My Blog

Bedbugs!! The basics you should know

07/24/2011 16:29:00

Bedbugs. The very name makes our flesh crawl and our arms itch. Most people know that these critters are tough to get rid of at best. Having an infestation can be both costly and time consuming.

How can you protect yourself??

There are many websites that provide in depth information on treatments and prevention but here are the basics you need to know.

1. Bedbugs are not the result of a dirty home! Do not be embarrased and afraid to mention that you have bedbugs. Doing so can cause them to spread to other peoples homes unknowingly if they visit you.

Bedbugs can be picked up from movie theatres, hotels, visiting friends, pets, and many other sources.

2. Take precautions when you travel. The best thing to do whenever you or your family travels is to check carried away items like luggage, backpacks, gym bags, hand bags etc.for the small black bugs thoroughly before bringing them back into your home.

Wash suspect clothing in hot water immediately and dry completely.

3. Do not move items from an infected room into other areas of your home. If you are getting bit by bedbugs in your bedroom one night and you move to the living room couch or another bed before checking your pajamas, hair, etc. you could be taking the pests with you and spreading them!

Keep pets out of infected areas as well and discourage them from sleeping on beds and couches.

4. Get treatments by a professional pest control service. It may seem like a big expense up front but many home remedies only work short term. If you do not kill every bug and their eggs just one can repopulate the whole area. If you try to treat the problem yourself and it spreads you may end up having to spend even more money in the end.

5. Bedbugs can live a long time without food. Just because you bar people and pets from an infected room doesn't mean you are "starving out" the bedbugs. They can live almost a year without drinking blood. Quarentine is important, but not the only step needed to rid yourself of the problem.

Do eco friendly cleaners work??

05/02/2011 11:09:00

Eco friendly or "green" cleaners have been making a huge push the last few years.

As a maid I get asked the question all the time. "Do eco friendly cleaners work as well as traditional cleaners?"

The simple answer is absolutely YES!

Many traditional cleaners out there use natural chemicals to start with and then either concentrate them or add to them harsher chemicals like ammonia and chlorine to give them added power.

The truth is 9 times out of 10 for household use you do not need that added power.

As a country we have been bombarded by the media with "anti bacterial" this and "germ killing" that for years. Scaring us into thinking that every surface is rife with infectious super killers.

This is really not the case. In fact, over use of harsh chemicals has been found in and of itself to create more resistant bacterial strains. Over sanitizing our homes can also prevent children from developing natural resistance to even the most common germs and has even been recently linked to the childhood development or food allergies. Harsh chemicals can also lead to lung and nasal difficulties in later life.

Use cholorine bleach to whiten your white clothing. You really do not need it elsewhere.

Corrosive chemicals like hydrochloric acid may be needed to unclog a sink but are far from necessary for everyday household use.

Check your product lables! If it is recommeded that you use gloves and protective eye or nose gear chances are you do not need or want it in your home.

So what about those green cleaners?

The most basic thing, white vinegar and water solution works fantastic at cutting grease, dissolving grime and is even perfect for cleaning glass with a steak free shine. Bonus! Its also cheap!

Citrus based cleaners also have enough natural acids to cut through grime and also tend to smell fantastic! These are great for germ control on countertops, toilet seats, and other general areas.

Cleaners with lactic acids found in corn, coconut, etc. work as mineral dissolvers which makes them perfect for soap scum, and toilet bowl cleaners.

Nut and citrus oilcleaners also work wonders on real wood furniture and even leather, keeping it moisturized and supple. Like other oil or wax based products however they are not necessary all the time and can build up on wood if overused. In between treatments a lightly dampened microfiber cloth works perfect.

These products also are fabulous on (suprise!) stainless steel! No streaking!

Products lines to try: Method and Seventh Generation

or make your own with vinegar and lemon juice. There are many websites with "make your own" cleaner advice. Do a web search and you will find an abundance of information!

Spring Cleaning!

03/14/2011 13:04:00

Spring is here and warm weather entertaining is on its way! Is your home fresh and ready for company?

Even if you do clean regularly your home can benefit greatly from a yearly "deep clean".

When your heating unit is running double time during the cold months your filters start to lose their effectiveness and allow particulates and dust to accumulate faster than they normally would in your home.

Dust and dirt can build up in places you may not think about! Mini blinds, ceiling fans, vent grates, baseboards and lighting fixtures are just a few of those hidden grime grabbers!

I reccomend a "swiffer" like disposable duster with an extendable handle to reach all of those high and tight spaces.

Still having trouble? Contact Janet's Clean Homes! I have everything needed to get your home Springtime fresh!

See my website for monthly specials and contact me today!

Janet Knouss

(484) 767-8826