The one part of cleaning most forget about is changing the air filter. We notice in the majority of homes we clean that the filters are rarely checked or changed. We always focus to keep the vents cleaned out specially the return air vent. 

      Regular maintenance of your home heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is critical to ensure its long life and proper operation. Proper maintenance of your air system can help keep your loved ones safe from extreme temperatures —and may also help save you some money in the long run.

       The last you want during the winter or summer is having your air go out. The air system also referred to as the HVAC system keeps you cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Changing the filter out regularly helps to insure your system has a long life. During the summer it is recommended to change the filter every 30 days. During the colder months you can probably get away with changing your filter every 2 or 3 months depending on the area your in and how much you use your air. 

 I have added some tips in from other sites I read regularly that I thought would be beneficial. 

      

Following these steps will make changing your air filter easy. But, always make sure to read your HVAC system's manufacturer instructions to ensure you understand how to properly change the filter.

Step 1. Buy a new filter.Before you buy a new air filter, check your owner's manual to identify the right number or size (it should also be printed on the side of your existing air filter). You should be able to get a replacement filter at a hardware store, or some department stores sell them.

Step 2. Turn off the unit.Be sure to turn off your HVAC unit before attempting to change the filter, for your own safety. If you can't figure out how to turn off the unit itself, you should turn off the breaker.

Step 3. Remove the old filter.Most air filters are located on the right side of the unit. The filter should easily pull out of its slot in the furnace. It's not common, but sometimes filters are found in air vents in your home. If that is the case, you will likely need to contact a professional to change the filter.

Step 4. Insert new filterSimply slide the new filter into place. There are arrows on the new filter to indicate which side should be facing the outside air.

Remove the old filter and slide the new filter in. 

          

     The Holidays are here and we are all running around in circles trying to prepare! Sounds familiar im sure lol.  For most of us we plan, plan and  plan more but making the move to get started is the hardest part. We all make lists of everything that we need, call family and friends to make arrangements then comes the hard work of getting the house in order!     

Most of us this time of year have stuff scattered all over the house, cluttered and generally just not clean. As much as we hate to, the best place to start is with all of that clutter. I read a little saying on another blog that cracked my up and I wanted to share it with you!  “You don’t want to put lipstick on a donkey.” That idea cracks me up every time. But it is true. "Lipstick on a donkey is not really the look we are going for."

1] Remove the Clutter: As with most, procrastination is much easier than getting to it but that will only stress you out and drive you crazy. The sooner you start the better but with the Holidays on top of us you just have to make it happen. 
  The best way to remove the clutter for the Holidays is go room by room picking up all of the items you really don't need or use in that room right now. You can place them in a closet until the Holidays are over, place them in a box, the attic or any where that is out of the way. Just remember, the longer you wait the more stressing it can be!

2]  Work room by room: Be sure and work room by room, not just running around like a mad person all over the house. You will go nuts if you try running around frantically. I like to start in a room going clock wise around the room just like when I'm cleaning not to miss a corner. Break it down by room and organize it to make it simpler and less stressing. 

3] Get energized to keep working: The best way I find to get energized while cleaning is with music and not just some slow beat music but higher energy music with a beat. That always gets me moving and keeps me going. Remember to keep working at it once your started. If you stop at any point it is next to impossible to going again. If you have kids or roommates, get them involved with you to make it more fun. You can all dance around to music, play a game etc. The most energizing effect is seeing a room clean! That always motivates me to continue!

4] Holiday Decorating: So, the house is clean, organized and clutter free right ! If not, go back to step one and start over but at this point we will assume the house is ready for Holiday decorating, good food and good times with friends and family! Now that the house is clean it's time for the exciting part of decorating! Go grab your decorations , place them in the living room or biggest room in the house and start from there. I like putting up the tree first for Christmas, it always gets my in the spirit! How ever you like to do it just get the decorations out and get started! 

      Of all cleaning we do on a weekly basis the number one cleaning issue we run across is Soap Scum! It doesn't matter how clean your keep your house, kitchen, bathroom etc. soap scum seems to always be there. Most all of my customers complain about it and ask what the best method is to get rid of soap scum. 

Definition: Soap scum is a white or gray filmy layer that covers the surfaces around our showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Soap scum can be found on shower curtains, bathroom fixtures, bathtubs, shower doors, tiling, and more.Soap scum is actually formed thanks to minerals in tap water that combine with soap and dirt to create a layer of scaliness over the surfaces in our bathrooms. Those with mineral filled hard water are much more likely to have soap scum buildup. Soap scum can be difficult to remove if it's left for too long, because it continues to build up each time the area around it is used. Soap scum that is left to build can sometimes combine with mold or mildew and have other discolorations and odors.Also Known As: limescale

Back to getting rid of the soap scum after we shower, do dishes etc is a task. The last thing you won't to do is ignore it and attempt to clean it later on! Getting rid of soap scum can really be a challenge and is not something to be ignored or it will just get worst over time!

 with good maintenance soap scum usually ( I highlighted this part because this is not always the case.)  will just wipe away, but as with most of us time gets away from us and you can’t find the opportunity to clean which is usually why you call us or another cleaning company in your area.

Soap scum almost seems like concrete when it has not been cleaned on a regular basis. It can find its way on walls, tubs, shower curtains, and under hair care containers leaving stains in its wake. The last part we see quite often. ( Be sure to clean under your hair care products and soaps regularly. )

Once it has hardened and sat for it a while soap scum becomes almost impossible to remove and clean and makes our jobs almost impossible as well!

Homemade Soap Scum Removers

There are many methods and products available for getting rid of soap scum once it has built up. Some of the products we’ll be mentioning might already be in your home.

If they are, that’s great, no extra trip to the store. And no getting sidetracked and then talking yourself out of cleaning it up.

Note: Keep in mind soap scum can be tough to clean- really tough, so if the first cleaning product you try doesn't work, don’t give up, just move on to the next one.

Lemon oil (as in lemon furniture oil) will clean well and also prevent further build up.

Cloth baby diapers work well for this. Not only will this clean but it will leave you with a fresh scent.

Borax works well as a scouring powder instead of harsher, chemically toxic cleaners.

Baking soda is another non-toxic abrasive that can be used in the bathtub, use in the same manner as the Borax.

Some people swear by laundry stain removers like Spray and Wash ™.

Powdered laundry detergent works well as a non-toxic cleaner.

Straight white vinegar can be just as effective at removing soap scum. It's a mild acid and natural deodorizer.

Ammonia works on the worst soap scum build up but you must wear gloves to protect your hands. Be sure to rinse well and keep the kids away from the ammonia while you’re working.

Be sure to like us on Facebook @ facebook.com/HHCS1