5 Easy Tips To Clean Your Windows

 Call  ServiceMaster Clean for window cleaning: (316) 243 9824

Your windows are the part of your home which show just how much dirt and grime there is floating around in the outside world. These clear surfaces spend all day, 24-7, 365 days a year taking whatever mother nature has to throw at them and if you let the cleaning go to long, it’s amazing just how dirty and unpleasant looking a window can get.


Below are 5 easy tips for keeping your windows sparkling clean!

Use the right tools.
Most people’s window-cleaning arsenal consists of some windex, an old newspaper and maybe some paper towel. These materials, however, might not be your best option. Squeegees and microfibre cleaning cloths actually get the job done much better than the aforementioned products.

Squeegees.
Many people don’t realize just how effectively squeegees clean glass compared to paper towel and old newspapers. The suction that a squeegee creates means that you leave less liquid and grime behind and are able to cover more surface area with every stroke.

Rub around.
The main flaw with cleaning your windows with paper products is that as you rub the cleaning solution around, what you really inevitably end up doing is spreading more dirt around. If you insist on your paper to clean your windows, make sure you you are running through a fresh, clean surface with every pass you make. It can mean the difference between actually cleaning a window or redistributing dirt.

Get your technique down.
It might seem simple enough, but cleaning your windows without using the proper technique is not really cleaning them at all. Make sure whatever cleaning motion you decide to go with you keep consistent throughout the cleaning process. Starting horizontally and moving to vertical swipes and strokes is a great way to end up with streaky windows when it is all said and done.

Stick to a regular cleaning schedule.
The longer you leave your windows, the more dirt and grime builds up, the more the sun bakes it on and the harder it is to remove. If you keep to a set schedule for window cleaning, the task will be much easier every time you do it.

Cleaning the windows, like cleaning anything, is not very high on people’s lists of “fun things to do,” but it says a lot about your home and the people inside it. Your windows, because of their reflective nature, are one of the first and most glaring things that people notice about your home and even if the inside is a monument to cleanliness, dirty windows make it hard to believe. Follow the above 5 tips and keep your windows crystal clear all year long.

The Best Way to Clean Hard Wood Floors

One of the top questions I receive is how to clean and care for hardwood surface floors.  It seems that everyone wants to know what the best method is, what won’t ruin their floors, and how to get the job done quickly and easily.  Because everyone loves a clean floor, right?

HARDWOOD FLOORS:

 

Before using any cleaner, make sure that your hardwood floors are sealed.  How to clean your wood floors is not always dependent on the kind of wood but rather the finish that is on them. If you aren’t sure what sort of finish is on your floors, check with the manufacturer.  I prefer to use a refillable or microfiber mop versus a steam mop on my hardwood floors. While many people love the ease of a steam mop, my personal preference is to play it safe and use a more gentle, and less moisture approach with the refillable mop.  Alternatively, a damp microfiber mop works – just use a spray floor cleaner and spray and wipe you go.

 

 

UNFINISHED OR BAMBOO FLOORS:

 

If you have unfinished, waxed, or bamboo hardwood floors, the best approach is to use a barely damp (with water) microfiber mop pad.  Always check with your manufacturer’s instructions first.

 

STREAKS AND RESIDUE:

A couple helpful tips for streaks and residue on floors…if you are using a microfiber pad, dampen it before starting and rinse often while washing the floors.  If you have streaks with a steam mop and rinsing the mop head frequently doesn’t solve the problem, you might need to use distilled water (purchase by the gallon at your local grocery or drug store).  If you have hard water the minerals in your water may be contributing to streaking and residue on your floors due to the minerals in your water.

FAVORITE CLEANERS:

 

When it comes to just what brand or formulation of floor cleaner I prefer, I like to give a range of options and solutions. Some people love making their own cleaners while others prefer the pre-mixed, ready to go options.  I only recommend products that are non-toxic and safe to use around people and pets, but these are all products that I use and love.

 

 

If you are looking for the most economical and green choice, then making your own cleaner is the way to go. Here is my tried and true recipe:

 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 gallon of warm water
• 2-3 drops essential oils (I love lemon or lemon and clove for my hardwood floors)

I mix this up using the same ratio in my refillable floor mop:

• 3 teaspoons white vinegar
• 16 ounces of warm water
• 1-2 drops e ssential oils (I love lemon or lemon and clove for my hardwood floors

If you prefer the convenience of pre-made cleaners, there are many options to choose from. My favorite brands for performance and safe ingredients are Murchinson-Hume, Bona, and Honest. All of these are ready to use – simply use the spray and mop method or pour into your refillable mop and clean away. Babyganics also makes a great floor cleaner concentrate that is unscented and easy to dilute – you can use it in a bucket and a refillable spray mop and it’s even compatible with carpet cleaners (see the links below).  If you like a mop and bucket for washing floors (not my preference), you might like a spin mop.  The one that’s pictured in the main photo is this one.

LAMINATE FLOORS:

 

One of the biggest complaints I hear about laminate floor cleaners is that all the commercial cleaners leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dirt and dust. My all time favorite laminate floor cleaner is a simple DIY cleaner using every day ingredients. Try out this recipe for an effective, economical solution to cleaning your laminate floors. 

 

Again, I prefer using a refillable mop for ease, but this solution can be mixed up and put into a spray bottle as well.  The vinegar cleans and the rubbing alcohol aids in the drying and adds a sanitizing component.  The combination is great for getting those floors perfectly clean.  Laminate and water are not a good combination so you’ll want to use this in a spray format in lieu of a mop and bucket.

 

Mix equal parts of:

• white vinegar
• rubbing alcohol
• water

 

I like to add several drops of peppermint essential oil for a invigorating and fresh scent. I mix up five ounces of each of three ingredients with 3-5 drops of essential oil to fill an average size spray bottle or to pour into a refillable mop.

 

DEEP CLEANING TILE AND GROUT:

 

It doesn’t take long before grout in between tile can show dirt and wear especially when it is in high traffic zones like kitchens, entryways and mudrooms. There are several different approaches that you can take to deep clean both your tile and grout. A favorite tried and true method that takes a little more elbow grease is a combination of cream of tartar and water. Mix up a paste using these two ingredients that is the consistency of runny toothpaste. 

 

Using an old toothbrush or a thin grout brush, dip the brush in and scrub away at the grout. The cream of tartar is a natural ‘bleach’ that should help lift the stains out gently but effectively. Check your local dollar store for an inexpensive container rather than paying full price for a little one at the grocery store.

 

For effective tile and grout cleaning, I love using my portable steam cleaner. Home right makes a great model that comes with a lot of attachments so you can use the machine for more than just tile. The small nozzle attachment combines with the power of steam cleaning works wonderfully on tile and grout especially.

An Ultimate guide to Mold Removal

As the weather is to get much colder in the new year it is time to start putting in place a few small measures to protect your home. One of the biggest problems facing people in their homes is Mold. Humidity, dampness, leaks and condensation in the right conditions can cause mold to grow almost anywhere.

ServiceMaster’s capacity for commercial flood and water damage cleaning and drying projects:

When considering the mold remediation needs of your property, partner with ServiceMaster and make restoration a part of your business plan. This can make all the difference in how fast you are back in business; call Service Master by Best in Wichita 24 hours a day. The quicker you call us, the faster we respond. Call: (316) 413-5750.
Here’s a quick run-down of how to remove mold from some common household surfaces and everyday items. Just another great home improvement tip.

Facts About Air Duct Cleaning

Your air ducts see a lot of traffic, especially during temperature extremes. But do they really need the kind of cleaning other surfaces in your home do?

Your air ducts may need cleaning if you see these signs:

• An air duct with permanent or long-term water damage.
• Mold, mildew, slime, or other microbial growth.
• Debris buildup that restricts air-flow.
• Dust, cobwebs, or other debris visibly blowing from ductwork/registers.
• Evidence of insect or rodent infestation.
• Offensive odors from your ductwork or HVAC system.
• Frequent bouts of illness or allergies among your family.
• Fiberglass ductwork, which collects contaminants more easily than sheet metal.

Is cleaning my air ducts really that important?

During normal operation, dust can accumulate in ductwork that can lead to microbial growth. Duct cleaning has been shown to reduce this growth, as well as increase the efficiency of your system. In fact, in some cases of extreme buildup, it can increase efficiency as much as 40 percent!

How are air ducts cleaned?

Duct cleaning depends on the extent of buildup in your ducts. A trained technician will inspect each air duct, opening all access panels. Once it is determined cleaning is necessary, equipment will be gathered to address your cleaning needs, including brushes and vacuum equipment specially designed to remove ductwork debris. In addition to cleaning supply ducts, return ducts, air vents, and diffusers, your system will also undergo routine cleaning and maintenance as well, addressing system components such as your heat exchanger, coils, drain pan, fan motor and housing, and system housing. This ensures thorough cleaning results as well as the smooth and efficient operation. In all cases of duct cleaning, it is also necessary to address the source of the dirty air duct to prevent recurrence, including moisture, water, dust, debris, pest contamination, and other pollutants.

Is it safe?

For safety reasons, duct cleaning must be performed when your home is unoccupied, such as nights and weekends. Special equipment is used for the safety of the air quality in your home, including filters, ventilation equipment, containment barriers, and more.

Can I do it myself?

Poor air duct cleaning practices have actually been shown to decrease the air quality in your home. Be certain to protect your home and family by choosing a reputable air duct cleaning company in good standing with the National Air Duct Cleaning Association, whose strict requirements help ensure skillfully performed, effective cleaning.

Want to reduce the need for air duct cleaning?

• Regularly change your air filter.
• Regularly schedule annual professional maintenance and cleaning.
• Maintain good housekeeping practices to reduce the likelihood of contaminants.
• Ensure air intakes are properly located.
• Have your ductwork regularly inspected.

Duct work have you wondering what’s down the proverbial rabbit hole? Don’t fear the unknown, contact ServiceMaster by Best today.