Cleaning Grout Between Travertine Tiles

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Travertine is a beautiful natural stone that makes it an ideal natural stone for many types of stone tile installations. Travertine tiles are typically installed close to the adjacent tiles with small approximately 1 / 16th inch grout joints. Installing travertine this way will allow the beauty of the travertine to be displayed without wide grout joints interfering with the natural beauty of the travertine. Using unsanded grout and thin grout joints also allows the travertine to be polished and refinished if the polished finish of the travertine tiles starts to become dull and lifeless.

Often the travertine tiles will still look good but the grout starts to get dirty and distracts from the beauty of the travertine. Cleaning travertine tile grout can be difficult in that you do not want to damage the finish of the travertine while cleaning the grout between the travertine tiles. Travertine tiles are typically polished or honed to some level of reflection and you do not want to damage the finish of the natural travertine stone while cleaning the grout.

Travertine like most other types of stone tiles can be damaged with acidic tile and grout cleaning products. You should never use any type of acidic cleaner on travertine or you will etch the travertines finish. Many strong alkaline cleaners that were not designed for cleaning tile, grout and stone can also dull the finish of travertine. To get the most effective cleaning results on a travertine tile installation an alkaline cleaner specifically designed for cleaning tile, grout and stone should be used.

An alkaline cleaner designed for cleaning tile, grout and stone will react with the dark dirt, grease and grime in the grout lines and allow the dirt and stains to be extracted from the grout. You should mix the alkaline cleaning product with extremely hot water and apply it to the travertine and grout. Allow the hot alkaline cleaner about 20 minutes dwell time to react with all the dirt, grease and grime in the grout joints. Then you can use a mop and bucket to rinse away the dirt from the grout lines.

With extremely dirty grout you may be forced to agitate the grout lines with a soft scrub pad to loosen up the dirt and grime in the grout lines. It is important to only use soft scrub pads for cleaning grout between travertine tiles so that you do not scratch the finish of the travertine. You can also use a shop vac or another similar suction device to help you extract the dirty water from the travertine tiles. In this way you can be sure that the dirt, grease and grime is lifted away from the travertine and not just redeposited in the grout lines when mopping the travetine tile floor.

Care must be taken when using any type of shop vac extraction device on traverine. The hard plastic nozzle of a shop vac can create scratch marks when sucked down and dragged across a travertine floor. Also the plastic shop vac body should not be dragged across a travetine tile floor because this can also cause scratch marks on the travertine.

Steam cleaning the grout in a travertine tile installations is also another option when cleaning the grout between travertine tiles. The steam will penetrate deep into the porous grout and allow dirt and grime to be extracted from the grout. Travertine will not be damaged by hot steam so using a steam cleaner in this way is a safe way to clean grout between travertine tiles. Steam cleaning travertine grout this way can be a long and slow process and you may want to hire a professional stone cleaning and restoration company to clean your travertine and grout for you. Professional steam cleaning machines will be able to steam clean your travertine and grout to get your grout cleaner than you could of ever gotten with DIY tile grout and stone cleaning techniques.

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Source by Troy Roberts

Cleaning And Killing Black Mold With Common, Non-Toxic, Household Products

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You will find several household products you are able to use for cleaning black mold. This is a short list of commonly used items that are safe to use.

Mold is really a fungus that thrives in moist or humid conditions. It could be discovered in locations from the house that remains damp, for example the bathroom, kitchen or basement. Mold can be damaging to the surface it grows on, discoloring or corroding it. It can also affect people with allergies and can cause a fatal lung infection if breathed in. The key to mold control is moisture control.

It is essential to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your house, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of h2o. Wash mold off tough surfaces with detergent and water, and dry totally. Absorbent materials (for example ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced. These house remedies can help get rid of mold effectively.

1. Cleaning Black Mold With Detergent and Water

You are able to use a solution of detergent and water to clean off surface mold from non-porous material such as glass and tiles. Detergent is not a mold killer, the solution is meant for scrubbing off the visible mold from the surfaces. When mold grows on non-porous material, it's good enough to have all the surface molds cleaned thoroughly. It's not necessary to kill the mold. For cleaning black mold off outdoor cushions, mix a gallon of water and 1/4 cup of soap in the bucket. You can stir the mix around with your hand and the sponge.

The mixture should be slightly sudsy. Scrub the cushions with the sponge. You can scrub as tough as you like until you get the mold and mildew stains off. The detergent should kill the mold and mildew while it's breaking down the stains. Dowse any remaining stains with lemon juice. You may still have some pale stains remaining on the cushions once you have finished cleaning them. These should be saturated with lemon juice. Let the cushions dry in the sun. The lemon juice will lift the remainder of the stain out from the cushion using the sunlight as a catalyst.

2. Cleaning Black Mold With Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda over moldy carpet to absorb the mold and freshen the air. Leave it on the carpet for as little as 20 minutes or overnight. Use a vacuum cleaner with an empty bag for maximum efficiency to vacuum up the baking soda. Baking Soda paste can be used to clean tile floors as well. It's suggested that you mix enough water with the baking soda to create a soft paste, then apply it to the trouble spots on your tile, scrub, and rinse with a vinegar / water mixture to neutralize the baking soda to avoid residue.

3. Cleaning Black Mold With Borax Powder (this one is possibly the easiest!)

Use a solution of 1 cup of borax powder to 1 cup of h2o to mop floors. Scrub the black mold with the disinfecting solution over a small area. Wipe away the fluid and scum of mold and disinfecting solution with old rags, but do not rinse the cleansed area. Leaving some borax behind will help prevent the black mold from returning. Repeat steps until you have cleansed all the black mold. Leave your work area open to ventilation and exposed to the sun if possible. This will help speed the drying process and blow out any spores in the air. That will also help reduce the possibility of a recurrence of black mold.

4. Cleaning Black Mold With Vinegar

Clean mold on hard surfaces using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Fill a plastic spray bottle with the solution. Spray surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom with the solution and scrub the area with a tough brush. The latest trend in mold and mildew control is the shower and bathroom sprays that use once you're done taking a shower. These products work just fine, but they act on the same principle as the vinegar spray. Vinegar can substitute just about any bathroom cleaning product sold today, with the exception of heavy duty abrasive cleaners like Comet.

5. Cleaning Black Mold With Chlorine Bleach

Use a solution of one part chlorine bleach to one part h2o to clean carpeting and upholstery that has been affected by mold. Soak a sponge or cloth in the solution and swipe it across the mold to trap the spores in the cloth. NOTE … While leach will clean the black mold, it will not kill it on porous surfaces. You must still use a mold killer before or after you clean the black mold with chlorine bleach.

6. Cleaning Black Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide
Get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide with 3% concentration from your local drug stores. Transfer the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it onto the mold infected surface. Leave it for at least 15 minutes for hydrogen peroxide to take action and kill the molds. After that, scour the area to remove all the mold and mold stains.

For stubborn mold in tough to reach places, like the grout of tiles, use full-strength hydrogen peroxide. Simply apply a number of capfuls to the affected area, allow it to sit for 15 minutes and scrub with an old toothbrush. Note … Keep the spray bottle of remaining hydrogen peroxide in dark place as light reduces the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide. For more effective mold removal, you may consider using hydrogen peroxide with vinegar during the cleaning process.

Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing molds as it has the elements of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It is a much safer mold cleaner as compared to bleach because it does not produce toxic residue or toxic fumes that harm the environment. Hydrogen peroxide is good at cleaning mold on almost any materials including clothes, walls, bathroom fixtures and other kitchen appliances. For removable rugs, lay them outside on a sunny day with the back of the carpeting exposed to the sun. Mix one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with five parts h2o. Spray the solution onto the back of the carpet and allow the sun to hit the carpeting for a day. The combination of direct sunlight and hydrogen peroxide will kill mold spores.

7. Cleaning Black Mold With Ammonia

Make an ammonia solution using a ratio of 1 part of ammonia to 1 part of h2o. Fill a spray bottle with ammonia solution and spray it onto the moldy surfaces. Leave the solution to sit for a number of hours before rinsing with h2o. After rinsing or wiping with water, allow the areas to dry completely. For vinyl seats like in your boat, combine 1/4 cup of ammonia with 1 cup of water, and pour this solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mold with this mixture, and scrub it with a bristle brush. Rinse the solution off with clean water to remove it from the vinyl seats. If you still notice mold on the seats, use rubbing alcohol.

NOTE … Ammonia, similar to bleach kills mold growing on non-porous materials like bathtubs, tiles, countertops, and glass. However ammonia is not an effective killer for mold growing in porous materials like drywall and woods. Ammonia is a harsh chemical, it emits toxic fumes when mixed with bleach. Use ammonia with care.

8. Cleaning Black Mold With Liquid Laundry Detergent

Pour two cups of cold h2o and 1 tbsp. liquid laundry soap into a bowl. Mix it up vigorously with a whisk to create thick suds. Dip a rag into the bowl to scoop out the suds. Rub the suds gently onto the moldy carpet. Switch to clean portions from the rag and apply more suds often. Rinse the carpeting with a rag and plain water. Blot thoroughly with a dry rag to remove excessive moisture. Mix 1 gallon of warm h2o and 1/2 cup borax powder into a bucket if the mold remains. Dip a scrub brush into the borax solution and scrub the carpet until the mold is gone. Rinse the carpet with a rag and plain water, and dry thoroughly with a clean rag.

9. Cleaning Black Mold With A Homemade Disinfectant Spray

Once all of the mold has been cleaned, use a disinfectant spray to purify the area. In a plastic spray bottle, combine 1 cup of distilled (or spring) h2o, 1 cup of 91% isopropyl alcohol and the juice of a couple average lemons. The solution is safe enough to spray into the air and does not harm surfaces that it comes into contact with. Store the spray bottle in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks. This will give your house the sterile smell of a doctors office as well as a 'Lemon Pledge' hint creating the illusion of 'dusting all day'!

10. Cleaning Black Mold With Grapefruit Seed Extract

Most households do not have Grapefruit Seed Extract in the cupboard but it's readily available. Combine 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract to about 1 cup of water will make a useful mold killing solution. Simply squirt the solution on moldy surfaces while wiping with a soft cloth to remove mold and the harmless, light residue will prevent it from coming back.

11. Cleaning Black Mold With Citric Acid
Your local Whole Foods or co-op should have crystallized citric acid on hand and it is relatively inexpensive. Use about 1 cup of acid to 1.5 gallons of hot water. You are able to wring out your mop a little and spread it on lightly, but the chances of it evaporating before you get around to scrubbing increase when you use less. Soak the floor (tile floors only) if you have a large room and need time to do all the scrubbing. Letting the acid soak a little will also give it time to break up mineral deposits, dirt, rust and of course the black mold.

You will need to rinse a number of times with citric acid, it does not come up as easily as other products but it's much safer around small children. Cleaning a tile floor with citric acid is not only environmentally friendly, it's incredibly effective. You may already be familiar with the orange hand cleaner products, they use citric acid for cleaning as well.

And there you have it, household solutions to use for cleaning black mold

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Source by Brian Ankner

How To Clean Fabric Office Partitions

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Most people do not bother with cleaning their office partitions on a regular basis, if at all. They might assume that the office cleaners who come in after hours will do it. But one day, one of your employees may begin complaining of dust in the office or you might be having a very important client visit the office – it's at times like these that you may find yourself looking at your office partitions and wishing you could clean them thoroughly.

Begin by removing any dust and dirt from the partition with a dry cloth. Make sure to vacuum the dirt out of the office carpet once you are finished. It is also a good idea to run a vacuum, with the brush or upholstery attachment securely in place, over the partition walls themselves to get any dust you may have missed.

Then, fill a bucket with warm water and mix in about half a cup of powdered laundry detergent. Keep mixing the solution until foam forms on the surface of the water. Dip a clean sponge into the mixture, wring out the excess water, and scrub the office partitions gently. Be sure to do this in a circular motion to prevent damage to the partition, and it is best to start from the bottom and work your way up.

If you notice any stains or marks on the office partitions that you wish to remove this can be easily achieved. Mix together a solution consisting of two tablespoons of bleach and around four cups of water. Test a small area of ​​the solution on an inconspicuous area of ​​the partition, such as under the desk, and if discolouration occurs do not continue use in the office. Dip a clean sponge into the solution and gently blot at the stain until you can no longer see it. Do not wipe or rub the marks as this can cause them to spread.

To rinse the office partition walls, fill a clean bucket with cool water. Dip a cloth into the bucket, wring out the excess water, and wipe down the partitions to remove the soap and stain remover. When the cloth becomes dirty, dip it back into the bucket, rinse and repeat. Pat the office partitions dry with some towels. It is important to remove as much of the water from the walls as possible as some partitions are made with cardboard in the middle and this can not get too wet. Aiming some office fans at the walls will also help to speed up the drying of the fabric.

To finish, some people like to spray their office partitions with a fabric or upholstery stain protector. This will help to prevent future stains and dust from gathering, keeping your office partitions looking as good as new.

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Source by John K. Taylor

Evolution Of Computers Through Five Generations

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The technological development of the computer over the ages is often referred to in terms of the different generations of computing devices. The very first ones occupied a lot of space. So much so that special janitorial services or commercial cleaning services were hired for their maintenance. Mainly, a generation is the state of improvement in the product development process; basically a certain 'leap' in the computer technology. This fundamentally changes the way computers operate.

With each successive generation, the internal circuitry has become smaller, more advanced and more versatile than in the preceding generation. As a result of the miniaturization; speed, power, and computer memory has proportionally increased. New discoveries are in progress that affect the way we live, work and do other chores. Currently there are five known generations of computer.

The first generation computers relied on vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory. These were enormous machines, taking up entire rooms. First generation computers relied on machine language, the lowest-level programming language understood by computers, to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time.

Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words. High-level programming languages ​​were also being developed at this time, such as early versions of COBOL and FORTRAN. These were also the first computers that stored their instructions in their memory, which moved from a magnetic drum to magnetic core technology. The computers of this generation have an added value as they were developed initially for atomic industry.

The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers. The need for such a development was necessary because although the use of transistors in place of vacuum tubes greatly reduced heat loss into the surrounding, there was still a considerable degree of heat loss that was damaging the internal components of the computer. Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their predecessors.

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand. In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh. Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.

As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet. Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUI's, the mouse and handheld devices.

Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality. Parallel processing involves a system harnessing the processing power of many CPU's to work as one, as opposed to von Neumann's single central processing unit design. Superconductor, an equally innovative invention allows flow of electricity with little or low resistance; greatly improving information flow and reducing heat loss.

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Source by Stewart Wrighter

Cleaning Chicken Noodle Soup Stains on Your Carpet

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Chicken noodle soup is certainly one of the most loved soups that people enjoy. It is delicious and very comforting to eat on a cold, rainy day or whenever you are not feeling well. It is tasty which is why people of all ages like it a lot.

Unfortunately, this well loved treat can also be the source of a tough cleaning problem for homeowners. This is because sometimes accidents can occur which could cause the chicken noodle soup to get spilled all over your carpet. This may not occur that often but if it does happen to you then you must be prepared to properly handle the situation.

It can be a tough job to clean up chicken noodle soup on the carpet but it is very important if you want to avoid having an ugly stain getting left behind. If you are dealing with this issue at home, check out this very useful guide to help you out.

• Begin by clearing the carpet of all loose food particles on the carpet. For the chicken chunks and the noodles, carefully use your hands to pick them up. For the spilled soup on the other hand, you can use a clean sponge to absorb it and extract it out of the carpet. Once you are done clearing up the spill, proceed to the next step.

• With the area on the carpet clear of any loose food particles, the stain is the only problem that you have to worry about now. For this, you should use a cleaning solution that will get rid of the stain. This is actually pretty easy to do, all you would require are some water mixed with some white vinegar. Take a teaspoon of the latter and mix it with a cup of hot water. Then, place it inside a spray bottle and then apply it onto the stained area of ​​the carpet.

• After letting the cleaning solution you just made soak the soup stain, get a clean white cloth and then start blotting the affected area. Continue blotting the stain since this will help lift the stain and then get it out of your carpet. With the vinegar-based cleaning solution, you will surely be able to get rid of the soup stain pretty soon.

• But getting the stain out is not the end of your job. One important task still remains and that is rinsing the carpet area with some water. This is vital since it helps eliminate any residue that could harm your carpet over time.

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Source by Johnny D Sol

Home Inventory Service – A Growing Industry

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The personal property inventory service industry is growing at an amazing rate. In 2004, there were only about 20 service providers in the United States. There are now over 500!

I believe the main reason for this growth is due to the increasing number of disasters. This has created more common knowledge of the need to have an inventory of the contents in homes and businesses.

Another reason for this industry growth is that people just do not want to do the inventories themselves. For the same reason they hire a lawn service, painter or cleaning service, to name a few, people prefer spending time with family members and friends or on other interests. Many also know they will not keep their inventory up to date, so having a professional service provider keep track of this information is worth the investment.

The baby boomer generation is also a factor in the increasing number inventory services. This group of the population is focusing on estate planning. First, many are either assisting their parents with estate planning, or are executors of their parents' estates. Either way, they are learning that it is best to have the inventory documented prior to one's death. Secondly, many boomers are completing their own estate planning. Having an inventory is beneficial to them for the already stated reasons, but also in case they experience a disaster. The inventory will help secure their financial future by enabling them to recover properly from their insurance policy. This eliminates the need to pull funds out of their investments to recover the damaged or destroyed items that were not replaced by their insurance.

There are a variety of business models for the home inventory service industry. Some have chosen to work their business on a part-time basis while others have chosen to develop theirs as full-time. You'll find some who are a one-person operation, while others work as a team of two. Most are home-based.

The types of service are just as varied. Some providers serve only the residential market while others offer their asset documentation to commercial clients as well. Others extend their inventory services into the retail market.

Documentation processes are also different. Video cameras are preferred by some, while others take digital still photos. Written reports are on spreadsheets, special software or sometimes in a dialog format. There is no right or wrong process; only one's preference.

Though natural disasters, thefts and fires continue to steal, destroy and damage our personal property, everyone can at least take responsibility to recover properly. Hiring an inventory service to compile that information is a great way to be proactive.

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Source by Cindy Hartman

A Thoughtful Discourse on the Benefits of Green Waste Recycling

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The correct disposal of waste materials is an absolute necessity as with the advancement of technology pollution has reached its peak. If not dealt with correctly then survival itself can be challenged. Particularly in the urban area where the concrete, asbestos and smoke from the factories have already created adverse effects on the environment, the proper litter management has become an imperative. A discourse is provided here about how you can deal with the junk so that it least pollutes the environment.

Significance of reducing Ravage to the Landfill

In most cases it so happens that you deposit the green fritters materials in the landfills itself. In there, the decomposition of these materials occurs without oxygen. This is an anaerobic process that forms methane and odorous gases. You will be shocked to know that these gases have about 25 times more potential of global warming than carbon dioxide.

Leachate which is a kind of liquid that is produced in the landfills during the decomposition of the materials. This must be handled in a proper and careful manner. Otherwise, it can pollute waterways and groundwater if not contained. Thus, by reducing the deposition of these substances in the landfills, you help in the reduction of the emissions of the greenhouse gases and consequently, minimise the production of leachate and odour. But this is not the only benefit that you get from the proper removal of garbage.

In order to sort out a way through which everyone benefits here is a mind blowing way of doing away with the garden junk.

Composting: an Environment-Friendly Way

Once put in the trash bin where garden litters are deposited, these get composted there. Composting is a natural process of decomposition. The decomposition here occurs aerobically, that is, with oxygen. If this method is followed then, even the soil can get fertile and the quality of the soil also gets improved.

With the help of composting, the same trash can be converted into high-quality natural soil conditioners such as composts, mulches, potting mixtures and blended soils that are used for horticulture, landscaping as well as agriculture. This is one method how the green garbage can be returned to the soil itself thus enriching the soil and helping in the growth of the healthy pastures and crops that lead to the production of food for everyone.

Apart from these composts also help support the minute organisms that live in the soil. They, in turn, contribute to reducing the diseases of the plant and serves in the availability of the nutrients to the soil. These materials also help the plants to grow longer root systems and decrease the requirement of pesticides and fertilizers for quality enhancement of the soil.

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Source by Dylan Flint

Best Way To Clean Carpet

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Regular vacuum cleaning is the best way to clean carpet and to keep it as new for a longer period of time. However, professional cleaning is required at least every year to prolong it's life and to remove those tough oily stains which vacuuming alone can not remove. It is important to clean your floor covering regularly to protect its beauty and to prolong its life. However, it is vital to employ the correct procedures and appropriate cleaning method that suits your carpet type and is the best way to clean carpet to avoid any damage to the individual fibers.

Cleaners all over the world recommend hot water extraction method as the best way to clean carpet. Cleaning solution along with very hot water is sprayed on the carpet with full force. This releases even the toughest stains stuck in the padding. Immediately a powerful vacuum sucks up the solution and the dirt, leaving the carpet only damp to touch.

You can also steam clean yourself by renting or purchasing steam cleaning machine. However this often results in a lot of problem. Such as:

  • Doing yourself can cause over wetting which may cause molds underneath the carpet padding and the carpet backing may separate.
  • Secondly, most of the home based detergents tend to leave a residue behind which re-attracts dirt faster.

A fiber protector is a must after you or the professional has cleaned your carpet. They do not remove the stains but helps in removing them easily when there's a stain or spill on your carpet, ultimately prolonging your carpet's life.

Engine degreaser such as Castrol Super Clean is also an answer to cleaning heavily soiled carpets. If you plan to steam clean yourself, rent an industrial steam cleaner and add some degreaser along with water in the hopper. Try cleaning the hidden areas first to get the right amount of degreaser especially if it's a colored carpet. Too much may leave a residue behind, where as too little will result in over diluted solution. If residue is left behind, you may apply vinegar in your last cleaning cycle. When cleaning dark colored carpets, it is advisable to apply the solution on an inconspicuous area first before cleaning the entire carpet so as to avoid discoloration.

Hence, steam cleaning is Considered the best way to clean carpet . It not only effectively removes all the pet hair, germs and dirt embedded from everyday life but also revives your carpet's look. A clean floor covering improves air quality and creates a hygienic environment. Frequent deep cleaning not only maintains a carpet's colors and beauty but also prolongs its life.

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Source by Thomas Mitel

How Will the New Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Affect Your Next Real Estate Purchase?

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The question on everyone's mind is how the new harmonized sales tax implemented by Dalton McGuinty will affect your new home purchase. The feeling is quite similar as to when the government implemented the new land transfer tax last year. Everyone was rushing to purchase as quickly as they could to avoid the new tax. A similar situation has been created, however introducing this new provincial plan at a time when the economy is suffering does not make things easier for home buyers. For example to purchase a $ 500,000 home after July 1st 2010 could end up costing you an additional $ 40,000 dollars.

Other items that you will notice that will increase in price are newspapers, internet services, airplane fares, and construction costs. When construction costs increase, so will the price of new homes and condos in the City of Toronto. As of now there are only two options in order to avoid this tax in the City of Toronto if you are purchasing pre -construction real estate. They are as follows:

1. Purchase a condo or new home under $ 400,000 as units at this price range are exempted from the tax.

2. Purchase a condo or new home before July 1, 2010 in order to avoid the tax.

Another way to avoid this hefty tax is to look at purchasing a resale home or condo. Even though the purchase price is not directly affected by the new tax, buyers and sellers of resale homes will hurt as the harmonized tax would apply to many services that are currently exempt from PST. Such services include legal fees, real estate agent commission, renovation services, land survey reports, home inspections, landscaping and house cleaning services. Also affected would be the cost of labour for installations or repairs, additions, renovations, driveways, roads, fences, swimming pools and patios.

Toronto home buyers have still not recovered from last years imposition of the new City of Toronto land transfer tax. In a market where the volume of home sales has dropped and house prices have softened considerably, the last thing Ontario needs is a new 8 per cent tax on legal fees, agent commission and other costs related to the purchase and sale of new and resale homes . All these costs whether it is a new home purchase or a resale purchase, has made purchasing a very expensive venture.

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Source by Magallanes lorena

Eco-Friendly and Green Cleaning Tips For Terrazzo Tile

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Terrazzo is a combination of marble chips and cement, and comes in a variety of different colors and designs. It is a versatile and eco-friendly floor choice for a many different reasons-one of the most important being the green cleaning options available to it. Understanding what is safe, and harmful to your terrazzo floor, as well as what is safe for the environment will help you determine the best eco-friendly cleaning choices for your terrazzo floor.

The first thing to consider when practicing eco-friendly terrazzo floor cleaning is the use of commercial cleaners. The most important tip I could give you is to avoid using these cleaners if at all possible, especially if you are not familiar with the product. There are few terrazzo floor cleaning products out there that are eco-friendly, and many of them can also harm your terrazzo if you are not careful. You do not want to be another horror story retold by the contractors repairing your discolored or damaged terrazzo flooring. Remember that most chemicals are far from eco-friendly and contain chemicals that are harmful-in both the air of your house, as well as in the water you dump into the drain or yard.

The most eco-friendly option for your terrazzo flooring is to have it cleaned and polished professionally. This has a few different benefits. Even if you do decide to use a commercial cleaner, many times it just does not do too much for your terrazzo floor. It may still appear dull or yellowed. Cleaning and polishing will brighten your terrazzo flooring making it look fresh and new. The best part? It is absolutely eco-friendly. Polishing terrazzo requires no chemicals. Contractor will come A in with Specialized machinery That will strip a very thin layer off the top of your terrazzo floor , exposing a fresh layer That will be much brighter and lively.

Aside from the actual process, polishing terrazzo is also eco-friendly once finished. A cleaned and polished terrazzo floor will improve lighting efficiency because of it's smooth and lustrous finish. This is particularly important for large areas of terrazzo flooring-such as in warehouses, showrooms, or factories. The only thing better than eco-friendly cleaning is eco-friendly cleaning that saves you money in the long run. In the same vein, a polished terrazzo floor will require minimal maintenance, and will retain its shine for a lifetime.

Terrazzo flooring is unique, versatile, and sophisticated. You can make sure yours is looking its best, in the most eco-friendly way possible.

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Source by Suzi D Smith