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Q: I suspect that our new backyard has some poison ivy. If I wear gloves, long sleeves and long pants to protect me, how do I clean these clothes when I'm finished gardening so I don't spread the poison ivy?
A: You are right to be concerned. Poison ivy produces a resin called urushiol. This resin is the culprit that triggers allergic rash reactions in most people. When it remains on unwashed clothing, it is still active. Avoid touching your clothes…
The American Cleaning Institute knows that many families affected by Hurricane Harvey are suffering and families will continue to be impacted by the flooding. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the devastation.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces in your home after a flood is a major undertaking. It is important that it be done right to prevent further damage to the property and help prevent illness. Choosing and using the right…
Life's messy. Have a stain you're not sure how to get out?
How to remove stains from clothes:Deal with it as early as possible. The less time a stain has to soak in, the easier it will be to remove, although there are ways to remove old stains out of clothes as well.Pre-treat with a stain remover, then let it soak in.Launder according to the fabric care…
One of the main uses for cleaning products is washing clothes and dishes. Each load of clothes and dishes requires water, and energy is often used to heat that water. While one load of laundry or dishes may seem like a small task, when you consider all the times we run the washing machine or dishwasher in a week and multiply that by all the households doing the same thing, it adds up!The good news is that our washing machines and dishwashers…
To declutter, you need to set a clear timeline, identify priorities and goals, choose a decluttering method and make progress by going room by room.Clutter doesn’t just take up space in your home; it can weigh on your mind as well. As possessions accumulate, the task of cleaning and organizing may feel overwhelming. However, tackling clutter can be liberating, refreshing your living environment and benefiting others through donations and more sustainable living.Decluttering…
The warm summer months are here and with it come the small shifts we make with the change of seasons.
Jackets may get packed away and lighter clothes get pulled out. If you’re ready to transition to summer, here are some tips to get you ready:
Store Seasonal Clothing
Summer in many parts of the country mean fewer layers. It’s time to put heavier clothes into storage and make room for some summer finery. But don't just…
We love fresh fall breezes, but not when it blows dust and grime into our home. Here are some tips for cleaning the entire window, coverings, sills and glass:
Window Sills and Frames:
Remove dirt and debris. Use a small broom or vacuum window frames and sills to get rid of dust, soot, cobwebs, and dead insects. Wipe plastic or vinyl frames and sills with cleaning wipes. If you use a spray product, be sure to spray the product on cloth, and…
Q. I have a really dirty carpet that I'm looking to get clean. What carpet cleaning can I try before calling in a professional?
The easiest way to have a clean carpet is to keep it from getting dirty, by taking off shoes and limiting bringing food in carpeted areas. Once there is a stain, deal with it quickly, using a carpet cleaner, and always make sure to dab at the stain to lift it out instead of rubbing it further into the fibers. With a carpet that…
Are you a caregiver for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia?
If you are caring for an individual who is diagnosed with or showing signs or symptoms of dementia, all cleaning products, including laundry packets, should be stored in a locked cabinet or a closet when not in use.
Liquid laundry packets contain highly concentrated detergent. If not safely stored or handled properly, laundry packets can lead to injury from ingestion…
How To Clean to Get Your House Ready for Sale!Tips for Getting It Buyer-ReadyWhen a house is for sale, the goal is to make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers. The most cost-efficient way to spruce up the home is to clean it thoroughly. Here's how to clean your house from top to bottom fast.Getting Rid of ClutterMany potential buyers may not see past dirt and clutter. If the house is crowded with the owner's "stuff," they will assume that the…