Spring is in the air. Unfortunately, it may not be in your house just yet. If you want your house to feel as fresh as the weather outside, you may want to give spring cleaning a try this year. If you are not sure where to start, here is a helpful list of ideas to guide your cleaning efforts.

1. Freshen Your Fabrics

For most people, laundry is a weekly project. While everyone washes their clothes and towels, there are many other fabrics in your house that do not get enough attention. Consider washing your bed comforter and pillow shams. Germs collect on these surfaces, which is why they need an occasional wash. Curtains may not collect germs, but they do get musty, gather dust, and animal hair. A yearly wash will keep them looking and smelling fresh. If you do not want to wash your rugs, at least take them outside to air and freshen them up. With these fabrics, just be careful to read the care instructions thoroughly to make sure they are not damaged in the process.

2. Clean Your Cabinets

There are probably times your cabinets seem bare, but being out of cookies or canned goods is not the same as an annual sweep. Take some time to remove everything from the cabinets and throw away anything that is old. Debris often collects in cabinets, so be sure to remove any food remnants. This will also keep the springtime bugs from making your cabinets their home. Washing the interiors and sanitizing the surfaces is another smart measure. This will get your cabinets ready for food again, but if you want to make them look even better, clean the exteriors as well. A year of opening and closing will leave marks and stains, which can be cleaned away with a good scrubbing. You could even invest in some polish to give them an extra springtime gleam.

3. Approach Your Appliances

Appliances are an important part of modern life. Everyone relies on their refrigerator to keep food cold, and they use their oven to cook up a meal. Microwaves and dishwashers are conveniences that most people would hate to live without. However, how often do you take the time to clean them? Most people wipe them down occasionally, but these appliances are used on a daily basis and often come into contact with food. This makes a spring clean more than a nice way to freshen things up. Giving these appliances a deep clean is simply sanitary. Disinfect all surfaces and remove all food that may be stuck. Baking soda is great for the refrigerator, and a lemon in the microwave can be an excellent trick.

4. Wash Your Windows

With the longer spring days, you are sure to appreciate the extra sunshine. You are also sure to notice just how dirty your windows are. Using a high-quality cleaning liquid is important, and be sure to choose one that minimizes streaking. It is also essential to use the right cloth to scrub the grime away. Rags or paper towels can work, but they are more likely to smear and streak. Using a special cloth or a squeegee is beneficial for the best results. Washing the inside is a good first step, but take the time to do it right and wash the exteriors as well. First-floor windows can be cleaned from the outside, and many newer windows have an easy release latch that allows the windows to be moved for cleaning purposes. While you clean the windows, you may also want to wash the sills and screens as well to remove the grime and dirt that accumulates over time.

5. Neutralize Your Nooks

Even if you clean your house regularly, there are probably still some nooks and crannies that go unattended. So, spring into action this year. Wash your baseboards, and vacuum with a wand or hose in the corners of every room. You may go as far as dusting off the tops of your ceiling fans and your doors. Unwanted dust also hides in your vents, so be sure to clean those as well. It can even be helpful to use a brush hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This will get a nice, deep clean in all your upper vents as well as your lower ones. You can also take a few minutes to wash the walls and dust along the frames of all your doors and windows.

6. Procure a Professional

If you really want your house to be fit for spring, consider hiring a professional from Rodriguez Cleaning and Restoration in Louisville. With fully trained professionals on staff, Rodriguez Cleaning and Restoration can tackle some of your most daunting spring projects and then some. Carpets, tile, rugs, gutters, windows, and more are all part of the residential service options. If you want your house ready for spring, call Rodriguez Cleaning and Restoration today 502-365-6779.

If you need help, call today 502-365-6779 or Contact Us

1. Check my Warranty.

   Most carpet retailers have copies of specific warranties on your carpet purchase. Stain resist warranties can vary from 5 to 20 years. ALL STAIN RESIST WARRANTIES REQUIRE REGULAR PROFESSIONAL CLEANING AND IMMEDIATE SPOT REMOVAL.

2. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum!

   It is said that the three most important rules for maintaining carpet are vacuum, vacuum, vacuum. Vacuum your carpet more often than you currently do—at least once or twice a week. Vacuuming removes sharp and dry soil that can cut and slice the fibers, causing premature wear. Much of this soil is not visible to the eye. Remove any loose particles such as food, leaves, pieces of crayon, bugs, etc., as these items can cause spots on the carpet.

3. Have my Carpet Professionally Cleaned by an IICRC certified company

   Professional carpet cleaning by a certified firm should be done at least every 12 months according to DuPont and major carpet manufacturers. Heavy traffic areas may need it more often. If you have children and pets, you might need the service sooner. Manufacturer warranties typically require professional cleaning at least every 18 to 24 months to retain texture retention warranties.

   Rule of thumb: Clean your carpet before it looks visibly soiled.

4. Remove Spots Immediately

   Spots that are not immediately removed can turn into permanent stains very easily. Always use a spot cleaner that is recommended by the carpet manufacturer or your trained, certified professional cleaner! Many “over the counter” spotters leave too much soap residue, which can make spots return. If you use one of those products, make sure to rinse with clean water afterward. Be cautious with inexpensive cleaners, as they can sometimes cause more harm than good.

5. Have Carpet Protector Re-Applied

   The soil resistor built into stain-resistant nylon or polyester carpets is removed with regular foot traffic and harsh cleaners. To keep your carpet clean longer, have your protector reapplied each time you have your carpet professionally cleaned. Protector prevents spots from becoming stains because it seals the fiber and prevents soil or liquid from bonding with the fibers. It’s worth spending a little more to prevent future damage.

If you need help keeping up with the maintenance of your flooring investment, please call us at 502-365-6779

How often do you wash your windows?

Once a year? Twice a year? Never? You know it’s not enough. You are probably sitting in your living room, at your desk, or in your office looking out the window, trying to see if it’s a beautiful day, and there’s grime. Your view of the world is covered in grime. What is that black stuff anyway?

Clean windows are obviously an important part of home maintenance, but no one likes to do it. Perhaps you wash them a couple of times a year, maybe each spring and fall when the storm windows and screens are being swapped, but it’s not enough. Windows should be washed once every month, depending on the surroundings. If you are in a forest or a city, consider washing your windows at least once a month. If your house is in a place where dirt and pollen don’t always stick, consider cleaning windows every two or three months.

Why are Clean Windows Important?

The importance of clean windows should not be overlooked. Windows allow light into your home, which helps heat your home in winter and keeps electricity bills low as they brighten your space. They provide your own little picture boxes of the world. You sit by them to read in natural light, watch your kids play outside, and place your plants next to them to grow. Clean windows brighten the whole house by letting in much more light, bringing warmth and enhancing your home’s appearance.

Over the winter months, road salt gets crushed by cars and forms a fine dust. Window cleaning removes that. Acid rain can etch into windows over time if not removed regularly. Regular window cleaning also removes dust and smoke, improving the air quality inside your home.

In summary, clean windows are important for:

• Breathe healthier and easier.
• Better view.
• Heat efficiency.
• Professional business image.

Beyond those reasons, the most important reason for glass maintenance is to avoid glass degradation. Glass will over time become permeated with a variety of contaminants:

1. Hard minerals (from sprinkler systems and building runoff).
2. Oxidation (from windows encased in metal frames and screens).
3. Acid rain.
4. Sea spray.
5. Overspray (from paint, caulking, mortar, and more).

In most cases, hard minerals or hard water is the biggest threat to most home and business owners. The need for basic glass restoration can be avoided with regular cleaning of exterior window glass surfaces. We recommend no less than two cleanings per year.

It’s easy to see why hard water (rainwater running over prefabricated surfaces, wood stains, painted siding, and concrete sealants, depositing minerals and acids from those substances into the pores of the glass) can damage glass if not maintained regularly.

If you are a homeowner or business owner, you likely appreciate the need to protect your glass investment. Glass left unmaintained for long periods may suffer permanent damage, requiring costly replacement. You can avoid glass degradation and save money by maintaining your windows regularly.

For more information on window cleaning in Louisville, please contact us at 502-365-6779

What can I do to improve my indoor air quality?

Here’s a list of 11 things you can do to improve your residential or commercial Indoor Air Quality (IEQ)

1. Keep your walkways, driveways, and entry areas in your home or business litter-free and clean.
2. Use the right size for your entry mats to remove up to 85% of dry particle soil from shoes. They should be 4 feet long.
3. Remove your shoes upon entering the home/business, or if not an option, clean them very well.
4. Purchase quality vacuum equipment, not cheap. You get what you pay for.
5. Use high-efficiency filters in your vacuum. HEPA filters are the best option for allergies.
6. Increase vacuuming frequency to 2-3 times per week. Make sure to clean carpet edges and steps, especially where the steps join.
7. Install high-efficiency filters in the HVAC systems in your home, and replace them at least 2 to 4 times a year.
8. Have your air ducts professionally cleaned at least once a year.
9. Have your carpets professionally cleaned semi-annually.
10. Clean bedding, upholstery, and other household fabrics regularly. Your sofa holds a lot of dust mites.
11. Control moisture and humidity in your home. This helps prevent mold growth.

Carpet is a popular floor fitting, prized for its warmth, versatility, insulation abilities, and the protection it provides unfinished floors. If you’re considering installing carpeting in your home, keep reading to learn about the benefits and advantages of this practical and fashionable product.

Safety

First and foremost, a carpeted floor is a safer floor. The soft surface and cushioned under-padding not only reduce the impact of a fall, but also the likelihood of it happening in the first place. Carpet is inherently slip-resistant, meaning it’s harder to slip and fall.

Sound Reduction

If you live in a busy home with lots of traffic, you know how loud wood or laminate floors can be. Carpet stifles noise and reduces echoes in three ways: absorbing the impact of foot traffic, soaking up room sounds and echoes, and finally, by blocking sound from carrying between floors (especially helpful in condo apartments or multi-family homes).

Warmth & Insulation

Carpet provides excellent warmth underfoot, making it a great choice for chilly bedrooms or stark offices. Carpet also acts as an insulator. The combination of the carpet and its under-padding acts as an additional layer of insulation in your home, and – depending on the weight and grade of your carpet – it can even add to the R-value of your home.

Ease of Care

Most carpets made today are highly stain-resistant, meaning cleanup is easy. With just a damp cloth or a quick vacuuming, your floors look as good as new. Because carpets trap dust and allergens, they can also improve the air quality in your home as long they’re properly cleaned and vacuumed on a regular basis.

Flexibility and Style

Carpet isn’t limited to just a few colors or grains. You can get carpet in any style, design, color, or pattern that you want. Because of its versatility, carpet fits in well in any design scheme.

Low Cost

Typically, carpet costs significantly less than other types of flooring like tile, marble, or hardwood. Even with professional installation, carpet tends to cost much less than other flooring options.

Warranty

Unlike many hard surface floorings, most carpeting comes with an extensive manufacturer’s warranty that covers pile, installation, and craftsmanship. Because of its quality, low cost, design flexibility, ease of care, warmth, safety, and ability to reduce sound in your home – carpet is typically the number one flooring choice for most homeowners.

If you need Information in Carpet Cleaning Louisville, Please Contact Us 502-365-6779

Did you know that Dust Mites are the principle cause of asthma and allergies in our country?

       What Are Dust Mites?

   Dust Mites are microscopic creature, tiny arachnids, with closely relation with spiders and ticks that live in carpets, blankets, pillows, mattresses, and others soft materials. They are technically not insects, but they are arthropods, like spiders. They are too small to see without a microscope. Dust Mites are primitive creatures that have no developed respiratory system and no eyes. They spend their lives moving about, eating, reproducing, and eliminating waste products. Their food are flakes of human skin that all of us normally shed every day. Mites do not bite people, and do not live in people, but live near them. In Fact, we cannot inhale live mites because they do not live in the air, it is the waste particles that they have produced, and the body fragments of dead dust mites, that become airborne, are inhaled and cause allergy symptoms.

   They can be seen under a microscope like as whitish bugs. Mites measures only about one-quarter to one-third of a millimeter. Their life cycle consist of several stages, from egg to adult. A female may lay as many one hundred eggs in her life time. There are at least 13 species of mites, all of which are well adapted to the environment inside your home. Depending on the species, it takes from 2 to 5 weeks for an adult mite to develop from an egg. Adult may live for 2 to 4 months.

   Dust Mites lives in temperatures of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and require relative humidity levels of 70 % to 80% at least 50% of humidity to survive. Mites are not usually found in dry climates. They avoid the light, beds provide the warmth, darkness, high humidity, and shed skin scales that mites crave. A mattress may contain over a million dust mites.       

     What is Dust Mites Allergy?

Dust allergy is actually a sensitivity to substances in the waste particles and body fragments of house dust mites. High levels of exposure to dust mites are an important factor in the development of asthma in children. Household dust is not a single substance but rather a mixture of many materials. Dust may contain tiny fibers shed from different kinds of fabric, as well as tiny particles of feathers, dander from pet dogs or cats, bacteria, food, plant and insect parts, and mold and fungus spores. It also contains many microscopic mites and their waste products.

   Allergy Symptoms:

Many people recognize allergy such as a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, and sneezing from dust exposure related to common household chores such as vacuuming, dusting and sweeping. House dust exposure can also trigger asthma symptoms for example wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

    What causes the allergic reaction?

Allergies occur when our immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, pet dander or dust mites. Our immune system produces proteins known as antibodies. Those antibodies protect us from unwanted invaders that could make us sick or cause an infection. For example, antibodies react when we have contact with the waste particles that mites have produced, and the body fragments of dead dust mites, that become airborne, are inhaled and our immune system responds and produce this inflammatory response in our respiratory system.

                 Tips to reduce Mites allergies?

• The first and the most important step to reduce dust mites is to use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain relative humidity at about 50% or bellow.
• The second is encase your mattress and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers.
• The next most important step is wash all bedding and blankets weekly in hot water at least 130-140 Fahrenheit to kill dust mites.
• Replace wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials and traditional stuffed animals with washables ones.
• Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth.
• Wash rug in hot water whenever possible. Cold water leaves up to 10 percent of mites behind.
• Wear a mask while vacuuming to avoid inhaling allergens, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow any dust and allergens to settle after vacuuming.
• Windows should have roll-type shades instead of curtains, if you have curtains, be sure to wash them often.
• Use a high quality vacuum that entraps allergen and prevents it from blowing out through the exhaust.

It is probably impossible to avoid Dust Mites completely, but we can make some changes in our environment inside our home to help us and reduce the exposure of these tiny and unwanted “guests”.

 Source: Mission Allergy; National Institute of Environ; Mayo Clinic.

If you suffer asthma or any allergies issues and you have not clean your carpet in a 6 months it is time for you to hire a professional cleaner. If you need any help please do not hesitate to contact us 502-365-6779.

By: Danny Lipford

While the holiday season is a time of joy, it can also pose many dangers. Every year about 8,000 injuries occur from accidents related to holiday decorating activities. Christmas trees alone are involved in hundreds of fires which result in almost 40 deaths each year. Decorating with safety in mind can keep you from becoming one of those grim statistics.

Choosing a Safe Christmas Tree

If a natural Christmas tree is part of your holiday decorations, consider these guidelines:

• Select a tree that is as fresh and green as possible. The needles on a fresh tree will bend instead of breaking and should not fall off easily.
• Cut an inch or two off the bottom of the truck before putting it in a stand to allow water to soak into the tree.
• Use a stand that holds water, and keep it filled to prevent the tree from drying out.
• Locate your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and space heaters.

When choosing an artificial tree:

• Buy only artificial trees that are labeled “fire resistant.”
• If an artificial tree comes with lights installed, look for the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal of approval to indicate that the proper wiring was used.

Lighting Safety

Holiday lights not only present a fire hazard but can also pose the risk of electric shock. Keep these tips in mind when buying and putting up lights:

• Select only lights that have been tested by a reputable testing lab (such as UL approved) to be sure they conform to safety standards.
• Keep in mind that even approved lights can become unsafe if they are used improperly or have been damaged.
• Check each strand for broken bulbs, cracked sockets or frayed wires. If damage is apparent, discard the lights.
• Always unplug lights when replacing bulbs.
• Do not link more than three strands of lights unless the instructions indicate it’s safe.
• Make sure extension cords are rated for the amount of load they will carry. Cords and light wires should not be warm to the touch.
• Don’t run cords under rugs or across open floors or doorways.
• Keep pets and small children away from cords and lights.
• Connect lights to a circuit that is protected with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI), or use a cord or plug that has GFCI protection built into it.
• Avoid using metal fasteners (like nails or tacks) to secure outdoor lights. Instead use plastic clips, hooks, or insulated cable staples available at home centers and hardware stores.
• Be sure that lighting used outside is recommended for outdoor use.
• Turn off all lights before leaving home or going to bed. If a timer is used to turn lights off, make sure it is set correctly and working properly.

Decorating Fireplaces and Mantels

While fireplaces and mantels are often used for holiday decorations, it’s important to make sure you take proper precautions to prevent fire:

• Don’t leave lit fireplaces unattended, regardless of the time of year.
• Stockings and other combustible decorations, such as pine garlands, can present a serious fire hazard when a fireplace is being use, so be sure to remove them before starting a fire in the fireplace.
• Resist the urge to burn wrapping paper or pine boughs in the fireplace as their floating embers can escape your chimney and could ignite your roof or a neighboring roof.

Candle Safety

Candles can add a cozy touch to your home during the holidays, but they should be used with caution:

• Make sure candles are firmly secured in sturdy, non-combustible holders that will not tip over.
• Keep candles well away from flammable decorations, especially pine garlands and other dry, natural arrangements.
• Don’t leave lit candles unattended.
• Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
• Check lit candles frequently to make sure they haven’t burned down too far.
• Do not use lit candles on or near Christmas trees.

Ladder Safely

Be sure to follow these precautions when using ladders to hang decorations:

• When using a stepladder, make sure all four legs are firmly on the ground, and don’t stand on the top step or on top of the stepladder.
• Position an extension ladder at a 75° angle or a 1 to 4 ratio of horizontal distance to vertical height of the ladder (1’ out for every 4’ in height).
• Use ladder pads on the end of extension ladders to prevent slipping.
• Use a non conductive fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with electricity.
• Don’t attempt to hang lights outside or go on the roof after dark.
• Unplug lights and other electrical decorations when installing.
• Do not hang lights in the vicinity of power lines.
• Do not attempt to throw strings of lights into trees located near power lines.

Fire Safety

Fires result in 3,000 fatalities and 16,000 injuries a year, and are more prevalent around the holidays To increase your odds of preventing a fire and escaping safely, be sure your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, a fully charged fire extinguisher, and an escape ladder handy for two-story homes. Also, remember to have your fireplace and chimney inspected regularly and cleaned as needed.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level and area of your home:

• Locate smoke alarms near or on the ceiling and away from corners in all major rooms of the house.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors in bedrooms and rooms with wood or gas fired appliances.
• Test alarms monthly and replace batteries at least once a year.
• Clean your alarms periodically by vacuuming out any dust that has accumulated or blowing it out using canned air.
• Sensors on smoke detectors can fail over time, so replace alarms after ten years of use.

Fire Extinguishers

Purchase one or more multipurpose (ABC) dry chemical fire extinguishers for your home. They can be used on all three types of fires: combustible materials (wood, cloth, paper), flammable liquids (oil, gasoline, grease), and electrical fires. Be sure to keep one handy in the kitchen where you can easily find it when you need it, since kitchen fires are some of the most common.

When using a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:

• Pull pin
• Aim at base of flame
• Squeeze handle
• Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire

Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and happy holiday season this year.

Now’s the Time to Check Coverage Before Winter Storms Begin

Now’s the Time to Check Coverage Before Winter Storms Begin

TOPEKA — The calendar shows we are heading toward the time of year when brisk winds, blowing snow and colder temperatures will become the norm. Although the comparatively nice weather has provided many of us with a true autumn, I’m urging people to check their homeowners’ and vehicle insurance policies now to be sure they are protected as we head into the winter season.

The first step I would encourage is to check with your local insurance agents about what’s covered in your policies. Overall, homeowners and vehicle policies provide basic protection, but some policies provide a broader range of coverages than others. It’s best to know what your individual policy contains.

Consumers should review these points about their insurance:  

• Most homeowners’ policies include coverage for wind, blowing snow and the weight of ice, snow and sleet on the structure.
• Damage to homes caused by falling objects such as trees is covered under most policies. However, the cost to remove limbs is usually not covered unless the tree first damages the structure.
• Water damage to a structure or its contents is usually excluded under most property insurance contracts. Check with your local insurance agent to be sure.
• Some policies may provide coverage from frozen pipes, as long as the damage is not a result of the homeowner’s failure to keep the home adequately heated.
• Many policies don’t include coverage for water that backs up from drains or sewers. That protection can be added to a policy by purchasing additional coverage or a rider.
• Flood damage from snow and ice melt is almost always excluded by homeowners’ policies. Flood-related policies can be obtained through the National Flood Insurance Program. Your local agent can provide details and make recommendations on what’s right for you.
• Vehicle coverage for winter-related accidents involving snow removal could be covered through collision coverage. Check with your agent for details.
• There are a couple of things to know if you lose power. First, if a fallen tree is to blame for the power outage, you may be covered by your homeowner’s policy. Second, regarding food spoiling in your refrigerator or freezer, a homeowners or renters policy often allows for compensation for food losses, but only up to a certain (usually fairly low dollar) amount. If your deductible is equal to or greater than this amount, unless you have other losses, you probably can’t claim just the loss of the food.
• Finally, hail damage can occur during the winter months as well. I encourage you to talk to your agent about vehicle and homeowners policies for hail coverage.

When you contact your agent, you should have a copy of your policy or insurance card handy. If you’ve put together a winter storm preparation kit, you might want to keep a copy there.

Before the weather outside gets frightful, take some time to make sure your insurance coverage will help keep the winter blues at bay.