Cleaning Your Dryer Vent - A Basic Clothes Dryer Troubleshooting

The clothes dryer is a very important appliance to have around the house, especially during the rainy season, when it's wet and rainy for days on end and the clothes will just not dry in good time. When you got your dryer installed, a vent that goes to the outside of the house should be installed along with it. This is not only mandatory but is also a safety requirement for all homeowners.

Unvented equipments can trap all kinds of lint and fibers in the house, and the buildup of lint can be harmful for the body, most specifically for the lungs. Also, the hot air that the appliance emits might have gases in them like carbon monoxide which are hazardous to humans when inhaled.

Just in case your clothes dryer conks out, there are many ways to troubleshoot it and they are pretty easy ways, even though the idea of repairing the whole machine can be an intimidating thought. Most of the time, a clothes dryer stops working efficiently when the vent is already full of lint and other kinds of dirt. This is where dryer vent cleaning is important so you can bring back the machine to its optimum efficiency.

You can purchase a dryer vent brush for your clothes dryer to remove all the lint that has accumulated in the vent exhaust pipe. This is the first step to dryer vent cleaning. The brush has a handle that can extend up to 10 inches long which you can slinky up the clothes dryer vent. This way, the air flow is smooth and not impeded by the trapped lint. As an effect, clothes will be dried properly, fast and efficiently. For the vent cleaning, you can also use a lint trap and a lint trap brush to make sure that your machine and the vent are as clean as possible. A clean appliance will help it last longer and work more efficiently in the long run.

If you're not sure whether you need to clean your equipment, make a check list and see how many of the below you can tick. These are sure signs that you need to clean your dryer's vent right away to prevent not only damaging to your machine but also avoid any fire hazards of any kinds.

Hot clothes when dried
The machine works longer than usual to dry your clothes
Your clothes have a smoky smell when dried- They can also have a light musty smell
There is lots of lint that comes from the back of the machine
The cover is full of lint that needs proper removing

Filterless Air Purifiers - Cleaning The Air With Less Work For You

Filterless air purifiers are a relatively new invention in the air filter market. These air cleaners have templates inside them, each with an opposite charge, to attract dust and dirt from the air. The charged particles then stick to the plates inside the air purifier. Cleaning is simple; you merely wipe them off or quickly immerse them in slightly soapy water (depending on the model) and swish them around until they become clean again. You then let these plates air dry and reinsert them so they can go back to work, with no disposable filters to replace. In some cases, the purifiers also have ionization pins that should be gently cleaned with a Q-tip and alcohol. Again, they should be allowed to dry so that there is no chance of electric shock or other hazard once they're turned on.

Filtration systems are becoming more necessary with things such as air pollution, dust and dander in our homes become more and more prevalent. With new construction going up every day, homes are becoming ever closer together, and cars on the road increase pollutants in the air as well. Asthma and allergies are also more prevalent these days than in years past. Therefore, air purifiers can help greatly reduce pollutants in the air inside your home, and make it both easier and more pleasant to breathe while reducing congestion or allergy symptoms.

Fairly recently, HEPA air filters were state-of-the-art in the air filter industry. Now, however, filterless systems are becoming more popular. They are cheaper and easier to operate, seldom break down, have no expensive, hard to find disposable filters to replace, and perhaps most importantly, are almost silent in their operation. This is especially important if the air filter is in a location such as your bedroom where you need quiet in order to sleep.

Also relatively recently, these filterless systems were very expensive, even if they were of high quality. Now, however, they have become less costly as competition has brought prices down. This means that a filterless unit is very affordable, and doesn't cost any more than one with a filter does. It also generally lasts quite a bit longer since there are no moving parts to break down.

You can buy purifiers that supposedly filter the air in up to 1000 square feet of space, or smaller room-sized ones that generally cover about 250 square feet. Even though it may seem like a good idea to buy one central filter that covers up to 1000 square feet, it's generally more cost-effective and efficient to buy smaller ones. This is because airflow does not go around corners, through walls, etc., particularly well. Therefore, your air is going to be cleaner and it's going to be filtered more efficiently if you buy smaller units and place them strategically throughout your home. In general, you should buy one unit for about every 250 square feet in your home. For the best results you should place one in each "enclosed" room such as a bedroom, while a large open space such as a combination living room/dining room may only need one unit for the entire space, depending on how large it is.

There has been some concern over the ionization process for some of these filterless air purifiers because of the small amount of ozone they produce, but if this is a concern for you, most of these systems have separate controls so that the ionization process can be turned off. The choice is up to you. Regardless, however, filterless units can save you a lot of money both in energy consumption and filter replacement costs, and may actually be even more efficient than those with filters.

I May Be Sexy, But I'm Not a Floor Cleaning Slave

Have you ever wondered why people think you have no other interest in life besides cleaning tile floors? I often wonder about that one each time I go into the kitchen or bathroom, and find that someone has left behind all kinds of tracks, spills, and paw prints. Before I discovered the Swiffer Wet Jet, just the thought of those floors used to make me cringe each time I had to enter a room with a tiled floor.

When I used to commute over 100 miles per day, I rarely noticed the fact that I was the only one mopping up the floors. In fact, one quick lick at night seemed to be plenty. Nevertheless, even if you are constantly on the run, cleaning tiled floors can still take at least a half hour per cleaning. While you may not mind wasting that much time as part of an "end of day" routine, it can certainly grate on your nerves when you have to mop up more often. In fact, if you give it some thought, you will realize that you can all kinds of things with the extra time that you are currently using to mop floors. Even with just 20 minutes extra each day you can start an exercise program, meditate, find online employment, or simply enjoy the sunset.

Many people that first hear of battery operated mops fail to realize just how efficient and useful these gadgets really are. For example, did you know that you will never have to wring out a Swiffer Wet jet? All you will need to do is dispense a little bit of solution and then start mopping with the specially formulated pad. Once the pad gets dirty, you can exchange it for a brand new one. Unfortunately, when you use a conventional mop, you can always count on your hands getting wet and covered with all those disgusting germs that were enjoying their life on your floors.

If you sit down and compare the Swiffer Wet Jet to other mopping options, you will soon realize that this gadget can easily save time, money, and your health. Do you really want to run the risk of getting MRSA or some other disease because you can't properly protect your hands from all the germs on your floor? At the very least, the Swiffer Wet Jet comes with an extremely effective antibacterial floor cleaner, as well as many other benefits. As an added bonus, when you look at the total cost of other cleaning tile floor options, you may even find that you will save money using the Swiffer Wet Jet.

Dyer Vent Cleaning - Prevent a Fire by Cleaning Your Dryer Vent

Did you know--- Only 60% of the lint is captured in the lint trap of residential and commercial clothes dryers. The other 40% is vented outside. Over time, the damp lint accumulates to the inside of the duct. The result is like a clogged pipe that becomes more restricted over time which can cause a fire hazard! According to the National Fire Protection Association, 16,000 fires start in the laundry room each year.

Also, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 84.4 million in property damage annually. This is a reality that needs to be taken seriously. The State Fire Marshal recommends that your dryer vent be cleaned or inspected once a year to ensure your safety.

Here are some signs your dryer vent might need cleaning:

If it takes longer than one cycle for your clothes to dry, or the clothes are very hot after drying, this is a good sign your vent needs cleaning.
If the clothes have a musty smell after drying.
If your dryer shuts off or stops during a cycle, the element may be getting too hot from the duct restriction.
If there is a great deal of lint escaping from the back of the dryer.
If the outside vent has lint covering the outside of the vent cover.

Here are the benefits of a clean dryer vent:

Reduce laundry drying times
Avoid dryer element replacement costs
Improve the quality of dried clothes
Save money on utility bills
Prevent a dryer fire!
So, how do you go about cleaning your dryer vent. Here are the steps if you plan to do it yourself.

1. Get the right tools. For this job you will need a shop vac and extension hose of at least 10 to 15 feet, depending on the length of the dryer vent outside to your dryer. Next, you will need a flexible cable with a brush on the end (can be found online) to snake through the duct, and finally, a dust mask and gloves to protect yourself from the airborne lint.

2. Disconnect your dryer from the flexible duct and clean the back of the dryer and any lint that has accumulated under the dryer. Check the flexible duct and replace it with a new one if it is damaged or has holes. The first part of the process will involve running the flexible cable and vacuum from the inside of the house by your dryer. The second part of the process involves the same thing only from the outside by your dryer vent that goes to the outside.

3. Run the flexible snake with brush through the dryer vent duct as far as you can go, be careful not to push past any turns or angles that might cause the cable to get stuck in the ductwork, otherwise you will have a difficult time getting it out. Vacuum out the loose lint with the shop vac and hose. Run the hose as far into the duct as you can go.

4. Locate where your dryer vents to the outside of the house. Remove any dryer vent hardware to access the duct.

5. Repeat the process from the outside, running your flexible cable into the duct (toward the dryer) and vacuum out the loose lint. Follow this by hooking the dryer back up to the flexible duct inside the house and turn the dryer on, any remaining lint will blow out of the duct. Finally, replace any hardware on the outside of the house.

You may be surprised by the amount of lint you vacuum out. In some cases you might remove several POUNDS of lint. In any case, you will save yourself the chance of a fire disaster, and keep your dryer running smooth for years to come.

Things to Know Before You Hire a Carpet Cleaning Business

Your home is your Castle. It's your refuge from the world and the most precious place to you and your family. You know this. You also know how important it is to maintain your home. And to do that, you need a reputable company that you can trust to keep your home clean.

Regularly tracked-in-dirt, and oily sticky soils, can build up, acting like a magnet, attracting more soil. These can actually dull the color of your fine carpeting. That's why regularly scheduled cleanings are to your advantage. The following are some ideas when choosing a good carpet cleaning company.

Reputation: A good name is built on a good reputation. When looking for a reputable company, you will want to seek those that others often use. Try asking family, friends, and neighbors who they use. Ask your Better Business Bureau to give you company names that consumers regularly use. The satisfied client will be a repeat client.

Don't be afraid to ask necessary questions, before an informed choice on a carpet cleaner. Find out the average cost of carpet cleaning in your area.

Remember, the cheapest price isn't necessarily going to give you the best or the proper cleaning for your home. You could be sacrificing a low price for a poor quality cleaning. And worse yet, it could cause harm to your carpeting investment, with wrong company using cheap cleaning products and inferior cleaning machines.

So don't be shy- Ask questions!

Experience: A good carpet cleaning company will have the necessary experience for all types of cleaning. Experienced carpet cleaners will have been thoroughly trained by an accredited program.

One widely used is with the IICRC, or Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration. Employees trained with them, are very knowledgeable, and can effectively clean some of the toughest cleaning challenges known.

Experience means knowing and using the best State-of-the-Art equipment available. Carpet manufacturers, such as Mowhawk, and Shaw, recommend cleaning carpets using the Hot Water 180 degree Extraction System.

This system is regularly referred to as Steam Cleaning. Another good question to ask about is the type of cleaning products they use. Are they toxic, chemical based, or are they non-toxic, bio-degradeable?

Are they safe to be used around humans and pets? How well do your cleaning agents work?

There are several companies that regularly use safe, non-toxic cleaners, such as a fine company called Bio-Kleen. Their cleaners use natural grapefruit, citrus, and Valencia Orange extracts, for their cleaning power. They are very effective cleaning products, and are used for a wide range of projects, with an added bonus of a pleasant deodorizing scent.

Dependability: A dependable company will show up at your home, on the appointed day and time you have requested. It is always good to know you can count on them. Your technician(s) should be friendly, courteous, and answer any questions you have. After carefully measuring all areas to be cleaned, per your instructions, you should be given a written estimate for your approval. A good company will always give your estimate to you in writing before cleaning for you.

Always get a written estimate, before your cleaning begins, if at all possible. Before your actual cleaning, is a great time to discuss all your options. Such as, what can be done to remove stubborn spots, stains, or even the possibility of adding Scotch Guard to protect your cleaned carpet . They will use the best equipment possible, the most effective cleaning products available, and put their training towards giving your home an excellent cleaning.

Any company that advertises a "Special Low Price" or several areas for one low price, is probably setting the potential client up for a "Bait and Switch."

Customers have unfortunately fallen prey to such scams. They advertise one price, and pressure customers to take advantage of the great deal, then hit them with an exorbitant amount when the job is completed. And the job is most likely done poorly.

A good carpet company will always insure their employees. You may be surprised at how many companies do Not, as it can be costly. But a dependable company will cover your technician, and doing so, you, as well.

Your carpet cleaning company should also guarantee the work done for you. You should be reasonably satisfied. Of course, stubborn stains, and problem areas previously discussed with your technician, and the nature of the spot or stain, may cause it to be more of a permanent situation, in some cases.

Overall, a job done well is a job done right. Reputation, Experience, Dependability -All integral parts of any good business. A good practice that leaves their clients with a TLC...Thorough, Lasting, Clean...Home.

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.

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.

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.

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!