What are Two Amazing Reasons to Use a Professional Home Cleaning Service?

What kind of vacuum cleaner do you recommend?

What doesn't the plumber want you to know and why?

What Are The Three Dangers To You If You Hire The Wrong Cleaning Service?

        What are Two Amazing Reasons to Use a Professional Home Cleaning Service?

    In addition to the usual concept of gaining more time to do the things you want to do, there are two other amazing reasons to hire a professional cleaning company.

1. Leave it to the Professionals
   You should consider hiring a professional cleaning company because amazingly the professionals understand your cleaning needs better than you do! That is a bold statement but it is true. When you have a problem with your car you go the service department or an auto repair shop to discover and fix the problem. When you are sick you go to the doctor. You call or visit these professionals because they have the expertise to understand and fix your problem. It is the same with house cleaning. House cleaning can be done by anybody to some degree but it has become a science in this day. To get the best possible job a professional should be hired.

Here are some issues that a good cleaning company will know:
   
 The best cleaning products on the market. A professional cleaning company will spend time researching the field of cleaning chemicals to find the best products to give you the best possible service. 
 Order of operations. Should you vacuum the carpet first then do the hardwood floor or should you do the hardwood floor first then the carpet? Is it better to wash walls from the top down or the bottom up? It does make a huge difference if you do it incorrectly and a professional cleaning company knows how to do it right.
  How to treat specialized areas. The tricks to cleaning food spots from dining room chairs, how to vacuum the carpet most efficiently, how to treat various stains, and much more.

    There is a wealth of information that these professionals know. You don't just pay for someone to clean your home; you also pay to have them apply their professional knowledge to your home care.

2. Your Health is at Stake
   You should consider hiring a professional cleaning company because your health is at stake every day if the cleaning is done poorly, incorrectly or not at all. The fact is that there are germs all around us, in soil, water, animals, and in our homes. While exposure to some germs can build up our immune systems, exposure to others can lead to food poisoning and sickness. Bacteria can grow at a surprising rate – one bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours! When you hire a professional cleaner you minimize the risk of the spread of viruses and bacteria because professionals know how to clean for safety and will address cleaning concerns such as:


 How to get the commode disinfected rather than just look clean
 How to really kill the virus on the counter
 How long to leave the cleaning chemical on the surface before wiping it off
 What should be used to wipe off the chemical
 How to safely handle all the cleaning products
 How to ensure the air you breathe is cleaner and contains less dust to inhale after you have cleaned and vacuumed

   These are important cleaning issues to be aware of. If you care about your health, your family's health, and the care of your home, you should be informed. Your health and well being is important. Your family's health and well being are just as important. Don't leave it to chance. Let a professional residential cleaning company handle this ongoing task of caring for and keeping your home clean and as germ free as possible.

   In the long run you and your family will be healthier and happier.
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What kind of vacuum cleaner do you recommend?
   It is not often that I find a product that I like as much as our Miele vacuum cleaners. We like to use Miele canister vacuum cleaners for several inportant reasons.

   First it is hard to beat a canister vacuum when in a tight spot. The head of a canister will go places no upright vacuum would ever go. Canister vacuums have come a long way since they were first introduced. Uprights used to be the vacuum of choice if you wanted a good vacuum job. But that has changed with today's technology. They provide powerful suction but just as important the beater head has a high RPM to stir up the dirt from the carpet.

   Second, Miele's vacuums are quiet. I have not found a quieter vacuum cleaner on the market today. Many of our customers have remarked at how quiet the machine is. I have been on the phone while vacuuming my home and had no trouble hearing the party on the other end of the line. It is easy to take for granted the low noise volume until you try another machine. Miele's vacuums are second to none when it comes to low noise level.

   Third, a Miele is designed to keep the dirt in once you capture it. I suffer from asthma so it is important for me to eliminate as much dust as possible. The Miele has no less than 3 filters to stop the dust from coming back out. A quick test to determine if your cleaner is letting out dust is to take a breath of air as you are using the machine. Most vacuums will leave a smell as you are using them as a tell tale sign that the machine is releasing dirt into the air. The only time a Miele will leave a smell is if the bag is full. The machine is so powerful that it will still pick up dirt when the bag is full but you will notice the air will smell a bit. Certainly this is not the machines fault if the bag needs changed.

   Fourth, a vacuum picks up dirt from a carpet by stirring it up with the beater head which literally beats the carpet with a rotating bar. Then the loosened dirt is sucked up the hose. If the beater head turns slowly or the suction is not great enough then your carpet will not come clean. I have mistakenly picked up quarters using the normal setting of air flow which is an indication of how powerful the suction is on this vacuum. According to a technician I spoke with at the Miele headquarters in New Jersey, on the high setting the machine will move 135 cubic feet of air per minute (cfm)! Rarely do I need to go over the same spot twice when vacuuming.

   Fifth, the Miele is designed with the user in mind. It is light years ahead of any machine I have seen. The machine carries all its attachments on board so there is no need to run around looking for the different parts. The cord is a retractable cord that is rewound with the touch of your foot. Switching heads is easy. You don't even need to turn the machine off to change the heads. Again a touch of your foot releases the beater head to allow the parquet floor attachment to be used on an uncarpeted floor. The higher end models allows you to turn the machine on and off by using your foot. The air suction is changed with a button on the handle. There is a standby mode which saves unnecessary wear on the vacuum. There are many other numerous features like the park mode which allows you to carry the entire machine with one hand, the four wheels which prevent tipping, the rubber bumper to prevent damage to your furniture, the park mode on the beater head which prevents carpet damage, and the adjustable wand which allows you to change the length to fit your height. The bags can be changed in 15 seconds flat. I am told that the belt does break but using our vacuums 5 days a week I have never had one break. These features save time, effort, and back ache which is so important to us. It is easy to take for granted some of these features until you try another brand that was not designed with as much thought as these machines.

   Finally, Miele guarantees the main motor for seven years which is unheard of for a home vacuum cleaner. The machine is constructed of ABS plastic and is solid.

   I have researched the vacuum cleaner market consistently for 3 years and Miele canister vacuums always rate high and usually are at the very top of the chart. Other machines sometimes score well but not in all cases as the Miele does. The Miele is the only machine that my research showed always came out at the top or near the top. It truly is a pleasure to use these machines.
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What the plumber doesn't want you to know and why.
   We have all heard the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. This applies to your home drainage system. The plumber does not want you to know that because he may be out of business before long! Here are some simple tips to keep your pipes clear and minimize your calls to the plumber.

Understanding Your Drainage System
   Let's start by understanding how the system works. Your home drainage system is a complex network of numerous pipes of various diameters that are designed to remove waste water quickly and keep you safe at the same time. The working principle of your drainage system is simplicity itself relying mostly on gravity to perform its function. For efficient drainage flow there must be air in your pipe lines which is introduced into your pipes at various places. Every drainage pipe in your home has some downward slope in it to allow gravity to pull the water down to the main sewer line and out away from your home.

Analyzing the Problem
   So what goes wrong with the drainage system in your home? Why does it slow down and eventually clog completely? There are various reasons and it pays to know what they are because understanding the problem can often dictate how you need to treat it. Here are a few common culprits:
 Something too large for the drain pipe creates a clog, such as small toys, paper towels, stuffed animals, and anything else too big for the drainage system.
 Roots grow into a broken pipe.
 Liquids like bacon grease, cooking oil, glue, or anything having a thick consistency are poured into your sink, tub or commode and allowed to enter into your drainage system.
 Build-ups from too much pet or human hair built up in the line.
 Soap can and does stick to the walls of your plumbing drainage pipes and can eventually cause your drain to stop altogether.
 Lastly, if you have cast iron pipes for your drainage system, over time they will corrode and cause a blockage in the line

   With so many things that can cause a clogged line it is a wonder that any drainage system works at all!

Fixing a Clogged Line
   If you have a sudden clog with no apparent slow down in the drainage system prior to the clog, then you can be sure that something too large is in your line. If it is only backed up at one location you can disconnect the pipes under the sink or remove the commode from the floor. Your tub or shower will have a cleanout located near the water inlets usually located in a wall with an access panel. Often you can see the object and remove it with a wire hook made from a coat hanger. A small plumber's snake can be worked into the line to remove the object too. If these measures do not work for you then it is best to open your wallet and call a professional plumber.

Using Plungers versus Chemical Treatments
   A gradual slow down in a drain can usually be cleared with a plunger. If your clog is in the commode be sure to use a plunger made for a commode. Plungers work best in standing water. What removes the clog is the force of the water as you vigorously work the plunger up and down. Be sure to tilt the plunger under the water to remove as much air from it as possible before plunging. If plunging doesn't work try chemicals to open your line up. There are several acid-based products on the market. These stronger chemicals work best when the drain is completely blocked. Be sure to read the instructions before using as these are very dangerous if used improperly. Even baking soda with white vinegar poured into a slow running drain will sometimes do the job.

Maintaining Pipes
   To keep from have these clogs in the first place it is best to treat each drain monthly with a milder chemical. I like Roto-Rooter Pipe Shield the best. It is expensive but works well. There is no strong smell and it is safe for the environment. One other bit of advice is to buy a plastic drain strainer to catch all of the hair before it goes down your drain. Also, at the expense of using more water, hold the handle down on your commode until the water has actually flushed all the way. Newer commodes use less water, sometimes too little, which will cause clogs. Holding the handle down until it completely flushes will allow more water to help the process along.

   Maintaining your drain and trying these at-home treatments for your drainage system will not only lessen your headaches, but it is the best practice to minimize the visits from the plumber.
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What Are The Three Dangers To You If You Hire The Wrong Cleaning Service?
   When most people think of investing in safety, they consider getting a secure car or finding safe neighborhood, but considering the wrong cleaning service usually does not make the list. Yet families often entrust the care of their most expensive asset to the lowest bidder and unprofessional outfit. Consider asking the question: "Are there really three dangers to me if I hire the wrong cleaning service?" The answer is yes, you bet there is! A professional cleaning company will minimize these dangers to you in three tangible ways.

The Right Cleaning Service will be Trustworthy
   First, remember you are opening your home to people you hardly know. Theft can and unfortunately does occur in the house cleaning business. According to John Case, who is recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities on employee theft, you should never leave money or jewelry out in plain sight. For 30 years he has looked at every factor that contributes to theft. His number one rule concerning theft prevention is to remove the opportunity to steal. He advises that most people will not open drawers looking for something to steal but if something is visible many will help themselves to it. The fact remains, leave money or valuable jewelry out in plain sight and you can expect it to be taken! Did your cleaning company advise you of this fact? A professional company will also perform a background check on any potential employee before they are hired. Any prior criminal activity on the part of the applicant should be grounds for rejection. A professional company will take the time to learn the facts concerning employee theft, find out as much as they can about new prospects, and do everything possible to minimize theft from happening. An unprofessional company will not even think about it.

The Right Cleaning Service will Value Insurance
   Second, it is important for you to be protected in several ways concerning insurance. I was amazed a while back when touring a home and giving what I felt was a fair estimate for the work. I met with resistance on the price. The prospect told me that she could get the job done for much less. I asked if the other person/company had insurance. Her reply was that she did not know or care. I was standing in a half million dollar home with expensive paintings hanging on the walls, beautiful marble floors, stunning granite counter tops, and very expensive appliances. Although she did not realize it, her possessions were at risk if a careless cleaner used the wrong chemical or broke an object, and she would be at risk for a lawsuit if the uninsured cleaner tripped down the steps and was injured.

   A professional company covers all bases by having proper insurances in place. At a bare minimum a professional company will carry liability to cover damages to your valuables, workman's compensation which covers injured workers, and bonding insurance to cover theft. The workman's compensation and liability insurance are expensive so you can expect the company will charge you more for the job. But you receive the added protection of knowing if something is broken or ruined it will be replaced, and if someone is hurt on your property you will not be liable.

The Right Cleaning Service will be Financially Responsible
   Third and finally, a professional company will pay their taxes. Are your cleaner(s) insisting that cash is the only form of payment they will accept? Under this situation they might not be paying the taxes on the money earned. According to the IRS, if your cleaning service is not paying the taxes as required and you knew about it and did not report it you can be held liable too! The idea is that you knew they were operating illegally and contributed to the situation. All companies will take cash but most prefer another form of payment because it is safer.

   Is the cleaning company you are considering hiring interested in who they send to your home as evidenced by their doing a background check and having bonding insurance on each employee? Do they care enough about you, your family, and your home to pay for all the appropriate insurance to protect you? Is it worth your peace of mind to spend a little more money and hire a cleaning service that is operating legally by paying its taxes? These are important questions to ask yourself the next time you are looking for a new cleaning service. Mom taught me that you only get what you pay for. That is certainly true when selecting a residential cleaning service. 
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