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Am I cleaning too much? Is that a thing I should be worrying about?Setting and maintaining high hygiene standards is not cleaning too much. It is an important part of defending ourselves against infections and illnesses. You want to focus on cleaning regularly at key times for health. There may be different reasons why you worry about “cleaning too much.” It could be that you’re worried about cost, the amount of product you’re using in your home, or the use of disinfectants. Whatever…
I've been hoarding disinfectants for the last year. Should I worry about them expiring?The shelf life of disinfectants is approximately 1 year. The one year of effectiveness typically begins with the manufacture date. The expiration date is there because over time the active ingredient (the chemical doing the advertised action) may degrade. After the expiration date the product may no longer be doing the work you expect it to, so make sure to use the product prior to the expiration date.…
Grout is generally porous and white or light colored and can get dirty or discolored quickly. Get it clean with a little chemistry and a bit of elbow grease.
First off, you'll want to use an alkaline cleaner. Grout is primarily cement and can be dissolved by acids. Over time, an acidic cleaner may require you to re-grout sooner than intended.
How do you know if your cleaner will do the trick? Typically the product label will tell you the surfaces it works on. Or, if it's says it…
If you missed our webinar, featuring CDC experts, about developing school plans on hand hygiene and disinfecting for reopening, you can now watch it on demand.
Q. Are there anything other than intentionally added ingredients in cleaning products?A. Yes. Cleaning products primarily contain intentionally added ingredients that help them clean effectively, such as surfactants, builders, solvents, enzymes, preservatives, fragrances, and other functional ingredients. In some cases, cleaning products may also contain extremely small amounts of substances that are not intentionally added for a cleaning function. These are often called trace chemicals, trace…
Q. My New Year’s resolution is to stop smoking. But how can I make my rugs, furniture and draperies stop smelling like cigarettes?A. Start from the top and work your way down cleaning smoke from your home, cleaning more than once if necessary and consider bringing in professional help as needed. From clothes to furniture, smoke can permeate surfaces and the odor and discoloration can be hard to dislodge, especially if they’ve been accumulating for a while. Here are some helpful hints for…
Properly Washing Hands for 20 Seconds Every Time Could Save You and Your Family Weeks in Bed this Cold & Flu Season(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.4"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.…
If you or your child have allergies or asthma, you already know that many things can bring on, or "trigger," an asthma flare or episode. Some things that trigger asthma attacks are called allergens. Some people get symptoms from only one allergen - like dust mites. For other people, more than one kind of allergen can trigger an episode.
Tobacco smoke is an asthma trigger. Avoid smoking in a home where a person with asthma lives.
The…
I can’t decide if I want to get a scented product or a fragrance-free one. What are the pros and cons of each?When choosing a detergent or cleaning product, think about how the product makes you feel about your cleaning routine. Scent is an important factor—some people enjoy a pleasant fragrance, while others prefer products without any scent. Using a cleaning product with a scent you love can make the experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Certain fragrances can transport you to a…
Q: My son's sneakers always get so dirty in summer. Can I launder them in the washing machine?
A: Most shoe manufacturers discourage machine washing sneakers. Some detergents and the machine's agitation may damage many leathers and adhesives. But, some shoes can be cleaned in your washing machine. Your best bet is to read and follow the care instructions inside the sneaker. If there are no instructions, here are some basic instructions for cleaning most canvas and nylon…