The GoVacuum Blog

By Michele Kadison

I’ve been doing some research on dust mites after my cousin came down with serious allergies apparently due to a proliferation of microorganisms in her home.  We all have mites and pathogens nesting in our furnishings, actually, but often their effect is not that obvious.

The truth is that the average dust mite lives for 80 days and produces approximately 1,000 allergenic waste products that can cause asthma and other similar irritations.  Up to 2 million mites can live in our mattresses and other soft furnishings, feeding on our dead skin cells.  It is a frightening picture, isn’t it?

In addition to dust mites, soft furnishings attract all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens such as the influenza virus, E coli, Staphylococcus Aureus, and Candida.  Spraying with anti-bacterial products is not that effective for removing pathogens or dust mites, and even the highest end vacuum cleaner will not successfully get rid of them.

But… there is one solution and that is a brilliant new antibacterial vacuum that functions with a UV-C light, which is a germicidal light that damages the DNA of mites and pathogens at close range.  The unit comes with a vibrating pad that loosens dust mites from their territory, whereby they are then stricken by the UV-C ray and then sucked up by a vacuum that moves everything through an anti-allergenic filter.

The Earlex RayCop kills 99.9% of the microorganisms that live in our mattresses and other furnishings.  It comes with two settings:  one that vibrates and the other that does not, which is great for use on harder surfaces where it is not necessary for loosening mites and other debris from their homes.  The unit weighs only 5 lbs and has a sleek design, making it easy to hold and operate.

So, if you want to keep your home dust mite and bacteria free, do what I just did, and that is purchase yourself an essential tool that will keep you and your family microorganism free.

By Michele Kadison
I am a newcomer to the idea of steam cleaning, and now that I’ve done some research, it seems like this is the best way to go…. not just in terms of cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing the house , but also in terms of helping maintain the health of our families and the environment.

Steam cleaning involves vaporized water that is heated to over 200 degrees F and applied to surfaces via appropriate attachments.  The steam heat weakens the bonds between the surfaces and the dirt or stains that linger there.  Because all hard surfaces are in reality porous, the steam is able to dislodge embedded elements, killing microorganisms and sanitizing the area naturally.  With the heat creating an almost moisture-free cleaning agent, any type of surface can be wiped, rubbed, or scrubbed as needed, depending on the attachment tool you use.

Looking a lot like a conventional vacuum cleaner, a home steam cleaner is lightweight and easy to maneuver.  Units come in canister, upright, or hand-held models and include a wide range of attachment tools that make cleaning almost any surface a breeze.  You can use a steam cleaner on large surface areas such as tile floors and countertops, as well as on carpeting, upholstery, window screens, mirrors, car interiors, baked-on grills, toys, and everything in between, including removing dry cleaning solvent from clothing.  Steam cleaners are also highly effective in getting rid of animal smells, with no toxic substances that could potentially harm your pets.

Because the only ingredient used in a steam cleaner is water, you are able to do a complete cleaning without a single chemical.  Allergy free, this natural sanitizer banishes toxic residue, with nothing else but water washing down your drain into the communal water supply.

With better results than any other form of cleansing, steam cleaning your home eliminates bacteria, mildew, mold, viruses, toxins, and any other element that can cause infections, irritations, or allergies.  Allergens such as mites, pollen, and other microscopic pests are immediately killed once the surfaces on which they lodge are hit with steam heat.  This is the same for pathogens like E. Coli and salmonella, making a steam heat unit especially effective on kitchen surfaces.

I’ve looked at two steam heat cleaners, which are excellent choices once you decide to change your cleaning habits.

The Environmate Steam Cleaner T730A comes with a refillable built-in water tank with a light indicator to alert you when the water level is low.  This unit is great for tough chores and is made with a 1450 W heating system inside a stainless steel tank.  Included is an eleven-piece accessory kit, which means you have enough tools to clean the whole house.  The unit comes with a power switch on the handle, a pressure gauge for regulating power, and an automatic shut-off system for when the water level is too low for efficient cleaning.

The Lady Bug T2200S has a continuous water refill system and professional-grade cleaning tools.  This unit is made with an EPA-certified TANCS system, (Thermal Accelerated Nano Crystal Sanitation) that helps improve air quality as it removes chemical residues from the environment.  The system functions by heating nano-crystals in tap water, whereby they are activated to blast the cell membranes of microorganisms when initiated by heat.  This fast-acting disinfection is, according to Nelson Labs of Utah, ” thousands of times better than any directly applied water disinfecting system using chemicals.”

Though the initial investment when buying a home steam cleaning unit may be high, it evens out in the long run, and then some.  You won’t ever have to spend money on cleaning supplies again, which includes buckets, rubber gloves, disinfectants, polishers, glass cleaners, oven sprays, and the like.

By Michele Kadison

Electrolux keeps surprising us with its ability to move vacuum technology even further ahead of the curve.  Their Ultra Silencer model is exactly that.  When you look at their advertising, you see a baby curled up on the back of the unit, implying that the machine is just that silent, never waking the child.  If you are the type who gets the urge to vacuum at odd hours, such as 3 AM when you can’t sleep, then this is definitely the model for you!  Vacuum away, knowing that you won’t wake a soul.  The unit comes with an 1800 watt motor and claims to be four times quieter than most vacuums on the market.  It is created with optimized suction that can be controlled, high tech sound absorption material, along with seals that prevent air leaks.  With a low noise floor nozzle, soft wheels that never scratch, a shock absorbing bumper, and an easy grip soft rubber handle, the Ultra Silencer is the vacuum of the future.  Or at least the immediate future, for there is yet another Electrolux model that looks like the very next future indeed!

Welcome the Musical Vacuum Cleaner.  This model is based on the Ultra Silencer, but comes with an iPod dock and integrated speakers.  It seems that the designers of the Ultra were so inspired by its silence that they decided to let ardent vacuumers and music fans combine their passions.  The dock is built into the front of the unit, allowing us to listen to music while we vacuum away the dust.  It’s the “whistle while you work” concept, which I can verify as making cleaning a true pleasure.  Product line manager, Cecilia Gustavsson corroborates by saying that listening to music while we clean helps us stay focused, reduces our stress, and gives us a feeling of well being.  Who would have thought that vacuuming could be part of our pleasure principle!  Well, thanks to Electrolux, now it is.

By Michele Kadison

Salt

Salt has been a part of our history since the beginning of civilization.  From sharing bread and salt to being an inherent part of economy and trade, salt has played a role in our lives through time, besides helping to bring out the flavor in our foods.

There are actually over 14,000 chronicled uses for salt, a fraction of which I will list here.  From cleaning surfaces to removing stains, from dousing fires to melting snow and ice, salt makes an excellent alternative to chemical solutions.

Salt and White Vinegar

Make a paste with salt and white vinegar to restore the whiteness in enamel.  Pour this solution down drains to remove odors and grease.

Use this paste to clean tarnished copper and brass.

Rub your fingers with the paste to get rid of onion smell after slicing.

Salt and Salad Oil

Make a paste to remove the white marks made by wet mug and glass stains on wooden tables.

Salt and Soda Water

Make a solution to clean the inside your refrigerator without scratching the enamel surface.

Salt and Lemon Juice

Moistening mildew and rust stains with this mixture will help to remove them.  Put in the sun to bleach and then rinse and dry to see the difference.

Just Plain Salt

• If you want to keep ants and moths away, sprinkle salt in areas where they usually congregate.
• Fill your coffee pot with water and salt.  Boil the solution and you will have cleaned the inside of the pot.
• Rub tarnished silverware with salt before washing to remove the stains.
• Place salt in a greasy pan and then wipe with paper to remove the residue before washing.
• Throw salt on a grease fire to smother the flames.
• Rub salt into your coffee or tea stains in mugs and cups and then wash to clean.
• Remove sticky spots on your stove burner by sprinkling them with salt while they are still hot.  When they cool, remove the salty areas with a brush and stickiness will be gone.
• Soak sponges in cold salt water after you have washed them to give them a renewed life.
• Blot wine stains dry and cover them with salt, which will absorb the wine.  Rinse with cold water, then scrape the salt off.
• Remove sweat stains by adding 4 tablespoons of salt to a quart of hot water and sponge the fabric until the stains disappear.
• Soak blood-stained clothing in saltwater.  Launder in warm soapy water and then boil the fabric after it has been washed.  (Only for natural fibers).
• Clean the inside of fish tanks with plain (not iodized) salt to remove the hard water deposits.  Rinse well afterwards before returning your fish to their home.
• Clean hard water stains from the inside of vases by filling with salt water and scrubbing or shaking.
• Launder washable curtains and rugs in salt water to brighten up their colors.
• Put a dash of salt in your laundry starch to keep your iron from sticking and to give your clothing a fresh finish.
• Sprinkle salt on a piece of paper and then iron the paper to remove sticky areas from your iron.
• Dip a damp cloth in salt and then run over your wooden cutting boards to keep them clean.
• Throw extra salt in a washing machine that is too sudsy.
• Clean wicker furniture with a solution of salt water and a brush.
• Sprinkle the inside of your shoes with salt to remove moisture and odors.

Keeping Off the Ice and Snow

• Rub the inside of your windows with a sponge dipped in salt water to keep the glass from frosting up.
• Rub your vehicle’s windshield with a damp cloth bag containing salt to keep ice and snow from collecting
• Throw rock salt on your walkways and driveways to keep them clear of ice and snow.

Eucalyptus Oil

There are over 600 species of Eucalyptus or Gum trees in existence.  The oil is steam distilled from the leaves of certain species and has a multitude of uses due to its fragrant scent and its disinfecting and pest deterring qualities.  Here are some ideas for using Eucalyptus oil in your home instead of toxic solutions.

•  Add several drops to water and liquid soap.  Shake and apply to surfaces in order to clean and disinfect them.
• Dilute a few drops with water to remove fingerprints from surfaces
• Place a few drops on a cloth to remove sticker and decal residue from glass
• Add an ounce of oil to a liter of water and use to disinfect your toilets
• Place a few drops on a mop to scent and disinfect tile and linoleum floors.
• Add 25 drops of oil to a solution of 1/4 cup of white vinegar and two gallons of water to disinfect and remove dirt from wooden floors.  Rinse your mop each time in fresh water before dipping into the solution again.
• Add a few teaspoons of oil to your laundry to remove microbes and create a beautiful fresh scent for your clothing.
• Gently apply a few drops of oil to remove grease, ink, or paint from clothing.
• Add a few drops of oil to your old hanging fresheners to revive them
• In a spray bottle, place a half teaspoon of oil in a half liter of water and use as a bug repellant for your plants.
• Saturate a cloth with a few drops of oil to clean stainless steel.
• To freshen rooms, place about 15 to 20 drops of oil in a spray bottle.  Mix with a half-teaspoon of vodka and two cups of water.

 By Michele Kadison

One of the most serious threats to our health is the presence of mold in our homes and work spaces.  Mold loves a moist, humid environment and will burst into bloom faster than you can imagine, letting loose its toxic fumes in secret.  Wherever you have organic-based materials such as fabric, paint, or wood, you can bet mold would be very happy to hang its hat there, especially if it is in a dark, hidden place.

Preventing mold from forming is the best way to avoid the nasty stuff.  Checking pipe leaks so that condensation does not form, cracks that invite moisture, or wet towels or clothing that has no where to dry fully is important for keeping mold spores  at bay.  If you have mold already, scrub it away with natural cleaning agents such as white vinegar and boric acid mixed with water or  other Green cleaning products designed to do the job.  Dry the area thoroughly and then keep it that way.  Purchasing a good air cleaner designed to remove airborne mold spores and other allergens is an excellent idea for keeping you and yours mold-free.

Some mold is too tenacious for a do-it-yourself solution, and this is where you may need professional assistance.  Sometimes it even requires replacing structures.

There are mold test kits available on-line, or you can call in a professional to see if you have hidden mold in your home or work space.  Whatever you do, mold is not something to ignore as it can cause illness through even the subtlest exposure.

 

By Michele Kadison

You’ve just moved into a new home.  The landlord has painted and your new abode is ready and waiting for you to start fresh, with “fresh” being the operative word.  But wait! How fresh is your new home really?

Zero-VOC Paint

Most landlords won’t spend the money on zero-VOC (volatile organic compound paint, which does not have the toxicity found in conventional paints. For those of you move into a home painted with conventional paint, you can wipe the walls with hydrogen peroxide to reduce the emissions that come from surface oils.  However, if you can re-paint with a zero-VOC paint, do so, and then seal the walls with an environmentally tested formula such as AFM Safecoat Hard Seal to eliminate possible “off gassing.”

When I moved into my new apartment I asked my landlord to use the zero-VOC paint of my choice and it was worth it for me to pay the difference in price.  Right away I could breathe easier and I didn’t have to put up with that awful smell that new paint emits, which is actually the smell of VOCs polluting the space.

Buy a Good Air Filtration System

Using an air filter in your new home is a great way to reduce the fine toxic particles that seem to be ever present from living in a city and being exposed to chemical compounds found in cleaning solutions, carpeting, and other materials.  A good HEPA air filtration system such as the Airpura R600 All Purpose HEPA Air Purifier will also sift out excess dust, dander, and other potential allergens.  Make sure you clean or replace the filters regularly to get the most out of your unit.

Check Furnace and Air Filters Often

Replacing or cleaning filters every two months is an essential way to keep allergens out of your home.  Dirty filters will compromise the function of your heating and cooling units.

Vacuum Frequently

Vacuuming with an efficient vacuum cleaner such as the Dirt Devil Dynamite QuickVac will help prevent particulates from accumulating in your home, while additionally eliminating dust, dancer, and dirt.  This model comes with a HEPA filter that traps dust and allergens up to 100%.

Buy Non-toxic Furnishings

By paying attention to fabrics, carpeting, wall finishes, caulking materials, adhesives, and the like, you can create a relatively non-toxic environment.  There are many green alternatives on the market that are as satisfying as their conventional counterparts.

Use Only Natural Cleaning Products

Read the labels when you buy your cleaning products.  They should contain no volatile organic compounds or toxic chemicals.  There are a plethora of green cleaning choices in the marketplace, so make the change and breathe easier.

Decorate Your Home with Plants

Plants are natural chemical removers, contributing both health and beauty to your home.

Use Bedding Cases

Protect your pillows and mattresses from dust mites by covering them with natural cases.

Wear Slippers or Go Barefoot

Taking off your shoes before entering your home will help keep particles from the street from penetrating your indoor world.  Keep a pair of slippers by the door for each member of your family and train everyone to remove their footwear the moment they approach the door.

No Smoking Please

Smoking in your home should be banned.  If anyone needs to light up, they can go outside.

By Michele Kadison

Oreck , one of the leading companies in the vacuum cleaner industry, has been working with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fund on a campaign called Clean for the Cure, helping to find a cure for cancer. By donating $25.00 from each purchase of the Oreck XL Upright Model U3671, consumers can rest assured that they are also doing their part in helping women fight and hopefully win against breast cancer.

Since Oreck got on board in July 2009, $1.3 million has been raised by selling the pink Special Edition vacuum cleaner in conjunction with the Susan G. Koman Fund.  Started by Susan’s sister, Nancy G. Brinker as a testimony to Susan’s fight against cancer and her vigilance in helping other women in the same condition, the fund has seen a $1.5 billion investment since its inception in 1982.  It is now considered the largest grassroots network of activists and survivors with contributions from a wide spectrum of supporters, sponsors, and partners such as Oreck.

The Oreck XL Upright Model U3671 is frontrunner in the new wave of vacuum cleaners on the market.  With its MicroSweep technology, it is able to move from thick carpeting to bare floors with equal efficiency as it adjusts to each surface.  It comes with dual-edge side brushes that effectively clean edges such as moldings and baseboards, with antimicrobial protection embedded in the roller brush bristles to handle the miniscule particles that can contribute to allergies and disease. Its additional IntellaShield technology fights odors, mold, mildew, and bacteria, even when the vacuum is turned off!  A powerful hypo-allergenic filtration system eliminates 99.9% of allergens to assure that your home is as free as it can be of irritants.

The Oreck XL comes with a dirt-search lighting system that illuminates debris, a disposable bag attachment dock with a “Saniseal” that traps dirt and dust inside, and an inner bag that traps odors.  It boasts an ergonomically designed handle that keeps you from having to bend or twist your wrist uncomfortably during use, which has been recommended by the Arthritis Foundation as being especially helpful to those who suffer from arthritis.  At a mere 9 lbs, the vacuum cleaner is easy to maneuver, especially with its 30-foot power that allows for a long range of movement.

Along with all of the exceptional attributes mentioned above, the Oreck XL U3671 comes with a five-year warranty and its guarantee that you are doing your part in helping find a cure for cancer.  Need I say more?

By Michele Kadison

There have been some significant breakthroughs in the cleaning industry over the past several years, all of which have impacted our lives, cutting down on cleaning time while making our tasks easier.  Here is a short list of a few of these innovations:

Battery Power

One of the most evident forward trends has been in battery improvement.  Now batteries are more powerful, longer lasting, and charge more quickly, adding to greater productivity as equipment downtime decreases.

Backpack Vacuums

A huge step forward in the vacuum industry has been the advent of the backpack vacuum cleaner.  Battery-powered, small, and of minimum weight, this model makes it easy for users to do the job at hand.  With an impeccably devised harness, the weight of the vacuum is distributed across the hips rather than the shoulders, helping with balance and maneuverability.  The ergonomically designed wand and hose helps relieve stress on the wrists while allowing users to reach difficult areas such as ceilings and corners.  Now with HEPA filtration systems, backpack vacuuming has become one of the most popular ways to reduce time and effort while cleaning.

Ergonomically Designed Equipment and Tools

Enormous improvements have been made to prevent users from strain while using equipment and tools.  From mops and buckets to dusters and dustpans, and more, designers are looking to find ways to relieve pressure on fingers, hands, wrists, and arms by creating newly shaped handles and grips.  Dustpans now come with a L-shape handle to harmonize with hands and wrists, dusters are now made with longer handles for reaching up with no strain.  Compression sprayers now come with trigger locks that eliminate the need to constantly press down on the thumb release.  Cushioned gloves are now made with grip areas that combat hand fatigue.

Green Cleaning Agents

Green cleaning agents of all kinds are on the rise.  With Green Seal approval (the organization that certifies green products through testing and proving their efficacy), green products are becoming a viable and necessary option when it comes to cleanliness and protecting our environment.

Polymer Floor Finishers

This innovation has made floor wax a thing of the past.  With advanced molecular chemistry allowing for the creation of finishes comprised of larger molecules and higher percentages of solids, polymer floor finishers create greater durability and shine than any wax finish can provide.

Microfiber

Whether its mops or cleaning clothes, or the mitts and bonnets used in the food service and healthcare industries, microfibers are becoming the fabric of the future.  Made with smaller fibers than found in standard fabric, durable microfibers can be laundered and reused over 500 times without showing wear.

Touchless Restroom Equipment

Reducing cross-contamination in public restrooms has been perfected through the advent of touchless toilet flushing devices as well as sink water, soap, and drying or towel dispensers.  Automatic dispensers help encourage hand washing and drying, while reducing excess waste.

by Michele Kadison
Ok, so I’ve been in the prehistoric ages, using a bucket and mop to clean my tile and hardwood floors for way too long.  But that is all history now, as of  two weeks ago where I had serious ‘cleaning tool envy’ after watching a horribly sticky mess disappear in seconds at a friend’s house.  Cherry juice spilled on a tile floor by her pre-teen, left to harden throughout the day was not a pretty sight when Sally and I came in later on.  But my thoroughly modern friend took it all in stride by using  her new Eureka EnviroSteamer to steam the goo up effortlessly while the kettle boiled for tea.

The EnviroSteamer is a steam mop that jets out a steady stream of steam so that you don’t have to use a single chemical product to clean your floors.  All you do is add water – and there is even an indicator light that lets you know when you need to refill – and you’re good to go.  I ran out and bought one immediately after my visit with Sally, and I am in mopping heaven.

The EnviroSteamer is so easy to use.  it is lightweight and does the job quickly, so you’re not wasting time with filling and dumping buckets like I used to do.  And the way the EnviroSteamer is designed makes it a breeze to clean along edges and in tight corners.  It comes with an oversize “Magic Cloth” that absorbs dirt and water and that can be washed for reuse.  It also has a tray that allows for pre-heating and cooling down so that floors are protected during the process.  With an adjustable handle, the steamer is super easy to store.

This super mop has changed my cleaning life, cutting down mopping time by more than half.  Only two words to the wise here and they are:  1 – don’t leave the steamer standing in one place and  2 – let the Magic Cloth air dry so that it doesn’t shrink.

 By Michele Kadison

Ok, ok, so I can’t stop talking about these robotic vacuums!  Its just hard to get over the fact that I don’t have to do it myself anymore… that I can have my own personal cleaning device to do all the work more thoroughly than I ever could.

I’ve just checked out the Roomba vacuum, which is a state of the art cleaning “angel”invented by the geniuses at IRobot.  This is the future looking us square in the face saying, rest… relax… enjoy life… let me do the work!

The Roomba is made with patented technology that makes this state-of-the-art vacuum cleaner one of the best around.  Picking up hair, dirt, and debris from any type of surface, the Roomba comes with a special anti-tangle technology that allows it to vacuum even fringed rugs and electrical cords.  Imagine all that dust accumulating in that fringe and around those cords… effortlessly and finally gone!  The Roomba includes a spinning brush that cleans corners, edges, and along walls, and also incorporates two counter-rotating brushes that whip away large debris.  Because it is so compact, the unit easily glides underneath furniture, going where any man or woman might fear to tread.  And to top it off, the Roomba has an infrared sensor that keeps it from falling off stairs and ledges along with two sensors designed to direct the vacuum cleaner towards especially dirty areas in a room.

And just when you think you’re jaw can’t drop any further, here’s the best part: the Roomba has 15 sounds that speak to you, advising you on the tasks it has accomplished and are about to do like “done,” “back up,” and “found charger.”  Found charger just threw me for a loop because this means that the unit goes back home on its own to recharge once the battery is low.  Some of the newest Roomba models are now created to clean up to four rooms on a single charge, making this mighty household appliance a true force.

The Roomba has a memory.  It will remember the layout of a room for all cleaning moments to come.  Newer models even allow you to program the unit to turn on every day at a specific time so that you can return home to immaculately clean floors.  There is even a special ‘pet series’ which is specifically designed to pick up hair balls, dander, and any other type of pet debris.

This time saving wonder is not expensive, and well worth looking into if, like me, you would rather delegate floor cleaning to something that is infinitely more talented at it than you can ever be!