House hygiene

Looking to improve your house hygiene? Regular disinfection, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms are a MUST. Your disinfection routine should pick up the pace when someone in your house is sick, especially around phones, computers, door handles and light switches.

But you don't have to wait for a family member to catch a cold before you get down and dirty. Instead, help keep your family germ free by following this simple daily disinfection routine:

#1
Kitchen sink and refrigerator

Anywhere there's food, there's bound to be bacteria. In fact, studies show that more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch live in the drain of your kitchen sink alone. Attack them by pouring bleach down the kitchen sink a few times a week. In addition, pay attention to both the inside and outside of the fridge. Wash the fridge handle daily with warm water and dish detergent or a disposable disinfecting wipe. Try to clean the shelves, crispers and meat drawers at least once a week.

#2
Bathroom faucets

Think of the many hands touching your bathroom faucets on a daily basis in between bathroom breaks. Grossed out? Make an effort to disinfect the bathroom faucets daily to help the bathroom remain germ free. We also recommend putting paper towels in the bathroom. Germs can live on a moist towel a long time. As a general rule of thumb, change bathroom towels and bed linens once a week. Be sure to wash them in warm or hot water to get rid of germs.

#3
Toys

Since little hands tend to roam anywhere and everywhere before winding up back in their owner's mouth, this one's important: Wash your child's toys often with dish soap to make playtime a fun and safe experience.

#4
TV remote, computer keyboards and phones

Just like toys and bathroom faucets, the TV remote gets around. Use a disinfecting wipe to clean the surface daily. While you're at it, clean your cell phone, too. Just think about where that's been! Also, don't forget about the computer keyboard. Use a disinfecting wipe to eliminate germs breeding as you and your family type.

#5
Light switches and doorknobs

Lastly, make your rounds to each light switch and doorknob with a good disinfecting wipe.

Kool-Aid Stain Removal from Linoleum

Kool-Aid Stain Removal from Linoleum

You should be able to remove the Kool-Aid stains on linoleum by applying equal parts vinegar and water, leave it on for several minutes, then wet with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Rinse again with the vinegar solution, then rinse again with plain water. If the stain remains, try cleaning with a liquid abrasive cleaner.

Water Ring Removal from Wood Furniture

Water Ring Removal from Wood Furniture

If possible, remove water rings from wood furniture while they're fresh by rubbing with a soft cloth. If water rings are set, you can apply an oil-based furniture polish. There are several other techniques you can try. You can apply mayonnaise liberally over the water ring and leave overnight, then wipe off with a soft dry cloth the next day. You can also try applying a small amount of non-gel toothpaste and baking soda to a damp cloth, then rub the stain lightly. Another technique is to apply a paste of cooking oil and salt, wait 15 minutes, then wipe off and polish as usual.

Quick Sink and Toilet Clean Up

Quick Sink and Toilet Clean Up

For cleaning bathroom quickly, use baby wipes! These handy sheets aren't only great for wiping baby's bottom. They can also be used for efficiently wiping surfaes such as countertops and behind the toilet. If you liked that speedy bathroom cleaning tip, try this one: use a damp dryer sheet to remove soap scum from shower doors and walls. Not only does it remove this unsightly film, but it leaves the room smelling clean and fresh.

Cleaning Mirrors

Cleaning Mirrors

Hurried morning grooming can mean a mess later if we're not careful. If your vanity mirror is dull from hairspray buildup try this bathroom cleaning tip: Washing the mirror with a solution of clairfying shampoo and water will eliminate the sticky haze caused by sprays. For a no-lint shine, wipe clean with a lint free cloth such as a cloth diaper or coffee filter. A cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol will not only help to remove hairspray buildup from the mirrors but will also assist in cleaning bathroom tiles of sticky hair care products.

Garbage Disposal Cleaning

Garbage Disposal Cleaning

When going about your regular kitchen cleaning, you don't want to overlook your garbage disposal. Especially if food is scraped into the disposal when regularly washing the dishes. To clean grease and leftover food from your disposal and sharpen the blades at the same time, sprinkle liberally with baking soda and pour white vinegar over until it bubbles. Let set ten minutes. Rinse with hot water. Put two or three ice cubes in the disposal and grind. Rinse again with hot water. Now your disposal is clean and odor free.

Door hangers

We have new door hangers going out today. If you get one and you let us know when you schedule we will take an additional $20 off your deep cleaning! Offer ends 3/29/13