ECOMAIDS Blog http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/ ECOMAIDS Blog en-us 2013 ECOMAIDS, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/ Sun, 19 May 2013 05:10:56 GMT ECOMAIDS Blog http://www.ecomaids.com/images/logoprint.gif http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/ <![CDATA[Clean and Sanitize Your Home Without The Harmful Toxins Found in Antibacterial Cleaners]]>Our country is obsessed with anti-bacterial products and cleaners without understanding the long-term effects of their use.  Anti-bacterial cleaners contain pesticides and germicides that kill many categories of bacteria and germs – the most harmful of which you will not find in your home - and are not necessary for everyday household use.  In addition to being incredibly irritating to your baby’s skin, eyes and throat, many infectious disease experts believe that overuse of antibacterial cleaners will foster drug-resistant bacteria and germs, thereby reducing immunity and promoting resistance to antibiotics.

CLEANING SOLUTION:  Save the anti-bacterial cleaners for emergencies.  Instead try a peroxide-based product like ECOMAIDS ® Peroxide Cleaner and Deodorizer.  They clean, degrease and destroy germs without the harmful effects of anti-bacterial cleaners.

Learn More: To learn more about ECOMAIDS methods of cleaning and cleaning products:

 

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]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/clean-and-sanitize-your-home-without-the-harmful-toxins-found-in-antibacterial-cleaners.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-107543Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Clean and Sanitize Your Home Without The Harmful Toxins Found in Bleach]]>Bleach (the second-worst “B-word” in the English language).  Bleach-based products contain chlorine bleach and sodium hypochlorite.  These chemicals are highly corrosive to the skin, lungs and eyes, and can actually cause asthma and allergy symptoms.  Bleach can also be extremely dangerous when mixed with or exposed to other household chemicals.

CLEANING SOLUTION.  For cleaning and sanitizing counters and other surfaces, try peroxide-based cleaners, such as ECOMAIDS ® Peroxide Cleaner and Deodorizer, or try adding vinegar or tea tree oil to water for a natural sanitizer.  For laundry, try hydrogen peroxide as a stain lifter.

Learn More: To learn more about ECOMAIDS methods of cleaning and cleaning products:

 

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]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/clean-and-sanitize-your-home-without-the-harmful-toxins-found-in-bleach.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-107544Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Non-Toxic Alternative to Cleaning Your Furniture]]>Most furniture polishes contain harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde (a Poisonous, carcinogenic, neurotoxic, chemical that irritates the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes) and phenols (a toxic chemical that can cause respiratory irritation, headaches, and burning eyes) and can be extremely harmful to your family and pets. Today, there are many eco-friendly alternatives to toxic furniture polishes that will leave your home clean and spotless.

CLEANING SOLUTION.  For furniture and floors made out of wood, vinyl, plastic, metal and other surfaces, try using a neutral pH, non-abrasive, non-toxic furniture polish that is free of phosphates, chlorine, DEA and petroleum ingredients, such as ECOMAIDS ® Multi-Surface Cleaner.

Learn More: To learn more about ECOMAIDS methods of cleaning and cleaning products:

 

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]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/the-non-toxic-alternative-to-cleaning-your-furniture.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-107547Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Clean and Sanitize Your Toilet Bowl Without the Toxins]]>Have you noticed that almost all toilet bowl cleaners and deodorizers come with instructions telling you to “make sure there is plenty of ventilation” and to “open all windows and doors” when cleaning your bathroom?  That’s because most toilet bowl cleaners contain numerous (too many to list here) highly-volatile and noxious chemicals that are carcinogenic, toxic if inhaled, can be damaging to internal tissue and are severe irritants to the skin, eyes and throat.   There are plenty of alternatives to these harmful chemicals that clean and deodorize toilets without exposing your family to these harmful effects.

CLEANING SOLUTION.  For cleaning and sanitizing the inside and outside of toilets, try using a peroxide-based cleaner, such as ECOMAIDS ® Peroxide Cleaner and Deodorizer.

Learn More: To learn more about ECOMAIDS methods of cleaning and cleaning products:

 

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]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/how-to-clean-and-sanitize-your-toilet-bowl-without-the-toxins.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-107549Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Clean and Sanitize Your Tub and Tiles Without The Toxins]]>Tub and tile cleaners contain many of the same highly-volatile and noxious chemicals as toilet bowl cleaners with the added direction to “let the product sit for a few minutes before rinsing.”  Meaning, more time for your home’s air quality to diminish while your family’s exposure increases.  As with toilet bowl cleaners, there are plenty of alternatives to these harmful cleaners that do not expose your family to the harmful effects.

CLEANING SOLUTION.  For cleaning and removing soap, water and mineral stains from tubs, tile and grout, try a non-toxic, non-fuming, cleaner such as ECOMAIDS ® Tub and Tile Cleaner.

Learn More: To learn more about ECOMAIDS methods of cleaning and cleaning products:

 

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]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/how-to-clean-and-sanitize-your-tub-and-tiles-without-the-toxins.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-107551Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Make Your Daily Household Products Green]]>We work with a lot of families who love that we use green cleaning products to make their home shine. But after we leave, they want to continue doing their part to create a home that is better for the environment and their community. While it may not be realistic to redo all of the products in your house and turn them into more eco-friendly solutions, there are small differences you and your family can make to impact the environmental health of your community.

  • Drink certified organic coffee. When you purchase certified organic coffee for your morning brew, you are getting grounds that came from a farm that was certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as using sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Bring your own cup. If you drink coffee or tea on the go, bring your own reusable cup to the coffee shop. Your thoughtfulness will avoid wasting cardboard and plastic on the to-go cups so often given at coffee shops, and will also reduce the local garbage stream.
  • Print double. When you are printing papers at home or the office, save a few trees by printing on both sides of the page instead of just one.
  • Turn off electronics. You may not have all high efficiency products in your home, but remembering to simply turn your electronics to the sleep or off position can help you save money and be a little bit greener.

Every small step makes a cumulative difference over a year—or a decade. With these easy tips, you can make your home a little bit more eco-friendly and do your part to reduce the impact on the environment.

Get everyone in your household on board. Teach your family by example—and by explaining to them the benefits of making the switch to a more green way of living.

]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/how-to-make-your-daily-household-products-green.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-102403Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three Tips for Eco-Friendly Cleaning for Pets]]>Your pets are like members of your family. And while you love them dearly, they can be a source of quite a few messes in your home. From soiling the carpet to tracking in dirt across your freshly cleaned floors, pets are a loveable mess at times. Just like your family, you want a way to clean up after them that will not damage their health—but will also leave your home sparkling and looking as if no pets lived there at all.

Here are three environmentally friendly cleaning tips to help you clean up the messes left by your four-legged family member.

  1. Clean up pet hair. Pet hair can contain dander—dried skin cells—which is a potential allergen for many people. Asthma and other respiratory ailments are common results. To clean up pet hair regularly, use a high-powered vacuum cleaner with an effective filtration system. The cleaner can suck up pet hair while also leaving the air quality of your home free from dust and dander.
  2. Don’t mask bad smells. Even the best-trained pets can occasionally have a lapse in their house training. When pets have elimination accidents in your home, you face two problems: stains and odors. Some people choose spraying chemicals from an aerosol to mask the smells. However, this does not eliminate the soiled mess. Instead, clean up the mess using all-natural cleaning products and eliminate the smell that way.
  3. Remove pet stains without toxins. When a pet causes carpet or furniture to stain, you do not need to turn to harsh chemicals to remove the discoloration. Instead, use a gentler all-natural solution—or even some club soda—to blot out the stain left by your pet. This way your home is not contaminated by chemicals and can be left clean and safe.

If you have a pet as a family member, make sure you keep a clean home with regular residential cleaning appointments from ECOMAIDS. We will help you to keep your furry friends safe with green cleaning solutions and your family breathing clean, dander-free air with our specialized cleaning methods. Contact us today for more information.

]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/three-tips-for-eco-friendly-cleaning-for-pets.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-102402Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to Encourage Eco-friendly Living in Your Home]]>At ECOMAIDS, each of our locations lives by a green philosophy not only at work but also outside of work. Therefore, we have made it our commitment to helping the environment wherever we can, with whatever we do.

Now, we are ready to pass our tips on to you. As a homeowner, you have likely wondered how you can make small changes to help make your community a better place. The following are three tips to help encourage environmentally friendly living in your house.

  1. Use reusable grocery bags. Tote bags are one of the most popular items in stores today. Using them can dramatically decrease the amount of plastic you put into the environment each time you go to the grocery store. Next time you leave to go grocery shopping, avoid the plastic bags and bring your own tote bag.
  2. Start a compost pile. This is a fun task for the entire family. Instead of tossing out vegetable and fruit scraps, toss them into a compost pile in the backyard. Then, when it is ready, use your compost pile to help create a healthier garden. By doing this as a family you can educate your children about the benefits of living a green lifestyle while doing something fun.
  3. Wash clothes in cold water. According to the Worldwatch Institute, as much as 85 percent of the energy used to wash clothes goes into heating the water. When you wash your clothes in cold water, you can significantly cut the amount of energy used. While this may not always be possible, for regular cleanings it is a good way to get your clothes sanitary without needing excessively hot water.

If you want more tips on how make a more eco-friendly home, contact us today!

]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/how-to-encourage-eco-friendly-living-in-your-home.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-102406Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Three Reasons the Green Franchise Industry Has Taken Off]]>When we started ECOMAIDS, we did so with the intent of making a small difference for our families and our community. This, we quickly learned, was not far from the hearts and minds of consumers and entrepreneurs around the nation.

People have an inherent desire to help one another and to leave a positive impact on their neighborhoods and cities. For this reason, environmentally friendly living trends have taken off. At the same time, environmentally friendly franchise opportunities has prospered as well.

The following are three reasons why this industry in particular has seen the expansion and growth that it has:

  • Entrepreneurs want to start something that people need. The first thing that people do who are looking to start a business or take advantage of a franchise opportunity is take a look at the market. With more and more emphasis on the importance of living an eco-friendly lifestyle, green franchise opportunities fulfill unmet needs in communities across the country. People look to these franchise owners for help living a cleaner and more eco-friendly lifestyle.
  • Entrepreneurs want to make a difference. When an environmentally friendly franchise opens up in a community, it immediately has an impact on the overall wellbeing of the people who live in that area. Water supplies are cleaner, less waste enters the trash stream, and people are exposed to far fewer chemicals. This allows entrepreneurs to make small positive differences every time they go to work.
  • Entrepreneurs want to make money. Starting a business is difficult and time is valuable. Therefore, entrepreneurs want to enter into an industry or franchise that will give them the opportunity to also earn a comfortable living so that they can support their family.

ECOMAIDS has helped people who have wanted for years the opportunity to open an eco-friendly business. If you are interested in getting started in the exciting green cleaning industry and make a difference in your community, contact us today for an information kit so you can see if this opportunity is right for you.

]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/three-reasons-the-green-franchise-industry-has-taken-off.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-102331Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Eco-Friendly Sanitization Tips for Offices During Flu Season]]>Flu season seems to plague offices around the country. According to the National Institute of Health, five to twenty percent of Americans get the flu each year.

In offices, illness is passed from one employee to the other with ease because of the close proximity in an enclosed environment. This can have a direct impact on your business’s bottom line, as well as on the overall well-being of your employees.

To help, many businesses are turning to green cleaning solutions for their office. By using all-natural cleaning products and equipment that promotes better air quality and more sanitary workspaces, your office can lower the risk of infection among employees.

You can also help. Here are a few tips for your office to prevent the spread of germs and keep your employees healthier this flu season.

  • Encourage hand washing. By hanging friendly reminders and making a public statement about the importance of hand washing, you can encourage this behavior from your employees. This can help stop the spread of germs when colleagues and customers shake hands.
  • Keep the common areas clean. Regular cleaning of the kitchen, break rooms, bathrooms, and office equipment can help to keep surfaces sanitary and reduce the likelihood of germs being spread from one person to another. To help, employees should be advised to always clean up after themselves in the common areas.
  • Avoid sharing common items. Sharing items—such as mugs, cups, pens, and staplers—can also lead to the spread of germs. Because these items are not always sanitized after each use, employees can share more than just the item itself: they can also share their illness.
  • Use green cleaning equipment. Environmentally friendly cleaning goes beyond the solutions that are used. With green cleaning products, such as microfiber dishcloths instead of sponges, offices can avoid using materials that are a breeding ground for germs and keep their space more sanitary.

As flu season approaches, ECOMAIDS encourages you to go green and go sanitary so that you can maintain a healthy workplace without the risk of illness-causing germs infesting your office space, making your employees sick.

]]>http://www.ecomaids.com/blog/eco-friendly-sanitization-tips-for-offices-during-flu-season.cfmwww.ecomaids.com-102330Wed, 09 Jan 2013 00:00:00 EST