowing that people need you to make their home look as good as it can.

Carpet cleaning extends the life of your carpet – you probably knew that. Dirt in carpet acts like little knives, cutting the fibers as we walk on them. Keep it clean and you may get years of extra use from that carpet.

But what kind of cleaning should you do? How often should you get the carpet cleaned? What can you do to keep the cost down? Here are some answers.

Type Of Carpet Cleaning

“Dry cleaning” generally doesn’t use water. One type uses a foam that is applied, dried, and vacuumed up. Another uses a damp sawdust-like material which is brushed into your carpet by a machine, where it adheres to the dirt. It is vacuumed up when dry. The most common dry cleaning method uses a large circular cotton bonnet which spins and presumably “mops up” the dirt.

How deeply these methods clean is debatable. Also, none of them involve rinsing your carpet when done, so they may leave residue. For these and other reasons, what is called “steam cleaning” is generally the best way. It is actually hot-water extraction, although a lot of steam is produced.

Skip the do-it-yourself units if you want the really hot water and high powered suction necessary to deeply clean the carpet. Hire a service that uses a “truck mount” unit. These systems force hot water into carpet under high pressure. The water and dirt is quickly sucked out.

Some advantages: High heat kills a lot of bacteria, fungus, mold, and dust mites – unlike dry cleaning methods. Little or no residue is left if done properly, meaning there won’t be detergent in the fibers to attract dirt. The higher pressure and high powered vacuum action cleans deeper.

How Often?

Carpet cleaning as often as the cleaner says you should do it may not make sense. You’ll have to use your own judgment here, because no two houses are exactly the same. You might comfortably make it two years between cleanings if you have no kids, no pets, and you remove your shoes when you enter the home. Some families need their carpet cleaned every four or five months.

Paying Less

The obvious way to spend less on carpet cleaning is to do it less often by keeping it clean longer. Taking off shoes when inside is a good start. A rug by every door helps catch a lot of dirt that might otherwise make it into the carpet. Regular vacuuming can keep a carpet pretty clean as well.

Another way to pay less is to have just the “traffic areas” cleaned. Those are the areas where the carpet is exposed and walked on. The carpet actually doesn’t get that dirty under couches and chairs, so vacuuming is often good enough for these areas. Doing just the traffic areas means the cleaner doesn’t clean as much, and doesn’t have to move furniture. Not all cleaners will discount for this, but you can ask.

You can also skip the “stain treatments” that most cleaners will offer you. Many are not applying it properly in any case (it should not be in the cleaning solution, but raked into the carpet after cleaning). Again, this is a judgment call. On a large house you might spend up to $100 extra for this, so you have to ask yourself how many potential stains you are likely to prevent over the years.

Finally, carpet cleaning can be cheaper during tough times, when cleaners need the business. Apart from recessions, this generally means during the winter. Watch for specials – or ask for one.

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Laminate, wood, tile, concrete, stainless steel, and granite are the most common materials used for home counters. When choosing a surface, appearance and price are always the top priorities. However, homeowners should also consider the sanitary properties of each material.

In an experiment published by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in 19991, each of these six materials was tested to see which was the easiest to sanitize. A sample of each surface was treated with E. coli, the bacteria responsible for food poisoning. Afterward, each sample was washed with regular dishwashing soap and a washcloth and then rinsed. This simple wash and rinse experiment replicated common household cleaning practices.

After each surface had been washed and rinsed, samples were taken from each material to determine which had retained the most bacteria.

Granite performed the best, with less than 0.003% of the bacteria remaining after simply cleaning with dish soap. The retention of the E. coli was from most retained to most removed as follows:

1. Laminate
2. Wood
3. Tile
4. Concrete
5. Stainless steel
6. Granite

In the next part of the experiment, the washed and rinsed samples were cleaned with a solution of vinegar and water. This test simulated the cleaning practices of commercial kitchens. Again, laminate, wood, tile, and concrete did not perform as well as stainless steel and granite samples. In this test, stainless steel proved the most effective, with 0.0000005% of the bacteria remaining, compared to 0.00002% on the granite.

In both cases, the amount of E. coli remaining on the surface is well below sanitation guidelines and would be considered safe. Cleaning the laminate, wood, tile, and concrete with vinegar removed as much bacteria as soap and water did on the granite and stainless steel surfaces. Homeowners should reflect on their own cleaning practices when selecting a countertop material. Cleaning a solid surface, such as granite or stainless steel, will only require a mild detergent. Laminate, wood, and tile will require harsh chemicals for the same result.

It’s no surprise that stainless steel performed well in these tests—it has been the surface of choice in the commercial kitchens for years. However, granite’s sanitary properties may surprise some. Unlike stainless steel, granite is available in a wide number of colors and designs. Granite is popular in homes because it doesn’t show fingerprints and will never dent or scratch.

When shopping for new counters, it is tempting to choose a material based on looks alone. That’s why some homeowners are surprised to learn that naturally beautiful granite is also safe, sanitary, and easy to maintain. The “greenest” kitchen countertop is also the cleanest and it has become the top choice for home countertops.

1 O. Peter Snyder, Jr., Ph.D. , “The Reduction of E. Coli on Various Countertop Surfaces.” Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management 22 MAR 1999 30 Sep 2008

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As a new granite owner or a potential owner of a granite countertop for your kitchen or bath, you may wonder what proper granite care will involve. You want to take care of this beautiful addition to your home but you’ve heard varying reports of what to do and how difficult granite is to clean. This article addresses those concerns. We’ll show you how, by following a few simple rules, you will keep your granite countertop sparkling under the weight of everyday use.

The 3 Rules of Granite Care

Rule #1: Wipe Up Spills Immediately

While granite is not as prone to stains as you might have heard, you do need to keep in mind that it can absorb spills if they’re left to sit a while. So when cooking or baking, don’t let spills linger; clean them up right after it’s happened. By making this simple rule of granite care a habit, you will prevent stains and the hassle of undoing them. Keep your granite countertop looking like new by wiping up spills.

Rule #2: Use Mild Cleaning Products

Granite care does not involve a lot of cleaning. Wiping down countertops with a little liquid dishwashing detergent mixed with warm water works well for everyday cleaning. When you’re done, make sure to dry the surface with a soft cloth. If you used too much soap, wipe off the excess with warm water to prevent streaking.

A little elbow grease to remove tougher spots left by food won’t hurt the granite. If you have something stuck to the surface and a good scrub doesn’t work, try a plastic putty knife to scrape it away. Then use warm water to wipe off any residue.

Do not use harsh cleaning products like bleach, vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, or oven cleaners for granite care. These and other products that contain a high acid content can damage the finish. If you want to use something other than dishwashing liquid, go for a stone cleaner instead. It’s safe and will actually help protect the granite’s surface. Do not use abrasive materials such as scour pads either. Go for soft cloths and sponges instead.

Rule #3: Use Stone Cleaner and Sealers

It’s recommended that granite owners use a stone cleaner at least once a week as part of their regular granite care routine. Not only does stone cleaner help keep the surface clean and shiny, it also goes a long way to protect the surface from damage.

It’s also wise to seal your granite countertops once a year to once every few years. Sealing also protects the surface, keeping the granite scratch and stain-proof.

Working these three simple rules of granite care into your cleaning routine will prevent stains and scratches to your kitchen or bathroom countertop. As a result, it will help keep the granite looking as beautiful as the day it was installed. So when taking care of your countertops remember to:

1. Wipe up spills immediately.

2. Use mild cleaning products.

3. Use stone cleaner and sealers.

Protect your investment and keep your home beautiful with the golden rules of granite care.

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Marble counter tops are a beautiful luxury that brings a new level of style and class to your home. As with most beautiful things marble counters must be cared for delicately to maintain their beauty. Marble as opposite to granite is a soft stone. Granite is one of the hardest materials on Earth, second to diamond and that is why it is the best material for any countertop. Marble, even though it is a softer stone, it is used for countertops because of if uniqueness and beauty.

Marble counters must be treated much as you would wooden surfaces, because despite their polished surface marble countertops are very porous. This means that it is very easy to damage marble counters with liquids, acids, and oils. It is very important to know how to properly deal with each of these situations.

Through day-to-day life you should treat your marble counters as you would a fine piece of furniture. Always be sure to use coasters under drinks to avoid condensation rings. Also while cooking on your marble counters tend to any spills quickly and thoroughly. I know at this point you may be thinking the hassle of caring for and maintaining marble counters is not worth their beauty and boldness, but this really isn’t so. Once you understand how to deal with any mishaps, marble counters can be much lower maintenance than many of the other surfaces in your home. For plain water just wipe as you would any surface and no damage will be done as long as it is attended to in a timely manner.

When some liquids are spilled on marble counters, such as fruit juice or coffee, clean it up right away. Liquids that contain acid, which are not cleaned immediately may etch the polish of your marble counters. If this does happen don’t panic. With some sealers and buffing your marble counters will maintain their original luster. In the case that an acidic substance is spilled, don’t use harsh solvents, a damp rag will do the trick. One common occurrence is rust stains on marble counters. This can happen from having metal objects left on your marble counters that either get wet, or in some cases the humidity in the air may be enough to form rust stains on marble counters depending on your location. In this case just pick up some over the counter rust remover generally used in showers and bathrooms, but be sure to remove this solution from your marble counters quickly as these chemicals may do more harm than good by etching the surface. A less common but detrimental stains on your marble counters are oil stains. Special attention must be paid to these. Calcium Carbonate (also known as whiting powder) is one of the approved cleansers for this natural stone and works wonders on oil stains. Acetone (nail polish remover) may be applied, to get rid of the oil or stains but be careful to apply it because it also may damage the polish.

In general, when you spill something on your marble counters, the most important thing to do is to get rid of the liquid immediately, and blot the moisture into a rag. Once you have done that, you are free to treat the spot with a cleaning product and marble sealer. Marble counters require some additional care than other surfaces, but in the end, they have the ability to last longer, resell better, and best of all, they look amazing.

Knowing that your carpet is clean deep down will surely make the owner rest easy, and for a suitable company that can provide such clean carpets one need not look beyond Chem dry carpet cleaners. Unlike the run of the mill carpet cleaning companies that are found in abundance, Chem dry carpet cleaners don’t just clean the tips of the carpet nor pressure wash the dirt beneath the surface to temporarily make the carpet look clean. They in fact, actually promise to remove the dirt as well as other unhealthy elements that may be present in the carpet.

What to Look Forward To

Chem dry carpet cleaners promise drier, healthier clean carpets thanks to the millions of microscopic carbonating cleaning bubbles in their cleaner which they term as The Natural. These carbonating solutions can reach deep down to the base of the carpet and quite literally explode the dirt as well as grime off the surface of the carpet’s fiber. After that, Chem dry carpet cleaners use hot water extraction to pull out the dirty particles up to the surface from where they get whisked away and leave the carpet looking clean and new, once again. This principle is much like using club soda to remove stains from a shirt and has been perfected by Chem dry carpet cleaners.

Another major selling point which advantages using Chem dry carpet cleaning is that the carpets do not just get clean but also remain clean for longer. This may be attributed to the fact that the bubbles do the work and so obviates the need for using heavy concentrations of soapy cleaning chemicals and besides, soapy residues are like magnets – they attract dirt, rather than repel them and that would cause the carpet to become dirtier much quicker and the more cleaning that is required the more the problem gets exacerbated.

The primary cleaner used by Chem dry carpet cleaners do not contain soaps, detergents or surfactants and thus enables their customers to save money because the carpets stay cleaner longer and the fewer the cleanings required, the better value for the customer and one less worry for them, as well.

Sometimes a spot will reappear in the same place after cleaning and there are two reasons for this – they were not thoroughly cleaned to begin with and the process of cleaning that had been used simply pushed the dirt down below the carpet surface only for it to resurface as the carpet dries out later. However, with Chem dry carpet cleaners, who use the carbonated carpet cleaner, the stain would be thoroughly removed without further problems.

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Granite Care:

• Clean surfaces with neutral, mild household cleaners, few drops of dishwashing detergent or Murphy’s Oil Soap®” and warm water or use natural stone care products.
• Too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. If this happens, clean up excess soapy film with clear, warm water and a clean sponge or rag.
• Dry the surface after cleaning with a soft cloth.
• Clean spills immediately.
• Don’t use bleach, vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids or ammonia such as Windex. The high acid content can dull the finish.
• Do not use abrasive scouring powders or liquids; these products contain abrasive chemicals or ammonia that may damage the surface. If required, use a non-abrasive cleaning product and a Scotch-Brite® Blue “no-scratch” pad. Do not hesitate to apply hand-pressure needed to rub out any marks.
• Adhered materials like gum, food, nail polish, or paint can be scraped away with a plastic putty knife. Rinse the surface with clean water to remove residue.
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals, such as: bleach, paint strippers, oven cleaners, or drain cleaners.

Granite Maintenance:

• Preserving your natural stone is simple. Apply topical sealant or coating every year. It will also enhance the surface sheen.
• Sealing the surface of the stone creates a moisture barrier. It eliminates moisture penetration, slows down or eliminates staining.
• If there are any pores on the surface of the stone, apply a penetrating sealer. One-step formula designed to deeply penetrate the pores of the surface creates a superior stain protection barrier. It will enhance the appearance and it will last for many years.

A little different principles apply to marble countertops care and maintenance. Marble is a softer stone that granite and needs a different care to stay beautiful and shiny.

During the spring and summer pests such as ants, cockroaches and mosquitoes can easily become a real nuisance. Most of us react to this inconvenience by stocking up on pesticides and using them to do battle. Unfortunately the chemicals in insecticides can be quite dangerous, especially if they absorbed onto the skin while they are still wet. Insecticides are particularly hazardous to small children, old folks and pets. Therefore if you happen to have children and pets or if you care for your elderly parents then you should probably avoid using chemical pesticides if at all possible. Fortunately there are a number of viable options when it comes to natural pest control.

Meddlesome Mosquitoes

You can control the number of mosquitoes and other bugs and flying insects in your yard with natural garden pest control.  The first thing you should do is remove any standing water. Furthermore plants such as lemon grass and marigolds are good for repelling mosquitoes because they hate the smell. If you want natural pest control to stop mosquitoes from biting at your skin try squeezing natural lemon juice on yourself since this is another odor they dislike. People who spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer month also claim that Avon Skin-So-Soft combined with rubbing alcohol is off-putting to mosquitoes. Other natural pest controls for mosquitoes include citronella and garlic. Burning sage or rosemary around your property helps too.

Awful Ants

There is something inexplicably disturbing about seeing a trail of ants on your kitchen floor but you can get rid of them without the use of harsh chemical pesticides. One of the best natural pest controls for ants is a simple spray bottle full of soapy water. Ants also have an aversion to certain spices such as mint, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. If you soak some paper in these herbs and put it where the ants usually enter your house it should be enough to deter them. Other natural pest controls for ants include lemon or citrus oil, cucumber, coffee grounds and vinegar. Of course you should also make a point of ensuring that there are no crumbs or open food sources in your home because these are an incentive for ants.

Contemptible Cockroaches

Cockroaches are perhaps the most revolting of all household pests. There is something particularly creepy about the way they move from A to B. Like ants, cockroaches are tempted by crumbs or packages of food that have not been properly sealed. Therefore it is important to store food correctly and clean up as you go. There are also many natural pest controls for cockroaches. For instance cat nip does no harm to humans or pets but cockroaches hate the stuff. They despise soapy water, bay leaves and cucumber slices too. Some people combine baking soda with sugar in the endeavor to get rid of cockroaches. Cockroaches love sugar but baking soda upsets their stomachs and eventually kills them.