Livingston Reporting - page 335

The Joy Of Spring Cleaning

Posted on by - Updated

Spring cleaning is different in each household.  It is the time of year to go extreme and get every dirt cell in your house.  I tend to flip out a bit because it is the one time a year that my husband and children are helpful in the duties involved in our home.  I take full advantage of this.  Our spring cleaning consists of each room getting one on one attention and then the house as a whole.  The carpet cleaners are called in along with the handyman that will power wash the house, deck and windows.  Our job is to make sure that all the hidden dust bunnies are removed so that for one day our house can glow.

The kitchen is my least favorite place to clean.  I do spot clean the stove top and microwave but I truly hate these tasks.  During spring cleaning however I buckle down and get to it.  I start by empting shelves and removing food from the pantry.  I create a mixture of bleach and water and wipe down everything.  I then go through the items from our pantry and get rid of anything older than six months and reorganize as I out things back into place.

Next we move all the appliances.  The under carriage of the fridge, stove and dishwasher are magnets for dirt, lost toys and all types of candy.  The fridge is next. We empty both the fridge and freezer and wipe all the seals and shelves down.  Food is gone through and eventually reorganized back into the fridge and freezer.  One thing we are good about is making sure that flour, sugar and baking goods are fresh but if you are not check them out and make sure that nothing is playing host to bugs.

Each bedroom is canvases also.  We start by empting the room out.  This allows us to vacuum underneath the bed, dressers, nightstands and the far reaches of the closets.  Once this has been done we go though the items that have been relocated neatly placing them back into place.  We dust everything, throw away clothes that don’t fit, get rid of toys and take all large bedding in for cleaning.  The bedroom is the best place to clean because that night when you go to pass out you are really breathing in the fruits of your labor.

The living areas are always a treat.  This is when ceiling fans get dusted and wiped down.  You can really tell a lot about a family by the amount of dust on their ceiling fan!  The couches are taken apart and vacuumed.  If we notice stains on the furniture this is a perfect time to make note of it.  When the carpet cleaners come out it is often inexpensive to have them do a piece of furniture.  The windows are done by professionals.  This is because we have yet to master the art and I cannot stand getting the Q-tips out for inside the window sills.  All of the fire alarms are vacuumed out and new batteries installed.  Faucet aerators are cleaned and drains are too along with furnace filters and vents.

The one thing I love most about spring cleaning is after we are all done the carpet cleaners come in do another thorough vacuuming and get to deep cleaning our carpets.  This is a sure way to make sure all residues from dead critters, dander, dust and every other gross carpet issue is done away with.  Carpet cleaners get to the core of the dirt, remove it and leave the house smelling fresh and looking like new.  Once the carpet cleaners leave I take it upon myself to go shopping for new mats for the entrances of the house.  Clean mats help keep feet clean which in turn keeps the carpet in better shape longer.

Don’t forget to donate anything and everything you have decided to part with.  Don’t leave it piling up in the garage.  Most likely that sale you have planned for the summer won’t happen because summer is the busiest time of the year. Take the tax deduction and make let others thrive off of your goods.  If you have not used it in a year or more it belongs in that donation pile.  We had a brand new ricer that was still in the carton that we had no ambition to use that ended up going into the donation pile.    It is also not to forget that a clean home keeps the members of your family breathing easier.  Enjoy it!  You might find yourself cleaning more often.

True Cleaning

Are You An Engineer?

Posted on by - Updated

The rate of employment for engineers is gaining speed rapidly as growth continues throughout our society.  How do you know that engineering services is the field for you?  Obviously growth is an important factor.  You want to ensure the numbers are in your favor when looking for a position but also that the career is compatible to your wants and desires.  Are you technical?  Are math and science the two areas of greatest interest to you and do you like solving problems?  If so then you are most likely looking into the right field of study.

Engineers are found throughout many different fields.  The highest growth is found within civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering and computer engineering.  It is important that you look into the different fields there are to choose from and wrap your studies around the engineering field that most interests you.

As an engineer you are in charge of one of two areas; either planning and developing or testing, constructing and preserving.  You might look at the influence of a product has on the environment in which it is being used. It could be that a new material will improve the process and your job is to find the product and implement it into a new design.  It may be that you are developing a way in which to use or gain access to raw materials.  Many people in supervisory roles within factories have engineering degrees.  Their jobs are to determine why things happen, maintain standards and give a time frame time and budget estimates.  Engineers are in charge of many different areas within a project.

What does it take from your education to land a job in engineering?  First you should know that even to land an entry level position you will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a university.  In choosing a major make sure that is a field of engineering that interests you.  It might not be the one you end up with your dream job in but having the right qualifications can help in a similar area of engineering.

Most often engineers will hold a great deal of certifications and licenses.  It is important in engineering services to have the certification PE which stands for professional engineer.  In order to be an accredited engineer you must have graduated from a university program that has accreditation from the ABET, experience in the engineering field for four or more years, and have taken and completed with success an exam offered through your state.  Each state will have slightly different requirements so it is important to research before you attempt to apply for any license or certification.

In an entry level position you will be gaining hands on experience and familiarity of the position.  As you gain knowledge and trust you will be working alone more often designing, developing and solving issues.  As you move further up the ladder with an engineering firm you may become a specialist that offers technical advice or a supervisor that leads a team of engineers or technical advisors.  Engineers are in demand and with the right skill set, college education and entry level position you will be on top of your career ambitions in no time at all.

SRCMI

Is Our Society As Handicap Accessible As You Think It Is?

Posted on by - Updated

What are your assumptions when it comes to how accessible businesses are for the disabled?   Before I got hurt and had issues with my mobility I thought that handicap access was abundant.  I would see the four handicap parking spots at the front of the mall, see the electric scooters strolling around and see the only empty stall in the bathroom was handicapped accessible.  Sadly I was mistaken.  Although you see what looks like businesses following ADA guidelines they are compliant does not mean they are handicap convenient.

After an accident in which my son helped break my leg with a sled I quickly learned how inconvenient living in our society with a disability was.  I always assumed that seeing a handicap ramp outside of a business meant that I would enter and access would be unlimited however I learned that is not the truth.   When I had to use a wheelchair I found the handicap ramps convenient.  However when I moved onto my walker I realized that really handicap ramps were put off to the side and no in direct proportion with the entrance.  I couldn’t believe how inconvenient I was finding out life was with a disability.

My concerns did not stop there.  At grocery stores the electric scooters were all located at the front of the store which was excellent.  I could leave my walker where the scooter was and went about my business. The mall however was a completely different story.  The electric scooter I needed was in the middle of the mall and not at all convenient for me to maneuver to using my walker.  By the time I reached the counter my stamina was depleted and I was ready to be done with this trip to the mall. You would think that in this day and age business owners would realize the importance of making shopping convenient for those that were elderly and/or disabled.  The population of older clients is rising and businesses need to meet their needs in order to attract their business.

Another thing was how merchandise was displayed.  I found that it was very difficult to maneuver around the racks without leaving disarray where ever I went.  One trip in particular was difficult.  I was with my daughter and we were trying on clothes for a wedding we were to attend. Wheelchair access in dressing rooms is a joke.  The amount of room they give you to maneuver is minimal.  It was easier for me to order online, try the stuff on in my home and have my spouse take back what I did not want.  Is this really how our civilized society wants those with mobility difficulties to feel when they are out?

My limited mobility lasted for only three months.  For that I am incredibly grateful.  Those three months were an eye opener for my family and I.  We don’t take pity on those with disabilities or handicapped needs but are more compassionate to their needs.  It is important that we learn that handicap access goes far beyond parking issues, bathrooms and steps.  It is important for our society to look at things from different perspectives to really see what types of needs aren’t being met for individuals with disabilities.  I never wanted anyone to wait on me.  I wanted to be independent and fend for myself I just needed that to be possible and what I experienced made me realize that access goes well beyond a handicap ramp.

Glen Miller The Home Doctor

Get Your Body In Perfect Running Form

Posted on by - Updated

How do you know when you are running with correct form?  If you are new to the sport this question can be a bit tricky.  As with any sport it is good to get advice from a professional so that you can be sure you are getting into good habits off the bat.  It is harder to correct bad habits after they have been formed so it is important to get advice on running form right from the start.

Your entire body is involved in the sport of running, from your head to your toes.  It is important to realize that your perfect running form might look a bit different from other runners but what is important is that you are following some basic running rules.

Let’s start at the top of your body and work down, your head.  The way you hold your head is very important to how the rest of your body then aligns.  This also effects how efficiently your overall run is.  Remember to look out in front of you instead of looking down at your feet.  Watching where you are going is going to help your posture far more than if you are looking at where you are and have been.  This also helps keep your neck aligned straight with your spine bringing your whole body into perfect alignment.

Next we move down to your shoulders.  Shoulders are the key element in keeping your body loose and relaxed while running.  If you do feel your shoulders starting to get tense and creeping towards your neck it is best to breathe and take a second to shake out your shoulders.  Releasing built up tension is the ultimate reason people run.  You can help yourself relax and stay in the rhythm you are creating by keeping your shoulders loose and low.

Many people think running is a lower body sport.  However, including your arms is an absolute must in keeping a proper running form.  Your hands should be unclenched and relaxed with your arms moving forward and backward along to your stride.  Try not to move your arms across your body as this will hinder your posture. The best placement of the arms is a ninety degree angle next to your mid section.

The torso is another area that is affected by the positioning of your head, neck and shoulders.  If you are looking out in front of you with a relaxed shoulder your torso will automatically come along from the ride.  Make yourself as tall as possible in the torso region.  This will give your chest room to expand, encouraging air flow and circulation.

What about those hips?  Your hips will naturally align correctly if the rest of your body is doing what we have advised above. Don’t allow your hips and pelvis to tip forward.  This will put an abundance of pressure on your lower back causing your body to compensate with poor posture.

Your stride is created by your legs.  The proper stride length for your body will differ from that of you running partner.  Your feet should land directly underneath the body.  Then as your foot strikes the ground your knee should be slightly flexible so that upon impact in can take the force and distribute it evenly throughout the body avoiding injury.

Even your ankles and feet come into play when making sure you have the perfect running form.  This is easy to say but for some hard to execute.  The foot needs to land softly between the heel and mid section of the foot rolling forward to push off again.  Keeping your ankles flexible will help with this motion.  Never should you hear your feet hitting the ground.  You know your form is correct when it bounces off the ground with the feeling of a spring in your shoe.

Elite Feet Running

Determining The Best Loan For Your Needs

Posted on by - Updated

Whether you are looking into commercial lending or personal lending you are looking at divulging your financial history to lenders who will determine if you are a viable risk.  Lenders look into your credit history by reviewing your credit report and look into your debt to income ratio to help determine at what rate your risk is worth them taking on.

If you have a credit score that is high with a low debt to income ratio you are an ideal candidate for commercial lending and personal lending.  What about the client with an average credit history and an average debt to income ratio? That is more likely the case in the current economy and the American way of spending.  It is still possible to obtain lending it will however cost you more and will be harder to obtain.  Special requirements such as a down payment, co-signer or collateral might be needed to obtain lending in certain situations.

It is important to know all aspects of lending and where to obtain lending.  In cases of commercial lending you are looking for eager investors or a lending company that is specially designed to help small businesses such as the loans given out through the SBA, small business association.

Personal lending is a bit different and can be obtained in several different methods.  It is your responsibility as a borrower to establish which method is best and most cost effective for the situation at the time.  The first network for borrowing which I think is interesting is a peer to peer lending network. This type of social lending is new and has certain requirements that must be met in order to borrow funds.  You must have a high credit score, be a citizen of the United States and your debt to income ratio has to be less than twenty five percent not including your current mortgage.  These are extremely high requirements to place on a loan but the rates you will obtain will hands down beat rates through other sources.

Next you can obtain a personal loan through your credit card company.  This is the easiest form of getting a loan basically every time you use a credit card you are taking out a personal loan against the company.  Although getting funds this way is one of the easiest lending methods it is usually costly with high interest rates and can lead to a never ending debt cycle.  Be careful when taking personal loans out against credit cards.  Make sure you can attest where the funds are coming from to pay off the credit card before taking on frivolous personal loans.

Banks, credit unions and financial institutions are a very common place to obtain a personal loan.  However you will need to determine the fixed or variable rate at which a loan will be obtained, the fees to get the loan and the rate at which the loan will be paid off at.  It is also requires time and diligence on your end in regards to paperwork before a loan is even able to be obtained.

Friends and family members are an easy go to answer in personal lending.  Remember however that these loans can be risky to your relationships with the people you are borrowing form.  It is best to have a formal agreement to discuss repayment and terms of the agreement.  Although this is an easy way to obtain a personal loan make sure that it is one that can be repaid or you could jeopardize a relationship.

Payday loans are popular in the lending environment today.  However convenient they do present large financial gains to the lender which means you will be paying for it in the long run.  It is quick, easy cash without any need for a credit check but will require large fees and expensive term agreements.  This should be used as a last resort and then even considered risky and unnecessary.  Payday companies are known for preying on those in need and often use this tactic to lure people in which leads to larger personal debt and financial ruin for clients.

It is obvious that personal lending options are out there for people of all different financial and term requirements.  It is up to you as a consumer to explore your options and obtain a loan based on term agreements that are fair and just to both the lender and the loan recipient.  Ask questions and understand everything before you sign and accept a loan agreement.  This is true not only with personal lending but also commercial lending as well.

Ask 4 Funding

Choosing A Gate Operator

Posted on by - Updated

Electrical gate operators are essential in operating any type of mechanical gate.  Gate operators are necessary when adding a gate and fence system to your home.  To get the true benefits of a gate you must research the different systems available to fit within your needs and landscape.  Gates are becoming a popular feature within the landscapes of homes.  Not only are they aesthetically beautiful they also add security to the home and reduce the speed at which cars enter your home space.

Gate operators are a mechanical device that is used to simplify life.  With the touch of a button or a key code added the gate opens. This saves your time and energy allowing you controlled access in to and out of your home. Ornate gates are often heavy and awkward to close by hand.  Gate operators alleviate that problem all together.

There are two primary operating systems you can purchase for use with your gate; mechanical and hydraulic.  Mechanical gate operators run off of power that is sent from the homes chief supply of electricity.  Electricity is sent using underground cabling to the operator and the gate is told to open or close.  Mechanical operating systems can be used on either swing gates or sliding gates.  They are also able to be programmed to use a remote device or control device of your liking.  With the eco friendly society we live in you will rest assured that your electrical bills will not sky rocket either.  Solar panels added to the control center will help to offset the need for an abundance of electricity.  Battery backups are also used to ensure your gate will open or close whenever you need it to.

Hydraulic operators have less moving parts in comparison to their mechanical counterpart.  They also run off of hydraulic fluids that help create the movement within the system instead of using electricity.  When installing a gate that is heavier than normal and that will require a large amount of power to be generated when opening and closing it you will want to look into a hydraulic system to use for your gates operating system.  Hydraulic gate operators are more capable of handling the excess load.

The type of gate you choose to purchase and install will help to determine the gate operator you are in need of.  It is wise to note however that some gate systems require the use of both mechanical and hydraulic operators.  A swing gate is a gate that opens towards or away from you.  With a swing gate you will notice that the extended arm on the gate is run on electricity where as the ram arm on the gate is hydraulic.

The access control system you choose for you gate is strictly based on convenience.  Now that you don’t have to get out of car to open and close the gate anything will seem convenient but there are plenty of options to choose from.  You can choose to use a remote control, a card reader, key pad entry or even entry controlled via phone.  The gate and fence system you choose for your home and driveway should accentuate the vibe of your home.

SAC Fence

Personalized Kids Toys On A Budget

Posted on by - Updated

My kids reminded me a few weeks ago that this was September and that Christmas was only THREE months away.  After I hyperventilated I realized I needed to get on the ball.  I am known for giving the best gifts and this year couldn’t be any different.  However, the economy has put a bit of a damper on our budget. This year I will need to get into creative mode to come up with some personalized kids toys and gifts that the kids will enjoy.

One of the biggest problems I have is staying within a reasonable price point for all of the children we love and want to be able to spoil.  It is easy to go overboard.  I want each gift to make the child feel special and thought of. This is difficult when they range in age from eight months to twelve years of age.

One idea I think is always a favorite is a personalized children’s story book.  This works for a lot of age groups.  You can use a child’s name and add features that resemble the child’s life.  Being center stage is what most little children want and what better way than with a story with them as the main character.  Whether it is a pink princess or soccer sports star the personalized children’s story will be sure to win them over.

Another idea that I have thought of is a shirt with their school and personalizing this by adding the last name on the back.  Our daughter is the perfect candidate for a present of this type.  Clothing for preteens is always a viable option and one they love especially school spirit items.  For little munchkins a personalized shirt with their favorite character and activity is fun.  Barbie playing soccer would be a sure favorite for my niece.

Personalized kids toys aren’t the only option for personalized gifts a gift basket filled with the child’s favorite things is fun too.  This is a terrific option for my niece, Anne Marie.  She loves teaching class and store.  For her I was thinking of hitting the dollar store and finding different types of work books, sales slips, pens, paper pads in different shapes and colors and adding it into one big tote.  This way she can keep all her goodies stored together safely and away from the hands of her two younger siblings.

Boys are a bit trickier for me.  This year I am really thinking I need to step out of the box to find presents for my nephews.  Nerf guns, video games, clothes have all been there done that status.  To come up with something personal for them I am going to really need to dig deep.  They are both huge Michigan State fans so something cool along this line would be fun.  Good thing the kids gave me warning this morning I have a bit of time to think about it.

This year I am hoping to be able to keep the Christmas budget in check and under five hundred dollars.  I am not sure how it will work out but am hoping to come up with some creative, fun personalized children’s toys, some fun preteen personalized gifts and for the adults maybe some homemade magic potion to drowned the sad feelings we have after all that spending.

My Favorite Kids Toys

Seven Budget Busters Worth Paying For

Posted on by - Updated

When it comes to repairing anything I have a motto, “pay a professional!” I know many people think that in this economy that my attitude is off a bit but I think of it more like this I have a job and I should pay people who are the professionals to fix things I cannot. I am helping by keeping people employed.  Yes I agree there are some things that I could do myself but really do I want to risk tuning up my computer to save a few bucks on computer repair costs?  No.  I know nothing about other people’s areas of specialty and would prefer them to handle it so that I don’t have to waste time and energy trying to fix something I have no busy fixing.

Top Seven Repairs To Rearrange The Budget For

  • Bike Shops: I love my bike.  We ride all the time as a family.  Whenever my bike needs a tune-up or tire repair I take the bike into the local bicycle repair shop.  This way I know it is fixed properly and it is ready to go sooner than if I tried to look up how to do it myself and it is not as expensive as you may think.  My last bike tune up was twenty nine dollars and my bike is as good as the day I bought it.
  • Plumbers: This is one issue I will never try to handle myself.  Toilets, showers and pipes are all to be left alone and handled by trained field techs.  The last thing I need to do is think I have turned off the right water value, loosen a pipe and have a water emergency on my hands.  I also have no desire to reach my hand anywhere in a drain to loosen the nasty that may have gotten lodge.  Nope, I gladly rearrange the budget if the need arises for a plumbing repair.
  • Tailor/Seamstress: With the amount of money we spend on our professional wardrobes I cannot even imagine why people think they can spare the expense and try to adjust their clothing with their home sewing machine.  Not me.  Spending money on clothes for work is one area that is a must for me and with that I include the alterations needed.  There is no way that I could even think producing a professional hem and the last thing I want is to walk into a sales meeting with one pant leg shorter than the other.
  • Cell Phones: My phone is another appendage to me. It is important that it is in working order one hundred percent of the time and if it isn’t that it is fixed immediately.  Paying to have it fixed is way less expensive than missing a sales call or a call from one of my children if they need to be picked up from a friend’s house.  I don’t care if it a simple battery change or screen install the cell phone company can fix it and send me on my way.
  • Computer Repair: So many of my friends become IT experts when I mention an issue that I am having with my laptop.  As with surgery, I would never have a doctor that was not licensed cut me open and work on me and will not have my laptop subjected to that treatment either.  Computer repair done by a licensed technician will keep your computer running faster and smoother until your need an upgrade in technology.
  • Automobiles: My husband always tells me he will do the maintenance on our vehicles.  The problem with this is he has very little extra time above and beyond family, work and activities so for me it is a simple choice; the car will go in for checkups as does my computer, my children and us.
  • Handyman: As with the cars there is home maintenance that slips under the rug and goes undone.  This happens to everyone.  Instead of waiting for large issues to arise I find myself calling our local handyman and giving him the detailed list of issues to repair.  He comes out when he gets free time, fixes things up and we are all happy. I don’t nag at my husband, he doesn’t get irate with me and the house is maintained.

Creative Programs and Systems

Pros And Cons Of Buying and Leasing Business Equipment

Posted on by - Updated

There is so much information out there on whether small business owners should buy or lease their businesses equipment.  The jury is out on this decision as each situation will vary greatly.  Every small business requires different equipment and each piece of equipment will need to be looked at for its own special circumstances to determine whether leasing or purchasing is the better deal for your company.

If you are purchasing your equipment outright you will have to make sure the cash you have on hand is able to be tied up in equipment or if an equipment loan is your next step.  An equipment loan will add another dimension to the decision because you will now need to account for the loan terms and the cost associated with that.  This will alter the decision to lease or buy in some situations.

As a small business owner it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of both leasing equipment and purchasing equipment.  In general people look at leasing as a way to safeguard capital and provide more flexibility but may cost more over the long term.  The cost however may be minor in regards to loss if you weigh in the advances in technology the equipment will have in the future.  Computers and technical equipment fall into line with this thinking.  Businesses look at the purchase of equipment in regards to the tax benefits and the value of ownership.  However because purchasing equipment means taking out an equipment loan it is not for all businesses.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Leasing Equipment versus Buying Equipment

Let me start by stating that the assumption is that the equipment being purchased is being bought outright and an equipment loan is not in this equation.  Loans add an entirely new dimension to small business ventures and equipment purchases.

1)      Initial Expense:  Obviously with leasing you are able to get more assets for business startup with minimal outlay.  Leasing often only requires a small down payment which will leave capital available for other areas. However, down the road when you add up the initial deposit and monthly lease fee you may have been able to purchase the equipment twice over at the end of the lease agreement. Purchasing requires a large amount of capital out of pocket this can be a real disadvantage to owners with little money who are looking into business ownership.

2)      Taxes: With leasing you can deduct the expense off of your taxes however with purchasing you get incentives some purchases and only depreciate others. Check with your accountant to decide which situation is the best for your needs as far as your taxes go.

3)      Upgrading: It is obviously easier to upgrade new equipment every few years with a lease.  Purchasing new equipment every few years would require the outlay of a lot of capital.  You will need to determine if the purchase will be one that requires that your business keep up with trendy new technology. You will have to decide if the equipment is something that will become obsolete, such as computers or if it is something where age is not really an issue like a stove.

4)      Ownership: This obviously does not happen with leasing.  You never outright own the equipment.  It is truly never yours to do with as you wish.

5)      Obligation:  If you are leasing equipment and decide being a small business owner is not for you the obligation to pay for the equipment is still there.  However, if you purchased it you may resell it hoping to recoup some lost capital.

It is in the best interest of a small business owner to figure out the net cost associated with the purchase of equipment for your business. Once you determine the cost effectiveness of leasing or buying you will want to review the items that aren’t as easily laid out in black and white.  These gray areas will consist of the longevity of the equipment and its technology. Along with the whether the equipment is deemed to be necessary for the long haul of the business.

Ask 4 Funding

Keeping The Carpet Clean

Posted on by - Updated

One of the things I like to do to calm me down is to clean the house.  I know weird huh?  There is just something about the smell of cleaning products and the thought of having everything in its place for even just a few minutes.  The one thing that irks me is the carpet.  We have newer carpet and maintaining it seems to be a job in its own.  I love the look and feel of the carpet but with two kids and three cats find myself at a loss for cleaning tips when I am in need.  Over the years I have come up with many carpet saving tips that I thought I would share for people going through the same situation as me.

Carpet cleaning is an art form. Professional carpet cleaners seem to have some magic trick that obliterates the stains and wear marks making the carpet as good as new.  How they do that to me is unbelievable.  However, I live within a budget and professional carpet cleaning services are just not in the budget more often than once a year.  The first thing for me, in cutting back on these services was to find a way to maintain the carpet for as long as possible.  I added an extra large entrance mat on the inside and outside of the door.  A bench and shoe rack was placed outside in the vestibule area of our garage to encourage shoe removal.

One problem with keeping our carpet clean is that my daughter is a flip flop lover.  Along with this comes dirt from her feet which leave marks on the carpet over time.  I cannot handle dirty feet so when I am home I make her wash them but that is not always the case.  I have found with dirt that has been tracked in the best remedy for stain removal is water and white vinegar.  I combine this mixture in a spray bottle and squirt the affected are, not saturating it.  I then take a clean white cloth and gently blot the stain until it is removed.

I have found that rubbing stains causes the stain to spread and often just squishes it deeper into the carpet fibers.  I also find that being overly aggressive will cause the carpet fibers to weaken making the carpet appear older than it is.  In order to thoroughly and deeply remove the stain take a thick white cloth and a heavy object and place in on the spot after you have blot removed the stain.  Leaving this overnight will help the stain seep from deep within the carpet onto the cloth leaving the carpet not only clean on the surface but also deep down.

I find that by vacuuming often I have cut down on the amount of stains that I visually see.  One member of our family takes a turn every other night vacuuming.  Thankfully we love in a ranch and the areas are easy to reach with the vacuum.  This helps keep pet stains down and allows us to spot stains quicker than when we were doing this chore only once a week.

Another trick I had read included using a blow dryer or iron to help dry the area after a stain was removed.  This is never a good idea for any type of carpet no matter how wet it appears.  High heat will only set it stains that may be hiding deep within the carpet.  The best solution for wet carpet is circulating air.  A large oscillating fan placed within the affected area should be enough to dry the area thoroughly.  It may take more than a day or two depending on how saturated the area is.

Many people ask me if I like clean carpet because I have issues with being overly clean but really it goes way above the fact that I enjoy a clean house.  Having carpet cleaning done allows all of the allergens that are building up to be removed.  It also prevents homes for organisms that will make homes in your carpet to be eliminated.  The thought of carpet bugs disturbs me especially because we enjoy family time hanging out on the floor.  The last thing I want to think about when playing a board game on the floor with my kids is the invisible creatures crawling among us.

Have a professional carpet cleaner out to your home at least once a year is maintenance that will not only benefit the look of the carpet but also the health of your family.  Routine spot cleaning and protection will help keep your carpets looking clean in between cleanings.  Obviously prevention is the key piece needed to improve the longevity of the carpet but with kids, pets and living in general that is not always possible.

True Cleaning