June 2012 - Clean Conscience Eco-friendly Cleaning

Ultrasonic Blind Cleaning

Natalie Norbut / June 29, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

We often encounter blinds that have really been neglected during one time or move out cleanings. In addition to just being hand wiped, these blinds often require some extra special attention. Chris Hall from Aspen Services based in Broomfield, Colorado shared with us some details on “ultasonic blind cleaning” a service they offer along with window cleaning, gutter cleaning and window film installation.

Guest Blogger:

How do you clean blinds? “Hang” them in the shower, vacuum them, lay them out on the driveway. Sure all these methods do some good, but all fall short of a complete clean. The only way to truly clean blinds (headrail, cords, slats or cells, footrail) is to have them cleaned using the ultrasonic method.

What is the ultrasonic method? Ultrasonic blind cleaning, technically, is the use of mechanical sound waves to assist in the cleaning process. Transducers vibrate at 40 KHz which create millions of microscopic bubbles that form then implode. This process is known as cavitation. The result of cavitation is a gentle and extremely through cleaning which cleans internal and other hard to reach surfaces. Ultrasonic cleaning will not scratch, pit, or damage blinds the way conventional methods can.

This method is used by many industries from cleaning dental equipment to industrial equipment. Blinds are immersed in a water filled chamber with a mild blind cleaning solution. The transducers are activated for a short amount of time after which they are transferred to a rinse chamber with ultra pure water (.000-.009 total dissolved solids). Once rinsed the blinds are hung to dry.

Aspen Services in Broomfield, CO specializes in ultrasonic blind cleaning. You can drop your blinds off at their location or they will come to your house, take your blinds down, take them back to their shop, clean them, then return and rehang them. For more information go to www.AspenWindow.com or call 303-818-5258.

Asthma, and It’s Link to Conventional Cleaning Products

Natalie Norbut / June 28, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

Speaking as someone who suffered from severe cases of asthma growing up, I can tell you that having an asthma attack is a horrible feeling. With the extreme chest tightness and discomfort, constant coughing, and sensation of breathing through a thin straw, it can be a scary time for child and parent alike. Mold, mildew and dust are all linked to asthma, but now, some household cleaning products may be linked to the disease as well.

Many of the ingredients in conventional cleaning supplies can cause asthma in previously healthy people according to the Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics (AOEC). Some examples of the chemicals used which can cause asthma include a class of surfactants called ethanolamines (like monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, and triethanolamine) and a class of antibacterial agents known as quaternary ammonium compounds (like benzalkonium chloride, or alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride). Also, fragrances in the cleaning products are known to be allergens and can cause asthma as well. Conventional cleaning products can also cause asthma indirectly, by releasing volatile organic compounds that form ozone when in the presence of other air contaminants made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Ozone is the main component of smog that triggers asthma.

Help those affected by the Colorado wildfires

Natalie Norbut / June 27, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

Via Daily Camera - Click to enlarge

At last report, the Flagstaff fire was at 300 acres and burning in several directions at once. As of Tuesday night, the fire continued to burn with no containment, however no structures were threatened at that time. Nearly 30 homes have been evacuated along Flagstaff Road and Bison Drive. Pre-evacuation orders went out to 2,416 south Boulder homes in the neighborhoods of Table Mesa, Devil’s Thumb and Highland Park.

Please check the Boulder Office of Emergency Management website and Twitter feed regularly for Flagstaff fire updates.

In Colorado Springs, the Waldo Canyon wildfire spread into the city overnight and officials have ordered the evacuation of more than 32,000 residents.

How you can help

Help Colorado Now is set up to receive financial donations for all wildfires in Colorado. Visit their website to make a financial donation to the charity organization of your choice. The American Red Cross Denver Chapter is currently providing support for the Boulder area fire.

What Is Microfiber?

Natalie Norbut / June 25, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

Microfiber refers to a synthetic fiber that measures less than one denier (unit of measure for the linear mass density of fibers). Most microfibers are made from polyesters or nylons, and are used to make non-woven, woven and knitted textiles.

Microfiber can be used to make many things, such as Ultrasuede, (which is an animal-free imitation suede which is cheaper and easier to clean) for clothing and furniture. Microfiber is also used as insulation in sleeping bags. There was even a microfiber basketball which had a short stint in the NBA but was quickly replaced with the classic leather balls.

Perhaps one of the most popular uses for microfibers is in the cleaning industry. When high quality microfiber is combined with the right knitting process, it becomes a very effective cleaning product. The microfiber material can be used for many different jobs and here is why: The Fabrics made with microfiber are extremely soft and hold their shape well. They can hold up to eight times their weight in water, and have an amazing ability to absorb oils. From cleaning eyeglasses, computer screens and car interior, to mopping the floor; microfiber seems to have many uses when cleaning your home.

More Uses for Lemons

Natalie Norbut / June 19, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

There is an old saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. Well, thanks to the high acid content and nice smell, there are plenty of other uses for the citrus fruit. According to Stylist Home, lemons can be used in lieu of chemical cleansers for household jobs.

"The Magic Fruit"

Here are a few of the jobs you can use lemons for:

“Cleaning Grout”- Instead of using harsh chemicals such as bleach, you can cut a lemon into quarters and simply scrub the pieces onto the stained area (a toothbrush is recommended for for set in stains). Afterwards, rinse with a good amount of water.

“Deodorizer”- Have you ever cooked or reheated something in your microwave that left it smelling, well, a bit funky? Now you can cover up that leftover meatloaf by filling a bowl with water and lemon slices, and nuke it for 45 seconds. Afterwards you just have to wipe out the microwave.

“Fixtures”- You can actually use lemons to restore the shine on chrome fixtures in your home. You simply cut the lemon in half, rub the fruit on the fixture, wait 10 minutes, then wipe the lemon off the fixture and you’ve got a beautiful finish.

A clean house is a best seller

Natalie Norbut / June 18, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

Are you hoping to sell your home quickly? When it comes to the little things that sellers do to make their homes stand out from the competition, the No. 1 step you can take, according to a recent survey of real estate agents, is cleaning the place from top to bottom. Actually, cleaning has ranked as the top home improvement suggested by realty professionals ever since HomeGain began asking the question in 2003. In the latest survey, the agents said spending $400 on cleaning is likely to gain sellers $2,000 more at closing. That’s a 400 percent return on investment.

Here is the full story from the Chicago Tribune.

Tips For Unclogging Drains

Natalie Norbut / June 16, 2012 / Comments are off for this post.

Lets face it, clogged drains are a pain, and we all have to deal with it at some point. A drain blockage may be in the trap under the fixture, in a branch line carrying waste from several fixtures to the main line, or in the main house drain or it’s connection to the sewer. Here are a few helpful tips from Mr. Rooter, on how to handle these problems.

"The plunger technique"

Tip#1 “Using a plunger”: First you must remove the sink strainer or drain plug. Then make sure there is enough water in the basin to cover the plunger cup. Without breaking the seal between the drain and cup, pump up and down in rapid strokes 10 times, then quickly lift the plunger from the drain.

Tip#2 “Using an auger”: With the strainer or drain plug removed, insert a drain-and-tap auger into the drain by cranking the handle clockwise. As the auger goes into the drain, alternately loosen and tighten the thumbscrew on the handle. When you reach the blockage and hook something, move the auger back and forth slowly while cranking, then slowly pull out the auger while continuing to crank in the same direction. Pour hot water and detergent through the trap to take care of any left over grease or oils.

High tech cleaning

Monthly Archives: June 2012