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The Importance of a Vacuum Cleaner

One definite requirement to cleaning the house is and always has been the vacuum cleaner.

Believe it or not, there is a more effective cleaning system than the same vacuum which has been around for so many years. It is the central vacuum cleaner and they are becoming common in a lot of homes. It has a stronger suction that provides a greater cleaning ability.

With the central vacuum, dust and debris is sucked into the unit because it is located in the central position of the house. The bag isn’t being carried around with the unit like the portable vacuum so this means there is no chance that dust will be re-circulated around the house.

You can buy a central vacuum with a Hepa filter so that the tiniest dust particles can be picked up and trapped. With the central vacuum all dust can be removed from the house. It is a fact that dust can be attached to the exterior of the house as well, this can also be removed as part of the process.

There is another system available which with the rotation of air inside the machine separates the dust and dirt and propels it into the bag. This system is called the cyclonic system.

Although this method is not as efficient as the Hepa filter because there is a small percentage of dust will not be picked up. An additional filter on the central vacuum system can help to remove dust that was left over.

Here are a few big differences in the portal vacuum and the central unit: the central unit has the convenience of not needing to be pulled around the house as you clean and it also has the power in which the great suction operates.

For those who may be suffering from an allergic reaction to dust mites, this central vacuum system is the best investment for your household.

Curtain Cleaning – Essential To Keep Your House Clean

Apart from furniture, what else can beautify and complete a house? Curtains of course! Though some uses blinds for their windows, looking at it can be so boring. Whether it is made from plastic or metal, even if it comes in different colors, it still has the same dull look. With curtains, it comes in a wide variety of textures, designs, and colors. It is impossible not to find exactly what a person wants. However, big houses with super high ceilings and big windows do not buy readymade curtains because of the size difference. It is custom design to fit the length of the window. Curtains can relatively hard to clean because of the size and the design. However if you reside at Edinburgh, Curtain cleaning Edinburgh will be a big help.

Curtain cleaning makes sure that it retains the natural color of the fabric, would not damage the design, won’t tear the material, and will surely make it clean. Washing companies accepts curtain cleaning in Edinburgh no matter how hard it is to clean. They are professional cleaners and use the right detergent and proper cleaning methods per fabric and design.

Curtains can be hard to wash because some have dangling designs that would get caught and tear inside the washing machine. Others have metal rings and buttons, these types of curtains when washed using a machine, the rings and buttons might get detached from the fabric causing damage to the fabric. Washing it improperly will not just damage the fabric but it might also harm the machine.

Since curtains are left hanging on windows and some patio doors, it accumulates so much dust. Odors from cooking and other stuff can also be retained on the fabric. Like carpets, curtains can also be a cause of allergies and other disease. That is why it is best to change the curtains twice a month to ensure health of your family.

Just to make sure that the fabric is clean and not damaged, make it appoint to bring it to a professional curtain cleaning in Edinburgh. They are expert in cleaning any kind of material and they know what kind of technique to use in washing delicate and designed curtains. Yes, you can wash your regular curtain, but are you sure you got all the dirt out? I bet not. Leave the cleaning to the professionals, you can be certain that it’s all clean and damage free.

What Are the Characteristics of a Vacuum Cleaner?

Before embarking on the comparisons of vacuum cleaners on the market, let’s make a point of the characteristics and most importantly, what they represent. Then, you will have a smarter choice of the best vacuum cleaner.

Technical information

· The power consumption (in watts) is the energy consumption. A vacuum energy is not necessarily efficient; however, power is related to the intrinsic characteristics of the vacuum cleaner;

· The suction flow rate is expressed in L / min (liters per minute) – the volume of air will absorb your vacuum cleaner;

· Depression whose unit is kPa (kilo Pascal) is your suction force, the higher it is, the better it sucks;

· The capacity of the tank is indicated by L (liter), it depends on your frequency and nature of your applications;

· Weight in kilograms (kg) is important if you need to move frequently your device;

· The noise level in dB (decibels) brings you an auditory comfort if your use is frequent; the most sensitive opt for ear protection;

· The lengths of hose and power cord determine your range, fortunately, extensions exist!

· The battery, and in particular voltage and amperage, determines its power and autonomy;

· The accessories allow different uses; you can find them depending on your equipment:

· A brush – rectangular variable or triangular shape;

· A nozzle slot – for accurate aspiration;

· A nozzle for water and dust;

· A squeegee to smooth surfaces;

· A variable shaped nozzle brush;

· The aspirator tubes in coupling;

· A bent suction tube;

· Flexible variable-length suction;

Bag or without bag?

In short, a vacuum bag is uneconomical but hygienic and vice versa a vacuum cleaner bag without is economic and practical. The presence of a bag improves the filtration of dust, it may be a synthetic material (filter and resistant) or paper (cheap but at the lowest quality). The interest of the bag is to contain residues which are important if you are allergic to dust and dust mites.

For vacuum bag without sides except especially designed for housing models, emptying the tank of the vacuum cleaner can be a big annoying problem! And allergy can affect you again! As you can imagine, in contrast to models with bag, tanks without bag vacuum cleaners are subject to regular cleaning.

There are new features?

Some yes! Depending on the model, some options facilitate the task of cleaning or reduce hours of doing this with some specific and new features.

· The filter cleaning can be manual or automatic; manual, you remove the filter and you type; automatic, no need to disassemble for cleaning;

· Sync, compulsory taking to a vacuum shop: allow you to connect your power vacuuming, no more dust in the air;

· Blower, as the name suggests, transforms the vacuum blower: useful for dust in unreachable places or to group leaves;

· The two-stage engine for better weight distribution;

· Pre-filter, to better preserve the clogging of the filter;

I understood everything but I need a referral, you make me a proposal?

To make the right choice, estimate your needs. The technical characteristics of your vacuum cleaner are related to the nature of your work. The frequency of being used determines the quality of it; itself is determined by the strength of materials and brand awareness.

One last tip?

Choosing your vacuum cleaner should be based on a mix of specifications and features. The choice of materials and electronic components is also essential. Some vacuum cleaners are designed for industrial use and for other environments where hygiene is essential. Notice: a chip extractor is not a rubble vacuum cleaner, wet and dry vacuum cleaner is not an ash vacuum -the ashes are particles which can be heated easily, they can damage the engine in case of suction.

Cleaning of GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)

The best solution to have a clean finish project at the end of construction is to prevent staining during the construction project. It is important to protect the GFRC during storage, setting and after it is installed. GFRC should be stored off the ground on non-staining planks or pallets. The GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) storage site should be out of the way of heavy construction traffic. If the GFRC is going to be stored for an extended period of time, it should be kept on pallets and covered with nonstaining tarps or plastic. Once it is installed, GFRC pilasters, columns, windowsills, panels etc. should be protected with plastic nonstaining material during the remaining construction.

After construction, final wash down may be needed. Use of acids or brick cleaners is not recommended. The most common stain from construction is dirt. Dirt can be removed from GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) by scrubbing with a mild detergent and water. When other stains are encountered, the most important step is to identify the stain and its cause. Any treatment used to clean GFRC should be tested in a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning the main units.

Power washing and sandblasting or not recommended procedures for cleaning GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete). Metal fiber brushes should not be used for scrubbing GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete) they may scar the surface, and small bits of metal residue from the brush, left on the GFRC may later rust or corrode and cause staining.

Let the windows sparkle

How often do you wash your windows? Once a year? Twice a year? Never? You know it’s not enough. You’re probably sitting at your desk, looking out of the window, trying to see if it’s a beautiful day or not, 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 office and  home maintenance, but no one likes to do it.   Windows should be washed once every month or two, depending on the surroundings. If you’re in the city, consider washing your windows at least once a month. If your  of house is in a place where dirt and pollen always sticks, consider cleaning windows every two months or so.

Commercial window cleaning can be a little more tasking than domestic window cleaning. We therefore advice commercial property owners to clean their buildings either once or twice a year depending again with the location of the building.

Why are Clean Windows Important?

Windows allow light in your office and home giving you a bright atmosphere to live and work in. Dust particles are often found on window panes which when blown inside buildings cause coughs and nasal congestion.

We also want to have our offices and homes looking splendid. A clean premise builds up confidence whenever we have those high-end clients in our offices or guests in our homes.

A clean commercial building attracts an on looker from the outside. People have a tendency of judging the cleanliness of a building from what they can see on the outside…

 

Are your windows clean?Are you concerned about the grime, excess dust on your windows, the oil and grease stains, the finger marks and the cement residue after completion of a construction? Make a spectacle of your windows…

 

Mop and Shine is your solution to cleaning those windows…www.mopnshine.com

Lets clean up our staircases!

Because they are awkward to clean, stairs and steps are often neglected. How you clean them depends on whether they are carpeted or bare and whether they are located inside or outside.

Carpeted Stairs
An excessively soiled carpet can hold up to one pound of dirt in each square yard. On carpeted stairs embedded dirt tend to be concentrated in the center and front of the tread where people walk. To suck up dirt and soil, the vacuum cleaner is the tool of choice, preferably one with a beater bar. For better results, Cleaning at least once a week is necessary. It is necessary to ensure that the carpet gets agitation so that dirt can vibrate its way to the top.
A small handheld vacuum cleaner with a beater bar is needed to suction dirt from the center as well as all the hills and valleys of a staircase. Use six to eight overlapping strokes against the nap of the carpet to vacuum high traffic areas and three to four overlapping strokes at the edges and risers, where dust ,pet hair and lint accumulate.

Outdoor stairs that are carpeted should be vacuumed or blown clean to remove leaves and debris. Always remember to move the dirt away from the house.

Uncarpeted Steps and Stairs

Unlike carpeted stairs, dirt tends to collect along the edges and corners on a hard-surface staircase, while the centers of the treads remain relatively clean. A canister vacuum is the most effective for reaching the dirt that’s trapped in all the cracks and crevices.

On out door steps sweep the steps clean from top bottom with a broom, then spray them with a garden hose to remove fine particles. Sweep at least once a week or more often in wet weather and dusty climates.

 

 

 

Mop and Shine gives you all the tips on matters professional cleaning

We are only a click away: www.mopnshine.co.ke

 

Keep Off The Bugs!

The number one strategy of controlling household pests is a preventive tactic which is general cleanliness around your home. Sometimes even despite your best efforts, worrisome little critters will work their way inside. That calls for a direct hand-to-hand combat.

Pests such as bugs, fleas, rodents, spiders etc are some of the most embarrassing creatures to be crawling in our houses. They have a tendency of appearing especially when we have guests in our houses thereby causing embarrassment. Human beings have a tendency of associating pests with DIRT.

The best technique to reduce pests in our houses is to reduce potential habitats and food sources for household pests. Some other techniques involve picking up clutter, keeping the house free of moisture and food particles, moving wood piles away from your home, and keeping plants well-pruned and gardens free from debris.

Many creatures like to live and breed in dark undisturbed areas. It is therefore necessary to clean under furniture, in closets, food storage nooks, cupboards and pet resting areas…

At Mop and Shine we tell you as it is concerning your cleaning matters…
We are only a call away for your fumigation solution…www.mopnshine.com

Domestic Cleaning Or Commercial Cleaning, What Is the Difference?

Is there really a difference between domestic and commercial cleaning? In short the answer is yes; but there are various factors that make it so.

With commercial cleaning the work is considered a necessity for running the business so becomes a business expense. Business expenses are part of a budget therefore the cost of having the premises cleaned needs to fit into the allocated amount. This is not the case with domestic cleaning as it is purely a decision of the homeowner to clean their property themselves or pay to have it done.

domestic cleaning company in kenya

Domestic Cleaning

There are certain expectations of cleaning by property owners, but the kind carried out with commercial property does depend on the business. Any business handling food is meticulous about keeping the place hygienically clean. Health requirements are such that if they do not keep the properties as clean as the set Health Standards they could lose their licence to sell food. This is a great incentive for people to work hard at keeping up the standards. Usually the cleaning is done by the employed staff. It is part of the closing down ritual so they know when they arrive the following day there will be no contamination.

Should a building contain offices for professional consultants or financial institutions the requirements are not so strict. A thorough vacuum and the hygienic cleaning of all the bathrooms are usually sufficient. Because offices house many desks with computers most cleaners are not required to dust. They are expected to empty the rubbish bins, but vacuuming the floor is the main prerequisite.

Many commercial buildings, especially large city skyscrapers leased by various organisations, tender out their cleaning. This helps them cope with the annual cost and it is budgeted into their expenses. Sometimes the cheapest tender is chosen but this does not guarantee a thorough job.

For a commercial cleaning company to make a profit they must ensure that the number of worked hours they pay for are less than the money they receive for the work. Should they have underquoted to get the job, less time is spent cleaning on each floor making the quality of the clean not as diligent as it probably should be.

office cleaning in Kenya

Commercial Cleaning

There are thousands of commercial buildings and many areas that need to be cleaned and kept in pristine condition. Floors and bathrooms inside the buildings are a must for daily cleaning but the windows of the buildings also need a regular removal of dust both inside and out, especially if it is a shop front used for promotion of sales. Wooden or vinyl floors must be regularly polished to keep up the shine. All these jobs need to be carried out by professionals in those fields.

Because commercial cleaning is usually done by Cleaning Organisations the owners of the building will not meet the cleaners. If the job is not done well the lessees of the space will complain to the owner. This is unless the lessee has arranged the cleaning themselves. As cleaning in commercial property is usually done outside of business hours the cleaner is very rarely seen and in some cases it is not the same person doing the job each day.

To ensure the cleaning is kept up to standard, owners of commercial properties take out Contracts with Cleaning Companies. This is where the tendering becomes an advantage. The Contract is signed for a certain period of time, and at the end of that Contract the owners of the buildings can renegotiate their cleaning costs and requirements. If they are not happy with the kind of cleaning they are receiving they look elsewhere.

Commercial cleaning can be a lucrative business, but matching the quality with the charge is the difficult part and many commercial cleaners charge less than they should just to obtain the jobs. Once they have the Contract they sometimes ‘on sell’ these Contracts and make money from the new arrangement. Depending on how much the contract is worth, determines the amount of time that can be spent cleaning. Each cleaner is allocated a specific number of minutes to clean an area or floor and the work has to be finished in that time. Speed does not always combine with efficiency and quality is not always received.

The reduction of spending for cleaning, and the small profits to be made can cause many commercial cleaning jobs to be rushed and poorly administered.

Cleaning a home is different. To the homeowner their property is their castle. They will be much more fastidious about the results. They are paying for the cleaning out of their own pocket and they want to see some value in return for that expenditure. The work is more demanding than cleaning a commercial property.

The requirements of most homeowners are such that a reasonable cleaning job is not good enough. Expectations are high and on top of that they have all their personal things throughout the dwelling and allowing someone into their home to clean has security implications. The home owner needs to feel comfortable with the person doing the work and be sure the place will look as neat, clean and tidy as they expect after each clean.

Where do home owners go to find a cleaner? They don’t put out tenders as in the commercial world so who do they get to clean? Many people advertise for cleaners in their local papers, or they hire people who promote themselves as cleaners, also there are Cleaning Agencies who will charge a fee for finding the cleaner for them.

Homes are very rarely cleaned on a daily basis. If the home owner has a regular cleaner the dwelling is usually cleaned either weekly or fortnightly. Some home owners require their cleaner to do housework as well, so the time spent on the property can be quite long.

Just vacuuming the floors and cleaning the bathrooms is usually not enough when cleaning a home; especially as bathrooms are more than the toilets, urinals and basins. There is the shower and bath as well as the toilet and sink. Kitchens are larger with many cupboards and a stove top and probably a range hood, whereas in a commercial situation the kitchen is usually a small set of cupboards with a sink and microwave. Because the home is not cleaned daily there is also a build up of dust and dirt, and all horizontal surfaces need to be wiped.

In both cases Time is what the commercial property owner and the homeowner are paying for. With the Commercial situation a certain amount of money is allocated indicating the time allowed for the clean. In the Domestic world this situation is reversed. The homeowner pays for the Time it takes to clean their property. The size of the property and the area to be cleaned governs the Time it takes. The larger the building the more Time required. The smaller the property the Time will be less. Less Time spent, costs less, but if the property is large and the correct Time is not allocated the poorer the job.

For most commercial property owners as long as the basics are done they are happy, but with a home owner, the less work carried out means more cleaning for them to do themselves. This somewhat negates the whole idea of having a cleaner. They want their home to be pristine and clean when they return home after a long days work. To see areas that have been missed or not cleaned properly can make an expensive exercise.

So the biggest difference between commercial and domestic cleaning is the payment. The commercial world pays for their cleaning because it is a necessity. Whether the cleaning is done well or not is not really the issue, it is a cost that has to be paid and therefore an expense for the business. With the domestic situation the cost is a discretionary outlay. If people have the spare money they can afford it, if not they clean themselves and that is why they expect perfection.

Yes there is a difference between cleaning commercial property and domestic dwellings, but the kind of cleaning received is dependent on how much each is willing to pay.

House Cleaning Services – Advantages and Disadvantages

House cleaning services can cover a wide range of options, from basic tasks like dusting to the scrubbing down of every nook and cranny in your dwelling.

It can be difficult to decide whether you should actually hire someone to help you with your chore or do these things yourself. Many people might feel that it can be a waste of money having someone else clean their home. There are many pros and cons to hiring someone to help you.

One stressful time in your life might be when you have sold your residence and are moving out. Usually following a sale, you are required to clean up for the incoming owners. After you’ve just moved into a new one, the last thing on your mind is to clean the one you just left. Instead of wasting more time in a residence that is no longer yours, you can have the house cleaning company do it for you. And if the place you are moving into seems to need a little extra dusting up, you can have the same service help you here as well.

When it comes to house cleaning providers, not all of the companies out there offer the same type of services. Some only do certain tidying and others offer the rest. You should make a list of exactly what chores you need help with. You can then do some research in your local area to find the companies that can best meet your needs. This can be extremely beneficial for those with little time to spare.

As you can see there are many benefits to hiring someone to help you with your day-to-day chores. However, if you are worried that they are not going to do it the exact way you want, provide the company coming in with a list of the things that they may forget to do. Do interviews with the companies and ask as many questions as possible. You must understand that they are going to be taking care of your personal belongings and living spaces and if they are unable to live up to your expectations then it’s just going to be a waste of time for everyone.

Don’t find yourself wasting money on the companies who seem to be unable to do what you want. Find the right house cleaning company the first time so that you will be happy with the results and not end up redoing things yourself.

You can get professional cleaning services from Mop & Shine. Email us today for a free quote: info@mopnshine.com  or call us through: 0733 675 801

Your Mattress N You…

Think of it as sleeping with the enemy!

Your bed collects dirt and dander and habours microscopic dust mites, all of which are major causes of allergies. Keeping your mattresses clean not only helps them last longer, but also improves the health conditions in the room where you spend at least one third of your life.

Technique: Vacuum mattresses twice every year. Use an appropriate vacuum cleaner preferably one with a HEPA filter. You will be surprised by how much dander and lint are in there. If you use a mattress cover, wash it in the washing machine or clean manually with a regular washing detergent. If someone in the family is ill, use an antiseptic like Dettol. That helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria from one family member to another.

It is advisable to turn your mattress twice a year – each time you clean it to distribute the wear. Alternate which way you turn it: side to side one time and end to end the next.

In case you are cleaning up after a bed wetter, blot up as much of the urine as possible using a clean towel. You can then extract with a wet vacuum cleaner. If you do not have access to one of those machines, blot with wet towels and sponge in a little vinegar to neutralize the odour. Blot again using wet towels and then dry the mattress in the sun. The suns rays help in killing bacteria.

True Story: My Dad was suffering from respiratory complications for many years. He visited many doctors and specialists but could find no respite for his condition. He was advised by a friend to visit a doctor at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) who was very good with respiratory issues. He traveled from upcountry to the city and on meeting the said doctor, he questioned him meticulously about this condition, when it began and at what time of day it got worst. He gathered that it got worst at night after he went to bed.

He advised him to inspect his mattress once he got home, get it out and pound on it with a 2×4. This he did and was shocked by the amount of dust that came from the mattress. From then on, his condition improved exponentially without any medication. To date, Mom pounds on the mattress monthly and the old man is doing great at the ripe old age of 82.

Lesson: Do not ignore that mattress… in any case, you’ll spend one third of your life on it!