Care and Cleaning of Vinyl Siding and Soffitt

Over time, your homes vinyl siding and soffitt will have dirt exposure from atmospheric conditions. Ordinarily, the cleaning action of rainfall will be adequate to wash the vinyl siding. However, vinyl siding and soffitt should be washed periodically with a garden hose and clean water, particularly in those areas not exposed to normal rainfall. If you desire to do a more thorough cleaning, or where high soil collection conditions occur, follow these simple instructions.

Use a soft-bristled, long-handled washing brush. These washing brushes attach to your garden hose and make washing your siding easier. Do not rub vigorously, as this may create glossy areas over the vinyl siding finish.

CARE IMPROVEMENT

For hard to remove dirt, such as soot and grime found in industrial areas, wipe the siding down with a solution consisting of the following ingredients:

o 1/3 cup powdered detergent (Tide, Fab, or an equivalent powder detergent)

o 2/3 cup household cleaner (Soilax, Spic & Span or a comparable equivalent)

o 1 gallon water

If mildew is a problem in your area, prepare the solution above but substitute 1 quart of laundry bleach for 1 quart of water.

If you wash down the entire house, start at the bottom and work up to the top, as less streaking will result.

It is important that immediately following all washing operations, the entire surface be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water from a garden hose. Avoid prolonged or high pressure rinsing of open, ventilated areas.

For best results when using cleaning solution, select an overcast cool day (55° - 75°) and wash only small areas at a time. This should allow the wet cleaning solution to remain in contact with the finish for a period of not less than 3 minutes; then rinse with clear water before it has a chance to dry.

Caution: Greater concentrations may cause damage to the vinyl siding finish. Do not use cleaners containing abrasive particles, solvent, or ammoniated-type cleaners or paint remover for cleaning the vinyl siding. When using any of the above chemical cleaning agents, observe the chemical manufacturer's recommended safety precautions. Protect against contact of the solution with skin or eyes.

Care and Cleaning of Vinyl Siding and Soffitt

CARE IMPROVEMENT

Cleaning Headstones

Over a period headstones and memorials can get dirty, one of the most common causes being hard water, which leaves a lime scale deposit. This is especially visible on polish granite. But by cleaning the headstone or memorials on a regular basis will not only prolong the life of the stone but also ensure the stone is in good condition. A dirty one may look dull or faded, and by following a specific process you can renew the shine.

The first stage before you start cleaning is to determine what the headstone is made of, the most common being granite, limestone, marble or bronze. Each material will require a different cleaning process and cleaning liquid or agent.

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER

Limestone, Sandstone and Marble Headstones

These headstones are made of soft stone; therefore you will need to be gentle when cleaning. Use water with non-ionic soaps or detergents applied with a natural bristled brush. Do not use a wire brush, acid cleaners or household cleaners as this may cause permanent damage.

Granite Headstones

Follow the guidelines as above when cleaning granite headstones. Due to granite's durability, it is all right to use a more aggressive scrubbing. On polished granite calcium build-up from hard water can cause a dull faded appearance. To remove this use a heavy duty non metallic scouring pad, check before using it is suitable for granite.

Bronze Headstones

As most Bronze ones usually consist of a bronze plaque which is mounted to a base usually made of granite or concrete and lay flat at lawn level. Therefore you may need to apply one of the above techniques to clean the stone surround plus also cleaning the bronze.

As bronze is furnished with a factory applied lacquer coating to seal and preserve the original appearance, maintenance is important as over a period of time this finish will eventually deteriorate. Proper care will preserve the finish and prevent the need for restoration.

Cleaning Headstones

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER

Cleaning Stained Glass Properly

Cleaning stained glass when it becomes dirty, allows the maximum amount of light to pass through it and thus maintains its beauty.

Comprised of several different colors and shapes of favrile glass, the beauty of this glass depends on the light it receives and transmits. The amount of the light and the direction that it hits the glass can constantly change the appearance of the artwork. Keep your stained glass table lamps and floor lamps and window hangings, chandeliers and wall sconces looking their best to show off their original colors.

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Handcrafted from favrile glass, a form of glass patented by Louis Tiffany in 1894. The glass is held together with copper and solder, and cleaning products containing vinegar, ammonia, or any acid base destroys the solder holding the glass together.

Before cleaning any lampshade or fixture, disconnect the power source (unplug from outlets).

Normal Cleaning

Light dusting with a feather duster or wipe with a clean dry cloth is all that is usually needed.

Grimy Stained Glass

For a grimy fixture, place a small dab of lemon-based furniture polish on soft clean cloth and wipe gently. Never apply the polish directly to the piece being cleaned.

Covered with Heavy Layers of Grease

For fixtures near cooking areas in kitchens, to remove heavy layers of greasy buildup or dirt, Mr. Clean Top Job® works best for cleaning the stained glass. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth, and wipe gently. After cleaning, reapply lemon-oil based furniture polish to the shade, for best results.
Your stained glass fixtures will gleam and transmit colored light they were designed to shine through them to beautify your room.

Cleaning Stained Glass Properly

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Cleaning Laminate Flooring

When it comes to cleaning laminate flooring, you should have a regular routine in place. By doing this you will ensure that your flooring will remain as good as the day when it was first installed.

The first thing that you need to do when cleaning your flooring is to vacuum it on a regular basis. It is important that when vacuuming your floor you raise the beater bar off the floor otherwise you could actually cause the floor to become scratched.

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Once you have vacuumed the floor the next stage is to wipe the surface of the floor down using a damp (not wet) mop. Ideally you should use a specialist laminate floor cleaning fluid or just a mixture of warm water with a small amount of detergent.

This particular cleaning routine should be carried out once or twice a week. The rest of the time during the week you can use a large dust mop to help keep dirt and grit at bay. Plus you should also immediately clear up any spills that appear on the floor otherwise it may stain. To remove the spill take a paper towel and blot up the spillage then get a damp cloth and use this to remove any residue. Also if you allow the spill to remain it could in fact damage the floor by making the area where the spill occurred to fade.

Before you start cleaning your laminate flooring it is important that you read the recommendations provided by the manufacturer. As long as you care for your laminate flooring correctly then it will look good and last for years to come.

Cleaning Laminate Flooring

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Cleaning Up Household Acts With a Cleaning Service

If you are one of those people that really cares about the cleanliness of their homes, then you probably understand the need to hire a household cleaning services company to assist you in your effort to keep your home clean. Cleaning your house has many benefits, with the most important being that it improves living conditions within your home, as well as ensuring the health of the occupants in your home. Some people do not see the need to hire an external cleaning service provider to assist and these people argue that hiring such companies is just a waste of money, which could be used for other important family needs.

This is a great misconception, as if the health and well-being of you family is not the most important need, then what is? It would be pointless to try and save money by not hiring a cleaning services company, so that you can use that money to go on vacation, for instance.

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER

It is also important to understand the kinds of cleaning services that these commercial service providers offer, in order to appreciate their necessity. Some people may view commercial cleaners as intruders in their homes or, even worse, may feel that hiring external help to do the cleaning is a sign that they are unable to take care of their homes. This is not true, as a household cleaning company will only focus on the household cleaning tasks that you assign them to do. As such, you may choose to clean the areas in your household you consider private and hire outside cleaners to occasionally work on the areas that you often neglect. However, in the event that someone in the household were to fall sick as a result of the dirt that is in the house, the cost of seeking medical treatment becomes more expensive than what would have been spent on a household cleaning services provider.

The advantages of having a commercial cleaning service provider do your household cleaning include the fact that their staff is professionally trained in cleaning techniques, which may be useful especially if you are faced with hard to clean tasks. A good example is the cleaning of delicate material without damaging it. Another advantage is that these cleaning companies have invested heavily in the required cleaning machines such as vacuuming equipment, which comes in handy when it comes to cleaning carpets, floors and other hard to clean surfaces.

Cleaning Up Household Acts With a Cleaning Service

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER

Cleaning And Care Of Corian Countertops

Corian counters are considered top of the line when it comes to beauty and durability. These solid pour creations offer the look of granite without the need for seams. Since they are synthetic by design, however, some special care comes into play when Corian counter tops are added to a kitchen, bathroom or even workspace.

Corian, by design, is a pretty tough man-made material. These counters resist scratching, staining and even chipping and breaking, but they are not indestructible. Special care might be required to help ensure they continue looking great for years to come.

CARE IMPROVEMENT

The basic rules of the road for Corian care follow the same typical pattern that almost all other counters do. They include:

* No cutting allowed. Corian counter tops are pretty durable, but it is still not recommended that cutting be done directly on the surface. Use a cutting board instead to preserve the look.

* Heat hurts. Corian can become damaged when very hot pots or pans are set directly on the surface. Avoid this by having plenty of hot pads or trivets on hand. Remove hot items immediately if they happen on the countertops.

* Avoid dropping heavy items on them. Corian can become damaged when something particularly heavy falls on the surface. Take care to avoid this from happening.

Cleaning Corian counter tops will depend a lot on the type of surface that has actually been chosen. These counters come in three standard finishes. The instructions for matte, semi-gloss and high-gloss tend to vary a bit.

* Matte finish cleaning. In general, matte finished or satin finished Corian counter tops can be cleaned using plain old soapy water. An ammonia-based cleaner may also be used. Water marks can generally be wiped up easily with a damp cloth or sponge. Towel dry to buff them out. Disinfecting these counter tops only requires a mild bleach solution. Treat stains as they occur. A mildly abrasive cleanser or a product recommended specifically for Corian should be used.

* Semi-gloss cleaning. The basic instructions for the matte finish counter tops apply here, as well. To enhance shine, special counter top polish can be used. Treat stains with a very mild abrasive. Daily cleaning can generally be taken care of with a basic sponge or a damp cloth. Buff dry to increase shine.

* High-gloss cleaning. These counters might take a little more tender, loving care. The basic instructions follow the others, but a softer polish might be required to help keep finish high on these counter tops. Don't forget to wipe up with a damp cloth and buff dry.

If particularly nasty stains or spills present, follow manufacturer instructions for tackling them. This is the best advice for ensuring the stains are removed or lessened and that warranties that might be present are not voided. When possible, use products that are endorsed by the manufacturer or guaranteed to work with Corian.

With a little care and basic maintenance, Corian counter tops can stand the test of time and look beautiful doing so. These counters are very durable, but a few things present cause for concern.

Cleaning And Care Of Corian Countertops

CARE IMPROVEMENT

Choosing The Best Carpet Cleaning Machine

Carpets add beauty to home or office, and also it is immensely useful in places with an extreme climate. However, to retain its beauty, you will need to take care of the carpets with the help of a carpet cleaner.

Let us take a look at some of the varieties that are available:

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

The most common of all the cleaners, is the vacuum cleaner. You can either have a canister or an upright vacuum cleaner. However, an upright cleaner offers better convenience.

Again, there are several options available in an upright cleaner. You may go for a two-motor cleaner if you have pets or kids around, and need to clean the carpet frequently. Also, you can use spotters to clean particular area.

For the corners, stairs and difficult to reach areas, a hand-held cleaner is often preferred.

For a spotless, dirt-free, superior clean up, you can go for a carpet cleaning extractor. The advantage of using an extractor is that is will remove dirt from within the soiled area, and not just from the surface. Again, there are two types here, one is the regular cleaner, and the other is a self-contained extractor. The special feature of the extractor is that it uses clean up solution to extract dirt. For a sparklingly clean home, you can use it with the vacuum cleaner, after you are done with the extractor.

Steam carpet cleaners are most favored for a deeper clean up. It cleans the fibers, base and the surface with the steam. The steam will clean the fibers, even if the dirt has settled deep in the fibers or the base. The steam helps loosen up the dirt, making it easy for the vacuum cleaner to give you a cleaner, dirt free area.

Before you decide which of the machines suit your requirements the best, you need to take the fabric used in to consideration. Also, you will need to consider several other factors, such as the price, accessories and attachments accompanying the cleaner, the size of the machine etc. Again, the choosing the best machine will also depend on your usage-will you need frequent clean up? How big is the area to be cleaned? Does it have too many unreachable corners? If you have kids, then you certainly need additional accessories that help remove food stains. If you have pets at home, then you would need to have a cleaner that removes tough stains.

Whichever cleaning machine you may buy, don't forget to read the warranty clause, before making the final decision.

Choosing The Best Carpet Cleaning Machine

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Discount Cleaning Products

If you are planning to buy cleaning products in bulk, look for a source that stocks all you need under one roof. Reputable online stores are a good option. Besides a wide inventory with useful product information, they offer good quality janitorial cleaning supplies at affordable rates. Placing orders is easy. You can also avail of special deals and discounts as well as free shipping for purchases over a specified amount.

Cleaning Products you can buy in Bulk

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Floor Care Products - When it comes to maintaining cleanliness, floors often need the most care. You need to stock floor cleaners, floor pads, floor mats, vacuum cleaners, and so on. Look for products that are durable and do the job well. Floor cleaners must have good disinfectant properties.

Squeegees and Washers - Cleaning is impossible without the right kind of squeegees and washers. There are models available to suit any type of setting or surface. Floor squeegees, utility squeegees, window squeegees and washers are some of the products you need to stock.

Sponges and Scrubbers - These products are essential when it comes to removing stains from walls, floors, tile and grout line, fixtures, furniture and vents. Clorex, 3M and Royal offer premium products in this category.

Cleaning Accessories - Mops for toilet bowl, toilet bowl brushes, dusters, micromops, swivel brushes and restroom cleaning accessories are some of the other cleaning supplies that need to be stored in bulk.

Laundry Products -Hospitals and other health care facilities have to stock detergents, fabric refreshers, fabric softeners, and stain removers in bulk.

Go by blogs and reviews to see what other consumers are saying. This is the best way to locate the store that has best varieties and brands of these products at great discounts. When you buy in bulk, you save a lot of money and time as well, as you don't need to shop so often.

Discount Cleaning Products

CARE IMPROVEMENT PLUS PROVIDER PORTAL

Care and Cleaning of Replacement Vinyl Windows

Vinyl replacement windows are an great way to increase the value and improve the appearance of your home. These windows are extremely durable and will last for many years with proper care. One of the greatest benefits is the ease of care and cleaning.

Follow these easy steps to ensure that your vinyl replacement windows can be enjoyed for years to come.

CARE IMPROVEMENT

Sometimes, your windows will have labels or tape on the glass. Alcohol-based cleaners can remove label and tape adhesive that can be left behind from these labels. Be sure to test the cleaner on a small portion of the glass first. After this is removed, thoroughly wet the glass and rinse with plain water.

Glass can be easily cleaned with regular or other ammonia-based glass cleaners. Windex and similar glass cleaning products are ideal.

Vinyl (PVC) products can be cleaned with a solution of mild soap and water. For heavier cleaning tasks, the window manufacturer recommends commercially advertised household cleaners. Use any non-abrasive cleaner for tough jobs, avoiding Soft Scrub and similar abrasive products, which may cause damage. Do not use solvents, paint removers or sharp objects to clean your windows and patio doors.

If mildew is a problem in your home, use an appropriate cleaner or mildew controller found in any local retail store.

The tracks of the sliding and double-hung windows are exposed to the outdoor elements, which can contain abrasive elements such as dirt, leaves, sand, grease, soot, etc. If these elements are not removed, they can be ground into the tracks when the sashes are operated, making operation of these sashes difficult.

To avoid this problem, a minimum semi-annual cleaning is recommended. These tracks can be cleaned with a small, stiff, nylon brush, and then wiped down with a soft cloth. If necessary, an occasional light coat of silicone spray lubricant on the track of the sliding window will help to ease the operation of your window without leaving an oily residue, which can collect more abrasive elements.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for safe use of any chemical or cleaner.

Over time, your windows' screens can accumulate dirt and other debris. Screens can be cleaned easily with a soft brush. The type of soft brushes found on some vacuum cleaner accessories are a good example of a suitable brush.

Care and Cleaning of Replacement Vinyl Windows

CARE IMPROVEMENT

Leather Care - Maintaining and Cleaning Leather Sofas

While there are many brands of leather conditioners, it is always wise for you to use a conditioner that you have had experience with in the past. You should always experiment with your leather conditioner selection by using it on a small, hidden spot, in order to determine whether or not it will adversely affect the coloring and/or quality of the leather itself.

When you are conditioning leather sofas, it is much like applying a wax treatment to a car. Here are the basic steps:

CARE IMPROVEMENT

Use the leather conditioner with a clean and dry rag. Using a circular pattern, rub the leather condition in. Allow the conditioner to soak into the leather sofa for approximately 10 minutes. After it has soaked in, using another dry cloth, buff and polish. Apply this process in a little area of the leather sofa at a time and repeat.

It is important to note that most leather conditioners will not help you if you have any tears or deep staining. Leather conditioners are primarily used to simply restore the luster of the leather to "like-new" condition.

If you do not have a leather conditioner handy, you can also use baby oil. While many discourage this technique, it is an effective substitute for a leather conditioner. The only important thing for you to pay attention to when using baby oil is that you do not use too much. Baby oil has a tendency to stay slippery for some time, even after it is buffed; so, use the minimal amount possible, and follow the same steps above to treat your leather sofa. When testing it in a small area of the sofa, make sure the slippery effect is not present. If it is, then you used too much baby oil and vice-versa.

In using these techniques above, you will be on the road to owning a leather sofa which will enjoy a long life span. In order to preserve the life of the leather sofa, it is very important that you condition your leather sofa at least twice a year, to maintain the proper look, feel, and life of the leather.

Leather Care - Maintaining and Cleaning Leather Sofas

CARE IMPROVEMENT