As colder weather approaches, Ruidoso homeowners must prepare their homes for winter. Lack of necessary maintenance can result in costly repairs, inadequate heating, and unpleasant seasonal surprises. However, if you take the time to get your home winterized, many such complaints can be avoided.
Seal leaked windows and doors Understandably, drafts are among the top reasons for high winter heating bills—cold air seeps in through the gaps around windows and doors, making your heating system fight hard. You must check all your windows and doors for cracks or gaps in the seal. Apply caulking or weather-stripping to seal these areas and keep warm air where it belongs. Heating system check Before winter, it is essential to ensure your heating system is working as it should be. This means scheduling a professional inspection and cleaning of your furnace. Regular maintenance will prevent unexpected breakdowns, so your system will run efficiently and save you money in the long run. If you use a fireplace or wood stove, now is also a great time to have those inspected and cleaned to avoid fire hazards. Insulate pipes Frozen pipes can be a homeowner's nightmare, generally creating thousands of dollars in water damage when they burst. Avoid all that by insulating your pipes in areas most susceptible to freezing, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces. Use foam pipe insulation or old towels wrapped around exposed pipes. Clean gutters and downspouts When gutters build up, it can cause major issues when winter hits. Water in congested gutters may freeze, damaging your roof and allowing water into your home. Clean your gutters and downspouts before the first freeze to make sure they are free of leaves and other debris. This lets water flow freely from your home, which can prevent ice dams and other winter issues. Stock up Finally, prepare for winter storms by stocking up on essential supplies. These would include salt or sand for icy walkways, a snow shovel, and blankets in case of power outages. It's also good to service your snow removal equipment, such as snow blowers, and have them ready before the first snowfall. Ruidoso: Beware of Cold Weather! As winter approaches in Ruidoso, it's essential to stay prepared for the chilly temperatures and potential snow. Here are some tips to help you navigate the cold weather safely: 1. Dress in Layers
Of course, if something happens to your home and you need to be rescued, do the right thing and call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean 575-937-4385 For anyone who wears dress shirts regularly, one of the biggest frustrations is dealing with ring around the collar. Many assume that removing this stubborn stain is nearly impossible, but it’s quite manageable with the proper techniques.
Here are a few tried-and-true methods that not only help you remove ring around the collar but can also prevent it from returning. 1. Shampoo Treatment A simple and effective way to tackle ring around the collar is by using shampoo. The oils and grime accumulating on collars resemble what builds up in your hair, which shampoo is designed to remove. Before tossing your shirt in the hamper, apply a small amount of shampoo directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit until laundry day. When you wash the shirt as usual, the shampoo has worked its magic, making the stain easier to remove. This is an excellent option for tackling dirt buildup without requiring specialized products. 2. Pretreatments Another highly effective solution is using a cleaner made specifically for pre-treating laundry. You can see several options at your favorite department store. These powerful cleaning products work wonders on stubborn stains like ring around the collar. Spray the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then launder the shirt. These products are usually bleach-free, making it safe for most fabrics. You may need to repeat the process two or three times for tougher, set-in stains. 3. Oxygen Oxygen-boosting agents are another excellent option for removing the ring around the collar. Oxygen boosters are a type of color-safe bleach. To use, spray the collar with the mixed oxygen treatment, allow to dwell for a few minutes, and then wash as usual. After washing, if you still see any residue, repeat the process until the collar is clean. 4. Prevention Preventing ring around the collar is easier than you think. Good hygiene and regular showering is essential. Because of this simple fact, you see more ring around the color with children than adults, as kids are more active and may not shower as often. With these methods, removing and preventing a ring around the collar is a task everyone can handle. Using these tips is easy and efficient. And when you have specialty cleaning tasks you can’t handle alone, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. They can handle carpet, floors, and more. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 At CLC Extreme Clean LLC, we offer top-notch residential and commercial carpet cleaning services designed to rejuvenate your carpets and rugs. Our client-first approach ensures you receive unmatched results and exceptional customer service. Whether you need a one-time deep cleaning or regular maintenance, we’re here to help you protect your investment.
Discover more about our professional carpet cleaning services and schedule your appointment today! Contact us at 575-937-4385. Leaky pipes, often dismissed as minor inconveniences, can rapidly develop into significant problems, causing extensive water damage, structural issues, and mold growth. While most tips on water damage restoration focus on large losses, such as a burst pipe or storm damage, don’t ignore those small drips you may notice from time to time. What starts as a small drip can lead to expensive repairs if not promptly addressed. Water seeping into materials like wood, drywall, and flooring can weaken them over time, resulting in warping, rotting, and even structural collapse. Also, leaking pipes create the perfect environment for mold, which damages your home and poses serious health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory issues. The financial impact of ignoring a leaky pipe can be substantial. A minor repair, if addressed early, can prevent the need for significant renovations later. Persistent leaks damage your home's structure and can lead to higher utility bills due to wasted water and potentially increased insurance premiums if the issue is left unresolved for too long. Regular inspection of your plumbing system is critical to avoiding these problems. Homeowners should be vigilant for signs of leaks, such as water stains, dampness, or a musty odor. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming large, costly disasters. Installing water leak detectors in vulnerable areas can also provide an early warning before significant damage occurs. When a leak is detected, it’s essential to act quickly. While it might be tempting to attempt a do-it-yourself repair, hiring a professional plumber ensures that the root cause is identified and adequately addressed. Professional intervention not only fixes the immediate problem but also helps prevent future issues, providing a long-term solution. No one wants to fix a leaky pipe, and then when on a long vacation, something terrible happens. Don’t become a victim. Really, leaky pipes are more than just a minor nuisance—they are a potential source of significant damage to your home. By taking preventive measures and addressing leaks as soon as they are detected, homeowners can protect their property from extensive damage and avoid costly repairs. Proactive maintenance and timely repairs are the best defense against the high costs of water damage and structural deterioration caused by leaky pipes. When you do have an issue involving any type of water damage, call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 As a homeowner, your first responsibility is to ensure your living environment is safe and comfortable. Yet, and don’t feel bad if this is you, most homeowners think very little about mold that may be lurking in air ducts.
While individuals know what mold looks like on walls and ceilings and can do something about it, what they can’t see is what can hurt them—what is inside the air ducts, affecting their health and home atmosphere. Mold in air ducts can be a sneaky invader, typically found in the smell of musty air before it's seen. Even when mold isn't easily traced, its presence can still be felt through other health symptoms, like coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, skin irritation, difficulty breathing, headaches, and other symptoms common in allergies. Continued exposure may enhance the symptoms more and may also lead to several profound health implications in people with pre-existing respiratory diseases and allergies to molds. Mold thrives best in a warm, moist environment, quickly supplied by air ducts in your home. This is usually much worse if your house has poor ventilation or some reoccurring severe dampness. Acting fast to identify and rectify mold in ducts is paramount in stopping it from becoming an entire infestation throughout the rest of your house and creating even more health problems. Once you have determined that mold is present in your air ducts, it's time to act. Cleaning your air ducts without proper training and equipment is just not practical. Hiring a professional restoration company for mold removal will ensure that it is done safely and effectively. Professionals use specialized tools and products to eliminate mold and prevent its return. Find a mold removal company that adheres to industry guidelines, such as those specified by the National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA). When your company of choice is performing the necessary duct cleaning and mold removal steps, ask questions. This is a good time to think about preventive steps. You don’t want a repeat of more mold in your ductwork. Listen to the professionals and invest in a preventative maintenance program to catch problems early. This may be reducing humidity and more monitoring of your air ducts moving forward. The pros are here to help you with these important cleaning tasks, especially those that are impossible for you to do yourself. Call your favorite cleaning and restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 A clean floor is a healthy floor. Yet many neglect cleaning one of the most common surfaces — carpeted floors. There are many reasons to beware of dirty carpet!
While “clean” has primarily been directed at surfaces, what is hiding or that lies beneath, such as what can be in your carpet, is potentially harmful. If you have a significant amount of carpet in your home, it’s your biggest filter, and it collects a lot of dust, dander, and allergens. Look at your carpet from several angles. It’s a significant part of your home décor, it’s comfortable, it’s acoustical, among other great qualities. But it is also a reservoir for soil. Carpets may trap allergens like pollen, house dust mites, mold, animal dander, and microscopic parts of insects. These may cause allergic symptoms such as sneezing, red and itchy eyes, a runny nose, or breathing discomfort. This can become a serious health issue, especially for people with developing or advanced respiratory conditions. The situation is sometimes aggravated when improper vacuuming loosens particles into the air, which may cause instant allergic reactions. Dirty carpet carries harmful bacteria from a variety of sources. And this can be more threatening for children and pets because they are in contact with carpet for an extended period. Moreover, spills or pet urine, in particular, foster mold growth, expanding the potential health hazards through gut health and possibly acting as a repository for potential toxins. This can lead to microbial activity, causing carpet fiber damage, and can impact overall immunity in those you love. High microbial contamination in an environment like a dirty carpet causes the body's immune system to work more to fend off possible infections. Skin contact with dirty carpet can also cause irritations and infections like athlete's foot or worsen preexisting skin problems, such as eczema. It is essential to recognize potential issues and do the right thing: Keep your carpet clean. It’s just like any other surface. It would be unheard of to go a year without sweeping and mopping your hard floors. Imagine a bathroom floor going weeks or months… you get the picture. Why allow the carpet to go that long between cleanings? While you should beware of dirty carpet, you should embrace clean carpet. Do the right thing right now. Call your favorite cleaning company and book your cleaning appointment. While you are at it, book some furniture cleaning, too. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 Determined to Degrease
Have you seen yellow spots on the edges of your toaster, oven hood, or grills? You might wonder how it got there in the first place? Contrary to what you might think, these marks don't result from burning or heat—they're likely congealed cooking grease. But how do you tackle grease solidified on appliance surfaces, seemingly impervious to traditional cleaning methods? Here's how to banish stubborn yellow grease from your kitchen appliances. While a selection of degreasing products is available, you can also whip up effective solutions using items you already have at home. However, before using any product—store-bought or homemade—ensure compatibility with the surface of the appliance you are to clean. To avoid adverse reactions, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first. Mix half a cup of dish soap, three tablespoons of ammonia, and half a gallon of warm water to create your degreaser. Apply this mixture generously to the appliance, using an absorbent cloth (do not soak electronic appliances, obviously, and make sure whatever you work on is unplugged), allowing it to soak for a few minutes, depending on the amount of the soil. Afterward, carefully scrub the area with a pad or brush, avoiding abrasive or metal scrubbers to prevent surface scratches. Finally, rinse the area with soap and water, then dry with a paper towel. Another effective solution is WD-40. Apply it to the affected area and scrub the grease using a pad or brush. Then, wash the grease and WD-40 off with soap and warm water for a sparkling clean finish. Of course, the best defense against stubborn grease buildup is prevention. Make it a habit to wipe down your appliances regularly, especially after cooking sessions that generate a lot of grease. Simply using soap and warm water to wipe down kitchen surfaces can save you from facing future tough scrubbing battles. By incorporating these cleaning methods into your routine and staying proactive about maintenance, you can keep your kitchen appliances free from unsightly grease buildup and ensure they remain sparkling clean for years. Cleaning your home is often challenging to do and time-consuming for most. There’s an easier way, especially for special projects such as carpet and furniture cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, , and more. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 You open the dishwasher, pull out a rack, and drop a dish into a slot. You keep doing that until there is no more room and push “start.”
Is that the best way to load a dishwasher? Loading a dishwasher may seem like a simple task, but doing it right means sparkling clean dishes, and doing it wrong means scraping the crud your dishwasher missed and then just redoing a load. There are a few easy, expert tips you can implement to get the most from your faithful dishwasher. Pre-Rinse You don’t need to do this with a modern dishwasher. They are designed to remove food residues, and they do it well. While you should scrape large food particles from your dishes, put them in the dishwasher dirty. Give your dishwasher a chance. Dish Placement If you want hot water to spray easily on all surfaces, put large items on the bottom rack, as the directions should say. Face them inward toward the spray jets, but leave room for water to spray up and past those, reaching other dishes. Your dishwasher may have more than one spray arm, but it doesn’t hurt to leave gaps between dishes so more water flows throughout the interior. The Top The top rack, that is. All your smaller items go here, including cups and glasses. Place everything so dishes won’t tip over. If you have plastic dishes to wash and are concerned about the high heat and possible warping, those should go right at the top. If you are really concerned, you know what to do: Wash by hand. Utensils Your dishwasher has a special place for utensils, and you might think, “I’ll just put them all in there, and all good.” That might work, but some utensils, such as forks and spoons, can stick together, limiting cleaning. Put some upright, some upside down, and leave room for water circulation. The Right Stuff When choosing a detergent for your dishwasher, do your research. Look at the reviews. If your dishwasher has a prewash option, use it. It’s there for a reason. While you may do your dishes, you should leave some cleaning for the professionals, such as your carpet, furniture, and hard floors. Those are tougher than dishes. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 Mold is everywhere. It’s easy to spot if out in the open; you can smell the mustiness. While it can hide, such as behind walls, it doesn’t stay just on the surface … mold spores travel, and some have severe reactions to any exposure.
Ubiquitous in the natural environment, mold serves a vital role outdoors by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and trees. However, mold growth poses a significant concern where you don’t want mold (indoors). Because of how mold grows, with tiny, invisible spores that drift through outdoor and indoor air, mold finds fertile ground for growth when landing on wet surfaces. The United States Environmental Protection Agency says this about mold: “Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture.” Identifying types of molds is a challenge, as they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and more. Professional mold remediators are experts at identification. Mold is not considered a plant. It is considered a fungus, but like a plant, it needs a food source and certain conditions to grow. If you have a dark, warm area and add some moisture to it, along with a food source such as wood products or even dirt, you have the recipe for mold. The challenge with mold, whether avoiding it or removing it, lies in moisture management. The presence of mold in your home necessitates prompt cleanup and removal of any water-related issues. Many experts say drying water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours of the damage occurring is important to prevent mold growth. Health concerns warrant attention. Consulting a health professional before commencing cleanup is advisable, especially if pre-existing health conditions are a concern. While molds are a natural part of the environment, their presence indoors demands proactive measures. Through effective moisture control and timely cleanup, in conjunction with consulting professionals, homeowners can minimize the risks associated with mold growth, ensuring a safer and healthier living environment for everyone in the home. If you ever do have any water intrusion issues and especially with mold concerns, do the right thing. Call your favorite disaster restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 We all need towels, rags, or sponges to clean hard surfaces in our homes. The ubiquitous sponge is a very common one found in virtually all kitchens and most bathrooms. They are used to clean everything, from dishes to countertops to stovetops and more.
And while we tend to toss paper towels into the garbage can, or wash cotton or other cloths when we do the laundry, at times the sponge can be used and reused and weeks—even months—can go by without cleaning the sponge itself. How can you clean and reuse sponges? According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), your microwave or dishwasher is one of the best ways to clean them and kill bacteria simultaneously. They can eliminate nearly 100 percent of bacteria, helping you to maintain proper hygiene practices. For cleaning and disinfecting sponges in the microwave, thoroughly wet the sponge before putting it inside. Do not microwave a dry sponge, that’s a fire hazard. Microwave the wet sponge on high for just one minute. That zaps the bacteria. Take it out, thoroughly wash it with soap and water, and wring it out and you now have a fresh, clean, healthy sponge to use again. Your dishwasher is effective as well, but not as quick. When you wash your dishes, put it on the top rack and let the dishwasher do all the work. It’s pretty simple. Having the drying option activated means it gets that high heat, which will kill bacteria. But there comes a time when you need to make a hard decision. Yes, that sponge has been faithful, but a kind but firm farewell is warranted after so many uses. The USDA recommends replacing sponges every two weeks to minimize the risk of bacteria buildup and even more often if they get a funky odor. Most do not follow this recommendation, but it's an option if your budget for sponges is healthy. Other maintenance tips include wringing them out in hot water after every use and allowing them to dry completely by putting them in a spot that provides fresh air and even sunshine, which is often possible in a kitchen. Keeping your home nice and clean and healthy is important, and besides doing some of the tasks yourself, there is a better way. Call your favorite cleaning company today, especially for those tough project jobs such as tile and grout cleaning, carpet cleaning, and furniture care. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 This is the time of the year when we need to think about the possibilities of heavy snowfall, rain, and especially spring flooding, such as flash floods, which could be right around the corner.
Flooding is a natural disaster that can devastate homes, causing extensive damage and chaos for your family. Understanding how to first prevent and, if the unthinkable does occur … recover from flooding is essential for homeowners. Let’s look at what flooding is and where and when it can occur so you can analyze your own situation and prepare—if needed. Flooding occurs when an overflow of water inundates land that is typically dry. Various factors, including heavy rainfall, coastal waves, rapid snowmelt, or the failure of dams and levees, can trigger it. Floods can wreak havoc with as little as a few inches of water or submerge entire houses, lasting for days, weeks, or even longer. Floods are the most widespread of all weather-related natural disasters. Flash floods are hazardous as they combine the destructive force of floods with incredible speed. These occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ground's ability to absorb it. Flash floods can also result from water filling ordinarily dry creeks or streams or when streams overflow their banks, causing rapid water rises within a short timeframe. These events can unfold within minutes, leaving little time for public warning and protection. The only good news here is this doesn’t occur everywhere, but you should know if you are in a zone that could be affected. Do your research. Areas at Risk The first would be densely populated areas. Urban development, including buildings, highways, and parking lots, increases runoff by reducing ground absorption and elevating the risk of flash floods. The failure of storm drains is also a concern. In cities and towns, underground routing of streams into storm drains can overflow during heavy rain, flooding nearby roads and buildings. Even low spots can be a concern, such as underpasses, underground parking garages, basements, and low-water crossings. Areas near rivers, mountainous regions, and when dams release water for safety reasons, are all concerns as well. If your home is in the pathway of possible water, prepare your home with smart landscaping and other means to keep water from entering. What You Can Do While the risk of flooding is always there, you can prepare. Having a professional restoration company on your side will help bring your damaged home back to pre-flood condition. Contact your favorite restoration company and get their help if something does happen. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 As pet owners, we love our furry creatures and the company and comfort they bring to us. But with that is one challenge we often face: Dealing with pet hair on our furniture. If you're tired of constantly battling pet hair on your sofa, loveseat, chairs, or anything that is made of cloth, here are some effective strategies to keep your furniture looking clean and pet-hair-free.
Vacuum for the Deepest Clean The most basic and efficient method to removing pet hair from your furniture is by thorough, detailed vacuuming. Regular vacuuming using an upholstery brush attachment can remove loose pet hair and also embedded dander, which is what causes allergic reactions. If you don't have the proper attachment, consider investing in a universal attachment set with an upholstery brush and a crevice tool for those hard-to-reach areas. There are many small, hand-held devices that are perfect for this. Use Hair Removal Tools Turn to handy tools like sticky rollers and furniture brushes between vacuuming sessions. Oversized sticky rollers or those with extendable handles are particularly effective on upholstered furniture, covering more surface area with each pass. Common Household Items You don't always need specialty tools to combat pet hair. Everyday household items can be just as effective. A straightforward method is to put on a rubber glove, dampen it, and run your hand over the sofa's surface, causing the hair to ball up for easy pickup and disposal. Groom Your Pets Prevention is a great way to keep your furniture pet hair-free. Regularly groom your pet with guidance from your vet or groomer to reduce shedding and maintain a healthy coat. Grooming gloves, which help reduce shedding and straighten hair follicles, can effectively remove pet hair from your couch. Now what? Vacuuming, hair removal tools, everyday household items, textile preparation, and regular grooming of your furry companion can make all the difference in keeping your furniture fresh and comfortable for you and your pets. But there’s more! Don’t forget that removing pet hair is just part of maintaining your furniture. Having your furniture professionally cleaned on a regular basis is recommended. Do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company now for an appointment. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 Cleaning up after the holidays (or any party) can be challenging, especially when dealing with decorations, leftovers, and the general aftermath of festivities. Here are five good cleaning tips to help you tackle the post-holiday mess effectively:
1. Declutter First: Start by decluttering your home. Begin with the holiday decorations, taking them down and packing them away carefully. Dispose of any broken or worn-out decorations. Also, go through gifts, wrapping paper, and packaging materials to recycle or properly store them. Clearing out the clutter will make the cleaning process more manageable. 2. Deep Clean Your Kitchen: The kitchen is often the heart of holiday gatherings and can accumulate dirt and grime. Focus on cleaning your appliances, countertops, and sink thoroughly. Remember to clean the oven and microwave if you've done a lot of cooking. Wipe down the cabinets and mop the floors. Dispose of any leftover food items that have gone bad, and then organize your pantry and fridge. 3. Tackle Stains and Spills: Holiday celebrations can lead to spills and stains on carpets, upholstery, and tablecloths. Act quickly to clean up any spills, using appropriate stain removers or gentle cleaning solutions for delicate fabrics. Steam clean carpets and rugs if necessary. Launder and spot-treat table linens and cloth napkins to remove food or drink stains. 4. Bathroom Cleanup: Bathrooms can be used often during holiday gatherings. Disinfect and clean the toilet, sink, and bathtub or shower. Replace any used or empty toiletries like hand soap and toilet paper rolls. Wash and replace guest towels and empty the bathroom trash cans. 5. Dust and Vacuum: Dust and vacuum your entire home after the decorations are down and the clutter is cleared. Pay special attention to areas that may have accumulated dust during the holiday season, such as shelves, mantels, and corners: vacuum upholstered furniture, curtains, and blinds to remove any lingering dust or pet hair. Bonus Tip: Divide tasks among family members to make the process faster and more efficient. Put those kids to work! Following these cleaning tips, restore your home to its pre-holiday cleanliness and start the new year with a fresh, organized living space. And when you really need some serious help with any cleaning task, such as carpet, upholstery, tile and grout, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 While most don’t worry too much about it, condensation can damage surfaces in your home. Understanding how it works and then dealing with it will protect your home from unexpected damage.
How does it happen? Condensation occurs when moist, warm air cools down and can no longer hold all the water vapor it contains, causing that moisture to condense into water droplets and land on surfaces. Here is a quick guide to how condensation works: Temperature Difference: Condensation typically occurs when there is a temperature difference between indoor air and a surface. Think of how moisture builds up on the inside of a window. Even when you can’t easily see it, this type of condensation can occur. Dew Point: This is the temperature at which air becomes saturated or full of moisture and can no longer hold all the water vapor. When the temperature drops below the dew point, condensation forms on surfaces. Water Droplet Formation: As warm, humid air meets a colder surface, it loses heat to that surface. This causes the air temperature near the surface to drop below its dew point, which means water droplets will form on the surface. Effects on Surfaces in Homes Condensation on windows is a common occurrence during colder months. It can lead to water droplets on the glass, which, if not addressed, can create moisture-related issues. Prolonged condensation on windows can contribute to mold and mildew growth, damage to window sills, and even wood rot in severe cases. Condensation on interior walls and ceilings can result in water stains and discoloration, which can be tough to remove. Over time, it can lead to mold, which many consider a health concern, in addition to the damage mold can do to materials. Attics and crawlspaces can also be affected. In areas with poor ventilation, condensation can accumulate. This can damage insulation, wooden structures, and roof materials, potentially leading to costly repairs. Basements are a big concern as condensation can lead to dampness, water damage, and mold growth. It can also affect stored belongings and cause an unpleasant odor. Preventing condensation and addressing it promptly can help maintain the structural integrity and overall comfort of your home while minimizing the risk of moisture-related issues. If you have any questions or concerns about any moisture issue, especially after a flood in your home, do the right thing and call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean LLC 575-937-4385 It’s winter. And it’s cold out — in many parts of the country, anyway.
With winter comes freezing. It’s a phenomenon that occurs routinely. The science of freezing is a fascinating process governed by physical and biological factors that profoundly impact the environment. And freezing can really make a bad situation for your home if the temperature drops low enough. Just like in your kitchen freezer, water plays a central role in the freezing process in nature. Water freezes at its familiar temperature of 0°C (32°F) under normal atmospheric pressure. However, in essence, variables like altitude, salinity, and the presence of impurities can affect this freezing point, resulting in unique and diverse freezing scenarios. What it does to your home 1. Burst pipes: Burst pipes are the most common problem associated with freezing. As water freezes inside a pipe, the pressure builds up between the ice blockage and the closed faucet downstream. Eventually, this pressure can cause the pipe to rupture. 2. Cracked fixtures: Plumbing fixtures like faucets, valves, and even the toilet tank can crack when water freezes and expands. These cracks can lead to leaks, reduced water pressure, and the need for costly repairs or replacements. 3. Blockages: Ice can also create blockages within pipes. Even if a pipe doesn't burst, a partial or complete blockage can occur, causing reduced or no water flow through the affected pipe. This can disrupt water supply and drainage systems in your home. 4. Damage to outdoor plumbing: Exterior plumbing components, such as outdoor faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems, are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Water left inside these fixtures or pipes during the winter can freeze and cause them to crack or burst when the ice expands. 5. Weakening of pipe material: Repeated freezing and thawing cycles can weaken the structural integrity of pipes over time. This can increase the risk of future leaks and plumbing failures, even if the lines don't burst immediately. To prevent freezing-related plumbing problems, it's essential to take proactive measures during cold weather, such as insulating pipes, keeping a trickle of water flowing when it is really cold, sealing gaps and cracks, and more. But if something does happen and you have water damage from frozen pipes or other disastrous issues, do the right thing. Call your favorite restoration company. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Keeping your house clean for an extended period involves a combination of daily routines and smart strategies. A tidy home looks appealing and contributes to a healthier living environment. Here are five practical ways to help your house stay cleaner for longer:
1. Establish a Cleaning Routine: Consistency is critical. Set up a cleaning schedule that aligns with your lifestyle. Daily tasks like making the bed, washing dishes, and wiping down countertops can help prevent clutter and dirt buildup. Weekly and monthly tasks, such as vacuuming, mopping, and dusting, should be integrated into your routine. Sticking to a schedule will prevent messes from accumulating and becoming overwhelming. 2. Declutter Regularly: The less stuff you have, the easier it is to keep your home clean. Go through your belongings periodically and declutter by donating or discarding items you no longer need. Implement a "one in, one out" rule to remove an old one when you acquire new possessions. Reducing clutter means less dust and fewer areas for dirt to hide. 3. Use Doormats and Shoe Racks: Place doormats inside and outside your entrances to trap dirt and debris from shoes before entering your home. Implement a no-shoes-indoors policy or provide a designated shoe area near the door. This will significantly reduce the amount of dirt and grime tracked through your house. 4. Invest in Quality Cleaning Tools: Quality cleaning tools can make a big difference. Invest in a good vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust and allergens effectively. Microfiber cloths and mop heads are excellent for trapping dirt and are easy to clean. Additionally, consider using eco-friendly cleaning products to maintain a healthier home environment. 5. Practice Preventative Measures: Preventing messes in the first place is one of the best ways to maintain a cleaner home. Business covers on furniture to protect against spills and stains. Use coasters for drinks to prevent water rings on tables. Encourage family members and guests to use trays or placemats when eating in common areas. By implementing these small preventative measures, you can reduce the likelihood of dealing with extensive cleaning tasks later. We all know a clean home requires dedication and organization. And when you need specialty cleaning, such as for carpet, upholstery, or other cleaning tasks, call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Despite its refreshing taste and breath-freshening abilities, chewing gum often finds its way onto and into places it doesn’t belong, stubbornly sticking to surfaces and creating a mess. Fortunately, removing gum isn’t terribly tedious if you know the proper methods.
Chewing gum is challenging to remove when warm, so hardening it is the first step in any gum removal process. This can be achieved by using ice cubes or freezing the gum-adhered item, making removing it easier without stretching or damaging the underlying surface. Fabric, carpet, and rugs For fabric, carpet, or rugs, apply an ice cube directly to the gum, rubbing it until it hardens. Placing the gum in the freezer is an efficient alternative if it is on a small, portable item like an item of clothing. Consider putting the ice cube in a plastic bag for rugs or carpet to avoid soaking the material with water. Once the gum hardens, gently scrape it off using a blunt knife, like a dinner or putty knife. Though it requires effort, being cautious can help avoid damage to the fibers. Hair Removing gum from hair necessitates a slightly different approach. Instead of hardening the gum, applying cooking oil or another natural lubricant (some use peanut butter) can ease the removal process. Gently work the substance into the gum and surrounding hair before carefully picking or combing out the gum. This method requires caution, especially when working on someone else, as it can be painful. Alternatively, one can use the freezing process to ‘crack’ the gum off, followed by an oil treatment to remove all remnants. Persistence Regardless of the method used, removing gum demands patience and careful handling. Sometimes, it may require combining techniques, especially for more stubborn pieces. However, diligent application of these methods usually results in successful gum removal, leaving the surface unharmed. By approaching this sticky situation with patience and the proper techniques, you can ensure that the unwelcome gum finds its way out without leaving a trace behind. But at times this type of sticky situation is just too much to handle on your own, such as when gum is embedded and hardened into your carpet or expensive area rug. When that happens, you have a resource you can rely on: Your favorite cleaning company. Do the right thing and let them handle this. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean 575-937-4385 Decluttering and organizing one's home can be overwhelming, especially when you are overtaken by too many things collected over the years. Stuff piles up! When that happens, and you can’t take it any longer, it’s time to act. Here are a few ways to triumph over clutter. Set clear goals Before you begin, have a clear goal. Why should you get rid of “stuff”? Are you looking to improve appearances or make room for more “stuff”? Having an objective in mind is going to help with this. Plan and prioritize Keep this manageable. Don’t try to do the entire house in one session. Break it down into manageable tasks. One room at a time. Prioritize based on which areas are most in need or which will provide the most satisfaction once organized. The famous four-pile method You have heard it before. Put things in designated piles. But this is the modern era, so use boxes instead. Have four boxes labeled: Keep, Donate, Trash, and Recycle. You know how you value items so putting them in appropriate boxes should be easy. This will help you stay focused. Organize systematically Once you’ve decluttered, keep the momentum going. Use containers to keep it all in the proper place. Use labels. Zone your spaces, maximizing the use of closets, cupboards, and drawers. Everyone should know where stuff is when they need it. Documents Documents and papers are “stuff” as well. Most opt for digitizing these unless there is a legal reason to have a paper copy. Don’t throw away papers unless you are sure you won’t need them. Photographs, scanned copies into your computer, and all kept in the cloud… use digital technology to help save space and keep documents organized. One on…one out This is a philosophy many have found beneficial. If you add a new item to a pile, remove an item. Think about items you have kept for a while and if you really need them. Have you actually seen them recently? Odds are, you don’t need them. A family affair Keeping a house organized is a group effort. Inform and educate your family members on the systems you've put in place and why it's important to maintain them, to work together as a team. And remember, decluttering is just part of home maintenance. Cleaning is essential. And when you need professional cleaning of your floors, furniture, or any other task, do the right thing. Call your professional cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! One of the costliest purchases you will ever make includes your vehicle. You agonize over deciding what type of make or model to purchase. And when that day comes, you are pleased with your choice. A shiny new (or gently used) car is something you value.
But over time, your car’s appearance can take a beating, inside and out. While running your vehicle through a car wash is a simple way to keep the exterior clean, the interior is another story. Many consumers turn to the pros for detailing work, and it is tough to match the quality a professional detailing company can provide. But you can achieve impressive results if you do it yourself, using a few basic tools and products. To get started (and we will discuss only the interior here) gather the necessary tools and cleaners. This may include glass cleaner, cleaning solutions, cloth towels, paper towels, a quality vacuum with attachments, and other items you may find you need to do the cleaning. Start with decluttering. Go through your car and remove and discard anything you don’t need. You may find empty coffee cups, and a few wrinkled French fries, it’s amazing what can build up over time in a vehicle. Give the entire interior a thorough vacuuming, and spend plenty of time in the nooks and crannies. Get into the crevices of all the upholstery. Then start wiping everything down, using your cleaning solution and towels (cloth or paper). Find a starting point and start working, cleaning all surfaces except the glass. You will do that later. Wash surfaces, dry them, and inspect them. Redo those areas if not to your satisfaction. Use cotton swabs for the tiny areas you can’t reach with a cloth, such as an air vent. Allow your cleaning solution time to dwell on hardened soils, which are usually food-based. Do the interior glass last. Using your glass cleaner, first clean each window, and then re-clean them. The first cleaning removes the heavy soil and residue buildup and the second polishes it all so you don’t have streaks. You need good lighting to do this, so be sure to set that up in advance. Using a soft, lint-free cloth to go over the glass after cleaning often helps remove final smudges. All this being said, your favorite cleaning company would be happy to handle all of this for you, with professional results. Give them a call for a quote today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 Our furry friends bring you joy, companionship, and unconditional love, but they can also leave behind unwanted surprises in the form of pet urine. Whether you have a new puppy still in the process of house training or an older cat with occasional accidents, dealing with pet urine of any type can be a challenging task. However, with the right strategies and quick action, you can effectively remove pet urine and keep your home fresh and clean. Here are some emergency pet urine removal tips to help you tackle the situation promptly and efficiently. This applies mainly to carpeted surfaces. Prevention is key To minimize “accidents”, establish a consistent routine for your pets, including regular bathroom breaks, training sessions, and providing appropriate litter boxes or areas. Promptly clean up accidents and use positive reinforcement when your pets use the correct area. Act fast! The key to successful pet urine removal is to act quickly. The longer urine sits on surfaces, the more it soaks through the carpet and knot the pad and subfloor and the more difficult it becomes to eliminate resulting odors — and stains. As soon as you discover a pet accident, grab some paper towels or an absorbent cloth and blot the urine to soak up as much liquid as possible. Keep blotting until no more urine is noticeably absorbed. Products to use The safest product to use is warm water. But there are over-the-counter products that sometimes work fine. From enzyme cleaners and deodorizers to products that break down urine components and allow for easier removal, there are plenty of choices at your grocery or department store. But be very careful as many times overuse of these products can cause more damage than good. Be sure to avoid strong products, such as with ammonia. Ammonia is something that may actually attract pets to a spot and cause more issues. Stick to mild solutions. Deep cleaning For carpet and rugs, it's essential to thoroughly clean both the surface and the underlying padding. Blot up as much urine as possible, then call a pro. Although you can clean the area with a rental machine or one you have purchased, it’s not the same as a thorough professional cleaning. At a minimum, contact your favorite cleaning company for advice and the next steps to ensure your home doesn’t start to smell of pet urine. After all, it pays to call a pro! CLC Extreme Clean Carpet Cleaning 575-937-4385 Computer Cleaning Made Simple When people discuss “cleaning the computer” they often refer to running a disk check, removing old files, deleting applications that just take up space, and all the tasks that help it to run faster. But cleaning can be an old-fashioned task and add value to that electronic device you rely on each and every day. Everything works better when it is cleaned and maintained. Whether you have a computer with a “tower” and separate monitor, keyboard, etc., or a laptop, or a tablet, even a smartphone, they all need attention from time to time. Keep it safe and organized The first step is to turn off the device, no matter what. Electric shock can occur during cleaning, especially since you will use moisture to some degree. Take apart the tower (if you have one), remove it, and keep all the screws and tiny parts organized. There’s nothing more frustrating than taking something apart and either losing a small part or having extra when the job is done. Getting to work Using compressed air, such as from a small can, blow out the dust that has accumulated inside. There may even be some spider webs. If you need to wipe out the interior, use a very soft cloth and be careful with the wires and connections. You don’t want a cleaning to turn into a repair. Most likely, the computer or device you have is a laptop or tablet. For those, using compressed air is smart on openings and vented areas, you want to keep dust out of the device. A close examination of ports often shows accumulation of soil and grime. With any device, wiping down the outside keeps oils from building up and especially helps with any buttons and keys. Using a solution such as for eyeglasses, and a soft microfiber cloth, apply the solution to surfaces and quickly (before it penetrates) wipe it off. Screens can be stubborn, as they show streaks. Microfiber cloths are the best tool for minimizing streaks. For keyboards, use compressed air and cotton swabs to remove the dust and buildup in crevices. For stubborn soils, a little more effort will be required and maybe some careful cleaning with sharp objects, such as a wooden toothpick, might be warranted. But always be very careful not to cause damage to the keys. And don’t forget, for all your cleaning needs and questions, contact your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! Organizing & Cleaning the Bathrooms
Besides the kitchen, your bathroom is one of the most popular and trafficked rooms in your home. Keeping your bathroom organized, clean, and tidy can be a daunting chore. And your work increases tremendously if you have more than one. Many homes have several bathrooms. That’s a lot of cleaning and organizing to tackle, especially if you let too much time pass without giving them some attention. It’s easy to see several days, a week, even more pass without a close scrutiny of the condition of a bathroom—and then all of a sudden you are amazed how all the nastiness snuck up on you. The way to tackle all of this is with a plan—a cleaning plan, which includes organizing all bathroom content as well.
And that’s just to keep everything clean. What about organizing the contents? Open up the drawers, cabinets, check the inventory of what is in your bathroom. You will be amazed at the number of toiletries, medications, cosmetics, lotions and potions you have amassed over the years. Many of them are no doubt expired, some by many years unless you have kept up with what you stock your bathroom with. Take the time to look at expiration dates and start throwing out what has expired. Some products will last for years. Others just a few months. Even cosmetics have an expiration suggestion. Also consider better organizing, using shelving or organizing products such as bins that can be stacked, to help you keep it all in its proper place. And, of course, when you need some professional cleaning done in your home, whether routine cleaning or deep cleaning such as for your carpet, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 Your home has plenty of areas for dirt and grime to hide. Locating them may seem easy. Cleaning them effectively is something else.
Most homeowners spend plenty of time sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and cleaning areas that are obviously soiled and become soiled daily. There are areas that can really get gross in a short amount of time. Your bathroom “work stations” — also known as vanity cabinets — are prime locations for soil buildup. Let’s spend some time on how to tackle the chore of cleaning the bathroom vanity. One area of the home easy to ignore. After all, who looks in there besides the person searching out some face cream or hand lotion, among other items? The buildup of residues can wreak havoc over time. Think of hairspray that you use daily and that ends up on the top of the cabinet. It may be easy to clean when fresh but give it 10 or more applications and you have a “goo” that’s not giving up its tenacious hold on the counter. This isn’t to even mention toothpaste and other necessary items that get smeared on the same surface. Take some time each day — perhaps just a minute or so — to quickly wipe up any residues that land on the surface. Then, take some time each week — perhaps just five minutes or so — to open up any cabinet doors or mirrors that house storage behind them, remove all objects, and use a household cleaning solution to wipe down all surfaces. After a week, you will still be amazed at how much residue has built up in there. Imagine what could happen after a few months! And once a month, give your entire bathroom a close scrutiny and look for all those nooks and crannies that can be the host of soil. This could be behind the toilet, in the corners of shower stalls, where the soap resides on the bathtub edge. All these areas could use a good scrubbing each month, if not more frequently. And all this is besides the typical routine cleaning you no doubt give all your bathrooms. But when you need some real help, from your favorite cleaning service, do the right thing. Give them a call today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 It’s part of the home that you try to hide. It’s one that you hope no one stumbles across and, of course, hope no one sniffs and notices it is there.
If you have cats, you know exactly what we are talking about. If you have cats, you either train them to go outside (unlikely) or use the toilet (as seen on YouTube) — but most resort to the standard litter box for their feline friends to do their “business.” As much as you would like anyone else but you to take care of cleaning and maintaining the litter box, if you are the owner of the cat, it’s probably your job to do. Here are some simple tips to do it faster — and better — and keep things a little more sanitary as well. Keep it contained One thing most hate is when the cat (or cats) leave the litter box and bring those tiny litter particles with them, tracking them all over the home. Placing a cat litter mat under the cat box and some type of carpet remnant where the cats step out on helps reduce the amount of litter tracked through the home. Protect yourself Litter boxes are festering tubs of bacteria and other contaminants that need to stay right there in the box. But a cleaning must happen, usually every day, to keep the clumps from taking over and becoming difficult to scoop. Wear a proper pair of gloves, and even a dust mask, to keep yourself healthy and safe when doing the scooping’. Fresh is best Besides daily scooping, adding some litter every few days is smart. When the litter gets low, add a little more to keep the litter box sufficiently full so your cats can easily cover over their “deposits”. You don’t want to give them any excuse to skip the litter box for a more convenience area to use, if you know what we mean. And each month, empty and completely wash the pan, and add fresh litter. The inevitable One thing that cats may do from time to time is “miss” the litter box, creating nasty odors, especially in carpet. That’s when you need some real help, from your favorite cleaning service. Do the right thing. Give them a call today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385 Closet Cleaning & Organizing
Although traditionally a spring cleaning chore, cleaning and organizing a closet can be done any time of year. And no, keeping the door shut isn’t the best solution to a messy, disorganized closet, although it may give you moments of sanity that quickly disappear when you venture inside for that favorite pair of pants you haven’t seen in months. Here are a few quick tips on cleaning and organizing your closet.
Closets are very important real estate. Take advantage of them and keep them all neat, clean and organized. Imagine… going into a closet that doesn’t scare you as you select your favorite sweater to ward off a cold evening chill. Nice thought, right? 575-937-4385 |
ATTENTION:This is Cody The Carpet Cleaner. Please be aware that I offer a high-end cleaning service. I understand that as a student or renter price is very important, but this is not a "Quicky-Budget" option. I perform a minimum of 7 steps to insure quality results.If your primary goal is quality please give me a call 575-937-4385. Thank You. Archives
October 2024
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