DIY Stain Removal

Natalie Norbut / August 25, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

Let’s face it, no matter how careful you are, stains happen. If you happen to have children or pets, stains are probably a common occurrence. Often, successfully removing a stain means acting as quickly as possible. However, what do you do if something is spilled on your carpet or furniture and you are all out of store bought stain remover? The answer may lie in your refrigerator, bathroom, or pantry. In this article from The Huffington Post, you are given several DIY remedies for the removal of just about any type of common stain you could think of. Everything from wine, grass, coffee, ink, and even blood, can be removed with everyday items found in most homes.

Eco-Friendly Stain Busters

Grass stain on your patio cushion. Wine stain on your carpet. Ink stain on the couch. Let’s face it, even when we try our very best, life is messy. I have put together a list of some of the toughest furniture and carpet stains we encounter along with quick DIY eco-friendly fixes that will help get your fabric back to its stain-free state.

Blood: Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent (POPSUGAR has agreat recipe for natural DIY solution) with two cups of cold water. Apply the solution to a clean cloth and blot the stain until it disappears.
Gum: Put a plastic bag full of ice directly onto the stuck gum. Once it hardens, you should be able to scrap it off. If the piece of fabric is small enough, you can place it directly in the freezer until the gum hardens.
Chocolate: Rub the stain in a circular motion with warm, soapy water or aborax solution. Rinse with cold water.
Coffee or Tea: Spot-clean with cool water or vinegar or try an enzyme-based cleaner.
Grass: Rub the stain with hydrogen peroxide.
Ink: Wet a clean cloth in vinegar and blot the stain–rewetting the cloth with vinegar as needed. Once the stain is gone, rinse with clean water.
Grease: Apply dry cornmeal to the spot and let sit for 20 minutes. Once you shake it off, the stain should be gone. You can also try cornstarch.
Makeup: Carefully put few drops of glycerin on the stain and scrape off.
Tomato Sauce: Alternately blot the stain using a damp sponge (cool water) and dry cloth. If possible, move the cushion or rug into the sun–the UV-rays will help breakdown the stain. For stubborn stains, rub with a cut lemon.
Red Wine: Spot clean or soak in cool water. Pour salt over the stain while it is still wet and let it sit until it begins to turn pinkish. Discard the excess salt and vacuum.

Clean Out That Closet

Natalie Norbut / August 7, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

Is your closet cluttered with a number of shirts and pants which are either a little out of style, or perhaps just don’t fit like they used to? Or, maybe you have a closet that has become more of a storage unit for items you rarely use or forgot you even own anymore? If either of these rings true for you, it may be time to think about cleaning out and decluttering those closets. Cleaning out a closet can actually be a fairly simple and productive task. In fact, the good people at Seventh Generation, have put together three simple steps to help guide you in getting those closets decluttered. Check out the article below, and get back some of that precious closet space!

Declutter Your Closet: Repurpose, Donate, Wash

When is the last time you’ve done a deep clean of your closet? It’s one of those chores that can easily be pushed to the bottom of the list. Over the years, we often find ourselves adding more items to our closet without taking the time to sort through what we already have. Decluttering your closet doesn’t have to be painful! We’ve broken it down into three easy steps: Repurpose, Donate and Wash.

Repurpose: All items that are damaged and no longer usable should be placed in this box. While it’s easy to throw away damaged clothing, it is beneficial to you and landfills if you find a new purpose for it. Stained or ripped cotton t-shirt? Repurpose as a household rag! The soft cotton material will help create a streak-free clean. Ripped jeans can be turned into shorts or cutoffs. Bring out your inner crafter!

Donate: Haven’t worn that dress or pair of pants in a while? Let go of the items you’ve been holding onto for that ‘one day’. Find a local charity or stop by a donation center – the clothes you don’t wear can always help someone who needs them.

Wash: Now onto the clothes you’re going to keep! For the items that have been tucked away in the closet for a long time, a quick cycle wash will get them ready to wear in no time. Tackle any stains, iron out any wrinkles, and then hang and fold.

Once you’ve washed, repurposed or donated – it’s time to clean and organize your closet. Use disinfecting wipes on the shelves in your closet to pick up dust that may have collected over the years. Then, you can organize by clothing type, color or size. The real trick? Keeping it organized all year round! For more tips on closet cleaning and organizing your home, you can also check out this post on Tips for Organizing Your Stuff For Storage by Maximum Exposure Real Estate.

Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month

Natalie Norbut / May 20, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

As some people may be aware, May is “National Asthma and Allergies Awareness Month”. This is most likely because May is also the peak season for allergy and asthma sufferers. Having suffered from asthma as a child growing up, I am fully aware of what molds and activities may trigger an asthma attack for me, as I’m sure most asthma sufferers are. However, many people may be unaware that the products and methods used to clean their home could also be key contributors to some allergic and/or asthmatic issues they may have.

For example, many people may not be aware that fumes from some cleaning products may induce asthma in otherwise healthy individuals. A large and growing body of evidence links frequent use of many ordinary cleaning supplies at home or on the job with development of asthma and other respiratory problems. It is already known that traditional cleaning product fumes may trigger attacks in people previously diagnosed with asthma.

If you or a family member suffer from allergies or asthma, a good defense is air quality. And, while you may not be able to control the air quality outside of your home, you can certainly do something to improve it inside. The first step to higher air quality may be as simple as switching from a traditional cleaner to a greener alternative. If you happen to use a cleaning service, make sure they use Green Seal certified cleaning products, as Clean Conscience does.

Fight Allergies By Cleaning

Natalie Norbut / May 15, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

This time time of year, many people have their windows open to let in the sweet smells and comfy breezes Spring has to offer. Unfortunately, along with those smells and breezes, a number of allergens seem to make their way into the home as well. Pollen from trees and dust and dirt from freshly cut lawns, overtime can sneak in through window screens and settle on window sills, furniture, and floors; causing allergies for many people. The solution to this problem is a thorough cleaning. However, what you clean isn’t the whole answer, how you clean it can be just as important. Here are a few tips on how to rid your home of allergens this spring.

“Dusting”- When it comes to dusting, try to use microfiber cloths instead of cotton cloths. Cotton cloths can actually spread particles on surfaces and send them back into the air. Microfiber cloths do a much better job of trapping the dust and other allergens on hard surfaces.

“Vacuuming”- The best kind of vacuums to use for people who suffer from allergies, are vacuums with a HEPA filter. These filters prevent smaller particles from blowing back out.

“Mold”- Sometimes it’s not the dust or pollen in the air that causes allergies, but the moisture. Moisture can cause bathroom mold to form. Besides just looking gross, bathroom mold can also cause allergies. The best natural solution for this kind of mold is a combination of water and borax.

Easy Tips for Green Cleaning

Natalie Norbut / May 12, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

When it comes to cleaning up the house, many people still reach for whatever chemical cleaner is sitting under their sink and just spray away,sometimes using several different traditional cleaners for very similar jobs, not realizing that there are plenty of safe and natural cleaning supplies already in their home. In fact, with just a few simple ingredients, which can be found in most homes, you can tackle a plethora of cleaning tasks. In this article from BLOGS.NaturalNews, they discuss 14 easy green cleaning tips that will assist you in getting your home clean without the need for any chemical-laden traditional cleaners.

14 Easy, Green Cleaning Tricks

Harsh cleaners are commonly chosen to get house cleaning done. Most people are used to using bleach and other harsh chemicals because they feel that that is the only way to get the job done right. They don’t even realize there are healthier ways to get your house clean that won’t put toxic pollutants in the air while still getting great results. You can easily keep your space clean and sanitary the green way with vinegar, salt, lemon juice, baking soda and a few other ingredients found around your house. Here is a look at 14 easy, green cleaning tricks for the whole house.

Glass and Mirrors

Most window cleaners are made with ammonia but you can actually clean them effectively using a half gallon of water and 4 tablespoons of lemon juice mixed together. Use a lint-free rag, cloth diaper, old cotton t-shirt or a microfiber cloth to get the best results. Avoid using paper towels, regular rags that leave lint or newspapers that will leave a mess. You can also clean mirrors with vinegar and water mixtures.

Furniture Polishing

Polish for wood, metal and other surfaces are made with some of the most poisonous chemicals. Polish is made with petroleum distillates and solvents which are hazardous. Instead, try a mixture of 2 parts olive oil, 1 part lemon juice and apply it to your wooden furniture with a soft cloth. If that’s too oily, Care2 says you should reverse the formula to use more vinegar or lemon juice and less oil. It’ll shine and smell great. Of course, always test a small area first as you would with any of your traditional cleaners.

Bathroom Tips

For the showers in your home, mix baking soda and all-natural dish soap to remove soap scum from shower doors. Clean the tub by letting vinegar or lemon juice and hot tap water soak for a while before scrubbing with a brush. Use a spray bottle filled with white vinegar and water to clean the shower curtain, which will also help deter the growth of mold (turn on fans when showering to suction the steam and moisture out of the air too). Synergy Maids recommends cleaning the toilet and sink with vinegar and baking soda rather than bleach and then mop the floor with vinegar.

Kitchen Tips

For the kitchen, you’ll want to wipe the faucet with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to make it sparkle. If you have granite counter tops, wipe off the grease and debris with a dishcloth dipped in warm water and mild dish soap. To disinfect and shine, take a mixture of half rubbing alcohol and half tap water and wipe it clean (Make sure your granite has a good seal) . For sticky messes, use a drop of lemon essential oil with a cotton ball or rub with a lemon rind.

For your pots and pans, cut a lemon in half, spray it with water, sprinkle with salt and then scrub with the lemon. This is a safer and very effective way to clean. If you have grease on the stove, try baking soda which will also work on counter tops. Stainless steel sinks will clean well with baking soda and a damp sponge.

Floors

For vinyl floors, simply dip your cloth into lemon juice and rub it on stained areas. For carpets, make sure you vacuum thoroughly and then clean the carpets with a steam cleaner. If it’s just spots, spray with a vinegar and water mix, place a damp cloth on it and let a clothes iron sit on it for a few minutes at a time until it comes up. You can also mix salt, borax and white vinegar to place on stained areas before vacuuming.

Metal Work

Metal work that needs attention can be cleaned the green way as well. Most metal polishes for brass, copper, chrome and stainless steel contain ammonia and acid. Clean copper and brass the green way using salt, vinegar and flour. Make a paste with the three ingredients, rub it onto the item with a soft cloth, let it dry out for an hour and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

When you’re ready to clean your home in a healthier way, try these easy green cleaning tips to get the job done effectively without allowing toxic chemicals to get into the air you breathe.

Get Your Patio Ready for BBQ Season

Natalie Norbut / May 8, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

It is the time of year when many people are finally able to enjoy a nice meal outdoors with their friends and family, it is…..barbecue season! There really is nothing quite like grilling up some steaks or burgers, while enjoying the nice fresh air and warm temperatures this time of year provides. However, before there can be any barbecuing, the patio must be cleaned first. Luckily, this article from the good people at Seventh Generation, has a few tips on how to naturally clean your patio, so you can start grilling and entertaining asap!

DIY All-Natural Concrete Patio Cleaner

It’s no secret that maintaining a healthy and sanitized home environment involves effort and consistency. Occupied with what is going on inside our residence, we often forget that the home exterior also requires certain dedication.
Often, the outdoor patio, in particular, suffers most from the family activity. Because of persistent stains, your patio can require deep cleaning with heavy (and usually toxic) cleaners. Furthermore, some of these compounds are not biodegradable, meaning that they will stay in the soil of your yard for a long time.
For those passionate about green and healthy cleaning, the battle with the stains is not lost. You can still make your patio sparkling clean—without the volatile ingredients—by making your own affordable, efficient, and natural cleaning products. Most of the ingredients for your natural super detergent can be found in your kitchen cabinet.
Vinegar
If you are a “green” enthusiast when it comes to cleaning, you are probably not surprised that vinegar takes a top position in the ingredient cabinet. Its acid qualities hep dissolve even the most rooted dirt. To create a basic concrete patio cleaner, you will need distilled vinegar, water, and a spray bottle. Depending on how strong you want your solution, you can add more or less water. If you want a strong detergent then use only vinegar. Spray the solution over the surface and wait for 20 minutes, then scrub it with a brush. Finish by mopping the area. This ingredient will not only get rid of the spots, but it will also effectively kill the weeds in between patio stones. Eliminate vinegar’s unpleasant scent by adding 20 to 50 drops of essential oil.
For lifting light to medium spots from the concrete, mix one cup of white vinegar with salt in a bucket of warm water. Get a brush and start scrubbing.
Baking Soda
Unlike vinegar, baking soda is alkyl. Its abrasive structure is suitable for the rough surfaces of the patio. You can either apply the baking over the stained area or you can use it in a mixture. The first option is to create vinegar and soda pasta. Mix the two ingredients until the solution becomes consistent. Then you should apply it over the stained section and clean it with a brush.
You can clean almost everything with a bleach and soda solution. Make a paste by using 2 parts bleach and 3 parts baking soda. Be conscious of harming your grass with this solution.
Bleach
Bleach is your best friend when it comes to mold and mildew. Add one cup of the ingredient to a gallon of water. Don’t forget to put your rubber gloves when you work with this solution. After rinsing the surface with the bleach, mop with clean water.

Give the Gift of a Clean Home This Mother’s Day

Natalie Norbut / May 5, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

With Mother’s Day less than a week away, many mothers are preparing for a nice brunch or dinner, accompanied by the usual gifts, such as, candy or flowers. While candy and/or flowers may be very nice gifts, if you happen to want to think a little outside of the box for your gift this year, why not give your mother the gift of a professionally cleaned home.

If you happen to live in the Boulder or Denver areas, contact Clean Conscience today to set up an appointment. While I can’t speak for anyone else, I know my mom would take a nice clean house over flowers any day. To all of you moms out there, have a very happy Mother’s Day!

The Harmful Effects Bleach Can Have On Children

Natalie Norbut / April 16, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

Bleach, a very common cleaning supply and one that can almost surely be found in most homes in the U.S., may be extremely harmful to your children. While most people are well aware of the dangers of ingesting bleach, or allowing it to come in contact with the eyes or skin; not everyone is aware of the potential dangers “passive exposure” to bleach may have on their children. In this article from Medical Daily, these potential dangers are discussed.

The Dangers Of Household Bleach: Kids Exposed To Cleaner May Experience Respiratory Illness, Infections

Yes, bleach can be quite dangerous if ingested by a child — but a new study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine suggests that even just “passive exposure” to the chemical in the home is associated with a higher chance of childhood respiratory illness and other infections.

The researchers examined over 9,000 children between the ages of 6 and 12 throughout 19 schools in the Netherlands, 17 schools in Finland, and 18 schools in Barcelona, Spain. They measured their levels of exposure to bleach, then attempted to test the negative impact it had on their health. Parents were asked to complete questions about the frequency of their children’s flu, tonsilitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, and pneumonia during the past 12 months. They were also asked whether they had used bleach in some way to clean their homes once a week.

Interestingly, the authors found that nearly 72 percent of respondents from Spain used bleach frequently in their homes, while only 7 percent of Finnish households did. Spanish schools, meanwhile, were cleaned with bleach regularly while Finnish schools were not. Researchers found that the frequency of infections among children was linked to higher amounts of bleach use by parents at home — and the differences were quite evident when it came to the flu, tonsilitis, and other infections (the risk of flu was 20 percent higher in bleach households, and the risk of recurrent tonsillitis 35 percent higher in bleach households). The risk of any other infection happening again was 18 percent higher among the children exposed to bleach.

Bleach and other cleaning products might damage the lining of lung cells, causing inflammation and making it easier for infections to occur, the authors argue. Of course, it’s been known for some time that common household cleaning products aren’t meant to be inhaled or ingested; just breathing in your typical Lysol spray can make you feel dizzy or nauseous. But the study reinforces the importance of being aware of the adverse side effects of bleach and other household items.

The American Lung Association suggests sticking to soap and warm water as opposed to bleach or ammonia, as it may often do the trick just as well. For scrubbing floors or sinks, use baking soda to really get the gritty dirt out of the cracks. And vinegar mixed with water is a good glass cleaner.

“The high frequency of use of disinfecting cleaning products may be of public health concern, also when exposure occurs during childhood,” the authors write in their conclusion. They also noted that the frequent use of these products was often “caused by the erroneous belief, reinforced by advertising, that our homes should be free of microbes.”

Source: Casas L, Espinosa A, Borras-Santos A, Jacobs J, Krop E, Heederik D. “Domestic use of bleach and infections in children: a multicentre cross-sectional study.” Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 2015.

Time for a Spring Cleaning?

Natalie Norbut / April 1, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

It is hard to believe it is already the first of April. That means it has been over a week since the official start of Spring, it also means it is probably time to start the dreaded spring cleaning.

After a long Colorado winter, a thorough spring cleaning is most likely in order. Unfortunately, many people may not have the time or energy to accomplish this, sometimes formidable, task. Many times, you may not even know where to begin. Well, here are a few tips to help you get your home “spring-clean”.

“Welcome Mats”- A good step to keeping your home clean is to keep the dirt outside. Unfortunately, even the mats used to wipe the dirt off your feet need to be cleaned after a long winter. So, shake them out, hit them with a broom, or wash them. They’re the first line of dirt-defense.

“Vacuum/ Shampoo Carpets”- Even though everyone may have wiped their feet thoroughly on those welcome mats, there is still a good chance any carpets in the home may have taken a hit this winter. Vacuuming and/or shampooing your carpets will help get out any winter dirt or germs that may have traveled in on someones boots.

“Dust, dust, dust…”- After a long winter of having all of the windows and doors closed, there is going to be a decent amount of dust somewhere in your home. Even if you dust fairly regularly, the tops of cabinets, fans, and baseboards; may still have collected a shocking amount of dust.

“Light Fixtures”- An often overlooked spring cleaning task, is cleaning light fixtures. Luckily, a step-ladder, a rag, all-purpose cleaner, and a few minutes is all you really need for a light fixture to go from grimy to shiny.

“Wash the Walls”- Even though most dust and soot eventually falls and settles somewhere, there may still be some on your walls. Sponge wash them and dry with a cloth, and you may be surprised just how dirty they got over the winter months.

“Bring in the Pros”- Of course, you could always save yourself the trouble of having to clean yourself, by calling the professionals at Clean Conscience. If you happen to live in the Boulder or Denver areas, you can set up an appointment and have Clean Conscience do your spring cleaning for you!!

Cleaning Up the Messes of Winter

Natalie Norbut / January 14, 2015 / Comments are off for this post.

The cold, wet weather of winter also means, cold wet messes in your home. Every time you, a family member, or your pets come in from the winter streets and sidewalks, you are also dragging in whatever snow, sleet, salt or slush that may be present into your home as well. Luckily, this article from Enviro Maids, has tips on how handle those winter messes being brought into your home.

How to Handle Winter Messes

Snow, sleet, and ice not only make for slick road conditions, they can also cause quite the mess inside your home. Floors and carpets usually take a beating this time of year largely due to family members walking through the house in snow-covered boots and tracking in rock salt and other melting materials. As we get ready to tackle another long New England winter, we’ll share our tips on how to keep the winter elements outdoors where they belong and out of your home.

Stop Moisture and Muck at the Door

While a “Welcome” mat is a great way to greet visitors and adds a warm touch to your home, you’ll want to store yours away during the winter months and replace it with one that’s more utilitarian. Look for rugs with firm bristles that guests can use to scrape the salt, dirt, pebbles, and grime from the soles of their shoes. Rugs made from coir — a natural fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts — is a popular material used in outdoor rugs and is an eco-friendly option. Once you have your heavy duty outdoor rug in place, you’ll want to add a super-absorbent rug in the entryway of your home. Look for ones made from cotton and microfiber to soak up any moisture.

Shoes Off, Slippers On

Get family members into the habit of taking their shoes and boots off immediately upon entering the home. Place a rubber-backed absorbent mat or a metal boot tray in your mud room or foyer where kids can deposit their footwear. The mat and tray help to collect any moisture that melts off footwear, avoiding a messy puddle on your floors. Have a basket or bin handy to keep everyone’s slippers within reach. What about house guests? Unless you’re very close to the person paying you a visit, you may feel awkward asking them to remove their shoes. In addition to the outdoor and indoor mat, on nasty weather days, lay a walking mat in the main entrance way. This extra-long, narrow mat (usually 10 feet long) extends into your home helping to remove any remaining residue.

Wet Outerwear

What kid doesn’t enjoy frolicking in the snow, especially when they’re treated to a day off from school? Between snowball fights, snowman building, and making snow angels, your young one’s jacket, pants, and clothing will likely get wet. Have a coat rack or hooks where each child can hang their coat, scarf, and gloves up to dry. If they have an easily accessible place to put their wet gear, they’ll less likely be tempted to drop them on the floor or on furniture.

Keep a Mop Handy

As much as you try to avoid tracking in snow, dirt, and moisture into your home, accidents are bound to happen. In addition to creating a slipping hazard, slick spots on your floor can damage certain types of flooring materials. Hardwood floors are especially vulnerable to winter damage. According to the websiteImpressionsHardwoodCollection.com, water and hardwood shouldn’t ever mix. Water that’s left for long periods of time can cause damage to hardwood floors, including warping and staining. Keep a mop handy so you can quickly remove any excess moisture from your floors. Another enemy of wood flooring is rock salt and sand. Rock salt is the mineral form of sodium chloride and when left on wood can leave spots and a white film on the surface. In addition, the abrasive texture of salt can cause tiny scratches in the wood finish. Vacuum or carefully sweep any salt, sand, or other winter debris immediately and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any traces of residue.

Clear Walkways and Steps

Before entertaining guests at your home, be sure to clear the walkway and steps of as much snow and ice as possible. Doing so will help create a safe surface for them to walk on, as well as help to keep the amount of slush and moisture they track into your home to a minimum.