Published on: 17 August 2020
Last Updated on: 04 November 2024
Are you tired of bugs, insects, or pests in your house? Rather than critically thinking about how to get rid of them once, a bug has entered your home, go on offense to avoid them from entering. Mentioned below are different ways to prevent the bugs from entering the house. However, if the pest problem persists, contact Pointe Pest Control.
Here are things to take care of to keep bugs out of your house:
1. Trim any shrubs or trees that touch your home. This is one way to make sure that bugs don’t enter. Mulch in garden beds can be used as a safe house for bugs. So as opposed to using mulch in regions that touch your foundation, place less appealing ground spread, for example, rocks.
2. Anything that interfaces your home to the outside should be looked at carefully: Windows, vents, funnels, stacks, and rooftop shingles are only a portion of the spots bugs will enter through. Fix whatever makes a potential passage point like torn window screens or damaged doors. On the off chance that you discover open spaces close to channels or vents, use caulk to fill little splits or steel wool for bigger holes.
3. Some portion of what gives bugs a bum rap is that they incline toward messes. Keeping your home clean is the most ideal approach to ward bugs off, particularly the kitchen where scraps and other leftovers lurk. Regular cleaning should be done. What’s more, on days you don’t want to throw the garbage, make sure your dustbins are enclosed and food covered. Cockroaches love the smell of paper and detest light, so get rid of messy things where bugs can assemble, particularly things like piles of magazines, boxes or packs.
4. To lessen flying pests around entryways and windows, supplant mercury vapor lights with high-pressure sodium vapor or halogen lamps. Bulbs that have pink, yellow, or orange colors will be least alluring to the bugs. You should change the area of your light if plausible. While it is entirely expected to put lights on outside walls close to entryways, it is smarter to situate the light farther away from your home on a post. This will keep the vast majority of pests by the shaft. Simply ensure the light reaches the entryway to keep it well-lit for safety purposes.
5. A few bugs, for example, rodents, have a magnificent sense of smell. Furthermore, if there’s an open food compartment someplace in your home, chances are they will focus on it. Store nourishments, for example, oat and saltines, in reusable holders or resealable sacks if the packaging is not sealed. Make sure that you clear out your pantry all the time to dispose of ruined food or different things you don’t want to eat. This will assist with limiting the attraction for any pantry bugs.
These are some of the ways you can use to avoid bugs from even entering your house. You must use these methods before the pests attack instead of finding ways to kill them after they ruin your peace.
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Taking care of your appliances is the key to saving money, time, and effort. The clothes dryer maintenance is among essential major assistants in your household. While it works, you don’t notice it. When it breaks down, you face a disaster.
The life expectancy of an average dryer is about 13 years. However, the majority of these appliances last much less. The reason is the lack of proper operation and maintenance. It’s not enough to plug the unit in and forget about it. If the only thing you do for your dryer is clean the lint filter, your appliance is likely to demand repair in just a few years.
In this article, we’ll share top clothes dryer maintenance tips to keep your dryer working for as long as possible.
Here are the 9 Clothes Dryer Maintenance Tips:
1. Run Full Loads Only
The more you run your dryer the faster it will give out. It’s as easy as that. Since you are unlikely to limit the number of times you do laundry, you can at least add some efficiency to the process.
By ensuring you only run full loads, you don’t just extend the lifespan of your clothes dryer, you save energy as well. Don’t rush to do laundry when you have free time. Wait until a full load is available.
On the other hand, don’t overload the dryer. In the rush to finish laundry quicker, many homeowners overload washers and dryers. As a result, the motor strains, dryer becomes misbalanced and eventually stops functioning.
2. Opt for Professional Installation
With numerous DIY videos overwhelming the Internet, homeowners often opt for DIY appliance installation to save money. Even though installing a dryer may appear straightforward, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
You may not notice the mistakes you make during the process. They’ll become obvious after several uses. By that time, your dryer could already be damaged.
Proper venting is highly important for a clothes dryer. You would need to select the right material and size for the venting tube and install it properly. Meanwhile, you should make sure the appliance is perfectly balanced. It’s especially important if you are placing it on top of the washer.
3. Clean the Dryer Vent
The dryer vent is the most important part of your appliance. It needs regular maintenance. Ideally, you should hire professional technicians to check and clean the vent at least once a year. However, some owners do it on their own.
Cleaning the vent involves disconnecting it from the dryer. After that, you would need to use a long-handled attachment to ensure penetrability. Special dryer vent cleaning brushes exist to remove clogs.
Be careful about reinstalling the duct properly after the cleaning is done. If you fail to do it, the dryer won’t function. Consider hiring professional dryer vent cleaners to avoid mistakes. According to experts from Jacksonville appliance repair services, if ducts aren’t cleaned regularly, the dryer’s motor can burn out leading to costly repairs.
4. Limit the Number of Dryer Sheets
While dryer sheets are an excellent way to keep your clothes static-free and soft, they aren’t harmless. These products have a wax layer that melts when the dryer heats up. If you use too many of them, the wax settles on the appliance’s interior walls and clogs the venting system and the lint trap.
Removing this layer may be tough. No matter how many dryer sheets you use, it’s important to clean your dryer once a week even if you don’t see any dirt inside. Failure to clean the dryer regularly is the top cause of dryer-related fires in households.
5. Clear the Lint Trap
Lint trap is one of the most important parts of your clothes dryer maintenance tips. Cleaning it regularly is the key to the appliance’s longevity. Wipe the lint filter clean after EACH load. Even if you are planning to do two loads in a row, clean the trap between them.
At least once a week, remove the lint screen and vacuum the trap. You can use a brush to loosen the residue.
Every one or two months, remove the lint filter and soak it in warm soapy water for about an hour or so. This can help remove wax, which appears after using dryer sheets and residue that settles after using a fabric softener.
6. Inspect the Appliance Weekly
A visual inspection of the dryer can help prevent damages. Make sure no moisture is trapped around the door seal. If there is any, wipe it off gently. In fact, you can wipe the door after each load is done to prevent mold formation and bacteria growth.
When checking the appliance, pay special attention to the doors seals. If they are cracked, ripped or damaged, the dryer is struggling to maintain the right temperatures. It may be straining the motor and overusing electricity. Replacing door seals is much easier and cheaper than repairing the motor.
7. Listen to it Work
One of the first signs of dryer problems is the change in its operating noise. If you hear that something seems off, turn the appliance off immediately and check what’s happening inside. The reason for the change of sound could be overstuffing dryer with clothing or a sleeve caught up in an improperly installed lint trap.
If everything seems to be in order, but the dryer continues to make strange noises, call professional technicians.
8. Check Exterior Vents
Every month or so inspect the exterior vent of your dryer. While the appliance is working, go outside and check if the air is flowing freely through the vent. If something seems wrong, the pipe may be clogged.
If you have a plastic vent, consider replacing it with a metal one. A plastic vent is a fire hazard.
9. Find a Professional Repair Service
Some clothes dryer maintenance tasks require an expert’s assistance. Spend some time looking for a reliable repair service before anything breaks down. Knowing whom to call in case of an emergency could prevent further damage to your dryer.
Start following the above clothes dryer maintenance tips today, and your dryer will serve you for at least a decade.
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Maintaining a clean and organized workplace is a must for your well-being and productivity. However, it is no secret that office cleaning is a daunting task.
There are so many things you need to consider, not to mention different areas and surfaces require different cleaning methods. Often, different methods require different cleaning equipment and cleaning supplies.
In this entry, we will share with you the best practices and processes that the best commercial cleaning services use in their office cleaning service. Here's a commercial cleaning checklist to keep your workplace spotlessly clean.
The basics of office cleaning services
Before diving into the checklist, it is important that you understand the basic processes of commercial cleaning and how commercial cleaning companies deliver these practices.
Most of these things are pretty self-explanatory. However, there is a reason why professional cleaners from commercial cleaning companies are efficient in their job – they know how to do things right. Knowing these practices will help you understand how to do them right too.
Dusting
Dirt, dust, and allergen particles accumulate quickly. If not removed from the business premises, these particles can get mixed into the indoor air and cause various health problems such as allergies, respiratory problems, headaches, etc.
Commercial cleaning plans for office cleaning often include exhaustive dusting of all surfaces. This includes desks, shelves, electronics, windowsills, etc. A good commercial cleaning company uses microfiber cloth and a feather duster to remove dust effectively and safely.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming is the most efficient way to keep workplaces clean. It removes dirt, dust, and various outdoor debris from carpets, mats, rugs, etc.
The advantage of hiring cleaning services is that a commercial cleaning company has access to industrial-grade and powerful vacuum cleaning machines that can truly and efficiently remove dirt, dust, and various debris.
Nevertheless, when vacuuming your workplace, include cleaning the hard-to-reach areas, such as under the desks, tables, and chairs. Since they are hard to reach, these spots often trap foreign debris.
Mopping
Mopping is the best way to keep hard floors clean and shiny. It removes dirt, dust, and grime buildup from the floor. However, there is more to mopping than simply sliding the mop head back and forth on the surface of the floor.
When mopping the floor, use a cleaning solution that is recommended for the type of floor you have.
To ensure that all areas are covered, you need to mop in a back-and-forth motion.
Trash removal and disposal
No building maintenance will ever be complete without taking the trash out.
When removing trash from your commercial premises, make sure to replace the bin liners as well. And when replacing the liner, make sure you clean the interior of the trash bin.
Commercial cleaning services often include weekly disinfection of the trash bin. This is incredibly important in preventing bacteria buildup and odour in your trash bin.
Disinfecting surfaces
Another crucial aspect of commercial cleaning is surface disinfection. Disinfecting surfaces helps prevent the spread of disease-causing germs and bacteria in the workplace.
When disinfecting your workplace, make sure you use a disinfectant spray or antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces. This includes desks, chairs, tables, countertops, light switches, office appliances buttons, and doorknobs. Commercial cleaning services often include disinfection and sanitation of surfaces in their cleaning service.
Also, commercial cleaners, in particular, pay close attention to high-touch areas and surfaces, which are often breeding grounds for bacteria. These surfaces include hand railings, elevator buttons, light switches, and more.
Bathroom cleaning
Bathrooms are often the dirties and smelliest areas for commercial spaces. With that said, it is not surprising that they have become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs.
When cleaning bathrooms, make sure you clean and disinfect high-touch spots and items such as faucets, sinks, toilets, and even mirrors.
Commercial cleaners often include towel replacement, hand soap refill, and bathroom supplies restocking to ensure your office bathrooms are clean and convenient to use.
Breakroom cleaning
The breakroom is where employees often gather to chit-chat, eat their food, drink their beverages, and rest. For this reason, breakrooms can become breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Thus, when taking care of your breakrooms, make sure you include the appliances, countertops, sink, tables, and chairs.
Glass window cleaning
Often, business owners neglect their windows, thinking they cannot clean surfaces they can’t reach. This is particularly true for tall building establishments.
Professional commercial cleaners, however, have access to the right cleaning equipment and materials you need for a thorough and efficient window cleaning. They have tall ladders, power washers, longer hoses, and the right safety equipment and gears for a thorough clean.
Floor care
Floors, whatever type of flooring material it uses, must be swept daily to remove dirt and debris. Moreover, make sure you use the right floor cleaner that is recommended for the type of flooring material your business premises has.
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Carpets and rugs are basically dirt traps. Aside from completing the look of a certain room, carpets function as dirt traps to minimize and even stop dirt and dust from entering the premises.
While regular vacuuming can help, most office vacuums are not strong enough to rid carpets of deep-seated stains and bacteria. This is why commercial cleaning services invest in high-quality equipment so they can tackle difficult cleaning jobs like deep carpet cleaning.
And like carpets and rugs, upholstered furniture is dirt, dust, and allergen traps too. Regular vacuuming of upholstery removes foreign debris. However, to ensure your carpets are actually clean, fresh, and disinfected, you can ask professional cleaners to take care of them.
Most commercial cleaning service companies would suggest deep cleaning for carpets and furniture upholstery once or twice a year.
Air vent cleaning
Another incredibly important process for comprehensive commercial cleaning services includes air vent cleaning.
Air vents accumulate allergens, dust, and foreign debris over time. When there is too much buildup of these particles in your air vent system, your indoor air quality will drop, leading to health issues such as respiratory problems such as asthma attacks.
The Ultimate Commercial Cleaning Checklist for Your Workplace
Daily Tasks:
Desk and Surfaces
Wipe down your desk and other surfaces daily with a disinfectant spray or wipe to remove any dirt, dust, or germs.
Trash
Empty your trash can daily, and ensure all rubbish is disposed of correctly.
Floors
Sweep or vacuum your floors daily to remove any dirt or debris.
Kitchen/Breakroom
Clean and sanitize all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, and appliances, daily.
Weekly Tasks:
Dusting
Dust all surfaces, including shelves, pictures, and light fixtures.
Glass and Mirrors
Clean all glass surfaces, including windows and mirrors, to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
Upholstery
Vacuum all upholstery, including chairs and couches, to remove any dirt or debris.
Disinfecting
Disinfect all high-touch areas, including doorknobs, light switches, and handles.
Floors
Mop or steam-clean your floors weekly to remove any stains or buildup.
Monthly Tasks:
Windows
Clean your windows inside and out to let in more natural light and improve the appearance of your workspace.
Carpets
Have your carpets cleaned by professionals to remove any deep-seated stains and odours.
Deep Cleaning
Perform a deep clean and complete disinfection of your entire workspace, including hard-to-reach areas and appliances.
Office Equipment
Clean and sanitize all office equipment, including computers, printers, and phones.
Restrooms
Thoroughly clean and sanitize your restroom, including the toilet, sink, and floors.
Seasonal Tasks:
Outdoor Maintenance
If you have an outdoor space, clean and maintain it seasonally to keep it looking its best.
HVAC Maintenance
Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned seasonally to ensure proper airflow and reduce allergens.
Furniture Maintenance
Have any upholstered furniture professionally cleaned seasonally to extend its lifespan?
The Takeaway
As you can see, office cleaning is not a one-time thing. It is a continuous never-ending process. You can save yourself from all these troubles and opt for professional office cleaning instead.
Cleanworks cleaning services is one of the few professional commercial cleaning companies that actually deliver the highest quality professional service. They have been in the industry of professional commercial cleaning for more than two decades, thus they have the track record to say they have “been there, done that”.
Cleanworks cleaning services have a fully trained, extensively experienced, and completely equipped cleaning team to handle all sorts of cleaning. Their office cleaners are fully insured and up-to-date with the latest local cleaning requirements and COVID cleaning guidelines.
Call Cleanworks commercial cleaning services now and get free quotes for your commercial cleaning needs. Their professional staff will be more than willing to help you.
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Air conditioners cost Americans homeowners about $29 billion each year. But of course, you don't want to pay for a new home AC until you have to.
Read on for a list of 5 signs that you need emergency AC repair before a heatwave strikes.
1. Not Enough Cool Air:
Is your home AC running and running but the air streaming from the vents just isn't cold?
A sign that you have a broken AC is when it begins to blow hot or warm air. It might mean that your AC has a problem with the compressor. Or the Freon levels are too low.
Even if the air is cool but not as cold as it used to be, it's time to consider air conditioning installation.
2. High Utility Bills:
As your AC unit gets older, it becomes less efficient. Each year, a unit's efficiency goes down a little bit. When an AC reaches around 10 years, it may be half as efficient as it was when new.
If you keep getting high utility bills, it's time to look at the condition of your home AC.
3. Little Air Flow:
You hear the AC unit kick on, but when you put your hand in front of your AC vent, you only feel a slight push of air.
Lack of air flow will cause some parts of your home to get cooled air but not others. Usually, low airflow means there is a problem with your compressor.
But it could also be a problem with the ductwork in your house. Especially if you aren't in the habit of getting regular vent cleaning.
4. Strange Sounds:
Another way to know that you need AC repair is if you start to notice strange sounds and smells coming from your home AC unit.
There are all sorts of sounds you might hear such as grinding, squealing, grating or squeaking. These noises are signs that things are wrong inside your unit.
A high squealing sound means that your AC belt has come loose. Or that one of the metal parts in the unit needs lubrication.
Grinding noises tend to mean that the bearings in the motor are broken.
You may be able to get your AC repaired if you act quickly. Wait too long and you may need to replace the entire system.
It's best to have a licensed HVAC technician come to your home to inspect your unit every year. This way your technician can alert you to possible issues that could crop up if left unattended.
It's wise to use a springtime monthly home checklist so you can be aware of the conditions in and outside your home.
It's often cheaper to repair or replace the part then let the problem go on for a long time.
5. Bad Smells:
A strong stinky smell flowing out from your AC vents is a bad sign. It can mean that the wire insulation has burnt out.
Musty smells coming out of the vents typically mean there are mold and mildew either in the ducts or in the AC unit. Mold can cause respiratory illness. You should have this issue fixed as soon as possible for the health of your family.
Final Thoughts on Home AC Warning Signs:
We hope these 5 home AC warning signs will help you avoid an AC malfunction during a heat wave.
Remember, it's better to maintain your AC than it is to neglect it and pay for costly repairs.
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