Home Maintenance

Grease traps are an integral function of any commercial kitchen that produces significant amounts of food. They are required by local and state food service regulations and prevent municipal...

Dusting the furniture and wiping down the TV screen are common chores we're all used to. But dust and matter can also build up in less than obvious places, such as your air ducts. Air duct...

Very often, people make judgments about your business, your restaurant or your home based on their impression of your washroom. Nothing says "slacker" like ancient grime on the bathroom sink and...

Pressure washers make easy work of cleaning the exterior siding of your home, barn or garage, cleaning cement walks or driveways, power washing your deck or simply cleaning your car in the fastest...

Sooty, dirty and grimy fireplace stove pipes are fire hazards. If left alone, deposits in the chimney stove pipe can become overheated to the point that they ignite. After only a few moments, the...

Cleaning often involves an arsenal of harsh chemicals that are hazardous to the health of humans and the environment. While not every cleaning job can be accomplished with natural alternatives,...

A stone patio or deck can be a beautiful addition to any home that will last a lifetime if properly cared for. Just as it happens on any other surface, dirt and grime will build up on outdoor...

Ceramic tile come in a variety of colors, sizes and styles. They are popular because of their beauty and because they are very easy to clean. They are primarily made from clay silicate, which is...

Carpet Cleaning How often do you get your carpets cleaned, either by DIY or by a professional carpet cleaner depends on your living habits and the environment. Whatever the method you use or the...

Steam cleaning is an effective way to clean a dirty sidewalk. It removes all traces of even the toughest dirt and stains on the sidewalk's surface. A clean sidewalk in front of your home or...

Many people use ammonia to clean their chimneys and fireplaces, although it is important to remember that cleaning a chimney can be very dangerous and most fireplace manufacturers, construction...

Asphalt shingles can often become stained with algae, dirt, and other substances. The inevitable exposure to the weather causes the majority of these stains. It is not necessary to replace asphalt...

Rust, the product of the reaction of a metal and a non-metal, results from moisture and humidity. When oxygen and moisture come into contact with iron, it forms a reddish-brown coating on the...

The start of fireplace season varies in different climates, but most homeowners are nervous about chimney fires during the first few burns of the year. Following appropriate steps can prevent...

Granite countertops in kitchens or other surfaces, such as bathroom vanity tops, are beautiful, costly and add a touch of class in the home. That's why it is unsettling to find a stain on them....

Vinyl fences look great and can last forever. They require minimal maintenance to ensure the vinyl stays in top shape. To keep your fence attractive, maintain it with regular, systematic cleaning....

Ceramic tiles are beautiful, practical and durable for home projects. They are also sometimes expensive and labor-intensive endeavors, depending on the tiles chosen and how much area needs is...

Bissell Inc., the maker of the Bissell Steamer, is no stranger to carpet cleaning. Beginning in 1876, cleaning has been its mission for over 100 years. Steam is one of the most efficient ways to...

Self-cleaning ovens have a specialized feature that uses high heat to remove grime and built up food spills. Although it sounds like a relatively hands-off process, you must properly prepare your...

The deck is a good space for summer entertaining. When you have guests over, you want it to be presentable--free from any dust, grime, coagulated barbecue fat and bird droppings. It is a bit of a...

Automatic shower cleaners seem like a wonderful tool to make shower cleaning easier. However, there are some problems reported with these systems. Consider these problems before purchasing an...

Limestone can be cleaned effectively with the right materials. It is a sedimentary rock that does not tolerate acids or harsh cleansers; therefore, most household chemicals are out of the...

Mold is more than just an unsightly home maintenance issue. Human health can be affected by exposure to excessive amounts of mold. Health effects can range from itchy eyes and nasal congestion to...

You may have seen advertisements for air duct cleaning companies that imply your ducts need to be cleaned on a regular basis. It seems to make sense that ducts would get dirty over time, but it's...

Fireplace screens provide that finishing touch many homeowners are looking for to cover that large hideous opening in an otherwise beautiful focal point in their room. Besides providing...

The issue of air duct cleaning remains an unsettled debate because while it may appear reasonable to clean air ducts, no one knows for sure what may result from such cleaning. Just about the only...

Pressure washing techniques differ according to the surfaces being cleaned. Using the wrong technique on a particular surface could cause more harm than good. A thorough understanding of pressure...

Control clutter and keep your house clean by doing a little organizing every day. Make simple lists and cross off activities when they are completed. A daily cleaning schedule will break up...

Stains can disrupt the aesthetics of any fabric, material, or household item. If they are not treated and removed properly, stains can singlehandedly ruin a garment or piece of décor. Because...

Cleaning your gutters, inside and out, is important, and not just because it will improve the looks of your house. Clean gutters allow you to see any gutter damage before water leaks lead to major...

Almost every household has a bottle of vinegar in the cupboard. Vinegar is often used in cooking, but it can also be used around the house. Although there are many types of vinegar, white...

Ammonia has long been used as a cleaning agent. Often the active ingredient in many commercial household cleaners, ammonia is a safe option for those looking for affordable alternatives to costly...

Though often neglected in home care, your home's siding is highly important in the curb appeal of your residence. In dry climates, dust builds up. In wet climates, algae and mold may takes hold....

Powder and liquid detergent can be used for other purposes besides cleaning clothes or dishes. This can save you money from having to buy multiple cleaning products.

Urine stains on a toilet seat are unsightly and unsanitary. They can result from a bevy of reasons, including young children learning to use the toilet, and men who do not wipe the seat after...

Cleaning the windows in your home can be an arduous task if you don't have the proper equipment and cleaning solution. In some cases, the quality of your equipment is more important than the...

Carpets are one of the most popular floor coverings in use today. Keeping carpets clean and retaining the original coloring is not too difficult when they are cared for properly, which includes...

Shampooing carpets certainly gives them a deep cleaning, but shampooing is not ideal for weekly carpet cleanings. Dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, allergens and many types of microorganisms can...

Pressure cleaning can be a green option to using chemical cleaning products or excessive amounts of water to clean driveways, patios, siding and vehicles. High-pressure water with the right...

If your carpet is looking drab and dull, it's probably due for a cleaning. Foot traffic and pets take it's toll on your carpet. Here's how you can restore it's color.

Your carpet represents a significant investment in the beauty of your home. Of all the traffic you receive in you home, your carpet take the most abuse. Within this article, I will provide you...

With the increase of in home wood-burning devices comes the need for regular chimney cleaning. Regardless of the type of wood or method of burning, every chimney needs to be cleaned at least once...

Keeping ducts clean helps to ensure they are working properly to move air from one point to another. When ducts are filled with dirt, mold, lint or other debris, it can cause health hazards and...

I am a 63-year-old widow, and believe me when I say that cleaning the exterior windows of my home couldn't be easier, even though I have a two story home. No ladder required.

No matter how hard you try and keep your floors clean, dirty carpets are a fact of life. Whether it's from foot traffic or the occasional spill, eventually all carpets should be steam cleaned....

Protecting kids and pets. Reducing petroleum consumption. Saving money. Whatever your reasons for choosing chemical-free cleaning methods, there are numerous ways to banish toxic chemicals, as...

Deciding on air duct cleaning can take a while to make the first steps. You may put it off from time to time because they may be other important things. However, by reading this article on the...

Over months and years of exposure, your tile roof will collect dirt and grime. This can include anything from dust to tree sap to living annoyances such as moss and mildew. Moss and mildew can be...

Marble is an elegant, expensive stone used for floors, countertops, baths and showers, among other uses. It looks very sleek when used in entryways and lobbies. The stone can be colored or white,...

Regular cleaning of your air ducts has a surprising effect not only on the performance of the furnace but also on the cleanliness of your house. Dirty furnace ducts catch, hold and disperse dust,...