The GoVacuum Blog

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

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 top vacuum cleaners that does the job in both professional and domestic settings is the Lindhaus HealthCare Pro Hepa upright model.  Versitile and lightweight, it cleans both carpeting and hard wood areas, with a low noise level.

The Lindhaus HealthCare Pro allows you to choose between either a HEPA filter or an active carbon cartridge, depending on your needs.  With a HEPA filter, you are able to remove particles at up to 99.97% efficiency, which is great during allergy season or after you’ve done your dusting and want to eliminate excess floating particles.  Using a carbon active cartridge allows you to remove odors and gasses that may be lingering in the immediate environment.  Because of the vacuums advanced exhaust technology, all carbon dust emitted from the exaust system is purified as it comes out of the motorized brushes, eliminating further contamination of your surroundings.  Containing an electrostatic micro-filter, which is used in hospitals to ensure that the air is biologically sound, the HealthCare Pro is ideal for maintaining optimum health requirements.

This Lindhaus vacuum cleaner comes with two motors, a 12 or 14″ power head base, standard on-board tools, an automatic shut-off feature, and the ability to adjust the machine to a comfortable working height.

By Michele Kadison

Where have I been?  I have had pets all my life and it has been a constant struggle between my love for them and my antipathy towards the fur and dander they leave behind.  Vacuuming, dusting, and mopping becomes a constant with a dog and several cats in the house, as all of you pet lovers know.  Pillows scoured with lint rollers that barely do the job, carpets that need going over and over to remove imbedded hairs, it’s a never-ending cycle.

Only recently did I find the miracle sponge known as the Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter.  This is a dry sponge that needs no water or chemicals in order to work like a dream.  With this sponge, you don’t need to vacuum or dry clean to remove pet hair and dander.  Just wipe any surface and all the debris rolls up into a ball that is easy to pick off and toss into the trash.  There is no trace of residue and you can use the sponge on any type of surface, including clothing, bedding, drapers, upholstery, lampshades, carpets, wallpaper, and wood.  It’s also great for cleaning regular dirt and dust, as well as pollen.  I’ve been cleaning my window screens, Venetian blinds, and the inside of my car with it and getting amazing results.  You can even use it on lights, ceiling vents, baseboards, acoustical tiles, as well as for cleaning your computer screen.

Once the Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter gets dirty, all you have to do is wash it with soap and water, let it dry, and its ready for reuse.  Because it is made of all natural materials, it’s toxin-free and environmentally safe.  So if you have pets, whether they be dogs, cats, horses, or lions, take my advice and get yourself this magical sponge, which takes the headache and backache out of keeping your surroundings clean.

By Michele Kadison

As we become more aware of keeping our environment free of toxins, we also become more sensitive to how we deal with odors in our personal space, such as at home and in the office.  I have recently discovered two air freshening products that emit absolutely no harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) while creating an exceptionally clean sensation that lasts.

The first is the Thermax GRN-GB Green Gentle Breeze Water Based Air Freshener & Air Purifier System that comes with the exquisite scent of China rose oil, which I occasionally switch with eucalyptus oil when I want something more menthol.  This is a beautiful air freshening system that uses water as its base to filter and purify air.  The system is great for getting rid of odors like cigarette smoke, pet smells, and other bothersome scents. I found out that the Thermex system has an unexpected added benefit:  placed on my bed stand, the gentle sound that it makes while cleaning the air is just the thing to carry me off to dreams as I breathe and relax.

The second air freshener that I cannot live without is the Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Home Spray.  Made with soy, lime, pine needles, aniseed, clove, and cedar wood, the freshener comes as a non-aerosol spray that can be misted on clothing, drapes, furniture, or wherever you want a clean scent.  The formula is totally non-toxic and comes in recycled packaging, which makes it all the more desirable.  It also is made in a 2 ounce travel size, making it easy to fit into a purse or small bag.

 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

Recent studies on the relationship between pollution and our health conclude that fine particulate pollution has a direct effect on our heart and lungs.  Droplets formed by chemical reactions created in our atmosphere are absorbed through the lungs, entering our blood stream and eventually wreaking havoc with our circulatory and respiratory systems.  According to scientists in Denmark, we can improve our health despite these particulates by using a High Efficiency Particle Air or HEPA filter in our homes.  According to tests performed by these scientists, using a HEPA filter for two days only helped to improve “micro-vascular function” in test subjects that were elderly non-smokers.  When micro-vessels malfunction, they can be the cause of heart attacks, so helping them stay strong is a key element in supporting heart health.

According to Dr. Steffen Loft from Copenhagen’s Institute of Public Health, “indoor filtration represents a feasible means of reducing cardiovascular risk.”  His study included 21 non-smoking couples aged 60 – 75 years old who lived near heavily trafficked roads.  Because vehicles produce fine particle pollution, which creates toxic particulates that affect health, the subjects proved to be an excellent group for testing the efficacy of HEPA filtration systems.  When tested after breathing HEPA filtered air, it was found that the filters removed up to 60% of the particles and improved the micro-vascular system by more than 8%.

There are many air filtration systems that now incorporate HEPA filters.  The Austin Air Healthmate Plus Blend Air Purifier is noted for its ability to filter chemicals out of the air, especially in large rooms up to 1500 square feet.  This model comes with potassium iodide, which helps to remove formaldehyde, along with filter technology that controls other gasses such as ammonia. The HEPA filters are washable or can be vacuumed clean and come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.

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

These days green office supplies have become a part of the mainstream.  No longer the province of the few, sustainable business practices now include buying from manufacturers that are producing energy-efficient products.  This means that more office supplies consist of recycled materials such as paper products, furniture, and even electronic supplies.

One of the most prominent suppliers to eco-conscious businesses is Shoplet.com.  With over 200,000 products for sale, Shoplet is making it easier for consumers to find green alternatives to their business needs.  Over the last three years, a demand for these products has increased by 700%, an astonishing figure that attests to our increasing awareness of the viability of eco-friendly alternatives.  Speaking to this expanding awareness, Shoplet has created a Facebook application that calculates the amount of conserved energy, water conserved, and trees saved due to buying green products.

It has long been the notion that green choices meant higher prices with less value than conventional products.  This is no longer the case and customers are discovering that with easy access to finding green alternatives, the choice is an easy one. Shoplet is taking its mission to supply businesses with conscious supplies by extending their reach to the manufacturers themselves.  Experts are working with manufacturing companies to discover better ways to improve products from an ecological point of view.  HP is one example of a company now using more recycled material, and many other companies are following suit.

More and more businesses, government institutions, and individuals are discovering that buying green not only benefits the environment, but also their bottom line.  As the demand increases, so will the supply.

For more information on Green office supplies, see www.shoplet.com.  For information on Green cleaning supplies, see Green Cleaning.