Author: oi_admin

Using Microfiber to Get Rid of Germs

Posted on January 24, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Over the past few years, because of the H1N1 virus, infection control has become more of a trending topic than it ever has before. Since germs and bacteria are all around us, it is important to be proactive in preventing their spread.

While many illnesses and infections are prevented through proper hand washing, infection control also needs to be addressed in your cleaning.

Wiping products are used in all areas of cleaning and are often crucial in helping to stop the spread of germs. There are several wiping options known to reduce the spread of infectious germs and bacteria, such as color-coded microfiber cloths, mops and rags. Microfiber technology is extremely helpful in preventing cross-contamination.

For example, using red tools for toilets, yellow for sinks and mirrors and blue for windows and dusting, can help you avoid cross-contamination and spreading germs from room to room. Color coding is a way of simplyfying your cleaning. It is also easier to recognize what product to use and where.

Microfiber cloths and mops also contain about 95 percent of bacteria on a surface, while traditional products may spread the bacteria around. Plus, microfiber cloths and pads are easier to swap out from room to room, so they are less likely to be used in multiple settings.

Even though the initial cost is more than a cotton mop, microfiber products are washable 400 to 700 times. Microfiber cloths can be used and reused if you simply wash them in a gentle cycle with detergent.

What are microfiber cloths and mops made of?

Microfiber cloths consist of an interlocking blend of two fibers: Polyester and polyamide, a nylon material. Polyester is an effective scrubbing and cleaning fiber, while polyamide is an absorbent, quick-drying fiber.

Combining the two is what makes microfiber such a unique and effective material, as they do not harbor bacteria like their cotton counterparts. In fact, microfiber is a naturally antibacterial material.

Each microscopic strand of microfiber has been split, creating millions of tiny hooks that attract, absorb and remove all kinds of dirt, dust and bacteria.

Unlike traditional cotton and paper wiping products or cotton mops that tend to push or smear dirt and grime, microfiber actually gets underneath the dirt and germs, scraping them from the surface and trapping them until the cloth or mop is laundered.

Microfiber has become a universally used cloth because of its cleaning capabilities and cost effectiveness.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Make Your Home Healthier

Posted on January 16, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Here are some small changes that you can do everyday to make your life a little healthier:

Leave shoes at the door. Every time you go outdoors, toxic chemicals are brought inside on the soles of your shoes. Asphalt, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals may be present where you walk.

When you walk around your home with toxic chemicals on the soles of your shoes, they come off on the floor. When you walk barefoot around your home, they can be absorbed through the soles of your feet. These chemicals are also being inhaled. If you have children playing on the floor, toxic chemicals can get on their hands and into their mouths. Because of this, children (infants especially) are more susceptable to the dangers of toxic chemicals and carcinogens than adults.

Leave your shoes at the door. Have a rack set up next to the door you enter most frequently, where you can leave your shoes when you enter your home. Have slippers or socks ready to put on if you don't want to go barefoot.

Use natural cleaning products. House cleaning products contain many toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Air fresheners, all purpose cleaners, disinfectants, dry cleaned clothing, and mothballs are some of the worst.

Try making your own nontoxic house cleaning products at home. You can find natural house cleaning recipes throughout our past blogs.

Control pests. Pesticides can cause cancer. Instead of spraying carcinogens around your home, there are natural means for controlling pests.

Figure out how pests are getting into your home, and do something to keep them out. Fill holes and cracks, put screens on windows, put up chicken wire barriers or fences.

Make your home an unpleasant place for pests to be. Take away their food supply by keeping living areas clean. Sweep up crumbs, wipe up spills immediately, wash dishes after eating, store food in tightly closed containers, empty garbage and compost scraps frequently. Dry up their water supply. Repair leaky faucets, pipes, and clogged drains. Get rid of any clutter they can hide in. Clean out closets, attics, garages, basements, and anywhere else unused or infrequently used items pile up.

There are many simple things you can do to control pests, without buying any special products. You can shoo them away, vacuum them up, put a glass over an insect, slip a card under it and take it outdoors. Herbal repellents work well, too. Most pests do not like the smell of bay leaves, cloves, pennyroyal, lavender, or cedar. In the garden, use organic gardening methods.

Sleep in natural bedding. Most bedsheets are saturated with a non-iron finish that releases carcinogenic formaldehyde as you sleep. Synthetic mattresses are treated with cancer-causing brominated fire retardants. The PBDEs in polyurethane foam may be as toxic as PCSs and DDT, both banned for their toxicity.

The solution is a bed where every layer is made from untreated natural materials. Today you can buy natural beds of every firmness and style, from budget to luxurious.

Drink pure water. Drinking water can lower the risk of cancer by flushing carcinogens out of the body, but it is important to drink pure water. Arsenic, heavy metals, fluoride, and chlorination by-products are all toxic chemicals that can be found in most municipal tap water. Using a water filter is affordable and can help screen out these chemicals.

Eat organic food. Foods contain many different kinds of carcinogens. In fact, 25-30 percent of all cancer deaths are linked to diet.

Many food additives are linked to causing cancer or are suspected carcinogens. Artificial sweeteners, aluminum compounds, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, nitrite and nitrates are all known to cause cancer. And then there are the pesticides in produce and in the fat of animal meats and dairy products. Alcohol depresses immune function, making it more difficult to fight cancer cells.

Eat whole, fresh, organically grown foods as much as possible, and especially raw vegetables and fruits. It has been found that people who eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily have only half the risk of developing cancer as people who eat only one to two servings each day.

Drink green tea. Green tea inhibits cancer-causing chemicals because of its high levels of antioxidants.

Is Clutter Taking Over Your Home?

Posted on January 13, 2012 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Is clutter taking over your home? Here are some easy ways to help you declutter your home and your life today:

Tackle messes one room at a time.

For every new item you buy, get rid of an old item.

Remember that improvements in one room can spread to the rest of the house.

Make cleaning up fun for your kids.

Create a vision for the room you're cleaning.

Teach your kids how to sort.

Use a hanger system to determine which clothes you wear most.

Ask yourself if you really need something. If you hesitate, you don't.

Establish a "magic triangle" in your kitchen between the stove, refrigerator and the sink. Keep the items you use most in that area. Anything you use less often, keep outside the triangle. It will save you a ton of time.

Identify useful utensils with the cardboard box test: Take all the utensils out of your drawers and put them in a cardboard box. For the next month, whenever you use one of the utensils, put it back in the drawer. If after four weeks it's still in the box, you probably don't need it.

Start Over. Live A Happier, Healthier Life!

Posted on January 9, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Start over. Run again. Leave the old behind and embrace the new. Ignite a new spark that will light a new life filled with more meaning, experience, and fulfillment.

Here are some ways to help you start over and make this year better than last:

Accepting change. Sometimes starting over means accepting that you are no longer the person you used to be. You might not even feel driven by the same goals, but that is ok. Start over. As hard as it may seem in the beginning. You will be amazed at how fast things will fall into place.

Make peace with the past. Accept all your past defeats, victories, mistakes, and decisions. Live for now.

Make a plan and stick to it.

Declutter. Throw away clothes and devices and declutter! The more you let go, the lighter you will feel. Change will look like a natural path, not an effort.

Break a habit. Sometimes all you need in order to ignite a bigger change is to shift a small, unconscious behavior, like a habit. Small steps are easier to do and to monitor. Praise yourself for each small victory. You will soon be there.

Laugh more often. Be a warrior, but don’t forget to laugh. Too much commitment, too much strain, too much seriousness can drag you down.

Forget "I can" and embrace "I do." I can may be empowering, but I do is life changing. The only way to start fresh is to take action.

Become A Happier, Healthier You!

Posted on January 6, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Start your new year off with a few steps in the healthier direction. Here are some easy goals to work on that will pave the way to a happier, healthier you:

Be nicer to your coworkers. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, showed that generous participants were more likely to gain respect and cooperation from their peers, which makes them more likely to rise in status as well.

Avoid social smoking. A study done by Stella Daskalopoulou, a researcher at McGill University Health Centre in Canada, found that smoking even one cigarette increases the stiffness of the arteries in 18-to-30-year-olds by 25 percent. Stiff arteries can cause the heart to work harder, increasing the risk for heart disease or stroke. According to Daskalopoulou, this is especially bad for occasional smokers because you’re not used to the effects and it’s stressful to your system.

Getting a sun-kissed glow from a tanning bed may be killing you. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of skin cancer jumps by 75 percent when people start using tanning beds before the age of 30.

Late night snacking is a bad habit to get into. When you eat at the wrong time, your body takes calories and stores them as fat because you don't need the calories for fuel at that time, says Deanna Arble, lead author of the Northwestern University study about timing and food intake. Even calories from vegetables late at night will be stored.

According to a recent study on relationships, a bad night's sleep leads to conflict during the day, which can lead to more bad sleep the following night. Avoid confrontational discussions on a day after you or your significant other had a bad night's sleep.

Floss your teeth more often. Researchers from New York University found that out of 51 sets of twins, the twin that did not floss had more bacteria.

Cut some fat from your diet. Fat is a far less efficient fuel than glucose from carbohydrates. Stick with pastas, fish and low-fat yogurts for more energy all day.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Make This Year All About You....

Posted on January 4, 2012 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Achieving good health is best accomplished by incorporating small positive changes into your lifestyle—ones that become habits you can build upon over time. It’s all about making more good choices than bad choices. Here are some tips to get you started:

Think Outside the Box – Avoid eating processed or packaged foods, refined sugars, white flour, chemical additives, excess salt and trans fats. Be an avid label reader at the grocery so you know what you’re putting into your body. And find a healthy local eatery for when you want to eat out.

Make Breakfast Count – Do not skip breakfast — the first meal of the day is important to kick start your metabolism. Make sure you’re eating protein as well as high fiber items such as whole grains or berries.

Plan Accordingly – Prepare yourself to eat healthy. Stock up on easy to grab snacks such as nuts, pre-cut fruits and vegetables. Keep a supply of dinner items such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, canned organic sauces, whole wheat pitas, albacore tuna and canned beans, and brown bag your lunch.

Keep it Fresh – Eat five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables per day, and purchase pre-cut and washed for a quick and easy snack. Avoid pesticides by buying organic.

Scale Down – Eat on a smaller plate, so it’s harder to overeat. Avoid high starch side items such as potatoes, rice and bread, and try ordering an appetizer with a side salad instead of an entrée.

Eat Slowly – Chew slowly and completely and wait at least fifteen minutes to digest your first portion. That way, you’ll give your body time to feel full and satisfied.

Drink Plenty of Water – Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Water removes impurities, increases energy, enhances fat loss, reduces hunger and hydrates skin. But avoid the carbonated, caffeinated or sugary drinks — they can actually further a dehydrated state.

Keep Moving – Maintain at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and mix it up. Take a brisk walk, mow the lawn, try a new exercise video, play Wii or hit the gym—anything to keep you active.

Keep it Simple – Take the time to de-stress. Stress is directly related to high blood pressure, fatigue, a lowered immune system and increased free radical damage. Add some relaxing daily activities — like reading or gardening — to free your mind. Make changes in your life to free up time and bring balance back to your life.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancedrtified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Welcome 2012 By Having A Green New Year's Eve Party!

Posted on December 28, 2011 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Ring in the New Year with a resolution to help protect the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. If you are planning on having a New year's Eve party, make it an eco-friendly occasion with invitations, decorations and food.

Create New Year's Eve party invitations on the computer and send them via email instead of creating and mailing paper cards.

If using disposable tableware, buy paper goods created with recycled content instead of non-biodegradable plastic.

Decorate with items you've created or that you already have on hand. Create edible centerpieces out of colorful fruit skewers or simply use pretty potted plants that you can let your guests take home as party favors. Use paper punches to turn old wrapping paper, greeting cards or magazines into confetti for the countdown at midnight.

Save electricity by using organic beeswax candles instead of turning on extra lights. Although they won't be powerful enough to light an entire room, use them to create atmosphere on the patio or illuminate the powder room, for example.

Serve snacks created with organic foods like locally grown vegetables. Instead of imported cheese, opt for domestic artisan cheeses. If you're using convenience foods, organic frozen quiches and dips are also available in regular grocery stores. You can even find organic wines and other drinks to toast after the ball drops in Times Square.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services wishes you and your family a very Happy, Healthy, and "Green" New Year!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancedrtified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Got Stains?

Posted on December 22, 2011 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Don't let stains get you down this holiday season! Treat them naturally. Here are some ways:

Red wine stains. As soon as you notice the stain, pour club soda on the stain to dilute it. Blot with a paper towel. Coat the stain with table salt to absorb it and prevent it from setting. Rinse in cold water, gently rubbing out the stain.

Salad dressing stains. Sprinkle on baking soda or cornstarch to absorb as much oil as possible. Launder in the hottest water that is safe for the fabric (check the care label).

Chocolate. Scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife or spoon, and immediately treat with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Rinse with cold water.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancedrtified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Treat Yourself To A Healthy, Clean Home for the Holidays...You Deserve It!

Posted on December 20, 2011 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

You've worked hard all year long. Reward yourself by having someone else do the housecleaning.

With all of the extra free time you will have, you can catch up on hobbies, sleep, exercise, and even spend quality time with your loved ones.

For more information on gift certificates, or to find a Maid Brigade near you, please log on to maidbrigade.com or greencleancertified.com.

Take care of yourself!

Last Minute Gift Ideas for Family and Friends

Posted on December 20, 2011 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

This holiday season, why not give your loved-ones the gift of healthy green cleaning?

Give them a gift certificate from Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services, and let your loved-ones relax and enjoy some free time without having to worry about the burden of cleaning!

For more information on gift certificates, or to find a Maid Brigade near you, please log on to maidbrigade.com or greencleancertified.com.

Keeping Your Home Sparkling Clean This Holiday Season

Posted on December 16, 2011 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Baking soda is a wonderful, all-natural cleaning product. It solves a myriad of household cleaning woes.

Sprinkle some on your counter-tops or stove for scouring. Use it to scrub pots and pans. The slightly abrasive quality will remove any baked-on food.

If you have problems with mold or mildew in fabric, books or furniture, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let sit overnight. Brush it off in the morning. Repeat the process until the mildew smell is gone.

Cover the inside of a litter box with a thin layer of baking soda before pouring in the litter. This will help deodorize her box and keep your house smelling fresh.

Pour a thin layer of baking soda into the base of your trash can to keep odor under control.

To clean pet stains, lightly dampen the surface and apply baking soda, creating a paste. Let dry and then brush off. Repeat process until smell is gone.

Use baking soda in your laundry to disinfect and brighten whites.

Sprinkle baking soda around the inside rim of the toilet to remove any water stains. Scrub with a toilet brush.

Sprinkle a layer of baking soda into any coolers that might be going into storage to keep mildew away.

Vinegar has a very distinctive smell that most of us do not like, but when it comes to cleaning with vinegar, it works.

Add some vinegar to a spray bottle filled with water to clean counters, mirrors, the tub, and around the toilet.

You can also use your vinegar spray bottle to wash fruits and vegetables.

To clean and disinfect hardwood floors, add about 3/4 cup of white vinegar to a bucket of water.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancedrtified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv.

Quick Tips For Going Green This Holiday Season

Posted on December 7, 2011 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

This holiday season, why not go green? Here are some tips to help you get started:

Give back. One major problem with global impact is waste. We buy things with the best intentions that sometimes end up going unused or unnecessary. Why not donate these items? The Salvation Army Christmas Drive is a perfect example of how we can all give back to other families in our communities during the holiday season. Charities and local shelters can always use extra clothes or gifts for needy families.

Tree Farms. When choosing a Christmas tree, farms are the way to go for the sake of the planet. Fake trees use nonrenewable resources to create, and wild trees take longer to replenish. With a tree farm, every tree cut down will be replanted.

Decorations. Reuse as many decorations as possible. Families can save Christmas stockings, hangers, garlands, wreaths, and ornaments, Reusing decorations helps eliminate waste.

Homemade Decor. Create your own Christmas décor at home. There are many options to choose from, including materials, shapes and holiday themes for decorations and ornaments. Make an advent calendar from recycled paper, use recycled papers and raffia for garland, use edible ornaments for the tree, or create a heirloom tree skirt from fabric and embellish

Families can enjoy a green Christmas without losing any of the holiday sparkle by decorating with environmentally conscious materials, recycling from years past, and using materials found around the home, whenever it is possible. Keep in mind that the true sparkle of the Christmas season comes from the heart.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about our environment and the health of you and your family. For more information on healthy green living and green cleaning, please log on to greencleancertified.com and maidbrigade.com. Watch our video on achieving work/life balance at greencleancertified.com/greentv. To learn more about the hidden allergy and asthma triggers in your home, log on to greencleancertified.com/greentv. For more information on cleaning products and breast cancer, please watch our video at maidbrigade.com. To find out ways to protect your family's health against breast cancer, please log on to greencleancertified.com.