Category: Home Improvement

You have the option of choosing between a professional pressure washing and a do-it-yourself job. You may want to pressure wash your own home. However, you should hire a professional. There are several reasons why you should get professional pressure washing.

DIY Can Be Dangerous to Yourself

It can be dangerous for you to use a pressure washer if you have not received the training to do so. The pressure washer generates anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 PSI. Keep in mind that your standard garden hose only operates at about 50 PSI. Every year, 6,000 people have to visit the emergency room due to an injury that occurred while using a pressure washer.

Professionals have been trained to use the equipment properly. They know how to minimize the risks.

DIY Can Be Time-Consuming

Even if you know how to use a pressure washer correctly, it can still take up too much of your time. You will have to rent or buy a pressure washer if you don’t already have one. You will also have to take the time to learn how to use it. Furthermore, the pressure washing itself can take several hours.

Professional pressure washers know how to get the job done efficiently. You can take care of other activities while the professionals clean your property.

DIY Can Damage Your Property

Not only can a pressure washer harm people, but it can also do a lot of damage to your property. It can damage your roof, plants, and window screens. You have to expose your property to the right amount of pressure or damage will occur. Professionals know how to use the correct amount of pressure.

DIY May Not Be As Effective

The pressure washing machines you rent are not as effective as the ones used by professionals. The manufacturers know that these machines can be dangerous for the average person. That is why the machines operate at lower speeds. You may not get the desired results if you clean your property yourself.

DIY May Cost You More Money

The main reason that people like DIY jobs is because they think that it helps them save money. However, if you do the job incorrectly, then you may end up causing a problem that can cost you thousands of dollars to fix. You will save more money if the job is done correctly by a professional the first time.

Learn more at https://purewashsolution.com/.

One of the major decisions when decorating or redecorating a home or office is the type of flooring to install. If the owner has decided on carpeting, they’ll need to decide what kind of carpeting to install, for not all carpeting is the same. Here is a guide for choosing carpeting for the home or office:

The Office

Interior decorators agree that the best type of carpet to use for an office is one with a low pile. The pile is the height of the fibers that make up the carpet. Carpets with short piles are easier for a caster chair or table to move around on and won’t be damaged by heavy office furniture. A Berber carpet with a level loop is probably ideal for an office. They’re usually an attractive neutral color and made of knotted loops that are the same height. Because the loops are the same height, they avoid snagging.

Synthetics such as acrylic, nylon, or polyester are often used for office carpets. These fibers are durable and tend to resist mold, mildew, and stains. Some feel and look very much like natural fabrics such as wool. Though they often come in bright colors, sunlight doesn’t fade them as readily as carpets made of natural materials.

The owner can choose a commercial carpet even for a home office. These carpets are made to withstand lots of traffic and are easier to clean. They can be looped, like Berber carpets, or have a cut pile. Some people feel that the cut pile type of carpet has a homier look than the looped style.

The Home

Generally, an owner has more leeway when it comes to choosing a carpet for the home as opposed to choosing a carpet for the office. In the case of home carpet, the factors include how much traffic the room will get, the overall decor of the room, how much natural light the room receives, and what the room is used for. Generally, carpets are not put in wet rooms such as the kitchen, the mud room, the laundry room, or the bathroom.

Cost is also a factor. Carpets woven from silk are eye-popping expensive, extravagantly beautiful, and best put in a room with very little traffic that doesn’t get direct sunlight. Wool can also be pricey, but it is the gold standard of carpets as it improves with age, is crush-proof, is not flammable, and resists both abrasion and static electricity. Wool carpets repel bad odors, are easy to clean, sound absorbent and even regulate the humidity in a room.

Carpets for the home are also made of plant products such as cotton jute, coir, bamboo, and seagrass. One of the pleasures of decorating is choosing just the right carpet for the space.

Whatever you choose, it is important to clean the carpets regularly. Consult with a carpet cleaning service to find the best method to keep your carpets looking and feeling their best for years to come. Visit https://betterchoicerestore.ca/ to learn more.

Saying goodbye to your vacation home can be a bittersweet feeling. However, if you prepare your home, then you will be able to enjoy your vacation home for the years to come. There are a number of things that you will need to do in order to protect your vacation home.

Inspect Your Property

You will need to inspect your property. Make sure that everything is working properly. If there is anything that is damaged, then you will need to decide whether it needs to be fixed now, or you can wait until the spring. Your trees, siding, chimney, roof, eaves troughs, and foundation are some of the areas that you will need to inspect.

Clean the Gutters

This is something that many people overlook. However, it is one of the most important types of maintenance that you can perform. Rain and snow will be able to flow freely from the base of your home if the gutters are clean.

Clean out Your Cabinets and Closets

You will need to remove everything from your closets and cabinets. Remove all of the bedding and storing. You will also need to throw away all of the perishable food items. Perishable food can attract critters. Put all of the non-perishable food items in airtight containers.

Turn Off the Water

You will need to shut off the water. Even if you plan on leaving the heat on all winter long, you will still need to turn off the water. There is a possibility that the heat will go off.

Protect Your Valuables

Vacation homes are often a target for thieves. That is why it is important for you to protect your valuables. It is best for you to take your valuables with you. If you prefer to leave your valuable belongings behind, then you will need to install a security system in your home.

Additionally, it is a good idea for you to take inventory of everything that you have in your home. This will make it easier for you to file a claim if your belongings get stolen or damaged by a natural disaster.

Clean the Carpets

Carpet cleaning is essential. After a summer of sand and dirt being tracked inside, the carpets can become worn. Have your carpets professionally cleaned by Sprague Carpet Cleaning before closing the house for the season.  You will start the next season with fresh, clean floors.

It is likely in your home right now, and it is the leading cause of hay fever and asthma in the world.

It’s called HDM. That stands for house dust mite. Many people are allergic to HDM. In addition to asthma and hay fever, it can lead to frequent trips to a doctor for sinusitis and a skin rash called eczema.

HDM can lurk in homes that can be considered exceptionally clean. It is typically found in bedding, soft furnishings, carpets, window drapes, soft toys, and other products that create a habitat for these microscopic insect-like critters. Their populations inside a home tend to peak in warm summer months when humidity is high and temperatures average about 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 degrees Celsius).

Speaking of carpeting, they are a major source of hidden allergens in the home. Older carpets especially are easy carriers of an array of indoor allergens, such as dust mites, dirt, pesticides, various toxins, and even heavy metals, such as lead. The latter is dragged in from outside on shoes. Lead is prevalent in the outdoor environment as the result of cars that burn gasoline that contains lead.

Carpets also hold pet dander, hair, urine, and tiny traces of fecal matter from pets. Furthermore, a shaggy carpet is an excellent environment for growing new forms of fungus and harboring bacteria. A good solution to this is to hire a professional carpet cleaner. 

A third major source of indoor allergens is insects. Cockroaches, flies, ants, and other creepy crawlies bring with them an array of microscopic particulates that can pollute indoor air.

Older fireplaces and furnaces can provide loads of indoor allergens. Open fireplaces that burn wood can release complex mixtures of gases and fine air particulates. The latter can do everything from aggravating asthma to expose us to carcinogenic substances. Furnaces that have not had their air filters replaced in a long time release super-fine dust particles into the air.

Outdoor plants and trees are beautiful, but every time you open a door or window their pollens can drift inside your home. They cause problems in an indoor enclosed environment where air circulation is poor. This becomes a worse problem during periods of natural high pollen production among outdoor plants.

Finally, mold is among the largest contributors to poor indoor air quality in millions of homes. Mold is almost always associated with water damage or in areas of a home where moisture has built up for some reason. The latter could be due to condensation, rook leaks, poor drainage around the home, contaminated air conditioners, blocked gutters, poorly sealed windows, and many other moisture-producing sources.

Molds can cause serious health problems. Black mold is among the worst. It can cause flu-like symptoms, severe headaches, diarrhea, memory loss, and serious respiratory damage.

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Home maintenance is defined as diagnosing and solving problems that occur inside of your home. When many people think about home maintenance, they think that it is something that has to be done by a professional. However, there are some home maintenance tasks that you can take care of yourself.

Quiet a Squeaky Floor

No one wants to hear a squeaky floor all of the time. You can use talcum powder to quieten a squeaky floor. You can spread the powder in the cracks of the floor.

Quiet a Squeaky Door

If you have a squeaky door, then you can use WD-40 to get rid of the noise. You need to spray it on the hinges. You may need to spray some more WD-40 on the door and move it back and forth if you still hear squeaking.

Taking Care of Floors

Hardwood is one of the most popular flooring options because it lasts a long time and looks nice. However, you will have to perform floor maintenance. Before you clean your hardwood floor, you need to use cleaning products that are specifically designed for cleaning hardwood floors. If you spill something, then you can use water and a cloth to clean it up. Additionally, you should vacuum the hardwood floor on a regular basis. You can use a hardwood floor attachment.

Carpeting is also lovely to have. It can be quite expensive to replace, so you should take good care of it to make it last. Your carpet should be vacuumed weekly to keep dirt and grime from wearing down the fibers. A Pasadena carpet cleaner also recommends that your carpet be professionally cleaned at least once a year. 

Additionally, you should vacuum the hardwood floor on a regular basis. You can use a hardwood floor attachment.

Remove Water Stains From Your Ceiling

The water stains on your ceiling are likely caused by a leak. The first thing that you will need to do is get the leak fixed. After you have gotten the leak fixed, you should remove the stains. You can use bleach to get rid of the water stains. Let the bleach sit on the stain for 24 hours.

Pressure Wash Your Home

It is a good idea to pressure wash your home at least once a year. Pressure washing your home can remove dirt and grime. It can also make your home look a lot better. Make sure that you know how to use the pressure washer.

Unclog Your Toilets

You don’t have to call a plumber to unclog your toilets. You also don’t have to use any harsh chemicals to unclog your toilet. All you need is dishwashing liquid. Pour the dishwashing liquid into the toilet and allow it to sit for one hour. The soap will loosen up whatever is blocking the toilet.

Install a Storm Door

You can improve the energy efficiency of your home by installing a storm door. You can also make your home more secure. Additionally, it will help you prepare your home for hurricane season.

Your home is a source of security and pride. You’ve made sure your yard and paint or siding look great. After looking upward, you wonder if you need to clean your roof as well. 

If your roof has collected moss, mold, algae, or debris, then you have a few good reasons to clean those shingles. 

First, a clean roof is just more attractive. Algae, mold, moss, and fallen debris from trees all detract from the beauty of your home and even your neighborhood. If you’re selling your house, an adequately maintained roof can increase market value. 

Moss and debris can build up and form a dam, keeping water from flowing into the gutter. This can result in a pool of water on the roof. That standing water could attract insects such as mosquitoes. If debris gets under a damaged shingle, water can get in and allow mold to grow inside. 

Some cities have fairly strict ordinances about roof maintenance. By taking care of your roof, you could avoid fines and other inconveniences. 

Many companies specialize in roof cleaning, but you can also do the job yourself with a simple roof cleaning mixture. Once any large items, such as tree limbs, are removed, you can apply a homemade cleaner fairly easily. 

A common formula is to use 1-part water to 1-part bleach. If you like, you can add a small amount of ammonia-free detergent. Mixing ammonia and bleach will create toxic gas, so do not combine the two. 

Next, protect any shrubs or other plants from bleach damage. Cover any plants near the house or just spray them down with water. The water will further dilute the cleaning solution if it drips. 

Even if the roof stains are very unsightly, resist the urge to power wash. This harsh treatment will damage your shingles and lead to leaks. It will also void any warranty you may have on your roof. A simple low-pressure sprayer should work just fine. Make sure to spray anywhere that is usually shaded by trees or chimneys since algae, moss, and mold are more likely to build up in the shade. 

Leave the cleaner on the roof for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with clear water. You can repeat the process if necessary. Just be sure to spray your plants with clear water each time you spray the roof. 

Tackling this job on a regular basis will help to prevent buildup which makes the process take longer. Once you’re done, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the improved look of your home!

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Spring and Summer is a time where many people clean up their homes. While you are cleaning up your home, you want to make sure that you clean the windows. There are several things that you can do in order to ensure that you clean your windows properly.

Clean Your Windows During the Appropriate Time

It is best to clean your windows on a day when it is cloudy outside. If you clean the windows on a cloudy day, then they will dry too quickly. This will cause your windows to develop streaks.

Use Cloths

Many people use newspapers and paper towels to clean the windows. However, it is best to use soft cloths to clean the windows. Paper towels and newspapers can cause streaks to develop on your windows.

Choose Your Cleaning Solution

It will take a lot more than just water to clean the windows. Windex is one of the products that you can use. However, if you are looking for an alternative to Windex, then there are other options for you. Some people make their own cleaners.

You can mix two gallons of water with a teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent. You can also use equal parts of vinegar and water. You will only need to use a modest amount of cleaning product. Too much of it will cause streaks to develop.

Protect the Surfaces

When you are cleaning the interior windows, you need to make sure that you protect the areas that are around the windows. You should put a bath towel on the window sill and the floor.

Remove Dust And Dirt First

Before you attempt to clean the windows, you will need to remove the dust and dirt first. You can use your vacuum cleaner to remove the dust and dirt. This will prevent you from creating a muddy mess when you clean the windows.

Clean Behind the Windows

The area behind the windows is often neglected. However, you will need to make sure that you clean this area.

Spray And Dry Again

If there are still streaks after you have finished cleaning the windows, then you will need to spray and dry them again. You will likely have to clean the windows at least twice if they are very dirty.

Keep in mind that your windows may have mineral deposits. You will likely need a commercial cleaner to remove the rust stains, lime, and calcium.

Hire a Professional

You may not have the time, equipment, or product to get your windows cleaned properly. In that case, hiring a professional window cleaning service might be the way to go!

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As the holiday season approaches, you won’t want to wait until Thanks giving Day to begin preparing your home for your guests. Make a written list of the things that you must do to have your home looking its best for family get-togethers and neighborhood parties.

Holiday Home Preparation Tip 1: Get Rid of the Clutter

Before the holidays begin, you should eliminate the clutter in your home. This is a great time to get rid of the stacks of magazines or paperwork that is piled on the tables or desks of your home. You may also want to eliminate the clutter that is stored in closets or basements so that your home looks open and welcoming to your guests. After the clutter is eliminated, it is much easier to complete the other home preparation tasks.

Holiday Home Preparation Tip 2: Organizing Your Home

It is time to get organized in your home by making sure that things are in the proper places. You may want to find your special holiday cooking equipment that is stored in boxes on the top shelves of a pantry. At the same time, you should rearrange things in the bedroom closets so that winter garments are easier to access and summer clothing is properly stored.

Holiday Home Preparation Tip 3: Sanitizing the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Sanitizing the bathrooms and the kitchen of your home can make you feel less self-conscious about having visitors during the holiday season. Remove everything from the kitchen’s cupboards to clean the shelves to avoid having any pests, such as rodents or insects. Use bleach to wash the countertops and sink to eliminate pathogens. In the bathroom, buy a new shower curtain, and also, wash the floor.

Holiday Home Preparation Tip 4: Clean the Carpets

You should plan on professionally cleaning your home’s carpets before the holidays, helping each room to look and smell better. Make sure to move furniture so that you can sanitize the carpet that is underneath a couch or an end table. When there are difficult stains on the carpet fibers, make sure to apply a specialized cleanser to lift the debris. After the carpets are dry, you can arrange your home’s furniture to make it easier to have space for holiday decorations. Contact a local carpet cleaning company. such as a West Chester, PA Carpet Cleaner for more information.

Holiday Home Preparation Tip 5: Decorating Your Home

With a clean and organized home, you can decorate it for Thanksgiving or Christmas. You may want to use cornucopia filled with pine cones and tiny pumpkins for Thanksgiving Day, but for the Christmas season, you can decorate your home with strands of lights and other items. When your home is clean and beautiful, you can open the front door without worrying about how it looks.

When a water disaster occurs in your home or business, you should hire a water damage restoration company. There are eight important things to consider when you are calling water-damage restoration companies.

Thing 1: Is the Company Available Immediately?

When a building has water damage from a broken pipe or overflowing sewer line, it requires immediate remediation. This means that you must find a company that offers its services immediately at any time of the night or day, including weekends and holidays.

Thing 2: The Right Types of Remediation Equipment

It is important to determine if the water-damage remediation company has the right types of equipment to make the essential repairs. First, you may need to have a sump pump installed to remove the water from a basement, and you will want to make sure that the technicians have extraction machines.

Thing 3: Will the Company Accept Your Home or Business Insurance?

After a water disaster occurs on your property, you should contact your insurance company to determine if there is a company that you must use for the remediation process. If the insurance company doesn’t maintain a list of companies to help you, then you can request information about this when you call each of the companies to request assistance for your problem.

Thing 4: Coping with Multiple Types of Damage

In some cases, water damage to a structure is combined with other problems, including the damage from a fire. The flames from a fire will cause additional damage along with the smoke and soot that the fire creates.

Thing 5: Can the Technicians Remove Sewage?

If you have sewage damage in your commercial or residential property, then this requires specialized remediation. The technicians must understand how to remove hazardous waste according to local regulations.

Thing 6: Removing  Odors from a Building

Water-soaked items can develop a foul odor quickly, but you should hire a remediation company that can eliminate these odors from the damaged materials and the air of the building. This requires the use of air circulating systems along with the application of deodorizing chemicals.

Thing 7: The Elimination of Mold

After a water disaster, mold can begin to grow rapidly, and this can lead to additional problems. A good water remediation service can eliminate mold from a variety of surfaces to protect a building’s materials and the health of the people inside the building.

Thing 8: Shampooing and Drying a Building’s Carpets

You must make sure that the water restoration company has the tools and cleansers required for shampooing and drying the building’s carpets. If this is completed quickly, then it is often possible to save the carpets of a business or a home.

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