Employing a Singapore Maid - What You Should Know

Most of us have probably already heard of the practice of Singaporean households of employing a Singapore maid. If you are living in Singapore, you should understand why you need one. You should also know what it will take before you can start employing a Singapore maid.

Reasons for Having a Maid

It is not uncommon for American households not to employ stay-in maids. The circumstances however may be a little different when it comes to Singaporean households.

In Singapore however, the culture and the standard of living will require a little more of your time and effort. Employing a Singapore maid will help ensure that you can focus well on your work and not lose even more energy on house work.

Agencies

Some employers go through the steps of employing a Singapore maid by themselves. It would save you a lot of trouble though if you contact a reputable agency. Licensed agencies have more experience in screening and providing qualified maid candidates.

You would therefore be assured of employing a Singapore maid who is truly qualified and experienced. Aside from this, agencies usually handle all the hassles and details related to insurance, bonds, work permits, travel details and medical check ups.

Where You Can Get a Maid

Employing a Singapore maid from any country is not entirely a valid option. You would have to hire a maid from one of the countries approved by the Ministry of Manpower. The approved countries are Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia. A licensed maid agency will only be allowed to screen maids from these countries.

Salary and Expenses

There are several factors that will determine how much you need to pay your domestic helper. These factors include your personal contract with your maid, the maid's work experience, duties to be performed, presence of children and the elderly and your home size. Employing a Singapore maid can cost you from $200-$500 a month. Although you have some freedom in agreeing how much you should pay your maid, some agencies have suggestions and guidelines for determining payment.

Aside from salaries, employing a Singapore maid would also mean that you would have to pay for several other required fees. Among the expenses that you would have to pay are the levy, security bond or insurance, initial medical check up fees, maid medical expenses and maid airfare. Agencies may have to charge fees of up to $900 to cover everything. Depending on your agreement with your maid, you might also have to pay for leave expenses once a year.

3 Ways to Deal With Funky, Smelly Sponges

Sponges tend to get funky feeling and smelly. No surprise as they are used to clean up all kinds of mess, and they often stay moist or downright wet for extended periods of time. They grow bacteria, slime, mold, and who knows what else.

Periodically you need to deal with your sponges. Fortunately it's pretty easy and here are three simple methods.

1) Put your sponges in the dishwasher. This should be an obvious method, but it wasn't for me until I learned this technique from a friend. I typically wash the offending sponge with hot water and dish soap, wring it out, and then simply put it in the dishwasher along with the dishes. Remarkably effective.

2) Microwave your funky sponge. I try to wash it out as well as possible, and then place it, moistened but not dripping wet, into the microwave. Turn on high for two minutes. If your microwave also needs a cleaning, let it rest for a couple of more minutes so the moisture fully softens any dried bits inside, and then open and wipe,. Be careful the sponge is not too hot!

3) Throw it away. Sometimes sponges are just too old, funky, and/or worn. Sponges do not last forever, so when it's time, just give it the heave ho and break out a new one.

Cleaning funky, smelly sponges is easy. Of course it's better not to let them get this way by rinsing them occasionally and then letting them dry out fully.

Review of a Green Cleaning Laundry Product

If you are like me and a large percentage of the population, you are plagued by dry itchy skin especially in the winter. I have researched several reasons for this condition, and I'm convinced that a large part of this problem is the laundry detergent that I use. I have used several of the fragrance free and allergy free products and noticed some improvement, but I still felt that there must be a better product that would alleviate the itch. Searching the web for other alternatives, I found this natural cleaning product and I feel that it lives up to its promises.

Pros:

o I try to do my part to protect the environment by using green cleaners whenever possible. This product is hypoallergenic, safe for all laundry machines, and effectively treats grease, dirt, and organic and chemical stains.
o This product replaces the use of both laundry detergent and fabric softener, saving a great deal of money over a year's time,
o The product will last approximately 3 years, based on washing 1 load of laundry (9 pound) per day. If your equipment washes larger loads then the use of 2 of this product is recommended.
o The product is antibacterial, eliminating pathogen germs on clothing washed with it.
o Product is easy to use, just place in washer and turn it on. It works at any wash temperature.
o Product is perfect for students saving them money when doing laundry away from home.
o Product does not contain phosphates, therefore no damage to the environment.
o You will never find yourself needing to laundry, only to discover you forgot to purchase detergent when shopping.

Cons:

o This product needs to be placed in sunlight once a month to recharge the ceramic ions that make it effective.
o The initial cost, though reasonable may cause some initial hesitancy on purchasing the product.

I would highly recommend this product because it is effective, safe, green, and will save a substantial amount of money per year.

How to Do it Yourself - Water Damage Cleanup

While hurricanes and floods are the cause of thousands of water damage claims each year, water damage isn't limited to the wrath of storms. Burst pipes, clogged water lines, toppled water heaters, overflowing toilets, and automatic fire sprinklers also cause their fair share of flooding. Not only must you stop the water from flowing, you must also mop it up. Where to start? Here are a few pointers.

First, it's important to shut off the water in order to minimize the water damage. This could be as simple as reaching behind the toilet and shutting off the valve or as complicated as locating the home's main water shut off valve. Take the time now, before a flood, to locate the main shut off valve and learn how to shut off the water. This valve is usually located outside the home in a utility box. Contact your water utility if you are not able to locate it.

While you're at it, find out where your home's electrical fuse box or circuit box is located and learn how to turn off power to your home safely. Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Depending on the nature of the flooding, you may need to turn off power to certain areas of the home or the entire building.

Once you have the water and power shut off, you can begin mopping up. If the water is still dripping, take preventative action. For example, if the flood occurred upstairs and the water is seeping through the floor to the room below, place containers beneath to capture the water if possible or cover the carpet with a tarp and place towels on top to absorb the water. If the ceiling is sagging, it means that water is collecting there. It will eventually burst or seep through. Once the floor is protected, poke tiny holes in the ceiling and release the water.

Mop up the water damaged area using absorbent sponges or a wet/dry vacuum cleaner (if it's safe to do so). Remove as much excess water as possible. Move furniture from the damaged area and dry it off completely. If the upholstery is damaged, remove the cushions, use absorbent sponges to soak up as much water as possible, and place outside to dry.

If the walls are affected, remove paintings and place them in a safe location. You may need to remove wallpaper and repaper the walls once everything has dried out due to the mold concerns.

Open the doors and windows if it's dryer outside to help remove moisture and speed up the drying process. It's critical to dry out the area completely to reduce the chance of mold setting in.

Now that you have the basic mop-up complete, you have a few phone calls to make. Call your insurance agent to see if the damage is covered and your local water restoration company to assist with repairs.

Vacuum Cleaner Options For Your Home

Vacuum cleaners are a must in nearly every household. Daily cleaning up of the floor, the carpets, curtains and even the furniture becomes much easier with a vacuum. But since they can also involve quite an investment financially in order to get the best quality, having a basic knowledge about the types of vacuums available is necessary.

Ideal for cleaning carpets, upright vacuums usually come with a lot of useful attachments. They can be of bagged or bagless variety. With a bagged vacuum, all the dirt gets accumulated inside the bags, while the bagless variety uses dirt cups to capture dirt. It is better to choose a lightweight upright vacuum because they are much easier to maneuver.

Canister vacuums are best on the bare floors and those places where you usually find difficulty in reaching. These vacuum cleaners are a great option for cleaning the stairs. Here also you must go for the lightweight version for maximum convenience. The places between furniture are often hard to clean. Along with the carpets, curtain drapes and the regular places, the canister vacuum cleaner clean these small places between furniture exceptionally well.

For those who find the canister and upright vacuums too difficult to use, the backpack vacuums can be an ideal option. Backpack vacuum cleaners are extremely easy to use. They have a deeper and higher reach than the conventional vacuums. They are also great for those with allergies since they can help clean the difficult areas exceptionally well. Backpack vacuum cleaners also make cleaning very fast, which is why they are often the preferred vaccum for professional cleaners.

You might often need to carry your vacuum outside the home to may be clean your car or your boat. In that case a portable handheld cordless vacuum can be your option. These are lightweight and can be carried easily for use. Handheld vacuums are available with cord as well. Handheld vacuums are also great if you live in a bi-level house and need to carry the vacuum upstairs.The stick vacuums are ideal for cleaning the floor while standing. These serve similar purpose just like the hand held vacuum cleaners. These too are available in corded or cordless variety.

Steam vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning up carpets. By steaming the carpet with hot water and detergent, this cleaner cleans up the carpet and removes all dust and dirt accumulated over the time. By using the rotary brush on the carpets these cleaners remove any trace of dirt than can possible stay on them.

Now that you know the types of vacuum cleaner options that you have, you need to follow few tips before you buy. Whether it is an upright, canister, steam, cordless or backpack vacuum that you are consider, first start by making a list of all the good models. Next, compare the prices online and read customer reviews, and then finally select the one that best suites your personal needs.

How to Deep Clean a Living Room - Part 2

The article details the final stages of Deep Cleaning Living Rooms. The first stages are detailed in 'How to Deep Clean a Living Room - Part 1'.

Continued from Part 1..... If you have a t-piece and squeegee (traditional window cleaning) set you can wash the windows using a solution of hot water and washing up liquid: Wash the windows with the cotton-covered t-piece and squeegee off used solution. You could clean the glazing with a microfibre cloth and glass cleaner or using newspaper and vinegar. A internal spring clean is an ideal opportunity to spruce up the outside of your home, so arrange for the window cleaners to come out to clean the outside glazing, or if you have 'easy clean' or inward opening windows you can do this yourself using any of the above methods.

Take down any items from shelving and display units and dust and clean these before putting them back onto clean surfaces. CD cases and other such items can be cleaned using a solution of warm water and washing up liquid a soft cloth that has been thoroughly wrung out. The washing up detergent acts as a de-greaser so is particularly good at loosening dirt on sticky surfaces, for example items that have received heavy handling from greasy fingers. Take this opportunity to organise your shelves, perhaps investing in some decorative storage boxes which will make the room look a lot less cluttered.

Dust and polish all furniture, ensuring that all surfaces are dust free. Clean all fixtures and fittings using a dry cloth and a very small amount of universal cleaner. Dust and clean all woodwork; doors and frames, skirting boards, dado and picture rails. Use a microfibre cloth and a small amount of glass cleaner to clean mirrors and screens.

Tidy up any houseplants by removing any dead-heads and trimming leaves where necessary. Thoroughly wash out decorative plant pots and vases which can suffer from a build up of smelly stagnant water.

Using the appropriate attachment; vacuum out the crevices of sofas and chairs and beat and plump out all cushions. Soiled cushion or upholstery covers can be sent for professional cleaning. Carpets should be vacuumed using an upright vacuum with a beater brush to ensure that the carpet pile is lifted and all trodden-in dirt and debris is brought to the surface and vacuumed up. Move furniture to vacuum underneath and make sure you vacuum behind the doors. If carpets are looking discoloured or stained then its time to call in the carpet cleaning professionals. If you have a carpet cleaning machine or are looking to hire one in yourself, be sure to read instructions carefully and to make sure you use the correct shampoo for your carpets (i.e. a wool-safe solution for woollen carpets).

Put out the final touches, for example, replace candles with new ones and put out fresh flowers. Then simply sit back and enjoy your efforts.

How to Avoid and Remove Stains in Granite Countertops

Now that you have brand new granite countertops, how do you keep them looking their best? Fortunately, granite is very durable - it is a rock after all. However, it is not completely impervious and can acquire stains that you will surely want to eliminate.

Since you will be preparing food on your countertops, it is important to keep the surfaces clean. There are a couple approaches you can take. The most straightforward is to purchase a cleaner specifically designed for granite at your local home improvement store. If you don't want to spend the extra money, you can create your own mixture with dishwashing soap and warm water. Use a cloth to clean the countertops and then be sure to rinse with clean water.

After cleaning you might find that you have a stain of some sort that is not coming up with your general cleaner. Do not despair, these stains can generally be taken up using specific compounds.

If you have an oil based stain such as grease, mix up a paste with flour or molding plaster and hydrogen peroxide. Spread the mixture over the stain, cover with plastic wrap and allow it to sit overnight. Scrape the paste off the countertop and inspect. It might be necessary address the stain a second night if it is deep in the stone.

For organic stains like coffee or tea, mix a 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide with a drop or two of ammonia. Rub on the granite until the stain is gone.

Ink or marker can be removed with acetone. Apply the acetone to a clean cloth and rub in circular motions on the ink until it is removed. Acetone can be purchased at a hardware or home improvement store. A word of caution - be sure to wear gloves when handling acetone as it can be absorbed into the skin.

If you have a stubborn stain, do not resort to acid based cleaners or scouring products. These products can etch or otherwise mar the surface of your countertops. Items that fall into these categories are bathroom and tile cleaners. You will be way ahead if you call a professional to remove the stain rather than experimenting with different cleaners.

Be sure to seal your countertops every one to two years. This will help prevent stains from occurring in the first place. You will need to reseal your countertops when drops of water fail to bead on the surface of the countertop.

With these procedures and methods you are equipped to keep your countertops looking great for years to come. Happy cooking!

Cleaning Kitchen Things - 5 Top Tips

Everybody is worried about food poisoning these days. It started with the salmonella threat, so people stopped eating raw eggs. Then there was a warning about eating rice from the night before that had not been thoroughly reheated, because it could cause campylobacter. That was followed by mad cow disease, which was followed by scrapies and the blue tongue, now it' chicken flu and swine flu. When will it all stop?

The answer is probably that it will not, so all you can do is make sure that your kitchen is scrupiously clean. That means, pots, pans, work surfaces, your fridge and your pets. One day we will all be so clean that something really small will get the lot of us. Anyway, cleanliness is next to Godliness, so they say. With that in mind, I offer you five top tips for keeping things clean in the kitchen.

Oven Ready: the oven is a notoriously difficult place to clean, which is why it is often ignored, which is why it is often a breeding ground for germs and cockroaches, especially if it is not used often, as they are not these days, because the microwave has taken over. So, mix a tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda with a pint of boiling water and set aside in a screw-top jar, after it has finished frothing over. Then clean your oven. Sorry, not with the bicarb mixture. When it is clean, warm it up and paint the oven with your mixture. Seal the jar and keep. After a month or two, easily wash the bicarb skin off and repaint. It is a home-made Teflon coating really.

What A Waste: the waste disposal unit also provides enough food for generations of cockroaches, especially as the grease of weeks builds up. You can usually clean and clear it without tipping dangerous chemicals into the environment, by tipping a pint of ice cubes through it while it is working. No water, only ice.

Economies Of Scale: if you live in a hard water area, you will know about the problem of things that use a lot of water furring up. It is not too bad having to buy a new kettle, but a dish washer of washing machine is a different matter. You can keep all these items and yourself in perfect running order with Vitamin C. It can be bought quite cheap in a pharmacy or health food store. Put a handful in each of the larger machines and run a normal cycle. You can put a dessert spoonful in the kettle regularly and drink it or if it is really bad, discard it. Take a teaspoonful for yourself.

The Japanese Solution: if you have a heavily stained saucepan, cover the stain with Saki and bring it almost to the boil. Amazingly, when you tip the Saki out, the pan will be as clean as new.

Put Out To Grass: if an oven or casserole dish of the glass or Pyrex type gets badly burned, do not despair and do not throw it away. Instead, lay it open end down on the lawn over night. In the morning, you will be able to wipe it clean very easily.

Down Comforters - Complete Care Guide

Can you wash your down comforter in a washing machine at home? This is a common question. There are a couple issues when deciding how to wash a down comforter. First, will the cleaning method damage the down in some way, making it less effective? Second, will the cleaning make the cover less down proof.

Washing Down

The performance of the down inside a down comforter is actually enhanced by exposing it to water and heat. Periodic rinsing and drying makes it puff back up to its original fill power. So washing your down comforter actually revitalizes the down, bringing it back to its original fluffiness and insulation performance level.

However, strong detergents remove the oils inside down fibers cluster, making them dryer, weaker, less puffy, less breathable, and less capable of retaining warmth. As long as you wash infrequently with a mild detergent, the down and feathers inside your comforter will be fine. No problem.

Washing Fabric Covers

The covers that are used in down bedding are usually 100% cotton. Washing in a machine at home, or dry cleaning with a professional launderer, will not hurt the cotton, but it may make the fabric less down proof. Some down cover materials stay downproof after washing, and some do not. So check your comforter's care instructions to see what is recommended for you comforter.

If you mistakenly wash a comforter that is recommended for dry cleaning, all is not lost. Usually the material loses its downproofing ability incrementally after several washings.

The difference between fabrics that remain downproof after washing, and those that do not, is the weave. The best fabrics used in down bedding have a superior weave that is meant to last for a long time through many washings.

Washing and Drying

As already mentioned, if your down bedding is recommended for washing in a washing machine, you can do it at home if your machine is large enough. You need a large, front load washer; do not use a machine that has an agitator in the center because it will put unnecessary stress on your comforter during washing. If you need a larger machine, you can go to a Laundromat or a professional cleaner. Be sure to use mild detergent. The best cleaners are those especially made for washing down and feather products.

Drying large down bedding items takes a long time - usually 2-4 hours. Be sure to dry them completely to prevent mold / mildew growth. A good method is to dry in the dryer for 1 full cycle, then lay out in the hot sun for several hours, and finish drying with another 30 minutes to 1 hour in the dryer. This method gives the bedding a nice fresh smell.

Use a Duvet Cover

It's best to use a duvet cover over your down comforter, and wash it regularly. This will keep the down from collecting dust and body oils that are difficult to remove. Using a duvet cover, you may only need to wash your comforter every 2-3 years.

Sun Curing

Most of the down comforters in the world come from China and the accepted method of cleaning is to use a duvet cover and simply put the down comforter out in the sun for a few hours, every few months. This allows all the moisture in the down to completely evaporate and gives the comforter a nice fresh smell. It also prevents the growth of moisture and dust mites, which love warm, moist places to grow.

Storage

If you have a heavy down comforter, you may want to put it away in a closet during the summer months. Be sure to use a breathable storage bag like cotton or mesh to prevent moisture from being trapped inside the comforter. Fight the urge to wrap it in plastic to keep dust and critters out. Though it would help do that, it may also allow the growth of some unpleasant, too-small-to-be-seen things inside your comforter.

Don't store in an attic where a mouse or raccoon can get to it. Don't store in a crawl space which can drip with moisture on a rainy day. Find a cool dry place that's secure from critters that like to chew and nest.

Enjoy

Down comforters are one of the most luxurious bedding items that you can own. They are soft, cuddly, and fun to sleep with. The most important thing about owning one is to enjoy it. Because we are so fond of our nice things, it's easy to get a little strict about keeping a comforter clean. But remember, all things pass away. So if you make a mistake with your comforter, let it be on the side of enjoying it too much.

Leather Sofa, Couch Care

Leather is a natural product with its own unique characteristics, style, comfort and durability. The leather industry is one of the oldest known to man and its methods have changed little over the years. Upholstering leather furniture is still work of craftsmen.

When purchasing a traditional hand made English leather sofa care should be taken to treat the leather and look after the furniture in the correct way.

As with all leather furniture, leather sofas are hard wearing and if manufactured in the traditional way are very robust.

The main area for concern is the cleaning and treatment of the leather. Leather should be cleaned with no more than mild detergent i.e. fairy liquid. Not at any point should bleaches or man made solvent cleaners be used as this can attack and damage the leather. Clean gently using circular motions in order to lift the dirt from the grain of the leather. Once dried naturally the leather sofa can then be treated with a specialist hide food which can be bought from all reputable furniture stores.

Once this is applied it will help prolong the life of the leather by keeping it supple. Many modern hide foods contain leather fragrance agents.

If your hand made leather sofa has been manufactured in any of the superior aniline leathers, different cleaning methods are required which your retailer will be able to advise you of as there are many different styles and finishes. Some absorb and stain very easily with moisture so great care must be taken to only use recommend products.

Locate Pet Stains With A Black Light

Do you have a pet odor in your home that you just can't find the source of? If so I have just the trick for you. A simple way that you can locate the hidden spots. Read this article and learn how to find those hidden pet urine spots.

To find pet urine spots on your carpet you can either go sniffing around the carpet or you can choose the less disgusting way of using a black light. Black lights work to locate urine deposits because the salts in the urine glow under the light. The first thing you need to do to use this method is locate a black light. You can find them a most novelty stores and party stores. They should be rather affordable at between $10 and $20. Take the black light home and hook it to a long extension cord that you will be able to drag all over your home. Now close all of the blinds and curtains in your home. If you are unable to darken the rooms you will have to wait until night time. Turn the black light on and shine it over the suspected areas. If you have a weak black light you will have to hold it very close to the carpet. When you pass over a urine deposit it will glow and be quite obvious. Place a piece of tape on the spot to mark it so that you can find it with the lights on. Take the light all over the room and cover all of the carpet. You might be surprised at what you find.

That is all there is to it. Now you know where the source of the odor is coming from and you can treat the area with odor eliminators or a deodorizer. Good luck and if this sounds like too much work simply call your local carpet cleaner.

John Deere Tractor Vs Kubota Tractor - An Engineer Reveals Which One You Should Select

The most common question I hear from people looking to buy their first tractor always concerns comparing John Deere tractors and Kubota tractors. I hear the same questions from people looking to buy large tractors, small tractors, new tractors and used tractors.

When it comes to buying a John Deere tractor or a Kubota tractor, there are several factors you need to consider.

A lot of the "facts" you will hear are based more on emotions than on any real facts. It's a lot like trying to decide whether to buy a Ford or a Chevrolet -- or trying to decide whether to buy a Mercedes or a BMW -- everyone has their favorites.

With cars there are lots of data available about the reliability, frequency of repair, etc. But even with all of this available information, most people don't rely on this information when deciding which car to buy.

They make their decision based almost entirely on emotion. Emotions plays a big part in selecting a tractor also, but hopefully not as much so.

John Deere or Kubota -- Which Tractor is Best for You?

Bottom line when you're considering buying a new tractor: If you're looking for a small tractor or compact tractor for yard work, landscaping work or to use on a small farm, you will probably be happier with a new Kubota tractor. Kubota makes a great and reliable small diesel tractor.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a farm tractor to do heavy work, you can't go wrong with a John Deere tractor. John Deere tractors hold their value and last forever. As their motto says, "Nothing runs like a Deere." John Deere tractors are made to do heavy duty work -- whether on a farm or on commercial work.

What about when you're looking at used tractors? if you're considering a used tractor, you need to consider the condition of the tractor, what equipment comes with it and what price you can get each of the tractors for. All of these factors could be more important than whether you buy a Kubota or a John Deere tractor.

When buying a used tractor for farm work, you should also consider New Holland, Case and Massy Fergusen tractors.

Water Damage Repair - Categories and Precautions

Water damage affects a large number of damages to property as well as systems or electronic/electrical equipment. It could rust steel or make wood rot or effect laminated equipment like boards on furniture etc. The water damage repair process, therefore, is a tedious and lengthy process.

The damage could be slow or be quite quick as in case of floods or water-logging. Sometimes innocent looking spotting may appear on surfaces and would be the first signs of damage. A substantial size of the property damage, annually, is attributed to water. The alarming part is most insurance policies would not water damage repair without an addendum &/or a charge.

People or businesses badly affected by large scale flooding may be able to seek government assistance via grants to help cover some of their losses.

The three categories of water damages:

o Clean water or White water: This category of water does not pose a threat to people and sources could include water-supply pipes, domestic piping overflows or blockages or malfunctions of electronic equipment.

o Grey Water: This category has substantial degrees of contamination, chemicals, micro-organisms or pollutants which could cause illnesses if consumed or sometimes even exposed to it. Eg. Water from dish-washers or washing machines/dryers, toilet drainage with urine content (non-faecal) etc.

o Black Water: Black water is plain and grossly unsanitary and could contain viruses, bacterium, fungus and the like. This category of water-damage effects mostly indoors and could also include water from streams, rivers, stagnant water, sea-water in case of hurricanes or typhoons and the like. Grey water that may have been untreated or not removed and has been stagnant could then be classified as Black water - irrespective of colour, content or odour.

Restoration / Repair of Water Damaged Property / Goods

Professional 'water-damage repair' services /companies are certified by government / federal agencies and employ various water-removal methods, depending on the extent of areas affected and the category of water therein. Sometimes effected people themselves could do the salvage and restoration themselves. However, water damage company's specialists are considered due to their expertise and experience in similar situations and are usually found listed under 'Fire & Water Damage Restorers / Services' in business directories.

Precautions

One does not have to necessarily suffer water damage, like Miami & Florida residents of late, just because one lives in such locations, where water-damage has taken high tolls in recent times. Simple precautions and steps will help one be prepared in an exigency and keep the family safe.

1. Emergency Planning - plan escape routes, each family member could carry copies of important & emergency phone numbers; maybe even an emergency bag each, which could contain all basics.

2. Raise Electrical Systems - Heaters, Electrical Panels etc. need to be out of waters' reach and need to be fastened on concrete flooring so that huge surges may not dislodge them. Do also remember to cut main power-supply in case of water-logging and have circuit-breakers installed.

3. Flood Barriers & Water-proofing sealants - High walls can be disguised with some creepers or fencing and the like, to retain aesthetics and money thus spent - is always well invested. Basement walls and lower levels need fixing with waterproofing sealants.

Cleaning Vinyl Siding - Keep Your Home Looking New

One of the potentially cumbersome aspects of the exterior of any home is that the effects of the weather, dirt, grime and more tend to negatively impact its appearance. But a home with vinyl siding, for example, alleviates that issue. Vinyl siding cleaning is quick and easy when compared to the cleaning and maintenance of just about any other surface.

In fact, the preparation in advance of the actual cleaning of the vinyl siding is the more time consuming of the two steps. But the preparation is a constant with any exterior surface cleaning project. Start by taking on the preparation in methodical fashion.

Clear out all the extraneous, movable items so as to allow you to freely move during the cleaning process. As a safety measure, always securely protect any electrical outlets and fixtures - basically anything that carries a current of electricity. Don't forget to cover all potted plants and flower beds that are adjacent to the vinyl siding itself. If shrubs next to the home have gotten out of control, you should give those a good trimming before you start cleaning.

After you have covered, protected, moved, removed and the like, you'll need to take a tour of the exterior of the home so as to inspect for mildew, mold and any kind of fungal growth. Don't confuse any of these things with simple dirt, dust and grime as the former needs to be treated differently than the latter to insure proper cleaning of your siding. A quick test for molds and mildews is to give a trial cleaning with bleach to a small area. The bleach will react with the fungi, molds and mildews and result in a white patch-like spot. If it doesn't react that way then it is likely simple dirt from the air or yard.

After all the non-dirt areas of the vinyl siding have been tackled by scrubbing with a water and bleach mixture, you can turn yourself loose on the principal cleaning project. For optimum vinyl siding cleaning, you should get a hold of a power washer. Take special care in directing the stream from the power washer directly at the siding. If you haven't used this kind of machinery before, you might practice for just a bit on some innocuous surface like your garage floor or driveway. Once you feel comfortable with cleaning in this fashion, the rest should be a snap.

Depending on the size of your home and the surface area of the vinyl siding, you might be more comfortable cleaning with soap, water and a simple garden hose. Use a large and durable sponge for effective and rapid cleaning. Work in uniform 10-foot areas and wash and rinse as you go.

Whatever you do, go about the cleaning in methodical fashion. Do the prep work as specified so as not to create additional messes. With fairly regular maintenance and cleaning, your vinyl siding should continue to sparkle for years to come.

6 Simple Ways You Can Save Money On Utility Bills

Utility bills are a big part of our budgets. Gas and oil prices are rising everyday and electricity is expensive. Trying to keep up with rising prices is hard enough without wasting money on energy thieves. Are you guilty of these cleaning mistakes that waste energy?

1. How about the baseboard heaters? When is the last time that you took off the covers and gave them a good vacuuming and then a wipe with a damp cloth? Did you know that dust build-up reduces heat output? So you're wasting money on oil or electricity if your baseboard heaters are dirty.

2. What about your computer's CPU? When you start thinking about places that dirt can build up in your environment, think about anything with a fan. Anywhere that a fan pulls in outside air - for instance your computer's CPU - should be vacuumed at least every few days. When dust builds up on components inside the CPU, it takes longer for heat to dissipate, which shortens the life of the unit and uses more electricity.

3. Hairdryers also have fans. When is the last time you really looked at the intake on your hair dryer or gently vacuumed the lint and hair out of it? If you let it build up too long, it can actually catch on fire. Even if it doesn't, just like the baseboard heaters, it has to work harder to do the same amount of drying, so keep it clean and save electricity and drying time.

4. When was the last time you cleaned your dryer vent? Especially in winter weather, many people forget to clean their outside dryer vent. Sure, the little door is supposed to open automatically and release lint into the air, but lint still builds up on the inside of the vent and even on the pipe inside the house. It's very important that you check the vent regularly, clean the vent and as far inside the pipe as you can. There are long brushes that can do this and you can find them at hardware or home products stores.

5. Have you vacuumed your fridge lately? Not the inside; the coils. Either in back or underneath your fridge, there are coils of tubing that hold the refrigerant that cools your food. These are delicate and you have to be careful when vacuuming that you don't break them, because the refrigerant is poisonous. Just gently vacuum the surface, because when they're dust-covered, they don't work as efficiently. It takes more time and electricity to cool the interior.

6. Isn't this a bright idea? Clean your light bulbs. When they're off, just wipe them with a damp cloth. Dust makes them dimmer and can even make some of them overheat, which can make them fail sooner than a clean bulb.

It doesn't take long to get the dust and dirt off these items. The time it takes is worth it when you think of the money you'll save. And let's not forget that using less energy is better for the environment, which is certainly as important as saving money is.

How to Clean Home Office Fast

If you're like most people who work from home, your home office can get extremely cluttered very quickly. Although you're not quite sure how you have managed to continue working through the piles of clutter, you are sure that it's time to get that place cleaned up! If you want to get your home office in shape and spic and span but you don't want to spend a lot of time on it, you're in the right place. Here are some great ways to clean your home office quickly and good!

o One way to get your home office cleaned up quickly is to have a process. Do a certain thing at a certain time and get through it quickly. One of the easiest processes starts with gathering everything that needs to be thrown away. Carry a small garbage pail with you and toss all the trash right in there. Plow your way through any trash that is in the room.

o The next thing you want to do is straighten. Even if there is not a lot of trash in your home office, it will look cluttered and messy if it's not straightened and organized. Put everything in it's place and make sure that things look neat and tidy. Remember your desktop, computer space and any other work spaces.

o One tip is to purchase small baskets to place smaller clutter in. For instance, paperclips, staples, pens, pencils and other small items that are necessary can all be placed in one basket and placed neatly off to the side of your work space. This makes it easy to find them when you need them, but they will not cover your work space or litter your desk area. Organizational shelves are helpful for books or paper work as well. You may want to consider investing in these to keep the clutter down.

o The next thing you want to do is dust your entire home office. With computers and other things sitting around, collecting dust is easier than collecting stamps. Use a feather duster for things like your computer, speakers, etc. Then, you can use a damp cloth to wipe down things like your desk and your work spaces, lamps and side tables, etc. You're almost finished!

o Then after you have completed your process, the only thing left is the floors. Of course, if you have carpet, you can thoroughly vacuum and if you have bare floors, you can sweep quickly and mop. A few other tips are to spray any upholstered furniture with fabric freshener and quickly use damp newspaper to clean dirty windows.

It's easy to clean your home office fast if you have a routine that you go through each time. You become used to the routine and can go through it quickly each time. There may be differences in the items you have in your home office, but you get the general idea of the steps to take. Using the tips above, you can develop an efficient routine to help you keep your work area spotless.

How to Maintain Hot Tubs

Hot tub gives you the whole reason to revitalize your lost strength and energy in day to day life. It is the pure healthy manner which offers you a great fun activity too. In this fast changing life, the necessity of hot tubs has become a basic need. In fact, hot tubs have given a reason to be with families and friends closer to you. Just soak into the hot tub with your near and dear ones spend a quality time with them. If you are planned to install your own hot tub at home, check different options that are available in the market suiting your needs and requirements. You can choose the styling for your hot tub that showcases your personality and choice.

Once you get installed a proper hot tub at home, time for now to take appropriate precautions to keep it in order. For maintaining the usability and importance of hot tub, you can do a lot in reality. First of all, you must keep it really clean and dry when it is not in use. Use soft cloth to dry it in case the water facility is not connected in it.

Fro maintaining this exercise pool, you must also not burden your hot tub. Always remember its capacity and not over burden it otherwise it may crack up later. If you have portable hot tub or small hot tub at home, it becomes really easy to make it usable and effective. To check its usability, you can also take some professional help to give you some really beneficial advice and information. Try to replace the hot tub accessory regularly.

Hot tubs offer you a great way to health. Therefore, proper maintenance and care is demanded urgently. Also, you can also save your money after that too.

Home Cleaning Service and How to Choose the Right One

Deciding to hire a professional home cleaning service is a decision made to have a perpetually clean home, as well as to create more time for family. Allowing someone else that not-so-fun duty frees up more time for you to control the ways it's spent. This is a great option for dual working families.

Legal Considerations in Choosing a Home Cleaning Service

First and absolutely foremost, any professional service you are contemplating or thinking about using should be bonded and insured. This indicates that the company carries insurance that covers any damage to property or injury of any worker. What that means to you is in the event of any damage or even theft; you will not have to haggle with an individual over restitution or replacement. Also, in the case of employee injury, you will not be held liable. By being bonded, you can rest easy that the company has access to state-backed funds to cover claims should they occur.

Additionally, ensuring all employees are thoroughly trained and finding a company who guarantees their work will go a long way in preserving your own peace of mind and satisfaction.

Health Considerations in Choosing a Home Cleaning Service

If you are sensitive to common household allergens, there are special circumstances that you must take into account when deciding on your cleaning service. A professional who uses a HEPA filter in their vacuum cleaners and chooses dust-trapping cloths and wipes will be a good fit for you.

Due to the vast array of household cleansers available, if you have sensitivities to any type of detergent, your service will not have any problem locating an alternate type. This applies also if you prefer a more 'green' approach to your cleaning regimen. Communication will of course be the key.

Extra Steps toward an Informed Decision

Online forums can provide a great deal of information and feedback from other clients of these service companies. Asking for references is also an effective way to obtain a genuine assessment of the quality of service provided by your company in question. If a company you are interested in operates a website, they can also carry a lot of the information you need to put to rest any of your concerns or detail their services in a more thorough fashion.

Now that you know what to look for in a professional service and are ready to make an informed decision, you are sure to be on your way to enjoying a clean house with more extra time to enjoy it!

How to Get Rid of Nail Polish Stains

Nail Polish Removal from Cloth

Before using any of the methods outlined below, first test the process on a hidden or inconspicuous area to make sure they don't damage or discolor the fabric you're cleaning. Also, don't put the stained clothing through the dryer until the stain has been removed!

For leathers and suedes:
This is something you can attempt yourself, but you stand a good chance of ruining/marking the material - if it's expensive, consider bringing it to a professional cleaner. Leather is porous and there's not many chemicals you can use on it so the DIY methods involve removing the top layer of the leather along with the stain. Be very careful.

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface.

2. Gently rub the stain with a gum eraser (a light, abrasive block).

3. If that fails, step it up and use an emery board.

4. If that fails, step it up to fine-grade sandpaper.

For vinyl:
Unfortunately, nail polish usually ruins these materials. You can remove the bulk of the stain, but it will likely leave discoloration.

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .

2. Using a clean, paper towel dipped in acetate, dab the area until the stain starts lifting.

3. When the stain stops fading, rinse it well with water.

For most other materials:

Method 1: Hair Spray

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .

2. Saturate the dried nail polish with hair spray and let it sit for a few minutes.

3. Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush until the bulk of the stain has been loosened/removed. Then blot as much up as you can.

4. Apply a spot-cleaner/stain stick to the remaining stain, following the directions on the bottle, and then launder normally.

Method 2: OxyClean

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .

2. Make an OxyClean paste by adding just a tiny bit of water to a about a teaspoon or two of OxyClean powder.

3. Cover the stain with the paste, saturating it and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.

4. Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled toothbrush until the stain has diminished.

5. Re-saturate the stain with more paste and allow it dry.

6. Launder the item normally.

Method 3: Acetone

1. Using a blunt edge (like that of a non-serrated butter knife or spoon), gently scrape up any excess from the surface .

2. Saturate the stain with an acetone solution (either acetone based nail polish remover or acetone from your local hardware store) and allow it to soak for a few minutes.

3. Gently dab the stained area with a clean, dry, white towel (paper towels are fine).

4. Continue dabbing until the stain no longer lifts, then hold the fabric underneath a faucet and flush cold water through the back side of the stain.

5. Repeate steps 2-4 until the stain is gone.