Looking After Your Jacuzzi

 Special Surfaces, Uncategorized
Dec 212010
 

It’s great having your own Jacuzzi at home – like having your own private spa in the garden! But it’s important that you take care of it properly so you can continue to enjoy it for years to come. You need to maintain the tub surface, filter and hidden plumbing. Use proper cleaning equipment as this will keep your costs down in the long run. Make sure you have some household bleach, a soft sponge, Jacuzzi surface cleaner and filter solution handy before you start.

Probably the easiest bits of your Jacuzzi to clean are the external surfaces. Make sure you do this regularly to prevent a build up of grime. Get a proper cleaner from a spa supply store for the best results. First, empty out your Jacuzzi then apply the cleaner to all surfaces. Give it a bit of time to soak and dislodge the grime. Next, wipe off the cleaner using a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge, taking extra care around the jets. Use a cotton swab to reach the fiddly bits.

Equally important in Jacuzzi upkeep is to clean the insides. It’s a good idea to do this every 3 months or as often as your manufacturer recommends. When your Jacuzzi is full of warm water, dissolve 2 teaspoonfuls of detergent in it, then add half a cup of bleach. Switch on the Jacuzzi and run it until the water from the jets is clear. This usually takes a couple of minutes. Then drain the tub, fill it up with cold water and let it rinse for 5 minutes before draining again.

While you’re cleaning the insides, it’s also a good idea to clean the filter. This is easy to do – remove the filter and then use water from a hose to give it a good clean. Mix up a solution of water and filter cleaner, following the packet instructions. Soak the filter in the solution for the recommended time, then take the filter out of the water and give it a rinse with fresh water before you put it back into position in the Jacuzzi.

The above steps will help your Jacuzzi stay in great condition and let you get years of use out of it without affecting your warranty. It’s vital to give it a good clean as failure to do so can result in infections from contaminated water, which is caused when scum, dirt, skin cells and oil cause scales to form and bacteria begins to breed. A little bit of care and maintenance will go a long way to keeping you healthy and your Jacuzzi experience relaxing and fun.

How To Protect Your Monitor From Dust and Dirt

 Special Surfaces
Nov 142010
 

The screen is the display unit where all images are transmitted by the CPU so it’s an extremely integral part of the whole system. Screens are fragile because they are usually made of glass and they easily attract dust, dirt, and fingerprints . You may not even notice how dusty your monitor is until the light hits it a certain way.

A lot of people prefer the “quick fix” by using ammonia-based window wash and a paper towel. These solutions contain harsh chemicals that can damage the anti-glare treatment that your monitor was manufactured with. Using paper towels is not a good idea either as they scratch special coatings on the screen. They also leave small particles or residue on the screen. It is strongly recommended not to spray liquids near the air-cooling vents on your monitor because this can cause irreversible damage to the guts of your screen.

The best solution to this dilemma is by relying on monitor dust covers . Choose a cover that is made with high quality breathable material that can cover the side and rear of the monitor. Some people opt to use removable vinyl covers but since I live in a pretty dusty area, I choose something that is on the screen at all times. Yup it remains installed even while the monitor is in use.

An LCD monitor dust cover will protect your screen 24 hours a day and it has the ability to filter all incoming air to protect not only the external components but internal components as well. These covers are specifically designed to defend expensive screens from dust, chemicals, fingerprints and scratches. You can also be assured that no dust, debris, wood chips or other foreign matters can enter the cooling vents. It’s so easy to install, you can do it in less than one minute. Measure your monitor before purchasing a cover to make sure it fits and let you computer live dust free!

How to Clean a Ceiling Fan and Wall Sconce

 Special Surfaces
Oct 222010
 

It is vital that you clean your ceiling fans and wall sconces carefully. Most people do not take the time to properly clean these fixtures. If not cleaned the right way then you may slowly damage your expensive lighting fixtures. It is important to use the right type of cleaning products and tools. Take you time and do not rush your way through this task. It is also important to have a sturdy ladder or base to stand on. This will help avoid harm to your fixture and to you from falling to the floor. Try to have someone near by to help you stay safe and stable. Following the cleaning instructions given to you at the time of purchase it the best way to preserve these fixtures.

 

Metal parts of your lighting fixtures should be cleaned with a soft cloth. Moisten it with luke warm water and a mild soap solution. Carefully go over all metal parts very slowly and then look over your work. Use a dry soft cloth to dry and buff your wall sconce. It is important to never use a metal cleaning solution on a wall sconce or ceiling fan. These polishes contain abrasives that may harm the finish on these delicate lighting fixtures.

 

If you ceiling fan or wall sconce has any wood components then wood polish is fine. Avoid getting any of the wood polish on the metal part of the fixture. Wipe away any residue that is left behind from the polish. This will help avoid any damage to the glass and metals surfaces. Glass surfaces can be cleaned carefully in a sink. Lay a thick towel at the bottom of the sink and fill with warm water. Next add a bit of mild cleaning solutions and wipe carefully. Quickly dry and reattach all glass fixtures.

 

Your ceiling fans and wall sconces will look just like new after using these cleaning methods. Cleaning should be done weekly to monthly depending on the amount of dust that normally accumulates in its environment.

Ten Tips For Cleaning Wood Furniture

 Special Surfaces
Oct 182010
 

1. Most wooden furniture can be cleaned with a bit of warm soapy water and a damp cloth.  The only exception is wood that has been finished with something other than polyurethane or hasn’t been finished at all. Use a mild soap of the sort you use for washing hands rather than a harder laundry soap.

2. Never use the method described above for French polished wooden furniture – this has not been treated with polyurethane!  Dust frequently to keep it shining and keep water well away.  If you really need to, use straight beeswax to polish it.  Dust before you polish and rub the beeswax straight onto the wood, then buff with a soft cloth. You can use the same method for putting a gentle shine on your fingernails, if you want to.

3. Untreated wood can be cleaned with a home-made polish of blended oil (use olive oil or some other vegetable oil – the cricketer’s favourite, linseed oil, is a winner) and a little white vinegar. Add essential oil if you like. As usual, apply with a soft cloth and buff with another one.

4. When you dust, make sure the cloth is slightly damp. This will trap the dust and take it away rather than merely pushing it around, which can scratch the wood surface. Remember to rinse out the duster frequently. Old-fashioned feather dusters work well.

5. Very special wooden items should be kept out of direct sunlight, as UV rays will attack the finish on the wood. The UV will also bleach the wood. However, this may be an advantage for lighter coloured unfinished items.

6. Very special wooden items should not be too dry. This can become a problem with items in modern homes with high quality ventilation, heating, dehumidification, and all the rest. An old musician’s trick is to put a jar of water inside an upright piano to provide it with the moisture the wood needs. Special hydrators (try a good music shop) can also be used inside cases for guitars, violins and the like. Keeping up regular damp-dusting also works, to a certain extent. Additionally, keep wooden furniture away from strong dry heat.

7. If dark wood gets scratched, hide the mark by dabbing on iodine, instant coffee mixed with vegetable oil, or a brown wax crayon. Simple but very effective!

8. If you have an old-fashioned Scandinavian style raw pine kitchen table, don’t use boiling water to scrub it down during the house cleaning process unless you want the wood to turn slightly yellow. Scrub it with cold water and soap. However, boiling water is a very effective steriliser and you may consider this factor worth a bit of yellowing. You can always counteract the yellowing effect, dry the table and sterilize it even further by putting the table in strong sunshine for a bit and letting the UV rays do their thing.

9. You do use coasters on coffee tables and other tables to protect the finish, don’t you? One trick is to get a piece of glass cut to fit over the top of the wood. No problems with heat marks, everyone can see the wood and it’s a breeze to clean.

10.  Linseed oil can be applied to any wooden furniture to help seal in moisture so it doesn’t dry out too much. Apply sparingly to clean, dry furniture. Sports shops are good places to find linseed oil.

Instructions On How To Care For Copper Sinks

 Special Surfaces
Sep 282010
 

Genuine Mexican hammered copper sinks are all produced from just a single piece of a cut copper plate that is pressed, hammered, and heated until a beautifully shaped sink is created. Before these copper sinks are displayed, they are patinated to safeguard the surface against the elements. The patina is what gives copper sinks their distinctive appearance. As with many other types of furnishings, copper sinks do require some care and maintenance.

Caring for and maintaining a copper sink is really not a difficult job at all. Keep in mind that a copper finish is an ever-changing finish and doesn’t really stay the same in terms of color, even with proper care. The patina treatment slows down these changes to the color and the finish. The slower your copper sink ages, the more beautiful it will be.

For basic care and maintenance, all you have to do is use mild soap and water on a day-to-day basis. Use a soft fabric microfiber towel or sponge as you apply mild soap and water to your copper sink. Gently clean, rinse, and wipe dry. If you want to maintain a shiny copper finish, you may opt for a copper cleaner. However, it is important that you avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals such as vinegar, lemon juice, or chlorine, as these can cause obvious damage to the surface of your sink.

If you have hard water in your home then wipe your sink clean after every use. This is so water spotting doesn’t occur. To further protect the surface of your sink, consider applying a very thin layer of wax to your copper sink. A premium wax produced for copper plumbing surfaces will prevent the accumulation of mineral and soap deposits on the surface. Keep an eye on your sink to know when to apply another layer of wax. Usually, if you notice that water no longer beads on the surface, it’s time to re-apply. You can find this wax at your local hardware store.

Research has indicated that copper will kill bacteria faster than stainless steel, chrome, or porcelain. However, also take into account how often your copper sink is being used. If a lot of people in your home are sharing one copper sink, or if you have a copper sink in your kitchen, then it might be a good idea to use a good bacteria fighting cleaner on your sink about once a week. The patina finish of a copper kitchen sink is probably not going to handle acidic foods such as tomatoes, lemons, pineapple, mustard, or vinegar very well, so always remember to wash your sink immediately after this type of use. Make sure you use a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

Caring for and maintaining a copper sink is not a complicated job as long as you and other members of the household know how to do it the right way.

Sealing Your Concrete Is Imperative

 DIY Repairs, Housing Exteriors, Special Surfaces
Sep 182010
 

Why use  concrete paint? Because concrete houses have to be sealed with something to prevent normal wear from eroding the building. Concrete sealers make concrete structures impassable even for the smallest substance. This is especially important when it comes to water particles. Unsealed concrete can have leaks and be eroded eventually, even if you can’t find these cracks of leaks.

Concrete sealers are usually flooring films that are used to cover and guard the actual concrete. Concrete sealers prevent damaged caused by water, chemical substances, real estate agents, and other items. Lastly concrete sealers lessen the likelihood of drinking water and dirt getting through to the concrete. For this reason, many use e-poxy concrete sealers.

Concrete sealers come in two types – film formers and penetrates. Film formers decrease the transmission of water and impurities simply by creating a gap on top of the concrete. Penetrates concrete sealers permeate into the concrete and raise the water repellence factor. Unlike film formers, penetrates don’t have any kind of shine. Which concrete sealer you select depend on two factors: what you want the top to look like and what the purpose of the concrete is, therefore how much wear it will recieve. If you are searching for a sparkly or polished finish, film formers could be the choice. Alternatively, should you be looking for the flat finish, make use of a penetrate concrete sealer.

What about spills? Unsightly stains on concrete tend to be acid spills. Concrete surfaces can be blown and smoothed. Different patterns can be produced on top. Also any kind of imperfections on the surface could very easily be made invisible by concrete staining.

Concrete plugging and concrete staining are two methods for fixing concrete surfaces. “Cure and seal” products execute both methods at once. This may be beneficial — just make sure to read the manufacturers label prior to applying any kind of product on the concrete surface.

Any time you do on work on your concrete be sure to have protective clothes, a rigid brush, a water pail, eye protection, concrete sealer, neoprene rubberized baseball gloves, the color roller, a fan, and a protective mask that covers both your nasal and mouth area. Ensure the surface of your concrete is actually clean before you apply the concrete sealer. The surface should be oil and dirt free. Use a concrete cleaning solution to clean a floor. Apply the solution, follow the setting directions, and then rinse the surface. Test the actual concrete sealer on a small inconspicuous part of the floor before applying it to the whole floor.

When applying the actual concrete sealer use the concrete sealer with a method color roller that has an extra long handle. Make use of a paint brush to fill in the ends. The theory is to obtain a thin and also even coating over the entire surface. Allow the concrete sealer to dry and set. This might take an hour or two.  Be sure you clean yourself properly following the method and dispose of all extra cleaning and staining products.

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