How Often Should You Clean The Furniture And Upholstery In Your Home?

Regularly cleaning your furniture can not only extend its life but can also minimize the level of allergens in your home. Although there are no strict requirements when it comes to how often you should clean your furniture and upholstery, there are some general guidelines that you can follow.

Upholstered furniture like armchairs, sofas, loveseats, and recliners should be thoroughly vacuumed at least once a month. If time allows, you should try to vacuum them even more often than that, running the upholstery brush attachment over the surface of the fabric and using the crevice tool to clean out any cracks between the cushions. This doesn’t take long to do and can make a big difference in how clean your furniture stays. If you have aluminium windows in your house you could extend this to a month and a half as these well sealed windows keep more dust and allergens out of the home and improve insulation.

Vacuuming helps remove particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. These particles can easily become airborne every time someone sits on, moves, or uses the furniture. Unfortunately, contaminants like these can reduce the air quality inside your home, which can aggravate problems like allergies or asthma. By regularly vacuuming your furniture, you can improve the overall air quality inside your home, resulting in air that is cleaner and healthier to breathe.

Removing dirt and dust is also good for your furniture. Tiny pieces of dirt have sharp edges. If they are left in the fabric, they can wear away at the fibers every time someone sits on the piece of furniture. Over time, this can cause the fabric to wear out more quickly. Vacuuming away any dirt or dust can slow down this process, allowing your furniture to last longer.

It is also important to periodically deep clean your furniture. Usually, this means shampooing it just like you would with your carpets. Most experts recommend having your upholstery professionally cleaned once a year. For pieces that you don’t use very often, you may be able to extend that out to as long as two years between cleanings.

Of course, there are exceptions. If you have young children, they can really do a number on your furniture. Spills and stains are quite common, meaning that you most likely will need to have your furniture cleaned more often.

The same goes for pets. When dogs, cats, or other pets spend time on your furniture, they tend to leave a lot of messes behind. Regular cleaning can help remove any pet-related contaminants, ensuring that your furniture is as clean and well maintained as possible.

Because kids and pets are so hard on furniture, you may need to have your upholstery cleaned every six months or so in a busy household. Of course, not every piece of furniture in your home will need to be cleaned that often. However, the pieces that get the most use can probably benefit from this type of frequent cleaning.

Although you can rent equipment to clean your upholstery yourself, it usually is best to hire a professional to do it for you. Upholstered furniture is usually made up of multiple layers. Along with the surface fabric that you can see, there are also layers of padding underneath. If the furniture is not properly cleaned or dried, it could cause problems further down the road. Professional cleaning is relatively affordable and is definitely worthwhile when you consider that it could help prevent damage to your furniture.

Hopefully, this gives you a better idea of how often you should clean the furniture and upholstery in your home. Typically, the best option is to set your cleaning schedule based on the amount and type of use that each piece of furniture gets. Cleaning pieces that are frequently used or that are especially prone to stains more often is the best way to keep them in good shape.

7 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your House Windows

Unsure if you need to replace your windows? A complete replacement of all your windows can be quite a huge investment, so it’s practical to wait around till you really need them. Even so, don’t get caught in the trap of waiting for an emergency prior to deciding to replace your windows.

In case your windows are over a number of decades old, listen very carefully to what they’re hinting, so you will know when they have to be replaced.

How do we know when it’s the perfect time for window replacement? You most likely pay little attention to them till they go wrong completely, however listed here are seven signs that the time is right now!

1. Opening and closing them is becoming hard.

Whenever your windows are hard to open and close it would stop you from letting fresh air go into your home. In case they don’t close correctly or you’ve got difficulty locking them, the window won’t give a tight seal towards leaking and drafts and could also affect the protection of your house. New doors and windows are made to open and close effortlessly, will protect you from wind and rain and also help to keep your home safe.

2. You observe a draft.

In case you’ll never find a way to get your house sufficiently warm in the winter, you might be experiencing drafty windows. Eventually, damage and usual wear and tear can cause old windows to stop defending your house just like they must and permit a lot of cold air inside. Apparent drafts imply your windows aren’t working properly and you need to think about replacement windows.

3. They appear outdated and old.

You might not realize it, however updating old, worn-out windows could significantly enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior.

 

Washed out paint, antiquated storm windows and old-fashioned window grilles usually take away the curb appeal, which makes your house feel and look outdated. New windows provide you with a refresh and could better enhance the entire design of your house. (Yes, it is possible to replace your windows during the wintertime!).

4. You have trouble with “dropping windows.”

Windows which slide down whenever you raise them aren’t just irritating but could also be hazardous. This happens on double and single hung windows once the spring system is damaged or has ruined as time passes. For parents having kids, it’s vital that you be careful about your kids around windows which have the possibility to drop and harm them. In case you are fed up of propping up windows which won’t stay up and have safety issues, it’s time for you to search for newer, safer windows which work appropriately.

5. Your electric power bills increase.

During the wintertime, an unusually high energy bill might let you know that your windows aren’t working efficiently – allowing cold air in and warm air out. This implies your heater needs to work extra time to make up for the loss in heat. Rather, lower your cooling and heating expenses by installing energy-efficient windows which are great for your wallet as well as the environment.

6. You could hear noises outdoors.

Your house is the place you find tranquility far from noisy neighbors as well as hectic traffic. Then again, whenever your seek refuge is disrupted, you could perhaps blame poorly sealed windows and aged glass. Noise-reducing windows having dual-insulating glass systems reduce sound from entering your home. For additional defense towards undesirable outside noise opt for a sound-reducing glass package.

7. You could see visible damage.

Indications of cracking, damage or water stains around or on the window may suggest rot and water infiltration. Visible destruction of the windows not just appears unappealing but could also uncover that the integrity of the windows might be compromised. Leaking windows can result in undesirable water infiltration which could also bring about even more water problems in your home.

6 Tips For A Healthier And Clean Home

Your home is a haven that should be safe, comfortable, and healthy. Unseen dangers can affect you and your family’s well-being. Maybe not bump-in-the-night, paranormal intruders, but chemicals, germs, viruses, and other pests can do harm if left unchecked.

Your home should be kept clean at all times, to reduce the chances of health hazards which can have serious consequences for you and your family. However, making sure that the house is clean at all times can be such a chore that often, we tend to ignore it until we no longer can. While this is not a way out, it is also a very unhealthy practice and should be avoided at all costs. Thus, you should strive to keep your house clean, either by doing it yourself regularly or hiring a professional cleaning service to get it done quickly and efficiently.

Here are 6 tips to get you on your way to a cleaner, healthier home.

Tip # 1: Be prompt about removing trash from your home. Waste will only decay as it sits in a trash can. After emptying the fridge of last weeks leftovers, remove it from your home before a slimy, smelly residue is left in your container.

Tip # 2: Keep laundry and other perpetually dirty things off of your floor. A raised laundry basket will allow for easier cleaning with a broom underneath, preventing dirt and dust from piling up and being tracked throughout your home. A shoe rack by the door can also save many a rug and carpet from discoloring

Tip # 3: A short weekly routine of wiping down the flat surfaces in your home with a barely moistened cloth will stop dust build up and give the allergy sufferers living there a relief.

Tip # 4: Keep your surfaces free of everlasting clutter. Some things will pile up naturally, like mail, magazines, books, empty food containers, and even socks that lost their match. Spend an hour once every month to go through these things and recycle, donate or toss what’s not needed any longer. Keeping your home free from stuff you don’t use and that doesn’t give you joy will help you feel calm and in control.

Tip # 5: Put things away as you use them. It’s so much easier to pick things up as you go rather than wait and have to undertake a huge cleaning session all at once. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but it’s something to strive for nonetheless. The key to making this work, of course, is to ensure that everything has its own place. Do that first if you haven’t already

Benefits Of Using A Carpet Protector

Replacement of a carpet can be costly. A carpet protector can help in the protection of a carpet by preventing stains from coming into contact with carpet fibers. It enables an individual to easily wipe out any stains before they come into contact with the carpet and stick or get absorbed. A carpet protector offers the following 7 benefits to a carpet owner:

1. It is easier to clean a carpet that has a carpet protector. Since stains do not get to the carpet, they can be wiped out while they are on the carpet protector. This ensures that these stains do not damage the carpet.

Vacuum cleaning can be performed much easier when a carpet protector is present. Since it forms a barrier that shields dirt from getting to the carpet, this dirt can be sucked by a vacuum cleaner with ease. This ensures that the carpet is clean at all times.

2. A carpet protector helps to prevent odors that may be produced by stains and spills. With times, a carpet that has been exposed to strains starts to produce a foul smell. Carpet protectors prevent these stains and spills from coming into contact with the carpet. This, in turn, prevents bad odors hence leaving a room smelling fresh.

3. Preservation of the color of a carpet is important. Its appearance also needs to be maintained so that its quality can be preserved. A carpet protector is able to do this. Spills and stains may damage a carpet and cause discoloration. This discoloration can be prevented by the use of a carpet protector.

4. Carpets are expensive. They should be properly maintained so that the can last for long. A carpet protector can help to shield dirt, water, and mildew from coming into contact with a carpet. This ensures that the durability of a carpet is not compromised. A carpet’s life can, therefore, be extended by the use of a carpet protector.

5. Quality air is important for the occupants within a house. If the quality of air is low, the risk of occupants getting health complications is heightened. This can lead to complications such as asthma.

A carpet protector can be used to improve the quality of air in a house. Allergens such as dust mites that accumulate on carpets are tackled by the use of a carpet protector. It also prevents dust from settling into a carpet that could lead to poor quality of air within a house. In addition, cleaning agents that contain impurities that affect the quality of air do not come into contact with carpets.

6. Using carpet protectors are be cost effective. Having to occasionally replace a carpet is not a good idea. Regular cleaning of a carpet needs to happen to ensure that a business saves on costs that can be incurred time and time again in the purchase of carpets. Using carpet protectors can reduce these costs for businesses. Using carpet protectors, in the long run, may help a business in saving costs.

7. Carpet protectors are safe for children. Exposing children in a home to a carpet protector does not pose any risks whatsoever. This also applies to pets. It cannot lead to the development of any allergic reactions when both children and pets come into contact with it. Carpet protectors prevent furs from pets such as cats from settling within carpets.

Carpets generally get damaged with time. It is important to use carpet protectors to ensure that dirt, stains, and spills do not get into the fibers of carpets. This prevents damages that can be caused to carpets. It also ensures that the quality of a carpet is maintained.

Seven Nasty Things You Can Find Hiding In The Average Household Couch

After a long day, you probably don’t think twice before plopping down on your couch to relax and watch some TV. What you probably don’t know, however, is that your couch could be harboring some unpleasant and potentially harmful contaminants. Check out this list of seven nasty things you can find hiding in the average household couch. After reading through all of these items, you probably will view your couch in a whole different light:

1. Dust mites. Even though you have most likely heard about dust mites before, you probably haven’t given a lot of thought to what they really are. These microscopic members of the arachnid family feed on skin flakes from people and pets. They also sometimes eat mold. They hide in the soft surfaces of your home, including the fabric of your couch. That means that you could be sharing your couch with hundreds of thousands or millions of dust mites.

2. Mold. If your couch gets wet and isn’t properly dried, mold can develop inside the cushions and in hidden cracks and crevices. Even if your couch never gets wet, it still could develop a mold problem if you live in a humid environment. Excess humidity can cause mold and mildew to grow on the surfaces of your couch, which can be problematic for anyone who has breathing difficulties or an allergy to these substances.

3. Potentially harmful microbes. People and pets often carry bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful microbes along with them wherever they go. Some of these contaminants are transferred to furniture pieces like couches. These microbes can continue lurking in the fabric of the furniture, which could increase the likelihood of other family members or pets getting sick.

4. Food particles. If you eat food on your couch, it most likely is full of crumbs and tiny food particles. Typically, that means that it is also full of sugar, grease, and other ingredients that are commonly found in food. When upholstery fabric gets greasy or oily, it tends to attract dirt, which can leave your couch looking old and grubby, even if it is relatively new.

5. Pet dander. If you have pets, your couch is most likely full of pet dander. All animals leave behind these tiny flakes of skin. For people who are allergic to animals, dander can increase symptoms. It also provides food for dust mites, which can lead to an increase in these unwanted pests.

6. Hair and skin flakes. Like pets, people also lose skin flakes wherever they go. That means that your couch is most likely full of tiny flakes of skin from all of the people who have sat on it in the past. Again, this means that your couch is essentially a smorgasbord for dust mites.

7. Chemicals. The materials that are used in the construction of couches often contain chemicals. For instance, the foam that is used inside of couch cushions often gives off volatile organic compounds for a long period of time after you bring the couch into your home. These chemicals are a large part of the reason why furniture pieces like couches give off a distinctive “new” smell when you first bring them into your home.

Even though all seven of these nasty things can commonly be found hiding in couches, all hope is not lost. All that you have to do to keep these contaminants in check is to regularly clean your couch. Along with vacuuming it at least once a month, you should consider having it professionally cleaned on an annual basis. This is an affordable way to keep it clean and well maintained.

6 Reasons Why You Still Need Windows That Open

The breath of clean air, a cool breeze, the scents of pine, roses, jasmine, as well as wisteria… all great reasons to grab open the shutters and allow a little bit of the outside go inside your house. A lot of us instinctively enjoy the way things simply feel better whenever there’s a cleaning draft moving throughout the house – particularly in hotter weather – however because of the wonder of modern air conditioning as well as central heating system, a lot of us find ourselves leaving the house windows shut and allowing the HVAC system control the temperature. However are you aware that it’s really good to open the windows every day for more than simply the feelings and smells of the outdoors? Here is the reasons why you still need windows that open.

1. An inexpensive and simple way of cooling your home

Throughout warm periods, opening up your windows is the least difficult, least expensive and most efficient way of cooling your home. Opening up windows on opposite ends of your home to let natural breezes to slide through provides the most reliable answer (at least in areas in which temperatures are much cooler during the night).

The air change rates of ventilation systems in the course of extremely hot (or cold) times might not be high enough in order to keep the air from becoming too humid (or perhaps too dry). An entirely different kind of ventilation system might possibly be required in order to allow for higher air change rates. These kinds of systems will likely be more costly as well as less efficient as compared to current systems around. In contrast, supplying huge volumes of air by way of opening up your windows is pretty inexpensive.

2. A connection to the outside world

Windows provide a connection to the outdoors, they permit you to hear the birds humming each morning or call out to the children on the garden. The majority of homeowners for this reason expect to get openable windows and wish to be able to decide on whether to open them up or not.

3. Easier cleaning

Cleaning up fixed windows is normally a lot more hard compared to cleaning windows which could be opened up and cleaned from inside. Around Europe, the majority of windows are tilt and turn, making it possible for the owner to swing them in just like a door and quickly clean the exterior window pane. In case a home is mostly installed with inside opening windows it could help make it a lot easier to keep up and could help in reducing running costs.

If windows could be completely opened up into the inside. Outward opening windows will be harder to clean up.

4. Very little risk from user behaviour

Monitoring outcomes indicate that there’s a bit of risk of home becoming too warm or needing much more heating energy because of owners keeping their home windows open. There isn’t any need to concern that human errors may cause issues. Even if owners tilt bedroom windows through the night during winter, the sole negative effect is a small rise in heating energy use.

5. You may even open windows whenever it’s cold

Even if it’s cold it could be good to be able to open up the windows in order to allow some fresh air in, for instance on a party or a big meeting.

6. The openable window can save your valuable life!

Last of all, an openable window can save your life because it provides an easy escape option in the case of a fire or some other emergency.