Old grout may need cleaning with a wax stripper or heavy-duty cleaner plus a grout brush. Use a bleaching cleanser on tough spots. Once the grout is as clean as you can get it, rinse it well. When it's thoroughly dry, apply a coat of masonry sealer so that it doesn't absorb dirt in the future.
For mildewed grout in tubs or showers, use a grout brush with a 1:5 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Never use bleach in combination with any ammonia-based product and be sure the area is well-ventilated. When you've finished cleaning, rinse the area well to remove all traces of bleach.
Clean colored grout with a heavy-duty cleaner and a grout brush, but don't use bleach because this may remove the color from the grout. Be sure never to use a bleaching solution on colored grout. A masonry sealer can be applied to clean, colored grout to ward off future stains.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Painted wall cleaning
The type and quality of the paint greatly affects how you clean a wall and how easily dirt comes off. Generally, there are four types of paint finishes:
- Baked enamel (most appliance finishes), epoxy enamel and automotive paints.
These paints are durable and stain-resistant. Dirt typically cannot penetrate the hard finish. These surfaces can withstand scouring with mild abrasives, and can also handle heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers. With these finishes, be most careful of scratching or dulling the finish by using harsh abrasives, steel wool, colored scrub pads and strong solvents. - General-purpose enamels.
Most often found on interior walls, especially kitchen and bathroom walls, this surface is stain-resistant and can handle moderate scrubbing. Do not use abrasive substances or colored scrub pads, which can scratch the finish. Use a neutral cleaning solution and a white, nylon-backed scrub sponge. Only use heavy-duty cleaners or abrasive cleansers when you're willing to take your chances on ruining the paint. If you have latex enamel paints, avoid leaving them wet for more than a minute or so. Oil-based enamels are more water-resistant. Keep in mind that gloss enamels are the most durable and washable, followed by semi-glosses and then satin finishes. - Latex flat.
The most common household paint, flat latex is not as washable as enamels. Heavy-duty cleaners or hard scrubbing can remove the paint along with any dirt. Use mild detergents and gentle scrubbing, and don't let any solution sit on the surface for more than a minute. - Exterior paints.
These paints are typically oil-based or latex and should be scrubbed only with a mild detergent and then rinsed with a hose. Use a long-handled brush for hard-to-reach areas or stubborn spots. Some people like to use pressure washers on the outside of their homes, but like harsh chemicals, these can loosen the paint, so use with caution.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Candle wax removal from upholstery, wood or carpet
To remove the wax from carpet or upholstery, you will need a plain brown paper bag and a steam iron. Paper grocery bags work well.
1. Cut open the brown paper bag so it lays flat.
2. Lay the brown paper bag on the affected carpet., with any printing away from the carpet.
3. Set the steam iron on a moderate setting and plug it in. Allow it to warm up.
4. Once warmed up, place the steam iron on top of the brown paper bag over the wax spot. Move the iron back and forth over the wax spot. The iron should never come in direct contact with the carpet, only the paper bag. As the wax warms up it will begin to absorb into the paper bag.
5. When a dark spot appears on the bag, move a dry area of the bag over the wax spot and continue to move the steam iron over the area.
6. When no further wax absorbs into the bag, you have removed the wax.
To remove candle wax from wood, apply a plastic bag filled with ice to the spot, until the wax is brittle enough to crumble off. If some candle wax remains, place an ink blotter on the area and apply a hot pressing iron to the top of the blotter.
1. Cut open the brown paper bag so it lays flat.
2. Lay the brown paper bag on the affected carpet., with any printing away from the carpet.
3. Set the steam iron on a moderate setting and plug it in. Allow it to warm up.
4. Once warmed up, place the steam iron on top of the brown paper bag over the wax spot. Move the iron back and forth over the wax spot. The iron should never come in direct contact with the carpet, only the paper bag. As the wax warms up it will begin to absorb into the paper bag.
5. When a dark spot appears on the bag, move a dry area of the bag over the wax spot and continue to move the steam iron over the area.
6. When no further wax absorbs into the bag, you have removed the wax.
To remove candle wax from wood, apply a plastic bag filled with ice to the spot, until the wax is brittle enough to crumble off. If some candle wax remains, place an ink blotter on the area and apply a hot pressing iron to the top of the blotter.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Cleaning Kitchen Cabinets
Most cabinets are factory manufactured and finished, and even wood cabinets have enough varnish or other protective coating so that you can use a cleaning solution. The oil slick that builds up on cabinets - especially around the handles - is a combination of kitchen grease, food smears, skin oil and hand lotion transferred to the cabinet. All-purpose cleaners aren't equal to the challenge.
If your cabinets are plastic laminate (formica or other plastic), metal, painted metal or glass, you can wash them all over with a strong alkaline cleaner, which is available at a janitorial supply store. Or use a heavy-duty cleaner from the supermarket. Mix according to directions and apply the solution with a sponge. Let it sit a minute or two, then take a white, nylon-backed sponge and scrub wherever necessary. Remove the grimy suds from the sponge by squeezing it into the sink or a slop bucket, never back into your cleaning solution. Then rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry with a terry cleaning cloth to remove any last traces of scum and leave the cupboards clean and glowing.
Never use acids or powdered cleansers on cabinets. A good overall washing once a year should be enough. Keep a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner handy the rest of the time and spot-clean after heavy kitchen use.
On wooden cabinets, take a gentler approach. To get off stubborn dirt, wash around all handles and any other grease zones first with hand dishwashing detergent. Then wash the entire cabinet, including the handle areas, with an oil soap solution. Just wipe lightly with the solution and buff dry immediately with a terry cleaning cloth. Always wipe dry with any grain or pattern. Seldom do you need to add any polish because the surface has its own sheen when clean. If your cabinets are dull from wear or age, spray furniture polish very lightly once a year or so to fill in the pores and bring back some life.
If your cabinets are plastic laminate (formica or other plastic), metal, painted metal or glass, you can wash them all over with a strong alkaline cleaner, which is available at a janitorial supply store. Or use a heavy-duty cleaner from the supermarket. Mix according to directions and apply the solution with a sponge. Let it sit a minute or two, then take a white, nylon-backed sponge and scrub wherever necessary. Remove the grimy suds from the sponge by squeezing it into the sink or a slop bucket, never back into your cleaning solution. Then rinse with a damp cloth and wipe dry with a terry cleaning cloth to remove any last traces of scum and leave the cupboards clean and glowing.
Never use acids or powdered cleansers on cabinets. A good overall washing once a year should be enough. Keep a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner handy the rest of the time and spot-clean after heavy kitchen use.
On wooden cabinets, take a gentler approach. To get off stubborn dirt, wash around all handles and any other grease zones first with hand dishwashing detergent. Then wash the entire cabinet, including the handle areas, with an oil soap solution. Just wipe lightly with the solution and buff dry immediately with a terry cleaning cloth. Always wipe dry with any grain or pattern. Seldom do you need to add any polish because the surface has its own sheen when clean. If your cabinets are dull from wear or age, spray furniture polish very lightly once a year or so to fill in the pores and bring back some life.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Safety And Training Ensure Results
It’s important to choose a facilities services provider who has effective safety management systems in place. Safety comes first at Advanced Building Maintenance. We understand the value these systems can add to your facility and operations, such as:
Improved Productivity
Facilities operate more efficiently when health and safety considerations are part of the equation. Lost productivity costs businesses $60 billion* a year!
Cost Savings
Businesses spend $170 billion annually on costs associated with occupational injuries and illness. However, facilities focused on safety and health enjoy diminished liability claims among other related cost-savings.
We Work With You to Promote Safety
We believe in partnering with our clients to maximize the benefit of our mutual safety efforts. With dedicated teams specializing in safety, worker's compensation, liability claims and insurance management, our Risk Management professionals work hand-in-hand with your team to promote the safest possible environment at your facility.
Here's how:
Regular Worksite Safety Inspections
These inspections are designed to identify potential hazards and evaluate compliance requirements.Training & Tools
All Advanced Building Maintenance employees receive general safety training as well as specialized safety training as warranted by their assigned duties. Likewise, our staff is trained to consider the health and safety of the people around them, such as building occupants and visitors.Our service-delivery training program focuses on teaching the very processes that have made Advanced Building Maintenance a leader in the industry. Extensive on-the-job training ensures that our qualified staff outshines the competition by delivering better results faster.
Sustainability Program
Our Green Clean program is not only good for the environment, it’s healthier for your occupants and your bottom line.Customer Safety Requirements And Compliance
Advanced Building Maintenance can readily adopt and implement any safety procedures currently in place at your facility.Safety Awareness Programs
Our programs include:
- Safety Action Program
- Safety Communication Program
- Driver Alert Program
- Motor Vehicle Record Check Program
- National Supply Vendor Alliances
- National Equipment Vendor Alliances
- Industry Specific Experts
- Service Certification Programs
- Operational Training Programs
- Safety Committee Meetings
- Site Safety Inspections & Hazard Assessment Programs
- Injury, Illness and Prevention Program (IIPP)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Dusting Tips
Eighty percent of the dirt in your house walks in through the door on people's feet. The right kind of mats placed inside and out of all entrances will help cut down on cleaning time. Choose professional mats you see at the entrances of hospitals and supermarkets, which are available at a janitorial supply store. They're called walk-off mats because they give the dirt a chance to be walked off before it gets in. Walk-off mats are usually nylon or olefin with a rubber or vinyl back for inside the door, and rubber or vinyl-backed synthetic turf for outside on the step. They're available in a variety of colors. To do their job well, both the inside and outside mats should be four strides long. Vacuum mats regularly or shake them outside. Hose them down and scrub with an all-purpose cleaner as needed. You can also use upholstery shampoo or a wet/dry vacuum to clean them. It's important to always hang them until completely dry so that moisture isn't trapped under the vinyl backing.
If there are any unsealed concrete or mortar joints, they can bleed off bits of sand and concrete dust onto surrounding surfaces. You should also make sure your windows and doors seal tightly. Some utility companies will inspect your home for free to determine if you have any cracks where things could be going out or coming in.
Keep vacuum bags, filters, seals and gaskets in good repair to prevent fine dust from being blown back into the air as you vacuum.
Feather dusters typically don't do much but spread dirt around. If you are using a feather duster on some surfaces, consider looking at alternative cleaning options.
If there are any unsealed concrete or mortar joints, they can bleed off bits of sand and concrete dust onto surrounding surfaces. You should also make sure your windows and doors seal tightly. Some utility companies will inspect your home for free to determine if you have any cracks where things could be going out or coming in.
Keep vacuum bags, filters, seals and gaskets in good repair to prevent fine dust from being blown back into the air as you vacuum.
Feather dusters typically don't do much but spread dirt around. If you are using a feather duster on some surfaces, consider looking at alternative cleaning options.
Tuesday, August 8, 2006
Day Porter Services In Westchester County, NY
Let Advanced Building Maintenance (ABM) maintain the appearance of your parking lot, shopping center or outside grounds of your building with a great porter package.
Need help just keeping the building serviced and cleaned during the day – let ABM help with day porter services
A Proven Westchester County Office Cleaning Service
Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial Service was started in early 1990.
The individuals that work for Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial Service are also local to the area and are members of the community.
All of ABM's Cleaning Technicians are personally trained by Advanced building Maintenance owner Brian Harrod.
Advanced Building Maintenance pays its staff of cleaning specialists well so that they deliver the performance that their clients expect.
ABM Supervisors check their staff’s work regularly and also make unscheduled Inspections.
Advanced Building Maintenance's Janitorial Service is a provider for all your commercial and industrial needs.
Their goal is client satisfaction with excellent services and relations.
Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial Service main focus is quality work, trusted work staff, customer satisfaction and fair pricing.
Founded in 1990 by Brian Harrod, Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial is a fully insured office cleaning, building maintenance and janitorial service provider.
Each of ABM's employees goes through extensive training in order to provide our clients with outstanding cleaning and janitorial services.
They are reliable, trustworthy, and professional at all times.
ABM's cleaners are qualified to provide specialty services such as medical office cleaning and Industrial plant building maintenance.
Services Offered by Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial Services
You can count on Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial Services to provide you with the highest quality cleaning for your office.
Whether you need daily, twice weekly or weekly cleaning-contact Advanced Building Maintenance’s Janitorial Services for additional details today.
ABM says the ability and resources to use all lines of cleaning products and are able to provide Green Cleaning Only Programs upon request.
Advanced Building Maintenance
333 Mamaroneck Avenue #301
White Plains, NY 10605
(914) 697-0767
https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedBuildingMaintenance/photos/a.444598215559882.104800.444586552227715/1430790016940692/?type=3
Friday, July 14, 2006
Window Cleaning Tips
The best way to clean windows, or any large expanse of glass, is with a squeegee. It does a faster and better job.
You need a professional-quality squeegee and a window wand. If you'll be cleaning high windows, you also will need an extension pole. The basic process is simple - apply the cleaning solution with the window wand and pull the dirt and water off with the squeegee.
In detail.
1. Mix a capful of ammonia or five drops of liquid dish detergent in two gallons of water. Resist the urge to use too much detergent; that causes streaking.
2. Dip your window scrubbing wand or a sponge 3/4 of an inch into the solution, picking up just enough water to wet the window without flooding it. Wet the entire window then go back over it once to loosen any stubborn soil. Last, run the scrubber against the frame on all sides of the window to pick up any dirt you've pushed against the frame.
3. Dampen the squeegee blade before you start and wipe it with a damp cloth between strokes. A dry blade will skip and jump on the window instead of gliding smoothly.
4. Tilt the squeegee at an angle so that only about an inch of the rubber blade presses lightly against the top of the window glass. Then pull the squeegee across the window horizontally. This will leave a 1-inch dry strip across the top of the window. By squeegeeing across the top first, you eliminate drips running down.
5. Place the squeegee close to the frame in the dry area near the top and pull down to about three inches from the bottom of the glass. Continue this way across the window, overlapping into the clean, dry area with each stroke, and wiping the blade with a damp cloth after each stroke.
6. Finish with a horizontal stroke across the bottom and wipe any water off the sill with a damp cloth.
On some windows, it's easier to cut the water off the frame side as well as the top, and then squeegee the entire pane using horizontal strokes. Large (picture) windows should be wet and squeegeed half at a time, the top half first. Finally, if you're cleaning both the inside and outside of the window, squeegee horizontally on one side and vertically on the other, so you can tell whether any streaks are inside or out.
Large (picture) windows should be wet and squeegeed half at a time, the top half first.
Finally, if you're doing both the inside and outside the window, you may want to squeegee horizontally on one side and vertically on the other, so you can tell whether any streaks are inside or out.
You need a professional-quality squeegee and a window wand. If you'll be cleaning high windows, you also will need an extension pole. The basic process is simple - apply the cleaning solution with the window wand and pull the dirt and water off with the squeegee.
In detail.
1. Mix a capful of ammonia or five drops of liquid dish detergent in two gallons of water. Resist the urge to use too much detergent; that causes streaking.
2. Dip your window scrubbing wand or a sponge 3/4 of an inch into the solution, picking up just enough water to wet the window without flooding it. Wet the entire window then go back over it once to loosen any stubborn soil. Last, run the scrubber against the frame on all sides of the window to pick up any dirt you've pushed against the frame.
3. Dampen the squeegee blade before you start and wipe it with a damp cloth between strokes. A dry blade will skip and jump on the window instead of gliding smoothly.
4. Tilt the squeegee at an angle so that only about an inch of the rubber blade presses lightly against the top of the window glass. Then pull the squeegee across the window horizontally. This will leave a 1-inch dry strip across the top of the window. By squeegeeing across the top first, you eliminate drips running down.
5. Place the squeegee close to the frame in the dry area near the top and pull down to about three inches from the bottom of the glass. Continue this way across the window, overlapping into the clean, dry area with each stroke, and wiping the blade with a damp cloth after each stroke.
6. Finish with a horizontal stroke across the bottom and wipe any water off the sill with a damp cloth.
On some windows, it's easier to cut the water off the frame side as well as the top, and then squeegee the entire pane using horizontal strokes. Large (picture) windows should be wet and squeegeed half at a time, the top half first. Finally, if you're cleaning both the inside and outside of the window, squeegee horizontally on one side and vertically on the other, so you can tell whether any streaks are inside or out.
Large (picture) windows should be wet and squeegeed half at a time, the top half first.
Finally, if you're doing both the inside and outside the window, you may want to squeegee horizontally on one side and vertically on the other, so you can tell whether any streaks are inside or out.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Odor Removal
For all odors, the first thing you should do is to remove the cause of the odor.
To remove smoke film from washable surfaces, use a solution of heavy-duty cleaner or degreaser. A dash of water-soluble deodorizer from a janitorial supply store added to the solution will help neutralize the odor. For smoky windows, add one part isopropyl alcohol to five parts window cleaner to help cut the oily film.
Smoke on porous surfaces is a tougher proposition. Light smoke film on acoustic ceiling tile can be removed by professional ceiling cleaners, but heavy buildup usually requires painting or replacement of the tile. Upholstered furniture, draperies and carpeting can be wet- or dry-cleaned, as appropriate, after a thorough vacuuming, with water-soluble deodorizer added to the cleaning solution to control residual smoke odor.
If you smoke in the home, change the filter in their air circulation systems often.
Also, make sure you let the sun in to help dissipate smoke and other odors as you try to eliminate the cause. Try to increase air flow by opening windows, turning on fans or even putting particularly smelly items outside for awhile. You can fill small dishes with vanilla, vinegar or activated charcoal for an easy, inexpensive smoke eater. Or, you can purchase odor neutralizer from a janitorial supply house which will work more effectively.
To remove smoke film from washable surfaces, use a solution of heavy-duty cleaner or degreaser. A dash of water-soluble deodorizer from a janitorial supply store added to the solution will help neutralize the odor. For smoky windows, add one part isopropyl alcohol to five parts window cleaner to help cut the oily film.
Smoke on porous surfaces is a tougher proposition. Light smoke film on acoustic ceiling tile can be removed by professional ceiling cleaners, but heavy buildup usually requires painting or replacement of the tile. Upholstered furniture, draperies and carpeting can be wet- or dry-cleaned, as appropriate, after a thorough vacuuming, with water-soluble deodorizer added to the cleaning solution to control residual smoke odor.
If you smoke in the home, change the filter in their air circulation systems often.
Also, make sure you let the sun in to help dissipate smoke and other odors as you try to eliminate the cause. Try to increase air flow by opening windows, turning on fans or even putting particularly smelly items outside for awhile. You can fill small dishes with vanilla, vinegar or activated charcoal for an easy, inexpensive smoke eater. Or, you can purchase odor neutralizer from a janitorial supply house which will work more effectively.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
House Cleaning Instant Cost Calculator
Here is a website that offers instant cost calculator for house cleaning services maid service in New York.
House-cleaning is much easier to bid than office-cleaning. I've seen house-cleaning estimators that are quite accurate, and this one looks good.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Janitorial Services In Greenwich, CT
We are a professional janitorial service firm that services Greenwich, CT.
We focus on operational excellence and quality janitorial services.
Our investment in training and modern equipment give us an edge over our competition while helping to reduce man hours on the job.
Our customer’s benefit with lower prices and better office cleaning results.
We service buildings of all types and sizes.
Greenwichl Links
- Town of Greenwich, CT - town government official site
- Greenwich Public Schools
- Greenwich Chamber of Commerce
- Local Guide to Greenwich
- Greenwich, Connecticut at the Open Directory
More About Advanced Building Maintenance
We offer janitorial services and office cleaning services for:
• Warehouses / Industrial Buildings
• Office Buildings & Complexes
• Schools / Colleges
• Multi-Tenant Office Buildings
• Churches / Venues
• Government Facilities
• Banks / Production Studios
• Medical / Dental Facilities
• And More!
Our Coverage
• Janitorial Services Darien, CT / Stamford, CT / Norwalk, CT
Byram, CT / Cos Cob, CT / Riverside, CT / Old Greenwich, CT
Rowayton, CT / New Canaan, CT / Westport, CT
• And Most Of Fairfield County Connecticut
Also
Janitorial Services Westchester County / Janitorial Services Fairfield County
• Rye, NY / Rye Town, NY / Purchase, NY / Mamaroneck, NY / Armonk, NY
• Janitorial Services North White Plains, NY / Janitorial Services Larchmont, NY
• Janitorial Services Valhalla, NY / New Rochelle, NY / Bedford, NY
• Pelham, NY / Mount Vernon, NY / Rye Brook, NY / Pound Ridge, NY
• White Plains, NY / Hartsdale, NY / Bronxville, NY / Tarrytown, NY
• Elmsford, NY / Tuckahoe, NY / Sleepy Hollow, NY
• Rye, NY / Rye Town, NY / Purchase, NY / Mamaroneck, NY / Armonk, NY
• Janitorial Services North White Plains, NY / Janitorial Services Larchmont, NY
• Janitorial Services Valhalla, NY / New Rochelle, NY / Bedford, NY
• Pelham, NY / Mount Vernon, NY / Rye Brook, NY / Pound Ridge, NY
• White Plains, NY / Hartsdale, NY / Bronxville, NY / Tarrytown, NY
• Elmsford, NY / Tuckahoe, NY / Sleepy Hollow, NY
With our experience in Westchester County and most of
Fairfield County, Connecticut; we have are able to overcome even the toughest challenges with a proven track record of success.
Fairfield County, Connecticut; we have are able to overcome even the toughest challenges with a proven track record of success.
Saturday, January 7, 2006
Janitorial Services In New Rochelle, NY
We are a professional janitorial service firm that services New Rochelle, NY.
We focus on operational excellence and quality janitorial services.
Our investment in training and modern equipment give us an edge over our competition while helping to reduce man hours on the job.
Our customer’s benefit with lower prices and better office cleaning results.
We service buildings of all types and sizes.
New Rochelle Links
Cultural
- City School District of New Rochelle
- New Rochelle Public Library
- New Rochelle Council on the Arts
- New Rochelle Art Association
- New Rochelle Opera
Media
More About Advanced Building Maintenance
We offer janitorial services and office cleaning services for:
• Warehouses / Industrial Buildings
• Office Buildings & Complexes
• Schools / Colleges
• Multi-Tenant Office Buildings
• Churches / Venues
• Government Facilities
• Banks / Production Studios
• Medical / Dental Facilities
• And More!
Our Coverage
• Janitorial Services Westchester County / Janitorial Services Fairfield County
• Rye, NY / Rye Town, NY / Purchase, NY / Mamaroneck, NY
• Janitorial Services North White Plains, NY / Janitorial Services Larchmont, NY
• Janitorial Services Valhalla, NY / Pelham, NY
• Rye Brook, NY / White Plains, NY
• Hartsdale, NY / Scarsdale, NY
• Greenburg, NY / Elmsford, NY
• Janitorial Services Greenwich, CT / Stamford, CT / Norwalk, CT
• And Most Of Fairfield County Connecticut
• Warehouses / Industrial Buildings
• Office Buildings & Complexes
• Schools / Colleges
• Multi-Tenant Office Buildings
• Churches / Venues
• Government Facilities
• Banks / Production Studios
• Medical / Dental Facilities
• And More!
Our Coverage
• Janitorial Services Westchester County / Janitorial Services Fairfield County
• Rye, NY / Rye Town, NY / Purchase, NY / Mamaroneck, NY
• Janitorial Services North White Plains, NY / Janitorial Services Larchmont, NY
• Janitorial Services Valhalla, NY / Pelham, NY
• Rye Brook, NY / White Plains, NY
• Hartsdale, NY / Scarsdale, NY
• Greenburg, NY / Elmsford, NY
• Janitorial Services Greenwich, CT / Stamford, CT / Norwalk, CT
• And Most Of Fairfield County Connecticut
With our experience in Westchester County and most of
Fairfield County, Connecticut; we have are able to overcome even the toughest challenges with a proven track record of success.
Fairfield County, Connecticut; we have are able to overcome even the toughest challenges with a proven track record of success.
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