Description Mid-code Crisis http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/may/how-to-get-free-cleaning-for-a-year/how-to-get-free-cleaning-for-a-year/ How to Get Free Cleaning For a Year A clean home is a healthy home! However, as relieving as it is to have a sparkling house, cleaning can be a very time consuming process. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis found that Americans spend an average of 18 hours on house cleaning every week - that’s 936 hours per year! That’s why we, in partnership with Cleaning for a Reason Foundation , decided to create an opportunity for you to save the time and money you’d normally spend cleaning your home with the Clean Your Castle sweepstakes.      Here’s how it works: Simply “Like” the Clean Your Castle sweepstakes page on Facebook . Answer a few questions. Match two images by clicking on the squares. And become a leader on our leader board! Once you’ve done that, you’ll become eligible to receive FREE housecleaning for a year (valued at $3,000). The runner-up will win an iRobot Roomba vacuum cleaner (valued at $500), and eight lucky weekly winners will receive Zep Commercial tote bags filled with $50 worth of cleaning products. Enter the sweepstakes today and remember to Clean Like A Pro! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/may/how-to-get-free-cleaning-for-a-year/how-to-get-free-cleaning-for-a-year/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/may/how-to-get-free-cleaning-for-a-year/how-to-get-free-cleaning-for-a-year/ Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/how-to-allergen-proof-homes-when-cleaning/ How to Allergen-Proof Homes When Cleaning With spring in the air, it seems like the landscape is covered in gold dust… oh wait, that’s pollen!Achoo!   Pollen isn’t the only allergen that might be in your home. Dust mites, mold spores and hay fever allergens are also lurking. Simply dusting sometimes make the situation worse as it may disperse dust and allergens into the air, which can lead to asthma-like symptoms. Use Zep Commercial Anti-Bacterial Disinfectant and Cleaner with Lemon to keep bathrooms, windows and other surfaces free of any pollen spores or dust mites. It kills 99.9% of bacteria, including the influenza virus. Wash sheets once a week in 130 degree water in order to kill dust mites who may have taken up residence. Vacuum weekly with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to make sure the carpet is clean and allergy-free. After doing a deep grout clean, towel-dry the tub and enclosure after each use to leave no moisture that could become mold. Install and use a vented exhaust fan. This also keeps the bathroom clean and moisture-free. Choose an air filter with a small-particle or HEPA filter to ensure that pollen and allergens aren’t being redistributed through the air conditioning system. Tell us in the comments tips you use to keep your home pollen free. For more tips, check out this article from Mayo Clinic. http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/how-to-allergen-proof-homes-when-cleaning/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/how-to-allergen-proof-homes-when-cleaning/ Wed, 24 April 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/national-home-and-garden-month-with-joe-washington/ Did you know April is National Home and Garden Month?  HGTV 's home and garden expert, Joe Washington, took to the airwaves to explain how he uses Zep Commercial Heavy-Duty Foaming Degreaser to tackle greasy and oily stains both inside and outside the home. Take this tip to help clean your home and garden like a pro.  What outdoor projects are you working on this month? Let us know in the comments below! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/national-home-and-garden-month-with-joe-washington/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/national-home-and-garden-month-with-joe-washington/ Wed, 10 April 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/april-fools-cleaning-myths/ April Fool’s Cleaning Myths… Busted!   We hear a lot of false information about cleaning, so we’re taking April Fool’s Day to set the record straight by busting some common cleaning myths!  Following these cleaning myths can cause more damage, harder work and heartache, so help us set the record straight about the proper way to clean. 1. MYTH: Bleach is the ultimate cleaner.  Bleach is a disinfectant and not a home cleaner. Bleach does a fantastic job of killing germs, but it doesn't really clean dirt and residue from surfaces. Bleach is very harsh and can damage surfaces and remove color. We recommended “The Big Four.” We hear a lot of false information about cleaning, so we’re taking April Fool’s Day to set the record straight by busting some common cleaning myths!  Following these cleaning myths can cause more damage, harder work and heartache, so help us set the record straight about the proper way to clean. 2. MYTH: More cleanser equals more cleaning power. If you really want things to be clean and stay clean...more soap just isn't the answer. When too much soap is used it will leave a residue on surfaces that attract more dirt. We see this a lot with carpet cleaning, so be sure to rinse thoroughly. 3. MYTH: Feeling impatient? It’s OK to Wipe Up Cleaning Spray Right Away. Even though some cleaners seem to start taking action as soon as you spray them on the surface, they need time to really work their magic. Check the directions for the correct amount of time needed for the cleanser to work its magic. For example, our Grout Cleaner and Whitener works best when you let it seep in for two to three minutes. That’s the perfect amount of time for wiping down the faucet, because cleaning like a pro means multitasking! Have you busted any myths in order to uncover expert cleaning with professional results? Let us, Zep Commercial, know in the comments below! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/april-fools-cleaning-myths/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/april/april-fools-cleaning-myths/ Mon, 01 April 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/spring-cleaning-how-do-you-stack-up/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/spring-cleaning-how-do-you-stack-up/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/spring-cleaning-how-do-you-stack-up/ Wed, 27 March 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/top-10-ways-to-clean-like-a-pro-for-spring,-part-2/ Top 10 Ways to Clean like a Pro for Spring, Part 2 Hopefully, after reading the tips we posted yesterday, you’ve started your spring cleaning! The Cleaning Institute’s latest survey indicated that spring cleaning habits have been affected by economic conditions.  If you’ve found yourself in a cleaning crunch, the next five tips will help you streamline the process so that there’s no wasted effort or expense! 1. Invest in proper tools: Buy good tools once and you’ll be set for years of cleaning. A quality vacuum, mop and scrub brush will last through years of elbow grease. If your vacuum releases more dust than it sucks up, it’s probably time to invest in a new set of tools. 2. Tote your tools: Professional cleaners tote their tools with them as they work so they are ready to tackle any cleaning feat. Invest in a caddy so you can carry all your cleaning solutions with you from room to room. 3. Make every moment count: Professional cleaners don't circle a room more than once. Use a discerning eye to make sure you leave no grime in your wake. 4. Two hands are better than one: Get in the habit of using both hands to attack cleaning tasks. Spray the Foaming Glass Cleaner on a mirror with one hand; wipe it down with the other. Dusting goes twice as fast with a duster in one hand and a microfiber cleaning cloth in the other skimming flat surfaces. 5. Think teamwork: Make cleaning a family affair! Family members are more reluctant to mess up a clean house when they have been part of the cleaning effort. Do you have any great spring cleaning tips? Let us know in the comments below. You can also find our full list of tips in this article on the Home & Living Examiner . http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/top-10-ways-to-clean-like-a-pro-for-spring,-part-2/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/top-10-ways-to-clean-like-a-pro-for-spring,-part-2/ Thu, 21 March 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/top-10-ways-to-clean-like-a-pro-for-spring/ Top 10 Ways to Clean like a Pro for Spring It’s the first day of spring and for many of us (62% according to a recent Cleaning Institute survey ) spring cleaning is a tradition worth keeping. Tackling the job like a professional can save you time and money, so follow these top pro tips to stop procrastinating and start cleaning. 1. Schedule cleaning: Pick a date for the job and create a plan to get the work done in record time. 2. Get motivated: Use audio motivators to prevent distraction and head off boredom. Play upbeat music for an energy boost or listen to your favorite audio book. 3. Dress for the task: Professional cleaners dress for the job in comfortable, washable clothing designed for work. End the era of bleach-stained sweatshirts and set aside a “cleaning uniform,” including shoes, gloves and eye protection, to make sure you’re dressed for cleaning success. 4. Pick it up: Give yourself the same head start you would give professional cleaners by picking up dishes, clothes or anything else not in its place before you clean. 5. Simplify supplies: Professional cleaners go to work carrying the “Big Four”: an all-purpose cleaner; bathroom cleaner; glass cleaner; and heavy-duty degreasing cleaner. Zep Commercial Heavy Duty Foaming Degreaser has citrus solvents that cut through grease easily on nearly all surfaces and provides for no-scrub cleaning. Come back tomorrow for five more great tips to help you Clean Like a Pro for Spring! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/top-10-ways-to-clean-like-a-pro-for-spring/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/top-10-ways-to-clean-like-a-pro-for-spring/ Wed, 20 March 2013 00:00:00 Matt Franz http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/drain-care-101,-part-3/ Stopping Roots and Blockage in Sewage Pipes Did you know tree roots growing in sewer pipes can cause astronomical damages? The damages caused by ignoring this problem can cost in the thousands of dollars. Our number one selling drain care solution, Zep Commercial Root Kill , is a unique product aimed at eliminating this not-so-unique problem. Tree roots look for moisture in the ground, and your pipes are an easy target for those thirsty diggers. Root Kill only zaps the roots that have grown inside the pipes, so the only danger to your trees and shrubs is your not-so-green thumb! Feedback we’ve gotten from pros that use the product indicates that it’s smartest to apply the product twice a year, once in the spring after plant growth begins and another in the fall.  Follow these four simple steps: Add product to sewer lines by pouring 1/2 pound doses into the toilet bowl nearest the sewer line and flush . Repeat this process until the recommended dose on the label has been added. Alternatively you can remove the cleanout plug and pour the entire recommended quantity directly into the sewer line. Replace the plug and flush the toilet several times.   That’s it! Take our advice and give your sewer lines some TLC before they truly need some attention. Have a unique drain problem? Have you had to clear roots from your pipes before? Let us know in the comments below, or on Facebook , or Twitter ! We love to hear stories of battling the sludge like a pro! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/drain-care-101,-part-3/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/march/drain-care-101,-part-3/ Fri, 08 March 2013 00:00:00 Matt Franz http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/february/drain-care-101,-part-2/ Drain Care 101, Part 2 It’s important to take care of the health of a home, and a crucial part of that is keeping the pipes free flowing. Pipes are often overlooked during home maintenance, but treating an issue before it becomes a problem is much easier and cheaper than fixing the problem!   Eliminate Clogs by Preventing Buildup Although it’s tempting to treat clogs in your sink, shower or bathtub when it becomes a crisis, drain maintenance should be a part of your bathroom cleaning routine. Treat your pipes monthly with a drain care product (if you already have a clog, see our previous post for tips on fixing it). Liquid and powder drain care products deliver bacteria & enzymes to dissolve buildup in your pipes. Think of yogurt and your digestive system.  Drain care products perform the same function, removing buildup and keeping your pipes flowing. Use a drain care product once a month and you can keep those drains running free. Zep Commercial Liquid Drain Care Build Up Remover is our personal favorite.   The Toilet: Another Beast Altogether Did you know the average American uses 50 lbs of toilet paper per year? Over time, this can cause (ahem) gunk to build up in the pipes.  Are you surprised that toilet clogs, back-ups, and overflows are common problems? So what do you do since regular clog removers are not recommended for use in toilets?  A simple maintenance routine can eliminate sediment clogs in toilets and keep clogs from recurring. For three consecutive nights before bed, pour three ounces of Zep Commercial Toilet Care Tune-Up in your toilet and flush. (Watch our video for more clarification.) We’ll spare you the gory details, but microorganisms and enzymes attack and digest the paper and waste that causes back-ups. Build ups are broken down into CO² and water, restoring normal flow to your system. For the best results, we recommend letting these micro buildup-warriors do their thing once a month. Join us next week to learn about how your beautiful trees & shrubs can cause dreaded plumbing problems. In the meantime, leave us a note in the comments if you’ve got a unique pipe or drain problem or solution you’d like to share. http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/february/drain-care-101,-part-2/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/february/drain-care-101,-part-2/ Thu, 21 February 2013 00:00:00 Matt Franz http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/january/drain-care-101,-part-1/ Here at Zep Commercial, we are in the problem/solution business. We love a tidy space, but let’s talk about what’s lurking below the sparkling surface. Drain care is an important subject, since clogged drains cause headaches. Even you pros who do it for a living still sometimes send us questions. Let’s clear the air (err pipes) and get you started on de-gunking! First, let’s discuss what kind of clog you’re attacking. Different kinds of clogs need different kinds of tools, so it’s best to start by identifying what you’re working with.  If it’s in the kitchen sink, it’s most likely a grease clog caused by a mixture of dish soap, cooking grease, and who knows what else!  Bathroom drain clogs are a different beast…most likely caused by hair.  Kitchen Drains                                     Let’s tackle grease clogs first. Over time, soap scum, grease and organic material build up in your pipes creating slow drains and foul smells. The oils used for cooking, even from salad dressing, can build up and cause a grease clog. The best prevention is to not pour oil down the drain at all! Rather, dump it into a heat-safe container and let it cool before throwing it away. If you’re facing a tough clog, run some hot water down the drain and then pour a liquid drain opener, such as our Zep Commercial Professional Strength Drain Opener , down the drain (our product even cuts through standing water in a sink!).You can use a funnel when you do this to protect your countertops and sinks.     Bathroom Sinks and Tubs We’ve all been there; brushing our teeth one minute and realizing that water is building up in the sink. This clog is caused by hair and soap scum. Zep Commercial 10 Minute Hair Clog Remover is perfect for bathroom sinks or showers and gets rid of the hair and soap scum clog in, you guessed it, 10 minutes. Remove the sink stopper, pour it down, wait 10 minutes and flush with warm water. That’s it! If you brush your hair before showering, you can get rid of some of that hair that creates clogs in the first place! And if You Still Have a Clog If none of these solutions sound like they’ll work for you, it’s time to bring out the big guns. Crystal Heat is the toughest drain opener you can buy. Whether your clog is in the kitchen or the bathroom, Crystal Heat can handle it. It won’t harm your pipes, but the self-generating heat will take care of the toughest clogs in minutes (trust us, we’ve put it up against some pretty mean clogs). If you’re a pro on the job, we recommend carrying a bottle. You won’t believe the stories we’ve heard from pros that’ve used it in a pinch. If you have a good clog-removal story, share it with us in the comments below.  In the next installment of our Drain Care series, we’ll discuss the septic tank. In the meantime, if you have more questions about the solutions presented above, find us on Facebook or Twitter , or leave a comment here to let us know what you’re working with. We’ll put our best drain care heads together to get you a solution. http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/january/drain-care-101,-part-1/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2013/january/drain-care-101,-part-1/ Thu, 31 January 2013 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/20/seasons-cleaning/ ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, but Fido left paw prints and toys everywhere.  Poor Ma in her kerchief was starting to fret. I hugged her and told her there’s no need to sweat. “A bottle of Hardwood and Laminate you see, restores shine, cleans spots, and leaves floors streak free.”   When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter, I sprang to the window to discover the matter. I stared out the glass like a holiday dreamer, so glad I had used my Foaming Glass Cleaner.  And what to my wondering eyes should appear? But a shiny red sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. In less than an instant I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew down the blinds and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. His eyes, how they twinkled. His dimples, how merry! His suit was bright red just as was customary.   An expensive cigar he held tight in his teeth, while the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. I never knew Santa smoked more than his pipe. Good thing Smoke Odor Eliminator works in one swipe. With a really quick shake and a spray from the can--no more smell is there left from this jolly, fat man. He must have been hungry, to the kitchen he ran. He found our cold pizza—and then found a pan. The children were nestled, all snug in their beds, while visions of pepperoni danced in Nick’s head. The sauce how it bubbles, the cheese how it melts. Is there something burning? Is smoke coming out? The pizza was ruined, the oven was a mess. Oven & Grill Cleaner—Santa could use no less. Santa was dress’d all in fur, from his head to his foot and this fur was all covered in pizza and soot. He rushed to the sink and took the soap to his hands. The soo t rinsed down the drain like those hourglass sands. The bad thing with fur is it really does shed, so the sink soon resembled a Persian cat’s head.  The drain was soon clogged with mozzarella and hair; good thing by 10 Minute Hair Clog Santa did swear.  The stress of the evening made Santa quite weary. He needed something to make him more cheery. He went to the cabinet and what did he see? A bottle full of sparkly, red burgundy. All dear Santa wanted was one little sip, but that little sip caused quite a big drip. The drip fell on white carpet, needing more than a blot!, so the Oxy Stain Remover was needed for that spot.” As if afraid of what he might destroy now, Santa filled all the stockings then turned with a bow. “Sorry for my spills and the smoke and the fur, please send me the bill for any cost you incur.” Then laying his finger aside of his nose and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose! He sprang to his sleigh, to his deer gave a whistle. And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of site, thanks to Zep Commercial for saving the night! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/20/seasons-cleaning/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/20/seasons-cleaning/ Thu, 20 December 2012 00:00:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/7/holiday-cleaning-wish-list/ Do you always get tapped as the host or hostess for holiday parties? I know I do, and that can be stressful – especially when I need to clean my house. I’m guessing many of you out there are facing some of the same holiday cleaning challenges as I am, so here are some of my favorite, tried-and-true tricks of the trade. Please be sure to share your own tips in our comment section! First impressions are lasting impressions You know the old saying, “you only have one chance to make a first impression”? Well, when people come to my home, the first area they see is the entryway – one the most trafficked areas in my house – where baseboards can get grimy pretty quickly. I recently discovered an easy trick to help my baseboards stay clean using something all of us have in our laundry rooms: dryer sheets! All you need to do is rub the baseboards with a dryer sheet. This method not only repels pet hair and dust, it gets bonus points for leaving a fresh scent!   They’ll never know I had a flour explosion when I baked those delicious sugar cookies If your family and friends are anything like mine, my holiday parties start and end in the kitchen – I can’t keep them out of it!  I’m pretty fastidious about keeping my countertops, appliances and floors clean, but no matter how much scrubbing I do, I still have water spots on my faucets and sink! Do you know what crazy little trick I discovered to make my faucets shine again? Baby oil! I simply put a dab on a cotton ball and rub it all over any chrome and it is sparkling again in no time. And if you need to clean stainless steel surfaces, you can try Zep Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner which cleans, shines and protects against soil and water spots.   Make sure my home smells like the holidays I love to cook, but I admit I’m sometimes a bit heavy-handed with the garlic. So, even though my kitchen is so clean that my mother-in-law actually compliments me, something is still off. That strange odor could be coming from my zucchini and eggplant dish, or maybe I went a little overboard on the harsh smelling disinfectants. My secret trick for this challenge is the Zep Commercial Air & Fabric Odor Eliminator. It always brings my kitchen – and my entire house – back to smelling fresh and clean in no time.   Hope for the best, but plan for the “whoops” No matter how many napkins and coasters I set out, there’s usually a glass or two of wine spilled. Luckily, Zep Commercial has me covered there, too.  Our Advanced Oxy Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover will remove organic stains like juice and wine and helps prevent resoiling! For set-in spills, I discovered a little secret: scrape up what you can with a dull butter knife before applying. Before you know it, you’re back to caroling with the rest of the gang. Add your tried-and-true holiday cleanup tips in the comment section below, and you could be featured as a guest blogger! http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/7/holiday-cleaning-wish-list/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/7/holiday-cleaning-wish-list/ Fri, 07 December 2012 10:15:00 Mari Hayes http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/3/welcome-to-our-new-blog!/ Calling on everyone out there who is serious about cleaning like a pro. Welcome to our new Zep Commercial community!   We’re excited to share our 100 years of expertise and knowledge with you – and We’re thrilled for you to share your tips and tricks with all of us in the Zep Commercial Community. Here’s where you’ll find how-to videos, cleaning tips and the “inside skinny” on your most challenging cleaning task. We’ll draw in our own panel of experts – and the insight and hands-on experience you have to offer – to help all of us get the “down-and-dirty” on getting clean. Toilet clogged? Rust on your faucet? Patio covered in mold? Whatever the job, we’ve got the right solution for your cleaning problem. We encourage you to comment and post your own tips and tricks... We’re all about helping each other “clean up the mess” – whatever it may be – or as we like to put it, getting the job done. With the help of friends like you, we’re building a community with the knowledge, experience and expertise as strong as our Zep Commercial solutions. So join the conversation! What are your most pressing questions? Your latest cleaning challenges? Your secrets to success? What are you looking to see on our blog? Post your comments below. You may see the information or story you requested in an upcoming post. http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/3/welcome-to-our-new-blog!/ http://blog.mycleanlikeapro.com/rss/posts/2012/december/3/welcome-to-our-new-blog!/ Mon, 03 December 2012 10:00:00