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

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

Whether its Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanza, any holiday can become Earth Day if you take a little time to rethink your old habits and adopt some green thinking.  Did you know that every year Americans throw away more than 5 million tons of trash between Thanksgiving and the New Year?  This means 25% more garbage is generated than usual.  Here are some helpful tips to keep your festivities eco-conscious and productive for your home and the planet.

• Decorate with natural products like popcorn, berries, or outdoor greens rather than conventional holiday décor.

• If you want a live tree, search for an organic tree farm that grows pesticide-free trees especially for the holidays.  Find out where you can recycle it once the holidays are over by contacting Earth 911.  Other alternatives are using an artificial tree or decorating a large house plant.

• Buy LED holiday lights.  They use 90% less energy than conventional lights and can save you up to $50 on your energy bills during the season.

• Use sustainable candles made with soy or other natural base.  Remember that candles made of paraffin, a byproduct of petroleum, emit toxins when they’re burned.

• Send out invitations and cards via email.  If you must send your holiday greetings by snail mail, make cards from recycled paper or from paper you already have in your home.  Fold and seal your note paper so that it doubles as an envelope or send postcards to avoid using extra envelope paper.

• Print your party flyers on recyclable paper.  Avoid red and green paper as these colors are harder to recycle than the lighter pastels.

• Bring your own bag when shopping for gifts and food.

• Wrap your gifts in fabric, newspaper, old comics, or opened up brown paper bags.  Avoid foil, plastic-backed paper, and ribbon as these materials hinder the recycling process.  And absolutely no Styrofoam please!  Save boxes for re-use each season.  Find creative and natural ways to decorate your gifts by using springs of herbs or drawing something fun on the outside.

• Instead of focusing on material gifts, give a gift of your time and talent.  Gift certificates for babysitting or doing a helpful task make a thoughtful present for loved ones.  Gift certificates for restaurants or movies are another great option.  Donating to a charity in a friend’s name or giving renewable energy credits are another ways to give consciously and with love.

• Pass along heirlooms and hand-me-downs and heirlooms that carry memories with them.

• Make your own gifts.  Bake goods or create jewelry of your own design.  Taking time and care to make something by hand is a special way to show you care.

• Use glass and china as well as cloth napkins instead of throw-away materials at the table.  Not only are you preventing waste, but you will also make your holiday meals more special.

• Buy from local farmers who raise sustainable and preferably organic produce and meats.

• Give away leftover food and unwanted gifts to those less fortunate.

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

Make no mistake, cordless phones use up quantities of energy day and night, even as they sit in their recharging position.  According to tests done at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, they use between 2 and 3 watts whether they are active or not, with 60% of their energy being spent in standby mode.

On the other hand, corded phones use only a tiny amount of energy, which comes directly through the phone line.  Additionally they function during a power outage, where cordless phones do not, making them essential in emergency situations.

Obviously the convenience of walking around without limitation makes cordless phones so attractive.  Now many models come with an Energy Star rating, which assures a higher degree of energy efficiency.  But if you really want to cut down on your energy output, best to have only one cordless, with those retro-cool and energy-saving corded phones stationed in the rest of your home.

By Michele Kadison

Opening up the plastic wrapper on a vinyl shower curtain gives anyone who has a nose a first toxic whiff, which should be enough to make you run the other way.  Conventional vinyl shower curtains contain a chemical additive known as DEHP, a carcinogenic substance that has been purported to cause hormonal problems in humans.  Added to plastic to make curtains more supple, this substance creates a high amount of what is called “off gassing,” which are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are instantly released into the air.

A study done by the Center for Health, Environment, & Justice in Virginia, which tested the chemical components of five different sealed plastic shower curtains showed that they were made of a high concentrations of phthalates, which contain DEHP.  Testing showed that the samples released 108 VOCs, many of which stayed in the air for a month.  Several of the VOCs that were released are recognized by the EPA as known toxins, such as toluene, ethylbenzene, phenol, methyl isobutyl ketone, xyloene, acetophenone, and cumene. Exposure to these substances creates the potential for nerve and liver damage along with complications to the respiratory and reproductive systems.

In a report released by the Los Angeles Times, Kmart, Sears, and Target are now discontinuing plastic curtains containing PVC, which poses a very strong warning to the industries producing them.

PVC Shower Curtain Alternatives

The best way to avoid the release of toxins in your bathroom is to install glass shower doors, which also raises the value of your home.

Buy organic cotton shower curtains that can be easily washed by machine.  Another good fabric option is curtains made of bamboo, which is a natural anti-microbial fiber.

If you must buy plastic, look for shower curtains that do not contain PVC.  If you are unsure of which to buy, ask a salesperson or look carefully at the label, which should reveal the components used in manufacture.

 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.