How to Clean Out Your Home Once a Year

cleaning

Springtime is a great time to clean out your house and get rid of all the clutter that has built up over the past year. It’s also a good time to do some deep cleaning and organize your home so that it is more functional for the coming year. In this blog post, we will provide you with tips on how to clean out your house once a year in an efficient and stress-free manner.

#1 Start by decluttering your home

Get rid of any clothes, shoes, books, or other items that you no longer use or need. Donate these items to a local thrift store or charity. This will not only make your home more organized, but it will also help those in need! If you have trouble letting go of things, try this trick: for every new item that comes into your home, get rid of two old items. This way, your house will always be decluttered, and you won’t have to worry about storage space.

#2 Deep clean your home

Once you have decluttered your home, it’s time to give it a good deep cleaning. Start by dusting all surfaces, vacuuming all carpets and furniture, and mopping all floors. Then, move on to cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. These rooms usually require a bit more elbow grease, but it will be worth it in the end! Finally, don’t forget to clean out any closets or storage spaces as well. This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of any items that you no longer need or use.

#3 Organize your home

Now that your house is decluttered and clean, it’s time to organize it in a way that makes sense for you and your family. Start by creating a system for storing all of your belongings. This could include labeling storage bins, setting up a command center, or even just putting all of your shoes in one place. The key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it! In addition, take this opportunity to create a cleaning schedule for the coming year. This will help you keep on top of the cleaning and make sure that your house always looks its best.

#4 Focus on the exterior as well

It’s essential not to forget about the exterior of your home when you’re doing your annual cleaning! Make sure to sweep all porches and walkways, wash all windows, and trim any bushes or trees. This will help keep your home looking its best, and it will also make it more inviting for guests! Also, be sure to have some pest control specialists come by and secure your home from the outside to ensure any crawlers are kept at bay.

In conclusion, following these tips will help you clean out your house once a year in an efficient and stress-free manner. Just remember to start with decluttering, move on to deep cleaning, and then focus on organization and the exterior of your home. Finally, and most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! After all, this is your chance to start fresh and make your home exactly what you want it to be.

Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfectant

With the Covid crisis going on, hygiene and cleanliness has never been more important or brought to the attention so often. Lysol, bleach, alcohol, and other cleaning supplies were completely depleted from shelves in the beginning of the pandemic, and remain items that are scarce at times. People were frightened, and rightly so.

sanitizer

We all had to sanitize everything- every doorknob, backpack, remote, phone- you name it.

Even though the COVID vaccine and boosters are currently being distributed, which means people are now more likely to get out of the house and return to their normal activities including going to the gym, shopping, traveling, and enjoying a night out on the town. It’s not uncommon to set your phone, keys or even mask on a dirty surface like shopping carts, counters, or gym equipment without thinking twice. Save your Lysol wipes and use the Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfectant and Wireless Charging Accessories Tray to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria on high-touch items in as little as four minutes. The Mundus Pro also features two wireless charging spots on the top of the case to quickly recharge phones and other compatible devices.

My youngest son and I use it the most, I think. I’m a bit of a clean freak- I’m not worried if kids or dogs make a mess, I know that’s what they do. Cleaning is possible, LOL. It’s the germs that worry me, as I’ve got a compromised immune system and he has pretty bad asthma. We use air filters, we clean all the “touch” surfaces, etc constantly (pre covid, too, haha).  But now? Oh man, it seems like it never stops. Now, I know that some people didn’t feel the need to worry at all, and that’s all them and their own business. These are my own thoughts and feelings, everyone is entitled to their own. I DO worry, and continue to wear my mask, sanitize a little more than usual, and that’s just my prerogative. Hopefully soon, this will be over entirely, but until then….I think some things will linger, however. Fist bumps might take over hand shakes for some people, I’ll probably always carry a mask, and the cleanliness will likely stay up a notch.

If you are like us, and want everything as clean as possible, you might want to check into the Einova Mundus Pro UV-C Disinfectant, it makes things so easy to clean and you KNOW they are sanitized. I hope you and your family are staying safe, no matter how you are getting through this.

How to Mold Proof Your Bathroom

The bathroom among most rooms in the home has a lot of moisture present and also lacks ventilation. This makes the bathroom a convenient place for mold to grow. You can see fungus appear in bathroom walls, tile grout, and it causes several health problems. Such as respiratory and allergy issues that can persist to other more chronic health issues if not treated early. Therefore, it is vital to find ways on how to mold-proof your bathroom as some of the tips in the article below. 

Opt for mold-resistant paint 

As you enjoy a steamy shower, the walls of your bathroom absorb the moisture. Therefore, through this, it is easy for mold to grow easily as the conditions present are supportive. So, it is vital to choose mold-resistant paint or one with mold-resistant additives added to it. This will give your wall an extra measure of protection that is necessary against harboring any mold. However, if you already have mold on your bathroom walls. Do not use the mold-resistant paint to cover up as it will not help. First, you need to call a mold removal company https://awamoldinspections.com/location_states/new-york/ to remove the mold. Then, you can paint with mold-resistant paint afterward. 

Let in the light 

One of the perfect conditions for mold is where there is darkness and when there is moisture present. Like in this case, the bathroom conditions can promote faster growth of mold. Ensure you find a way to let light in, either it is through having bathroom lights on or it is from natural light. Any of this will help you ward off the pesky fungus. So, leave the curtains open after showering, to give the bathroom some light and also, if there is no natural light avoid shutting the bathroom lights after showering. 

Maintain clean items around the shower

The shower has a lot of items that are kept there for convenience as you shower and freshen up. Therefore, as you maintain a clean shower by scrubbing the tiles and the floor as well. Any items that are kept in the shower must be kept clean. Remember mold hides best in neglected places such as your loofah, underneath your shampoo bottle, among others. Importantly, wash your hand towels and shower curtains often and through this, you can keep off mold from the bathroom. The windows, bathtub, and sink corners are among other areas that you can try clean as people avoid them since they are hard to reach areas. 

Proper ventilation 

A wet bathroom is a perfect breeding ground for mold to grow. Yet, such damp conditions are where it thrives best. Therefore, you need to ensure your bathroom has proper ventilation to make the bathroom a safe place that has no mold by eliminating excess moisture. One way to improve this is to ensure that as you shower, your exhaust fan is on to remove the moisture from the steam and you can also leave it on for another 30 minutes after you are done taking a shower. In this way, your ceilings and walls will dry well. Optionally, you can open a bathroom window if you have one to air out the room. 

Fix leaks 

Depending on how your bathroom design looks like. You must observe if you have any leaks on any pipes or at the taps. Since you can clean with ease the obvious pools of water by the shower and the sink. Consider how you can deal with smaller drips as well from leaks. Fix leaks that are by the toilet, under the sink, or from the bathroom ceiling immediately you notice any. It is important as procrastinating repairs will allow moisture into the room and with time it will turn into a small mold problem that is another issue you will have to solve. 

Maintain cleanliness 

Keeping your bathroom clean is important if you need to mold-proof your bathroom. Do this regularly to ensure that you create a safe environment for you to live in. Also, choose one day to have a thorough clean up where you clean the grout, showerheads, and other places that many people tend to assume. Assuming the proper cleaning of the bathroom will create more work for you down the road. As you will have to deal with removing mold that is a dangerous fungus to have in your home as it spreads easily. 

Seal grout lines 

Grout lines are a part of the bathroom either on the wall or floor that get water easily. Since grout is porous it is a perfectly hospitable place for mold to grow. Therefore, ensure that you seal the grout lines to avoid moisture being trapped in and also it will help keep the mold at bay. Alternatively, ensure you scrub your grout lines if you have not yet sealed them and wipe them to ensure they remain dry. However, it is best to seal and you can repeat this once every year to ensure you stand up to water and possible mold. 

Get rid of excess water 

Nip mold in the bud by mopping up any water in the bathroom. This should be done as soon as possible after you have had a shower. Also as discussed above, take care of drips and slow-moving water that can cause excess water to be present continuously in your bathroom. In this way, your bathroom remains dry and it becomes easy to have your bathroom staying mold-free. 

To sum up, having a mold-free bathroom is easy if you put to practice the above methods. This notorious fungus can do a lot of harm not only to your bathroom but also to your health. Also, having to clean it up is such an icky job that most people will not like. So, ensure that you eradicate any possibility that supports the growth of mold. In case you discover mold late, you can also have a mold-free bathroom by having mold removal companies getting rid of the mold and after you can implement the above ways to live mold-free.

How to Clean a Garden Umbrella

Garden umbrellas can be quite convenient in offering that well-sought shade in the garden. They ensure that you enjoy the warmth of the sun without necessarily getting a sunburn. Not only are they convenient in providing shade in a garden setting the can also be used to provide shade in outdoor patios. Some even say that they are a fashion statement to complete the outdoors décor. The charcoal gray patio umbrellas are particularly a favorite when it comes to making statements.

This means that the Umbrella needs to be kept looking pretty and tidy. For this regular cleaning is essential. So the question begs, how do I clean my Outdoor umbrella without damaging it?

For starters, it is advisable that you clean your garden umbrella regularly. The recommended span between each clean is at least once monthly. However, umbrellas that are placed under trees or shrubs may require cleaning more often because of the dirt and debris that accumulates from the trees.

So, to begin the cleaning process, it is important to note that the canopy and the umbrella stand or base and frame need to be cleaned differently.

Related- 10 Best Patio Heater Reviews and Comparison Chart 2018

Cleaning the Umbrella Canopy

For non-removable fabric umbrella canopies, move the canopy from the sun into a shaded area so as to prevent the soap from drying up before you complete cleaning it.  

  • Begin by taking the canopy and laying it on a protective surface
  • Then dust off or vacuuming any loose dirt on the canopy. Avoid using a hard bristle brush as this pushes the dirt deeper into the fabric.
  • Next, pour in a quarter cup of laundry detergent into a gallon of luke-warm water.
  • Then use a soft bristle brush to gently scrub the fabric in a circular motion.
  • Leave the detergent on for about fifteen minutes. This will give the detergent enough time to work on and loosen the dirt
  • Eventually, rinse it out thoroughly. It is recommended that you use a hosepipe or sprayer to rinse the canopy
  • Move the umbrella under the sun to allow it completely dry.

For umbrellas with a removable fabric, carefully remove the canopy from the frame, shake it thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and dust. Check the umbrella for any washing and drying instructions. Wash the canopy according to the given instructions and dry accordingly before replacing the canopy on the stand.

Cleaning the Umbrella Frame and stand

The main types of frames found in garden umbrellas are wood and aluminum. The two have different ways of cleaning. However, most umbrellas come with the manufactures instructions on how to clean the frames. These instructions must be adhered to for the longevity of the umbrella.

Wooden frames – usually a mixture of a mild dishwashing detergent and water will do the trick. Dilute the detergent as much as possible then dip a soft cloth inside the water. Squeeze out any excess water.

Next, use the cloth to gently wipe the frame and stand. Then completely rinse out the cloth in clean water and repeat the procedure. You may opt to rinse the material out a second time and wipe the frame again to ensure that all the detergent has been removed. Leave it to dry under the shade.

Aluminum frames – begin by gently removing any surface dirt before using a soft cloth to gently wipe the frames and base with a mild solution of water and dishwashing detergent. Thoroughly rinse the cloth before wiping the frame again to remove any traces of detergent.  

For water spotting or calcium build up, clean by wiping it down with a solution of one part vinegar to nine parts water. Again use a well rinsed out cloth to wipe it down. Ensure all the traces of the solution are rinsed out. Let the frame dry in an airy shaded place.

Finally

Because of their nature of being exposed to the outside elements, garden umbrellas accumulate dust, dirt, and other elements. So, if you want to keep your umbrella in tip-top shape, you must ensure that you clean it regularly. This will also ensure that your umbrella lasts longer. And don’t forget to give it a clean before tucking it in for the winter season.

5 Handy Vacuuming Tips For Hassle-Free Cleaning

Every home needs a vacuum cleaner. It is one of the best and efficient ways to clean almost anything. Whether it is floor cleaning or you have got to dust off the dirt from the decoration pieces, the vacuum cleaner is there to help you out. The better part is that now robotic vacuum cleaners are available, that can perform essential tasks without your assistance. There are several types of vacuums available to do specific tasks. You can check online stores for the availability of each one of them.

But there are times when vacuum cleaners are not enough. Sometimes, they are not able to reach congested areas, and then you have got to take these matter in your hand.

Here are some tips for helping you out in your necessary everyday chores.

Vacuum multiple times

Usually, vacuuming just one time is not enough. There is so much stuff that gets stuck on the carpets, and we typically do not even notice, unless we sit and stare at the rug for a long time. If you have a pet, the situation gets worse, as they have hair all over the place and most of the time vacuum cleaner does not even get them. Try to vacuum in a criss cross manner, and the do the same multiple time.

Change the vacuum bag regularly

Never leave the dirtbag unattended for weeks. If you are using vacuum cleaner daily, then change the bag on a regular basis. Changing the pack after an extended period can make the vacuum hose all clogged up and even in the worse situation it can do some permanent damage. Try changing the bag once it is 3/4th full. If your vacuum cleaner does not have a container, the clean the canister before you start cleaning and then clean it again once you are done.

Pick up the small objects

Before you start vacuuming, glance at your room. Pick small things up from the floor; otherwise, it gets stuck inside the vacuum hose and then it will affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Small Legos, plastic toys, coins are the most dangerous things, that should be taken care of. These things are so little and are usually neglected by people, but they can cause the most damage.

Cleaning tough spots

Every house has a sneaky place that is just so hard to clean, and they are usually left dirty. You can use some DIY technique to solve this problem. First of all check the shape of the area, if it is small and you cannot reach it directly, you can use small cardboard to wrap around the vacuum hose, and they start vacuuming. If cardboard is not available, you can also use the toilet paper roll.

Steam cleaning

Best results are always produced through steam cleaning. There is Cheap Vacuum Cleaner available in the market and online stores that can perform regular vacuuming as well as steam vacuuming. It uses hot water to clean the stubborn marks, rather than strong chemicals that damage the color of carpets and hardwood floors.

Tips to keep pet hair under control

 

It is wonderful to have a pet in the home but pets require a lot of care and attention. When you bring home a pet, you need to commit yourself to their wellbeing. It also means dealing with fur and hair they leave around the house. It is a never-ending battle to keep the fur off the furniture, clothing, and floor. If you are looking for tips to keep the pet hair under control, you have come to the right place.

Tips to keep pet hair under control

 

  • Brush: You need to embrace your grooming responsibilities. Give your pet a quick brushing outdoors every day and save the time spent on vacuuming every week. With regular brushing, you will notice a reduction in the amount of fur inside your house.
  • Use washable slipcovers: You or any of your guests would not like to sit on a sofa covered with pet hair. Invest in furniture covers which are made for this purpose. Choose washable slipcovers which can be easily maintained. You can remove them when your guests visit and simply toss them in the laundry.
  • Use throw rugs: If you manage to place rugs strategically inside your home, you will be able to find a solution to this problem. The rugs will help prevent the fur from spreading it into the house. You can place the rug at the entrance of your house. Choose rugs that are easy to wash and maintain.
  • Keep them clean: Make it a point to wipe the feet of your pet after they have stepped outdoors. This ensures that the entire house remains clean.
  • Cover up the pet: This is something not many would like to do but covering your pet helps keep the house clean. You can dress up the pet in a cute t-shirt and keep the fur off.

 

 

You can never completely get rid of the pet fur inside your home. Take small steps every day and ensure that the pet is brushed outdoors and there is minimal fur in the home. You need to vacuum the space regularly with a quality vacuum cleaner in order to achieve higher results. Choose a pet hair vacuum that fits your needs and maintain a routine of cleaning the furniture, carpet, and floor. There are a number of options available in the market. The vacuum is easy to use and it carries multiple features. Compare the top vacuums available for you and make the right choice. You can also compare the prices of the products easily and ensure that you are investing in a vacuum that is sufficient for your needs. The quality vacuum will keep your floor and carpet pet hair free and reduce your stress. The vacuum only takes a few minutes to clean up the entire space. It is not necessary for you to use the vacuum every single day, you can set up a routine and vacuum the floor once every three days or a week.

Roto-Rooter 101 (Unclogging the Bathroom Sink)

Have you ever had a clogged sink or bathtub? If you are like me, the answer is yes, all the time yes.  The bathroom sink is the major pain in my house, and there is not much that seems to help. On a regular yet irregular basis, it gets clogged up and fills with water and whatever else was going on at the time.
We recently tried Roto-Rooter, and as you can tell this is NOT a staged photo. For real.
I have no idea why it keeps clogging up, we’ve snaked it, pulled the U-shaped thing out and replaced it, the whole nine. Who knows? Not me, that’s for sure.
So, after this clog, we followed the directions on the Roto-Rooter bottle, and pured half the bottle down the drain. After it cleared, we poured hot water down the drain as requested. It did indeed keep it clog free for quite some time.
There are quite a few options of RotoRooter products. You can check out thesite, http://rotorooter-products.com to see the full line of options.
Here is a video with some tips on unclogging a stubborn sink from Roto-Rooter;

If you end up in a sticky situation, it’s always good to have some Roto-Rooter on hand. Having to run out to the store with a clogged-up sink is never fun- and you know it’s likely to happen with you have a house full of guests or you are running out the door (or some such mess, it’s always something).

Head to the website, and see which product best fits your need. Keep some on hand for your next emergency, it will make your life that much easier.

Roto-Rooter 101 (Unclogging the Bathroom Sink)

Have you ever had a clogged sink or bathtub? If you are like me, the answer is yes, all the time yes.  The bathroom sink is the major pain in my house, and there is not much that seems to help. On a regular yet irregular basis, it gets clogged up and fills with water and whatever else was going on at the time.
We recently tried Roto-Rooter, and as you can tell this is NOT a staged photo. For real.
I have no idea why it keeps clogging up, we’ve snaked it, pulled the U-shaped thing out and replaced it, the whole nine. Who knows? Not me, that’s for sure.
So, after this clog, we followed the directions on the Roto-Rooter bottle, and pured half the bottle down the drain. After it cleared, we poured hot water down the drain as requested. It did indeed keep it clog free for quite some time.
There are quite a few options of RotoRooter products. You can check out thesite, http://rotorooter-products.com to see the full line of options.
Here is a video with some tips on unclogging a stubborn sink from Roto-Rooter;

If you end up in a sticky situation, it’s always good to have some Roto-Rooter on hand. Having to run out to the store with a clogged-up sink is never fun- and you know it’s likely to happen with you have a house full of guests or you are running out the door (or some such mess, it’s always something).

Head to the website, and see which product best fits your need. Keep some on hand for your next emergency, it will make your life that much easier.