Comparison of Sweeper Mops in the Marketplace

Archive for April, 2010

Comparison of Sweeper Mops in the Marketplace

Tuesday, April 20th, 2010

I’m not a big fan of disposable products. But every once in a while, I like to try the newest products which are out there. Thus far, my experience with wet pads for sweeper mops has been dismal.

Usually, I vacuum my hardwood floors to pick up all the dirt. Then I use the mop and bucket to clean the floors. What I was looking for was a sweeper mop to use for touch-ups, in between cleanings. One thing I found out is that the wet pads cannot remove stains that well. The pads are flat and cannot cut through any type of stain that is embedded into the nooks and crannies within and between tiles, no matter how much pressure you apply. If you apply too much pressure, the pole just bends.

Not only was the wet pad ineffective at picking up clumps of dirt, but the wet pads also leave residue on the tiles that act as a dirt magnet! In no time, the newly cleaned floor was dirty again. It seems that the residue left on the floor actually attracted dirt from shoes and socks.

Moose River’s Microfiber Mop- the Better Solution

Don’t pay attention to all the glitz and glamour that advertisements promise. What I want is functionality in my mop. Thus, I would like to tell you about a new mop which I have discovered, which utilizes revolutionary microfiber technology to maximize your cleaning power.

Unlike other leading brands of sweeper mops, the Moose River sweeper utilizes re-useable and machine-washable microfiber cloth. Disposable wet cloths (with their flat scrubbing strips) are generally not as effective as the Moose River microfiber fabric. This is because Moose River’s new microfiber material is a revolutionary product which comprises billions of tiny loops and hooks that helps to dig into the grime and maximize your cleaning power.

Why do I like this new mop so much? Because Moose River really paid attention to detail when they designed this mop. First of all, the handle is sturdy and completely adjustable. It can be set anywhere from 30″ long to 60″ long. Secondly, the base is constructed out of a 360 degree swivel joint, which allows for access to hard-to-reach areas. Finally, not only are the pads disposable, but they provide extraordinary cleaning power for both dry and wet mopping.

Dry Use

When it’s dry, the microfiber mop completely takes the place of all those anti-static sweepers that are so heavily advertised. The problem with the anti-static sweepers is that your hard-earned money goes directly into the garbage. This Micro Fibre mop is not only machine washable, but it is also a dust magnet that’s absolutely fantastic for dry sweeping. The dust mop can not only pick up dust, but also dog and cat hair. The handle on the Micro Fibre mop is completely adjustable (ranging from 30″ to 60″) so that it can get under all the beds and pick up all that dog hair and those dust bunnies. You’ll have no problems getting underneath the stove, or into any tight corners to get all the fuzz, fluff and other stuff you normally have to sweep before you mop. It’s great for houses will a lot of tables and chairs because you can go in between the legs without having to move the chairs out from the table.

The Micro Fibre head of the mop is held on by Velcro; when you’re finished, just peel the dust magnet off, throw it on your front steps or out on your balcony and give it a shake. That breaks the static electrical charge and cleans it so you can sweep the floors again, another day. You don’t have to wash your broom every time you use it – you don’t have to wash this every time you use it. Wash it in your laundry ocassionally, and it’ll last for years.

Wet Use

Scuff marks and crayon marks are just a couple of really tough cleaning problems in anyone’s house, whether you have ceramic tiles or laminate flooring. After a dry mopping, you can prepare wet mophead. All you have to do is to run it under the tap in the kitchen sink until it’s soaking wet with hot or warm water, and squeeze out about half of the water out. If you’ve ever used a sponge mop you know that they leave streaks. Micro Fibre cleaning is different. The loops and hooks on the surface of the Micro Fibre cloth literally grab onto the edges of the scuff mark. You don’t need to apply much pressure to make scuff marks dissapear!

Cost Comparison

Disposables generate a lot of waste, but they also cost you a significant amount of money. Not only will Moose River give you better cleaning power, but they will also save you money!
Here’s how:

LEADING BRAND: $10 purchase + $30 for dry cloth refills (1 year) + $30 for wet cloth refills (1 year)
= $70 / 1 year

MOOSE RIVER’S MOP: $45.41 + UNLIMITED USES FOR 5 YEARS
= $45.41 / 5 years!!!!!!!!

Due to its low cost, re-useable nature, microfiber cleaning technology, and convenient design features, Moose River has introduced a fully functional mop for an extremely attractive price. When it comes to cleaning, Moose River’s mop wins over the competition hands down!

Lizz C Assidy
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/comparison-of-sweeper-mops-in-the-marketplace-69972.html

Posted in cleaning hardwood floors | No Comments »

Debating the Virtues of Household Cleaning Products

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Who knew that cleaning a dish could be so complicated? A trip down the grocery store’s “dishwashing detergent” aisle reveals shelves stacked high with chemical solutions of every strength, scent, and toxicity. Detergent companies have made tremendous strides in improving their products we can trust our detergents to kill germs and remove all but the tiniest remnants of food stuck to our dishes but without exception, they’ve come up short on a solution to the most subtle and stubborn stains and discolorations. Even the best cleaning products, whether applied by hand or machine, struggle to maintain our glasses’ and silverware’s shining appearance.

Most of us know the phenomena by now: that slow, irreversible dulling of our silverware; that clouding that seeps into our glassware, resisting all the detergents and vinegar-based treatments that we throw at it. Most of us are resigned to it, or are resigned to using synthetic treatments as damaging to our skin and to the environment as they are beneficial to our dishware. Effective, non-toxic products that can restore the shine on our long-suffering dishes remain as hard to come by as ever.

That’s what makes products like the Grease Bullet such exceptional finds. Inexpensive, non-toxic, and extraordinarily effective, the Grease Bullet restores the luster on dulled silverware and cloudy glassware like no other product can. Combining the Grease Bullet with hot water creates a natural cleaning solution in which enzymes dissolve even the smallest, most persistent, and most deeply-rooted grease stains. The Grease Bullet works with remarkable speed, freeing dishware from its oldest layers of grease and grime almost on contact.

Internet users have been among the first to discover the value of the Grease Bullet. Video testimonials posted on the World Wide Web speak to the astonishing effectiveness of this hugely useful product, and diverse internet sites continue to generate the better part of the product’s sales. The Grease Bullet has met with an overwhelmingly enthusiastic reception from people grateful to have seen their dining sets given new life.

Cleaning the dishes will always be a necessary evil: the anti-climax to the food and good company that came before. At least now, thanks to grease-removing products like the Grease Bullet, it’s an evil we don’t have to fret about nearly as much.

Jeff Marshall is a freelance writer dedicated to providing thorough and accurate information to readers. Additional information about the Grease Bullet is available at www.thegreasebullet.net.

Steve T
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-promotion-articles/debating-the-virtues-of-household-cleaning-products-69776.html

Posted in speed cleaning | No Comments »

Error Smart Registry Cleaner Exposed!

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

One of the best computer registry cleaners is the Error Smart Registry Cleaner, which has the capacity to scan and search for common errors of desktop computers and laptops. Error Smart Registry Cleaner scans the computer windows registry for unwanted data and unused applications. Your computer windows registry is the heart of any windows operating system. This program can scan and eliminate useless items that clog up the windows registry. By using computer registry cleaner such as Error Smart Registry Cleaner, you computer system can function faster and more effectively.

If your windows registry has too many useless information and program applications, your computer may encounter various errors such as system crashes, computer freezing and other problems. This program will crack down the origin of these problems and fix errors in your windows registry. The good thing about this registry cleaner is its money back guarantee.

This cleaner provides a user-friendly application that is best for everyone especially for those who are computer beginners. At the top of the graphic, you can find a forward and back arrow, which makes it easier to use. Compared to other registry cleaners, Error Smart can find more system errors with the same amount of time.

This cleaner also has four additional features including Startup Program Manager, Full Registry Backup Utility, Browser Helper Object Manager and Add/Remove Program Manager. In addition, Error Smart Registry Cleaner is a lot cheaper than several other registry cleaners in the market are. Error Smart is the best and the complete registry cleaner that can fix your windows registry problems.

Several reviews about Error Smart can attest that it is one of the most trusted registry cleaners in the market. It can scan the hard drive of your computer, determine and analyze the errors as well as repair the problems. With Error Smart, your computer system performance can increase the speed up to seventy percent. This registry cleaner can work on different computer troubles such as failed installations, incomplete installations, virus and spyware infections and driver issues that results to slow down the performance of your computer. Error Smart can provide the most effective way in cleaning your windows registry in no time. Error Smart has an advanced error detection that has the capability to scan and repair computer errors in just several minutes.

Error Smart is the registry cleaner that has the easiest and most effective software interface, which can be used by all people regardless of their level of expertise. It also has an automated utility that does not require a manual repair. You do not have to worry about complicated instructions. For people who do not want to waste their precious time in understanding complex application procedures, Error Smart is the best option.

Another advantage of this cleaner is their ‘live chat’ feature, which can provide users the necessary support they need. Unlike other registry cleaners, Error Smart can guarantee the easiest way to repair troubles in your windows registry in a cheaper and faster way possible.

Kelly Purdenn
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/error-smart-registry-cleaner-exposed-810653.html

Posted in speed cleaners | No Comments »

What Does a Registry Cleaner Do?

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

The registry was designed to speed up the operating system but this very intention and design by Microsoft could prove detrimental to your system is the registry is not serviced and maintained by regularly using a good registry cleaner software to clean the registry of useless entries that are slowing down the system and taking up disk space.

There are many registry cleaners such as the PC Mantra’s registry cleaner, the PC registry cleaner and the Windows XP registry cleaner that can spruce up your system and make it much more enjoyable to use. Registry cleaner software, as any registry cleaner software, scans the system and traces obsolete or outdated data. Then after determining the good from the bad the registry cleaner deletes the redundant data enabling your PC to perform error free and more efficiently than before running the registry cleaner.

Ensure The Registry Cleaner Has A Good Backup Function

Before using a registry cleaner it is of paramount importance to ensure if the software has a registry backup function. This is important because in case the cleaner goes wrong the system will crash and will need to be restored with this backup to get the system back to its previous level of functioning. This can occur if the registry cleaner inadvertently deletes some file in the registry. You can download a free version of any registry cleaner or a trial version. However, a free or trial version will not have all the features enabled in the download so it is always good to have a licensed version of the registry cleaner software. In fact it is always good to have a licensed version of any software to keep your system running error free and efficiently.

A corrupted Registry Will Crash The System

If the registry of an operating system is damaged or corrupted the entire system will crash or become very unstable. This could render the system unusable. So, the registry is a vital part of the computer that has to be kept in very good working condition. If this part of the computer gets filled with trash, such as broken links caused by uninstalling software and not removing the entries from the registry, or outdated entries that do not need to be there the whole system will slow down drastically. Believe it or not a single day on the system can enter more than a thousand entries in the registry. Forty percent of which will be useless after the days work is done. These entries will have to be removed with the help of a good registry cleaner. Though a few thousand entries will have no significant effect on the system they will over a period of time.

Arvind
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/what-does-a-registry-cleaner-do-69493.html

Posted in speed cleaner | 4 Comments »

The Ten Coolest (and Free) Apps You’re not Using

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

As a professional Technology geek, I sometimes get my hands on the coolest tools and utilities. Mostly out of necessity, as I’m in a crunch and need to get something fixed. When I’m in the field, and need to find that cool little app that does just what I need, I also don’t have time to whip out my credit card and purchase what I need.

So, I turn to the Open-Source community, and thanks to the geniuses that make up this community, I am hardly ever disappointed. Find out the ten coolest (and FREE) apps you’re not using… but should!

What qualifies as one of the Ten coolest (and FREE) apps? First, in order to qualify as one of the ten coolest (and FREE) apps, there are criteria. These can’t be just any old applications off the street, they have to be able to meet a set of standards. Here are the criteria:

1. They have to be Free. Free means not having to purchase prior to download. However, Free doesn’t always mean no money. A good amount of time and effort went into making these applications for you and I to enjoy, so donations to the authors are highly encouraged. In other words, if you find an application that doesn’t charge you to use it, consider making a donation to the developer(s) as a means to enable them to continually improve the product, which will allow others to enjoy the software as well. Plus, it’s just good ju-ju!

2. They cannot be “trial-ware” or “nag-ware”. Shareware was really big in the 90′s. Try it before you buy it was the big mantra back then. Well, these ten coolest (and FREE) apps have to not have the shareware thing happening at all. No messages with how many days are left to try their product. No disabled features that get unlocked if you buy the product. None of that crapola. Zilch, nada, zip! Again, in order to have good karma come your way, you should donate to the software makers, but these software authors politely and rightfully ask for a donation; but do not disable any features in order to hold your software hostage until you pay for it.

3. They have to be easy to use. Now, I don’t necessarily mean brain-dead easy. I mean, still, in this day and age, there still has to be some sort of blip on the evolutionary radar to even use a computer, let alone the ten coolest (and FREE) apps that will make your life SO much easier. So, easy to use means that an average user can use these utilities if they read the how-to’s that come with them. OK, you’ve been warned! If you don’t read the how-to’s, and don’t donate to the software authors, and your PC starts spewing smoke, don’t come crying to me about the bad ju-ju. Good things come to those who do nice things for others (and who read the how-to’s that come with the software).

4. The apps are created by knowledgeable pros. There have been tons of stories of how this person or that created the coolest app or computer in their garage by not sleeping (or showering) for days, living on Doritos and Full Throttle. However, in order to make the cut, there has to be some sort of professionalism behind these apps. The biggest reason for that is that if I’m going to use an app at a client site that I am consulting for, it has to look good and work right. By using these apps myself, I am in a sense endorsing them. So, if my name is attached to something, it has to make me look good. So, even when it comes to software, production value counts. Some guy who’s “tinkering” by creating some utility that was written poorly can very well hose a PC. I’m just going to be sure it isn’t one of the one’s I happen to be working on.

5. The apps have to be useful. Just because an app is free, and is cool, doesn’t always mean it will do something useful. These aren’t flying toasters (dang I’m old!), or dancing aliens, these are useful applications that will speed up your PC, protect you from virus and malware, optimize your Internet bandwidth, and restore health to your hardware and hard drive. How’s that for useful?

And now for some disclaimer…

Well, now that you know what it took for these awesome application to make the grade, let’s list them for you now. But, before I do that, let me just give you a couple of disclaimers I have to. It wouldn’t be responsible of me to do otherwise.

Disclaimer

Neither, I, nor HelpfulAdvisor.com, or any person or organization affiliated with HelpfulAdvisor.com is responsible for the use of the software listed in this article. HelpfulAdvisor.com makes no warranties or guarantees of performance or improvement as a result of the use of these applications. HelpfulAdvisor.com does not support these applications, and any sort of support or assistance required, would be the responsibility of the user to obtain by whatever means made available by the software author. Using the software and applications listed in this article are solely at the discretion and responsibility of the individual user.

Ok, now that we got the legal stuff out of the way, here are the ten coolest (and FREE) apps you’re NOT using… but should!

On to the apps!

Please note that all software mentioned in this article can be downloaded for free by going to http://www.HelpfulAdvisor.com.

10. DriveImage XML by RunTime.org

What makes this application so cool is that it does the same thing that commercial software does, and does it very well! DriveImage XML is a drive imaging tool that takes a snapshot of your entire hard drive, and stores it for recovery any time you need it. This is powerful because taking a snapshot of your entire hard drive will enable you to restore your hard drive, operating system, settings, preferences, applications, everything, should you need to upgrade your hard drive, or replace a failed drive. Comparable commercial software runs anywhere from $100 to $1,000, and yet this product does it for free!

9. Ultimate Boot CD 4 Windows (UBCD4WIN) by Benjamin Burrows

Has there ever been a time when your Windows XP just blew up and you couldn’t boot into it? Or worse, has your hard drive become so infected by virus and malware that you couldn’t do anything once you did get in? Well, the Ultimate bood CD 4 Windows comes to the rescue, literally!

Back in the days of DOS and Windows 95/98, a boot diskette was a formidable weapon against computer crashes and virus infections. That was because back in the day (showing my age, AGAIN!) a diskette could contain the most essential bootup information in order for you to at least boot your PC and run an anti-virus, or perhaps access your drive to get data off, or to restore a backup from a system crash.

Nowadays, Windows XP uses an encrypted file system called NTFS. Long story short, there’s no way all the NTFS bootup information can fit on a diskette, let alone, not many PCs that have diskette drives anymore. So, UBCD4Win, solves all that and more by being a Swiss-Army Knife for your PC.

As it’s packed with features, essentially, you download this program, select the features you want the BootCD to have, and voila! By booting up from a boot CD, you can restore a drive image created by DriveImage XML (see number 10 above), or you can clean out pesky viruses, or you can do a variety of other things. To me, this is essential gear when working with PCs. Great job Benjamin and Team!

8. ClamWin Antivirus by ClamWin Pty Ltd.

This is one of those instances where Linux technology ends up helping the Windows users of the world. ClamWin Antivirus is an open-source anti virus that aims to be as comparable in features and reliability as any commercial product. And, in my opinion, they come very, very close.

It’s based on the ClamAV engine that was developed for Linux servers and desktops, and is ported into a Windows compatible GUI. It has great features like virus pattern updates that you can schedule either hourly, daily or weekly. You can schedule scans of specific directories or whole drives. You can right-click and scan individual files, and best of all, it integrates right into MS Outlook.

Aside from Outlook virus scanning, the only thing I can see this application lacking is the real-time virus scanning feature that most commercial products have. Of course, real-time scanning can be a resource hog, so this may be a blessing iin disguise. I’ve found ClamAV to be able to handle most threats out there, and does a very good job. And, if there’s a sticky virus that you just can’t get of, well then the Ultimate BootCD 4 Windows (see number 9 above) may be your next option.

7. Smart Defrag by IOBit

Although Windows comes with a defragmentation utlity, there certainly is room for improvement. Enter Smart Defrag. This utility literally goes where Windows Defrag has never gone before. Ok, I went over the top on that. But here’s the thing. Smart Defrag is easy to use. It’s also schedule capable, where you can set what time and day to run the defrag. To be fair, this can be done with Windows Defrag IF you use Windows Scheduler with it. In the case of Smart Defrag, it’s all self-contained, eliminating the need to use two separate programs.

Now, are you ready for the best feature Smart Defrag has that Windows Defrag doesn’t? There has to be something that gets this utility on the list, right? Ok, here it is. This defrag utility can be set to run in the background. That’s right. When you’re doing your regular work on your computer, this utility will be working along with you in the background. Plus, the software has a threshold that will stop the defrag if it starts using too much of your PC’s resources. This is great because then you’ll always be sure that your defrag is not going to slow down your PC.

Always having a defragmented disk is extremely valuable to your PC, as it speeds up access to your programs, and eases strain on your hard disk. This is the defrag utility that you can’t beat for the price.

6. Tune XP by DriverHeaven

Did you know that Windows XP has several hidden settings that could actually speed up your PC? In fact, the default installation settings can actually be slowing down your PC, even after a fresh install!

Well, now you can harness the hidden powers of WIndows XP and give your PC the speed boost it deserves. Best of all, you can give it that boost without buying a single piece of hardware or a stick of RAM. Although this utility is powerful, it is a bit advanced, so it is highly recommended you read the help file before using.

5. 7-Zip by 7-Zip.org

This is another one of those great utilities that replaces what already comes with Windows XP. Windows comes with a file compression and archiving utility called WinZip. However, 7-Zip does a few things better than WinZip. For one, 7-Zip compresses files much smaller than WinZip, making for smaller archive (.zip) files.

For two, 7-Zip supports more types of archive types than WinZip. This is especially useful when downloading from the Internet, only to find that the compressed file you just downloaded isn’t recognized by WinZip. Therefore, having this utility can ensure that whatever you download can be uncompressed and useful for you.

4. Cobian Backup by Luis Cobian

Have you tried to use the NT Backup that comes with Windows? Yeah, so have I. It’s pretty fussy to say the least. Well, your backup troubles are over. Cobian Backup is fast, easy to use, and extremely flexible.

Imagine a backup utility that will compress your backup file into one large file, or several smaller ones. Imagine a backup utility that will automatically store your backup file to any drive you select, or better yet, will upload your file via Internet FTP to an off-site server of your choosing. Imagine a backup utility that you can schedule or initiate right on the spot.

Cobian Backup is so flexible and versatile, you would be amazed that it can be offered as donation-ware. However, by going to Luis Cobian’s website, it appears his next version isn’t going to be open-source. Therefore, you’d better grab Black Moon while you can.

3. Firefox Web Browser by Mozilla

In my arsenal, this is considered essential gear. That’s because Firefox allows for safer browsing of the Internet without being acosted by all the pop-ups, automated Active-X downloads that spy on you and your PC, or other forms of malware that come in via your regular Internet Exporer browser.

Anyone who surfs the net can appreciate pop-up free, malware free surfing. Firefox also has many add-ons that make an already poweful browser even more beastly. There are download accelerators, proxies, YouTube extensions, and all kinds of stuff to make your Internet time as cool as it ever was.

If you need to keep Internet Explorer because some sites absolutely require you use that browser, at least download and use Firefox for the other times you don’t need IE. You’ll find that you’re spending a lot less time herding cats by way of malware and mailicous Active-X on your browser. And that, my dear reader, spells more fun for you on the Internet; which is how it should be.

2. Free Download Manager by FreeDownloadManager.org

This is what’s called a download accelerator. A download acclerator does just that, speed up your downloads. The concept is cool because you can queue up your downloads, and when they are downloading, they will download faster using this technology than say, a standard download from your browser. This is because your browser initiates a single session for the download of your selected item. However, a download accelerator will initiate multiple sessions at a single time and download your file across multiple sessions. Therefore, your download will happen faster and increase your bandwidth for the download.

Free Download Manager does this very well, and has tons of cool features. It even offers BitTorrent support for download of torrent files, and allows you some very powerful management of your downloads. This tool can integrate with Windows, and is compatible with Firefox and Internet Explorer. I can’t live without this app, and I think after using it a couple of times, you won’t be able to either.

And now for the number 1 Coolest (and FREE) app you’re NOT using…

1. CCleaner by Piriform, LTD.

This utility used to be called CrapCleaner, but has since toned down it’s title to be just CCleaner. Perhaps it was a politically correct thing to do, who knows. All I know is this tool works! The basic premise is that this tool goes in and finds all the little files that get left behind by Windows, and other apps you’re using on a daily or even irregular basis.

Junk files can add up. When they add up, they rob your PC of valuable hard drive space, and what’s worse, it can rob your PC of performance. By running CCleaner at least on a weekly basis, you can clean out all those junk files and free up space. When you run this utility in conjunction with SmartDegrag by IOBit (number 7 on our list), you are keeping your PC tuned up and ready for action.

We’re not done yet. CCleaner also has a neat feature that allows you to clean your computer’s registry. A clean registry is the second half to a fast running PC. When software gets installed in Windows, stuff gets written in the registry. However, when software gets uninstalled, the entries in the registry don’t always get removed. Call it sloppy or lazy programming, or just a way of life in the Windows world. Either way, a bloated registry makes for a slow running PC. CCleaner help you keep that in check.

CCleaner also has other cool stuff like a startup manager, that helps you manage your programs that launch at startup. Which, you guessed it, will eat away at your system resources and slow down your PC, unless you pare down the apps you don’t have to have at the time of Windows startup.

All in all, CCleaner is one of the most useful utilities for cleaning out junk files, clearing out your web browser cache, emptying your recycle bin, and allowing your PC to reclaim space that is otherwise taken up by “stuff” that only serves to slow down your machine. Because this tool is so easy to use, and so powerful, it has earned our number one spot on our list.

One Final Thought

Although the software on our list is open source, or doesn’t cost anything to obtain, these applications cost time and money to develop and make available to the public. These applications are in many cases supported by donations of any amount the user deems fair for use of the product. If you download and find any of these applications useful, please consider a donation to the developer(s). You can do so by going to their respective websites and clicking on a donation link that is usually prominently displayed on their sties.

All software in this article can be downloaded for free by going to http://www.HelpfulAdvisor.com

Jay Medina
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/the-ten-coolest-and-free-apps-youre-not-using-706025.html

Posted in speed clean | 4 Comments »

Kilims and Rugs.How to Care for and Prevent Damage

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

There is nothing worse than seeing your prized possesion with a spot or a mark on it and you do not know how it got there or what to do. This article will help you by giving you tips, suggestions and good ideas to take care of this beloved object.

To start with, your hand made Oriental rug or your kilim can survive for decades depending on a number of factors. One determining factor is the quality of the rug you have, if it is a good quality one and you treat it with care, it will surely last a lot more than if your rug or kilim is of an inferior quality. Moreover, there is large number of damages which typically affect rugs, by learning about them and taking the necessary measures to prevent them from happening you will ensure a long lasting life for your treasured rug.

The most common damages are the following ones:
Water damage: It is one of the most frequent. People usually place potted plants over rugs. Once the plant is watered the pot leaks and the rug under the pot remains constantly wet. In a few weeks the foundation of the rug weakens in such a way that it can be easily broken into pieces. So, if you are going to place a potted plant avoid putting it directly over the rug, you can use a stool or some kind of support so as to keep the humidity of the plant away from the rug. Just in case the advice comes too late and you notice that the rug is already wet you should remove it as soon as possible, clean it and allow it to dry completely to avoid damages in the foundation. Another problem related to water is triggered by damp floors (often if the floor is made of cement). Maybe the floor seems to be dry, but just a bit of moisture can produce the proliferation of micro-organisms which can spoil the foundation of the rug.

Moth damage: These insects do not eat rugs, but their larvae consume the fibers and even the knots of the rugs. They prefer to live in areas under furniture, where it is not always vacuumed or in areas with little traffic. In order to avert this, vacuum the surface once a week and several times a year vacuum the back side, the pad and the floor. For areas which are difficult to reach with the vacuum cleaner spray a proper household insecticide for moths. Besides, do not rely on moth crystals, balls or flakes since they are not effective to kill moths, they just repel them.
Dogs and cats damage: Puppies usually chew rugs. To avoid this sprinkle some moth flakes under the rug. Likewise, cats love sharpening their claws on rugs. Though it sounds a bit absurd, the best prevention is to try to control the cats’ activities.
Sun damage: The light of the sun can affect and diminish the colors of the rug. If this is your case, try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight or rotate the rug so as to make the color equal in its entire surface.
Vacuum cleaner damage: Cleaning your rug using a vacuum cleaner is a positive practice but be cautious if your cleaner is equipped with a power brush since a raking effect can be caused on the surface. It is better to use just the plain vacuum nozzle.
Chemical damage: Sometimes rug cleaners bleach the fringe before delivering it. Although the fringe looks nice after that, the process and the substance used weakens the fibers destroying them little by little. If you still want to have white fringes you could dilute the solution used for bleaching.
Storage: If you are about to store your rug, make sure you clean it, spray it with some insecticide and wrap it in plastic before doing it. Most kinds of damages are not difficult to repair, but prevention is better (cheaper and easier) than restoration. If you follow these hints as well as inspecting your rug often and cleaning it only when it is needed your rug will be part of your house for ages.

If you do get a spot or an area that is spilled upon here is what you can do:
Blot, never scrub spots on a rug. Scrubbing can damage the nap on a carpet. Test all spotting products in an inconspicuous area first and look for color change. If the color bleeds or you are unsure how to proceed consult a professional. Remove as much of the spill as possible before adding spotting products. Work from the outer edges of a spot to the center. Never saturate a spotting area with a liquid. Only spot with small amounts of cleaning products. Drying small areas can be accomplished with a hair dryer with the heat setting off.

Spotting Guide
Beer – Use mild detergent followed by rinsing with vinegar solution, rinse with water
Blood – Blot with ammonia solution followed by vinegar solution, rinse with water
Candle wax – scrape excess off, cover are with paper and iron on low setting, then spot with dry solvent.
Chocolate – spot with dry cleaning solvent and let dry, apply mild detergent, rise with water.
Coffee – Blot with mild detergent and rinse with water.
Egg – Spot with mild detergent, rinse with water
Fingernail polish – Blot with dry cleaning solvent

Fruit juices, jam & jelly – Blot with mild detergent, rinse with water
Grease – Spot with dry cleaning solvent, spot with mild detergent, rinse with water
Gum – Scrape off excess and apply dry cleaning solvent, apply mild detergent if needed and rinse with water.
Ink – Spot with dry cleaning solvent, spot with mild detergent, rinse with water
Milk – Spot with mild detergent rinse with vinegar solution, rinse with water, spot with dry cleaning solvent if needed
Paint – Apply dry cleaning solvent followed by mild detergent, rinse with water
Soft drinks – Spot with mild detergent, rinse with water
Soot – Spot with mild detergent, rinse with water, if not removed, spot with dry cleaning fluid
Tea – Spot with mild detergent, rinse with water
Urine – Spot with mild detergent, rinse with vinegar solution, and rinse with water, repeat process if needed
Vomit – Spot with mild detergent, vinegar solution, rinse with water
Wine – Fresh wine spills use white wine to spot followed by mild detergent and rinse with water.

If in doubt,consult your local rug professional.they can clean it for you.

Take care of you rug!

Bill Kernodle
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/kilims-and-rugshow-to-care-for-and-prevent-damage-66636.html

Posted in household cleaning tips | No Comments »

Caring For Hypoallergenic Dogs – How To Look After Dogs With Such Allergies!

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Just as we have allergies, there are some breeds of dogs that are prone to this disease. Generally, Bishon firse, retrievers, terriers, setters, boxers and beagles are more prone to allergies. The reasons vary: smaller nasal passage, flea bites, own hair, dander, or digestive problems, normally associted with irritable stomachs. Most dogs have potential to have an allergy. Some are more prone, and some less.

Common allergies include raw skin, missing tufts of hair, hives, watery eyes, coughs and colds, chewing continously, vomit, diarrhea, constant licking paws, and fever or flu. These are few examples. You need to note the symptoms. Generally nature takes care, but it is better to see veterinian, and have it looked at properly.

To put even better, it is like a child having problems. Unable to express itself,it cries or refuses food, and is constantly restless, and finds some solace and comfort in the arms of an adult or sibling which it is used to. And we have various techniques to get a diagnosis for the child. Just the very same is true of your pet. You are its father and mother, and you have to take care of just you would the baby.

Just as we get irritable when we are sick, so too the dog. The same symptoms that we exhibit, of lethargy, swings in moods, angry, refusing to eat or drink water, moaning or keening. So does the dog. Just as we learn to control ourselves, dogs need the same treatment of love, affection, and a constant vigil to see what it is all about. Keeping a record helps the Vet in diagnosing the problem. If it is fleas, he may recommend a flea collar, and a flea shampoo which can be used. If it has raw skin or something is wrong with the skin tone and color, he may prescribe an ointment which needs to be applied. He may recommend a change in diet if there is constant irritable bowel syndrome, and sometimes drugs also to help the dog from suffering from nausea.

The Vet will also help you by giving tips on care of the dog. This would include bathing more regularly, using different sprays on the skin, etc. In smaller breeds, because of their smaller nasal passages, there can be respiratory problems due to dust or other allergens. They can be helped to some extent by installing air purifiers, maintaining regular cleaning schedule of their beds and surroundings. Exercise is necessary, but not for those who suffer from colds and coughs. You need to walk them around the house, or play inside the house.

If fleas have been detected, it may be necessary to have your house completely cleaned by a professional. You would also require to use a shampoo spray on the pet. But these should not be used on those who have exposed skin or skin inflammation.

Where your pet has developed allergy to its own skin, there is not much treatment available, except to reduce its impact by keeping your dog clean by regular baths, and brushing its hair regularly. The Vet is the best person to advise on what can be done to reduce its agony.

If you have children at home, try and keep them away from the sick dog. If however, they are attached to the dog, and vice versa, you should consult with your pediatrician or physician, and give to your children and yourself the appropriate drugs that is prescribed for the requisite period.

Regular medical check-ups, like we do for ourselves, is also necessary for your pet too.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/caring-for-hypoallergenic-dogs-how-to-look-after-dogs-with-such-allergies-753426.html

Posted in house cleaning schedule | No Comments »

4 Effortless Steps on How to Get Rid of Mold Using Natural Cleaning Products

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Just like rust, molds are one of the ever-present stains in your home that could almost blow you away. Molds could not only bring about stain on your materials as it could also facilitate severe damage. But fret not as you can always give remedy to those parts of your house or stuffs affected by molds especially with the development of organic cleaning products which are now starting to replace those harmful commercial cleaning products.

Molds penetrating through your shower walls, basement, wet window stills, damp wooden backyards and other areas in your place of living may it be indoors or outdoors are damaging not just in the sense that it can rot your stuffs but more seriously, inflict grave threats to your family’s health. And added with the use of chemical-based cleaning products or other home cleaning alternatives that you thought could help you iron out the problems, further harm will soon manifest into your family’s health as well as to your pets and environment.

Molds grow on materials where dampness or humidity is present and in a high level. You can see them form on wet papers or pieces of woods that have been taken for granted in the corner, areas where there is a leaking of water, in carpet paddings, tiles, wallpapers, paints and other damp spots in your house. It could be worst if you have been flooded. And exposure to those molds can cause health risks to your family such as asthma, allergies, headache, nasal congestion, lung diseases, eye and skin irritation and the like. That is why it is advisable that as soon as you can find any formation of molds even in just a single spot in your house, you should immediately take an action to remove them. Molds produce spores that facilitate a continual growth. And over exposure to molds can bring serious health damage.

Now, to deal with molds, you need to have the patience and determination so that you can effectively remove them not just temporarily but forever! Back up those traits with the best and safest natural cleaning products and you can be assured of its success. Also, take these things into consideration for a more thriving effort:

1. Search and analyze.

Let that detective in you come out and be put to use. Locate where the molds are and don’t stop until you have fully searched your entire house. You may then analyze the source or reason why molds built-up. Measure the affected parameters and mark them up to be sure that you don’t miss anything in your battle to remove those molds.

2. Evacuate and dry things up.

Remove all the things that may cause delay in your efforts to remove those molds. This can also keep away those things from being contaminated by molds. Clean and dry the affected area as well as the things that have been there and where dampness can be found. You must also see to it that your kids would not peek around the area as exposure to molds being treated is more dangerous. Make sure that you wear protective masks and gloves or attire to keep yourself safe from any exposure to molds.

3. Open and Ventilate.

As much as possible, provide enough ventilation in your homes. Open up windows and doors from time to time so that enough air can circulate around the house. Provide exhaust fans if you can. Making sure that you dry things up or control humidity in your home can prevent molds from growing.

4. Fix and Treat.

Fix those leaking pipes, ceilings and other sources of moisture build up as they can welcome the growth of molds. Peeling walls indicate a wet painted wall so take out those damaged walls and as soon as you can paint the new ones, be sure to put or mix mold inhibitor before doing so.

Treat molds with the best green cleaning products that you can find in the market. Those organic cleaning products are extensively available so you won’t have a hard time looking for them. These cleaning products are organic thus they are safer and even more effective compared to those conventional commercial cleaning products containing harsh chemicals.

Look for those natural cleaning products which are 100% organic and can remove the roots or kill the DNA of the molds to prevent them from coming back. Scrubbing alone or application of home cleaning alternatives can’t do the trick so you better take the aid of those organic cleaning products.

Markus Skupeika
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/4-effortless-steps-on-how-to-get-rid-of-mold-using-natural-cleaning-products-671152.html

Posted in house cleaning | No Comments »

Consider Bamboo As A Flooring Choice

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

As the popularity of hardwood flooring grows, some people are looking for new and different alternatives. One of these alternatives is bamboo flooring. It is gaining in popularity for a number of reasons: it is environmentally friendly, very strong and very beautiful. The major flooring manufacturers such as Armstrong, Columbia and Mohawk have recognized its potential and now offer bamboo flooring.

Bamboo is probably the strongest flooring material used for home purposes. Because of this, it is very durable, more so than most wood floors and almost as strong as stone, while being much more comfortable than stone. In terms of weight, feel and density, bamboo acts just like a hardwood floor.

Bamboo floors can be solid bamboo, or they can be “engineered” floors, where the bamboo is mixed with other woods. The usual way of manufacturing an engineered floor is to have a bamboo surface over a plywood substrata. Bamboo, just like other hardwood floors, can be stained and urethaned for protection.

Bamboo floors are also installed in the same way that hardwood floors are installed. In most cases they are nailed to the sub floor, (they may also be glued), and some newer techniques have been developed whereby the boards are locked together and no nails or glue are required. This is known as a “floating floor”.

As with any floor, you want to make sure you have a level sub solo before you install your flooring material. There are methods to level out an unlevel floor, such as using shingles as shims to bring levels together. Proper preparation is critical, so make sure the sub floor is completely dry.

One of the attractions of bamboo floors, to many people, is the fact that they are environmentally friendly. Hardwood forests are being depleted, not enough new plantings are being made, and some hardwoods such as walnut or oak take generations to grow. Bamboo, on the other hand, grows much faster than hardwoods; a bamboo plant can mature in as few as five years. In addition, bamboo self generates since shoots from bamboos that are cut down sprout to create new bamboo plants.

For routine cleaning, if you remove surface dust and dirt from your bamboo floors, you will extend its life considerably. A simple solution of water and vinegar (four parts water to one part vinegar) on a slightly damp mop will be all that is needed. Dry the floor with a rag or towel, since you do not want to let water stand on it.

If you have an occasional stain or spill, wipe it up right away with a damp cloth, then dry it immediately. If your bamboo floor starts to look dull, just buff it lightly with a sander. Given this kind of care, your bamboo floor will last and look good for years and years.

Vince J. Paxton
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/consider-bamboo-as-a-flooring-choice-103797.html

Posted in cleaning hardwood floors | 2 Comments »

How do other moms keep your house clean?

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

I’m fighting a losing battle. I feel like I wake up and clean til I fall asleep at night, and my house is still a big mess. Any tips for me? I’m so envious of those stay at home moms who has the house that looks like it stepped off the pages of a home interior magazine. Mine looks like a train of monkeys ripped through it….when really it was just my two cats and my 15 month old toddler. Any advice?

I have 3 kids, 1 dog and 2 cats and work FT from home. No one else here shops, prepares or plans meals, cooks,cleans up, does laundry, etc etc. It’s me. And I can honestly say, I don’t spend a lot of time cleaning. I probably should but I don’t.

I have a super capacity front load washer dryer – it saves me easily 10 hours a week. I can do all of our week’s laundry in about 5 loads and in about 5 hours.

I vacumn about 2x a week, including the tile floor.

Clean the bathrooms every Sunday

Tile floor gets steam cleaned about 1x a month and spot cleaned inbetween.

Dust as I go along every day. Not a real specific schedule but as it piles up. The kids help with that.

Litterbox is every day. And that litter gets everywhere!

Wiping down the kitchen counters is relentless – same with loading/unloading the dishwasher. Kids help with this too and with taking the Mr. Clean eraser around to the woodwork.

The windows and the light fixtures get cleaned when I can’t stand how dirty they are anymore… or when company is coming.

I don’t allow a lot of clutter to build up. We try to clean up as we go. If they are done with the legos, put them away before getting out something new.

But there are moments that my house not only looks like monkeys were in it but smells like it too.

Posted in speed cleaning | 15 Comments »

Archive for April, 2010