How Effective Are Air Purifiers In Your Home? | Talking Point | Full Episode

 

How Does an Air Purifier Work? (Do Air Cleaners Really Work to Remove Dust, Mold and Allergens?)

 

Everything an Air Purifier Can and Can't Do

 

HEALTHY HOME: How To Improve Indoor Air Quality

 

An Easy Trick to Remove Any Odor from Your House

 

7 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Fresh & Clean! DIY Air Fresheners! (Clean My Space)

 

What Stinks? 8 Common Smells in Your Home & How to Fix Them!

 

How To Clean Tile Grout with Baking Soda and Vinegar

 

Easy Grout bathtub cleaning tip!- Mamiposa26

 

Tips for Cleaning Ceramic Tiles : How to repair your home

 

How to Clean Bathroom Tiles (Clean Like Pro)

 

Cleaning Vinyl Floors - Tips from Melissa Maker

 

Vinyl floor restoration and Cleaning Cambridge

 

Vinyl Flooring Care & Maintenance

 

7 Tips to Keep Your Air Purifier Cleaning Air Effectively

Including an air purifier as a part of your home can be a great way to make sure that you are always in the cleanest, healthiest environment possible. Depending on the model of purifier that you choose to purchase, you will be giving yourself the ability to do everything from removing all of the common allergens from the air, like dust, pollen, and dander, to potentially even ridding the air of airborne viral contaminates, like germs, bacteria, and mold spores. Of course, in order to keep your air purifier cleaning air effectively, there are a number of steps that you are going to need to take. Some of these machines can be somewhat delicate and if you don't take proper care of them, they will begin to function in an improper way. This can lend themselves to breaking easily and this is not a desirable outcome. Therefore, these 7 steps can help you make sure that your room air purifier is always going to work to the best of its ability.

1. Change Filters Regularly

This step may sound obvious to many people, but unless you actually change the filters when they actually need to be changed, you run the risk of doing damage to your air purifier. The dirt accumulation will start to build up on your purifier and you can easily run the risk of causing damage from clogging. This isn't even to mention the fact that a dirty filter will hold no level of cleaning power. All of the air that passes through it will not be treated at all.Some models will let you know when the filters need to be changed while others will make you manually check. The instructions to the unit should be able to give you a general indication of normal filter life, however. Make sure you follow the instructions provided to have the best functioning air purifier possible.

2. Clean the Units Often

On top of changing the filters, you should take steps to actually clean the surface of the unit. Dust, dirt, and other forms of grime can often build up on the machine. This can potentially clog the machine as well as the filters and not aid in you air purifier cleaning air effectively. Wiping the surface down with a damp cloth should effectively take care of this.

3. Vacuum The Room Often

The more dirt in the room that you use the air purifier, the harder it will have to work. If you vacuum the room often, you will be removing as many of the contaminates from the floor of the room as you can. This will help the purifier continue to operate at an optimal level for as long as possible.

4. Don't Open the Windows

People typically think that the air from outside can do them harm. They view that air as fresh and pure. If you open the windows to a room you have been using your purifier in, however, you are doing two things. First, you are letting all of the air that you have been working on making fresh and purified escape through those windows and out into the world. Second, you are bringing in new air that can be filled with pollen and other allergens. Basically, you are making your air purifier start over from scratch. This won't help the life of the unit.

5. Position the Purifier In an Open Area

Many air purifiers are built so that they can function when placed in a corner or up against a wall. While they will still function when placed in these areas, they will have the greatest access to air flow when placed in an open area of the room. Setting these purifiers out in the open, even just for small periods of time, will keep your air purifier cleaning air effectively as possible.

6. Run According To Your Needs

If you want to have a purifier that is going to last you for quite a long time, you may not need to run the purifier constantly. Many units will effectively change the air in your room many times in the course of an hour. Simply running your room air purifier at key points during the day can help your filter life to last much longer and still give you a safe, clean environment.

7. Protect Against Electrical Damage

A room air purifier is an electric appliance and runs on power out of the wall. Much like your computer, should you experience a power surge, you could run the risk of harm coming to your air purifier. For this reason, keeping your unit plugged into a surge protector could help protect against any unforeseen electrical damage happening to your motor.

As seen, having a room air purifier cleaning air effectively can be a great tool to have in your home.

So, if you want to make sure that your purifier is going to run as strongly as possible, however, there are basic things you should to do make this happen. Simple, basic maintenance can give you the strongest machine you can have.

Yogi Shinde offers expert advise and air purifier reviews on various types such as single room,whole home air purifiers for various brands like Blue Air, Oreck, Hunter, Honeywell and many other brands.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2396890

Top Ten Air Purifier Questions

1. Do I really need an air purifier in my home? 

It depends on several factors, including your own comfort level and what the 
indoor air quality is in your home. There are several factors to take into 
consideration, however. 
First and foremost, many health organizations agree that indoor air quality 
is often worse than outdoor air quality. In fact, for many people, indoor 
allergens and irritants such as dust, smoke and pet dander may be two to five 
times as bad in their homes as outdoors! 
There are several indications that you may benefit from an air purifier in 
your home. Reasons to get an air purifier include: 

• 
  Allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes and runny nose
• Itchy, dry skin or frequent skin rashes
• Asthma or other breathing problems
• Being or living with a smoker
• Owning indoor pets
• Mold or mildew in your home

2. Do all air purifiers clean the same kinds of pollutants from the air? 
No. Although all air cleaners clean certain particulates from the air, there are 
differences in what and how they clean. Some remove dust and particulates such 
as pet dander and smoke very effectively, while others will actually eliminate 
bacteria, viruses and molds and mildew. But very few will do all of these 
things, so be sure to read the article Understanding Air Purifiers for a more 
detailed outline of what each type can and can't do to improve the air quality 
in your home. 

3. How do I know what size air purifier to get for my home? 
Actually, most air purifiers are designed for individual room use rather than 
for the whole home. Unless you have an air purifier or air filtration system 
that has been installed on your heating or air conditioning unit, you should get 
separate units for each room or living space. 
The reason you need separate units for each room is because effectiveness is 
affected by air flow, and walls mean no air circulation. Each room will need its 
own unit. 
To determine what size you need, look for the CADR number. This number indicates 
the Clean Air Delivery Rate, which should always equal at least 2/3 the total 
square footage of the room you will be using the air purifier in. For example, a 
10' X 12' room has 120' square feet, and needs a purifier with a CADR number of 
at least 80. 

4. What is Ozone and is it safe for indoors? 
Ozone is a tasteless, colorless gas made up of three oxygen atoms. It can be 
found in the upper atmosphere and is naturally produced by thunderstorms during 
electric discharge. 
It is perfectly safe indoors if kept at acceptable levels (between .02 and .05 
parts per million), just like many other type of naturally occurring gasses that 
aren't harmful to us at certain levels. Ozone air purifiers have been developed 
to produce the correct amount of ozone to purify the air without reaching 
harmful levels. 

5. How often will I need to change or clean the filter in my air purifier? 
It depends on several factors, including how large the room is and what type and 
size of air purifier you have. Some will need to be changed or cleaned monthly, 
others more often. 
It is very important to check your filter regularly and follow the recommended 
schedule the manufacturer suggests, since the efficiency of the air purifier 
relies on proper maintenance. 

6. What exactly is a Micron? 
A micron is a measurement of the size of a particulate in the air. One micron is 
1/25,400 inch (roughly 100 times smaller than a single strand of hair). 
Obviously, a micron is far too small to be seen. For the purpose of choosing an 
air purifier, most types are considered very efficient if they can filter 
airborne pollutants to .3 microns. 

7. How much should I pay for an air purifier? 
It's very hard to determine what you should spend on an air purifier, because 
price doesn't always guarantee quality. Doubtless you should be willing to spend 
enough to get a high-quality product, but protect your investment by making sure 
your air purifier comes with a warranty. 
When buying an air purifier, also take into account the cost of any replacement 
filters and the electricity to run the unit. 

8. Will an air purifier be noisy? 
An air purifier with a fan in it will have some noise. HEPA filters, for 
instance, have fans to pull the air through the filter itself, although improved 
casings and quieter fans have been developed for noise reduction. 
Ionic and ozone units don't usually have a fan because they use an electrostatic 
charge or ozone, so they are completely silent. If they combine their technology 
with a filtration system or a fan to boost air circulation over the plates, 
their will be some sound, but this will be minimal and these fans may be shut 
off when you wish. 
In general, the noise level of even an air purifier with a fan is low enough 
that it isn't intrusive. 

9. What rooms should I put an air purifier in? 
The rooms you use the most are the most important rooms for air purifier use. 
Your living area, such as a family room or den, should have an air cleaner, 
especially if you have allergies or pets that are in the room regularly, or if 
anyone in the household smokes. 
Bedrooms are also a good idea, since allergies and irritants can disturb our 
sleep. Clean, fresh air has been proven to produce more restful sleep and reduce 
night breathing problems while sleeping such as stuffiness, post-nasal drip and 
night coughing. 
Finally, consider getting an air purifier in the bathroom, where odors, mold and 
mildew are prone to linger. An air cleaner in here can not only make it fresher 
and more pleasant, but reduce the amount of mold and mildew in the air so that 
your bathroom will be less of a breeding ground for germs. 

10. Where in each room should my air purifier be located? 
For any air purifier, it is most important to locate it near the most activity 
or traffic flow so that there is plenty of air circulation around the air 
filter. This will increase the air exchange rate and make the air cleaning more 
efficient. 

With a HEPA filter, it is best to locate it near an open area to ensure air 
movement all around. For an ozone air purifier, you should try to locate unit 
higher rather than lower, since ozone molecules are heavier than oxygen and will 
tend to drift downward. The same logic applies to ionic air purifiers, which 
release charged particles into the air. 
If your air purifier unit is relatively portable and you have someone in the 
room who is a heavy smoker, move the air purifier a bit closer to him or her if 
this is practical (and if it won't mortally offend them!). You may also want, on 
occasion, to move the air purifier to a specific room when you have a particular 
odor to get rid of (you burned dinner, etc.).

About the Author Lori Wilkerson is a full-time freelance writer. Right now she knows a little bit about almost everything and a lot about electrical air purifiers [http://www.air-purifiers-info.com/ionic-air-cleaners.htm], ozone air purifiers [http://www.air-purifiers-info.com/ozone-air-purifiers.htm], and whole house air purifiers. She is a reformed ex-smoker and regularly offends people by sending them outside to smoke.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/15786

Secrets To Living Longer With Indoor Air Purifier

Breathing is such a natural thing that most of us don't even consider when we are doing it. We also don't think about the air that we are breathing into our bodies and how it is affecting our health. An indoor air purifier is designed to help clean the air you are breathing. There are many people today who suffer from allergies or asthma that just consider it a part of life they have to live with. They may take the medications that help them out during an attack, but they don't take any steps to help prevent the attacks from occurring. There are many things that can cause the air we breathe to be unhealthy. This article will talk about some reasons for using an indoor air purifier and how it can help you live a longer healthier life.

Indoor air is classified as one to the leading environmental health risks to our bodies. We spend most of our lifetime indoors, so this is very important. An indoor air purifier can help purify the air you are breathing indoors. Many things such as dust and dust mites can cause allergies to flare up, and our homes contain a lot of dust. You may use filters on your venting system and this will help, but it will not get rid of it. You still have dust. All you have to do is look on your end tables, or even as the sunlight shines through a window, you can often times see the dust floating in the air. An indoor air purifier will draw dust into its filtering system and eliminate it, releasing good, clean, dust free air, back into the room.

Allergies often trigger an asthma attack and this can be very dangerous. There are many people who die each year from asthma, so this is a serious matter. An indoor air purifier will also eliminate any pollen in the air, that could trigger an asthma attack. People who suffer from asthma can develop a weakening of the lungs because the lungs have to work so hard to allow them to breathe. When the asthma occurs, the airways become inflamed and makes breathing difficult. Usually the person will begin wheezing and possibly gasping for breath. An indoor air purifier could possibly eliminate things in the air that could trigger these attacks, which will prevent the lungs from working so hard.

There are other reasons to use an indoor air purifier. Things such as tobacco smoke can be found in most homes. You don't have to smoke inside to still carry the smoke smell back into the home. Smoke smell will attach itself to clothes, the hands and the hair, so it is very hard to get rid of it. You don't even have to be a smoke yourself to find the smell on yourself. You can touch something that a smoker has touched and bring home the smell. An indoor air purifier can eliminate the smoke smell as well as the above things mentioned. An indoor air purifier can help make your home a cleaner environment. This should help you breathe a lot better, and live a longer healthier life.

For more information on Air Cleaners and Purifiers [http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com] for your home or business try visiting http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and Air Cleaners and Purifiers resources to include Indoor Air Purifier [http://air-cleaners-and-purifiers.com/Can-Air-Cleaners-And-Purifiers-Cure-Snoring.php] and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/451826

Even Indoor Air Should be Fresh

For most people, the word 'environment' brings to mind scenes of the outdoors: open, natural spaces and fresh, clean air. So when we think of threats to our air quality in our environment, we automatically think of the pollution that comes out of the pipes of cars, power plants and factories. But there's another side to air quality that most of us miss: indoor air quality.

Why it's an issue

Unless you're a farmer or a fisherman, the chances are pretty high that you spend most of your time indoors. Whether by choice or necessity, it's estimated that most of us spend as much as 90% of our time indoors.

That means that for the vast majority of our lives we're breathing inside air that might or might not be good quality.

Years ago, homes were so leaky that fresh air came in by itself - a type of ventilation more commonly referred to as draftiness. Homes built today are much more airtight. They are much more energy efficient, too, and that's a good thing. However, if airtight homes do not have a system for bringing in fresh air to replace stale air, inside air can become smelly, moist and unhealthy. The same thing is true for offices and other commercial buildings.

Indoor emissions

Most of us know that new cars and new homes have a distinctive smell. In both cases, what we smell are small amounts of fumes given off by materials used to build the car or the home. In cars, the smell usually comes from vinyl and carpet. In homes, smells come from building materials such as vinyl flooring, carpet, glue in wood products and paint.

The technical term for this is offgassing, and the effects are sometimes as unpleasant as the word. That's because if we can smell a chemical, it means there are actually small amounts of that chemical in the air. And some of them aren't especially good for us, especially if we have allergies or other sensitivities.

New homes lose their distinctive smell quickly, but offgassing often continues at lesser levels for years. And if you replace some flooring or put on a fresh coat of paint, the new home smell is back for a visit.

The basics of paint

Let's take a closer look at paint. It consists of three main ingredients: a liquid base; color pigments; and a glue-like binder to make the paint stick to a surface. When we apply paint, the liquid base evaporates, leaving only the binder and the color behind.

Years ago, most paints were oil-based, and they would smell for weeks as the oil base dried. They released a multitude of chemicals - known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs - which were not very healthy for people or the environment.

Then water-based latex paints were developed, and they now dominate the market. They smell less, but they still do release some amount of VOCs from their pigments and binders.

Potential paint solutions

Here's some good news: there are interior and exterior paints available that give off virtually no chemicals as they dry. They're made of natural bases like plant oils, milk protein, beeswax, clay and other minerals, and they use only non-toxic pigments. They improve air quality and tend to be better for the environment too. Some may be found at paint stores, but you'll likely have to ask for them specifically. The best have a 'Green Seal' logo as proof of their quality.

Here's another nice twist. One type of Green Seal paint, Eco-House, is made right here in New Brunswick. Owner Henry Reinartz established the company in 1989, first providing durable paints for artists and outdoor murals. The company has since diversified into paints for more mainstream uses. Manufacturing takes place in Nackawic, and sales are done mainly over the internet. Ironically, most of Eco-House's sales are to other parts of Canada and the US. An exception is CentreBeam, a historical building in Saint John, where Eco-House's earthy colors fit the restoration project perfectly.

Eco-House paints dry without giving off smells or chemicals, and are very durable. They have a liquid mineral base and natural non-toxic pigments. They're especially well suited to restoration projects. The company's website, www.eco-house.com, provides more information.

Carl Duivenvoorden is one of two Atlantic Canadians trained by Al Gore to deliver live presentations of "An Inconvenient Truth". Carl's keynotes and presentations include both environmental and business issues. Reach Carl via his website, http://www.changeyourcorner.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1028353

To Extract Or Not To Extract: Dealing With Unwanted Smells Indoors

The problem of having to deal with cigarette smoke in buildings has now almost totally been removed although there is still the odd exception which requires attention but this problem probably highlighted the need for good extraction better than any other. The difficulty in removing the smoke of the cigarettes from the rest of the people in the room was a problem that caused a major annoyance to non smokers and a health scare to many others.

However the problems of getting rid of unwanted smells, gases and smoke from cooking and just changing the air is a problem that often receives to little concern and effort. There is plenty of advice that can be easily obtained from the good suppliers so take time and get the best advice and the best extractor fan solution for your problem.

Consider the standard room full of people laughing and talking in the local public house, just the problem of breathing causes a continual production of carbon dioxide. Somebody who has just been running will be sweating and there are the smells of the food and the drink as well as other smells. The only way to deal with this problem is to change the air on a regular basis. So often a door is propped open or the unit just relies on the draughts of the building replacing the used air. Proper extraction is essential for good health as well as personal comfort.

The fact that air is not replaced on a regular basis can cause severe problems to health. The problem with air replacement has in many places where people collect been made worse with the introduction of double glazing and close fitting windows and doors which whilst keeping the heat in also stop air replacement.

There are many simple extractor fans which will remove the air and fresh air will be drawn in elsewhere. Consider a standard 12" window extractor fan that will extract the foul air at a rate of 1100 cubic metres per hour, this will change the complete air volume in a room 10metre x 5 metres about every 2 to 3 minutes. This will make it possible to have a great atmosphere in the room at any time. The extractor fans are silent and have a shutter system that closes automatically when switched off and opens silently just after the fan starts. There is a heating problem as extraction of air can mean an extraction of heat but that can and should be compensated for.

With free delivery on some of the most well known electrical brands available, Lamp Post Electrical have provided extractor fans and other electrical supplies across the UK for the best part of a decade.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6660562

Get Rid of The Wet Crawl Space Smell

A crawl space is a resource for any homeowner. It makes for easy access to some utility units and can even be used for storage. However, one of the little unknown uses for a crawl space can be its talent for polluting your home's indoor air quality. With an MO like that no one would want one. Thankfully, you can have all the benefits of a crawl space without the pollution.

Why It's A Problem

A crawl space can become a serious problem for a homeowner because of its ideal habitation for mold. This space can become very moist from the outdoor air conditions, the soil condition and any plumbing leaks. In this case, mold will be taking over the space if it has any wood, carpet, boxes, or other organic materials. Mold feeds on such materials and when it's damp it provides the perfect environment for mold growth.

If any of the above describes your crawl space, you need to know that whatever is there will eventually make its way into the rest of your home. The Center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about half of the air on your first floor originated in your crawl space. This is one of the reasons that indoor air quality in homes is drastically declining when compared to outdoor air quality. In fact, the indoor air can be anywhere from 10 percent to 100 percent more polluted than the outdoor air!

You Don't Always See the Mold

But you sure can smell it-- MUST!

If you notice a musty smell in your home, then you have to do some investigation work. The must you smell is actually mold and you should definitely locate it and do more than wipe it away, you should remove the moisture source!

Many times mold can be found within insulation, behind boards and in those dark areas you don't always think to look. So if you have moisture or a musty smell you might have a mold problem. By hiring an expert, you'll have an expert who can detect the moisture problems and find the mold. Your crawl space will be repaired and your home's air quality will be improved.

Mold Can Make You Sick

The CDC claims that there are three common reactions to a moldy crawl space: allergies, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Allergies: We all know when it's allergy sneezing. We feel the sneezes coming on and we have a stuffy and itchy nose; itchy and watery eyes; and an irritated nose, mouth or throat. When there's mold you can be sure to experience these symptoms of an allergic reaction. In fact, if you don't have an allergy to mold and inhale or touch it, you can develop a new allergy.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (HP): This is a lung inflammation that in some cases resembles allergies or pneumonia, but won't respond to antibiotics. A person with HP could experience shortness of breath, coughing, aching muscles, chills, fever, night sweats, and fatigue. They could feel this way for a few days and may even lose weight. If you feel your crawl space is causing HP then one way to test this is by staying over somewhere that you know has a healthy crawl space. Record how your symptoms change.

Asthma: This lung disease inflames the airways and restricts the lungs breathing. Wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Asthma can be controlled or removed once the moisture sources have been dealt with-- you'll feel a huge change! 
The Solution

Crawl space encapsulation with a vapor barrier is an excellent way to separate the ground and outdoor elements from your crawl space-- and the rest of your home. In addition, you can also have a moisture reduction system installed, which can include a sump pump and a dehumidifier. By attacking the source of the moisture, the crawl space repair expert will have a much more successful cure for your moisture and mold problems.

Invest in crawl space repair and encapsulation today, to improve your crawl space's condition and enjoy a healthier home.

Contact Advanced Basement Systems for crawl space repair in Ontario. They're your local Basement Systems, Inc. dealer that can help restore your home's indoor air quality and answer all of your questions.

Samantha Walton currently works as a web content writer for home improvement sites. She's a college graduate with a B.A. in communication and a concentration in public relations. She's aspiring to one day further her education with a seminary degree. Her experience ranges from internships in marketing and public relations, content writing for local television broadcasts, to writing and editing newsletters, fliers, and other content for her local church.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5401349

What's That Smell? - 5 Things That May Be Causing Odor In Your Home

Does your home have a distinct and not altogether pleasant odor that you notice each time you walk in? Do you notice it only after returning after leaving for 10 minutes or longer? If you answered yes to any of these questions, here are 5 of the most common household issues that cause odors.

Mold and Mildew---Spores from these tiny organisms are everywhere-both indoors and out. They help return complex substances to nature in their simplest state. When that process happens outside it's a great thing, when it happens inside your home it's bad news. These spores only become a problem indoors when they find a water source. Under the sinks, in the basement, and in the bathroom are all places where excess water is likely to stand. These areas that never dry out can cause a dank smell that can make your home smell less than fresh.

Cooking Odors---Some foods are more odoriferous than others and can linger for days in the air. Fish and seafood, garlic and other spices, gases from frying, smoke from indoor grilling, and even frying foods like bacon and sausage can send a lot of cooking odors throughout.

Smoke---Cigarette and cigar smoke can get into the air and become very difficult to get rid of. The fine particulates that are generated from the burning process can permeate clothing, upholstery, draperies and other fabrics. Wood and kerosene stoves often produce odor that remains in the air for days.

Household Products-You only have to walk down the aisle with household cleaning products to get a whiff of all the "fragrances" that many products emit. Scents are available in everything from laundry detergent to furniture wax, to plug in air fresheners. Each of these smells may seem pleasant enough by itself, but using all of these products in your home sends quite a combination of aromas into the air. This is often overwhelming---and not in a good way.

Pets---Our world is richer because of them. But they have their odors too. If you're a pet lover, you surely feel it's a small price to pay for all that they give in return, but left unchecked smells from your pet can make your home an unpleasant place to visit for family and friends. Keeping your pet clean and making sure litter boxes, cages, and mistakes are cleared away quickly can help.

One of the best ways to keep your home smelling its best 24 hours a day is to filter the air with a series of filters that can handle pollutants that cause your air to smell. Then you can be assured of walking into a clean and fresh smelling home every time.

Clear the air in your home with the purifier that can handle both odors and airborne particles now at http://purerair.com/allergy_machine.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5069165

Eco-Friendly Tile Cleaning Alternatives

Cleaning your tile is very important not only in making sure that it looks great but also to keep it in good condition. Tile can be used all around the house, the most popular of which is in the bathroom and on your floors. Clean tile is beautiful tile, which is why many owners go to great lengths to keep their tile constantly cleaned. One drawback though is that some tile cleaning products can end up hurting the environment as they can contain harmful chemicals and substances.

If you are worried about protecting the environment while cleaning your tile, then maybe you should opt for eco-friendly tile cleaning alternatives. Here are a few ways that you can help save the environment and still have sparkling tile in your home.

Vacuum - Vacuuming is a great help in ensuring that your tile floors are always dust-free and clean. It won't hurt the environment, as you won't have to apply any cleaning agent or product to your tile's surface. Vacuuming a few times a week will make sure that your tile looks clean and avoids that dull, dusty look that can happen if left untreated. The best solution is to use a vacuum made for hard surfaces. These are less abrasive on the tile and won't be as likely to cause scratches.

Vinegar - Vinegar is another eco-friendly alternative that you can try out. Vinegar is great in the kitchen as well as for cleaning around the house. Just be careful not to use vinegar when you have natural stone flooring because vinegar can damage it. To use vinegar, just mix one part vinegar with four parts water and use the solution when mopping your floor. Vinegar is readily available, effective, and won't hurt Mother Nature so it's a great option to try.

Water - Sometimes all you will need to get your ceramic tiles clean is some water. It's the simplest cleaning solution that you can get your hands on and it is certainly environmentally friendly. Water, even without cleaning agents, still works well in removing dust and dirt from your tiles and does so without having any negative side effects on the environment. The next time you have dirty tile in your home, get a bucket of water and a clean mop and you'll be surprised how simple yet effective it can be.

Having clean tile doesn't have to come at the expense of our environment. Do your part in saving the earth and prevent further damage by going with eco-friendly tile cleaning options. The options above are equally effective in cleaning your tile and won't harm mother nature in the process.

http://www.BobsCarpetCare.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6793192

5 Grout and Tile Cleaning FAQs

Dirty, moldy grout and tile isn't something that anyone wants in their home. Unfortunately, grout and tile cleaning can be a difficult task - sometimes, it seems that no amount of scrubbing will get your tile sparkling. But with a little effort, you can get your grout and tile looking great. Here, a tile cleaning expert answers some of the most commonly asked questions about cleaning your tile.

1. Why should I get my grout and tile cleaned? Aside from the obvious aesthetic reasons for cleaning your grout and tile, it's also important to keep tile and grout clean because these areas can be a breeding ground for harmful microbes and pathogens. Grout, which is a porous material, can be especially problematic since it easily absorbs grease, oil, and other substances - which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.

2. How can I tell if my grout or tile needs cleaning? The first step in determining if you need grout or tile cleaning is a visual inspection. If the grout and tile looks dirty, it probably should be cleaned. Also try to compare the grout and tile in high-traffic areas to that in low-traffic areas. If the tile in high-traffic areas is dirtier and darker than other areas, it should be cleaned.

3. What should I do if my grout is moldy or mildewed? Moldy or mildewed grout can be very difficult to clean. While a good scrubbing with a household cleaner may remove mold on the surface of grout, often the mold is actually deeply embedded inside the grout. If the do-it-yourself grout and tile cleaning methods you've tried aren't solving your mold problem, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to resolve the issue.

4. Should I hire a professional grout and tile cleaning service? Whether you should hire a professional tile cleaning service depends on how dirty your tile and grout is. While manual cleaning may remove surface dirt, it can be next-to- impossible to remove more deeply embedded dirt and grime yourself. Tile cleaning experts use special equipment to deep-clean your tile and grout. Plus, after the cleaning is complete, most professional cleaners will apply a sealant to your tile and grout to make it easier to clean in the future.

5. Can a professional cleaning service make my tile look like new? That depends. While professional cleaning can produce impressive results, it's not always possible to return tile to "like-new" condition. Old tile may have imperfections that are impossible to remove, and if you've neglected cleaning your tile and grout for a number of years, it may be more difficult to remove deeply embedded stains.

Orbit Cleaning Service offers grout and tile cleaning services in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert, Goodyear, Surprise, Peoria & Chandler AZ. For your free cleaning consultation call 480-516-0281 or visit http://www.orbitcleaningservice.com today.

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Ceramic Tiles: Cleaning Basics

 Ceramic tiles are widely used materials found in kitchens and bathrooms. It has a stylish look and is prone to collecting all sorts of dirt and scum and in the process, making it look dull and undesirable. If you don't want this to happen, follow these Atlanta tile cleaning tips when cleaning ceramic tiles.

There are a number of ways that you can clean your ceramic tile floors according to tile cleaning Atlanta and these are as follows:

1. Sweeping - regular sweeping of floors lessen dusts that sticks on every nook and corner of your home. We cannot get rid of dusts and the only way to deal with it is to wipe it out of our lives regularly. When ceramic tiles have textured surfaces, dust tends to cling easily.

2. Vacuum cleaner - Atlanta tile cleaning also recommends the use of a vacuum cleaner as long as it doesn't have a bar or sharp metals that can cause unpleasant scratches or damage on your ceramic tiles. Vacuum cleaners have been proven to be one of the most effective methods of getting rid of dust and dirt that lurks in between the lines and edges of your ceramic tiles.

3. Detergents and brush - This, according to tile cleaning Atlanta, is one of the simple methods that you employ to clean your ceramic tiles. Aside from brush, you can also make use of a soft sponge or cloth. Use a dry towel to wipe the ceramics dry after you cleaned it up.

4. Walk-off doormat - this is one of the most basic ways to restrain dirt from entering your beloved homes. And since dirt and dusts gets trapped in the mat, you'll only have to worry about the few culprits that will be left.

5. Damp mop - mop your floor regularly so it will maintain its shining look. Aside from maintaining its look, you also get rid of dirt that could have stuck up on your tiles during the day.

6. Ceramic tile cleaners - aside from the use of mop, there are ceramic tile cleaners that can also help you achieve the shining and dazzling look of your tiles, according to Atlanta tile cleaning.

Atlanta tile cleaning recommends that you regularly clean your tiles if you don't want to find yourself looking at dirt artworks lingering on your floors or walls. However, do make sure that, whatever tile cleaner you use, they don't contain materials or chemicals that could scratch and damage your tiles. As much as possible, avoid using these materials:

a. Ammonia based cleaners
b. Strong bleaches - you may use this, but don't forget to dilute it before using.

These products have the ability to cause discoloration. If in case you do use the 2 products mentioned above, make sure that you clean and wipe any spills that could occur, as soon as possible, to prevent ugly stains.

Do you need help in cleaning your tiles, marble, granite or other stone surfaces? Atlanta tile cleaning is a family owned business that could provide you with all your surface cleaning needs. With tile cleaning Atlanta, you don't have to worry about dirty floors and walls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5842750

Tile Cleaning 101: Cleaning Your Tiles on a Budget

Having clean tiles is very important if you want to maintain its beauty as well as keeping them in good condition. The problem sometimes is that tile cleaning can be somewhat expensive as you would need to purchase tile cleaning products and for some even hiring the services of professional tile cleaners. For those on a tight budget, cleaning your tiles may be a bit of a financial burden and some may even just elect not to clean it that vigilantly.

If you are facing this predicament, fret not. There are effective ways for you to be able to clean your tile so that it will not hurt your wallet as much. If you are looking for simple tips to get this done, read the advice listed below and find out how you can clean your tiles even on a budget.

1. Vacuum it Frequently - Tiles can become dirty and result in discoloration because of the build-up of dust and dirt over time. One way to combat this without having to spend much is by using your vacuum cleaner and vacuuming it frequently. This will help remove the dust, dirt, and other unwanted particles on your tiles as well as prevent the build-up from happening to preserve its appearance and cleanliness.

2. Vinegar as a Cleaning Agent - For those worrying about spending a lot of money on tile cleaning products, using vinegar can be a cheap alternative that you can use and still get good results. Vinegar not only works well in the kitchen, it has long been used as a cleaning agent for removing stains on shirts and fabrics. Making a cleaning solution out of vinegar is very simple. Just mix one part vinegar with four parts water. Be careful though not to use vinegar on natural stone flooring as it can damage it. For other kinds of tiles, vinegar can be a great and effective alternative to commercial tile cleaning products.

3. Using Water to Clean Your Tiles - Yes, you don't always need to use a commercial tile cleaning solution in order to clean your tiles. In some cases, water can already be effective in doing this task. Water is natural, eco-friendly as well as budget-friendly, which is why it is an option that you should try. Water works well in removing the dust and dirt on your tiles and can help eliminate stains. A bucket of water and a clean mop can do wonders and will clean your tiles just fine without costing you a lot of money.

You see, having clean tiles doesn't mean that you need to spend a lot of money. Use the simple cost saving tips above and you will be able to have clean tiles even if you are on a tight budget.

To find a qualified tile cleaner visit Tile Cleaning Charlotte or Tile Cleaning Kansas City Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_Dannon/632699

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Vinyl Floor Cleaning and Care

Vinyl flooring has become an ever popular choice in recent years, in both domestic and commercial environments, due to a wide range of designs, ease with which it can be installed and its durability. There are many types of vinyl with standard vinyl common in household kitchens and bathrooms and more durable vinyl and altro safety flooring for commercial use. As with any type of flooring it can be damaged over time, but with proper care and attention it should prove to be a popular and practical option which should last for many years.

As with any floor, a sealant is always recommended as it will offer additional protection against the build up of grime and bacteria, as well as any possible spillages that inevitably take place. It is important that any sealant is applied regularly as they wear out over time and are also susceptible to scratches, but with vinyl which has a shiny finish it can be particularly important as this type of finish can easily fade. A vinyl floor cleaning specialist or company will be able to recommend the appropriate sealant for your specific type of flooring.

An enemy of vinyl is dirt and grit, as this can lead to scratching when people walk on the floor. Scratches tend to have a greater effect on a material like vinyl, as opposed to natural stone or ceramics, as it can mark the surface and affect the 'finish' as well as allowing grime to build up at the point where the scratch occurred.

It is important to make a habit of cleaning and sweeping the floor as regularly as possible, at least once a day is recommended, and to place doormats at entrances where people are more likely to come in off the street. Once the surface has been swept cleaning is simply a matter of a mop and some warm water followed by natural drying.

Vinyl is also susceptible to heavy objects and the weight of the object may mark the vinyl, and there is a real risk when moving objects, especially if they are very heavy and the temptation is to drag rather than lift.

If your floor is scratched it is possible that grime and bacteria will build up over time, even if you clean regularly. It should be obvious if you notice any subtle changes in the colour tone or a 'dulling' of parts of the floor. There may also be a stain you simply can't shift and in that case you would be advised to contact a vinyl floor cleaning company to restore it to its original condition before re-sealing.

For professional advice, tips and information on floor cleaning and restoration visit us at

http://www.simplyfloorcleaning.co.uk

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