Simple steps to follow when cleaning windows

A lot of dirt gets accumulated on the windows and it is very important that they are cleaned regularly to avoid such grime. The main factors that cause the dirt to accumulate are climate and the place where you live. Just as gutter cleaning is important for the maintenance of your home, cleaning of windows is important to avoid pollutants, mold, dust and dirt to get caught in the windows. So it important to know how to clean windows the right way along with the do’s and don’ts of window cleaning.

What to use while cleaning windows
There are many people who do not like the job of cleaning windows mainly because they have to deal with dripping water, annoying streaks and dirt. The task of cleaning windows can be simplified by making use of effective yet simple methods and techniques. Cleaning the windows of your house before winter is a good idea as it makes your home look bright.
It is very important that you have proper equipment to clean the windows and these include soft cloth, hose and a ladder. You can make the job of cleaning the windows easier by making use of a sponge and a good quality cleansing liquid. In addition, wear gloves to keep your hands clean and dry.

Types of solutions to be used for cleaning windows
The solution used for cleaning windows must be mild. One of the effective methods that can be used to clean windows is by using soap and water. Use a soft cloth for wiping the dirt off the windows. Use a stronger solution only after using a mild solution for cleaning. You can make the solution for cleaning the windows at home also. Add ¼ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of water and ½ teaspoon of soap to get your home-made cleanser ready.

How to clean windows with stubborn stains
Stubborn stains on windows that are caused due to exposure to bird droppings, hard water and other elements can be cleaned by making use of mineral deposit eliminating cleaners like the CLR. Dampen the sponge with the cleaner and rub it on the windows that have stains on them. Then rinse that area with water. You can also spray vinegar on the windows with stains and leave it for some time, before rubbing the stain marks on the window with a cloth or a sponge. You may use both these methods to clean windows with stains and then proceed with regular cleaning.

The other simpler option to clean windows with stains is to make a paste of a cleaner that contains oxalic acid and water, and apply it to the affected area. You can clean the paste with a clean cloth and then wipe the windows normally. Newspaper soaked in water and vinegar can also be used to make your windows sparkle and free from dust, without causing any damage to the glass.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • The ultimate guide to skincare for dry skin
    Your skin type depends on several factors; from the climate of the place where you stay to your genetics. Individuals who have the dry skin type suffer from constant itchiness, flakiness, and dryness. A feeling of being uncomfortable is almost permanent. Apart from these, the redness in the face that shows up in the form of patches is also a common sign of the skin being dry. Dry skin affects not just the face but also the lower legs, abdomen, ankles, and arms. Unresolved dry skin issues tend to lead to the cracking of the skin and the creation of fissures. However, little adjustments here and there in your everyday life and skin care routine would be enough to ensure that your skin is as moisturized and hydrated as it should be. Here are a few tips for effective skincare for dry skin! Cleanse gently: The best way to cleanse your skin is by opting for a soapless cleanser. Go for gentle soaps that don’t have fragrance in them. That is why deodorants and other antibacterial additives can be very harsh on the skin. Look for ceramides in the cleanser’s ingredients that are incredibly effective for skincare for dry skin. Ceramides are fatty molecules that work on the outer barrier of the skin and help the skin to trap moisture and keeps it hydrated. Avoid skin drying agents such as peels, toners, astringents and other alcohol-containing products. While exfoliating, make sure that you don’t scrub hard or too much; it is bound to irritate the skin further. Smart shaving: Shaving your unwanted body hair can irritate the skin and rid your skin of its natural oils. The best time to shave is after a bath since the hairs are softer after bathing. Make sure that you use an extremely sharp razor, since a dull bladed razor may cause some amount of skin irritation. Changing your razor blades often is essential for the sake of hygiene. You can also keep your existing blade clean by regularly using some rubbing alcohol. Cover up: Dry skin, roughness or wrinkles are the results of extreme sun damage on your skin. You can avoid this damage by applying an SPF 30 sunscreen all year round, 2 hours before stepping out. In winter or colder seasons, skincare for dry skin involves wearing layers of clothing but in a way that does not make you perspire too much, since it may cause skin irritation as well. During summer days avoid wearing skin tight clothes, swap it for light, half sleeved, long shirts so that your skin stays covered. Make sure to soothe your eyes by wearing a pair of sunglasses. Only warm water, not hot: Hot water is never a good idea for people suffering from dry skin problems. A hot shower results in getting rid of the skin oil barrier and the skin needs this oil barrier for keeping the skin hydrated. Long hot water showers are a strict no. It's best not to linger in these hot showers for long durations of time. Skincare experts have recommended short, warm showers, no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Tips to remember for effective skin care for dry skin:
    • Moisturize while your skin is still moist.
    • Start using a humidifier at home during winters.
    • Wear clothes made of cotton and other naturally occurring fibers.
    • Drink plenty of water.
    • In case of itching and scratching, apply a cold compress on your skin as directed by your skin care provider.
    • Look for the following ingredients in your cleansers and face washes: Dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lanolin, mineral oils and petroleum jelly.
    Knowing these tips, you are now in a better position to manage your dry skin.
  • Things to consider before buying a washer
    A washer is an essential item that we need to complete our daily laundry business. When we come after work or college, we also bring home a lot of dirt, stains, and even pollutants. Mud, sweat and other stains that come with day to day living and functioning can take quite a toll on our clothes as well as our minds. So, it would be a good idea to invest in a washer and dry set that would effectively remove stains and retain the weave and quality of the fabric that we put over our bodies. Here is a guide for choosing the best washer for your home and family. Think of the sizes: The first thing you want to figure out is the size and needs of your family first. How many family members do you have? How often do you do laundry? What kind of energy bills can you afford? Do you have easy access to the right quality of water? These are all the questions that you need to ask before you invest in a washer that will suit the varied needs and members living within your home. Built in sink: This is one of the features that many brands happen to flaunt. This built-in sink is usually a tray that is attached to the top of the machine. It can be lifted up in order to easily place the clothes in the washer, when it is not in the use. The benefit of this kind of a tray or built in sink is that one can easily rinse and rub stains before placing the garment in the washer. This is also helpful because if you do not have a particular large or dedicated laundry room with a sink, you do not need to worry. All you have to do is pull the tray down over the mouth of the washer, and give your collars and cuffs a little rub before you send them into the washer right below. High capacity feature: This is another feature that helps you tackle large loads of laundry in half the time, and with half the energy bills. For the environmentally-conscious generation, it comes as no surprise that the energy consumption is constantly on their minds. With such needs, it is imperative to have more energy efficient materials and appliances that can be used around the home on a constant and everyday basis. Pedestal washers: These are several options when it comes to the technology used in manufacturing washers. With the pedestal washers, one can choose to do two loads of laundry at the same time. You can do a dark load and a light load at the same time, without having to wait for either one to finish, or at the risk of mixing the two. With this feature, you can cut down on the time that you spend on doing laundry.
  • Things to consider when cleaning hardwood floors
    Hardwood floor adds a certain level of charm and grace to the house. It might be look like it's difficult to maintain them, but the elegance they bring to your house is worth the trouble. Contrary to popular belief, it is neither difficult nor time-consuming to clean your hardwood floors. In the recent years, surface-sealed hardwood floors have gained popularity as they are easier to maintain. These hardwood floors are usually sealed with urethane, polyurethane or polyacrylic and are stain resistant. Here's how you can clean the hardwood floors. Basic, daily cleaning Dust your floors with a microfiber mop to prevent surface damage. You can decide on a dusting schedule for each area, depending on how often the place is used. The high traffic areas in your house, like the kitchen, living room or entrances should ideally be dusted on a daily basis. For the other rooms, dusting on alternate days or twice a week would suffice. When you're mopping If you dust your Harwood floor regularly, there is little requirement for routine mopping. Once or twice in a week should be enough. The cleaning process is fairly simple. Begin with dusting the floor to rid it of dust and gains, which might damage the surface of your hardwood floor. For a more through sweep, you could use your vacuum cleaner. However, ensure that the wheels of your vacuum are padded to avoid accidental scratches. Plus, do not use the rotator belt of your vacuum on hardwood floors. A word on cleaners Once you are done, dip a clean mop into the bucket of pre-prepared cleaning solution. Using plain water will not clear up the dirt and grime that builds up over time. You could use water and soap mixture, or cleaning solutions available in the market. Commercial cleaners are quite effective at cleaning oils and greasy residues. Learn the right way Make sure that you wring out the mop completely, as it should be damp and not dripping. Mop the floor in the direction of the wood grain. Repeat the process with a mop dipped in clean water to rinse. Buff the floor with a soft dry wipe to soak up any residual moisture. Dos and don'ts There are a few things that you should take care of. Don't use oils, waxes or furniture sprays, and don't use strong bleaches, alkaline products or abrasive cleaners. Some people suggest using a vinegar and water solution for cleaning hardwood floors, while still others claim that it dulls your hardwood floor over time. Use a damp sponge dipped in baking soda to clear scuff marks. Lastly, for dark spots, pet stains, heel marks and water marks, rub the spot with steel wool and floor wax. Don't forget to polish them Even with regular dusting and mopping, your hardwood floor needs to be polished at regular intervals. Ideally, you should polish your hardwood floor every few months to keep it in a premium condition. Polishing fills up the microscopic holes and scratches that may not be visible to the eye but can damage the surface over time. There are several good brands of polish available in the market. You can easily polish the floor on your own with one of these products.
  • A brief overview of truck rentals
    Truck rentals are becoming popular day-by-day. A truck rental company provides the customer the required trucks while the customer picks up the truck from the company's station, packs his belongings in the truck, drives it to wherever he wants to, unloads the truck and leaves it in the nearest parking place. The agency picks it up from the parking lot. The user has the advantage that he pays only for renting the truck and the fuel, and not the manpower for the packing, loading and unloading, unpacking etc. It may be interesting to know that there is a company called U-Haul Truck Rentals. The company is a pioneer in this field and their trucks are ubiquitous on all roads. It is so popular that the company name became a generic name for the entire industry. The basic operational philosophy is similar to the warehouse club. U-Haul truck rentals happen to be the most popular ones across the US. There are companies who take pride in giving customized service. Most of the players have an assortment of vehicles of various capacities starting from 3-4 tons to 26 footers, separately equipped for commercial uses. Most of the companies compete for the services and rates and the free components like wayside breakdown services and so on. Rentals are available for point to point, day long and even monthly. Some offer free pickup of used trucks. There is segment which specializes in long distance intercity moving. They claim that they take pains to maintain their vehicles in good repair and fuel consumption is minimum. Their drivers will drive you to your destination giving you the luxury of converting an arduous job into a vacation. You do not have to worry about fuel stations and fuel filling and all that. Some others offer to send to you a bigger truck and charge only for the running foot of occupied space so that you do not have any last minute hassle of shortage of space. These services are one way service. There is another innovative offer of free mileage. The industry norm is to charge mileage beyond certain limit. This offer is that the additional mileage is not charged on on-way haulage anywhere in the US. Some offer a 10% discount for online booking. Competition breeds innovation. Competition is often cut throat and offers should not be taken at face value. The downside could be that you might end up paying more than the estimated amount. One major cause for this is high fuel consumption. Vehicles are often ill maintained and break down on the way, causing delays and inconvenience. It is always prudent to do the homework and read user reviews.
  • Eco friendly pet odor and stain remover products

    Chemical products which are used to treat pet stains and remove odor sometimes leave behind harmful toxins that can be ingested by your pet. In order to remove persistent and tough stains, products are generally formulated using component which are strong enough to remove the stain and contain any odor which was a result of urine, feces, or vomit.

    But often any residue from these chemical products can be ingested by your pets and may be harmful in the long run. It is advisable to look for and shop stains and odor removal products which are mild in their composition to be pet friendly and also eco-friendly for that matter.

    Also, understand the difference between pet stain remover and stain and odor neutralizer products. Here is a comprehensive list of products that are not only eco-friendly but also get the job done when it comes to stain and odor removal.

    Baking soda: This is not a particular brand, but is a homemade recipe which has been tried and tested positive for tough stains and odor remover. Before cleaning the carpet, sprinkling baking soda all over the stain also neutralizes the odor. A paste made from just baking soda with water is a concentrated way of treating tough stains and even more effective when baking soda is mixed with vinegar. Home remedies have always been a pet friendly and eco-friendly alternative to those chemical products available in the market.

    Earth friendly products pet stain and odor remover: Ideal for removing urine, blood, vomit, and food stains for that matter which is also safe for your pet and environment. This product features the best of what nature has to offer and is made from simple ingredients like purified water, plant enzymes, ethanol, biodegradable surfactant, and lemon oil.

    Get serious pheromone stain and odor extractor: This particular product contains no enzymes, no toxins, and is a biodegradable stain and odor remover. It completely extracts smells, stains, and pheromones without leaving a trace for your pet to remark the spot anytime soon. Available in two sizes namely the 16oz bottle and 32oz bottle starting at $7.99.

    You can always find out more about eco-friendly stain remover products online.

  • A list of the best budget TVs under $300
    The TV industry is currently boasting of the latest technology, fancy features, all of it at sky-touching price tags. However, if you are looking for a budget TV under $300 and are ready to compromise on a few features, then this article is well suited for you. Samsung J5205 Key Specifications Screen size - 32 inches Resolution -1080p Refresh Rate - 60Hz HDMI Ports - 2 Dimensions - 29.2 x 17.2 x 3.1 inches Smart TV - Yes This is one of the affordable TV for all those who are looking for a budget tv under $300. With a fairly decent display and good color accuracy, this model by Samsung is the best so far. Priced at under $300, Samsung J5205 has a Delta-E rating of 2.1. This model comes with two HDMI ports which are plugged in the back of the set, perpendicular to the chassis. It also comes with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. Insignia NS-39DR510NA17 Key Specifications Screen size - 39 inches Resolution -1080p Refresh Rate - 60Hz HDMI Ports - 3 Dimensions - 34.7 x 20.5 x 2.6 inches Smart TV - Yes With solid smarks and built-in Roku, Insignia is a budget TV delivering 1080p resolution. Embedded with LED-backlit LCD panel, this model has a good display along with decent viewing angles, and an excellent color consistency. The built-in Roku enables streaming of content through one easy-to-customize home screen. Insignia NS-39DR510NA17has three HDMI ports to connect the A/V devices and can be mounted on the wall. Sharp LC-40LB480U Key Specifications Screen size -40 inches Resolution -1080p HDMI Ports - 3 Refresh Rate - 60Hz Dimensions - 36.1 x 21.1 x 3.5 Smart TV - No This 40-inch model has perfect picture quality and is amazing when it comes to image display. This budget TV is pocket-friendly and is best suited for users who are not TV buffs. The disadvantage of this model is the sound quality. You will have to bump up the levels to ensure that the movie or video is audible. Sharp LC-32LB481U Key Specifications Screen size -32 Resolution -1080p Refresh Rate -60Hz HDMI Ports - 3 Dimensions - 28.6 x 17.3 x 2.5 inches Smart TV -Yes A real bargain for all budget lovers, this model sits well with a price tag of $200. Having a decent display quality and standard sharpness, the Sharp LC-32LB481U comes with three HDMI ports. It can also be connected to Wi-Fi and Roku TV to watch video on NETFLIX, Amazon Video Prime, Hulu and much more. Vizio E32-D1 Key Specifications Screen size - 32 inches Resolution - 1080p Refresh Rate - 60Hz HDMI Ports - 2 Dimensions - 28.8 x 17 x 3.0 inches Smart TV Yes The Vizio E32-D1 is a rugged TV that has an in-built Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. Also, it has Google Cast that allows content sharing between smartphone and TV.