Search results for

cleaning

Factors To Consider When Buying Cleaning Supplies For Your Home

There is a lot of talk about creating a healthier environment for this generation and beyond. This can be done through concerted efforts aimed at sustainability and contributing to a greener world. Indeed, it starts at home, and one way this is possible is by paying attention to your home’s cleaning supplies. What factors influence you to purchase them? The household cleaning supplies market has a projected growth of 3.53% from now to 2026. And here are some considerations to make when giving your money to the industry.

Factor in multipurpose functions

Image Credit

In many households, this is a crucial factor to consider before purchasing. Multipurpose cleaners allow you to limit the number of varieties of cleaning supplies needed for the home. Meanwhile, from a cost angle, it is a budget-friendly approach. Too many different household cleaning products can also increase the risk of indoor pollution.

This is because different cleaning supplies have their unique chemical compositions. Therefore, when you use them all at the same time, there is a chance of producing harmful gases indoors. On the contrary, a multipurpose cleaner reduces that risk and, in effect, protects you and other house occupants from allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Indeed, multipurpose cleaners are easy on the pocket and may be better for your home’s indoor air.

Are they generally safe for household use?

When you search online, you will find a long list of unsafe household cleaning supplies. The question, however, is why they continue to be sold under the household cleaning description. The decision rests entirely with consumers and their knowledge of these problematic cleaning supplies. Perhaps, it is why some households prefer homemade cleaning mixtures made up of vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.

It would help if you always considered safety when buying cleaning products for your home. Even when you rely on professional cleaners, asking questions about their products’ safety is important. This helps resolve any concerns or doubts you may have. Fortunately, some cleaning services like Highland Park Housekeeping are environmentally conscious about their products.

Consider the smell or the fragrance

Image Credit

Some household cleaning products have pungent chemical smells. Others are too fragrant and may irritate occupants with respiratory allergies or sensitive skin. According to studies, some highly fragranced cleaning supplies are there to camouflage dangerous chemicals. Did you know that the popular fragrance in cleaning supplies known as HICC and Lilial are banned in European countries? In the US, however, they are not.

The tip is to find the perfect balance when buying your household cleaning supplies. Sometimes, a clean, non-fragranced product is your best bet. Mild smells like lemon are also worth considering because there are fewer reports of irritation and allergies. Better yet, rely on cleaning agents with smells that aren’t too overwhelming to you and others in the house. This is particularly important when you have young children, aging adults, and pets at home. People with compromised health may also be unable to tolerate these strong smells.

0 Comments

Summer Must-Do Cleaning Projects

Please note, this post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own, thank you.

With a new warm-weather season at hand, it’s time to conquer those deep-cleaning chores, both indoors and out, that help you and your family enjoy a clean and comfortable home this coming warm weather season.

Personally, I love seasonal cleaning- it helps me prepare my outdoor spaces in a non-chaotic, orderly, and somewhat fun manner. And what better way to usher in the upcoming fall season than a clean, orderly home?

With this in mind, I want to share with you all how I break down my own season chores as part of my Seasonal Cleaning Checklist. A list to help you get your home in its healthiest shape before the summer starts. But even with Summer now upon us, there’s still plenty of time to get these healthful cleaning hacks underway. Here’s how to get started:

Summer Home Maintenance

I also like to perform a general outdoor maintenance checklist to include making sure the caulking around windows and doors is in proper order and inspect external doors and garage doors for gaps that can cause drafts. I also like to make sure the exterior windows are cleaned and, weather permitting, touching-up paint as needed.

Another area of measure includes cleaning gutters and making sure to examine and repair exterior spigots as needed. There’s also flooring for homes like my own that contain commercial flooring, including lvt tile and accessory dwelling units. Finally, make sure to clean out birdhouses and feeders. Then purchase fresh feed accordingly.

Roofs

One of the lessons I learned first and foremost as a homeowner was to maintain the integrity and value of my home by valuing my home’s roof. Maintaining your roof allows you to maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior, maximize and protect your dwellings investment, help prevent health issues within your home, and save money over time preventing higher energy bills at home.

All of which start with a clean, properly maintained roof at home! And for homeowners who are seeking a more singular less weekend warrior approach to roof maintenance this season, then you should definitely look into seasonal roofing services before the official start to winter this season.

With professional roof servicing being typically quoted by the square foot and tile type. However, the size of the job, roof pitch, landscaping, and overall severity of the stains are also factors that can influence the overall cost. Costs are as necessary as they are affordable to most homeowners at home.

Let’s also not forget how slippery leaves can be after spring rains. Why risk the potential hazards of slips and falls when you can trust the care of one of your home’s best lines of defense with professionals? After all, the upfront costs of having your roof professionally cleared and cleaned, along with gutter cleaning services, can help maintain the value of your home. Which will help, later on, prevent costly repairs later in the year?

Decks and Patios

Springtime has us all longing for those beautiful backyard get-togethers, barbecues and times spent running through the sprinkler. But before you start sending out the invitations to your first warm-weather bash of the year, you will want to thoroughly spring clean your decks and patios to get them entertainment ready.

Starting with giving your outdoor spaces a proper sweep to remove any remaining leaves from the fall, and removing any debris that has made its way to your outdoor spaces before returning planters or adding additional greenery and annuals to your planters this season.

It’s also a great idea to powerwash the entire deck or patio to help break up and tackle any stains or oily spots on your common outdoor surfaces. Using a stiff broom or scrub brush, can help remove stains. This is also a great time to replace any planks and flooring beyond basic repair. Including dock products from lumber companies.

Follow these repairs by cleaning off your outdoor patio furniture by removing any cushions or textiles from the furniture and wash them according to their specific directions. Making sure to wipe down the furniture to remove any excess dirt and debris. Replace any furniture or cushions that are unable to be cleaned or broken. And the best accessory for a newly power-washed deck or patio area? New patio furniture, of course. Shopping for new patio furniture? Here’s a guide to help you purchase the best patio furniture for your home this season

The season for outdoor entertaining is upon us, celebrate with a beautifully clean patio or deck, but with a few simple outdoor Spring cleaning sessions, your outdoor entertaining spaces will be entertainment ready long before warm weather season hits!

Friends, those are the three seasonal chores you should be attending to this season at home. Now I want to ask, what are seasonal chores you are currently undertaking at home to prep your home this fall? Share your thoughts below!

0 Comments

3 Must-Do Cleaning Projects To Do This Summer

Please note, this post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own, thank you.

With a new warm-weather season at hand, it’s time to conquer those deep-cleaning chores, both indoors and out, that help you and your family enjoy a clean and comfortable home this coming warm weather season.

Personally, I love seasonal cleaning- it helps me prepare my outdoor spaces in a non-chaotic, orderly, and somewhat fun manner. And what better way to usher in the upcoming fall season than a clean, orderly home?

With this in mind, I want to share with you all how I break down my own season chores as part of my Seasonal Cleaning Checklist. A list to help you get your home in its healthiest shape before the summer starts. But even with Summer now upon us, there’s still plenty of time to get these healthful cleaning hacks underway. Here’s how to get started:

Summer Maintenance

I also like to perform a general outdoor maintenance checklist to include making sure the caulking around windows and doors is in proper order and inspect external doors and garage doors for gaps that can cause drafts. I also like to make sure the exterior windows are cleaned and, weather permitting, touching-up paint as needed.

Another area of measure includes cleaning gutters and making sure to examine and repair exterior spigots as needed. There’s also flooring for homes like my own that contain commercial flooring, including lvt tile. Finally, make sure to clean out birdhouses and feeders. Then purchase new feed accordingly.

photo of cone pattern

Roofs

One of the lessons I learned first and foremost as a homeowner was to maintain the integrity and value of my home by valuing my home’s roof. Maintaining your roof allows you to maintain the beauty of your home’s exterior, maximize and protect your dwellings investment, help prevent health issues within your home, and save money over time preventing higher energy bills at home.

All of which start with a clean, properly maintained roof at home! And for homeowners who are seeking a more singular less weekend warrior approach to roof maintenance this season, then you should definitely look into seasonal roofing services before the official start to winter this season.

With professional roof servicing being typically quoted by the square foot and tile type. However, the size of the job, roof pitch, landscaping, and overall severity of the stains are also factors that can influence the overall cost. Costs as necessary as they are affordable to most homeowners at home.

Let’s also not forget how slippery leaves can be after spring rains. Why risk the potential hazards of slips and falls when you can trust the care of one of your home’s best lines of defense with professionals? After all, the upfront costs of having your roof professionally cleared and cleaned, along with gutter cleaning services, can help maintain the value of your home. Which will help, later on, prevent costly repairs later in the year?

Decks and Patios

Springtime has us all longing for those beautiful backyard get-togethers, barbecues and times spent running through the sprinkler. But before you start sending out the invitations to your first warm-weather bash of the year, you will want to thoroughly spring clean your decks and patios to get them entertainment ready.

Starting with giving your outdoor spaces a proper sweep to remove any remaining leaves from the fall, and removing any debris that has made its way to your outdoor spaces before returning planters or adding additional greenery and annuals to your planters this season.

It’s also a great idea to powerwash the entire deck or patio to help break up and tackle any stains or oily spots on your common outdoor surfaces. Using a stiff broom or scrub brush, can help remove stains. This is also a great time to replace any planks and flooring beyond basic repair. Including dock products from Decks & Docks Lumber Company.

Follow these repairs by cleaning off your outdoor patio furniture by removing any cushions or textiles from the furniture and wash them according to their specific directions. Making sure to wipe down the furniture to remove any excess dirt and debris. Replace any furniture or cushions that are unable to be cleaned or broken. And the best accessory for a newly power-washed deck or patio area? New patio furniture, of course. Shopping for new patio furniture? Here’s a guide to help you purchase the best patio furniture for your home this season

The season for outdoor entertaining is upon us, celebrate with a beautifully clean patio or deck, but with a few simple outdoor Spring cleaning sessions, your outdoor entertaining spaces will be entertainment ready long before warm weather season hits!

Friends, those are the three seasonal chores you should be attending to at home before the start of Spring this month. Now I want to ask, what are seasonal chores you are currently undertaking at home to prep your home this fall? Share your thoughts below!

0 Comments

Fall Zone Cleaning List: Everything You Should Be Cleaning This Season!

Please note: This post contains personal affiliate links. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you.

 

Fall Zone Cleaning List

 

With Autumn just around the corner, it’s time to conquer those end of season deep-cleaning chores that help you and your family enjoy a clean and comfortable home this winter.

Personally, I love seasonal cleaning- it helps me prepare for the upcoming holiday season in a non-chaotic, orderly, and somewhat fun manner. And what better way to usher in the upcoming fall season than a clean, orderly home?

With this in mind, I want to share with you all how I break down my own season chores as part of my Fall Cleaning Chore Checklist. A list to help you get your home in its healthiest shape before the winter season ahead. Here’s how to get started:

Fall Zone Cleaning List

Patio

  • Clean and store patio furniture, umbrellas, kid’s summer toys.
  • If you own a pool: Drain the pool, if applicable. Close it up for the year.

Winterizing Maintenance

  • Check caulk around windows and doors.
  • Inspect external doors and garage doors for gaps which can cause drafts.
  • Wash exterior windows.
  • Check outdoor trim and touch-up paint as needed.
  • Install insulating covers on exterior spigots.
  • Check outdoor trim and touch-up paint as needed.
  • Clean out outdoor lighting. Replace bulbs as needed.
  • Check gutters and downspouts.
  • Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.
  • Check chimneys for cracks and replenish lava stones accordingly.
  • Check fire pits for rust or damage. Make sure winterized cover is available.
  • Clean out birdhouses and feeders. Then purchase new feed accordingly.
  • Stock-up on fire starters, kindling, and chopped wood.

Shed & Garage

  • Inspect external doors and garage doors for gaps which can cause drafts.
  • Wash exterior windows.
  • Drain and store all garden hoses.
  • Store flower pots; plastic pots will need to be cleaned, emptied, bleached, and air-dried.
  • Terracotta pots should be sun-sanitized, stacked, and stored on their sides.
  • Sew grass seeds, as needed.
  • Service snow blower, power washers, lawnmowers, and leaf mulchers.

Fall Zone Cleaning List

Windows

  • Wash all windows with glass cleaner and wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
  • A handy tip? Clean windows on a cloudy day so you can better see any streaks left while cleaning.

Vacuuming

  • Vacuum all canvas, cotton, upholstery, and fabric blinds with a low setting and a brush attachment.
  • Vacuum and spot clean upholstered furniture and cushions.
  • Vacuum baseboards and corners well.
  • Clean out and vacuum vents.

Dusting

  • Vinyl shades can be wiped down with a dampened microfiber cloth.
  • Dust, wash, rinse, and dry painted or wood-paneled walls.
  • Clean ceiling-mounted light fixtures.
  • Dust your electronics. Start with your CPUs, handheld devices, and phones. Make sure to clean and wipe down the keyboard, and dust off the monitor with a microfiber cloth.

Surfaces

  • Wipe down the kitchen cupboards.
  • Dust off the refrigerator condenser coil.
  • Look at your wooden floors. Fill scratches.
  • Wash down walls with a mild astringent or cleaner, and dry with a dust mop.

Decluttering

  • Spruce up your computer. Defrag and recycle all unused files.
  • Straighten up your closets.
  • Create a capsule wardrobe.
  • Clear kitchen counters of all appliances not used within the last week. Donate as needed.
  • Organize kitchen cabinets, paying particular attention to baking supplies, pans, and equipment.
  • Straighten-up the linen closet. Air out and declutter blankets, down comforters, and flannel sheets.

Seasonal maintenance

  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Replace the furnace filter.
  • Turn mattresses to equalize wear.
  • Launder or clean all bedding: mattress pads, pillows, duvets, blankets, comforters.
  • Clean all humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and diffusers.
  • Drain sediment from hot water heaters.
  • Thoroughly clean pet items including litter boxes, fountains, dishes, crates, and crate pads.

Allergy-Preventing Chores

  • Clean blades of ceiling fans.
  • Sort and clean any extra zones such as linen closets, utility closets, and office spaces.
  • Be sure to use bathroom fans and clean up any standing water immediately.
  • Scrub any visible mold from surfaces with detergent and water, and completely dry.
  • Keep your home humidity levels at or around sixty percent.
  • Remove pet allergens by vacuuming frequently and washing upholstery, including your pet’s bed.
  • Stock-up on essential oils that help fight allergies including sweet orange oil and tea tree oil.

Fall Zone Cleaning List

Each fall season I like to stock my home with rich spices, fresh produce, including sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and cranberries, along with comfort classics like evening tea and ginger root. But before I can take to the streets, I take time to properly storing stockpile items, including:

Canned goods

Canned goods cannot be allowed to freeze. When canned goods freeze, they stand the chance of cans bulging, which can cause the seam and lid failure, which can cause food-borne illnesses, not to mention to fail, changes in product texture, flavor, nutrient factors, and product color. Most canned goods are packed in a solution of salt or sugar, which lowers their freezing point, but canned goods should not be stored below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Before temperatures freeze, this season, move canned food indoors.

Soft Drinks, Cooking Oils, and Cleaners

Freezing can have adverse effects on liquids such as soda, cooking oil, soap or detergent. Basements are a great place to store these goods. Frozen detergents and cooking oils can be brought back to room temperature by placing them in trash bags, at room temperature, and then storing accordingly.

Dried Foods

Foods that are dehydrated or freeze-dried will actually last longer in the cold since there is no water in them to freeze or can be frozen in deep freezes. I like to use my food saver’s canning jar attachment to suck out the air and help preserve my food for the entire winter season ahead. Foods like flour and seeds are stored in the deep freezer in mason jars.

Produce

Some products such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, and apples will actually keep longer stored in bins in cooler climates or sheds. If you use this method, be sure to check produce weekly, and with any sign of aging, the produce should be composed immediately. This is especially true for potatoes, which can emit deadly gasses if left to rot for several months.

Fall Zone Cleaning List

Keep in mind, deep cleaning your home from top to bottom will essentially take several days. Do not attempt to clean your entire home in a day, or a weekend for that matter. Take a week, break off chores into chunks, utilize your family for aid and resource, and give yourself the grace of time and consideration of your everyday life when completing this expansive list. You can get a head start by changing your air filters every three months and using filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12.

My biggest tip? Be sure to vacuum regularly to get rid of dust mites. Use a cyclonic vacuum, one which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. And as always, be sure to wash bedding and stuffed animals weekly.

Moreover, consider this when devising a fall cleaning schedule:

  • Are you the kind of person who wants to do a little every day?
  • Would you rather tackle it all at once so that you don’t have to think about it for the rest of the week?
  •  Do you work full time or are you home during the day?
  • Do you have young children at home whose chores can be incorporated into this system?

As there is no one “right way” to keep house, and so no universal cleaning schedule that will fit every household’s needs. It’s just about being mindful that for the next few months ahead is the long-term goals, so by adding a few small, obtainable cleaning goals each day is the way to go! This is a challenge to make your home as healthy as it is steadfast this coming season.

Friends, do you have any tried and true methods for cleaning around your home this time of year! I’d love to hear about them below!

Fall Zone Cleaning List

6 Comments

5 Tips For Better Litter Box Cleaning Sessions at Home With Glade

This post has been sponsored by Chewy.com. All opinions are mine alone.

 

Glade Winter Pine Clumping Cat Litter

If you’re anything like me, a house only becomes a home when a cat resides there. While the benefits of owning a cat, the companionship, the empathy-building nature of a pet and owner relationship, as well as the various studied conducted over the past few decades, which state that pet ownership in general, and cat ownership in particular, can improve your quality of life. These are only some of the reasons I have loved being an adoptive cat owner.

If this wasn’t enough reason to consider owning a cat, for me, there is still one even greater reason. I love that cats. Particularly my cats, Boo Radley, and Shadow. They are the most loving, thoughtful friends a gal could have. I also love that generally speaking, my cats required little training to use their litter box, as they have an innate desire to dig and bury their waste, making cats clean, conscientious, fastidious pets. So, if you love a clean, tidy home, team pride may be for you.

For you see, unlike other pet training scenarios, the challenge for cat owners is not to train a cat to use a waste removal system, but to see that the behavior continues. You see, once a cat develops undesirable litter box habits, the problem can be very difficult to resolve. So, here are a few suggestions to help you have successful litter box cleaning sessions at home.

Making sure your cat knows where their box is located is vital to a successful litter box routine. Ideally, a litter box should be placed in a semi-private covered area, removed from high-traffic zones, but not so isolated that it isn’t cleaned regularly. Also be sure to avoid placing the box next to food and water feeding stations.

All wastes, both solid and wet clumps, should be scooped out of your litter box daily. The entire box should be emptied, washed with warm water, and mild soap and enzyme cleaners weekly. Be sure to avoid strong-smelling cleaners when cleaning your litter boxes, as this may discourage your cat from using their litter box. Once cleaned, litter boxes should be refilled completely at least once a week. A two-inch layer of litter in the box works well for our cats. A tip? Keeping your litter close to your litter box, along with a small handled brush and dustpan set, along with a litter box scoop by each litter box makes for easy, simple litter box cleaning!

Glade Winter Pine Clumping Cat Litter

Many cats will refuse to use a litter box already in use from another cat. As a general rule, each home should have one box per cat, plus one. For example, a household of three cats should contain four litter boxes. In our home, we have three litter boxes, one in our kitchen, one in our storage room, and one in our hall bathroom to accommodate our cat’s litter box routines.

Your cat’s health can also cause litterbox issues. Everything from Colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver disease, urinary tract infections, and diabetes can all contribute to inappropriate, outside-the-box elimination for cats. If your cat refuses to use their litter box it’s always advisable to check with your veterinarian to determine if a physical ailment is causing the litter issue.

Just like with people, stressful situations can cause distress for your pets. In cats, stress often manifests itself in litter box rejection issues. Instances including moving to a new home, the adoption and inclusion of a new pet, changes in routine, rearranged placements of new furniture, and even moving your litter boxes to a new location, even a few feet away, can cause litter box rejection and inappropriate urination. To avoid stress spraying, maintain a constant location for your litter box and cleaning schedule as well. Also keeping a minimal, low-distraction litter box station will keep your cats stress to a minimum while using their boxes each day.

Cats can be picky. Some cats will use nearly any litter. Others will refuse to use pelletized litters. Trial and error is the key to lasting litter training success.

From personal experience, I suggest trying several varieties of cat litter to find the best fit for your pet. We literally inundate our cats with their litter. One of our favorite tips for litter continuity is to leave your litter packaging about your home, to allow your pets to become acquainted with the scent of the litter.

Glade Winter Pine Clumping Cat Litter

Once you have found a litter that seems to be accepted by your cat, don’t switch to another kind. Even if it may seem more convenient for you. Litter brand continuity is uber important to cats. For us, we chose Tidy Cats® Tough Odor Solutions Glade Winter Pine Clumping Cat Litter. I like to think that Boo Radley likes this brand as well. Whenever I bring his litter home he always likes to check out the new jug for himself as well. He’s a brand loyal cat!

We find that Tidy Cats® Lightweight with Glade is a low-maintenance, high-quality, affordable cat litter solution. We also love that it can be conveniently found at my local Kroger grocery store.

Tidy Cats® Lightweight with Glade on Chewy.com, with it’s guaranteed TidyLock™ Protection which helps to lock away odors that can lead to Stank Face. You know, the super stinky litter box odors that can make even the most dignified person’s face look like a petrified tree! Luckily, Tidy Cats’ wide range of products, so every cat owner can find the best litter for their cat’s needs, which means that you’ll never have to make another Stank Face again.

Glade Winter Pine Clumping Cat Litter

So now, as a family, we can save time with Tidy Cats® Lightweight with Glade, as this litter helps control those stinky litter box odors while helping you save time and money by purchasing the litter online through Chewy. Where you can purchase this awesome litter in a 20-pounds, two-jug pack delivered conveniently to your home. Perfect for cold winter days ahead.

We love that that this litter is pleasantly scented with Glade scents, as one of our boxes is located in our kitchen, as so many scented litters are rejected by cats, this makes the Tidy Cats® Lightweight with Glade a winner in my book!

Friends, I cannot say enough great things about the Tidy Cats® Lightweight with Glade and recommend you pick up a container on your next trip to Kroger stores this season. Your nose and cats will thank you!

Glade Winter Pine Clumping Cat Litter

0 Comments

Spring Cleaning Must-Dos That Will Save You Money

It’s okay to admit it, we all love spring cleaning! Normally, deep cleaning the house is a drudgerous chore but when the seasons turn and the sun decides to put his hat on, this once menial task takes on a new sense of purpose and significance.

The good old fashioned spring clean is actually a time-honored tradition going back centuries, echoed across a range of cultural and religious traditions. In Jewish customs, for example, the Passover represents a particularly special time for the Jewish community as it marked the end of their bondage in Egypt.

In various Christian traditions, including Catholics, who clean their parish churches altar the day before Good Friday. While those in the Greek Orthodoxy clean the house vigorously for the week before Lent.

Likewise, the Persian New Year celebration of Nowruz coincides with the first day of spring and traditionally involves a process of “shaking the house”, spring cleaning and spending more time with family and friends.

(Image Source)

It’s quite telling that the spring cleaning instinct transcends barriers of culture, tradition, and geography.

Of course, it’s also human nature that the longer days, and the warmer and more hospitable weather would fill us with a renewed sense of hope and optimism. It speaks to something primal in our psychology, telling us that it’s okay to come out of our caves and start foraging for food now that the crops have begun growing on the trees for us to harvest and enjoy.

It’s a time when we cast aside the old and all the psychological and emotional trappings that come with it. We rid ourselves of clutter and the psychological barriers that it places upon us and invite in the new with a sense of newfound optimistic cheer.

But while the act of spring cleaning can be psychologically liberating, it also presents us with an opportunity to carry out some much-needed maintenance which will save us a lot of money throughout the coming year.

Thrifty households will find all sorts of ways to save money this season, and by incorporating some of the following activities into your spring cleaning regimen, you can ensure a year of prosperity without any unpleasant home maintenance surprises lurking around the corner:

Clean the pool

If you’re lucky enough to own your own pool, this is usually a symbol of wealth, prosperity and success… But this doesn’t mean that you’re above saving good money on pool care if you can.

Good maintenance is essential to maintaining a healthy and beautiful pool. But in the colder months when it sees little or no action it’s not surprising that many owners let their pools go to seed. Nonetheless, before you start using the pool again, get a professional like ABC Home and Commercial Pool Services to give it the once-over.

A pro will be able to clean and maintain your pool in a way that ensures you won’t have an expensive repair in the summer months.

This could mean something as simple as skimming out debris and ensuring that the water is pure and clear. It could also mean testing the pool’s pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid to ensure that the composition of the water in your area doesn’t damage the intricate workings of your pump.

If necessary they can even drain the pool and wash it in acid to ensure a flawlessly clean look. Sure, this may require an upfront cost (unless you’re prepared to put the time and effort into doing it yourself), but it will give you a perfectly healthy and crystal clear pool that’s just perfect for the spring.

Clean out your AC

You’ll likely become a lot more reliant on your AC as the summer months approach. But if you don’t put the effort into ensuring that your AC is clean and well maintained now, it’s likely that it could cost you a great deal later in both repair costs and in unwanted medical bills.

Spring is a perfect time to carry out a deep clean and service of your AC unit to make sure that it’s functioning optimally and doing its job in filtering out pollutants and allergens. Replace the filters to ensure that harmful dust, pollen, and animal dander aren’t getting into the air in your home and interfering with your health.

Cleaning your AC unit will also help to rid the internal workings of harmful bacteria like the Legionella Pneumophila which results in Legionnaires disease. These nasty bacteria can enter your body through moisture particles in the air from an unclean AC unit.

While you can clean out your own AC unit; a pro will be able to tell you what you can do to make it as energy efficient as possible and make savings all year round.

While you’re at it, take some time to give your ductwork a thorough inspection as this too could end up costing you a small fortune in wasted energy (and even risk damaging your unit itself).

(Image Source)

Turn the clutter into cash

Removing clutter is an essential and psychologically important aspect of spring cleaning.

Clutter is a surprisingly oppressive presence in the house and it can not only make concentrating difficult, it can aid depression and anxiety. But as tempting as it may be to throw it all straight into the trash, could at least some of it be turned into cash?

Clean and lightly worn clothes are pretty much always of value to someone on eBay as are your books, DVDs, and CDs. If you’re prepared to inventory them, post them online then keep them somewhere out of sight and out of mind until they’re all sold you can kill two birds with one stone.

Keep an eye out for unwelcome guests

It’s unlikely that you’ll be getting as comprehensive a look at your house as this in a few months, so while you’re cleaning and scrubbing every room of the house, keep an eye out for signs of unwelcome guests who could prove troublesome in later months.

Knowing how to spot signs of flea larvae, bed bugs or the early signs of termite infestation could save you a small fortune in professional exterminators’ costs later on down the line, while also giving you the peace of mind of knowing that only your family and guests will be enjoying the ambience of your home this season.

0 Comments

7 Tips For Pet-Friendly Spring Cleaning

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveTheseCleanPaws #CollectiveBias

 

7 Tips for pet-friendly Spring Cleaning featuring Fresh Step

If you’re anything like me, a house only becomes a home when a cat resides there. As an adoptive cat owner, I know first-hand that owning cats brings companionship to my days, helps me to be a more empathic person, and to have an overall better quality of life.

It goes without saying that I love cats. Particularly my cats, Boo Radley and Shadow. They are the most loving, thoughtful friends a gal could have. But with all that love and compassion comes floors stained by dirty paws, the air full of fur, and not-so-clean litter box areas in my home.

Luckily, Spring is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to Spring clean the areas my pets utilize the most throughout my home.

But before I start any seasonal cleaning project, I always make sure my cleaning caddy is stocked with all the products I need to help my pet’s areas sparkle at home.

7 Tips for pet-friendly Spring Cleaning featuring Fresh Step

My go-to? My local Target, of course! Because all of the pet-friendly products I need including Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ Multi-Cat Scented Litter with the power of Febreze™ Freshness is within driving distance of my home. Making it my one-stop-shop for all my pet care needs each Spring season!

I love buying Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ because it helps me keep my cat’s paws cleaner and my home fresher in the process too!

It’s my go-to litter because its low dust formula is perfect for reducing litter box tracking in my home. A must for my family as two of our litter boxes are located in my home kitchen!

What I love most about Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ Litter is its special blend of larger particles that are designed to stick less to your cat’s fur and stay in the box.

Plus, with a 10-day odor control guaranteed for multiple cats, this is the litter to buy for multi-cat households like my own!

What’s even better? Currently, there is a Target Cartwheel offer that will be running from 4/1-4/7. So be on the lookout for this offer to save even more at Target on Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ and your other pet care needs.

Now, generally speaking, my cats require little cleaning in their litter box and feedings stations, these areas in my area still require Spring cleaning. And they may in yours as well.

With that in mind, here are 7 tips to help you get started with Spring cleaning your cat’s areas in your own home this coming season.

1. Deodorize your surfaces.

When starting pet care Spring cleaning at home I always start by deodorizing all the surfaces my pets frequently touch. This includes using baking soda and 5-10 drops of my favorite pet-safe essential oils, added to a salt shaker, to deodorize soft surfaces including couches, carpets, and pet beds. I let the baking soda sit on the surfaces for one hour and then vacuum the surfaces clear.

I also use a steam mop to clean all tiled and wood surfaces in my home as well. Paying extra attention to lower surfaces my pets walk across each day.

This also includes my cats feeding station. I like to use Spring cleaning as an excuse to give these areas a thorough going over. Including their food dishes, water fountain, and food trays.

2. Toss stuffed toys in the washer.

Washing your pet’s toys can help them from to keep them from getting stinky. Including small, plush cat toys.

I like to add the toys to a washer, on the hot water setting, and then allow them to air dry naturally. This also includes collars, blankets, and carrier inserts. Making sure to wash each item as directed on its tag.

3. Give your cats a good grooming.

Brushing your pet is essential for proper coat maintenance and for keeping your homes clearer too. Especially in Spring, where furry coats can trap pollen particles on your pets and can spread these particles throughout your home. Trapping these potential allergens in your home.

It goes without saying that long-haired pets need combing regularly to remove any knots or tangles that can potentially become painful matters. Spring is also the time of year when pets shed excess fur.

Regardless if your pet is a long or short haired variety, a good brushing each Spring is a great time to groom your pet and prevent loose, allergy-triggering fur from flying about your home!

4. Dust with a microfiber cloth.

Removing pet dander and hair from furniture and other surfaces is as simple as using a microfiber cloth.

A must-have for every pet parent, like microfiber fabric, use static energy to pick up hair and dander than rags.

I use microfiber to tackle out-of-reach surfaces that may be covered with cat furs like light fixtures, fan blades, and vents with a ladder or extendable duster. Spots that can harbor allergens.

5. Wash plastic and metal food dishes in the dishwasher.

Pet food and water bowls are one of those things that slip our mind to clean – they’re used every day, but not by us.

Place plastic pet bowls in the dishwasher for a much-needed clean. Making sure to run them through the extra-duty cycle and sanitize rinse for extra Spring cleaning power!

6. Sort through your pets toys.

Spring is a great time to sort through your pets toys. Making sure to discard or donate unused toys and to stock up on new toys that might need replacing!

7. Deep clean your litter box areas.

While most cats need little training when it comes to using their litter boxes, due to their innate desire to dig and bury their waste, making cats clean, conscientious, fastidious pets. But that doesn’t always mean their fastidious nature means they are the cleanest when coming out of their litter box areas!

Each Spring I like to remove my litter boxes and give them a deep clean. Including removing all litter, hosing my boxes out, and letting them air dry. While my boxes are drying I like to give the litter box surrounds a deep clean with DIY lime-infused cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Making citrus-infused cleaner is super simple to make too! Here’s my go-to recipe:

Citrus-Infused Vinegar Cleaner:

  •      Combine the peels of four lemons or limes into a quart sized mason jar.
  •      Fill mason jar to neck with white vinegar.
  •      Seal and store for one month.
  •      When ready to clean, strain and add to glass spray bottle.
  •      Use full-strength to clean shower stalls or diluted for windows and countertops.

Once my cat’s litter boxes are dry, I like to refill my boxes with clean litter. As I previously mentioned, Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ Multi-Cat Scented Litter. I find that Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ is a low-maintenance, high-quality, affordable cat litter solution.

It’s the best litter for our cat’s needs. I also love that it’s pleasantly scented with the power of Febreze™ Freshness making it a winner in my book!

So, everyone, those are my seven tips for Spring cleaning your litter box and pet feeding stations at home. Now I want to ask, will you be Spring cleaning your feeding areas and litter boxes this season? Will you be using Fresh Step® Clean Paws™ in your litter boxes at home? I’d love to hear all about it below!

Connect with Fresh Step Clean Paws™ Online:

Facebook | Youtube | Twitter | Instagram

*Febreze and the Febreze Freshness logo are registered trademarks of The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio used under license by The Clorox Pet Products Company. © 2018 The Clorox Company.

7 Tips for pet-friendly Spring Cleaning featuring Fresh Step

0 Comments