​Today I received our yearly membership certificate to ARCSI, The Association of Residential Cleaning Service Industries. ARCSI recently merged with ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. Since the merger, members in good standing have the opportunity to obtain many worthwhile industry certifications and attend classes, which I am excited to start. It has always been my mission to provide the very best QUALITY service possible to all of my clients. It is my belief that by staying up to date with educational opportunities within the cleaning industry, I will be better equipped to provide a higher quality. more efficient cleaning service to both current and prospective clients!

I am always in search of the most effective AND time efficient cleaning methods. I am happy to report that I have found the method that I believe works best! To add icing to the non-aerosol cake, this method does not require the usage of a gas mask – A true plus! Interested? Read on..


What You'll Need:

1. Your greasy oven and/or grill racks
   
2. 10-12 Dryer Sheets (any brand will do)
   
3. Dawn Dishsoap (or your preferred brand)
   

​Here's What To Do:

1. Submerge your racks in the bathtub with HOT water.
2. Place the 10-12 dryer sheets over top and underneath of the racks.
3. For good measure, add approximately 1-2 cups of dish soap to the hot water.
4. Let sit overnight.
5. In the morning, “scrub” any remaining gunk left on the racks with the dryer sheets. Viola! Clean, huh?          

​I read somewhere that the anti-static nature of dryer sheets naturally loosens the bond of baked on grease and the natural fabric agents within the sheets soften the grease itself. This is by far the easiest way I've found to clean my oven racks without using toxic oven cleaners! Let me know how it worked for you in the comment section.   

If you have not heard about the latest trend in using, “green products,” or using, "green friendly services" you must be from Mars?? On every corner, on every channel and in every aisle, we hear about the importance of, “Protect the Earth, RECYCLE, RECYCLE, GO GREEN, RECYCLE!” Within the decade, the use of green cleaning products has rapidly increased in popularity among America's households and businesses alike. Heck – there is even a certification available to cleaning organizations who choose to, “Go Green.” Going Green has become the new marketing tool and companies who adopt these initiatives are often preferred over those who do not. If YOU are still hesitant to get on the bandwagon screaming, “Go Green!” here are some little known facts that I have discovered that perhaps will change your mind...
1. Many ingredients contained in our cleaning cupboards labeled, “Industrial Strength” in fact contain dangerous chemicals that are dangerous to our own health, the health of our family and even our beloved pets. Further, a recent study done in California schools found that there were alarming numbers of environmental health concerns contained within products used to keep the classrooms sanitary. Even more alarming, recent studies indicated that these same chemicals are known to increase the risk of asthma within our children, the most chronic condition leading to school absence nationwide. Perhaps those toxic, “the best a man can get” cleaning products bragging of superlative benefits over the competition aren’t so good of a deal after all. 
2. We’ve all seen the commercials of the importance of keeping our homes clean and sanitary – especially when our homes contain toddlers and infants. The clean, spotless floor in these same commercials promotes healthier, safe environments for our children. However, did you know that the common method of exposure to these dangerous chemicals are that through skin absorption and through the respiratory tract? Think about it…Children are the population most at risk for exposure to these deadly chemicals. They are frequently left to sit on those sought after, spotless floors covered with toxic residue. And, I challenge you to find one baby who doesn’t put nearly everything or anything in sight in their mouths. Children, with their developing immune system, are twice as likely to develop asthma and respiratory illnesses because of their direct exposure to these chemicals. Other population at risk include: pets, cancer victims, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Food for thought, heh? 
3. Research has shown that it is not just the ACTIVE ingredients that wreak havoc on our health, but also the inactive ones as well. As a matter of fact, a recent study in Iowa suggested that there is a strong correlation between slowly building toxic levels of these chemicals and the increased risk of cancers – with the number one risk being bladder cancer. So, why don’t we just dilute those industrial strength chemicals to reduce our health risk, right? WRONG! Many of these chemicals – even diluted ones – are bio-accumulative meaning the chemicals do not purge easily through our bodies AND actually accumulate over time – sometimes even to toxic levels! 
4. The three most deadly chemicals found in these cleaning agents are carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and neurotoxins. Carcinogens, often found in cigarettes, are known to double the risk of cancer and/or promote cancerous growth. Endocrine disruptors mimic natural chemicals found within the human body and send confusing, false signals. Repeated exposure to these toxins can lead to premature puberty, infertility, challenged immune systems, delayed growth, emotional and mental health issues, miscarriage, ADHD and other cancers – including Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In short, nothing to be messed with! The third, neurotoxins, cause problems within our brains including frequent headaches and loss of cognitive abilities. 
5. So, knowing all this, what are some of the signs to look for in these toxic chemicals without spending twenty minutes looking at each can? Look for these warning labels, which are sure fire signs that, by choosing to use them, you are putting yourself AND loved ones at risk.
a. Toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed by the skin. 
b. Caution: One ounce to a pint may be harmful or fatal.
c. Warning: One teaspoon per one pint might be harmful or fatal.
d. Danger: One taste to one teaspoon might be fatal.
BUT GREEN CLEANING PRODUCTS ARE SO DARN EXPENSIVE, RIGHT?
Not so, friends. Here are a few common recipes to make at home. Even better, many of the ingredients are things already found within our cupboards!
1. Glass Cleaner – Great for windows and mirrors
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup of white or cider vinegar
• ¼ rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons of orange essential oil, which gives the solution a lovely smell. (This is optional, of course)
Combine ingredients and place in a spray bottle. One word of caution…Do not use during days that are hot, as the solution will dry too quickly and is sure to leave streaks.
2. Heavy Duty Scrubber – Great for porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs
• Half of a lemon
• ½ cup of Borax (a laundry booster, usually found in the laundry aisle)
Dip the lemon into the Borax and scrub surface; rinse. Note, this is not safe for marble or granite surfaces.
3. Grease Cleaner – Great for ovens and gas grills 
• ½ cup of sudsy ammonia mixed with enough water to fill a one-gallon container. The sudsy ammonia, which has detergent in it, helps reduce tough stuck-on grime.
Dip your sponge or mop in the solution and wipe over the entire surface. Quickly rinse with clean, clear water.
4. All Purpose Cleaner and Deodorizer
• 4 Tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 quart of warm water
Dip your cloth into the solution and wipe with clean water.
5. Last Resort Stain Remover for Clothing
• 1 gallon of hot water
• 1 cup of powered dish detergent
• 1 cup of regular chlorine bleach (not ultra or concentrates)
Mix and pour the ingredients in a stainless steel, plastic or enamel bowl. (Do not use aluminum) Soak garment for 15-20 minutes.
If stain remains, let it soak a bit longer. Launder as usual.
6. White Ring Remover – Great for anywhere you accidently left a water ring (not for wood, lacquer or antiques)
• Mix one part white non-gel toothpaste with one part baking soda
Dampen a cloth with water, add toothpaste mixture, and run the grain to buff over the ring. Then, take a dry cloth and wipe immediately. Use another dry rag to fully polish.
7. Dishwasher Stain Removal – Great for that yucky dishwasher build-up.
• ¼ part powdered lemon or orange drink
To remove rust from the inside walls, pour the power (which contains citrus acid or citrus acid crystals) into the detergent cup and then run a regular cycle. Repeat as necessary.
8. Brass Cleaner – Great for non-laminate cabinet knobs, bathroom knobs and nozzles and more
• White vinegar or lemon juice
• Table Salt
Dampen a sponge with lemon or vinegar juice, then sprinkle modestly with salt. Lightly rub over the surface. Rinse thoroughly with water, then dry immediately with a clean rag. 
9. Marble Cleaner – Great for natural stone countertops
• A drop or two of mild dishwashing liquid (not citrus scented)
• 2 cups of warm water
Mix the detergent and water. Sponge over marble and rinse completely to remove any soap residue. Buff with a soft cloth; do not let air dry. Caution: Never use vinegar, lemon, or any other acidic cleaner on marble or granite surfaces; it will literally eat the stone.
So, there you go! Simple AND cost effective ways to keep your home clean without compromising your family’s safety! 
'We Mean to Klean" is committed to your health and safety, so feel free to email me with questions regarding any of the above! Or, call us to schedule a free quote for residential or commercial janitorial cleaning, floor work, windows or professional carpet cleaning! WE WORK FOR YOU!

These days, chances are either you or someone you know has taken antidepressants to combat varying degrees of depression. In 1993, a controversial book penned by Peter D. Kramer entitled, "Listening to Prozac" described Kramer's ethical concerns over the use of the drug, Prozac. In 1993, only those committed to psychiatric institutions were regular users of Prozac. In the twenty or so years since Kramer's book questioned the ethical impact of administering anti-depressants, the use of these, "happy pills" has risen by 400%. Yes! 400%. Today, we are not reading about Prozac, we are reaching for it in our medicine cabinets! Which leads to the question of WHY? Has our level of contentment and life satisfaction dropped that significantly that we now need chemicals just to survive our day to day life strife's? One recently published survey suggests that only 1 in 3 people define their lives as happy ones. Certainly, our live's have become more hectic, our employers are less flexible and stress has become our way of life, but the findings are still astonishing. So, let me ask you - are YOU feeling sad right now? Is you bed not made? Is your kitchen a greasy mess? Does your toilet downright stink, ladies and gentlemen? You might not believe this, but revealing new research has found a direct link between a messy house and depression! Yes!!! I kid you not! David Neubauer MD, a mental health expert and researcher expressed that, "stressful life situations are known to trigger depression episodes in those individuals who are genetically predisposed to have depressive tendencies." He continued that a messy chaotic home will almost always lead to a stressful home environment and thus can directly result in depression in some people. When depressed, the last thing a person WANTS to do is clean. However, research has shown that tackling a seemingly overwhelming tasks in small increments will not only improve the physical appearance of your home, but will also lead to feelings of productivity and fulfillment in the depressed individual. Here is a list of four things that you can start TODAY to combat BOTH your cluttered, messy house AND restore a sense of happiness to your life!

• 1. Make a party of de-cluttering! Research has shown that asking for help will lessen the likelihood of procrastination and will help ease your work load!
• 2. Organize your home by designating spaces for frequently used items and supplies. Take it from me, it will completely eliminate those panic attacks that one experiences when feverishly look for the car keys in the refrigerator and garbage can before work!
• 3. Make your cleaning and organizing fun by jamming to your favorite tunes! I personally love listening to Tone Loc's, "Funky Cold Medina" as it always provides me an instant rush of motivation. It gets me every time! :)
• 4. Don't set your expectations too high! If you set a goal of cleaning a little bit each day, you will end each day with a sense of productivity! And feeling productive makes everyone feel better! 

In closing, if you are feeling completely and utterly overwhelmed with the task of taming your unruly home, give me a call today! Put your mental sanity first once and for all!