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  • Ways to Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

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    A home’s exterior conveys to passersby how much the owners care about their property. If you’re trying to sell your home, curb appeal can encourage prospective buyers to look closer.

    The meaning of curb appeal

    Curb appeal is how attractive a home appears to someone when it is looked upon from a street distance. A freshly cut lawn and trimmed hedges make the exterior of any home stand out.

    Improving the curb appeal of your home

    People can’t help but smile when they see that the exterior of a home is well-kept. The good news is that your house can be a tiny one, a mansion, or somewhere in between. Take a little time to enhance its curb appeal. When you do, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the difference it can make in how you and others view your home. What’s more, curb appeal always adds benefits you can measure in terms of home value.

    Handle those unattractive aspects around your property

    Since you’re used to seeing your home from the outside every day, you might miss what a passerby who has never before seen your home notices. To get a reality check, take pictures of every side of your home. Doing so will help you bring distracting elements into focus.

    messy home exterior

    Specifically, pay attention to:

    • Cracking concrete
    • Fencing in disrepair
    • Graffiti on structures and walkways
    • Overgrown grass and weeds
    • Too plain of a yard, not interesting
    • The trash in the yard and overfilled trash cans

    As you can tell, many of those things mentioned are simply exterior upkeep. Fixing them will help you make a great impression when trying to sell your home. With our busy lives, it’s easy to get distracted. However, if you make improvements to your home’s exterior, buyers will take notice.

    Public property is another matter. Typically, maintaining clean sidewalks and pothole-free streets in front of your home is the city’s responsibility. To get the debris removed or street repairs completed, call the city and put in a maintenance request.

    A plain exterior needs sprucing up

    A bare exterior can cause a home to be overlooked just as much as one with many unattractive elements. If your home’s exterior looks clean but is on the plain side, liven it up. Add some color with flowers, a few complimentary shrubs, and maybe even a fruit tree. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Just by making a few plant additions, you’ll add to your home’s curb appeal.

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    Pressure wash exterior surfaces

    This is one of the easiest things you can do to your home. Hiring a pressure washing service is the best way to bring any dull surface back to life.

    Use a professional exterior cleaning service to wash your home’s driveway, siding, roof, windows, and decks. 

     

     

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  • 5 Services You Should Keep on Speed Dial

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    In our fast-paced lives, unexpected situations can catch us off guard at any moment. Whether it’s a sudden plumbing emergency, a locked-out situation, or an electrical issue, having essential services on speed dial can save you time, money, and stress. In this article, we’ll guide you through five essential services you should keep on speed dial for those unexpected moments when you need a quick and reliable solution.

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    • Locksmith Services

    One of the most common scenarios many of us have faced is being locked out of our homes or cars. That’s where locksmith services come to the rescue. They can swiftly provide solutions such as lockouts, key cutting, and yes, even car key replacement and programming. With a trusted locksmith on speed dial, you won’t have to worry about being stranded due to lost or damaged car keys.

    • Plumbing Experts

    Plumbing emergencies can turn your day upside down in an instant. A burst pipe, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning water heater can wreak havoc on your home. Having a reliable plumber’s number on hand ensures you can quickly address these issues, preventing further damage and costly repairs.

    • Electricians

    Electrical problems are not only inconvenient but can also be hazardous. If you encounter a sudden power outage, exposed wires, or faulty circuits, a skilled electrician can restore safety and functionality to your home promptly. Don’t wait until it’s too late—keep an electrician’s contact information readily available.

    • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Services

    Extreme temperatures can make your home unbearable. When your heating or cooling system fails unexpectedly, it’s crucial to have an HVAC expert you can trust. They can diagnose and repair issues, ensuring your indoor climate remains comfortable year-round.

    • Emergency Medical Services

    While not a traditional “home service,” having the local emergency medical services (EMS) number saved in your contacts can be a lifesaver. In case of a medical emergency at home, you’ll be able to quickly connect with professional help, ensuring a faster response time when every second counts.

    In conclusion, life is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen when you least expect them. By keeping these essential services on speed dial, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle unexpected challenges that arise in your home and personal life. From locksmiths who can assist with car key replacement and programming to plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and emergency medical services, having these contacts readily available can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re never caught off guard. Remember, preparedness is key to managing unforeseen situations effectively.

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  • Important Tips for Hiring a Janitorial Service

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    Cleaning tools for maid or cleanerKeeping our living and working spaces clean has become a top priority in a world that values cleanliness and hygiene more than ever. However, the demands of our busy lives often leave us little time and energy for thorough cleaning. That’s where a professional janitorial service comes to the rescue! But with countless options available, how do you choose the right one?

    1. Define Your Cleaning Needs:

    Before searching for a janitorial service, it’s essential to identify your specific cleaning requirements. Consider the size of your space, the type of cleaning tasks needed, and any unique cleaning protocols necessary. By understanding your needs, you can communicate them effectively to potential janitorial service providers, ensuring they have the expertise and resources to meet your expectations.

    2. Research and Read Reviews:

    Take the time to research different janitorial service providers in your area. Visit their websites, read customer testimonials, and explore online review platforms. Positive reviews are a good indicator of reliability and quality service. Look for testimonials highlighting promptness, professionalism, attention to detail, and customer satisfaction. Additionally, seek referrals from trusted sources who have previously used janitorial services, as personal recommendations can provide valuable insights.

    3. Ensure Proper Insurance and Bonding:

    When hiring a janitorial service, protecting your property and assets is crucial. Verify that the service provider has adequate liability insurance coverage to safeguard against potential accidents or damages. Additionally, inquire about bonding, which provides an extra layer of protection against theft or dishonesty. Both insurance and bonding demonstrate the janitorial service’s commitment to accountability and professional integrity.

    4. Assess Cleaning Equipment and Supplies:

    A reliable janitorial service should have access to high-quality cleaning equipment and supplies. Inquire about the types of equipment they use, such as vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and eco-friendly cleaning products. Modern and well-maintained equipment enhances efficiency and ensures thorough cleaning. Additionally, if you have specific preferences for environmentally friendly or hypoallergenic cleaning products, discuss this with potential service providers to ensure they can accommodate your needs.

    5. Discuss Pricing and Contracts:

    When discussing pricing with a janitorial service, understand the breakdown of costs and any additional charges for specialized services. Compare quotes from different providers and ensure you get a fair and competitive price. Additionally, carefully review the contract terms, including cancellation policies, frequency of service, and any guarantees provided. Clear communication and transparency regarding pricing and contractual obligations will help you avoid surprises or misunderstandings.

    Hiring a professional janitorial service is a wise investment in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Following these seven essential tips, you can confidently select a service provider that meets your needs. With exemplary janitorial service by your side, your space will shine with cleanliness and professionalism.

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  • Ten Important Things to Consider When Hiring an Electrician

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    Questionnaire : Do you want to hire electricians?

    When home electrical repairs get more complicated than changing a fuse, deciding what electrician to hire for your job can be difficult. A quick Google search in your area probably turns up dozens of options to choose from. But how do you know which is the right one for the job?

    Before you hire an electrician, consider these ten key factors. You might even want to use them as interview questions.

    1. Level of Experience

    How complicated is your job? Is it one that an inexperienced electrician could easily handle, or does it require a more seasoned veteran?

    Expect to pay an experienced electrician more than one who’s new to the industry. But if the job is complex, it’ll be worth the extra investment.

    1. Are They Licensed and Insured?

    Accidents can happen on any job site. If your electrician isn’t licensed and insured, those accident costs could end up coming out of your pocketbook.

    1. Can They Provide References?

    Any electrician worth their salt will have a list of references from satisfied customers. Ask for at least three, then contact those references to find out all the details about how the job went.

    1. What is the Scope of Your Project?

    Do you expect that your job should only take a few hours or less than a day? Or is it a more involved project that could stretch on for weeks?

    Depending on your individual needs, choose the best electrician who can fulfill the job within the expected timeframe.

    1. How Busy is Their Schedule?

    If you need work done immediately, you don’t want to be told over the phone that they can “be there sometime next week.” If that’s the answer, it’s best to move on to the next option.

    1. How Responsive Are They?

    When you call for the first time, does your call go straight to voicemail? Did it take several days to get a callback? This probably isn’t the electrician you want to work with.

    1. Does the Electrician Stick to Deadlines?

    Before hiring an electrician, ask them about their track record for sticking to the deadlines they set. This is also a great question to ask their references.

    1. How Much Do They Charge?

    You don’t want to overpay the electrician you hire. Find out upfront what their exact rates will be for the job. Also, find out if they charge by the job or by the hour.

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  • Tips for Mold Prevention in Your Home

    Mold is a fungal problem that can easily make its way into your home, contaminating the air and growing on walls. You can find it in just about any type of building, and it has the potential to infect your personal belongings as well. It is caused by moisture and must be removed as soon as possible to limit the possibility of damage and further spreading. You can take steps to limit the chance of your home being invaded by mold because there are some things you can do yourself.

    1. Check your house for moisture problems

    Too much moisture in your home can cause mold to grow and ruin any exposed materials. Ensure that none of the water pipes are leaking or that you check for standing water in any area, including your basement. This way, you don’t have to worry about mold hazards in your home.

    1. Keep your roof in good repair

    If you live in a household above the ground, or one that must be waterproof, ensure your roof is in good repair. Some spots on the top can allow moisture to seep into and start growing mold. Check for any holes or water damage to your roof and get them fixed before you can do any further damage.

    1. Keep humidity down

    It may seem counterintuitive to try and keep your home dry when trying to prevent mold, but high humidity levels can increase the growth potential of mold spores and lead to various costly problems. If you have an air conditioning system or an effective ventilation system, this will allow for a lower humidity level and keep it from getting too high.

    1. Replace your air filters

    When air filters get too dirty, they can cause moisture from the air to accumulate in the home instead of outside. Air conditioning systems have filters to catch large particles, but the air filters installed in your home are meant to trap smaller particles. Don’t trust your filters to see everything; replace them every month or season. If you suspect a mold problem, this will help prevent any new growth from forming.

    1. Check storage areas

    Keep any items prone to getting damp or have molding potential in a dry area. The plastic helps keep moisture out and your items safe. If you leave these materials exposed, they can quickly develop a mold problem. Don’t store them in areas where they will be exposed to outside moisture, like a leaking roof. Make sure any furniture you have is water resistant; if it isn’t, cover it with plastic wrap until you find something better suited to the job.

    6. Keep Carpets Clean and Dry

    Carpeting and padding can easily harbor mold and mildew. You must regularly deep clean your wall-to-wall carpeting to prevent mold and mildew from developing. It is relatively inexpensive to hire a carpet cleaning service to clean your carpets twice a year. Get a free consultation and quote from ASAP Carpet Cleaning

    A mold problem can cause many problems and put you in a position where you have to pay to renovate everything. Before anything like that happens, make sure you are doing everything possible to prevent mold from getting into your home in the first place.

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  • Make Your Home Feel Fresh, Clean & Healthy

    Having a clean home can help to ensure that you minimize your risk for colds, flu, and coronavirus. There are many different steps you can take to ensure that the home is clean and healthy.

    1. Regular Cleaning

    Cleaning your home regularly should be a top priority. You should clean your home thoroughly every week, and you should create a schedule to make sure that you do not miss anything. Ensure that you wipe down walls, mop floors, and dust to ensure that there are no germs around. Use a sanitizing spray at least once a week to ensure that you cut down on germ and bacteria growth. Regular carpet cleaning is a must to reduce dirt dust and odors in your home. Click here to learn more. 

    2. Air Duct Cleaning

    Over time, your air ducts can become full of dust and debris. This can clog your ductwork, and you could be breathing in all these particles. If you see a lot of dust build up in your home and find yourself dusting frequently, this may be a sign that your ducts need to be cleaned. If this is the case, you will want to call your local air duct cleaning company to clean your ducts. Cleaning the ducts will help to ensure that the air you are breathing in your home is clean. 

    3. Adding a UV Light

    Another great way to ensure that your home is healthy and fresh is to have a UV light installed in your HVAC system. UV lights come on and kill any germs or bacteria in your air. This is great to ensure that the air is completely clean. UV lights can kill almost anything, including the coronavirus. Having one installed is affordable and will do wonders for the health of your family.

    4. Getting an Air Purifier

    If you want to make sure that the air is fresh and healthy, you should consider purchasing an air purifier. Air purifiers have filters that will trap bacteria, allergens, and mold. The air purifier not only scrubs the air clean but also helps to eliminate any odors that may be lurking in your home. There are many options when it comes to air purifiers. You can get a whole-house air purifier, or you can get small purifiers for each room.

    With just these few steps, you can ensure that the air in your home is clean and healthy. When the air in your home is clean and healthy, so is your home. Just remember to do all that you can to minimize allergens and bacteria from coming into your home.

     

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  • Best Ways to Prevent Small Animals From Damaging Your Property

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    Mouse looking to come inside

    Having unwanted pests around your home can create major problems. Not only are the pests bothersome, but they can also do a lot of damage to your home. The good news is that there are several ways that you can prevent animals from damaging your property.

    Clean Up

    The best thing that you can do to prevent rodents from damaging your property is to clean up. Get rid of all of the debris and clutter. Pick up everything that might attract critters. If the area around your home is clean, then it will be less attractive to critters. Clean carpets will also prevent pests from taking up residence. 

    Secure the Trash

    Critters are attracted to trash. That is why if you have a trash can outside of your property, then you will need to make sure that it is secured. Food waste should be put in a compost bin. You may also want to put the trash cans in your shed and garage. If you don’t have a shed or garage, then you should tie up the garbage cans.

    Invest in a Chimney Cap

    If your property has a chimney, then you should put a cap on it. This will not only keep the critters out, but it will also keep the rain out.

    Get a Dehumidifier

    Rodents tend to dwell in places that are humid and damp. You should invest in a dehumidifier. You should put a dehumidifier in the most humid places of your home, which are the attic, basement, or crawl space. A dehumidifier can keep the critters out.

    Avoid Leaving the Food Out

    Rodents and pests tend to go from place to place looking for food. That is why it is important for you to avoid leaving food out. If you have leftover food, then you will need to put it in a container. You should wash your dishes as soon you have finished cooking or eating. Additionally, you should wipe down your counters.

    Keep in mind that pet food can also attract pests. You should feed your pets at specific times. Pick up the food as soon as your pet has finished eating.

    Make All of the Necessary Repairs

    A pest can enter through the small holes in your home. If there are any parts of your home that need to be repaired, then you should make them as soon as possible. You will also need to seal the cracks around the foundation and walls.

    Hire a Pest Control Company

    To be absolutely sure that pests, rodents, and other small animals stay outside where they belong. A professional pest control company will have the knowledge, expertise, and equipment to ensure that pests go away and stay away.

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  • Things to Consider When Hiring an HVAC Contractor

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    You don’t want to try to handle an HVAC problem on your own. You need an HVAC contractor. However, you have to choose the right contractor. You will need to consider the following before you hire an HVAC contractor.

    HVAC worker giving a thumbs up and holding a clipboard

    Proper Licensing And Credentials

    It is illegal for an HVAC contractor to work without the proper credentials and licensing. However, some will try to do it anyway. You should make sure that your HVAC contractor is licensed and possesses the proper credentials. Hiring someone who is inexperienced may initially be cheaper, but it can cost you a lot more in the long run. You will have to hire a professional to fix the problem because an inexperienced person likely won’t do the job the correct way.

     

    Better Business Bureau Rating

    The Better Business Bureau is an organization that helps people find businesses that they can trust. You should check with the Better Business Bureau before you hire a contractor. If the contractor is reliable, then they will have an A+ rating from the Business Bureau Bureau.

     

    Experience

    HVAC contractors are trained to fix just about any type of problem that your HVAC system has. However, some contractors have more experience in certain areas than others. That is why it is important to find a contractor who has been trained to fix the specific issue that your HVAC system has. For example, if you have a commercial HVAC issue, then you should choose a contractor that has been trained to fix those issues.

     

    Competitive Pricing

    You want to choose a contractor who is within the price range that you have set. HVAC contractors should be transparent about their pricing. Any estimate that you get should be in writing. However, you should not choose a company that charges you the lowest price. The price may reflect the type of service that you will get.

     

    Insurance

    HVAC contractors will try their best to make sure that mishaps do not occur. However, they can still happen. That is why an HVAC contractor should have insurance to cover any mishaps that occur. If they don’t have insurance, then you may be the one who is responsible for paying for the damages.

     

    Emergency Services

    HVAC problems do not always occur during normal business hours. They may occur late at night or on the weekends. That is why it is important to choose someone who offers emergency services.

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  • Top 5 Tips for Green, Eco-Friendly Cleaning

    In order to have a healthy environment for you and your family to live in, you must clean your home. If you want your home to be as clean as possible, you need to use eco-friendly cleaning techniques. Here are five eco-friendly cleaning tips.

     

    Make Your Own Cleaners

    You don’t need to purchase cleaners from the store in order to thoroughly clean your home. You can actually make your own cleaners fairly easily. If you want to make an all-purpose cleaner, you need to mix four tablespoons of vinegar and two tablespoons of borax with 3 cups of very hot water. You can put this mixture in a spray bottle to clean your counters or cabinets. If you are wanting to make a window cleaner, you simply need to mix one part vinegar with one part water.

    Read Ingredients On Products That You Use

    If you already have store-bought cleaners on hand that you want to use, you really should read the ingredients first. Even if the label says it’s safe to use, you might find that it isn’t green or eco-friendly. This is why you need to read the ingredients on the packaging of the products. If you come across any ingredient that you aren’t familiar with, you can simply search online to find out if it’s safe. If you find that the product isn’t eco-friendly, you are better off not using it.

    Freshen up Your Carpet With Baking Soda

    It’s not uncommon for carpets to develop an odor, and they may need to be freshened up. Fortunately, you don’t have to turn to harmful chemicals to do this. Baking soda can get rid of odors that are being emitted from your carpet. Just sprinkle a few tablespoons on it, let it sit for several minutes, and vacuum your carpet.

    The Power of Steam 

    Steam cleaning is a completely non-toxic and powerful method. Steam breaks up everything from baked-on food on kitchen surfaces, to mold and mildew in bathrooms. There are several steam-cleaning machines on the market that make this easy to do yourself. If you employ professional cleaners, be sure that they use steam cleaning methods for disinfecting and sanitizing rather than harsh chemicals. Steam carpet cleaning is the preferred method for many companies.

    Use Natural Items To Freshen The Air

    Your house may not smell as good as you’d like it. Don’t use an air freshener to add a fragrance to your home. Turn to natural items. Boil orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or cloves. You could also try baking a cake or cookies in order to create a sweet aroma in the air. If you like foliage, consider adding some indoor plants that emit an odor like Peace Lilies.

    Don’t Bring Toxins Inside With You

    You can have an eco-friendly home by not bringing toxins inside with you. Leave your shoes by the front door. They can track in dirt, animal feces, and basically anything that you have walked on throughout the day. Change your clothes as soon as you get home, and place them in the washing machine. They can be filled with things like bacteria and germs.

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  • Advice for Starting a New Cleaning Business

     

    Cleaning and maintaining a dirt-free space is a necessity for healthy home living. But, many people either do not have the time or energy to do this work themselves. This leaves a great market for entrepreneurs looking to start a profitable cleaning service. Whether you’re offering maid and janitorial services, carpet cleaning or just don’t mind getting your hands dirty, here are five tips to starting a new cleaning business.

    Make sure you have the necessary funding

    Luckily, there is little experience required in starting a cleaning business. All you need is determination and a little patience. Still, you need to decide how you want to finance your new business to ideally keep startup costs low and debt at a minimum. Though it depends on how big you want your service to be, common budgetary items include buying cleaning supplies in bulk and securing transportation. There may also be necessary business permits or licenses required to operate your specific service for a public market. Make sure you do your research ahead of time to see if your service falls into this category.

     

    Target the right audience

    The competition in the cleaning service industry can be strong. With so many businesses providing services, understanding your target audience and what they want is crucial. If you don’t have adequate transportation at the start to carry supplies, creating a circle of clients within walking distance will be key. Though it’s important to get clients, you should also be selective in the jobs you take. Quality over quantity!

     

    Register your business

    Once you begin making over a few hundred dollars a month, you may want to consider registering your business to begin reporting income to the IRS. There are many ways to structure your business, including becoming a sole proprietor, an LLC or a partnership. If you are working with corporate clients, it’s also necessary to have all proper tax documentation on hand if asked for.

     

    Give each job a personal touch

    Regardless of what kind of service you’re offering, clean like you’re cleaning your own living room or office space. Clients will also appreciate a service that goes the extra mile, whether that’s putting a little more TLC into the bathrooms or leaving a personalized card to call for the next cleaning.Check out http://brevardtilecleaning.com/.

     

    Establish your brand

    Though advertising through flyers, the internet and other channels of communication can be beneficial, word of mouth marketing remains key, especially in the cleaning service industry. Satisfied clients will be more than happy to sing your praises to friends, so consider asking them to write a review. The worst they could say is no!

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  • Cleaning Advice For Allergy Sufferers

    Allergies can precipitate numerous untoward symptoms and make an individual’s day-to-day life uncomfortable. In many instances, these bothersome ailments are caused by particles like dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander and other air pollutants. Fortunately, however, those afflicted with these maladies might be able to reduce incidents or overcome them by executing the following changes and practicing these relatively simple do-it-yourself cleaning methods:

     

    Vacuum Frequently

     

    Healthcare professionals recommend that everyone, especially allergy sufferers vacuum their homes at least twice per week. That said, the homeowner in question is strongly encouraged to use an apparatus equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air, or HEPA filter. These products possess the capacity to collect even the tiniest dirt or dust particles and prevent said substances from re-circulating into surrounding air.

     

    Promptly Eliminate Mold

     

    Mold is a potentially dangerous substance that forms in places prone to excessive moisture, such as bathrooms, basements and attics. Homeowners with allergies are urged to have less frequented spaces like attics and basements examined for leaks and make execute immediate remediation is such issues are detected. Moreover, said subjects are advised to routinely clean bathroom tiles and components. Furthermore, they should periodically but thoroughly wash shower curtain.

     

    Limit Clutter

     

    Increased clutter, such as boxes, piles of papers and books stacked atop tables and desks provides additional venues for particles like dirt and dust to gather.

     

    Never Air Dry Laundry

     

    Individuals who do not own a clothes dryer and strongly urged to bring said articles to a laundromat. When clothing is air-dried, said items are liable to collect large quantities of dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens capable of circulating in the open air.

     

    Consider Throwing Out Carpeting

     

    Individuals stricken with allergies are encouraged to consider getting rid of their home’s carpeting. Rugs are a breeding ground for dirt, dust and many other irritants. Should finances permit, said subjects are urged to replace rugs with hardwood floors. Alternatively, you can have your carpets professionally cleaned.

    A Kansas City, MO carpet cleaner can help to thoroughly remove allergens.

     

    Run Air Conditioner During The Summer

     

    Opening the windows and allowing fresh air to enter one’s home is a solid way to save money. However, this practice can prove detrimental to allergy sufferers because said action allows various air pollutants to enter. Operating the air conditioner not only provides significant cooling but eliminates associated humidity and prevents irritants from penetrating the air.

     

    Avoid Using Scented Cleaners

     

    Cleansing products with scented fragrances should not be used by persons with allergies. Though aromatic, such substances have been known to trigger untoward allergy symptoms.

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  • How to Clean and Care for Oriental Rugs

    If you’ve got an oriental rug that’s lost some of its luster, chances are that it’s just picked up a lot of dirt and dust over the years. Cleaning it is sure to restore some of its former vitality. The easiest way to do it is by taking it to a rug cleaner who uses giant machines to extract the dirt, and a centrifuge to extract the water. Alternatively, you could hire an oriental rug cleaning service to come to your location. But it’s not necessary to go through that expense when you can easily clean it at home.

    Equipping yourself for this job is easy. You’ll need some dish soap and a bucket, a squeegee, and a rug beater. If you don’t have a rug beater, there are several other things you can use, such as a wooden spoon, a whisk, or a baseball bat. You are going to be beating it, after all!

     

    First, take the rug outside where giant plumes of dust aren’t going to bother anybody; and for the sake of your own breathing, try to use a simple painter’s mask like you’ll find at Home Deport or any auto part store. Hang the rug up on a clothesline, a fence, or if you see a good one, a heavy branch (hopefully as horizontal a branch as you can find).

     

    With the rug hanging at equal lengths on either side, use your rug beater or substitute and hit it with flat strokes evenly over the entire thing. Do this on both sides. If it’s been a while since you’ve done this – and it’s likely to be, as it only needs to be done once a year – be prepared to stand back and avoid getting the dust in your eyes. You’re likely to create a massive cloud of dirt. Shake it from about halfway up the rug, and again from near the top. This will release any remaining dirt and dust that settled back on to it. In some cases you may have to beat it again.

     

    Next, sponge it off with very soapy water on both sides. This will take some time, but you want to make sure both sides are soaked right through. Now spray it with a garden hose, being sure you don’t stop until the water runs clear. Then squeegee it until all excess water is removed. You don’t want to leave any water in the fibers, or you’ll create mold on the underside when you lay it back down.

     

    Now, you’ll need to let it dry. Depending on how large your rug is, and how thick, this can take an entire day of hanging in the sunlight.

     

    Caring for your oriental rug once it’s back inside and in place will help maintain the color of the rug and minimize its wear. Rotate the rug every couple of months, and in the case of rugs with a lot of fringe on the ends, flip it. This will keep the fringe from getting knotted and minimize wear. Direct sunlight over an extended period of time can fade the colors, so keep the sun off of it whenever possible. Changing the room around so traffic is directed to keep people off the rug will help it to wear more evenly.

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