Speed Cleaning Military Style

Room Cleaning procedures Video

With A little down time and a job to do, the Military demonstrate room cleaning procedures in action… In, clean and out! Enjoy

Cleaning Headstone Memorial Markers

Cleaning headstone and memorial markers isn’t often a subject highly talked about, however it is something that you might need to take care of.

As headstones can be made of different materials and require special consideration in cleaning and maintenance, it’s perhaps best left up to the professionals that specialize in the cleaning and maintenance. For further reading:

The website Memorials.com has an interesting article on the dos and don’t of cleaning.

Also the website Everlife Memorials has cleaning information and preservation.

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Car Cleaning Tips: How To Clean Your Car Like A Pro

Almost every person who owns a car nowadays uses an expert to clean them. A simple trip to your local car wash will have the outside of your car looking fabulous. However there may be times that one cannot afford a cleaning service, so I’ve put together some car cleaning tips that will make your car look as if it’s been done professionally.

Wash in the early morning or late evening

The professionals advise that your car be washed early in the morning or late in the evenings to keep from having water spots. These spots happen when you wash your car during the heat of the day when the sun it so strong. If you have to wash during the hot hours of mid day try and find a shady place to do this.

Start at the top and work your way down

I recommend starting at the roof and working your way down to the tires. Naturally the lower half of your car is what captures the most dirt, rocks and other road grime. Also by starting at the top of your car and working down you will avoid getting scratches on your car from the debris picked up from the roads.

Step by Step Car Cleaning Tips

Use a garden hose when washing at home.
Rinse your car from top to bottom, setting the hose on the highest pressure level to help remove the dirt and grit.
While your car is soaking with the water on it now would be a good time to start on the inside of your car.
Remove any soda cans or bottles, papers and any big items in the floor board or interior. Remove the floor mats so that these can be vacuumed and then start vacuuming the interior of the car.

Use a wet or damp cloth to wipe down the dashboard, console and other plastic areas inside the car.
Wash the carpets and any upholstery stains with products designed for this from your local car care dealership or store.

Now it’s time to go back to washing the outside of your car. Rinse the car one more time, then with a soft cloth or sponge gently wipe the car (starting with the cleanest part first) removing all particles of dirt and grime.

Using a bucket of clean water pre-wash your car with a mild detergent or car shampoo.
Now for the main wash you need a slightly bit of a deeper scrub. Not enough to cause any damage to your cars paint, going in a back and forth motion instead of swirls.

After you have washed the entire painted part of your car let’s move on to the tires and wheels. For this I recommend using a brush.
After scrubbing the tires and wheels then move to the front of your cars grill. Here you may want to use a sponge that is covered with netting so as not to scratch your paint.
You can also try a making a paste of baking soda and water, on a damped net sponge to gently clean those mags!

After your completely done washing the car as well as tires and wheels then you need to give your car a final rinse with clean water.

For cleaning the glass I would use mild liquid soap and water. A recipe given to me from High Class auto cleaning uses a mixture of:

half rubbing alcohol
half pine sol
Squirt on clean cotton rag and clean windows.
They also recommended never using any ammonia or vinegar based products on window as it will damage the tinting

Once washed, dry quickly to avoid any streaks, leaving clean shiny glass behind.

Once your car is completely dry. Dry in a back and forth motion as opposued to swirling and it won’t show up as much in the sun!

It’s time now to polish. You can pick up a jar or can of car polish from your local car care store for this as well. Rub the car polish on in back and forth rubbing motion, once again instead of swirls and buff off.

You will now have a shiny glossy finish and your car will look new once again. Your now well on your way to cleaning your car like a pro!

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Tips On How To Clean Tile Grout

When you’re are cleaning tiles it is not that hard, it is the grout though that makes it difficult. Sometimes no matter how hard your scrubbing, you just can’t seem to get it clean. So I’ve put together a few tips to make it somewhat easier for you.

The grout that lines your tiles is there to protect the sides of the tiles and keep it from becoming damaged in any way. Grout is the plaster used to fill in the cracks in between your tiles to hold them in place. Tile grouts normally located in the kitchen and baths are usually the hardest to keep clean. It’s because they gather dirt, mold, mildew, soap scum, grease, etc. By having a regular scheduled time for cleaning tile will help you to avoid the more difficult work.

If you know how to clean the tile effectively this will help you greatly. There are some general rules for cleaning grout:

First off, simply wash the grout with water to remove any surface dirt and then let dry. I do not recommend using a bleach cleaner on colored grout as it will cause discoloration. It’s best to use simple bleach on any colored tile to avoid fading and discoloration.
To scrub the grout use a stiff bristled brush. A toothbrush would really be to soft and a wire brush would cause damage.
Remember safety first and make sure the room you are working in is well ventilated. Especially with chemicals such as bleach to avoid becoming sick from the fumes.
As well, wear protective eye wear and even some gloves. Sample on a small area first to see how well it will work and whether it will cause damage.
Remember NOT to mix contents of chemicals with other type chemicals.

Eco friendly grout cleaning

When learning how to clean your grout you may already have some cleaners in your cabinets at home. A simple solution of baking soda and water mixed together to make a paste often works well. This cleaning solution would need to be left on the surface for awhile to work. After leaving it a bit then scrub the grout with your brush and it should easily be removed.

Method for white grout only

Another application you can use is that of equal parts water and bleach. Remember, this is only for white grouting. Mix your solution together, spray directly onto grout and watch the mold and mildew disappear. If you do this at regular times about once a week this will help to keep the grout clean.

Hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar

Many people prefer using hydrogen peroxide to clean their tile grout. Just spray this one the area then scrub it and the molds and dirt will be dissolved.
By using the hydrogen peroxide your not only cleaning but disinfecting as well.
You can also get the same results from using white vinegar.
Pour or spray this onto your grout, scrub and rinse away.
Always remember that however you decide to clean or what cleaner your going to be using, that once your finished rinsing always rub the grout dry.
Vinegar is a economical and safe cleanser to use.

If you do insist on some sort of commercial cleaner that would also work well too. However do remember to read the directions carefully as working with anything other than what I have listed could contain harsh chemicals and you want to avoid any dangers. Especially if you have young children or babies.

Now that you know how to properly clean your grout you no longer have to hire professionals to do the job for you. Just remember scheduled routine cleaning is best to avoid a build up of any kind and keeps you from having to do many hours of extra cleaning on your hands and knees.

Seal your grout!

This is something often you might not think about, but sealing your grout yearly is a great way to protect it. For types of sealers to use, best to check with your local hardware store, and seek knowledgeable help.

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Cleaning With Baking Soda

Cleaning with Baking Soda Video

Baking Soda is one Green cleaning product that can be used many different ways to get your home clean! In the video is 16 tips to clean using baking soda.

How to make your own flash video

Disclaimer: compensated affiliate

House Cleaning Speed Tips

Bathroom

keep a container of wipes (disinfectant) in every bathroom, each night wipe down your counters, toilet and sink. This way your bathroom will be disinfected and the surfaces clean.
Use your cleaning products to spray down the tub, shower, counter and toilet, while as you are emptying the garbage container and hanging fresh towels. Then return and wipe everything down.
Use a dirty bath towel as your bath floor mat while you clean the shower, keeping the floor from getting slick, after wards place it in the laundry room.
Keep a squeegee in your shower(s) and use this to wipe down the shower doors and shower walls after each shower.
Kill two birds with one stone! If you have younger children that require your presence while they bathe then take advantage of this. Use this time to clean the toilet, mirrors and sink.
Keep any of your combs, hair accessories and brushes in pretty little baskets or in drawers.
To keep your counter tops uncluttered try storing your curling irons, hair accessories and blow dryer in the cabinet drawers or baskets uncluttering the counter.

Kitchen

To keep your kitchen sparkling clean then try using baking soda or peroxide. This will also keep your counters sanitary.
Before going to bed each night take a few minutes to use your soapy dish cloth to quickly wipe up the floor in your kitchen. After wards place the cloth into the laundry.

Try not to let your dishes stack up during the day. Wash them after each meal and put them away. If you have a dishwasher then load it after every meal, even if you are not running it then.
If you have pets in your house then I suggest vacuuming up the pet hair. Sweeping will only scatter it in other places.
To avoid a “foul smelling” kitchen then be sure and rinse your dish cloth out each time you use it. Also hang it up to dry somewhere. It is also a very good idea to change it to a clean one at least every day.
If you have a dishwasher it is a good idea to wash your sponges or pot scrubbers in it each time you run it.

Nightly Clean Up

To make your mornings much nicer to wake up to then before going to bed at night make sure all of your dishes are washed and put away, counter tops are wiped down and free from stacks of clutter.
Also before going to bed make sure the bathroom has everything put away. Wipe the counter tops, sink and toilet down with your disinfectant wipes and hang up clean towels.
While locking up your doors at night take a laundry basket and do a walk through. Pick up anything that is scattered around the house and place back where it belongs. Things such as: clothes, toys and shoes.

Quick Tips

Would you like to surprise yourself? Set your kitchen timer for 15 minutes and see just how much cleaning you can get done during this time.
I’ve learned that cleaning for shorter lengths of time makes the task seem that much shorter. If you are wanting to clean longer then to make yourself in a better mood about it put on a headset and listen to a book or CD of your favourite music.
Keep a container or bucket in each room stocked with your cleaning supplies. This works especially well for bathrooms and kitchens.
Tackle one room at a time. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom. This way you will be sure not to miss anything.
Keep plastic grocery bags close to your litter boxes if you have pets. As well as the scooper for picking up the litter. By having them handy it won’t take as much time to clean.
When emptying out your garbage cans place new bags in the bottom of each. Then the next time you are changing out there is a new bag waiting.
To get into those little nooks and crannies that requires cleaning then keep a supply of cotton swabs in with your cleaning supplies.
During the day as you are walking from room to room put things away. This saves you a lot of time later. Better yet teach your family to put things away they have gotten out.
Do two tasks at once. While running your laundry also run your dishwasher.
As your cooking a meal put each item when you are finished with them away. Such items as any ingredients you are using. As well wash down your pans and put those away when finished with them. It will make cleaning up after everyone has eaten so much faster.

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Car Cleaning Tips

Once you’ve ever thoroughly cleaned your car from top to bottom you realize this could become a habit. Many times once you start then you don’t stop until it looks showroom ready. That usually takes many hours to achieve. I’ve put together this article to help you with some of the best car cleaning tips I could find.

Always start with the exterior of your car. There is simply no need to go out and purchase any fancy car shampoos as plain liquid soap diluted with water will give you the same amount of clean. It removes the dirt and road grime just as well as the more expensive cleaners will. One thing you do need to keep in mind is that you should always wash your car (if possible) in a shaded area so that the when rinsed it doesn’t dry so fast that it makes water stains.

First off, give your car a good pre-rinse with your water hose to remove the loose dirt and grime.
Mix your soap and water in a bucket and using a sponge or car wash mitt then start washing the car from the top of the roof to the bottom down and including the tires.
This keeps you from washing the dirtiest part of your car first (the tires and wheels) and then going up, so as to prevent any scratching caused from debris such as pebbles.
It is also a really good idea to use one mitt for the tires and wheels and even the bugs on the grill and then using a different car wash mitt for the remainder of your car.
As well as changing and using clean soapy water as you go.

It’s also a good idea to wash in lines versus going in a circular motion.
Take one section of your car at a time.
Start with the roof, wash and scrub and then rinse.

Then take the hood of your car and do the same working towards the back.
Save the tires, wheels and grill for last.

After you have washed the entire car and rinsed it in sections then after you are done give it one final rinse from top to bottom once more. Next dry your car as quickly as possible to prevent any water stains from appearing.

Use a shamois for this and again, remember to dry in lines not circular motions. Lines will be less likely to show in the sunlight than circular motions will.

Next let’s talk about car cleaning tips for the inside of your car’s interior. As you know this is as important as the exterior so be aware of what you are doing.

Always check your owners manual for any type of restrictions for cleaning specific parts. You had rather be sure now about what is safe to clean as find you made an awful mistake later on.

After getting your vacuum ready also get together a few things for cleaning the interior such as:

toothbrush or small paint brush or even Q-tips for those hard to reach places.

It is a good idea to clean more on the sections or parts of the car that you use or touch the most.
Places such as the seat belt, driver’s door and handle, steering wheel and your shifter.

In order to protect the car’s fabric you can use a little bit of mild laundry soap mixed with water. A wonderful way to eliminate any car odors is to use vinegar, it’s much more economical and works great.

For the other parts of the interior here are a few cleaning tips that you should pay attention to. There are several types of cleaners for making your dashboard clean and shiny. The choice on this is strictly up to you. For cleaning your cars interior upholstery I highly recommend using shampoo. This shampoo can also be used for vinyl coverings, and soft tops as well. It works on any standard type seating covering.

If you car has a leather interior I would use the better leather sprays to prolong the life of the car’s leather.

Using your household vacuum cleaner works just as well as those that are made specifically for cars. The only difference would be the car vacs are much more light weight and portable. However, if you house vacuum comes with attachments that should make it easier to get to those hard to reach places in your car’s interior.

In order to keep your car looking good inside as well as out this can be a very tiresome job, but if done regularly this will keep it from taking so long. It will make this chore to be more efficient and less time consuming a chore, With the help of these simple car cleaning tips.

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Pet Odor Removal Tips

Lingering pet odors, can be a big turn off and challenging to keep on top off. If you start the clean up as soon as the pet messes it’s a lot easier, however we might not have been present and find the dirty deed long after the fact.

Here are some tips to eliminate pet odors:

Carpeting

You need to locate the exact specific spots and this often is difficult to do.

Try turning off the lights and darkening the room and using a black light. A black light will illuminate the spots.

Upon locating all the spots, now is the time to clean your carpet! Rent or use a water-extraction machine or a shampoo carpet machine and do not use any cleaners or chemicals. Use cool water. Steam cleaning for non-urine pet orders can be effective.

When your carpet is clean use a enzyme-based odor neutralizer and give it a light coating. Enzyme cleaners are available at vet’s offices and pet stores.

These enzymes contain bacteria that break down the proteins of the offending odor and permanently eliminating them and also help with stain removal. Then put baking soda over and let sit for the next eight hours and vacuum up. If after 24 hours, you still smell any remaining odor repeat the process.

Keep in mind however, if you have under-pad, it may have absorbed the odor and also needs to be treated.
The key is, where ever the urine has touched or soaked into will need to be cleaned. If it is a severe case,you might need to replace your carpeting.

Doing a regular upkeep, sprinkling baking soda on your carpet and letting it sit for a while before you vacuum can really help freshen up a room. For a deep clean, however, use a steam cleaning company.

Wood floors

Wipe and clean up the area and scrub it down with white vinegar to remove the stain and smell. Rinse the area with warm water and blot it dry. Dry it completely to avoid water damage; leaving liquid on the floor can warp the wood. Finally, dust the area with a specialized odor remover that contains enzymes to help offset future occurrences.

Older pet stains on wooden floors will probably need to be sanded down the wood to find out how deep the odors go. If the damage is severe you may need to replace part or all of the flooring.

Upholstered Furniture

Clean up the mess with a white rag or paper towels. Then dab on a solution of ¼ tsp mild laundry detergent to 1 cup warm water. Repeat this step until there is no coloration coming off onto the rag or paper towel.
Next, coat the area with a solution of 2 tbsp ammonia to 1 cup of water. Rinse this away with warm water.
Repeat this step and blot dry. Blot the area with a solution of 1 cup white vinegar to 2 cups of water and rinse. Cover the area with a few layers of paper towels and place a weight on top.
Change the towels out regularly until dry.

This method may also be used on carpeting but remember to scrub lightly!
Hard scrubbing forces the odors further into the carpet fibers which is exactly what you don’t want.
Saturation, soaking, and LIGHT scrubbing, is the most effective way to get rid of pet stains in your carpet.

Feces on carpeting or furniture

Pick up feces and discard. Blot the affected area with an ammonia solution (see above) and let it sit for a few minutes. Blot out excess solution and repeat this until the stain is gone. Rinse the area with cold water and blot until dry.

Always test products on a inconspicuous area first

Home Cleaning Tips

Good old fashioned hands on techniques and consistent follow through is often required when home cleaning needs to be done. If you make it a bit of fun when following through, the little things can surprisingly add up in savings of time and shining through with a clean result. Here are 12 tips to save time and have a little fun:

1. See how many rooms you can get clean in 15 minutes by setting a timer, it just might surprise you!

2. Cleaning for shorter periods of time makes it seem much easier and smaller. If you’re in the mood to clean for longer then put on a musical CD or talking book and time will go faster. You might actually find yourself waiting till the CD is over before stopping!

3. Stock all your cleaning supplies in one carry bucket.

4. When you are cleaning windows wipe up and down for the outside and side to side for the inside. It’s an easy way and fast way to figure out which side the streaks are on and take care of them.

5. When cleaning an entire room, so you will not miss anything, start at the top and work your way to the bottom.

6. Have recyclable bags and scooper located near litter boxes, to make it faster and easier to clean.

7. The next time you empty your trash place clean garbage bags in the bottom of each. This way it will make emptying them each time faster.

8. An extension cord goes along way, and attach one to the your vacuum, and you will not have to unplug it as often or relocate to a closer plug.

9. Keep a small supply of cotton swabs and a toothbrush in your cleaning supplies bucket to get those little nooks that are hard to reach clean.

10. Put things away as you go, really is one of the best ways to prevent lots of messes. Teach others living with you to clean up after themselves.

11. Multi-task whenever you can. Cooking something in the microwave throw in a load of laundry. Or while the dishwasher is running then throw a load of laundry in the washer at the same time.

12. When you are cooking it is also a great idea that you clean as you cook. Wash your pots and pans when you are finished with them, making the clean up after dinner a breeze.

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Learning How To Clean Grout

One of the household tasks often overlooked is taking the time to clean grout. When the mold, mildew and dirt has attached itself to the grout it’s extremely difficult to clean.

The areas in your home that it seems to be the worst is generally the bathrooms and kitchens. Grout stains are caused by mold and mildew in bathrooms and normally caused from grime such as food and grease in kitchens.

Using Green cleaning choices first

The best way to start cleaning grout is using the simplest methods first and then if that doesn’t work moving on to stronger chemical methods.

First try using non toxic cleaning products, the things you normally find around your house. If these do not work then you might have to purchase something else.
Some of the most economical cleaners you can find at home are baking soda and vinegars. Simple mix a cup of water and a cup of vinegar together or even make a paste of baking soda and water.

Spray or rub this cleaner on the area that requires cleaning and use a stiff brush. Brush the area using small circular motions to remove the gunk.
Rinse well and then dry to make sure you’ve gotten all the remaining moisture.

Make sure stronger chemicals won’t erode away your grout

Liquid and powder cleaners that are mild commercial types may also be used as well. These can be purchased from your local cleaning supply stores or from hardware stores. It’s good to make sure before purchasing cleaners, that they will not erode away your grout.

For heavier stains you may want to use chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, or hydrogen peroxide because these cleaners are much stronger. Remember to dilute these as well with water before using and NEVER mix them together. Please remember that these products contain higher chemical compounds and could be dangerous so use with caution. Remember to always test an inconspicuous area first!!

Making it a habit

The easiest way in which to keep it clean is simply to make it a regular habit. By scheduling time a few times a month (mark your calendar if necessary) for cleaning so that no build up of mildew, mold or grease occurs. If you “stay on top of it” you’ll find it a lot easier to clean grout.

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Room Cleaning procedures Video

Wash in the early morning or late evening

Start at the top and work your way down

Step by Step Car Cleaning Tips

Eco friendly grout cleaning

Method for white grout only

Hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar

Seal your grout!

Cleaning with Baking Soda Video

How to make your own flash video

House Cleaning Speed Tips

Bathroom

keep a container of wipes (disinfectant) in every bathroom, each night wipe down your counters, toilet and sink. This way your bathroom will be disinfected and the surfaces clean.

Use your cleaning products to spray down the tub, shower, counter and toilet, while as you are emptying the garbage container and hanging fresh towels. Then return and wipe everything down.

Use a dirty bath towel as your bath floor mat while you clean the shower, keeping the floor from getting slick, after wards place it in the laundry room.

Keep a squeegee in your shower(s) and use this to wipe down the shower doors and shower walls after each shower.

Kill two birds with one stone! If you have younger children that require your presence while they bathe then take advantage of this. Use this time to clean the toilet, mirrors and sink.

Keep any of your combs, hair accessories and brushes in pretty little baskets or in drawers.

To keep your counter tops uncluttered try storing your curling irons, hair accessories and blow dryer in the cabinet drawers or baskets uncluttering the counter.

Kitchen

To keep your kitchen sparkling clean then try using baking soda or peroxide. This will also keep your counters sanitary.

Before going to bed each night take a few minutes to use your soapy dish cloth to quickly wipe up the floor in your kitchen. After wards place the cloth into the laundry.

Try not to let your dishes stack up during the day. Wash them after each meal and put them away. If you have a dishwasher then load it after every meal, even if you are not running it then.

If you have pets in your house then I suggest vacuuming up the pet hair. Sweeping will only scatter it in other places.

To avoid a “foul smelling” kitchen then be sure and rinse your dish cloth out each time you use it. Also hang it up to dry somewhere. It is also a very good idea to change it to a clean one at least every day.

If you have a dishwasher it is a good idea to wash your sponges or pot scrubbers in it each time you run it.

Nightly Clean Up

To make your mornings much nicer to wake up to then before going to bed at night make sure all of your dishes are washed and put away, counter tops are wiped down and free from stacks of clutter.

Also before going to bed make sure the bathroom has everything put away. Wipe the counter tops, sink and toilet down with your disinfectant wipes and hang up clean towels.

While locking up your doors at night take a laundry basket and do a walk through. Pick up anything that is scattered around the house and place back where it belongs. Things such as: clothes, toys and shoes.

Quick Tips

Would you like to surprise yourself? Set your kitchen timer for 15 minutes and see just how much cleaning you can get done during this time.

I’ve learned that cleaning for shorter lengths of time makes the task seem that much shorter. If you are wanting to clean longer then to make yourself in a better mood about it put on a headset and listen to a book or CD of your favourite music.

Keep a container or bucket in each room stocked with your cleaning supplies. This works especially well for bathrooms and kitchens.

Tackle one room at a time. Start at the top and work your way to the bottom. This way you will be sure not to miss anything.

Keep plastic grocery bags close to your litter boxes if you have pets. As well as the scooper for picking up the litter. By having them handy it won’t take as much time to clean.

When emptying out your garbage cans place new bags in the bottom of each. Then the next time you are changing out there is a new bag waiting.

To get into those little nooks and crannies that requires cleaning then keep a supply of cotton swabs in with your cleaning supplies.

During the day as you are walking from room to room put things away. This saves you a lot of time later. Better yet teach your family to put things away they have gotten out.

Do two tasks at once. While running your laundry also run your dishwasher.

As your cooking a meal put each item when you are finished with them away. Such items as any ingredients you are using. As well wash down your pans and put those away when finished with them. It will make cleaning up after everyone has eaten so much faster.

Carpeting

Wood floors

Upholstered Furniture

Feces on carpeting or furniture

Always test products on a inconspicuous area first

Using Green cleaning choices first

Make sure stronger chemicals won’t erode away your grout

Making it a habit

Speed Cleaning Details Mini Course

Speed Cleaning Articles