I went to the grocery store and bought all the different types of cleaners, the orange stuff, regular blue cleaner, anything that might clean the fogginess away. I was desperate and nothing worked. Finally, in despair and not even thinking it would work, I went back to the way I had seen a friend clean a window years ago. It worked and the windows were saved.

1. This window was a good candidate for this cleaning method. It had flux on it, silver marker which is hard to clean and mold and mildew that grew when an artist friend had to leave it to sit for a long period in a damp environment due to health problems.

2. Start with a liberal application of your favorite cleanser. You’ll need more than you think to absorb all the mess and get everything clean.

3. Use a hard bristle brush to scrub the window. A wallpaper brush can be used but we find a good cleaning brush is best.

4. As you scrub you’ll find that the cleanser breaks down into fine particles. Just sweep them into a pile and scrub in the area where the pile is. And move the pile around the window in a methodical pattern. Add more cleanser as you need it.

5. In each section, on each piece of glass you need to brush in all directions. Back and forth,

6. Up and down,

7. And side to side. It also helps to use circular scrubbing motions. Before long, your arm will be feeling like it wants to fall off. Don’t despair, just keep going over the entire window, one piece of glass at a time, getting it clean and moving on to the next.

8. As you clean, you’ll notice that the cleanser turns from white to gray because its picking up debris and a fine layer of lead. So it’s a good idea to wear a dust mask and do this in a well ventilated area.

9. The window fairly glistens from the scrubbing, but it’s covered with cleanser dust.

10. In the summer, we just hose the panel off, in the winter we wet it down with rags and buckets of water. The secret is to wash it several times or flood it with a lot of water.

Here is the cleaned panel. We applied patina after the cleaning process above and then cleaned the window again using the method we described in last months newsletter, it takes a lot of effort and elbow grease to clean using this method, but the results are worth it.

For pictures that go with this article go to http://www.betterstainedglass.com/Newsletter/Archives/2006Nov-heavyclean/heavyclean.htm

For more articles on stained glass visit http://www.gommstudios.com/stained-glass-articles/articles.htm

David Gomm started building stained glass windows professionally back in 1983 and has become an expert at many aspects of stained glass building, design and repair. He writes a monthly newsletter at his better stained glass website.

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http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Clean-a-Really-Dirty-Stained-Glass-Window&id=369084

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Scraping

Over time, dirt, grime, and other deposits can cloud the glass in your home’s windows and actually damage the glass. In some cases, paint drops mar the glass’ surface. Tree sap can drip onto the glass and harden. Eventually, these deposits become more difficult to remove and start to etch into the glass. When you start your window cleaning routine, you should first go over the windows with a razor blade to scrape off paint and other residue. This will help you avoid spending time later scrubbing at these hard to remove spots when you wash the windows with a cleaning solution.

Water Spot Removal

Rain water, sprinklers, and off spray from the garden hose can lead to the formation of water spots on your windows. And the longer you let them sit, the more difficult they become to remove. You can purchase products specifically designed to remove water spots for your windows, or you can mix a solution of water and white vinegar together. Apply the cleaning solution to areas affected by water spots and scrub.

Clean the Glass

After all hard deposits and water spots have been removed from the windows, it is time to actually wash the windows. When washing outdoor windows, you may want to use your garden hose to spray all excess dirt and grime of the windows and siding of your home. Then, you can use your favorite glass cleaner to get your windows to sparkle. Be sure to use a dry towel on your final wipe down to avoid streaks.

Apply a Sealant or Protector

The final step of the cleaning process is to apply a glass sealant or protectant to your windows to prevent water spots from reforming on the glass.

Learn about an Los Angeles window replacement and Orange County shower door company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_M_Morris
http://EzineArticles.com/?Heavy-Duty-Cleaning-Tips—How-to-Clean-Your-Homes-Windows&id=2961421

Technorati Tags: cleaning glass, cleaning tips, cleaning windows

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Choose upgrade products wisely
If you already have enclosures installed in the bathroom and want to opt for the glass shower enclosures then choose an upgrade product wisely. Ideally, you want to opt for one where the glass looks newer and sparkly for longer. These specialized glasses have certain compounds and surface products applied to them inside the factory itself. Thus, the glass is provided this unique characteristic during the production phase itself. This advanced technology implies that in the long term, you will require very little in terms of maintenance or cleaning. In such special glasses, all that is really needed to keep them clean is a little water spray!

How to clean
In order to keep your glass shower enclosures looking cleaner for longer you need to use a spray bottle filled with clean water. Just spray the water along the glass. Then use a clean and dry as well as soft cloth to wipe the surface. While the water will certainly clean the glass, you do not want the droplets to form unsightly patterns on the glass! This is why wiping the glass dry is essential.

When to use soap solution
The ideal frequency for using soap solution on glass shower enclosures is once in a month. You can use a regular sponge for this purpose. Usually, the enclosure will come with a kit that includes such a sponge. Take the sponge and dip it into the soap solution. Make sure the soapy water is a little warm. This way, the grime accumulated will easily come off. Then rub across the glass in a downward fashion with the sponge. Rinse with plain water and then wipe dry with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

Stain removal techniques
Glass shower enclosures require stain removal treatments semi-annually. There are special stain removal products available in the market, which do the job just fine. These are good for especially tough spots and stains, which do not come off with just water or soap solution.

Revitalization of the glass
After a period of extended wear and tear, the glass shower enclosures will need some revitalizing. You can understand when this treatment is needed when the water stops beading on the glass. By investing in pre-treated glass shower enclosures you save on cleaning and maintenance time.

At http://www.vigoindustries.com we specialize in providing you the best glass shower enclosures in the market. Our specially treated glass, unique designs and variety of compact shapes make our products the preferred choice!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lena_Kavhovsky
http://EzineArticles.com/?Glass-Shower-Enclosures—Easy-Cleaning-Tips-For-Your-Glass-Shower-Enclosures&id=1853967

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Your Quick Guide to Housekeeping Cleaning

Before you start cleaning your house, identify certain tasks in each room. Make a checklist of your cleaning priorities and have a home organizing plan.

Every home deserves quality house cleaning. But before you start cleaning your house, identify certain tasks in each room. Make a checklist of your cleaning priorities and have a home organizing plan.

Follow a routine when you clean. Start at the back and work your way to the front of the house. Go from top to bottom in each room. Below are some cleaning tips to help you get the most of your time and effort.

Kitchen Cleaning

•Start with the top of the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets.

•Use stainless steel cleaner for your sink. Rub it with a dry cloth to make it shine.

•Wipe kitchen counters.

•Do not forget to clean behind and underneath the refrigerator and oven.

•Use a good oven cleaner to remove grease and overflows from your oven.

•At least once a month, remove everything from your refrigerator and freezer and clean them from inside.

•Clean your microwave oven with water, mild detergent and a sponge. Wipe clean and dry.

Bathroom Cleaning

•First, start with the bathtub and shower and make sure they are mold free.

•Second, clean the toilet, then the sink and areas around them.

•Finish with mopping the bathroom floor.

•Choose ammonia based multi-purpose cleaner to efficiently remove dirt and grease, while minimizing smearing or streaking. This kind of product works on multiple surfaces such as tile walls, ceramic fixtures, mirrors, and shower head, leaving them clean and shiny.

Dusting and Vacuuming

Dust is composed human skin cells, dirt and fabric fibers. Dust collects on every surface, causing scratching and damage to household surfaces.

•You need to dust weekly. First choose the right dusting tool for your job. Vacuum cleaner is simple to use and remove dust without spreading it around into the air.

•To clean the dust in small corners, and irregular spaces, get a good feather duster to avoid scratching the surfaces, especially delicate figurines. It is a great option for quick dusting places like shelves without moving everything.

Window Cleaning

You need to clean windows once a month. There are many different glass cleaning products on the market to choose from. Use an effective professional-type cleaner to get rid of dirt, grease and grime. It is ideal to use on any glass surfaces and leaves a clean, fresh fragrance.

•Remove any excess dirt before washing your windows.

•Clean in a pattern. If you are cleaning the outside and inside, work side to side on the inside and top to bottom on the outside. This will help you see if any side has any streaks left.

Mopping Floors

Use two mopping buckets. One filled with cleaning solution and the other with clear water to rinse your mop. This will help you keep the cleaning solution clear for longer time, because all the dirt will be washed in the water bucket.

After you finish cleaning:

•Remove the sheets from the beds and use fresh ones.

•Freshen up your home by using natural air refreshers or scented candles.

•Relax!

Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

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Cleaning the Healthy Way: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

With the many advances in technology, one fabulous development is the microfiber cleaning cloth. The advantages of these are many, and the result is a clean home with a minimized need for cleaning products. This in turn creates a higher quality of indoor air pollution, costs less, and is better for the environment.

What is microfiber? It is a very fine synthetic (man made) fiber that can be woven into fabrics. It allows fabrics to hang and handle as they naturally would, but with the added benefits of washing better, breathing better, and repelling or retaining water better, depending on the purpose. Microfibers are made from in acrylic, nylon, polyester, and rayon forms. For cleaning, microfiber cleaning cloths can often be used alone or with small amounts of cleaning products. When designed for cleaning, microfiber cleaning cloths can retain moisture much better, which means fewer trips to the sink. It also means that cleaning up spills takes much less effort, as the microfiber cleaning cloth can absorb more liquid than a typical sponge.

Microfiber cleaning cloths can also hold dust and dirt better. These cleaning cloths naturally hold dust, debris, and other small particles. One problem with traditional dusting, for example, is that many cleaning products such as feathers or lambs wool dusters tend to spread as much dust around the air as they do pick it up. For people with asthma or allergies, this creates a problem. No one wants to breathe excess dust in the air, and very few people are interested in waiting until the dust settles to enjoy their home. If an allergy or asthma problem is more serious, combining a microfiber cleaning cloth with a light dusting spray directly on the cloth can minimize dust particles getting into the air even more.

Because these cleaning cloths can be used with little or no cleaning products, they are also great for a home with small children and are better for the environment. Many of these specialty sponge cloths can be cleaned are reused, so there is less to throw away. Also good for the landfill, fewer cleaning products means fewer containers are put in the garbage.

Microfiber cleaning cloths come in a variety styles for different purposes. Some are designed for very careful cleaning needs, such as those used for high tech tools including coated surfaces like those on computer screens, laptops, TVs, and others. When using cleaning cloths for these purposes, extra care is required. Follow the packaging directions for washing and caring of the cleaning cloths, as this will ensure that the microfiber cleaning cloths continue to perform as directed and do not damage your equipment.

Other purposes for microfiber sponge cloths are much more heavy-duty. This is the wonderful thing about microfiber. It can be used for the most sensitive cleaning need to the heaviest duty. Many car enthusiasts choose these cleaning cloths because they work so well and do not damage the car parts. Microfiber cleaning cloths are idea for removing wax, detailing interiors, cleaning glass, and drying exteriors for a beautiful shine.

To clean with a microfiber cleaning cloth, follow the directions on the label. For the most part, with the exception of the highly sensitive cleaning situations mentioned above, you can use a microfiber cleaning cloth however you feel it will best suit your needs. For dusting, use the cleaning cloth dry or with a light spray of a dusting cleaner directly on the cloth. For cleaning kitchens and bathrooms, you’ll probably want to use the cloth wet, either with or without a cleaning agent. For fixtures, you can use the cloth dry, and add a little bit of “elbow grease” to create a beautiful shine. The added benefit here is that you can shine your fixtures without having to worry about water drips drying and leaving marks. The cloths also allow you to grab each end and work around tight spots rather than trying to squeeze a sponge into the same area. What versatility!

Some microfiber cleaning cloths are designed in such a way that they can be used for multiple purposes, such as cleaning dishes, walls, sinks, or fixtures. These allow you to clean in a variety of areas without having to purchase multiple tools. The many uses of microfiber cleaning cloths can significantly cut costs on other wipes, sponges, and cloths all marketed for a different purpose. The truth is, with a good microfiber cleaning cloth, you can cover many of your cleaning needs with just one product.

by Vincent Platania

Fuller Brush Products

In business since 1906, Fuller Brush has been offering families high-quality household products for nearly a century. Fuller Brush natural cleaning products are environmentally friendly.

Visit http://www.fuller-brush-products.com

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Vinegar To Clean Hardwood Floors – Does It Work?

When you have attractive hardwood floors, you want to keep them looking new without spending a fortune on special cleaning products. Is there a way of cleaning hardwood floors without using smelly and expensive chemicals? Yes! In many cases you can use vinegar to clean hardwood floors. Its an inexpensive and effective way to keep your hardwood floors looking clean and new.

What’s wrong with using commercial cleaning products for hardwood floors? Besides their expense, many of them contain harmful chemicals, which you don’t want to expose your family to. They can leave an oily residue on top of your floors and ruin their lustrous shine. Some cleaners may actually strip the sealing from your hardwood floors and make them more vulnerable to stains and warping.

One way around these problems is to use all-natural vinegar to clean hardwood floors. You may be aware of other uses for vinegar – cooking, deodorizing, and cleaning glass, to name a few – but you can also use vinegar to clean hardwood floors and keep them looking shiny and new.

Before you start mopping your floors, be sure to perform some preventative maintenance to keep them in good condition. Start by dust-mopping often, since dirt tends to scratch hardwood floors and make them appear duller. Also, remember to wipe up spills as soon as they happen to avoid stains and warping. As with any cleaning product though, make sure to test a small inconspicuous area to make sure the cleaning solution won’t damage your floors. It’s also a good idea to start with a more diluted solution. There are a variety of different finishing products for hardwood flooring so make sure the cleaning product you choose is right for your floor.

When you’re ready to clean, just mix one-half cup of vinegar with one gallon of warm water. You may want to adjust the ratio of vinegar to water if you find that it’s not cleaning as well as you would like. Use this solution to mop your floors as normal with a damp (not wet) mop or cloth, taking extra care to not leave any standing puddles of liquid. Allow the floor to dry naturally, or use a floor dryer to speed up the process.

Hardwood floors require some special care, but using vinegar to clean hardwood floors might make buying special cleaning products unnecessary. You can find vinegar in any grocery store, it’s inexpensive, and it can actually remove odors from your home. You may even find that using vinegar to clean hardwood floors will leave your floors looking better than those expensive cleaners ever did.

Visit us for more information on types of hardwood floors, hardwood flooring installation and how to install bamboo hardwood floors.

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