If you are looking into natural ways to keep your home clean¹, then you may have considered pressure washing - an ultra-powerful way to remove grime, mildew, and virtually all types of dirt, without the need for toxic products or hand scrubbing. Pressure washers rely on either a gas engine or electric motor, as well as a pump and sturdy nozzle, to raise your hose pressure by up to 80 times. Although they deliver up to 4,000 psi, they do not harm your floors and surfaces, making them a good choice for a deep spring clean.

What areas can you pressure wash?

Pressure washers are normally used outdoors on terraces, decks, fences, walkways, boats, RVs, etc. They are particularly excellent at removing stubborn stains such as oil² and are favored by those who have allergies³ since they rinse possible allergens off outdoor surfaces. This cleaning method is sometimes used indoors - for instance, in kitchens and bathrooms of commercial spaces. If you used a pressure washer indoors, however, you will need to be extra vigilant about following safety instructions, as space is restricted and you want to avoid the ultra-high pressuring touching your skin.

What will you need to pressure wash?

When choosing a machine to clean your home, you need one that is efficient but not so powerful that it can harm your skin. Pressure washers emit a powerful spray with the click of a switch, and all you need to do is point it at targeted areas. Most machines come with a variety of nozzles but if you can only pick one, opt for a nozzle of at least 15º. A 0º nozzle shoots out a very powerful, long spray, while those with a higher degree ‘fan out’ a little more. Use a wand extension to reach high places without having to use a lower degree nozzle. This will also save your surfaces since 0º nozzles can sometimes damage sensitive surfaces and metallic surfaces such as those on cars. A 15º nozzle will keep your environment clean3 while efficiently removing even stubborn dirt. If you are seeking to clean an area like a garage with thick oily residue, opt for a hot water pressure washer.

Avoiding accidents

Before using it, remove any flammable or dangerous materials. Ideally, the space you are cleaning should be completely clear of furniture and tools. Protect yourself with an eye guard and wear thick sturdy clothing. Remember that a low degree nozzle can harm you if it touches your skin.

What is an ideal time to pressure wash?

If you live in a cold climate, you usually won’t have to pull out your power washer until spring or summer, when you know the rain won’t undo your hard work. If you live in a warm, mold-prone climate, you will need to give surfaces at least one good clean a year, once again opting for a summer month, when the wet weather won’t threaten to bring mildew or mold to your exteriors. Try to keep your outdoors clean throughout the year, so you don’t need to spend too much time when power washing these areas. If your home is susceptible to mold, you may have to consider cleaning surfaces twice a year (or even more), bearing in mind the negative effects that mold and mildew⁴ can have on your family’s health.

Pressure washing is a quick route to clean exteriors and, on occasion, interiors. It removes the need for toxic and expensive products and battles mold, mildew and other health risks⁵. If you opt for this cleaning method, remember to put safety above all things, including cleaning ease. Never use a 0º nozzle and clear the area you are about to clean, to avoid destroying car surfaces and to prevent the risk of fire and other accidents.

Resources

1 Nogueira, H, Worker Readies for Spring Cleaning. www.thecrimson.com, accessed May 2018. https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2005/5/27/worker-readies-for-spring-cleaning-on/

2 Tyson, S, How to Clean Up Spilled Lamp Oil and Candle Oil. www.fireflyfuel.com. Accessed May 2018. http://www.fireflyfuel.com/blog/how-to-clean-up-spilled-lamp-and-candle-oil

3 Mold Allergy. www.mayoclinic.com. Accessed May 2018. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mold-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20351519

4 Nunn, P How important is a safe and clean environment, does this affect you?. www.mrsactionuk.net. Accessed May 2018. http://mrsaactionuk.net/Improvement%20Foundation/How%20important%20is%20a%20safe%20and%20clean%20environment.pdf

5 Mendell M, et.al., Respiratory and Allergic Health Effects of Dampness, Mold, and Dampness-Related Agents: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence. Environmental Health Perspectives, June 2011. Accessed May 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114807/

 

Contribution by freelance writer Sally Preston

 

It's a responsibility for every parent at home to keep their kids safe and secure. However, this doesn't look like an easy task to accomplish for most of us, but it's worth it. As parents, we have failed to know exactly where we should focus our efforts and time in ensuring that our babies are kept safe at home. So the big question remains for us, where can we start? In regards to how our kids are curious about everything that seems to cross their way, most of the cleaning products fuel the chances of risk to our babies. This is the point where we can now get started to ensure a clean home and safety in our families. Therefore, these 5 baby-friendly cleaning products are the best choice for every parent to consider.

 

1.      Safe Floor Cleaner

When your baby reaches the age of crawling, you need to ensure that all floors of your house are clean.  If you want your floors to look their best, vacuum often, especially tile floors. There are various baby-safe household cleaning products that will help you achieve this. Try using unscented MamaSuds Castile Soap. This will keep off the bacteria from the floor. Fragrance features will also not encourage babies to be curious in licking the floor as pleasant smells always attract them.

2.      Safe Baby-Friendly Laundry Products

Your laundry is likely to grow big when your family grows, and usually, those bundles of clothes can bring a big mess to your family. You may be tempted to use chemical detergents to clean your baby's clothes. It's vital to know that most of these chemical products are harmful to your kid's skin and can chase away their happiness. Therefore, it's crucial to manage your laundry with a non-toxic laundry product. Don't be tempted to purchase a product specifically geared toward "baby" as this is likely filled with synthetic ingredients and marked up in price. MamaSuds Laundry Soap is not only gentle enough for sensitive skin, it's designed for cloth diapering. This product is safe for your little ones and will bring more happiness to them.

 

3.      Safe Kitchen and Bathroom Cleaners

 Bathtubs and toilet cleaners are packed with a synthetic chemical that is harmful to inhale. Therefore, consider using cleaning products that are safe for kids. Instead of using these harmful chemicals, opt for safe products. You can try using white vinegar to clean bathroom. Also, plain baking soda can work best in cleaning the bathtub. It's also recommended to use castile soap when cleaning the toilets instead of using chemical-based detergents.

 

4.      Dishwashing Detergents

Dishwashing detergents should also top your things-to-care list when it comes to choosing best cleaning product for your utensils. Avoid using harsh dishwashing products which dirty your dishes with harmful chemicals that can bring breathability problems when exposed to air. Instead, choose natural dishwashing products like MamaSuds Automatic Dishwasher Powder which does not include any synthetic or harmful ingredients.

5.      Baby-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaners

When you have a tight schedule at home, an effective all-purpose cleaner can be the better option for a baby-friendly cleaning product. This will get any type of surface cleaned and leave your family in a safe and clean home. Since kids will never run short off their cheekiness, they will want to swim on the floor playing all styles of games. Therefore, be sure to use a natural cleaning product that will be safe for them after their games. Consider trying Baking soda and table salt as they can handle tough stains on the floor or MamaSuds All-Purpose Cleaner spray. 

 

Creating a happy family is number one priority for every parent. Therefore, be sure to use eco-friendly cleaning products. These products are not only ideal for your kid's health but also bring happiness to your family. In addition, they enhance your laundry and make your home clean. So, it's vital to consider having these 5 baby-friendly cleaning products for every home and create a worry-free home for your family. These products will make you have a good experience at home. Enjoy!

 

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Liz Buckley is a part of the Content team at Best Vacuum Expert, sharing expert knowledge and best tips on how to have a clean house.

You’ve been working tirelessly to stick with a clean, healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, it takes more than that to stay healthy. Toxins could be living in your home right now, and you just don’t know about it. Below are some common ones that pose a risk to your health.

Where you can Expect to Find Phthalates

First of all, you should keep an eye out for phthalates. Are you wondering what those are? Phthalates are certain chemicals used in the production of a number of household products; however, they often go unnoticed. You’ve probably never thought twice about toxins being in your toilet paper or air freshener, for instance. If you have vinyl shower curtains, you can be sure that phthalates are present in them, as well.

While many of the products containing them are in the bathroom, it doesn’t stop there. As a matter of fact, you may very well be dealing with dish soap and plastic food and drink containers in your kitchen that contain these toxins. Since they tend to pop up in several places, it’s best to always be on the lookout for them. It’s not rare at all for phthalates to show up in items that appear completely harmless on the surface.

How you can Know About Mold

When you’re looking to eliminate the toxins from your home, you’re going to want to consider the potential presence of mold. Mold commonly grows in humid environments, but can also grow in arid climates if the house suffers flood damage. According to protectyourhome.com, flood detection should be part of your total home protection strategy.

Even though it’s clearly visible to the naked eye, you won’t always be able to see it. Sometimes, it spreads throughout the interior portion of the walls. If this happens, you can expect certain symptoms to reveal the hidden mold. You may experience an allergic reaction and worsening asthma symptoms.

Also, you should be on the lookout for any discoloration or spots on the walls that seem to have appeared out of nowhere. If you encounter a fever or an itchy sensation more often than you normally do, you should consider the very real possibility that it's taken up residence in your home. This knowledge could end up saving your life.

Your lifestyle may be healthy and clean, but your house is another story. Being aware of this is a good place to start, though. You should do what you can to find out if phthalates are within any household products you currently use. Also, you’ll want to pay attention to any signs of mold growth. Finding out today will preserve your health tomorrow.

47% of households in the USA have dampness or mold problems, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science. Mold in a home is a nuisance, due to its musty odor and unappealing appearance. Exposure to mold and damp environments may cause a variety of health problems, such as throat irritation, nasal stuffiness, coughing or wheezing and even skin irritation. Children are even more susceptible to mold-related infections. Chemical options to get rid of the mold, such as bleach are effective, but toxic when mixed with other household cleaning agents. Instead, opting for a safer option like a vegan handmade all-purpose cleaner for removing mold, is not only environmentally conscious but also gentle to your hands and non-toxic.

Nonetheless, you can clean mold using everyday products that are just as safe. Below are proven ways to get rid of mold in your home without bleach.

Tea tree oil

The ideal conditions for the growth of mold as a fungus include damp, poorly lit and poorly ventilated surfaces. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide which makes it the ideal cleaning agent for areas infested with mold. Other medicinal benefits of tea tree oil prove that it is not only good for cleaning mold, but also as a safe household cleaner and for eczema - a mold-related allergy. This essentially means it is good for your skin or people with allergies and asthma. Cleaning mold using tea tree oil also leaves your home with a sweet medicinal fragrance. Spray a mixture of 10 drops of tea tree oil and water on the surface and wipe after it sits for a while.

Vinegar or vodka

Vinegar is a natural antimicrobial and antioxidant substance, whose acetic acid has a pH of 2.4. Such a pH level makes it ideal for cleaning mold, as a more acidic substance gets rid of a less acidic one. Vodka is also another common natural solution for getting rid of mold, though more alkaline than vinegar. Grabbing a cheap bottom shelf bottle works the best, making it less expensive. For either of the two, you want to pour them pure into a spray bottle, spritz over the mold surface, let it sit for a while and clean with a sponge. Spraying the surface after cleaning without wiping it off should permanently get rid of the mold problem. While at it, you should also learn a bit more about DIY cleaning with vinegar in your home.

The best way to permanently rid your house of mold is to identify the actual cause and curb its thriving conditions. Cleaning and drying those damp surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom, getting rid of stale foods, and getting a dehumidifier should prevent hyphae from spreading. If you already have mold, then a bottle of tea tree oil, vinegar or vodka should clean just fine.

 

Contribution by freelance writer Sally Preston

Decorating a home can be an intimidating process for anyone. Trying to be eco-friendly when designing a new space adds an additional challenge. Luckily, eco-friendly home décor has come a long way, making it totally possible to create an ethically sourced design without compromising on style. Keep reading for some tips on making your green space look its best.

Buy Used

One of the easiest ways to keep your carbon footprint small is to buy pre-loved furniture and home décor. Start by checking eBay and Gumtree, which have fantastic vintage pieces added every day. You can also check your local thrift stores and use social media to see if anyone has pieces they’re looking to sell. Although secondhand furniture may not seem as exciting as getting something new, vintage pieces actually make your space unique. You can also always DIY the furniture to make it fit your space better. With so many tutorials on YouTube and blogs, you should be able to find a method that will work best for your renovation.

Think Before You Paint

Many people begin any room makeover by putting on a fresh coat of paint, as it’s one of the most affordable ways to change up a space. If you’re looking to design in an eco-friendly way, however, you should take the time to research the type of paint to use. Many paints contain VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which release toxic emissions into the atmosphere for years after they’ve been put on your walls (EPA). This is not only bad for your family, but also detrimental to the environment. VOCs used to be critical to the paint-making process, but this has changed in recent years. When you select your new color, just make sure to buy one that is clearly labeled “low VOC.” In fact, some brands have no VOCs at all!

Take on a Project

One of the coolest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to take on some DIY projects that are both energy efficient and aesthetically pleasing. For example, you can create a water wall with a collection of beautiful mason jars. Simply place the Mason jars on a window that receives a lot of sunlight. The water will then absorb heat during the day and release it at night, keeping your house cooler while you’re awake and more comfortable while you’re sleeping. You can even paint the jars so that your room is filled with colored light, creating a stained glass effect. Alternatively, you can just mix some food coloring into the water.

Even easier than a DIY is splurging on a bunch of houseplants. They’ll purify your air and look beautiful while doing it. Look through the home design inspiration here to get ideas for houseplant placement.

Avoid Normal Curtains and Carpet

Standard curtains don’t do a whole lot to control the temperature of your room. By investing in thermal curtains, you’ll cut down your energy bills for years to come. If there is a certain look that you absolutely love, you don’t have to sacrifice style. Simply buy a plain thermal curtain lining and place it behind the decorative curtains of your choice.

You may also wish to consider investing in hardwood floors instead of carpet. Carpet is not only full of pollutants and chemicals that release toxins into your home, but also harms the planet during the manufacturing process. And even the best carpets need to be replaced every ten years or so. Although real wood, the most environmentally-friendly choice, can be pricey, it will hold up well over time and increase the resale value of your home.

Although decorating a space in an environmentally friendly way can be a challenge, it’s worth it to know that you’ve helped your planet while also beautifying your space. Grab a paintbrush and get started today!

No one wants to keep a dirty home, but regular cleaning using chemical compounds can be dangerous for your health. Cleaning substances are the 3rd most common reason for exposure to poison in adults, and the second most common reason for exposure in children. Everything from dish soaps to fabric softeners can include toxins that pose a risk to you, your family, and the environment. The next time that you go to clean the messiest rooms of your house, it’s a good idea to be aware of the dangers that your cleaning products may pose to your wellbeing.

Skin Damage

Harsh chemical cleaners are known to cause damage to the skin. While mild detergents might just dry skin out and become dehydrated, stronger corrosive and acidic cleansers can lead to severe burns if they come in contact with the skin or eyes. If ingested, these cleaners can also do internal damage to the mouth, throat, and esophagus. Some of the most dangerous cleaners include corrosive drain solutions, oven cleaners, strong bleach mixtures, and acidic toilet bowl cleaners.

Breathing Problems

If you're cleaning a poorly ventilated area, chemical cleaners may produce fumes that can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs. Chlorine bleach and ammonia can both cause breathing difficulties, especially in people with asthma or other chronic lung problems. Combining different cleaners can be particularly dangerous. Adding ammonia to chlorine or lye can produce hazardous chloramine gases while combining chlorine with acids can lead to caustic chlorine gas.

Carcinogenic Agents

While many health issues caused by chemical cleaners are brief and temporary, there can also be long-term consequences. Some cleaners contain compounds that increase your risk of developing cancer. All-purpose cleaners containing diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) create carcinogenic nitrosamines when they come in contact with nitrites. 1,4-dioxane and phenols are also commonly found ingredients that are suspected carcinogens.

Environmental Concerns

In addition to impacting your health, chemical cleaners can also affect the environment around you. Some cleaners contain compounds that don’t readily break down during the treatment process, releasing hazardous detergents and disinfectants into the waterways. Not only does this threaten the health of local marine wildlife, but it can also lead to dangerous chemicals and carcinogens showing up in your food. You might begin to see dangerous levels of toxins in local fish populations, or runoff may make its way into the soil and affect crops.

It's important to be careful about what products you bring into your home when dealing with cleaners. You should always read the label to ensure that no ingredients are present that might harm you or your family. Switching to green products such as MamaSuds Household Cleaners can help to keep your dishes, your clothes, and your home free of toxic chemicals.

 

 Contribution by freelance writer Sally Preston

• Using too much soap is a common misconception when it comes to laundry.
• Depending on water type and washer type, the amount of soap used in each load should vary.
• For average water and an HE washing machine, 1/2 tablespoon of laundry soap should be used for a load of bath towels; 1/2 - 1 full tablespoon for regular clothing; 1 -1.5 tablespoons for a dirty load; 1.5 – 2 tablespoons for cloth diapers or an equally dirty load.
• For average water and a regular washing machine, 1 tablespoons of laundry soap should be used for bath towels; 1-2 tablespoons for regular clothing; 2-3 tablespoons for dirty loads; and 0.25 – 0.5 cup for cloth diapers or an equally dirty load.
• The best approach is to use the least amount of soap first until desired results are achieved.

• Deep cleaning the house is a great way to get it looking pristine before Spring.
• To deep clean, start with decluttering the room by breaking it into sections and reorganizing shelves, cabinets and drawers.
• Dusting from top to bottom is essential as well as vacuuming/sweeping the floor and wiping down any surfaces.
• Cleaning with spray cleaners is one of the final steps, focusing on horizontal surfaces, windows and sticky spots.
• Completing these steps should make any room in your home look fresh and clean!

• Electronic Assistants, such as Siri and Alexa, help keep homes organized and on track by setting alarms, reminders and turning on lights and appliances.
• The 2002 invention of the Roomba set into motion the development of other robotic home tech offerings such as mopping robots and gutter-cleaning bots.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) allows users to control their homes and get housework done while away from home through connection of appliances over the Internet.
• Technological advancements are taking stress out of keeping a clean home.