Author: oi_admin

Can Vinegar Kill Mold?

Posted on June 4, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

Vinegar is a mild acid which can kill 82% of mold species. However, it also has the advantages of being natural and safe. Vinegar is non-toxic and doesn't give off dangerous fumes like bleach does.

To kill mold with vinegar, use white distilled vinegar. Vinegar is inexpensive and can be found in your local food store.

Pour some vinegar into a spray bottle without watering it down.

Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface and let it sit for about 1 hour.

Wipe the area with water and allow the surface to dry. The smell of vinegar should disappear within a few hours.

If you want to use vinegar to prevent mold growing on surfaces, just spray vinegar on the surface and leave it. Repeat this every few days to ensure the surface will stay mold-free. You can even mop your tiled bathroom floor or other non-porous floors with vinegar if you are worried about mold growing on them!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about you and your family. Leave a comment and let us know your ideas on how to get rid of mold the "green" way.

For more information on healthy green living, please go to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Killing Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide

Posted on June 2, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Hydrogen Peroxide and Mold:

Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-fungal, an anti-viral, an anti-bacterial, and it can kill mold. Hydrogen peroxide is a good alternative to chlorine bleach because it is safe to use and it doesn't harm the environment. It also doesn't leave behind toxic residue or produce toxic fumes like chlorine bleach does. Hydrogen peroxide is also inexpensive to buy.

Hydrogen peroxide kills mold effectively on many materials such as clothes, floors, bathrooms fixtures, walls and certain items such as kitchen appliances. Since hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, it can also help fade the stain that mold leaves behind. Always remember to spot test hydrogen peroxide on the material before cleaning to make sure it won't fade the material colors.

Killing Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide:

Pour 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
Spray the moldy surface so that the moldy areas are saturated with hydrogen peroxide.
Wait about 10 minutes, then scrub the area making sure to remove all the mold and mold stains.
Wipe the surface down to remove residual mold and spores.

Vinegar can also be used with hydrogen peroxide during the cleaning to remove the mold more effectively.

Remember to store the spray bottle in a dark place since light diminishes hydrogen peroxide's effectiveness.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about you and your family. Share your natural green cleaning ideas with us! For more information on green living, please go to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Spring Clean Your Cleaning Products!

Posted on May 24, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

When it comes to your health, the number one rule of thumb that environmental safety experts recommend, is read the ingredient list carefully on anything you’re going to be spraying in the air or wiping on touchable surfaces in your home.

When it comes to cancer-triggering toxins, air fresheners are among the biggest culprits. Air fresheners contain either Isopar, which is deodorized kerosene, or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are carcinogenic and toxic to the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Among cleansers, oxygen bleach cleansers are particularly dangerous. Watch out for products containing chlorine bleach and ammonia. Both of these are not good to breathe. Avoid spraying chlorine bleach in the shower or bathroom where the steam makes you more likely to breathe it in.

There are many "green" cleaning products on the market. Replace your old standbys with green products that are approved by "Green Seal." Or, for a fraction of the cost, try making your own healthy green cleaning products at home. Your lungs and cells will thank you!

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about your health and the environment. For more information on healthy green living, please go to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Are There Household Dangers in Your Home?

Posted on May 24, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Home, Uncategorized

Potential health hazards could be lurking around your house. The good news is that they are easy to to uncover, and relatively inexpensive to correct.

Here are some of the most common household hazards that may be lingering in your home.

Kitchen Sponges:

The sad truth is that unless you’re diligent about sanitizing them often, kitchen sponges often carry more germs than toilet seats. Sponges can harbor more than 100,000 bacteria, including food-borne diseases that were wiped off the counter. Toss them in the dishwasher regularly, replace them, or zap them in the microwave for two minutes.

Dirty Air Ducts:

Dirty air ducts contain dust, pollen, bacteria, and even mold, and the contaminated air is recycled and circulated throughout your home, day after day.

Radon:

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that you can’t see, smell, or taste. It is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. You can purchase a do-it-yourself radon test at a home improvement store and get the results in a matter of days. Homes in certain parts of the country, and those with dirt basements, are particularly susceptible to the gas.

Bisphenol-A:

In a major study, leading scientific experts warned of adverse health effects from bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical found in water bottles, cups, baby bottles, tin cans, and many other commonly used household products. BPA is a hormone-mimicking chemical used in polycarbonate plastics. They often have a #7 recycling code. In animal tests, it has caused problems ranging from an increase in the incidence of prostate and breast cancer, to early onset of puberty in girls, to diabetes and obesity.

Lead:

Lead is another invisible threat in your home, and one that’s easy to discover. It is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain and can result in a lower IQ, memory problems, or increased aggression. Lead can be found in old paint, pipes, and even soil. You can have your home tested for lead by a professional, or you can purchase a lead test kit and swab surfaces for evidence of the chemical.

Mold:

Basements are often the culprits of mold spores, which can produce allergens, irritants, and in some cases, potentially harmful toxins. Black mold is an especially dangerous type of mold. If you discover mold in your house (or suspect it could be in your house), you should promptly clean it up and fix the water problem that is causing the mold.

Aluminum Cookware:

Aluminum found in pots and pans can leach into your food, and when ingested, can damage your kidneys and liver and weaken your bones. A growing number of researchers say the metal could cause Alzheimer’s disease. Glass, cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain cookware are good alternatives to aluminum.

Bed Linens:

Sheets that have permanent press finishes which are commonly used by manufacturers in order to minimize wrinkling usually contain formaldehyde, which is a known carcinogen. Formaldehyde becomes a gas at room temperature and new or unwashed sheets can release formaldehyde fumes, causing flu-like symptoms. Consider staying away from permanent press fabrics, and opt for organic cotton or bamboo sheets instead.

Cockroaches:

Cockroaches carry a range of bacteria, including salmonella, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. You may need professional help to rid your house of roaches, or you can try to do it yourself. Make sure the kitchen trash can is emptied regularly. Do not keep newspapers, cardboard boxes, or magazines stacked inside the house. Try not to leave pet food out, and repair any holes in the walls.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about your health. Share your ideas and tips with us. For more information about healthy green living, please log on to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Green Clean Your Patio Furniture!

Posted on May 13, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks, Uncategorized

The warm weather is finally here! Now is the time to pull out your outdoor patio furniture and give it a good cleaning so it looks fresh and bright for the summer months ahead.

Follow this advice to make the job go faster:

Furniture Cushions:

Clean your outdoor furniture cushions the natural "green" way by mixing your own solution. In a spray bottle combine one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 teaspoon of borax per quart of warm water. Spray cushion on both sides, let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with a hose. Leave them out in the sun to dry.

Aluminum:

Although it doesn't rust, aluminum can become dull and pitted when left outdoors. To clean and restore the shine, scrub the frames with a plastic scrubber soaked in detergent or a soap-filled steel wool pad, then rinse and dry.

Canvas:

Soiled canvas seats and chair backs are usually machine washable, but be sure to put them back on the furniture when they are still damp to maintain their shape.

To clean canvas that you cannot put in the washing machine, such as large seats, backs or awnings, run a scrub brush across a bar of Fels-Naptha Soap. Rub on to canvas and rinse well. This should remove most stains and bird droppings as well.

Plastic:

Wash with a good natural all-purpose green cleaner and water, then rinse and dry. An alternative for white furniture is combining 3 tablespoons dishwashing detergent with 1 gallon warm water. Let solution sit on furniture for 15 minutes and then rinse and dry.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services wants to know how you keep your patio furniture green clean. Share your tips and homemade green cleaning solutions with us!

For more information on green living, please go to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Soothe Sinus Pain Naturally

Posted on May 12, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Each year chronic sinusitis affects between 30 and 40 million people in the United States. As spring approaches there will be many sufferers seeking relief.

When you suffer from sinusitis, the undrained mucus in the sinuses causes pain and pressure and creates a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, which can make you more susceptible to viruses and infection.

Here are some practical tips you can try at home if sinuses become congested:

Clean Nasal Passages:

Rinse with salt water twice a day to clear out irritating mucus and kill bacteria. Get a bulb syringe or a neti pot (a spouted pot designed for flushing sinuses). Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with 1 cup warm water and let the solution stream through one nostril and flow out the other. Studies show this is the number one recommendation for serious sinus relief.

Full Steam Ahead:

Moist, warm therapy can increase blood supply to an area, which in turn can help clear infections. Take a warm shower, or, inhale steam rising from a pot of heated water by leaning over the pot with a towel draped over your head. Breathe the steam for 15 minutes.

Apply a warm, wet washcloth to your nose, cheekbones and eyes. This will take the edge off of the pain and promote sinus drainage.

Humidify:

Dryness irritates sinuses, so humidify the air. Use a saline nasal spray too.

Stay Away From Mucus Boosters:

Milk and wheat are big mucus boosters, so avoid them when sinusitis hits. Avoid inflammatory foods and eat fresh fruits, vegetables and plant protein. Drink lots of water to thin mucus. Steamy soups (like chicken noodle soup) may also provide relief.

Avoid Potential Allergy Triggers:

Avoid common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander and mold. Certain chemicals can also set off sneezing, coughing, and asthma attacks. Install a HEPA filter to clean the air in your bedroom. A humidifier can help reduce congestion, but clean it regularly or mold and bacteria buildup can do you more harm than good. Avoid smoke, chemical fumes and alcohol because they all swell sinus membranes.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Service wants to know how you prevent sinus infections. Share your tips with us!

For more information on healthy green living, please go to greencleancertified.com or maidbrigade.com.

Maid Brigade cares about you and the environment.

House Dust and Indoor Allergy Relief

Posted on May 11, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Home

Every home contains enough allergens able to trigger a reaction in an allergy sufferer. Household dust can appear in the cleanest home, resulting in year round allergies to the indoor air.

Indoor allergies impact the lives of millions each year and have the potential to cause chronic health problems ranging from allergies, upper respiratory issues and asthma. However, these allergies can easily be managed by reducing the level of airborne allergens in the home.

Dust consists of microscopic particles found in both indoor and outdoor environments. Typically, house dust allergies are triggered by common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, cockroach waste, pet dander and mold. Symptoms of a house dust allergy include sneezing, runny, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Vacuum Cleaners:

Cleaning the surfaces in the home may not be enough to remove allergens and prevent their recirculation back into the indoor air. An essential tool for household cleaning is a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum. HEPA filters are designed to trap small particles such as allergens and prevent their recirculation – while traditional vacuums put allergens back into the indoor air triggering house dust allergies.

Carpeting:

Carpets easily trap airborne particles and allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Reducing trapped allergens and house dust requires:

Regular weekly or twice weekly vacuuming with a HEPA filtered vacuum.
Professional cleaning every six months to a year to remove trapped allergens, mold and other particles able to re-circulate into the air.
Removal of carpeting may be recommended for those with moderate to severe allergies.

House Dust and Dust Mites:

Bedding, comforters, curtains, towels and other soft surfaces trap dust mites. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, dust mites are the most common trigger of allergies and asthma. Several steps can be taken to reduce the level of dust mites as an allergen trigger in the home.

Vacuuming soft surfaces to remove dust once or twice weekly.
Washing bedding, comforters, towels and curtains in hot water reaching at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Use of allergen proof covers or hypoallergenic pillows and mattresses.

Helpful Household Tips:

Use HEPA filtration air purifiers and systems to remove airborne allergens and reduce symptoms caused by house dust allergies.
Use a dust mask while cleaning if needed. This will limit the exposure to airborne allergens in the home, and decrease allergy symptoms.
Clean up after meals. Open food not only attracts bugs and mice, but cockroach waste in particular can trigger a house dust allergy.
Dry all surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen after use, and check for leaks in the plumbing that can result in mold growth.
Use natural homemade green cleaning solutions to clean your home.
Basements, vents and crawl spaces can hide and trap allergens and household dust, pushing them into clean areas of the home. These areas should be cleaned on a regular basis because they easily hide areas with high moisture and humidity, promoting mold growth and circulation of spores in the home.

Indoor Allergy Relief is Possible!

Even for severe allergy sufferers, finding relief from indoor allergens is possible. Scheduling an appointment with a physician to diagnose allergy symptoms and determining proper allergy treatment is only the first step. Homeowners need to take proactive steps to reduce home dust allergies and improve indoor air quality.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services cares about you! Share your tips on how to get rid of indoor house dust allergies with us!

For more information on green living and green cleaning, please go to greencleancertified.com.

Give Mom Something New And Exciting This Year ....

Posted on May 7, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Are you stuck on what to give "mom" for Mother's Day this year? Are you tired of giving her the same old presents? Why not give mom something that she will love.... a day off from cleaning!

Give mom a day off and let Let Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services do the cleaning for her!

Maid Brigade is the leader in green cleaning for the health of you and your family. They have developed the nation's first Green Clean Certified cleaning standard, and uses green cleaning solutions, not chemicals to clean your home.

Make mom feel like a Queen this year and give her something she'll love....for more information, log on to greencleancertified.com, or maidbrigade.com.

Breathe Easier!

Posted on May 3, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body, Uncategorized

We usually think of air pollution as something outside, but the truth is, the air inside your home can be more polluted than the air outside. The air inside your home may be polluted by lead (found in house dust), formaldehyde, fire-retardants, radon, and even volatile chemicals from fragrances used in conventional cleaners. Some pollutants, like dust mites, mold and pet dander, are tracked into the home by pets, shoes, furniture, and even other people.

People with asthma, children, and even the elderly can be sensitive to indoor pollutants, and after repeated exposure, other effects on health may appear years later.

Indoor allergens and irritants have become more important in recent decades because we are spending more time indoors. Since most homes are airtight, these irritants cannot easily escape.

Ways to improve indoor air quality:

1. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. This will reduce concentrations of lead, as well as allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites in your home.

2. Mop it up. Using microfiber mops and dust cloths will capture dust. Skip the soaps and cleaners and just use plain water. Microfiber cloths don't require any cleaning solutions.

3. Use a mat. Put a large floor mat at every door. People track all sorts of things on their shoes. A door mat will reduce the amouont of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants from getting into your home.

4. Keep a healthy humidity level. Dust mites and mold love moisture. A dehumidifier and/or an air conditioner will help reduce moisture in indoor air and effectively control allergens. For allergy sufferers, an air conditioner also reduces indoor pollen count.

Maid Brigade House Cleaning Services wants to know what do you do to improve indoor air quality in your home? Share your ideas with us!

For more information on green living, log onto www.greencleancertified.com.

Allergy Relief

Posted on April 28, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Body

Sometimes cleaning can be a problem for those suffering from allergies. All triggers, such as dust mites, pet allergens, and mold spores, must be kept under control, but how do you minimize them without making allergy symptoms worse?

According to a study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 62 percent of patients reported having allergy symptoms caused by indoor allergens.

There are certain things you can do to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals and still end up with a healthy green clean home.

What cleaning products worsen allergy symptoms?

Avoid products that have strong odors, such as ammonia, and also products that produce particulates, including air fresheners. Aerosol spray cleaners are other items to avoid. Not only can they trigger allergy symptoms, but a recent study also found that weekly use of cleaning sprays was linked with increases in asthma, asthma medication use, and wheezing. More frequent use of these cleaners was also associated with greater risk.

What cleaning products should allergy sufferers use?

Use products that have minimal odors. Use dust cloths (microfiber cloths) and mops that pick up and retain the dust instead of those that push it back into the air. Vacuums with HEPA filters are good choices for removing allergens.

Bedding, curtains, and kids' stuffed animals should be washed regularly with hot water to keep allergen accumulation low.

What about natural green cleaning products?

Look for products that have the Green Seal of Approval. These products are approved by Green Seal, an organization that tests products to make sure they work and are also good for the environment.

Making your own green cleaning products is another healthy and cheaper option. Make your own glass cleaner by mixing a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with a quart of water. Make your own furniture polish by combining a teaspoon of lemon juice with a pint of mineral or vegetable oil. Deodorize carpets by sprinkling baking soda on them, wait 15 minutes, and vacuum. Cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns are great air fresheners for your home.

Maid Brigade Cleaning Service would like to know how you keep allergen accumulation low in your home. Share your ideas and tips with us on how to spring clean this allergy season!

For more information, please go to www.greencleancertified.com.

Green Clean to Provide Allergy Relief

Posted on April 26, 2010 by oi_admin - Green Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Spring cleaning plays a very important role in living an eco-friendly lifestyle that supports health and wellness. There is nothing like a good "green" spring cleaning to get you feeling happy and refreshed!

But what about your allergies?

During the winter months, especially in colder climates where the windows are usually closed, there is very little circulation inside the home. This means that dirt, dust, and other allergens accumulate more in the winter, no matter how often a house is vacuumed and swept. For families, especially those affected by asthma and allergies, a good natural green spring cleaning can provide symptomatic relief and allow for easier breathing.

Tune in tomorrow for Maid Brigade's best cleaning tips for allergy sufferers!

Give Yourself A Gift This Earth Day

Posted on April 22, 2010 by oi_admin - Healthy Soul

Happy Earth Day!
Happy 40th Anniversary Earth Day! Awareness has never been greater. "Going green" is a concept being embraced by children, schools, businesses, and families.

For Earth Day's 40th birthday, give yourself a gift. Make a commitment to make simple changes that will help you save money, save energy, and save the environment.

Here are some things to think about this Earth Day:

About 70,000 people in the U.S die prematurely from heart and lung disease aggravated by air pollution.

Glass produced from recycled glass instead of raw materials reduces related air pollution by 20%, and water pollution by 50%.

Americans annually use 50 million tons of paper. This equals the consumption of more than 850 million trees.

Homeowners use up to 10 times more toxic chemicals per acre than farmers.

Turning down your central heating thermostat by one degree can cut fuel consumption by as much as 10%.

Insulating your attic reduces the amount of energy loss in most houses by up to 20%.

80% of the world's forests are gone.

Over 40% of all tropical forests have been destroyed and another acre is lost each second.

The U.S. has less than 4% of its forests left.

The U.S. burns 10,000 gallons of gasoline a second.

An average American creates 4.5 pounds of garbage a day.

Every ton of recycled office paper saves 380 gallons of oil.

40% of our waterways are undrinkable.

The U.S. has 5% of the world's population and 30% of the waste.

Energy saved from one recycled aluminum can will operate a tv set for 3 hours, and is the equivalent to half a can of gasoline.

The average American uses 25 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products each year. Stock up on these eight natural earth-friendly ingredients and make your own green house cleaners for less: baking soda, borax, distilled white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemons, olive oil, vegetable-based castile soap, and washing soda.

Maid Brigade house cleaning services would like to wish you all a very happy, healthy, and "green" Earth Day!