 There tends to be a list of things to clean for every part of the house, except for the outdoors, and especially water fountains. Considering that one in four British households spend close to £3,000 on their outdoor spaces, it deserves a good cleanup. While it’s easy to clean out the shed and coat the deck with some varnish, the outdoor fountain can be a tricky one. Small ones that are easy to disassemble are quick work, but what about the bigger ones? They will need a bit more effort. Clean At the Right Time It saves a lot of time when owners clean their fountain at the right time. According to the experts, autumn is the best time of year to take on the mammoth task. This is because the weather is suitable and it removes all the spring and summer growth. It also happens to be the time of year where critters and creatures are less active, which means disturbance is minimal. The growth of algae and other invaders also slow down during this period which leaves the fountain or pond fresh for spring. Make Use of the Right Tools It’s no fun to get tasked with a project that will take a great deal of time and not have the right tools. Not only will this make the task seem much longer than it should be, it will also prevent owners from prioritizing it again for the future. Pressure cleaners and firm, high-quality scrubbing brushes go a long way. As far as cleaning detergents are concerned, simple solutions often work best. Vinegar is a safe bet to use, especially when the fountain is a source of water or splashing for the local wildlife. It is also advisable to use distilled water in the fountain for those who want to keep the algae away. Many Forget to Clean This Important Part
Believe it or not, the fountain pump can be described as an assembly point for all dirt and bacteria in an outdoor fountain. It doesn’t matter how clean the fountain is; if the pump is dirty the fountain is bound to be filthy again in no time. Scrub the pump with a brush and run under water to get rid of any debris. The outdoor fountain is often a strong focal point in a garden and can add a sense of tranquility to an outdoor space. Dirty and murky water is not only unattractive to humans, and to the local wildlife as well. The regular maintenance and cleaning of a water fountain will not only ensure the longevity of the fountain but will keep it a pleasant addition to an outdoor space.
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When you are spring cleaning your kitchen, think carefully about some of the damaging things that are often put down the drain. It may be “out of sight, out of mind”, but we need to think more about what we are doing not only to the pipes and drains, but also to the sewer system. The chemicals that we put into the country’s water system are causing damage to the environment and to wildlife. Here are some things that you definitely shouldn’t put down the drain. Oil and grease Oils, fats and grease are one of the most common things we will frequently wash away down the kitchen sink plughole. It might be a quick and easy way to get rid of them, but grease builds up on the inside of not only your sewer pipes, but further along the line. They can then block the entire plumbing system. Even if it is a little olive oil left from cooking, or a bit of butter, dispose of it in the main rubbish collection rather than putting it down the sink. Medicines It is surprising how many people will tip unused medicines down the toilet or into the sink. Flushing medicines can put the environment at risk. There are concentrations of Naproxen, Ibruprofen, Carbamazepine, and even cocaine in U.K. water supplies. This poses a significant threat not only to us, but also other species in the lakes and seas. Cleaning Wipes Baby wipes, moist wipes and disinfectant wipes should never go down the toilet. These wipes do not break down in the water like toilet paper. They clog up the sewers, causing blocking and flooding. Eggshells Never put eggshells down your kitchen sink. They may seem harmless, but eggshells have a tendency to collect in the pipes. Eggshells help to bind together any grease, fats and oils that have gone down the drain, quickly causing a blockage. Women’s Sanitary Products Just like baby wipes, women’s sanitary products shouldn’t be put down the toilet. They expand with the addition of water and don’t break down. Instead keep a small bin in your bathroom to dispose of these. The drain isn’t the place to put food waste, chemicals, solvents and kitchen towels. We need to take care of the sewer system, it is doing a great job of taking away waste, that doesn’t mean that we can put any old rubbish down there. Add “look after the drains” to your next Spring Cleaning list and you will have a lovely, clean house.
 If you are an allergy sufferer who is planning a big cleaning task, you are likely dreading the chores that are going to cause an allergic reaction. Whether you are sensitive to chemicals or air pollutants (or a combination of the two), spring cleaning can be a challenging time for allergy sufferers. While it can be difficult, it is not impossible to avoid allergens during spring cleaning. If you are concerned about how to safely make it through, here are a few tips to follow for the best results.
Use allergy-friendly cleaning supplies Many common ingredients found in cleaning supplies can trigger allergic reactions. Ammonia, formaldehyde, and sodium lauryl sulphate are just a few chemicals that should be avoided if you suffer from allergies. When stocking up on cleaning products for your spring chores, choose cleaners made from all-natural ingredients. Prefer to make DIY cleaning supplies? Most surfaces can be cleaned effectively by using ingredients you can find at home, such as lemon, water, vinegar, and natural dish soap. Ensure proper ventilation and filters Do airborne allergens cause problems for you? If so, the dust and other allergens released into the air while cleaning can be too much for some individuals to handle. To ensure that these airborne allergens are reduced as much as possible, open windows to allow them to escape. Outsource specific cleaning tasks If your allergies make you feel miserable, it might be time to outsource parts of your cleaning. Ask a family member or friend to complete the cleaning tasks that most aggravate your allergies. While the cleaning project is being performed, leave the house for a few hours. Since you won’t be able to avoid cleaning your home, it is best to create a plan of attack for battling your spring cleaning allergies. Depending on the type(s) of allergies you experience, follow the strategies that apply to your situation. And don't forget to take any allergy medication that has been recommended or prescribed either. With a bit of planning and preparation, it is possible to avoid allergens during your spring cleaning. |
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