Robot Cleaners for Your Home

They sweep. They mop. They vacuum. They even clear land mines. They used to be the stuff of science fiction, but today, they are reality.

For house cleaning,office cleaning, and yes, even for land mine and booby trap clearing - there are robot cleaners you can rely on. And what a boon to land mine cleaners they have been!

iRobot

Some of the first robot cleaners were created by iRobot. Company co-founder Helen Greiner narrates that the idea began when she was still studying computer science and electrical and mechanical engineering at MIT.

She said, "At a university, when the project ends, you wind up with a robot graveyard. I wanted a place where we could jump from theoretical research to products so that we could make a real industry."

Today, iRobot is one of the best known manufacturers of robot cleaners. And though their most familiar products are the house and office cleaners, the robot that really saves the most lives is the mine field clearer, the PackBot.

The Packbot's job is to defuse land mines and booby traps left behind in former war areas. One of its first assignments was in the dark caves of Afghanistan. They have been so useful to soldiers that these men actually give their PackBots nicknames.

"A Marine brought Scooby Doo, his blown-up PackBot, into the depot in Iraq. Only its head had survived," Greiner recalled. "The Marine credited it with saving him and his buddies several times in 17 last missions."

But battles are not only fought by soldiers. They are now fought by domestic and professional cleaners as well.

For home and office cleaning, iRobot has Roomba, a robot that vacuums; Scooba, who washes floors; and Looj, for cleaning gutters.

More robot cleaners

In recent years other robot cleaners have been launched. Neato and Electrolux Trilobite are a few examples of vacuum cleaning robots similar to Roomba. The Evolution Mint, on the other hand, sweeps and mops.

The main difference between these robots is how they navigate around the room and their cleaning ability. Roomba, for instance, was not designed for deep-pile carpet, while Trilobite is.

Neato's navigation method maps an area with its sensors before proceeding to clean it, starting from the perimeter, moving inward. Evolution Mint, on the other hand, maps the ceiling as well, to make sure no part of the room is missed, then simply navigates around the blockages on the floor.

These mapping methods assure that the robot cleaners pass evenly through all areas of the room, for quicker cleaning.

Other robots that do not map out a room, on the other hand, just rely on avoiding obstacles instead - something like the bump cars kids play with. This means they could end up passing through some areas several times and in some areas only once.

Now this can be a good thing because if an area is passed by more than once, that means the cleaning is more thorough - in that area. What some people may not like with this navigation method, though, is that it definitely results in a longer home or office cleaning time compared to that of a robot cleaner that passes through an area only once. Some office cleaning in London is already done by robots made by Subaru, although at this stage they only sweep and vacuum.

Robot cleaners are definitely the future and are becoming more advanced and efficient all the time. It is literally only a matter of time before we all have one helping us around the home or office.

Prevent Today's Water Damage From Becoming Tomorrow's Mold Problem

Heavy rains in the spring push rivers across the US to flood levels. Many states have been hit hard and left many communities waterlogged. Flooded basements and increased dampness can cause homeowners more than just water damage. The lingering effects of water damage can lead to future mildew and mold growth. Left untreated, they can quickly become a health hazard.

Flooded, wet or even damp basements or rooms can become a breeding ground for mold. Even after all the visible water has dried or been pumped away, hidden areas can still remain damp and create the conditions that allow mold spores to grow and thrive.

Mildew and mold spores only need a few days of the proper conditions to begin growing. They need nothing more than moisture and a food source, such as wood or sheet rock, to grow and spread. Any organic material, including carpets, can be a food source.

When mold spores are in the environment in sufficient quantities, they can present a human health hazard. Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, can cause both short term and long-term health problems. "Toxic mold" refers to the type of molds that produce mycotoxins. Not all black molds are toxic, but any mold within a home is unhealthy.

Symptoms from mold infestation can include heightened allergies or allergic reactions, asthma flare-ups, bronchitis, sinus congestion, headaches and immune system disorders. Small children, infants, the elderly, and people with existing health problems are more susceptible to the health problems related to mold exposure.

The best thing a homeowner can do after a flood or water incident is to have a water damage company professionally dry out the house. Water should be pumped out as soon as possible. High-speed fans and other technology can be safely and efficiently dry out the area. Then the area should be disinfected to prevent the future growth of mold spores.

Just because you might not see any mold after a cleanup, it does not mean that all the mold is gone. If residents in a home start to feel cold or flu-like symptoms over an extended time period, the may be the allergic effects of hidden mold spores. To go back and remove mold that has grown after water has been removed become a much more expensive project than if it had been performed correctly in the first place.

If floodwater is removed quickly, it can save homeowners the expense of a more expensive mold remediation job down the road.

Pajama Pants - How To Care For Silk Pajama Pants

Silk pajama pants and lounge pants are a luxurious addition to your evening routine. However, when it comes time to wash your pants, you want to make sure that you're treating them in a way that will ensure that your garment will last for a long time.

The first thing to do when finding out how to care for your silk clothing is to check for the instructions on the garment tag. Here, the manufacturer will provide you with the best way to care for your garment. However, if there is no tag, or you can no longer read the text or symbols on the label, here are some general guidelines for caring for silk. Please note that above all, you should use your own common sense and consult a professional cleaner if you're unsure. I am not responsible for any issues associated with mishaps while cleaning your silk garments.

Before washing your silk garments, first perform a spot test with some water and mild soap in an inconspicuous area of the garment. If the color runs or the garment is otherwise affected, take it for professional cleaning and do not wash it at home.

Some silk pajama pants and lounge pants can be washed in a washing machine. However, to keep them looking their best, it's ideal to hand wash these garments instead of throwing them in a washing machine. Hand wash your garment with cool water and a mild soap. Be gentle when washing your garment -- do not wring or let it soak for a long time. Silk is a delicate fabric, so treat it carefully.

Empty the soapy water and rinse your garment in fresh cool water with a bit of white vinegar added to it. Vinegar works to help remove the soap residue from the garment. Empty the water and rinse again with plain cool water. Do not wring out the garment to remove excess water. Instead, roll it in a clean, dry towel.

When drying silk, do not use heat or place in direct sunlight, as this can damage the delicate fibers. If you must machine dry, then use the air-dry setting that uses no heat. The preferable method is to hang the garment to dry in a location that will not receive direct sunlight.

If you need to iron your garment, do so while it is still damp, on the wrong side of the fabric. Use the lowest setting on your iron -- most irons have a "silk" setting.

Pajama Pants - How To Care For Cotton Pajama Pants

Cotton is a wonderful, soft, easy care fabric that is great for clothing such as pajama pants and lounge pants. It's a durable material that is easy to wash and dry. When caring for your cotton clothing and for all clothing in general, the best thing to do is to follow the instructions that the manufacturer provides in the garment tag. However, if the tag has been removed or is now unreadable, here are some general guidelines for caring for cotton clothing (please also use your own common sense, though, as I am not responsible for any mishaps that occur when caring for your clothing).

Cotton is a very easy fabric to dye. Therefore, the first thing you want to do is make sure you separate the colored clothing from the white clothing. It's easy to think that you can get away with washing them together if the colored clothing has been washed enough times that the colors no longer run. However, washing whites with colors has a tendency to make the white clothing dingy. To keep your whites looking bright and new, make sure to wash them in a load of their own. If you wash your pajama pants or lounge pants in a washing machine, set the water temperature to warm.

If the cotton garment has been preshrunk, then it is safe to dry in the dryer. However, if the garment has not been preshrunk, then you run the risk of it shrinking to the point of not fitting properly. If you're not sure whether or not your pajama pants have been preshrunk, it's best to assume that they haven't been. You don't want to find that your favorite pants, still warm from the dryer, are now too tight or that the bottom hems now come up to mid-calf.

If you can machine dry your pajama pants, then tumble dry on the low setting. If you're not sure and don't want to risk shrinking, then hang them out on a clothesline. If you don't have a clothesline, you can also hang them over a shower curtain rod or lay them on a drying rack.

Cotton wrinkles easily, so remove the garment from the dryer as soon as possible after drying. If you forget and leave them in the dryer to the point of wrinkling, don't worry. An iron will take care of the wrinkles quickly and easily. Your iron should have a cotton setting -- if you have a steam iron, it will be one of the steam settings. If you don't have a steam iron, then take a spray bottle of water and mist the garment so it is damp before ironing.

Some Simple Tips for Increasing the Lifespan of Your Vacuum Cleaner

Keeping your vacuum maintained is something that people tend to forget in order to keep it running effectively. However, there are some simple things that can ensure you keep your vacuum running effectively and don't have to replace it sooner than you expected.

Cleaning a brush roll of a vacuum, washing or replacing its filters or emptying the dirt container could add years to your vacuum's life span. By looking after your brush roll on a regular basis, will ensure that it continues to work effectively for you.

Make sure that when you are using the vacuum that you do not inadvertently switch it off by the plug at the wall, as it could cause damage to the vacuum. Make sure you switch it off at the vacuum's on/off switch first and foremost.

Ensure that you don't run over hard items such as coins that lie on the floor. By vacuuming over these items, you could inadvertently crack or chip the fan blade inside your vacuum cleaner without realizing. So it is a good idea to check over the floor before vacuuming it to ensure that there aren't any hard or sharp objects lying on it.

Don't use your vacuum anywhere else than where it's supposed to be used. They are designed to be used in particular environments and for particular purposes. For example, dry vacuums are not supposed to pick up wet spills.

Try not to lift a vacuum by its electrical power cable. By picking it up by its cord you can cause it damage and cause it to short circuit. The electrical risk of using a vacuum with a damaged cord is pretty high so make sure you treat your vacuum cord with the respect due to it.

If you are using an extension cable with you vacuum, make sure the extension cable has the right wattage that can cope with the output a vacuum cleaner produces. Consider what extension cable you use with the vacuum to ensure that no risks are extenuated because of this.

When you are checking the brush roll for damage of to see if something is stuck inside it, ensure that you turn off the vacuum and unplug it before you do this. If they are active when you are doing this, then they could cause damage to you or anything they come into contact with so it is important that they are stationary and not active when you are checking them out so as to keep you safe from harm.

Save Your Business Cash by Using a Cleaning Company

Using a cleaning company can save any business a great deal of money in a given month. Cleaning services help a business office to focus on its work, rather than have to become distracted with cleaning duties. For an employee of a business, cleaning an office can be an activity that greatly impedes on the overall productivity of a business.

A professional cleaning service can also make the office place healthier for employees. All too often, when employees are responsible for cleaning a work area, they forget to sterilize various parts of the office. A cleaning company is well versed in what it takes to sanitize a workplace and make it completely sanitary. In the harsh winter months, having a clean office place can truly pay dividends. When an office place is free of germs, then a business will not have to worry about employees getting sick and having to miss work.

Another reason to use a professional cleaning service is for the effect it can have on customers. Customers notice when an office place has been professionally cleaned and is taken care of. Any business will appear to take pride in itself when it uses a commercial cleaner. When a business does not use a cleaning company, customers can often notice. Perhaps minor debris ends up on the floor or desks simply do not appear as clean as possible. This can be a poor reflection of a business, and it is the duty of any business to avoid this negative image. For the business that cares about its image and reputation, having a clean office is the first step to achieving that positive image.

A commercial cleaner will end up having an effect on the morale of workers as well. Employees simply feel happier when they are working within a clean office place. Employees will also feel less stressed, meaning they can focus better on their tasks and work at hand. By hiring a commercial cleaner, a business is actually investing in the mental health and well being of its employees. Hiring cleaning services also shows that a business truly cares about its employees. Employees will have more motivation to be productive for companies that have an interest in their well being.

Overall, office cleaning services can greatly contribute to the increased profitability of any company by upholding a positive image for a company. Cleaning services are a great investment for any company.

Smart Cleaning Products Come In All Shapes And Sizes

Without a doubt the smart cleaning products on the market mainly encompass the products that stop any stains and other marks appearing before they become a problem, and not the ones that help to sort it out after it has happened. Surely the aim should be prevention and not cure, as this saves so much time in the long run - if everyone followed this mantra then they would have so much more free time in their lives.

The garage floor mat is the first of these smart cleaning products, as it catches oil and other liquids before they have the chance to hit the floor and cause stains. This makes it perfect to use when the homeowner knows that they will make mess when completing a job - such as fixing a car. Removing oil stains is one of the most stressful and long winded jobs that anyone can do, so any way that can prevent this job from occurring has to be a good idea.

These garage floor mats can be quite large though - which often precludes them from being used in spaces that aren't very large. Have no fear though, as miniature garage floor mats can be bought as well, all of which are perfect for areas such as sheds and cupboards. The other advantage is that they come at a much cheaper price than the larger models - meaning the homeowner has extra money to spend on other useful cleaning products.

Should a homeowner not want to have a mat on the floor at all times of the day, then a perfect solution would be clay granules. These smart cleaning products can be tipped on to the floor before any messy work is carried out and will absorb any liquid that falls on to them. When the work is finished, all the homeowner needs to do is simply brush them away and therefore return to having a clean floor again.

Hurricane socks are also another great tool for preventing mess before it starts, as they are an absorbent sock that catches liquids before they manage to spread even further through the room. They are great for areas that are prone to water seeping in under doors, as well as being fantastic to use when needing to cordon off an area so as to keep it clean. They are also a great solution for homes that find a lot of window moisture trickling down on to their window sill regularly - which can surely be classed as one of the smartest cleaning products around!

While prevention of marks and stains is undoubtedly better than cure, there are a number of possibilities within the home when stains and other marks could form. This means that the homeowner will need to find some smart cleaning solutions that can clear the mess quickly and without too much effort. Fortunately there are a number of these types of products on the market currently.

The sorbent pad is probably the best known of these and is the one that most people turn to in the event of a serious spillage - either in the home or in the garage. The fact that it is just so unbelievably absorbent means that it can be used on any liquid - including ones that are corrosive. They are also incredibly cost effective, as only one or two need to be used per spillage.

As can be seen there are a number of smart cleaning products available on the market - whether they prevent or cure a mess that has been made. There are many places to find them, but undoubtedly the cheapest way is to search online for the nearest supplier.

Synthetic Carpet Cleaning Tips

Different carpet materials require different carpet cleaning and care methods. The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) advises carpet owners to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions to properly use, maintain, and care for your carpet. If you're not sure how to go about a particular carpet issue, do not hesitate to call their customer care center or a carpet cleaning professional.

Carpet material is roughly divided into two types, synthetic and natural. Each group has its own specific cleaning requirements, which can be further specialized depending on the actual materials involved. Among the two, synthetic carpet is the most common choice.

Synthetic carpet is the most widely used type of floor covering nowadays. Home owners and building managers find carpet made of nylon, polyester and olefin more practical as they require relatively low maintenance procedures compared to carpet made of natural materials. This type of carpet can also last longer with the proper care, as the materials are specially designed to tolerate heavy-duty use and high traffic.

Olefin carpet is mostly used for busy homes, offices, commercial venues, and business centers. Its durability provides cost-saving benefits and its relatively stain-resistant material makes it easy to maintain. The only downside in cleaning is that greasy, or oil-based stains in polyproplene carpet can be very challenging to remove.

There is not one correct method of cleaning that is appropriate across all types of synthetic carpet, but basic care practices can still be applied.

Everyday vacuuming is still the most widely given advice to make synthetic carpet look new longer and last longer. Proper and regular vacuuming collects and removes contaminants from the carpet fibers, making the carpet hygienic and also the air quality inside the room cleaner. It's recommended to use the vacuum units with a built-in high filtration bag, so as to prevent the accumulated particles from circulating again into the room and air.

Stain-resistant cleaning agents are usually recommended for synthetic carpet cleaning. The ratio of diluted formula, dosage, and the application method will vary according to the manufacturer's instruction, so read the carpet and cleaning product labels carefully to be sure.

The CRI strongly advises not to use the following agents for synthetic carpet cleaning: laundry detergent, automatic dishwashing detergent, soap and cleaning formulas intended for other household materials such as wood, furniture or metal.

Follow the instructions. It's really that simple. Put in the time and just like with anything else in life, you get out what you put in. Take the time to properly care for your carpet and it will reward you for years and years.

Safety Tips to Consider When Cleaning Pavers

Pavers are usually the first choice for outdoor surface landscaping. However, pavers can get very dirty over the years, especially if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. Generally, pavers are made of pre cast concrete, brick or granite which has a strong tendency to attract dirt and grime. Therefore, cleaning pavers is a very important step in maintaining the hygiene as well as beauty of your home and its surroundings.

The best way to clean pavers is by using a pressure cleaner. Pressure cleaning pavers involves using water which is sprayed at a very high pressure. The water hits the surface at a very high pressure dislocating the dirt and thoroughly cleans the surface of the pavers. The pressure level of pressure cleaners can be adjusted according to the level of dirt on the pavers.

Cleaning pavers with the help of a pressure cleaner is an easy task as dirt and stains can be easily removed with this device. Stains can get formed on the pavers on the driveway due to spills and leaks from oil, tar, etc. All these stubborn stains can be easily removed by pressure cleaning. You can also use stain removal chemicals and solvents during pressure cleaning.

Like all mechanical devices, a pressure cleaner too comes along with its own list of do's and don'ts. There are a few things to keep in mind when you decide to get your pavers cleaned by a pressure cleaner:

* Water is stored in the water pump in a pressure cleaner. Always ensure that the water is up to the sufficient level in the water pump. If the water falls below this mark, it could cause serious harm to the pressure cleaner.

* Always keep a safe distance from the area of the surface being pressure cleaned. The pressure of the water at the nozzle is very powerful. It is powerful enough to separate flesh from bone. Therefore, ensure that there is nobody, especially children and pets, roaming about near the place that is being pressure cleaned.

* Sometimes, cleaning pavers with only water with a pressure cleaner may not be enough. You may need to use detergents or other solvents to get rid of stains. However, read the instruction manual carefully before you use anything other than water in the water pump of the device. Most pressure cleaning usually involves detergents mixed with water.

* Always make sure that you are applying the correct level of pressure. The pressure level can be adjusted on the nozzle of the device.

* Before actually using a pressure cleaner, sweep the area to be cleaned with a broom. This will take care of large debris and loose dust that could otherwise create problems if the pressure cleaner is used directly.

* Make sure that the surface to be cleaned is hard enough to endure the high pressure.

Thus, pressure cleaning is the best away for cleaning pavers as long as you follow the guidelines and safety tips.

The Science of Having Molds in Your House

There are so many things that one can learn inside the home. In fact, there is science in all that we do. The plants growing in our garden is one whole chapter about photosynthesis and caring for the environment. The weekly groceries and monthly bills are accounting. Even cleaning requires science. Take for example mold and mildew removal.

For most people washing the house is a chore. They spend hours brushing molds and mold stains on wall surfaces, leather items and other stuff in the attic or in the closet. The simple task of mold and mildew removal involves chemistry. If you use mold and mildew removal, you use chemicals and solutions. Using a solution is necessary since scrubbing the mold off the surface might not completely kill the cells that could still germinate after a dormant period. Mold is a type of fungi that thrives on a great many organic substances, provided they have enough moisture. It is this nature of the mold that rapidly disintegrates wood, paper and leather, which makes maintenance of such organic materials a necessity.

However, cleaning mold and mildew stains is not easy. Aggressive scrubbing could destroy the material infested with mold, therefore there has to be control when it comes to the force you exert when brushing. Molds also cause allergies, so precaution has to be taken when washing the house.

To prevent the growth of mold, you have to keep items dry before storing them up in the attic or the basement. You should also watch out for leaks in your pipes to prevent water from dripping in any of your stuff at home causing moisture or dampening of certain items. During hot and humid weather, it would help to open windows and doors to let sunlight in and to let air circulate as well. For some, the use of dehumidifier helps lessen the stuffiness and the moisture content in the air. Complete house washing can be prevented if you take precautions and steps in maintaining the condition of your items at home and making it mold free.

The whole lecture on mold and mold removal alone covers botany, home economics, chemistry, common ailments, the atmosphere and force among other things. What you need is not a new set of eyes but a whole new perspective in life and how you view things around you. There is so much we have yet to learn in the world.

There are a lot of things we can learn inside the house alone. The simple task of mold removal requires many branches of science. Look into molds and how to remove them, and you will be amazed at how everything is interconnected in this world.

Spring Cleaning Safety Might Not Seem Important - But It Is!

Spring cleaning safety is something that should be at the forefront of everyone's mind when conducting a large scale clean of their home. What many people don't realize is that a huge number of accidents occur in the home while cleaning, which therefore means that a few basic precautions should be taken by those conducting this task. These rules generally only comprise of basic common sense methods though - all of which could help to reduce the risk of an accident occurring.

The most essential piece of information to have when cleaning is what the different hazards are of the various cleaning products that are being used. Many of these comprise of hazardous substances that can not only be harmful when swallowed, but also irritate the skin when they come in contact with each other. Wearing gloves is the simplest way to combat this, as it will make it impossible for the liquid to get on to the hands, with long gloves being best so as to protect the lower arms as well.

Children in the household must be considered as well when using hazardous cleaning products. They won't be aware of the danger that these can pose, so therefore must be kept out of their reach at all times. Should they get their hands on these, they could end up in hospital or even worse.

When cleaning high areas spring cleaning safety should be adhered to vehemently, due to the fact that falls can cause serious injuries. Most people stand on something from the house in order to reach the highest part of the room and although this isn't ideal, there are a few steps that people can take to ensure that they don't fall. These include ensuring that the surface is level, making sure that it is well supported and also not over-reaching when trying to clean something.

Many people use ladders to reach the harder to reach areas, and these also have a number of hazards. The first consideration should be whether the ladder is properly locked in to place, as if it is not it could collapse and therefore cause the user to fall and injure themselves. It should also be placed on a level surface and the user should not exceed the maximum weight capacity for it.

Spring cleaning safety also comes in to play when carrying heavy objects around the home, including the vacuum cleaner and possibly boxes of trash that has been cleared away. One should always remember to allow their knees to take the weight when lifting, otherwise the back could become damaged. An injured back can mean a long period of pain and should be avoided at all costs.

When carrying items, one should also ensure that they only carry what they can manage and that they make multiple trips if the load is too big. Carrying a load that is too heavy will increase the likelihood of falls and therefore of injury.

It is clear to see that there are a number of spring cleaning safety tips that should always be followed. If they are then the homeowner can be sure that they won't injure themselves - either in a minor way or seriously - throughout the whole process.

The Truth About Carpet Care and Stain Removal

Carpet Care. Many of us don't have the time in the day to worry about it. And sometimes we don't even realize the state of which our carpets are in. But the truth is that carpets are one of the most germ infested places in our homes. And not only is it dangerous for one's health but over a period of a couple months, the carpet can end up dulled and faded in color. As long as the dirt remains in the carpeting, these germs will continue to breed and multiply causing significant damage to the carpet. There are many different ways that carpets can be cleaned; some more effective than others. One of the most popular ways is called bonnet cleaning. Many companies use this technique because it is extremely low-cost and an easy application to operate. The problem with this is consumers believe it is a complete cleaning of their carpets while it is only pushing the germs and dirt deeper within the carpet. What happens in bonnet cleaning is that a rotary machine with a pad, or "bonnet", is spun at a very high speed all along the carpet. Prior to use, this pad has been immersed in a soapy carbonated shampoo-like cleaning solution. It works in the short term but what happens is this sticky cleaning solution that is used ends up giving the soil and germs more breeding ground and also damaging the carpet fibers. Another disadvantage of this method is the rotary element. It is spinning at a very high speed causing the dirt and grime to be pushed down further into the carpeting; while it does help initially, it is not an effective cleaning method for long-term care in carpets. And no one wants to see their own money go to waste.

One of the most effective ways for carpet cleaning is called steam cleaning. This technique is used professionally by many big-name carpet care cooperation's such as Stanley Steamer and Empire Today. Though it may not be the cheapest, it is very effective. It involves using a hot cleaning water solution that is sprayed into the carpet. This is done by using a high powered jet spray. After the solution has set into the carpet, a special vacuum will go over the carpet picking up the cleaning solution and the dirt it has captured. It consists of a few steps that aren't as fast as bonnet cleaning. But when it comes to long-term carpet care, it is regarded professionally as the most efficacious.

When it comes to stain removal in carpets, it's much simpler than many people are led on to believe. The truth is stains can come from hundreds of different things; such as red wine or coffee and buying tons and tons of different specialties spray stain cleaners can be costly. Now if you have a large specific stain, then that will work fine. But to get out old stains and even new stains, there is a method that is cost-effective and very simple to do. Simply mix Tide Detergent, Warm water, and Vinegar and spray this mixture on the stain. Dab the solution lightly for roughly a minute then dry. Easy as that! There are many ways for keeping a carpet clean. It's good to know what is most effective and what is not for the safety of health and household appearance.

The Method to Use to Clean Your Spa Filter Rather Than Replace It

Hot tubs and home spas are great, and many people have added them to their decks, gazebos, or even inside their homes so that they can relax and soak away the cares of life. It's something the whole family can enjoy. That is until it's time to change the filter. With a lot of tub use, filters can need repeated changes, and they aren't cheap. Fortunately, there's a better way. Spa filters can be cleaned so that they can be used for longer periods of time. It will save you money, and you'll also be doing your part by not filling the landfill with used filters.

Start by turning off the power to the hot tub. You don't want to work on anything involving both water and electricity. Remove the filter from under the skimmer. This should be a relatively simple thing to do. If the filter in your tub doesn't come out this easily, you may need to pull out the instruction book and learn how the procedure should be done.

Once you've removed the filter, you'll be able to use a soft scrub brush in order to remove large chunks of debris. It may surprise you how much you'll find even though you keep your tub clean. A lot of the debris will be hair, so you'll need to work hard to remove it all. In addition, concentrate on the seams of the filter. Be thorough, but don't scrub too hard or you'll damage the filter.

Use a power washer set on low or else a garden hose with a pressure nozzle attachment to wash your filter. Keep spraying until the water runs clear to ensure that you're removed all the built up dirt and debris. Place a broom stick through the hole in the center of the filter to help hold it in place while you wash it.

Then, using at least a 3 gallon bucket, soak your filter in a solution of hot water and one quarter cup of chlorine bleach. This step will help whiten your filter again as well as sanitize it.

After bleaching your filter, it's important to thoroughly rinse all bleach from it. This is especially true if you use an alternative spa treatment such as Baquacil. After all, you don't want a weird chemical reaction taking place in your tub. At this point, then, the filter should be almost as clean and fresh as it was when it was new. Allow it to air dry before reinserting it into the proper place in your spa.

The Real Reasons Why Professional Commercial Cleaners Click For Your Workplace

It is of course a given that any workplace in the world, no matter how small or how big, requires a regular bout of cleaning and a good job of it. Now cleaning is an undertaking that needs to be thorough as there are multiple facets of a good business or workplace, which can get affected because of something as trivial as an untidy workplace.

While there a lot of small businesses that employ regular, fulltime cleaners for their place of business, I would strongly recommend otherwise. I would suggest businesses should rather try to look for professional commercial cleaning services as independent contractors. There are plenty of reasons for it. The simplest one is their name. The word professional indicates that it is going to symbolize at least a thorough job of cleaning with a reasonable degree of efficiency. You can spend more time towards your work or personal life if this segment of your business is entirely handled by professionals in the domain.

Also, it is needless to say that your business will encounter lower costs in the long run while hiring professional cleaners. Though they might charge a slightly higher rate, but there is absolutely no other cost involved. On the other hand, having an in-house staff often leads to extra material costs and work life perks. This is completely avoided while dealing with visiting professionals.

Also, there are various sectors of your work space that can be peacefully but efficiently dealt by the professional cleaners. Because you enter a legal contract with the commercial cleaners, there are always bound to be proper work hours, work ethics and perfectly planned execution of the entire cleaning plans for your workplace.

For instance, most businesses have expensive and tough to clean carpets over a majority of their area. These have to be cleaned regularly, and contrary to their friendly and pretty exteriors, they are very tough to clean. This is where the professional cleaners come in. They have the right set of chemicals to be used and the hardware to carry out the cleaning. Chemical, thermal and mechanical methods and tools are used to ensure swift and good cleaning jobs of the carpets.

Another example is the windows or any other glass surface in general. Glass at your workplace would always deserve a special treatment while cleaning and you would surely need a professional touch for their regular cleaning. A contract with a commercial cleaning services company will typically cover the periodic cleaning as well as maintenance of all your windows.