Household Cleaner Injuries

Household cleaners can be very helpful for homeowners looking to keep their homes clean and free of germs and harmful bacteria. Occasionally, harmful bacteria may be present on surfaces like countertops, kitchen floors, bathroom sinks, and flooring in the restrooms. Chemical cleaners often contain effective ingredients for removing harmful bacteria and viruses, but may also contain ingredients that may cause harm to people in the home.

It is important for homeowners to remember that some chemicals should never be mixed. Chemicals should be kept in their original containers and should be sealed at all times. Unmarked containers of chemicals are very dangerous, because without labels and warnings, people may be unfamiliar with potentially dangerous contents inside.

Household cleaners should be kept away from children and pets at all times. Although many homeowners prefer to keep their cleaning chemicals underneath sinks and countertops, these storage spaces are often points of easy access for children and toddlers. Parents should be careful of where they place the chemicals used for cleaning and may consider installing child-proof locking mechanisms on cabinets and drawers.

Although most adults understand that many household cleaners contain ingredients that can be harmful if swallowed, some do not realize that exposure to fumes from cleaners may be toxic as well. It is important to use materials for cleaning separately, because the combination of two ingredients may have deadly results. Common items like ammonia and bleach can be deadly if mixed together, so it is important to make sure to keep the two separate at all times.

If you are using cleaners indoors, it is recommended that you open windows and doors to provide adequate ventilation for the room being cleaned. If you are cleaning for a long period of time, be sure to leave the room at certain intervals to avoid long-term exposure to the chemicals. Use fans to help clear the air and dry surfaces whenever possible.

Individuals who have been injured by defective cleaning products or products that did not carry adequate warning labels may be eligible for compensation from the manufacturer for pain, suffering, and medical expenses. Injuries caused by chemical cleaners can have serious effects on a person's health including serious injury and even death.

Autor: Joseph Devine

If you would like to know more about household cleaners and defective cleaning products, visit the website of the Madison products liability lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.

Joseph Devine

Added: July 31, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Three Easy Home Cleaning Solutions

We all know we have to clean the house and most of us dread the chores we have to do when they have to be done. When it does come time to clean we want to be as efficient and speedy as possible so we can move on to enjoying living in our freshly cleaned homes. Here is a rundown of three home cleaning solutions you can use to help clean your house in as little time as possible.

Home Cleaning Solutions - Dusting

Dust builds up fast in the house and if you have allergies, you know just how painful dust can be if it is allowed to settle for too long. It would be wise to carry your dusting weapons around with you when you are cleaning each room. By weapons I mean feather duster, lambs wool duster, and cloths.

The cloths can be folded in quarters so you don't spread the dust. Once you use one side, fold it over and use the other side. The lambs wool duster is for the harder to clean surfaces so you can really dig down deep.

And the feather duster can be used for the hard to reach places where the dust can just be wiped away. Always use downward strokes when dusting so as not to spread the dust around.

Home Cleaning Solutions - Carpet Care

It's always best to buy stain resistant carpet. But we all know that no matter what, nothing is going to be 100% stain proof. When accidents do happen, the key to keeping your carpet stain free is to get to the spill as soon as you can. You do not want to give the stain time to settle into the fabric.

When you have a spill, it is best to blot the spill and not scrub! Use a clean and white material and blot it until there is no more stain.

Home Cleaning Solutions - Wood

Cleaning wood is a highly debatable subject where some say that waxing and finishing are required and others say it is not. According to Consumer Reports, most wood furniture is already sealed and waxing is quite unnecessary. If you were to ever spill on the wood furniture, it should already be protected from stains.

So to keep wood clean, use household products like Pledge or Endust or a host of other "green" products. Some wood finishes just need a normal cloth wipe down. The best way to keep wood furniture looking good is just to prevent any type of accidents from happening on or around it.

Autor: John Inbody

John Inbody is a cleaning expert. For more Home Cleaning Solutions visit John's website and sign up to receive his free ten-day mini-course. Here you will discover 10 secrets to clean your house faster than you ever thought imaginable... http://www.HowToCleanHouse.info

Added: July 29, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Cleaning Service Companies

Ask For Referrals From Friends - Ask around to friends and family to see what cleaners they use. Sometimes the best finds for referrals come from friends and family.

Ask For a List of Services They Provide - Some cleaning companies do laundry and dishes and others one touch either. Ask them if they have a list of services that they provide. Don't feel like you are being petty by asking specific questions like, "What tools do you use?", "What will you dust?". Find out if they clean blinds or not. It will be easier to compare quotes when you know what jobs that money will include.

Look Online For Reviews - There are many review services popping up online and google maps does have a a few reviews. Just be picky about which place you get your referrals from because most of the review sites online are easily manipulated by the companies themselves to slant the reviews in their favor. Most of the review sites online are not controlled or monitored at all.

Check With The BBB - You can always try checking with the Better Business Bureau before you decide to work with someone and see if there are any negative allegations made by previous customers. Checking here could save you time and money by weeding out those who are already known to have problems.

Ask For References - When getting quotes from different cleaning companies, ask them for a list of references that you could email or contact to find out what their previous customers think about their service.

Autor: J. Baker

See my top Recommended House Cleaning Consumer Ratings resource. Read company and independent contractor reviews before you decide on who to hire for the job. Our recommended resource is the largest consumer review source online.

Added: July 28, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Powerful Carpet Cleaners For Heavy-Duty Applications

When it comes to cleaning carpets in commercial settings, most business owners resort to using the services of professional carpet cleaning agencies. However, in these tough economic times, it obviously makes sense to do away with that additional cleaning bill and purchase carpet cleaner. Today, there is a wide range of carpet cleaning equipment to choose from - the most popular being carpet extractors.

Like the name tells you, carpet extractors work by extracting nearly every single dust particle from your carpets. If you are thinking that that's exactly what vacuum cleaners do, then you are wrong. Vacuuming simply removes dust and dirt particles that have settled on the carpet's surface. A vacuum cleaner is not powerful enough to suck up dirt trapped deep within the carpet fibers. On the other hand, carpet cleaners, like extractors, efficiently removes even deep-set dirt and grime that are stuck to carpet fibers.

Now let's take a look at the technology that makes carpet cleaners so powerful. Carpet extractors work by injecting water and solution into carpets. They then extract out all soil and other residues from the carpet, along with the water and solution. The powerful extraction capabilities ensure that all soil and dirt residues in the carpet are completely removed.

Since the shampooing, washing and vacuuming are all taking place simultaneously; carpet cleaners provide you the best carpet cleaning results. The extraction function in particular is of great importance since it contributes to reducing the drying time of carpets. In fact, new models of carpet cleaners from reputed suppliers now use less water during the cleaning process so that you will have your carpets dry in as less as 2 hours. This is quite low in comparison to the other machines on the market that require up to 24 hours for a carpet to dry completely after cleaning.

Business owners should note that while commercial carpet extractors are in great demand for use in commercial spaces, their cleaning power is less when compared to their industrial counterparts. Also, these carpet extractors do not feature pressure levels as high as industrial carpet cleaners - making them less efficient for challenging applications.

Industrial carpet cleaners are definitely the ultimate choice in carpet cleaning technology. They can reach temperatures of up to 210 F, and feature a high air flow and low-flow technology, making them perfect for all those heavy-duty, industrial applications that need speed, power, and reliability.

Industrial carpet cleaning machine also work well when it comes to carpet maintenance. By ensuring carpets are thoroughly cleaned, users actually prolong the life of their carpets. That makes carpet cleaners a great choice for businesses that experience high customer traffic and need an effective solution to keep their carpets looking welcoming all the time. Another feature of these industrial carpet cleaners is their versatility. Many of these machines allow users to attach a floor wand to clean hard surfaces as well.

Do check out the exciting range of new-generation carpet cleaners available in the market today and choose the perfect model that suits your requirements. Whether, you choose the commercial or industrial variety, you are sure to be pleased with the results.

Autor: Lauren Zwiebel

Daimer Industries is well known by its customers as the leading provider of high-quality, durable carpet cleaners. Daimer offers 20 models of the most powerful commercial carpet cleaners, industrial carpet extractors and carpet shampooers with highly advanced cleaning technologies.

Added: July 27, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How Dry Carpet Cleaners Work

Deciding on how to clean your home's carpet can often be confusing to some. There are a variety of methods, and machine, to choose from. One of these includes dry carpet cleaning. So what is this type of cleaning method and what is it all about? Here's a look.

A dry carpet cleaner does just as its name implies, it cleans your carpets, rugs or upholstery, without the use of water or liquid detergent.

The majority of all carpet cleaning machines use water. While they work well in most all cases, there are issues such as wet carpet to deal with that bother many homeowners.

When a carpet is dry cleaned, it is done so with a powder type of cleaner. Generally, it involves taking the powder and spreading it out over your floors and letting it sit for an hour.

What happens is that the agents inside the powder attract the dirt up to the surface where it can easily be vacuumed up.

The key with dry carpet cleaning is to get the powder spread out evenly. In some cases the cleaning machine does this for you, while in others, you do it yourself. A brush can be used to work the powder throughout the carpets.

To see the best results using this method of carpet cleaning you will always want to vacuum your floors before starting. Any stains should also be spot cleaned the best you can.

Most experts will tell you that applying the cleaning powder the night before and letting it sit overnight will give you even better results.

Naturally, you will want to follow the manufacturer's directions with any cleaner, but this method is another option to consider in cleaning your carpets.

Autor: Susan Marshfield

Next, go to this website at Hoover Steam Cleaner Reviews where you will find all types of carpet cleaner reviews, information and more. http://www.HooverSteamCleanerReviews.com

Added: July 25, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Don't Leave the Dust to Settle - Hire a Cleaning Services Company

By the time our vacation was over, Jane and I were excited enough to head back home. But to our utter dismay, we found the house messier than ever. Millimeters thick dust had settled on the floors and furniture. While Jane and I slaved the next few hours cleaning the place, we longed much for a good night's sleep. Once we finally drowsed off into a deep slumber, a drop of water leaked from the ceiling - one of us had forgotten to close the tap in upstairs bathroom (and that too, over the holidays). It was at that time that I really wished I knew of a cleaning services company that could have taken over the maintenance duties in our absence.

We had been gone for two weeks to Barbados, leaving our house to the mercy of dust and leaking taps. Just so that this never happens to any poor fellow henceforth, I would like you to know how I can now relax while we're away for a road-trip or that vacation overseas. To begin with, I must tell you of what cleaning services companies are, and what they do!

A cleaning services company is a company who dedicates their efforts towards cleaning and maintaining a property, be it a house or an office. Give them a call and once you satisfied with their work, have them come over to your place and let them survey how much work and how regularly maintenance works need to be done.

When I talk of maintenance, I talk of these cleaning services companies to actually clean your place at regular intervals while you are not at home. They would make sure there are no taps leaking around the place or if the gas knob is tightly shut. In essence, they make sure that when you return to your house after a long summer vacation, you come to a house that is clean, fresh and cozy.

My search led me to a London cleaning services company called Burlingwood Limited. I have no idea who came up with their name, but their services were exceptional. They had an exceptional list of clients, many of whom I recognized as being one of the best estate agents around where I live in London. I wouldn't have been more please than the last time I came back from vacationing with my wife. We really did feel that we were welcome into our house from the moment we stepped into it.

Autor: Arun Zaheeruddin

Arun Zaheeruddin is crazy about Interior Design and gets allergies from dust and pollen. Pollen is understandable but dust is just plain weird. In his spare time, he write books about his travels beyond continents.

Added: July 24, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Cleaning Your Home the Aromatic Way

Whether we do the cleaning ourselves or ask the maid to do it, it is a fact that we need to use chemicals to clean our home environment. Products like sprays, soaps and chemical cleaners usually form part of our household cleaning cabinet. But, are you sure that they clean well and don't leave behind a residue of harmful waste in the air ready to be absorbed by you and your family? Why don't you try essential oils instead?

Natural and aromatic products are better and healthier options than hazardous air diffusers and chemical antiseptics. The natural essential oils not only kill dangerous bacteria and viruses, they are also nontoxic in nature. And, wouldn't it be nice to have an exotic scent linger around the whole day! The next time you have to go shopping for a chemical cleaner, make a choice. Just stay at home, take a cup of white vinegar and mix it with about 10 drops of lemon oil and 4-5 drops of oregano oil. Presto! You have a homemade antiseptic floor cleaner ready!

Vinegar can also be used to clean windows. Just mix a cupful of white vinegar with about 12 drops of lemon oil and water. Spray the dirt away with it and find your windows shining!

For clean and fragrant dishes, add a few drops of oils like pine, lemon or peppermint in your dishwasher. This helps to disinfect and purify.

Most of us are very particular about the way we keep our woolen clothes like cardigans and shawls. Silk and delicate garments too need to be protected well. Naphthalene balls have been the only choice for ages. Why not opt for a non-chemical option instead? Make your very own nontoxic insecticide and moth repellent. Use essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, Canadian red cedar or rosemary to protect your special garments by dabbing these oils onto a cotton ball and tying it in a handkerchief in your cupboard. This will repel moths and other insects effectively.
For keeping those mites, fleas, ants and dust mites away, use lemon, basil, lemon, cypress, eucalyptus or thyme.

Lemon and geranium are great for cleaning kitchen surfaces while lemon and lavender are useful for baths, sinks and basins. Tree oil is highly effective in toilets. Lavender, lemon, tree oil and rosemary are the best purifying oils that can be used as air purifiers in your house. Just place a cotton ball dipped in either of the oils and place it on the grill of your air-conditioner, or behind the shelf. For that relaxing atmosphere in your living room, use rose, jasmine or lavender amidst your cushions.

Using aromatic oils to clean and purify your home is not just a different way of keeping your home clean. It is also a natural and fragrant way of doing so. Why don't you try it? I have.

Autor: Shail Raghuvanshi

Shail Raghuvanshi is a professional freelance article and web content writer. She writes regularly for http://4indianwoman.com

Added: July 22, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

These 8 Home Cleaning Supplies Are All You Need For Your Entire House

There are literally thousands of different types of cleaning supplies available in stores today. A different product for each cleaning job. But the truth is, you don't need most of them. Your Grand Parents probably kept a clean home and they didn't have any of today's fancy products.

I'm a professional cleaner and I only use a few. It's about knowing what to use where and how to use it. Keep it simple and your cleaning will go a lot faster.

Here's a quick list of the essentials: a broom, mop, window cleaner, bleach, all purpose anti- bacterial cleaner, vinegar, an essential oil of your choice, and micro fibre cloths. That's it. You can do your whole home with just these things, no matter the size. In fact, you could even do without the anti-bacterial all purpose cleaner because vinegar can also fulfill that role.

Now, if you have carpets in your house you really need a vacuum cleaner as well but that's the only necessary piece of cleaning equipment.

The Cleaning supplies market is huge. We're bombarded with advertising everywhere we turn. It's no wonder we start to think we need a different product for every separate cleaning job we have. But getting a million different products is not only considerably more expensive; it's also extremely inefficient.

It costs you a couple of minutes every time you have to go and get a different product because you're cleaning a different section of your house. I've seen so many people take out the cleaner they use for the kitchen to wipe down counters there and then when they've finished that, put it away and get something else for the counters in the bathroom.

The job is much simpler with just one or two cleaners and there are products that are suitable for most jobs.

I use vinegar for just about everything. It disinfects, it cleans, it deodorizes and it's simple. Depending on the job, I mix it with varying amounts of water but I still haven't found an environmentally friendly product that is any better.

I keep some bleach around for the toilets and occasionally the bath tub and I use an all purpose cleaner for the floors. An orange essential oil mixed with a dab of vegetable oil makes a wonderful furniture polisher and leaves the house smelling wonderfully fresh (and I have two large dogs).

And finally, the micro fibre cloths are one of my most important cleaning discoveries! They are just brilliant for any cleaning application. They pick up dirt, they don't leave streaks or film and they last and last.

You don't need a million different cleaning supplies to do the job. Cleaning is a chore that most people (including me) don't particularly like. But with the right tools and the right techniques you can get more clean out of every minute and get your house done in record time. On my website, I describe lots of techniques that get the cleaning jobs done quickly with just the ingredients I've listed here.

Autor: Carmen Almora

Carmen Almora is a professional cleaner and has written a book Home Speed Cleaning Secrets that lays out a step by step plan to get any house sparkling clean with just twenty minutes of cleaning a day and two hours on weekends. She has also published many cleaning tips and tricks at http://www.homespeedcleaning.com

Added: July 20, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Henry Vacuum Cleaners

Henry Vacuum Cleaners have been around for over 25 years, and are instantly recognisable. These small cylinder vacuum cleaners are extremely popular in both domestic and commercial environments, and are highly versatile.

There are different models in the Henry range, each with a face and name, which are suitable for a wide range of uses. James, Charles, George and Hetty are all similar to Henry, but with slightly different features to make them more appropriate. You may need a wet and dry cleaner, or one with additional storage space for those vital cleaning products.

A Henry can often be found in schools, as it is easy to manoeuvre from room to room, and doesn't take up too much room.

Many workplaces that don't use a dedicated cleaning firm will use Henrys, as they are easy to use, and very effective. The long power cable and hose mean that they can be used a long way away from the nearest power socket, and so the user doesn't have to spend time unplugging, moving the vacuum cleaner and then plugging it back in again. Hospitals and hotels are also keen on the Henry, as it is so easy to move from room to room.

Henrys are used most of all in the home. As these vacuum cleaners are easy to move around, and not too heavy, then can easily be carried up and downstairs, and so there is no need for a dedicated vacuum cleaner for upstairs. Because of the long hose and small body, the Henry is ideal for cleaning those hard to reach places, and the furniture.

People who spend a lot of time in their garage repairing or renovating, or those who enjoy doing DIY can take advantage of the Henry's excellent ability to clean floors as well as carpets.

Henry tools include crevice tools for cleaning those hard to reach places and furniture tools so that you don't clean your sofa with the same tool you clean the dirty floor with. In addition there are dedicated pet tools to pick up pet hair, brushes, and a floor tool to clean hard floors, such as kitchen floors, or a garage floor.

If your much loved Henry is in need of some new parts, you'll pleased to know that Henry Parts, from hoses and wands to switches, are available and you'll have your Henry feeling better in no time.

Don't forget that to keep Henry working as he should, you'll need consumables such as filters and bags. These are easy to fit, and will make sure that Henry is always ready for action.

If you need a new vacuum cleaner, then why not consider a Henry? If you've got a Henry already, then why not treat him to some new Henry parts so that he can keep your floors and furniture clean?

Autor: M James

Discover a wide range of Henry Parts for all Henry Cleaners at Sparesaver.com. With free UK delivery, low prices and expert advice, you can buy the Henry Parts you need online in confidence.

Added: July 19, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How Chimneys Catch on Fire and What You Need to Do to Prevent It

Dangerous chimney fires are not exactly a major contributor to the overall number of houses destroyed by fire or lives lost during fires in the South. But the farther north you go, the higher the statistical probability of damage to a house caused by a chimney fire. For instance, in the state of Washington, the proportional ratio of chimneys as the origin of substantial damage done to residential structures is quite impressive. Once a chimney fire has begun, there is very little a homeowner can do to stop the effects; at least there is very little that can be safely done. This qualifies as bad news, really bad news if you have been living under the assumption that chimney fires are easily containable because of the obvious benefit of chimney design. Looking for good news? Keep reading.

The really good news about chimney fires is that even though you are essentially, if not necessarily always, lacking in luck after an unfortunate occurrence of unwanted flames begin, you can quite easily take steps involving maintenance and prevention to stave off having to deal with the very real danger of chimney fires. Prevention starts with something that most chimney owners probably don't want to hear: get a professional to inspect your chimney every summer. Only a qualified chimney professional is going to be able to detect every single potential danger that could spark a life threatening fire. The downside here is that not every city is going to have a qualified professional. The warmer it is in your region during the winter months, the less likely you are to find a qualified chimney professional in your town.

So you may be on your own, but don't fret, because there is more good news: maintenance and protective steps against a chimney fire can be done quite easily without a professional. The only problem is you may miss some of the little things if you do it on your own, but the greater probability if you conduct yearly maintenance is that there will not be anything to miss. In the first place, that wood you burn may save your life. It is vital, imperative, essentially and very important that you burn only seasoned hardwood. Burning wet wood is not only counterproductive, because it creates less heat than dry wood, but the moisture also serves to create more creosote and carbon monoxide, which increase the possibility of a fire. Those secondary gases that arrive as a result of those little items can ignite and make what started out as a cozy evening into an inferno to remember.

If your town does not have a professional chimney inspector, there is probably little likelihood it possesses chimney sweeps. But if it does, go ahead and hire one. You don't have to worry anymore about child labor laws being violated or American chimney sweepers singing in thick, bad Cockney accents while dancing atop your roof, so go ahead and make the investment. A chimney can get quite disgusting after a season of use and a cleaning in the off season is highly recommended for the same reason as you want to avoid unseasoned hardwood. Creosote is going to build up even if the wood you use is hardened nearly to the point of petrifaction. Clean it. Clean it like clockwork, and if you can't get a chimney sweeper or just don't want to, there are plenty of gadgets and tools that allow you to clean the flue yourself quite nicely.

There is a paradox when it comes to chimney safety. The warmer and more comfortable you are inside against the ravages of extreme climate outside, the less safe you may actually be. When the weather gets colder outside than the internal temperature, it can actually cause the smoke to cool down to the point where condensation takes place, leading to the formation of, you guessed it, creosote. As you might have guessed, controlling the amount of creosote that builds up inside the chimney is key to preventing or diminishing the possibility of a dangerous fire that escapes the confines of the simple two-way design and sends the flames of death and destruction coursing throughout your home.

Autor: Timothy Sexton

Timothy Sexton is a copywriter for Yodle Local, a business directory an online advertising company. Find more chimney cleaning tips and info at local.yodle.com/articles.

Added: July 16, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

What You Need to Know About Toxic Mold

Think of mold, and you'll probably wrinkle up your nose in disgust. Even though the term seems to bring up unpleasant visuals in the mind, in itself it's actually a necessary component of the cycle of life. Actually, there are over 3000 species of this fungus. Many of them are quite beneficial to all sorts of life forms. They help to decompose all kinds of organic material, which in turn makes it more accessible to other life forms that can reuse it in order to survive. Think about how beneficial compost is for your garden. It couldn't happen without mold to break down the ingredients in your compost bin.

However, there are also certain fungi that are hazardous to humans, and even life threatening. These organisms are called toxic mold, and can result in a range of maladies from allergic reactions to irritation in the mucous membranes. The organisms have varying effects depending on the individual, and that makes it easy to mistake the symptoms they produce for various other health conditions. They can result in respiratory difficulties such as wheezing. They can also produce a sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, skin problems, or chronic fatigue. As well, they can result in serious allergic reactions, not to mention a condition called Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome. These insidious particles can even cause a potentially fatal lung disease known as Aspergillosis, the symptoms of which are chest pain, cough and fever.

Mycotoxins are the underlying reason for the ailments that people experience as a result of black mold. Essentially, these are poisonous particles made by fungi. When an individual breathes in or ingests fungal spores, the toxins penetrate the body and start to attack it.

If you're a homeowner and concerned about toxic mold lurking in your house, you need to look carefully in the particular places where it prefers to hide. Fungi thrive in moist environments. For example, a poorly ventilated bathroom presents ideal surroundings. So do leaky water pipes. And if your roof leaks, inspect the attic and ceilings for black patches. And if your basement has flooded, you're sure to notice the distinctive aroma this organism produces as it multiplies in the dark, damp environment.

If you have a strong suspicion that toxic mold is taking over your house, don't delay in having it removed. The problem will only get worse, and the cost of removal will be higher the longer you wait. Most importantly, though, you don't want to put the lives of you and your family at risk.

Autor: Justin Mann

House mold can be an easy thing to get rid of, but if left untreated, it can be very dangerous. Not only can it cause considerable damage to your home, it also has serious health effects that can be life threatening. Learn more about house mold at the DIY Home Improvement Site.

Added: July 15, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Hazards at Home

Our Homes are miniature chemical plants!

Cleaning products used in the average home are damaging our health. Modern day living means we now spend up to 70% of our lives indoors, and we are under more pressure than ever to keep our homes 'germ free' and 'spotless'. This is a growing health issue because the same products we use to 'clean' our homes are having detrimental effects on our lives by polluting the air we breathe with a hazardous cocktail of fumes from over 100 nasty chemicals. The pollution levels indoors can be up to 7 times higher than those outside. We absorb these chemicals through breathing in the vapours, even long after you stop smelling them, and through our largest organ... our skin, which absorbs everything it touches, taking all substances directly into the blood stream.

As consumers we are largely unaware of these chemicals, and exactly what products they are found in. The reason for this is the labeling is all about how well the product works, but where are the ingredient lists? Current laws do not require them, there are no proper guidelines on what can be added, because the warnings say "not to be taken"!
Now I know more about the hidden dangers of cleaners I am empowered to make better choices about what I use around my home - and my family.

I have put together a list of a few common cleaning products, and their potential side effects.

Dishwashing detergents

Dishwashing liquids are one of the most commonly ingested cleaning product by young children, because there is no safety cap, and people are generally complacent about where they store it. Most commercial dishwashing liquids contain the following chemicals, of which a residue is almost always left behind on all food preparation equipment:

PETROLEUM DISTILLATES:- may cause cancers, damage to the skin and eyes, the toxic fumes emitted may trigger asthma attacks and irritate the airways.

CHLORINE:- may cause cancers, respiratory problems, if mixed with any product containing amonia a chemical reaction can occur creating chloramine gas - a dangerous potentially fatal substance.

NAPHALENE:- Can damage the liver, kidneys and central nervous system, irritate eyes and skin, has caused cancer in test animals that inhaled it.

CHLOROPHENYLPHENOL:- Toxic matabolic stimulant.

Laundry detergent and Fabric softeners

Laundry products may be one of the biggest causes for eczema and dermatitis because fabric softeners are designed to stay in the fabrics for a long period of time, and the detergents don't usually rinse free, so even if you don't use soap in your bathroom, you will still be in contact with it's effects around the clock! Here are some of the common ingredients that will be harming more than just your skin:

CHLOROFORM:- Yes, the one you see in movies! It is a neurotoxic substance that is well known for its dangerous anesthetic properties.

BENZYL ACETATE:- Has been linked to pancreatic cancer.

BENZYL ALCOHOL:- Nasty irritant of the upper respiratory system.

PENTANE:-Harmful when inhaled.

ETHANOL:- The same as the fuel additive! Inhalation can damage the central nervous system.

A-TERPINEOL:- Causes problems with the respiratory & nervous systems.

ETHYL ACETATE:- A narcotic!

CAMPHOR:- Causes disorders in the central nervous system, headaches and irritates the airways.

ENZYMES:- They are used to improve stain removal, they can cause severe allergic reactions, and asthema.

Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are one of the biggest fads out there! They are designed to create the illusion of freshness by saturating your nose with nasty chemicals. The ones that 'remove germs' are the most damaging to our health. here is why:

ISOBUTANE, BUTANE & PROPANE:- Yes, these are the flammable gasses that first came to mind. every time you spray ANY aerosol (air fresheners, deodourants, cooking sprays, and many other cleaners) you are releasing these nasty, neurotoxic gasses into the air, your skin and food.

CAMPHOR:- I know I mentioned this one earlier, but it turns up again, mostly in solid air fresheners. It causes damage to the central nervous system, headaches and respiratory problems.

PARADICHLORBENZENE:- An organochlorine that accumulates in the body. Is linked to permanant liver and nerve damage.

PHENOL:- Nasty skin irritant that can cause skin to swell, burn, peel and break out in hives.

FORMALDEHYDE:- Highly toxic. Can irritate skin, eyes, nose and throat. May also cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath and eventually even memory loss.

TRICLOSAN:- This is an antibacterial chemical, often used in toothpaste, soap, and antibacterial cleaning products. It encourages bacterias that are resistant to antibiotics. It enters the body and a Swedish study showed traces in the breast milk of 3 out of 5 women. It is one of the most commonly detected chemicals in our waterways, often in high quantities, this is very destructive to aquatic eco systems.

Toilet Cleaners

Toilet cleaners are a tricky one. We all know toilets carry a nasty array of bacteria, but when did they begin to need a cleaner all of their own? That's marketing for you... Since becoming their own type of cleaner, they have had many harmful corrosive agents added, not to mention those nasty little in bowl cleaners. every time you flush more and more of the chemicals are let loose in your home. The worst offenders are:

PARADICHLORBENZENE:- The same organochlorine that i mentioned with air fresheners, only used in the toilets they are being flushed into sewage plants and entering the environment, where they have extremely dangerous effects than i can mention here. As well as the liver and nerve damage I mentioned earlier.

CHLORINE:- Same as I mentioned with the dishwashing liquid. Causing cancers, asthma, skin and eye problems and still has the same dangerous, potentially fatal chemical reaction if accidentally mixed with ammonia.

HYDROCHLORIC ACID:- This is a hugely dangerous, extremely corrosive industrial acid, used in factories like cement plants, because it can BREAK DOWN CONCRETE! Why on earth we need this in our homes I have no idea! It can severely irritate eyes and skin, and causes damage to liver, kidneys and your digestive tract.

Carpet cleaners and Stain removers

Why we need industrial stain removers at home is obvious, to clean spills. But there are safer alternatives to these ingredients:

SOLVENTS:- Highly volatile, abrasive cleaners, which produce very harmful vapours that are dangerous to inhale.

TRICHLOROETHYLENE (TCE):- Breathing these fumes cause headaches, dizziness, confusion and concentration difficulty. They are also suspected of causing many childhood leukaemia cases due to local water contamination. Also linked to birth defects.

PERCHLORETHYLENE:- A known carcinogen. Damages liver, kidneys and central nervous sytem.

AMONIUM HYDROXIDE:- Highly corrosive, irritates eyes skin and respiratory system.

Ammonia and Chlorine

I felt ammonia and chlorine were worth a special mention, because they are two of the most common, and damaging, ingredients.

AMMONIA:-
A common ingredient in household cleaners, and even used on its own! It badly irritates eyes, lungs and skin. Prolonged exposure or regular use can result in permanent damage to liver, kidneys and lungs. The fumes alone can cause burning, coughing and wheezing.

CHLORINE:-
A major ingredient to household bleaches, and also found in many other cleaning products, chlorine can lead to asthma attacks, severe skin and eye irritation and can even cause painful chemical burns. Inhaling the fumes can be dangerous and painful. Household bleaches are commonly ingested by young children, and if this occurs it can cause pulmonary edema, vomiting, coma and even death. Yet so many people believe it is a fundamental part of a 'clean' home. Ecologically it can react with the environment to create organochlorines, which upset the flora/fauna balance in our waterways.

CHLORAMINE GAS:- This is the product of the chemical reaction between ammonia and chlorine. It is a highly toxic, even fatal gas. This is extremely scary because of the lack of labels on most cleaning products. These two ingredients should definitely avoided in the home.

This is not a comprehensive list. Its barely a beginning. I could not put together a full list of all cleaners and ingredients, for that i would need a whole book! This is just a starting point, with some of the most common products and chemicals. I highly recommend having a good look at the products you use, because there are many highly effective, and safe alternatives out there.

After more info? Need questions answered? Why not join my free mailing list! Here's to better health!

Tash Gillatt

Autor: Tash Gillatt Tash Gillatt
Level: Basic
Hi to all! My name is Tash, I am the mother of the most gorgeous 3 year old I've ever met! He will forever be ... ...

tash_g@rocketmail.com
http://www.myneways.com.au/pixie-earth

Added: July 14, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Steam Cleaning Carpets For Commercial and Industrial Applications

Commercial and industrial users alike face a wide variety of applications for which they require the most durable and powerful cleaning machines. For many of these applications, these users choose steam cleaners.

Generating ultra-high temperature vapor steam up to 360 F, these cleaners actually sanitize and disinfect surfaces while cleaning. Additionally, the use of such high temperatures aids in dissolving stubborn substances on a variety of surfaces. The result is a clean and sanitary work environment.

Commercial and industrial steam cleaners can be purchased with additional features that provide extra benefits to the work place. For example, the addition of a HEPA filtration system provides an additional layer of protection against allergens, thus greatly improving indoor air quality.

Commercial cleaners may also feature anti-bacterial technology. This type of technology eliminates 99.9% of bacteria, mold, mildew, and other disease causing pathogens to provide a safer and healthier environment for employees and customers. However, to ensure these percentage reductions are true, commercial and industrial users should look for steam cleaners that are independent lab certified as anti-bacterial.

One of the most significant applications found within nearly all commercial and industrial settings is the cleaning of carpets. Proper maintenance of carpets is essential to prolong the life of the carpet and ensure the cleanest appearance, particularly where customers are involved. After all, appearance is everything when creating a pleasant atmosphere customers wish to return to. A dirty carpet will not only detract from this appearance, but it may also create the wrong impression in the minds of customers.

Steam carpet cleaners are not sufficient for cleaning entire carpeted areas. For this type of cleaning, carpet cleaners with low-flow technology are best. However, steam cleaners are the most effective method of spot cleaning carpets. Spills and stains resulting from the everyday working environment are no match for the power of high temperature vapor steam.

Coffee and wine stains, food residues, blood stains, dirt, soil, and a host of other stains and residues can prove to be very difficult to remove using traditional cleaning methods. The use of steam cleaners results in the quick and effective removal of these substances with relative ease.

The most effective steam cleaners for cleaning carpets feature vacuum extraction. With vacuum extraction, steam cleaners dissolve substances with high temperature steam while simultaneously extracting residues to ensure carpet fibers are left clean and stain free.

Let's face it. Commercial and industrial users must tackle some of the most challenging cleaning applications on a daily basis. To ensure proper maintenance of their facilities, the ideal machines for these users are steam cleaners, capable of using high steam temperatures to clean a variety of hard surfaces and spot cleaning carpeted areas.

Autor: Lauren Zwiebel

Daimer strive to continually be at the top of the latest technological advancements in order to provide the highest quality vapor steam cleaners or industrial steam cleaners, commercial steam cleaners and car & auto detailing equipment to their customers.

Added: July 12, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Cleaning Hardwood Floors - Tips on Cleaning Products For Hardwood Floors

When cleaning hardwood floors, it is important that you choose the right cleaning products. This is because there are many misleading retail products that can cause irreparable damage, loss of warranty and additional expenditures.

Make sure that before you purchase your cleaner, that you read the labels thoroughly, and ensure that they are right for your floor. Remember to never let your cleaner stand on the floor for a long period of time, as this can cause damage your hardwood floor.

It is better to use your floor cleaner in sections with the help of a dampened cloth or mop. There should never be any puddles before you move onto the next section.

The wrong cleaning products can void your warranty

Be sure to look at the manufacturer's warranty before purchasing your hardwood floor cleaner. Warranties from most manufacturers are termed void if you use the wrong cleaning product on your hardwood floors.

While oil and wax based cleaning products should be avoided, you should also never use cleaning products that have to be mixed with water. Never use wax, polish, steel wool, paste or scouring powder to clean hardwood floors.

Besides choosing the right product for cleaning hardwood floors, you should also remember to choose the right area rug and rug pad to use on your floor. The wrong rug can cause discoloration and marring. If this happens, you may have to sand and finish to restore the look of the floor. This can be expensive and time consuming. In most cases, it's best to hire a professional if you do in fact have to refinish your floor.

Autor: Jon Masters

Be sure to check out the recommended cleaning method for your hardwood floor.

If your floors require more than just a cleaning, it may be that you need to refinish your floor. If that is that case, be sure to check out the article: Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Added: July 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

5 Most Common Indoor Pollutants That Everybody Has

When mankind moved indoors a lot of things got better - shelter from the elements, and more control of temperature. However, many things from out the great outdoors have followed us indoors. And as we insulate our homes in an attempt to be more in control, our indoor air quality has gotten more out of control. Let's take a look at 5 of the most common pollutants that everybody has in their homes, and an effective way to get them out.

1. Household dust is unavoidable. It originates from lint on clothing, upholstered furniture and draperies, from fine particles of dirt and sand that blow in from outside, and can even contain small pieces of metal that comes from the hinges on your doors!

2. Dust mites feed on dead skin which all warm blooded creatures shed. Their favorite spot in your home is your bed, making your bedroom air thick with them as you go about your daily routines of shaking the covers to make the bed, or having your 6 year old run and jump on the bed in the morning to give you a hug. The protein in their feces is a well known allergen for many, and they are a formidable adversary because they are so prolific.

3. Mold and mildew spores are part of nature. They are everywhere and enter airborne through doors as we come and go from our homes. Even though they can't be seen with the naked eye, if you are allergic to them, your nose knows they are there. And they can cause quite a bit of damage in your home when they find a water source (basements, bathrooms, under the sink in the kitchen) where they can multiply, grow, and destroy.

And speaking of 6 year olds, it has been shown that children who are exposed to large numbers of dust mites are more likely to develop asthma than those who are not.

4. Pollen is nature's way of renewing life. And pollination is always happening somewhere. And because pollen is so easily airborne, it can travel for hundreds and hundreds of miles and can easily be blown into your home on dry windy days.

5. Pet dander is dead skin from any warm blooded animal and is produced by cats, dogs, birds, ferrets, bunnies and other the other cute, cuddly, furry creatures you came name in the pet shop. You might be thinking "I don't have pets", but you don't necessarily have to have a pet to have dander.

If you've ridden in a car that has a pet, or work with someone who has a pet, or even have a friend that visits your home frequently who owns a pet, more than likely you have dander in your home by association.

Dander sticks to clothing, hair, packages, walls, furniture. Studies have been done that have found dander in homes in offices where pets have never lived. And of course if you do have a warm blooded pet, you have a walking or flying dander maker living with you 24 hours every day.

So what's the point of all of this? These 5 common pollutants are a natural part of life. What is unnatural is the high percentage that remains in the air in our homes because they are so well insulated. These pollutants literally have no way out unless you filter your air.

A high efficiency particle arresting (abbreviated as HEPA) air purifier is designed to remove household dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, pollen and pet dander down to .3 microns. It does this with 99.97% efficiency, meaning for every 10,000 airborne pollutants, it will remove 99,997 of these all too common indoor pollutants.

Autor: Debbie Davis Debbie Davis
Level: Platinum
Debbie Davis, President of PurerAir.com has been married for 23 years, is mom to a beautiful 5 year old daughter and golden retriever. Formerly a ... ...

An excellent HEPA air purifier to remove these 5 common indoor air pollutants and more is offered by PurerAir.com - the HealthMate Air Purifier See it now at http://purerair.com/healthmate_hm400.html

Added: July 9, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Ways to Make Cleaning Easier, Faster and Fun!

When you work full time and then come home to a family and a home that needs a little bit of attention, cleaning can seem like a burden and often gets pushed to the side in favor of more enjoyable tasks. But you don't have to be a homemaker in order to keep your home in order. In fact, simple tricks of the trade can help make cleaning an easier and faster chore whether you work inside or outside of the home.

Do one load of laundry every night. By not letting the laundry build up you can take this difficult chore and build it into your nightly routine with ease. Throw a load into the washer every night during bath time or at bedtime and fold it while you watch television or catch up with your spouse. The key is to do one load a night, every night. This way, laundry becomes more manageable and seems less like a chore.

Clean up from a meal immediately after it happens. Though you might want to sit and relax after dinner, taking a few minutes to clean up from dinner right away gives it the illusion of going faster. Waiting to clean up until after coffee or until after the kids go to bed can mean that you might not get back to it. Just like the laundry, the key is to keep up with the dishes before they overtake the kitchen.

Find a place for everything. Though staying organized might not be your strong suit, it can help make cleaning faster and easier. Children who know where their toys go are able to put them away without help. That saves moms and dads precious minutes before bedtime. Similarly, having a place for things and enforcing their return to that place after use means that you won't have to spend hours tidying up the house before bed every evening. Staying organized from the start saves you time and energy.

Keep yourself occupied with conversation, music or television. Washing dishes while talking to a friend can help any chore go by more quickly. Vacuum to your iPod or fold laundry to your favorite soap opera. These simple additions to a cleaning routine can help chores go by more quickly or at least less painfully.

Know when to get help. If you and your spouse both work outside of the home full time, making time for large chores like cleaning the carpets, washing the windows or gardening can seem impossible. One of the best ways to making cleaning an easier and faster chore is to knowing when to delegate. Consider a once-a-month or bi-weekly cleaning team to help you get on top of things or do the chores that seem to burden you the most. The expense can be well worth it, especially if it spares your sanity.

These simple tricks of the household cleaning trade can help anyone stay on top of chores. Whether your time at home is limited or you are a homemaker chasing young children around all day, everyone can benefit from making household chores a little less painful and a little more fun!

Autor: Kelly Herdrich

Kelly Herdrich is a copywriter for Yodle Local, a business directory and an online advertising company. Find more do-it-yourself tips and info at local.yodle.com/articles.

Added: July 7, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Tricky Questions to Ask Yourself For Effective Marble Cleaning

Are you getting fed up with the way things are regarding your marble cleaning habits and its results? Do you find it hard to accomplish the best kind of marble cleaning? Perhaps you are wondering what you should really do to successfully come up with the results you've always wanted. To execute a proper and effective way of removing marble stains and the like, you ought to give extra time and effort as well as the heart to keep moving.

Cleaning marble should be done with passion or you'd end up forcing yourself dealing with various marble cleaning dilemmas which can truly be annoying and tiresome. Take time to think about whether cleaning should be done by you, other member of the family or perhaps, by a professional cleaning personnel. As you take regard cleaning marble, ask yourself the following questions so you'll realize what you really need to do, what you can do and if you would really want to do things and how:

1. How are you going to clean marble? Do you really have an idea on what to do? What are the cleaning methods that you have in mind? Are you certain such methods can truly be of help?

First thing that you should do is examine the type of marble you have. You must be able to determine if it needs thorough cleaning or just a regular one. Damages should also be checked. Research or ask around for the cleaning methods which are effective yet harmless to apply.

2. If your cleaning methods are indeed effective, do they have some kind of negative effects against your marble surfaces? How about in terms of your health and the atmosphere?

I bet you don't want any of your cleaning routines to affect you in ways you would never be happy with. Make sure that the methods you're going to use would not only help you deal with marble stains effectively and safely but also help you improve your lifestyle and the situation of the planet.

3. What would be your cleaning tools? Would you consider using cleaning products or perhaps marble cleaners to lend you a hand? If so, what kind are you going to apply? And how sure are you that the cleaners you're using are the best of its kind?

Strong acids, solvents, toxic, chemicals and the like are already a thing of the past. You should try getting rid of them as they wont serve you well especially in terms of safety. Go for natural cleaning products and non-abrasive cleaning tools. Be as eco-friendly as you can with your home cleaning efforts to avoid further damage in your health and the atmosphere.

4. Are you looking for just short-term results? Or maybe you would go for cleaning methods and tools or products that would ensure you of a lifetime guarantee just like what your durable and shiny marble stuffs can provide.

The beauty and cleanliness of your marble should be "skin-deep". Its cleanliness and shine ought not to just on the surface. Your cleaning methods and cleaners should assure you of long-time results when it comes to getting a spotless, germ-free and stunning marble.

5. Are you the typical type when it comes to cleaning? Would you easily give up in terms of finding the right, harmless and most effective cleaning products and methods? Would you pass on to the next generations or even just to your neighbourhood the essential things that you can learn as you go along finding for the safest cleaners and means to apply? Would you not spread the word about non-toxic and green cleaning?

Autor: Frank Denim

Aside from the given tricky questions to ask yourself for a more effective way of cleaning marble, the application of natural cleaning products can also lend you a hand. For a successful way of cleaning marble, always go for the best marble floor cleaners.

Added: July 6, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Cleaning Up After Water Damage - 5 Easy Steps

Water damage in your home can be the result of many things - wide scale flooding, or a local burst pipe, a hurricane or an earthquake. Whatever the cause of the water damage lets look at how to clean this mess up!

Step 1: Minimize water damage. OK you don't always get notice that you may have water damage - but often you do. If you have some notice try to move as much out of the areas likely to be affected as possible. Remove furniture to the second story or the attic. Strip floor coverings such as rugs and carpets if you can. Even if you can only move the light and portable items such as TVs and floor lamps you will save yourself a lot of money and heartache.

Step 2: Clean out the affected area. First thing to do once the damage has been done is to get rid of any water left inside. You may need a pump or a number of friends with buckets and mops. The sooner you get the water out the less serious damage you will have.

Step 3: Remove anything loose and wet. If there is furniture in the room still and the weather has cleared - get it outside to dry out. Strip out carpets before they start to mold in situ.

Step 4: Dry out the space. Now you need to thoroughly dry out the area. Try and get fans and dehumidifiers working in the area. Open windows and doors to create cross-drafts. This is the most important step - if the structure of the building is still damp there is no point in moving onto the next step.

Step 5: Redecorate. Sure this is the fun bit - especially if you have disaster insurance to come to the party. But don't rush it - fancy paint and finish won't last long if the back of the walls or the floor joists are still wet.

Autor: Lis Sowerbutts Lis Sowerbutts
Level: Basic PLUS
Lis is determined to become one of the 1% of people who start with a dream to make money online and actually end up doing ... ...

Lis Sowerbutts knows a few things about earthquakes and would definitely recommends that you consider your disaster insurance Quite honestly though when it comes to cleaning up the mess they make she would prefer to hire a company that specializes in cleanups in your hometown, for example water damage Los Angeles rather than doing it herself!

Added: July 5, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

Declutter - Oh! The Clutter

My dad always used to say that he could stand an inch of dust on the furniture as long as the house was not cluttered up. And isn't that so true? Even if your floors are swept, your windows and mirrors are clean, and your furniture dusted, a home doesn't look or feel clean if there's stuff laying around everywhere.

There are lots of things that attribute to a house being cluttered. The biggest problem at my house is mail. Magazines, newspapers, and just plain old junk mail. And I used to be the world's worst about stacking those types of things on the desk or countertop with intentions of sitting down and going through them. But it seemed like I never actually got around to it until the stack was so tall and unsightly that is was driving me crazy. Finally, I decided to put an end to that kind of mess before it happened again.

When I go to the mailbox, I immediately throw away the junk; stuff that I know has no importance and that I am not interested in. Next, I open bills and take them to the "bill" drawer. I, then, write on my calendar when that particular bill is due. This step keeps me from having to go back and do it later and possible forgetting to write it down or even pay it.

At this point, generally what's left is magazines or newspapers. I put the magazines next to my bed and make it a point to look at some of the magazine before I turn out the lights. To keep magazines from piling up, I will carry them with me when I go somewhere that i know I am going to have to site and wait, such as the doctor's office, when I get my oil changed, or even while I am waiting to pick up my son from school. Making it a point to go through the mail as soon as you get it will keep it from causing an unsightly and unnecessary mess.

I also used to be bad about wanting to keep everything that my kids made. And don't you know, that pile grew really large, really fast. But, although I love every single thing they make, now I only keep the very special one. I write their name and the date it was done on it and place it in a storage container. I have a storage container for each of my children so that it doesn't have to be sorted at some point in the future.

Storage containers are a wonderful thing for organizing clutter. I store items in containers that I don't want to get rid of but don't necessarily want sitting around the house. I, then, label the container with what's in the box and put it in my shed. That way, if I am ever looking for something specific, I don't have to go through them all until I find it, I can just look at the labels on each box.

And what do you do with stuff that you don't know what to do with? Do you have a drawer or a cabinet that you toss these types of things into? I still have a big problem with that. It's really best if EVERYTHING has a place and everything is put into that place instead of some junk drawer. Yeah, I know, that's a hard thing to do but believe me, you will be glad that you did. It just prevents another cleaning job that will have to be done somewhere down the road.

Autor: Kimberly A Gibbons

Kim is a housewife who is continually looking for ways to clean and organize her home in the most time efficient manner possible. Visit her website to find many of the ways you can organize clutter and help you get your home clean and organized and have extra time to do other things that you love to do. Visit http://www.tisptospeedcleaning.com

Added: July 4, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

5 Key Questions to Bring Up With a Cleaning Service Or Cleaner

In this busy way of life, most of us could really use some assistance with keeping our homes or offices clean. Or maybe you're moving and want to make things look new again. In either respect, hiring a cleaning service or a private cleaner is a smart idea.

It may seem easy to hire a cleaner or cleaning service until you take into consideration the expanse of the job. You're trusting strangers to come into your home or office and be responsible with your items and valuables. You're allowing someone to come in and clean with little or no supervision-how do you know the job will be completed? And what happens if they become injured in your home, or if they break something valuable?

These are important questions you should address to ensure your items are untouched, your office cleaned and everyone is safe.

Before you can ask questions of your cleaner, you need to decide what type of cleaning you want done. Is this a weekly job or a one-time deep cleaning job? Are there special chores you wish to have done during their cleaning time? Once you've decided what you want cleaned and how often, you can begin to look for a service.

Where to Look.

Word of mouth is always a great way of finding a reliable cleaning service. Ask your friends, family or colleagues. If you're a business owner and you're looking for someone to clean your office or establishment, ask a few local businesses which service they use. If you can't locate someone by just asking around then look in the phone book.

Keep in mind you'll pay a little more for a service instead of an individual, mainly because the service has more overhead, usually provides cleaning supplies, and may carry insurance that an individual won't. If you hire an individual, you'll want to consult your local laws to see what the rule is about covering taxes for the individual.

Once you've found a few prospective cleaners you'll want to give them a call and ask about services, prices and availability. Make sure if you have special chores you need done that you ask if the cleaner covers those jobs. For example, some cleaners won't do windows or laundry. If they seem eager to take your job on, set up an interview so you can ask them a few more questions.

The Top Five Questions.

Getting to know your cleaner or cleaning service seems like a step you don't need, but how else will you know what to expect, and what your cleaner expects from you?

1) How long have you been in business?

This is an important question, because a well-established company will have a long list of references. Someone who has been in the business longer should have more experience and ability to clean specialty items, such as antiques.

*Ask for references and call at least three.

*Ask about turnover rate with employees. House/office cleaning usually has a large turnover rate, so count on them changing employees every 3-5 months. Each change in personnel means trusting someone new in your home, so a higher turnover rate isn't as desirable.

*Ask if their employees have been bonded and background checked for a criminal record.

2) What supplies do you use and what methods do you use?

Some cleaning services offer the use of their stock cleaning supplies which they bring every week to your home for use. Sometimes this is a great benefit, other times this means the cleaner is equipped with a rag and a bottle of spray solution.

*You'll want to know what products they use so you can tell them if you're allergic to a product.

*If you have specialty items such as antiques that require special solutions or methods of cleaning you'll want to mention this to ensure your home is cared for properly.

3) Do you carry insurance?

This is an important question to ask, especially of a cleaning service. In this day and age, people are quick to sue if anything goes wrong. Insurance helps to protect both parties and keeps everyone involved happy.

*If someone from the cleaning service is injured on your property, you may be liable for damages and hospital bills unless the company carries insurance.

*Insurance works to cover your property if it is broken or damaged.

*If you are interested in hiring a single cleaning professional that isn't insured, check with your insurance company to see what you'll need for coverage.

*Ask if the service carries Worker's Compensation. Not only does this insurance provide protection to the employees, it can help you be sure the cleaner is paying its employees 'on the books' instead of 'under the table'.

4) How will it take to clean a house of my size and what methods do you use?

These are absolutely essential questions. You certainly don't have any interest in paying for two hours for a project that could be completed in half the time and you want to ensure the work is done correctly.

*Ask questions about what will be cleaned, what method they'll use to accomplish the job, and how long it will take.

*Ask if they have a check list to follow so they don't miss any duties.

*Ask about communication methods. Some cleaners don't mind a detailed note left in the home to follow, while others might prefer a phone call.

5) Is your work guaranteed?

If you're not pleased with the job done it's important to know what action you can take to have the problem corrected. A lot of cleaning companies will offer a 24 hour guarantee, meaning if you call within 24 hours after the job is completed with a complaint they will return to correct the problem.

Autor: Julie Davidson

You can find the most popular Australian home cleaners and cleaning services at Start Local. Wherever you live in Australia, you should make Start Local your first stop. Start Local is Australia's fastest growing local search engine and business directory. If you want to find an ideal Australian local cleaning service, look no further than: http://www.startlocal.com.au/home/dcleaners

Added: July 3, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

How to Effectively Deal With Water Damage to Your Floor

Water damage to your floor in any room of your home can arise from a number of sources. The most common sources are natural disasters and accidents. Natural disasters include circumstances such as high tides, excessive water from a tropical storm and hurricanes. Accidents arise because of defects in water heaters, burst pipes in the winter or other defects in the plumbing.

It doesn't matter the source of the problem. Once water seeps into a home it gives rise to a host of problems not only from the water itself but also the resulting consequences of the floor, carpet, furniture and household belongings getting wet. Clean up can be a prolonged and physically taxing process.

If you arrive home to find your floors are wet, your first action is to use common sense. If it was the result of a storm, make sure the storm has stopped before entering and beginning clean up. If, however, you arrive home and find your house flooded because of an accidental problem, you need to assess the situation to find the source. It may be a broken water heater, burst pipe or other plumbing problem. If you can't find the source, turn off the main valve for the water into your home.

Keep in mind that while facing this situation can be severely emotional and distressing, your personal safety and that of your family is the most important thing to remember. Make sure no one uses or turns on any electrical appliances, there is no floating debris that can cause injury and that you avoid touching any floating nails or debris that can cause personal injury or infection later on.

Your next decision is whether you are going to clean up the water yourself or hire a professional to do the job. This decision will be made by the source of the water damage to your floor, extent of the damage, your physical condition and your financial means. Factors in favor of hiring a professional are when there are more than a few inches of water in the house, substantial damage to the carpeting or flooring, and soaked furniture that needs to be discarded.

If you do attempt clean up yourself, you should purchase a wet-vac which is a vacuum that can suck up the water and place it into an attached bin or pail to prevent further floor water damage. Once the water is down to only a small amount you can then use towels and mops to finish it. If you don't own one, you can rent fans at a rental shop which will help to circulate the air and dry the floors. Remove and hang any wet area rugs to allow them to dry out.

Whether or not you use a professional, if you believe you will need to make a claim for the damage you should take pictures immediately of the flooding, wet furniture, picture frames, rugs, books and other valuables which might be later claimed as a loss. Your insurance may also cover water damage and the costs of cleanup. Check your policy or contact your insurance agent for further information.

There is a hidden danger with any major flood incident. It develops often in the unseen interior walls of your home. Even though you may not see outward signs of structural damage immediately it may be present. It is the development of mold.

Molds have gained wide attention recently because of some high profile cases of medical conditions being exacerbated and builders having to replace entire sections of homes because of mold. If you can't see the mold growing on the walls, you might smell a musty odor which is indicative of mold.

Molds are microscopic in size. They are basically a fungus which helps break down leaves, wood and other botanical material. This is great outside for the balance of nature. It is not so good for the walls or ceilings of your home.

Mold grows and expands as a result of moisture. When your house floods, the water gets under the floorboards and into the walls creating moisture. Whether or not it develops often depends on the humidity in the home.

You should call a professional as part of your clean up to check for mold. If mold is present, it can affect your health because mold has spores that discharge into the air. Unless the mold is extensive or you have a previous health condition such as asthma or allergies, it often will not be harmful to your or your family. All of this begins with the assessment of water damage to your floor and the resulting consequences of that flooding.

Autor: Sam Barton

If you would like to learn more about water damage floor and the easiest and best ways to fix it, see http://waterdamage.synthasite.com for lots of great information.

Added: July 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/