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cleaning tips

How to Protect Your Pretty Nails When Cleaning

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I love to get my nails done at the salon or to do them at home using press on nail kits. My favorite thing is a pretty french manicure. But the problem with using at-home nail kits is that when you wash your hands, wash the dishes, or take a shower, the nail glue starts to loosen and the nails eventually fall off. The kit I buy (shown to the right) lasts for about a week before the nails start popping off one by one, which can be an embarrassing situation in public! So what can be done to protect your pretty nails when you’re cleaning or washing up?

Here are a few ideas I found when browsing Amazon that might work for your nails:

Nail Protector Clips

There are a variety of products on the market that allow you to put your fingers inside of clips so that you can soak off nail polish or gel nails. These Plastic Nail Art Soak Off Clip Caps look like they would help shield your nails from excess water when showering. It might be a little awkward using your hands while wearing these, but if they can lengthen the time my nails will stay pretty, I’ll give them a try. Here is another even more affordable nail clip cover option you might want to try.

Rubber Finger Gloves

When you use regular gloves, it causes your hands to shrivel up and water sometimes gets trapped under the sleeve, which defeats the purpose. These rubber finger gloves snugly fit over each finger to protect them when you’re cleaning up around the house. When you’re finished with them, just toss them in the trash.

Finger Guards

These Finger Guards are normally used for sewing and crafting, but they look like they would also do a good job of protecting your french manicure, gel nails or press-on nails while you’re cleaning up around the house. They have a snug fit and a good grip. They are inexpensive at around $3 each, but there are only 3 per pack, so you’d have to order at least 4 to cover all of your nails.

Long Waterproof Cleaning Gloves

Long Cleaning Gloves for Women

Another possible solution to protect your pretty nails when cleaning is to get a pair of long waterproof cleaning gloves. These gloves are extra long so that they almost fit over your elbows. That way you won’t have to worry about water getting inside of the glove when you’re washing the dishes. You could also just use a regular pair of rubber gloves and secure it at the bottom with a rubber band (be careful not to put it on too tight).

I hope these simple, inexpensive products will help you keep your nails pretty for weeks!

Posted by Jade

Images courtesy Amazon

Spring Cleaning Ideas and Motivation

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When the somber days of winter finally vanish and spring has sprung, it’s the perfect time to start taking on simple projects that won’t break your bank and improve your home. Here are some ideas to get you motivated to do some spring cleaning.

Open Up the Windows

Let the fresh air in.  Nothing will get you more in the mood to clean than smelling the fresh air from outside coming into your home. Play a little of your favorite motivational music or an audiobook to get your energy flowing.

Dust First

Plenty of dust has likely accumulated in your house throughout the cold winter season. Grab a dust buster or Swiffer and dust off your shelves, lamps and knick knacks to start.

The Floors

Your floors are your foundation, so that’s the next detail to take care of. Vacuum and mop all of the floors in your home. This is also a great time of year to rent a rug shampooer from your local supermarket and shampoo all carpets throughout your house.

Linens

Changing the curtains and bed linens in all rooms will rejuvenate the appearance in your home.  Remove the dark winter colors and replace them with the cheerful colors of spring, such as vibrant yellows, oranges and shades of pink.  You may find it easier to purchase a duvet that incorporates all of the colors of spring to cheer up your bedroom. You may also want to add bright and colorful throw pillows on the bed and the sofa in your living room to add springtime pops of color.

Flower Time

Adorn your home with planted flowers or flowers in vases to bring in the spring season.  Remember that some flowers need full daylight, near a window while others can be placed wherever you like.  Try a potted sunflower in the kitchen so that every time you go in for breakfast you’re met with its beauty and fresh scent.  Place flowers on the coffee table and end tables in your living room.  Make sure to choose flowers that blend well with your color scheme.

Your Front Door or Porch

Remember to do some spring cleaning on the outdoors as well. Sweep your stoop or porch thoroughly. Wash your front and back windows. The front porch is a great place to hang ferns to beautify your entrance. They will make your entrance more welcoming to you and your guests. If you are an apartment dweller, you can make a lovely floral wreath to hang on your front door.

When you hear the birds chirping and begin to smell the fresh scents of spring, you’ll probably get all the motivation you need for spring cleaning. Start with these simple ideas and add additional projects to your list as you go along.

Posted by Eve

 

Image courtesy Flickr (pattynwalter)

How to Clean & Freshen Your Carpet Naturally Without a Rug Shampooer

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If you have pets or just prefer natural solutions, you probably want a non-toxic cleaner for your carpets. Many people don’t understand the effects that harsh chemicals can have on your indoor air quality and overall environment. Thankfully, there are a plethora of products available that are made with all natural ingredients and are safe for both humans and pets. Here are a few of the best products to safely clean and freshen your carpet naturally without having to use a rug shampooer.
 
 

Eco-Me Carpet Freshener

 
Sometimes you just want a product that you can shake over the carpet to freshen and clean, then vacuum. This Eco-me carpet freshener is made with 100% all natural products and is safe for pets as well as humans.  The blend of citrus and sage provides a pleasing, calming scent to add to the air in your home.
 
 
 

 

Out! Stain and Odor Remover

 
Out! Stain and Odor Remover is a popular and highly rated product that you’re definitely going to want to have on hand if you have a pet that sprays or has accidents on your carpet or upholstery. Just spray the area liberally, and the smell seems to evaporate. It’s made with a natural beneficial bacterial enzyme formula that attacks the pet odor and freshens the area in the process. You could also spray your carpets with it every week for a quick cleaning/freshening before you vacuum.
 
 
 

 

Tweetmint All Purpose Non-Toxic Disinfecting Enzyme Cleaner

 
A lot of people like Tweetmint cleaner because it can be used to both clean carpets and eliminate pests, like spiders and ants. It can also be used for cleaning more than just carpets in your home. It comes in a concentrated bottle, so while it’s a bit costly, it will last for months. Just add a few capfuls to your spray bottle and add a few coats to your carpet.
 

 

 

Simply Green Naturals Cleaner

Natural CleanerThis product comes in a convenient spray bottle.  It is also made from 100% naturally sourced ingredients. Simple Green Naturals Carpet Cleaner a spot-cleaner, so this product will work for you if you have children or pets that soil your carpets.

 
 
 
 
Remember why you chose carpets for your home: so that your family and pets can feel comfortable playing, sitting or even laying on the floor. These products will help you to clean and freshen your carpet naturally and eliminate the need to rent an expensive rug shampooer.
 
Posted by Eve
Image courtesy Flickr; advaits

How To Make Cleaning Ceiling Fans Quick & Easy

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Most of us have ceiling fans in our home, but rarely pay them any mind. If you have ever attempted to clean the fan blades after a long while, you’ll soon realize that it can be very time consuming. So, I have found a way to make cleaning ceiling fans quick and easy.

Ceiling Fan Photo Credit: Flickr; https://www.flickr.com/photos/ubidesperarenescio/2247632650
Cleaning ceiling fans made easy.

Instructions:
– Fill a bowl 1/2 way with warm water
– Add three drops of dish detergent to the bowl
– Dip a clean cloth into the bowl
– Squeeze excess water out of cloth ( cloth should be damp ) – Clean the blades on both top & bottom
– Allow blades to dry
– Discard dirty water

Next…
– Take a dry clean cloth
– Generously spray the cloth with the furniture polish
– Wipe the blades with the cloth on top and bottom ( reapply furniture polish often )

By applying furniture polish to the blades will prevent the dust from sticking to the blades. Therefore, cleaning ceiling fans is as easy as a quick wipe to remove the dust!!!

Posted by Eve

Spring Cleaning Tips

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Spring cleaning your home allows you to give your home a fresh, clean, rejuvenated appearance. Here are a few tips to accomplish this goal.

Wash All Of Your Curtains
Curtains hold household dust, sometimes not seen by the naked eye. Curtains, also can absorb the every day cooking and pet odors, especially during the winter months because you tend not to air our your house as much, due to the cold temperatures.

To assist in adding a fresh scent to your home, purchase your favorite fabric softener to add to your rinse. When curtains are then rehung in the home, your home will be filled with your most pleasurable scent. Keep in mind the manufactures instructions on how to properly wash your individual curtains. Personally, in my home, I add a touch more fabric softener to the rinse, put my curtains through the spin cycle twice ( to eliminate excess moisture) and rehang my curtains damp on a bright and sunny day with all possibles windows open to aid in the air drying process.

Clean Your Carpets And Flooring
Trust me when I say, floors and carpets are full of germs and odors. They really take a beating, especially in the winter because of all of the contaminates brought into the home from outside to manage snow, ice and sleet. More prominent are when pets and children track those contaminates indoors.

I suggest that you purchase or rent a carpet cleaner from your local supermarket. I strongly recommend cleaning your carpets more than once with the proper cleaning solution added. Clean your carpets at least twice or until the water returns to the cleaner with a clear appearance. On the last pass over the carpet, in my home I add a bold scented fabric softener to the water container. I do this to add more fragrance to the clean carpet.

As for your hard surface flooring, I recommend that you first sweep and/ or use a vacuum to remove dirt and sand from the crevices in the floor. Then use a mop and bucket filled with the proper floor cleaning solution and warm water to remove the dirt/grime from the floor. Then allow your floor to fully dry. A tip is to open the main windows in the house to create a breeze to aide in the drying process. After floor is fully dry, wax your floor with the proper waxing solution. This will give your floors a nice, clean shine to the floor’s appearance.

Walls & Baseboards
A lot of dust, pet dander/hair, attaches itself to your walls and baseboards during the winter months. What I am going to suggest may sound like a cruel punishment, but it will really make a difference!!

First, I highly recommend that you dust the baseboards and walls with a microfiber cloth. This is a very important step, because if you do not dust, the dust/ hair will noticeably clump up on the wall or baseboard. The next step is to get a bucket of warm water and add a drop of an all purpose household cleaner to the water. Use a terry cloth to wipe walls and baseboards. However, keep in mind, the type of wall paint finish ( flat, satin, glossy etc… ) that you have, will let you know if an additive can be added.

Happy cleaning!

Posted by: Eve