More info…..

For cleaning and preserving hardwood floors.

First, try and keep the floors free of abrasives.  These will dull and scratch the surface and the finish. Sweep often with a soft dust mop, and if you vacuum do so with a soft floor attachment. If you have a great deal of traffic you might want to keep area rugs in high traffic areas. Keep in mind that hardwood floors are susceptible to dings and dents even high heel shoes can have an effect as can moving furniture without plastic furniture guides. If you have spills be quick to clean them up. Liquids can discolor so if you have an area such as in the kitchen consider using mats in areas likely to become too wet. On the other hand, you don’t want the floors to become too dry because that can cause shrinkage. A humidifier would be a good idea. For additional ideas call Clean World Maintenance toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com.

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My household towels….really?

Yes really.

How often do you use a clean kitchen hand towel? Did you know that kitchen, bath towels, as well as other in-home towels, are often receptacles for Coliform? Coliform is a common bacteria found in water, soil, human and animal waste.  Bacteria grows in wet moist conditions and towels provide one of the most common environments for them to occupy. So every time you use that kitchen towel (over and over) you are probably spreading sometimes-dangerous bacteria which can include salmonella and E.coli. You need to also include bath towels that lock in moisture, hold odors, and can harbor Coliform. Don’t feel bad….most of us use the same bath towel for days. However, try to launder them every three or four uses. If you are presently ill disinfect towels with chlorine bleach, otherwise, use a cup of vinegar in the washing machine. Wash again with regular detergent, give them a double rinse, and dry immediately. For other suggestions on how to clean almost anything call Clean World Maintenance toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com.

Had a great party last night?

 

Fun…fun…but now comes the after party clean up.

Festivities can leave you dreading cleaning up the next day so here are a few tips to help you return to normal. First of all, take an aspirin, turn on some mellow music, and take a deep breath. Now look for any damaging spills and take care of them before going any further. Next get rid of all the plastic and paper glasses etc. (Be sure to empty them first.) While in the kitchen collect the dirty dishes scraping off any left on food. Put all salvageable dishes in the dishwasher. While that’s running put on some rubber gloves and using a plastic garbage bag start in the outer rooms working your way back to the kitchen picking up leftover food, clothing, plastic, glasses, etc. Get rid of the bags as quickly as possible.

Ok, let’s tackle the bathrooms. Clean up the urine stains around the toilet bowl with a mop as needed. Put all the hand towels in the hamper. Clean the washbasins and faucets. Wipe everything with baby wipes to de-odorize. Check the bedrooms. If they look as though someone took a snooze, change the sheets. Lastly, vacuum the carpets checking again for stains. That should be enough for today. Have a Bloody Mary and leave the rest till tomorrow. If your headache is too intense to do the above you can call Clean World Maintenance toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com. for assistance.

Who knows what evil lurks in the heart of….

Your home.  The Shadow knows…and me of course.

Yes, I’m talking about those scary, ugly little eight-legged things that lurk in the dust of your home commonly known as dust mites. These little annoying creatures hardly visible can cause serious health issues. They are found everywhere even on our skin. What can we do about them? We cannot eliminate them but we can reduce their numbers. Dust mites thrive in humid environments so if possible we can start with keeping our home at less than fifty percent humidity. Here are a few other tips when fighting dust. Keep your dust removal simple. Start at the top and work down. Using a moist microfiber cloth or a dryer sheet wipe window and door frames, ceiling fans, shelves, your collection of knick-knacks, books, etc. If your vacuum has a hose attachment vacuum upholstery, curtains, and drapes. Use it also on lounger’s divans, recliners, and other fabrics. Don’t forget to get under furniture. Use a dust mop on hardwood floors sweeping gently. For carpets try if possible to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. (Stands for high-efficiency particulate air.) Remember we can never eliminate dust, but we can suppress the effects to a great degree. For expert advice call toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com.

We know what evil lurks….so let’s fight it.

 

This is is not the way….

To clean grout.

No, far from it, but here are a few tips for doing it the right way.

Start by mixing three quarters chlorine bleach in one gallon of water. Add a portion to a spray bottle and spray on the dirty grout. Have a martini while you let it stand and work for a while. Don’t let the solution dry out. Now using an old toothbrush or medium soft bristle brush softly scrub the grout. (You can also use a disinfectant cleaner containing bleach for this job.) Rinse with warm water and a cloth or sponge. Something else you can do is spray on a solution of white vinegar and warm water letting it also stand for a few minutes. Scrub with a bristle brush. For stubborn stains use a paste of baking soda and water. After scrubbing spray on the vinegar solution and rinse. Consider using rubber gloves for both of these methods. For further help or suggestions call Clean World Maintenance toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com.   Easy Breezy.

I’m having one of those days….

At the laundromat.

Thought I could save money and get my clothes really clean. Didn’t work. Found it cost about a dollar at home and over three dollars at the local laundromat. So much for that learning experience, but while we’re here let’s talk about doing the laundry the right way.  There two (or probably more) schools of thought about separating in preparation for washing. One, you can separate very dirty from lightly dirty and delicate items from abrasive. (Flip a coin). Whichever you choose, start by loading the washer properly. With bleach, add water first, then clothing and lastly detergent. If no bleach put the laundry in first then water then soap. Be sure to empty pockets of tissues etc. Use warm water with whites and light colors. Cold water with delicates, denim, and sweaters. Hot water is best for bath towels, and stained items. You can use color-safe bleach with all colors. Chlorine bleach brightens whites but don’t use on colors, however, it is best to dilute bleach with water before putting it on clothing. If dealing with delicates fill the kitchen sink with lukewarm water and a touch of detergent, let the items soak for fifteen minutes. Rinse with clear water several times and hang up to dry.  For additional help call Clean World Maintenance toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com.

 

More spring cleaning…..

 Shep’s been helping.

And he’s got a few tips for you.  Here’s his favorite. The stainless steel refrigerator.  Start by removing all items and the shelving. While Shep is looking for the leftovers we will begin by spraying white vinegar over the surface. With a soft cloth (don’t use paper towels) wipe with the grain (yes stainless steel has a grain.) and while still wet, wipe surfaces dry.

Now for the coup de grâce. Using a bit of olive oil on that soft cloth wipe the surface again with the grain. Marks and fingerprints will disappear.

While you are in the kitchen let’s clean the oven. Keep an eye on Shep, he knows good things come from the oven. When cleaning the oven I prefer not using the self-cleaning method. It often sets off my smoke alarms. Instead do this: using a small bowl mix one-half cup of baking soda with a little bit of water, and stir into a paste. Using rubber gloves spread the paste over the interior. Don’t put it on the heating elements. Ok take a break and let it sit for ten to twelve hours.

Now after a few vodka tonics use a damp cloth and wipe. If you have difficulty getting all the paste off, spray some white vinegar over the surface causing it to foam up and wipe. This works a lot better than strong chemicals that feel like they are stinging your eyes and burning your hair off.

Ok, right now Shep has his nose in the trash can. I think he’s telling me it’s time to clean it. We will start by donning our rubber gloves. Empty any leftover whatever’s and take the waste can to the bathtub. Add warm water and using a long bristle brush, scrub the inside, and outside of the trash can. Spray with disinfectant and let dry for a few minutes. Rinse the can and dry with an old towel or something similar. For professional help call toll free 800-643-5850 or visit our website at http://cwminc.com

Whew. More tips later.