One of the common problems that affect our pets and especially dogs is dental disease. Sad to say, this issue is often overlooked. You have to remember that our pets also need proper hygiene in order to stay healthy and comfortable. With proper dental care for our dogs, you can definitely avoid discomforts that come from dental disease that your dogs can acquire.

Helping your dogs to perform dental care is a kind gesture of a responsible pet owner. It doesn’t need to be expensive nor will take a lot of your time and effort to do so. All you need are proper tools and knowledge to take care of your dogs dental concerns. Here are some of the tips to perform painless teeth cleaning for your pets:

Choose the right timing

As a pet owner, you have to know when your dogs are sleepy or just woken up from a regular nap. These are the best times when you can perform the dental cleaning procedure. Dogs are usually not aggressive and active at these times. Also, it is advisable to have it before their meal time. This way, your dogs will take it as a reward after a cleaning their teeth.

Use the right tools and solutions

This is very important to effectively clean your dog’s teeth with hurting their gums or any part of their mouth. Make sure to have a toothpaste that is made for dogs. Be aware that human toothpaste has a high level of fluoride that is not good for dogs. Also, use a toothbrush designed for dogs to prevent damage of their gum tissues.

Ask for veterinarian’s advise

This is probably the most important thing to do first. Consulting your veterinarian will help you choose the right tool and other essentials for your dogs. These experts can also assess the dental health of your dogs, hence, giving you the best method to address the problem.

Studies show that keeping your dog’s teeth clean and healthy can increase their lives from 3 to five years. Well, that’s a great reward for a simple effort!

Image sources: 1, 2

For more home wellness for your pet, click here.

When you move into a new place or decide to fix up an existing space, one thing that you need to consider is how to protect your property and furnishings from your sweet cat, dog or other pets. Luckily, there are ways to easily protect your walls, hardwood floors, carpets and furniture. It involves planning ahead, being proactive and treating them with the right products at the right time:

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Hardwood Floors 

Hardwood floors are typically easier than carpet when you have pets. But, it’s crucial to attend to potty accidents right away to protect against damage. Otherwise pet urine can warp and permanently damage the floors. If you are worried about scratches, put claw covers on your dog or cat.

Carpet 

Carpet can be tricky when you are a pet owner. To keep it clean and free of stains you must be willing to attend to stains right away and be vigilant about it. If you have a dog that likes to go to the bathroom on the carpet, be proactive and put pads in that area. Any time that your cat has an accident and urinates on the carpet, treat the area immediately with carpet stain remover.

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Furniture 

Furniture can also get stained or ripped because of your cat or dog. Often cats cannot resist clawing furniture and that can absolutely ruin it. Dogs may actually chew on furniture, whether it’s wood or cloth. Pets can transfer dirt onto your furniture and that can result in soiling it. If that happens, use Spot Shot to quickly get the stain out.

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Walls 

An optimal way to protect your walls is to use high gloss paint on them. High gloss paint is best for pet owners, especially if you have cats, because it can inhibit cat urine. It also helps protect against dog urine. High gloss paint is easier to clean. It also stands up to frequent cleanings.

There is no reason why you can’t have a beautiful home along with having your beloved pets. It is important to realize that you will need to quickly attend to any messes made by your pets, but also that you can help prevent them. With the proper planning and products like a quality carpet stain remover, you will be able to enjoy your home and your pet.

For more Pet Ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Looking for common cleaning solutions to your cleaning problems? Whether you have a steam iron that is clogged or you are trying to find easy solutions for wrinkled clothes, today’s tips will help. Try these exceptional cleaning and home care solutions that are readily available in your cabinets and storage. From salt to baby powder you will love these common household cleaning agent. Thank you Real Simple for these great ideas.

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Salt Supremacy

• If you see gummy residue in your flat iron, the solution is just a handful of salt. Salt removes sticky residue from your iron. Just sprinkle salt in a plain paper and run over your hot iron.
• Salt also acts as your sink’s clog control. When using salt as a drain cleaner, mix ½ cup of salt in every quart of hot water. Then, pour the solution down the pipe and leave it all to the salt solution.

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Wrinkle-free Clothes

• To have wrinkle-free clothes when traveling, wrap it with layers of tissue paper before placing it inside your luggage. This will ensure iron-free apparels when taken out.
• You have to be extra careful with silk, wool, & rayon clothing. These materials should not be exposed directly to heat. With this, place a foil on your ironing board then lay the garment over it. Put the steam down or your iron and run over the clothes.

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Stain Buster

• Baby powder prevents oil and grime from seeping into the threads. Also, spread out an ample amount of powder on the shirt’s underarm and collar before having it ironed.
• Baby wipes can be an effective stain remover if your deodorant leaves a mark on your shirt.
• Use clothes dryer sheets with a few drops of water to remove soap scum from inside your shower door.

These are just a few of those unfamiliar yet effective cleaning agents you have at home. With the use of these strange cleaning items, you can keep your belongings  cleaner and they will last longer than you ever expected.

For more home cleaning tips on Stagetecture, click here.

Beating stains is one of the most common problems in your home. It doesn’t have to be permanent but it gets more difficult to remove when the area is not regularly cleansed or you don’t know how to clean with the correct household products.

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Here are some effective ways on how to get rid of these unsightly messes:

Clean regularly

Stains at home are a normal occurrence unless no one eats, cooks, plays and other activities inside. Also, it is common for kids to get messy and spill food and liquids on the floor. To prevent this spillage sticking and staining on your floor or furniture, it is very essential to clean and wash them immediately. If you can’t get to the stain immediately try and dry up the stain as soon as possible and use baking soda or club soda to prevent the stain from setting.

Use eco-friendly solutions

You do not have to use strong cleaning solutions especially if the spillage is still fresh and has not yet penetrated. Keep a basic stain-fighting solution available at home so it is ready anytime you need it. Also, ensure that the cleaning solution has environment and bio-degradable seal. Look for USDA Approved Eco-Friendly Product Seal to guarantee the safety of our environment.

Use proper tools and equipment for the job

Cleaning can be fast and easy if appropriate tools and equipment is utilized. Avoid using any material that comes to your hand to scratch a surface on the floor or furniture. This may lead to permanent damage. For stains on the floor, you may use soft to medium bristle brush. A smooth cloth will be effective for furniture. The cleaning solutions will complement the tools and equipment for effective cleaning.

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To give you a specific cleaning procedure in keeping the floor stain-free, you may do the following:

• For vinyl floors, rub a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water using mop, rag or brush.
• For wood floors, have a polyurethane finish and a scrub pad. If it has scuff marks, use a small amount of mineral spirits like paint thinner.
• For carpeted floors, wash it out with water and follow it up with cleaning solutions. Brush and let it dry. You may use vacuum after the application.

Removing spillage immediately will not only prevent staining on the your household surfaces but will also help bacteria from growing and creating health problems for your family home.  Use these helpful tips to help fight stains in your home. While you can’t prevent stains, you can at least be ready when the time comes!

For more home ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For 111 tips to help 11 rooms of your home, get 111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home Ebook here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/helpful-tips-to-help-fight-everyday-stains-in-your-home/feed/ 0 28036 https://stagetecture.com/guest-blogger-top-secrets-for-tackling-tough-housecleaning-problems/ https://stagetecture.com/guest-blogger-top-secrets-for-tackling-tough-housecleaning-problems/#respond Wed, 23 May 2012 20:14:12 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=26915 Guest Blogger #540, Entry #1216, May 23, 2012

Maintaining a clean home can be a challenge, but following a few basic rules can make the job easier for anyone. Don’t allow the mess to take over. Instead, tackle the clutter and dirt head on. Whether you are dealing with children tracking in dirt or a load of clutter that sneakily finds its way into your house, there are some tips to get some of the hard-to-clean nooks of your house under control.

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Eliminate Sticky Shower Door Scum

Shower door soap scum can be some of the hardest material to clean off. You’ve probably experienced the frustration of using all the best cleansers with no results. Professional housecleaners can offer some tips you would never have thought of on your own. The trick is to let the scum dry. Since soap won’t work on this stuff, get a 4-inch plastic putty knife and start scraping.

Remove Resistant Rust

Rust doesn’t budge when scrubbed with even the most abrasive cleansers, but there is a way to see porcelain all white again. Look for a rust stain remover with hydrochloric acid or hydrogen chloride. Do not use a product with bleach because even though it may seem like an obvious choice, the bleach will just set the stain and make it permanent. For your toilet, try Super Iron Out and a stiff nylon brush.

Rewind Spills and Stains

There’s nothing worse than watching spaghetti sauce or butter hit a porous surface. From experience, you know it’s going to leave a mark. The tip is to have stain pens on hand. Yes, they really work. If you were skeptical, take it from the pros; detergent and bleach pens really do work to remove stains from upholstery, grout, caulk, and porcelain.

Erase Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains can make any shiny surface look dull, so consider investing in a water softener. In the meantime, to clear away the mineral build-up that may have already formed, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. Spray on all surfaces dulled by hard water and allow the vinegar to penetrate for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a damp sponge and repeat as often as needed to remove the stains. Another natural cleaning agent that can help get rid of hard water stains is a lemon cut in half. Rub it over the surface before wiping it clean. If these methods don’t work, consider purchasing a chemical-based product that is formulated to cut through hard water stains.

Image via: Kohler

Vertical and Horizontal Blinds

Blinds are major collectors of dust, lint, and pet hair that can be difficult to remove. Before you try wiping it with a wet solution, use a vacuum cleaner brush or crevice attachment to remove as much as possible. If that doesn’t work, repurpose your blow dryer. Starting at the top and working your way down, move the blow dryer nozzle back and forth along each slat to blow the loose hair away. Now when you use your wet solution, removing the dust, lint, or hair will be much easier.

Use Microfiber Cloths

Instead of wasting paper towels or using old rags that are no longer absorbent, try microfiber cloths for cleaning. The static charge created by the cloth helps pick up even the most resistant dust and dirt. You can clean windows, TV screens, computer monitors, sinks, and almost any other surface without having to use chemical sprays.

Microwave Magic

One of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen is the microwave, so it stands to reason that it often gets caked with splatters and spills that become cooked on. Fill a glass with water, place it in the oven, and turn on the microwave long enough for the water to create steam. Leave the glass in the microwave for five or ten minutes so the steam can loosen the dirt. Now all you have to do is wipe it down with a wet sponge to make it sparkle. If the microwave has a turntable, you can stick it in the dishwasher next time you run a load.

Image via: Kitchen.Pinterest

Vacuum Last

Straighten and clean everything before you vacuum. With everything out of the way, you can move much more quickly. You also won’t have to vacuum the dust and dirt again after it falls from other surfaces. For hard-to-remove pet hair, try one super high-tech trick: duct tape. Seriously, it works.

Tough housecleaning problems don’t have to get the best of you. Tackle them with intelligence and let the tools do most of the work.

Steven Feldner is a full time blogger and writer. He writes for  Harvey Water Softeners where you can find out more about water softeners.

For more household tricks in your home on Stagetecture, click here.

We’ve all been there. You’re hosting a party and one of your guests spills some wine, or bumps into you when you’re serving up the spaghetti, and a nice big dollop ends up on the floor – staining your lovely new carpet.

Next time it happens, don’t panic! Impress your guests by remaining cool and calm, and using these simple tips to make your carpet as good as new once again.

Image courtesy of Interior Arcade

Start with the obvious damage

Pick up any bits of food, and use a cloth to soak up any liquids. Blot the liquid up by pressing gently, don’t rub, as you could make things worse.

Many stains can be removed by blotting with a sponge soaked in lukewarm water. For more stubborn stains, a gentle carpet cleaning solution will often be effective, if you act quickly.

Work from the outside of the stain to the inside. Avoid using stringent cleaners unless you absolutely have to. If you do have to use a stringent cleaner, it might be a good idea to shampoo the whole carpet, so that you don’t end up with blotchy areas that look like they’re different shades. A quick run-over the whole carpet with a Vax Powermax should ensure that your carpet retains a uniform color.

Avoid harsh chemicals

If you act quickly, warm water and a gentle detergent will remove most stains. You should be able to avoid using harsh detergents in most cases. If you have a really stubborn or unusual stain, then try looking for some home remedies before you call in the big guns. For example, copper coins have been found to be useful for removing soot and ash, and absorbent paper, coupled with a warm iron, can be used to soak up candle wax (but be careful if you try this – the last thing you want is for the paper to catch fire).

Image courtesy of Classic Interiors Idaho

Some Common Stain Treatments:

Burns/Scorch Marks – Treat with a coin, or some sand paper

Soda – Try cold water first

Coffee – Try warm water first

Glue – Nail varnish remover

Ink – Surgical spirit

Paint – Turpentine / White Spirit

Bleach – Soak the area liberally with cold water

Egg – rinse with cold water and then apply a diluted solution of mild carpet shampoo

Image courtesy of Interiorzine

There are some stains that require more specialist treatments. For example, rust can be difficult to get out, as can radiator fluid. If you have a tough-to-remove stain, then it’s best to call in professional cleaners. There’s only so much that carpet shampoo and a Vax Powermax can do, and if you use the wrong solutions on a stain you could risk making things worse.

If you’re working with solvent based cleaners, make sure that you have plenty of ventilation.

Once you’re done, dry the stained area using a hairdryer. Don’t just leave it damp, as the backing of the carpet could decay if it’s not dried properly, and then you’d be left with a bald spot instead of a stained one.

This post was written by Crispin Jones on behalf of The Original Factory Shop. Crispin writes on subjects relating to the home and enjoys sharing these tips.

For more flooring options on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Granite countertops are one of the top upgrades that homeowners are outfitting their kitchen and bathrooms with. Rightfully so, granite is beautiful, durable, and if maintained, can keep looking good for years into the future.

Image courtesy of The Design File

Today’s DIY Saturday, I show you a You Tube Video on how to remove common stains from your granite countertops – from oily peanut butter stains, to ink. Then read tips from my Guest Blogger on how to keep your granite countertops shiny and looking like new.

You Tube video – How to remove stains from your granite countertop

Guest Blogger – How to keep your granite countertops shining

You might wonder why you need to add a granite polish to your granite cleaning routine. You use a granite cleaner regularly and have the granite sealed every year. Why use a polish in between? One reasons is that polish leaves a water resistant layer to prevent liquid penetration. Granite will stain if certain liquids penetrate the surface. By depositing a special wax into the pores and microscopic cracks of granite, you are protecting the surface from that stain potential. Quickly cleaning up stains is the first line of defense. However, sometimes you do not notice a spill until later. The polish helps keep that stain from appearing.

Granite polish: Helps fill pores of counter

Another reason to use granite polish is it helps fills tiny cracks and pores to keep the smooth finish you expect. The finishing process for your granite will leave a visibly smooth surface. However, if you use a microscope or a magnifying glass on the surface, you will see microscopic pores and cracks on the surface. That is part of the stone’s natural essence. Those openings will attract dirt and debris. It is also the place where liquids can penetrate, leaving stains behind. A good polish will lay down a layer of carnauba wax and other emollients to fill those tiny spaces.

Image courtesy of Dreamy Kitchens

Restore luster of your granite

A third reason to put a granite polish in your maintenance routine is it will restore the luster of your granite. Daily cleaning can dull the shine of your countertops. Even with the best countertop cleaners, your cleaning process may leave a bit of residue behind. With a polish, you remove that residue during the polishing process and it makes your countertops look great. You also lay down a layer of carnauba wax into those cracks and pores. That wax offers a beautiful shine that even the best cleaner cannot leave. It will protect your countertops while making them shine in the light.

Remove scratches on your granite

A final reason to bring a granite polish in is to remove faint scratches on the surface. You can spend a great deal of time cleaning your granite. That will help remove the potential abrasives left on the surface. However, life happens. You may see a dulling of the sheen over the next few weeks. By using a polish every week or two, you can remove that dulling layer. The polishing will smooth out the microscopic scratches. It will fill in deeper scratches with wax. That will make the appearance look even better.

This blog post was written by FreeDigitalPhotos.net. Try restoring shine to your granite countertops after using this granite polish.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.