Как почистить тэн: как снять его с бойлера, удалить отложения народными средствами, убрать бытовой химией?

Как и чем почистить ТЭН водонагревателя самостоятельно?

Специалисты настаивают, что чистка бойлера, независимо от его типа и особенностей конструкции, должна проводиться как минимум один раз год. При использовании очень жесткой воды со множеством смесей – даже чаще. Если пренебречь данной манипуляцией, внутренняя часть емкости и ТЭН (нагревательный элемент конструкции) покроются слоем накипи, который будет препятствовать нормальной работе прибора и даже может привести к его поломке.

Вопреки распространенному мнению, для проведения профилактической чистки бойлера не обязательно вызывать специалиста. Даже в домашних условиях детали аппарата можно восстановить быстро и без риска снижения его функциональности.

Как правильно слить воду и подготовить аппарат?

Перед тем, как приступать к чистке, бойлер необходимо освободить от воды. Проще всего это сделать, если устройство расположено над ванной или под него можно поставить объемную емкость. Хорошо, когда ТЭН вкручен прямо в бак, его можно вытащить одновременно со сливанием жидкости. В некоторых моделях для извлечения элемента приходится откручивать многочисленные гайки, тогда бойлер заблаговременно опустошаем.

Алгоритм слива воды всегда выглядит следующим образом:

1. Прибор отключаем от сети и перекрываем кран подачи воды (на трубе).
2. Перекрываем кран, отвечающий за подачу холодной воды, расположенный возле нагревателя. После этого на ближайшем смесителе пускаем воду, чтобы стекла горячая.
3. К сливному штуцеру крепим трубку, направляем ее в канализацию, спускаем воду, открыв кран.

В случае отсутствия кранов и штуцеров всю жидкость можно слить через предохранительный клапан. Главное, действовать осторожно и последовательно, чтобы не обжечься и не спровоцировать аварию.

Советы по разборке конструкции и чистке мокрого ТЭНа

Перед тем, как начнется чистка бойлера, приспособление необходимо разобрать, вытащив ТЭН. Для этого сначала снимаем декоративную пластину, прикрывающую контакты и место закрепления элемента. Она может быть привинчена винтами или зафиксирована на защелках. Добравшись до внутренних элементов, их рекомендуется сфотографировать, чтобы не было проблем с последующим восстановлением системы.

Отсоединяем все контакты, после чего достаем ТЭН. Если чистка устройства от накипи не проводилась уже давно, действуем очень осторожно. Скопившаяся грязь может не позволить с легкостью извлечь нагревательный элемент. Дергать его не нужно, лучше постараться аккуратно расчистить отложения.

Совет: Добравшись до внутренностей конструкции, рекомендуется оценить состояние магниевого анода. Если он сильно истончился, то его следует заменить, не дожидаясь, пока элемент выйдет из строя.

В большинстве случаев слои накипи собираются именно на трубчатой детали, а внутри бака ее не так много. Достаточно пустить воду, чтобы вымыть из самого бойлера все ненужное. Если же таким образом почистить бойлер не удается, придется работать руками. Главное, не пытаться облегчить процесс путем использования агрессивных абразивов. Нужно использовать только проверенные практикой безопасные средства.

Чтобы почистить от слоя накипи сам ТЭН, необходимо провести следующие манипуляции:

1. Основную часть грязи счищаем механическим способом, используя нож или что-то подобное.
2. Далее в высоком стакане, изготовленном из пластиковой бутылки (просто срезаем горлышко) разводим лимонную кислоту. На 2 стандартных пакетика порошка около 2 л теплой воды.
3. ТЭН помещаем в эту конструкцию минимум на сутки. Этого времени будет достаточно, чтобы вся грязь сошла, а нагревательный элемент вернул свой первоначальный вид.

После проведения этих манипуляций можно собирать бойлер, испытывать его и подвергать дальнейшей эксплуатации.

Особенности чистки сухого ТЭНа

Сухой ТЭН – это особый аналог традиционного элемента, обладающий керамическим покрытием. Подход к его чистке в домашних условиях мало чем отличается от описанного выше, но все же обладает рядом нюансов:

• В данном случае чистка водонагревателя запрещает применение механического метода предварительной обработки. Появление даже мельчайших царапин на поверхности изделия может негативно сказаться на его функциональности.
• Для вымачивания предмета с целью удаления накипи можно применять не только лимонную кислоту, но и концентрированный уксусный раствор. Помимо этого, можно подобрать подходящий вариант бытовой химии из профильного магазина. Главное, не отклоняться от правил, изложенных в инструкции.

После завершения всех работ ТЭН промывается в чистой воде и устанавливается на свое место. Сушить его не нужно! Приспособление готово к дальнейшей работе.

Эффективные средства для устранения накипи в бойлере

Перед тем, как почистить бойлер внутри, необходимо определиться с подходящим чистящим средством. Оптимальным вариантом для удаления накипи и здесь считается лимонная кислота. Но концентрацию раствора для достижения необходимого эффекта рекомендуется повысить хотя бы в 2 раза. Не менее эффективны и профильные средства. Несмотря на слегка завышенную стоимость, подобные реагенты позволяют всего за один подход добиться желаемого результата.

Теперь нужно разобраться с тем, каким образом приготовленный состав окажется внутри приспособления, чтобы началась чистка бойлера. На практике все оказывается довольно просто:

• Сначала емкость опустошаем на треть через кран для горячей воды.
• Затем подсоединяем к сливному штуцеру шланг, по которому заливаем приготовленный раствор для растворения накипи. Проблем с этим не возникнет, если конец шланга будет расположен над устройством.
• После того, как состав будет залит, перекрываем все краны, чтобы масса могла подействовать на отложения. В зависимости от типа средства и интенсивности загрязнения раствор может находиться в емкости от нескольких часов до суток.
• Через необходимое время сливаем жидкость и тщательно промываем бойлер чистой водой.

Подобный вариант удаления накипи можно использовать и в тех случаях, когда нагревательный элемент в силу особенностей конструкции не удается извлечь. Тогда приспособление полностью снимается и все манипуляции проводятся точно так же, только разбирать аппарат не нужно. Эта хлопотная манипуляция может занять немало времени, особенно, если за время эксплуатации бойлера в нем скопилось немало грязи.

Своевременно и правильно проведенная чистка бойлера и его элементов позволяет увеличить срок службы приспособления, снизить риск его поломки, повысить функциональность.

90000 How to Clean Your Tongue: Three Proven Methods 90001 90002 We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. 90003 90002 Tongue cleaning has been practiced in the Eastern world for hundreds of years. Studies suggest that cleaning your tongue regularly can reduce unwanted mouth bacteria that can lead to bad breath, a coated tongue, plaque buildup, and other oral health conditions. 90003 90002 Some research says tongue scrapers are the most effective tool to use.However, you can also use toothbrushes and mouthwashes to clean your tongue. 90003 90002 Keep reading to learn more about these tongue cleaning methods, their benefits, and how to use them. 90003 90010 Best oral health practices 90011 90002 In addition to tongue cleaning, good oral health includes: 90003 90014 90015 brushing your teeth twice a day using a toothpaste with fluoride 90016 90015 flossing your teeth daily 90016 90015 eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet 90016 90015 visiting your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and an oral examination 90016 90023 90002 Both tongue scrapers and toothbrushes can eliminate bacteria on the tongue, but most studies have found that using a tongue scraper is more effective than using a toothbrush.90003 90002 A 2006 review examined two studies on tongue cleaning and bad breath and found that tongue scrapers and cleaners were more effective than toothbrushes in reducing the volatile sulfur compounds that cause breath odors. 90003 90002 Here’s how to clean your tongue using a tongue scraper: 90003 90030 90015 Select a tongue scraping instrument. This may be plastic or metal. It may be bent in half making a V shape or have a handle with a rounded edge at the top. Shop online for tongue scrapers.90016 90015 Stick out your tongue as far as you can. 90016 90015 Place your tongue scraper toward the back of your tongue. 90016 90015 Press the scraper on your tongue and move it toward the front of your tongue while applying pressure. 90016 90015 Run the tongue scraper under warm water to clear any debris and bacteria from the device. Spit out any excess saliva that may have built up during the tongue scraping. 90016 90015 Repeat steps 2 to 5 several more times. As needed, adjust your tongue scraper placement and the pressure you apply to it to prevent a gag reflex.90016 90015 Clean the tongue scraper and store it for the next use. You can scrape your tongue once or twice a day. If you gag during the process, you may want to scrape your tongue before eating breakfast to avoid vomiting. 90016 90045 90002 Although using a toothbrush may be less effective than using a tongue scraper, you may find it easier to use — especially if you’re already brushing your teeth twice a day. 90003 90002 Here’s how to clean your tongue with a toothbrush: 90003 90014 90015 Choose a soft-bristle toothbrush; shop for brushes online.90016 90015 Stick out your tongue as far as it will reach. 90016 90015 Position your toothbrush at the back of the tongue. 90016 90015 Brush lightly forward and backward along your tongue. 90016 90015 Spit out saliva that appears during the brushing and rinse out the toothbrush with warm water. 90016 90015 Clean your tongue as often as you brush your teeth. 90016 90023 90002 You may want to brush with 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 5 parts water once a day if your tongue is discolored. You should rinse your mouth out with water following this type of cleaning.90003 90002 Mouth rinses — especially when combined with toothbrushing — can help clean your tongue and other parts of your mouth. 90003 90002 Consider using a therapeutic mouthwash containing active ingredients to destroy bacteria in your mouth that may cause bad breath and other conditions. You can find mouthwashes over the counter or online. 90003 90002 You can also ask your doctor or dentist to prescribe one for you. Follow the mouthwash’s instructions for best oral care. 90003 90002 Several studies point to the benefits of cleaning your tongue: 90003 90010 Reduces sulfur compounds that cause bad breath 90011 90002 A 2004 study in the Journal of Periodontology concluded that using a tongue scraper helped reduce volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.A tongue scraper removed 75 percent of these compounds and a toothbrush removed 45 percent of them. 90003 90010 Reduces bacteria on the tongue 90011 90002 A 2014 study in BMC Oral Health found that tongue cleaning reduced bacteria on the tongue but that levels only stayed low if the tongue cleaning occurred regularly. The article concluded that you should both brush your teeth and clean your tongue regularly for good oral health. 90003 90010 Contributes to a fresher-feeling mouth 90011 90002 The American Dental Association does not equate tongue cleaning with the reduction of bad breath, but it does conclude that cleaning your tongue can contribute to a fresher-feeling mouth that you might enjoy.90003 90010 Reduces plaque 90011 90002 A 2013 study of plaque in children in the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry found that regular tongue cleaning by either a toothbrush or scraper reduced plaque levels. 90003 90010 May alter taste perceptions 90011 90002 Tongue cleaning may alter your taste perceptions, particularly of sucrose and citric acid, according to one study. 90003 90002 If you notice any unusual changes to your tongue, you should visit a doctor or dentist. For example, visit a doctor if your tongue: 90003 90002 Whether you use a tongue scraper, toothbrush, or oral mouth rinse, tongue cleaning is a good addition to your daily oral health practices.Cleaning your tongue once or twice a day may help you reduce bad breath and the risk of cavities as well as contribute to a clean-mouth feeling. 90003 90002 If you notice any unusual changes to your tongue, do not hesitate to talk to a doctor or a dentist. 90003.90000 How to Clean Your Apartment: 10 Simple Tips 90001 90002 At McKinley Apartments, we know that giving your apartment a major clean-out is never anyone’s favorite task. We always put it off as long as we can to avoid the stress of cleaning, making our apartment messier and messier until we do not even know where to start. 90003 90002 But taking on a major apartment cleaning does not have to be a nightmare. And it does not have to take up your entire weekend, either. We’ve compiled this list of helpful, proven tips of how to clean your apartment and make your apartment clean-out a more enjoyable, less stressful, and much quicker experience than you might have imagined.Put this checklist of ten tips to work for your next apartment clean out and you’ll have a sparkling clean apartment in no time at all. 90003 90006 How to Clean Your Apartment Fast 90007 90008 90009 1. Handle Clutter First 90010 90011 90002 The biggest thing keeping many people from tackling a major apartment cleaning project is that they do not know where to start. So let us make this easy for you-hit the clutter first. You want to start with the things that have a place somewhere in the apartment, but which have ended up forming piles on the floors and countertops throughout the apartment.90003 90002 If you clean up apartment clutter first and put your things where they belong, you’ll immediately feel more at ease in your apartment and feel as though you’ve already taken a major step to clean, organized bliss. De-cluttering first also makes it easier for deep cleaning and vacuuming later, as you will not have clutter and other items in your way. 90003 90008 90009 2. Clean and Put Away Dishes 90010 90011 90002 Once you’ve decluttered everything else, it’s time to move on to your kitchen.Those dishes that have been stacking up in the sink, growing who-knows-what on top of food stains? Now’s the time to get scrubbing. Unload your dishwasher, put all dishes away, and leave your sink and countertop clear. When you come back later for your kitchen cleaning and counter spray-down, you will not have a bunch of plates and bowls getting in your way. 90003 90002 It’s tempting to leave big projects like your dishes for last. But you’ll feel much better if you tackle them early on and get them out of the way before moving forward to the next phase.90003 90008 90009 3. Do a Garbage Sweep 90010 90011 90002 You’ve decluttered your apartment. You’ve cleaned the dishes you’ve been avoiding. Now it’s time to grab a garbage bag. Do a sweep through the home and empty all garbage cans, while also picking up any loose trash that might have ended up on the floor. Emptying trash cans is one of those tasks that’s constantly put off, as cans get more and more tightly stuffed and overflowing. Even if some of your bins are not full to the top, it will feel good to have a clean slate throughout your apartment.90003 90002 When you’re done, leave your garbage bag somewhere in your apartment where it’s accessible. As you clean, you’ll gather paper towels and other trash that can go straight into the bag before it’s tied off and put outside. 90003 90002 90033 90003 90008 90009 4. Gather Laundry 90010 90011 90002 This is the last part of our decluttering phase before we move to the actual spray-and-wipe, germ-fighting phase. Nobody likes doing laundry, but you might as well get it done while you’re in all-out cleaning mode.Plus, it will help you feel like absolutely everything is done once your day of cleaning is finished. Gather up all the laundry in your apartment, including that shirt you’ve worn four times that you insist does not have any stains, and throw on a load. This is a great step to start in the middle of your cleaning, as you can move on to other steps while loads are in the washer or dryer. 90003 90008 90009 5. Embrace All-Purpose Cleaner 90010 90011 90002 Are you ready to get serious? Because it’s time to move to Phase II.We’ve de-cluttered every inch of the house, cleaned up trash, done laundry, and scrubbed the dishes to perfection. Now it’s time to introduce you to a cleaner’s best friend. 90003 90002 All-purpose cleaner. It’s a wonderful thing. There are multiple brands available, and even some all-natural options, but what you want in essence is a spray cleaner that’s not specific to any one room. You want something you can use in the bathrooms, on the baseboards, on the countertops, the top of your stove, and literally anywhere else you want to wipe down.This will save you time and money swapping between multiple types of cleaners. Obviously certain tasks will require a dedicated cleaner, like the toilets. But an all-purpose cleaner can handle the rest. This is especially true when you’re completing a move out cleaning or looking to deep clean your apartment. 90003 90008 90009 6. Clean the Kitchen and Bathrooms First 90010 90011 90002 We recommend starting with your bathroom (s). Why? They’re the least pleasant part of the apartment to clean, and it will feel great to have them done.With that approach in mind, we also recommend starting with the least-pleasant part of the bathroom-the toilet. Clean the toilet first, then move to the floor, then the shower / bath, and finally hit the countertop and mirrors. 90003 90002 This is a good cleaning strategy generally-start with the least enjoyable parts of a task, then move to the most stress-free. You’ll feel like you’re knocking away stress as you go. 90003 90002 After your bathroom, head to the kitchen. Wipe down countertops, clean out the sink, and scrub out any stuck-on particles from your last cooking adventure.90003 90008 90009 7. Get Dusty 90010 90011 90002 Next up, it’s time to do some dusting. You can use an actual feather duster, paper towels, or our personal favorite from childhood chores-a sock over the hand. Do not forget to hit above doors, tops of baseboards, over cabinets, and in-between blinds. You do not necessarily need to use a dusting spray for this part. A good swipe with your cloth of choice should usually do the trick fairly well. That being said, if it’s been months since your last clean, a little extra firepower may be in order.90003 90008 90009 8. Vacuum, Vacuum, Vacuum 90010 90011 90002 The reason you dust before you vacuum is that a lot of that swept-off dust ends up on the floor. That’s when the vacuum comes in. Your vacuum can be your best friend, particularly if it has specific attachments like a brush-end attachment. This can help you gather dust, get into tight spaces, and vacuum up those little nooks and crannies around your apartment. Do not forget to make sure your vacuum bag has been emptied recently. If it’s full, you’ll just be moving dust and other items around-not actually vacuuming them up.90003 90008 90009 9. Make Cleaning Fun 90010 90011 90002 We know, we know. This sounds like something your mom would say to you as a kid to trick you into wanting to do chores. But cleaning really can be an enjoyable experience if you let it. Blast some music as you go. Throw some Netflix on your laptop and bring it around with you as you clean different rooms. It is possible to make your day of cleaning less than miserable, you just have to be a little creative. 90003 90002 Another way of giving yourself the motivation to get through it is to promise yourself a reward once you finish.Whether that’s a meal from your favorite restaurant or an hour to chill and do nothing at all, give yourself something to earn-and go earn it! 90003 90008 90009 10. Clean as You Go 90010 90011 90002 This last tip is not necessarily for your cleaning day, but will help your cleaning day be less of an undertaking. We highly recommend cleaning as you go throughout your life, doing small things over the course of the week so that you’re never stuck with a huge cleaning project all at once. Have five minutes to kill on a Tuesday? Wipe down the sink in your bathroom.Or quickly run the vacuum over your carpet in the living room. Hitting these small tasks during the week will keep them from piling up in one mega-cleaning day. 90003 90002 But if they pile up anyway, we hope these tips of how to clean your apartment will help you survive your ultimate apartment clean-out. And if you’re cleaning out your apartment because you’re ready to move on to a new place, we can help you get started on your apartment search today! 90086 90003 90002 90033 90003 .90000 10 Things to Clean After the Flu 90001 90002 I am happy to partner with HomeRight on this post. As always all opinions are 100% my own. 90003 90002 The flu bug definitely invaded our house these past couple of weeks — and it was a nasty one! I do not think that the kids have ever been down for so long or slept 90005 so 90006 many hours. They were literally in bed for days and did not even want to watch t.v. or go on their ipads {which is a BIG indicator of how sick they were!} 90003 90002 90009 90003 90002 I do not know about you, but I am always eager to give the house a good clean after we have had an illness.Kids are not pretty when they are sick {and for that matter, neither am I}, and I hate to think of all the germs and grime lingering around the house. Between the runny noses, missed trips to the toilet and constant coughing, the house was ready for a good clean! 90003 90002 90014 90003 90002 90017 Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies 90018 90003 90020 90021 90005 90017 Disinfectant 90018 90006 90026 90005 Store bought disinfectants or wipes 90006 — Be sure to follow instructions on the bottle for directions as it will need to sit on the surface for at least 1-2 minutes to take effect.Wipes may be an easier choice as you just wipe it on and let it air dry. 90026 90005 DIY «Green» Disinfectants 90006 — There are greener disinfecting cleaners that you can try as well although the efficacy may be 90005 slightly 90006 less and you will have to put in a little more scrubbing power. Try spritzing 3% hydrogen peroxide onto hard surfaces {I just add a spray top to the bottle} and spray onto hard surfaces. After allowing it to sit for a couple of minutes, wipe with water and a microfiber cloth.You can also try mixing a 50/50 mixture with water. Just be sure you are using the 90017 3% version of hydrogen peroxide 90018 and test for colorfastness on any surface that may be a problem {I have personally never had any problems but it does have the potential to have a bleaching effect}. Alternatively you can use a 50/50 water / vinegar spray. While hydrogen peroxide 90005 followed by 90006 vinegar can increase their effectiveness, they should 90017 NOT be mixed together 90018. If you need something stronger you can mix up a bucket with a gallon of water and 1/2 cup of bleach.90040 90021 90005 90017 Microfiber Cloths 90018 90006 90026 I generally use my Norwex cloths when I am concerned about truly getting surfaces disinfected, but I know there are many other brands of cloths out there. I fold up the cloths into smaller squares so I can switch to a clean square when I change areas and I like to have two cloths — one for scrubbing and one for wiping dry. 90040 90021 90005 90017 Essential Oils 90018 90006 — I have a spray bottle of water that I use for cleaning and add about 20 drops of essential oils to it to help give the area a fresh scent.Following the disinfecting spray, I spray the area again with water and give it a final wipe with a dry microfiber cloth or polishing cloth. I love the citrus scents {such as grapefruit and lemon}, but tea tree oil or thyme oil are other good antimicrobial oils. You can read more about the different essential oils and their cleaning properties HERE. If you have a diffuser, you can also put some oils in there while you are cleaning to freshen the air. 90040 90054 90002 90056 90003 90020 90021 90005 90017 Steam Cleaner 90018 90006 90026 While this is not 90005 essential, 90006 it sure makes cleaning a whole lot easier and will disinfect without having to resort to harsh chemicals and a lot of scrubbing.I have used both the HomeRight Steamer as well as the HomeRight Steam Machine Plus, but tend to stick more with the Steam Machine Plus simply due to its portability. The Steam Machine heats up within 30 seconds, so even if I am unplugging it and moving around to different parts of the house, I do not really have to wait for it to heat up again. Both machines come with a wide variety of attachments to tackle any space or surface. 90040 90054 90002 90070 90003 90002 If you have not used steam to clean before, you are missing out! The HomeRight Steamers use high temperature, high pressurized steam to loosen and dissolve dirt, grease, and grime {and whatever else!} And kill 99.9% of all germs and bacteria 90005 without 90006 the use of any chemicals. They also blast out that grime from those little cracks and crevices that are hard to reach. To clean a surface, I just use the steamer over it with the appropriate attachment and follow with a wipe from a microfiber cloth. No power scrubbing required! 🙂 90003 90002 90017 Step 2: Let the Sunshine In 90018 90003 90002 Before you get started, try opening the windows up for some fresh air {even if it is just a crack!} And lift the blinds all the way up to let in some natural light.If you have a diffuser, add some citrus essential oils for a crisp, fresh scent. 90003 90002 90017 Step 3: Get Cleaning 90026 90018 90003 90002 Here my Top 10 Things to Clean After the Flu {or other illnesses} …. 90003 90002 90017 1. Bedding, blankets, and other «sick» clothes. 90026 90018 You tend to sweat a lot more when you are sick, so strip down your bedding, gather up any throw blankets from the sofa, and add in pajamas and any other «sick» clothes. Be sure to check for and treat any stains prior to washing {the 3% hydrogen peroxide works great for this but again, just check for colorfastness}.Run everything on the hottest temperature that the material allows, but be sure not to overload your washing machine. This, unfortunately, may take several loads! Pillows can also be washed in the washing machine — just be sure to follow care instructions on the pillow and place two pillows in the load {on their own} to balance out the load. 90003 90002 90095 90003 90002 90017 2. Your Mattress 90026 90018 If there are any fluids that have made their way through the bedding and onto the mattress, be sure to give it a good clean.You can find more information on removing mattress stains and how to deep clean it HERE. Even if it has not been hit, it can do with a good airing out, so leave those sheets off all day if you can, and open the windows {if possible} and all of the blinds in the room to allow some fresh air and sunlight to hit it. You can give it a light misting with the water / essential oil mix but ensure that you are not saturating the mattress and allow it to dry completely before putting the bedding back on.90003 90002 90017 3. The Bathroom 90026 90018 If your have multiple bathrooms, try to confine the sick parties in your house to one bathroom only. This will help to prevent the spread of the illness as well as make your clean up much quicker and easier. The bathroom will need a good cleaning and disinfecting after illness — especially the sink, faucets, toilet, and toilet handle. I love using the steamer in the bathroom as it really cuts down on time and gets into all of those little cracks and crannies that are hard to reach {especially around the toilet and faucets}.I also know that I am getting a good disinfecting without having to go back to the chemical cleaners. Around the toilet and sink, I will often spray some hydrogen peroxide / water mixture prior to steaming and let it sit for a few minutes. You can read more about how to deep clean the bathroom HERE. 90003 90002 90108 90003 90002 90017 4. Your Toothbrush 90026 90018 If you have a cheap, disposable toothbrush that you have used for a while, you may just want to throw it away and get a new one.For newer or more expensive toothbrushes, add some hydrogen peroxide to a cup {enough to completely submerge the bristles} and allow to soak for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water when you are done. 90003 90002 90017 5. Towels 90026 90018 Try to change towels daily during an illness and make sure that everyone has their own set. You may want to try temporarily using paper towels instead of hand towels to make things a little easier and remember to encourage everyone to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.Once the illness is over, gather up all towels and wash at the highest possible temperature. You can add some vinegar to the laundry load if you have some smelly towels or add some to your fabric softener dispenser for fluffier towels. 90003 90002 90017 6. Stuffed Animals and Toys 90026 90018 Stuffed animals can be tossed into the washing machine with the other bedding to give it a thorough cleaning or you can give them a good steaming if they are too delicate to run through the washing machine.For hard surfaced toys, use the small scrub brush attachment on the steamer to give them a little scrub and steam, and then wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can place them in the top rack of the dishwasher {place small items in a mesh laundry bag} and run them through a cycle. 90003 90002 90017 7. Hard Frequently Touched Surfaces 90026 90018 Germs survive the longest on hard, non-porous surfaces so try to wipe these down frequently during an illness with a disinfectant or give them a steam and a wipe with a microfiber cloth.These can include 90017 light switches, door knobs, railings, or any other surface that you frequently touch 90018. If you have a steam cleaner, just blast the areas with the steam and wipe with a microfiber cloth. I also like to add some essential oils to the water in the steam cleaner to get a nice scent and for some extra cleaning power. If you do not have a steamer, disinfecting wipes are probably the best bet because it can be hard to get a spray to sit on the surface long enough for disinfecting.90003 90002 90017 8. Electronic Devices 90026 90018 Wipe down all electronic devices that have been used such as phones, cell phones, computers, tablets, keyboards, and t.v. remotes using a disinfectant wipe, cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol, or a slightly damp microfiber cloth using hydrogen peroxide. Allow to air dry. 90003 90002 90017 9. Waste Baskets 90026 90018 Your garbage cans have probably held a wide variety of nasty things during an illness so do not forget to give them a good clean once you have emptied them.You can either give it a good steam or spray with a disinfectant {leaving it for at least a few minutes} before scrubbing. It is obviously helpful if you can remember to line them with a plastic bags to help contain any germs prior to anything being put in there. 90003 90002 90017 10. The Kitchen 90026 90018 Try as much as possible to keep sick kiddos out of the kitchen. This is the one time that I am happy to get the kids all of their food, snacks, drinks, and whatever else they desire! While everyone is sick, wipe down the refrigerator door handle and any other frequently used cabinet / drawer handles daily with a disinfecting wipe or rubbing alcohol pad.Once everyone is feeling better, I will steam our countertops, fridge, and sink. I also spray the cupboard handles and drawer pulls with hydrogen peroxide and, after letting it sit for a few minutes, wipe it down with water and a microfiber cloth and give the cupboards a quick wipe if needed. You can read more about how to use steam to clean the kitchen HERE. 90003 90002 90148 90003 90002 While the list may sound long, it really does not take too long to run through — other than waiting on all of the laundry !! Remember that if you are able to confine those that are sick to just a few spaces in the home {usually the bedroom, a bathroom, and the sofa!}, It will be a lot less to clean! 90003 90002 And, finally, I have a GIVEAWAY for you !! HomeRight is offering a Steam Machine Plus to one reader to help make their cleaning routine a whole lot easier! Just follow the prompts in the Rafflecopter below to enter.90003 90002 a Rafflecopter giveaway 90026 90003 .90000 How to Clean Your Mattress 90001 90002 90003 Follow this tutorial on how to clean your mattress for a healthy night’s sleep. General mattress cleaning tips, stain removal guides and mattress maintenance ideas included. 90004 90005 90002 90007 90005 90009 Why should you clean your mattress? 90010 Cleaning your mattress on a regular basis is important to prevent dust mites and dead skin cells from building up. A clean mattress also helps to promote a good night’s sleep {and who does not need that?}.Although we can all benefit from a clean mattress, it’s particularly important if you are prone to sensitivities, asthma, or allergies. Mattresses generally contain the highest number of allergens in our homes, including molds, bacteria, viruses, and dust mites. I will not get in to all of the nasty information out there about dust mites {and their feces!} In our mattresses because, quite honestly, I prefer not to think about it too much. Let’s just say we want to reduce those guys as much as possible.🙂 90011 90009 How to Clean Your Mattress 90010 90002 Before you get started on your mattress, strip all of the bedding and mattress covers off of the bed and wash them in hot water (over 130 F). This will kill any dust mites. Add 1/2 -1 cup of vinegar to your wash to remove any extra odors and soften your sheets. If possible, open up the windows to let in some fresh air and light while you clean. 90005 90002 Late winter / early spring is generally the best time to clean your mattress for dust mites as it will kill the dust mites that survived the winter and reduce their numbers in the summer months.If you use and launder a mattress cover regularly, cleaning your mattress once per year should be sufficient {you may want to clean it more frequently if you have allergies}. Otherwise, you should be cleaning your mattress monthly. 90005 90018 Cleaning Option # 1 90019 90020 90021 Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and allow it to sit for 90022 at least 90023 30 minutes {longer is better} to absorb any odors. Using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum, vacuum the mattress paying extra attention to any stitches and crevices.90024 90021 If you have any particular stained areas that you are needing to treat, do this prior to the above cleaning options but do vacuum the mattress to remove any loose dirt or dust before working on the stained area. Remember that the quicker you can treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove! See below for specific stain treatments. 90024 90021 After you have cleaned your mattress, ensure that the mattress is 90028 COMPLETELY DRY 90029 before putting the covers and sheets back on.Any moisture will encourage the growth of molds, mildew, and bacteria. Let your mattress dry out in the sun or run a fan over it for at least several hours until dry. A blow dryer works too if you just spot treated stains. If you can not get your mattress outside, you can pull it off your bed and prop it up by an open window to get more air circulating. 90024 90031 90002 90033 90005 90002 90005 90018 Cleaning Option # 2 90019 90020 90021 If you really need an extra deep cleaning {and the weather permits!} Take the mattress out in the morning on a sunny day to allow it to air out.Place a clean tarp or drop cloth down on the ground and place your mattress on top. The sun has a natural cleaning ability and can kill off bacteria hiding in the mattress. 90024 90021 Now the fun part … Grab a bat, golf club, 2 × 4, etc. and give your mattress a good beating for 10-20 minutes. This will get rid of dead human skin cells, dust mites and their feces, and dander and will also give you a good workout! 90024 90021 Let your mattress sit in the sun for the day remembering to turn it around to the other side half way through the day.You might want to give it another quick beating before bringing it back in at the end of the day. 90024 90031 90009 How to Remove Stains from your Mattress 90010 90002 If you have any stains on your mattress, follow these general stain removal guidelines. For more persistent stains, check out the specific stain tips below. 90005 90020 90021 When you’re treating mattress stains, keep your cleaning fluid use to a minimum to avoid over-saturating the mattress. You do not want the interior padding of the mattress to become wet as it can develop mold and mildew or damage the wood inside of the mattress.90024 90021 It is important to get to mattress stains as quickly as you can. To avoid spreading the stain, blot {do not rub or scrub!} Up any excess liquids or moisture moving from the 90022 outside 90023 of the stain inwards. Use pressure to remove as much of the liquid as possible. 90024 90021 For general stains, you can use an upholstery cleaner and follow the directions as indicated on the bottle. Again, ensure that you do not saturate the mattress too much. 90024 90021 To help remove odors, sprinkle baking soda over top.For a light, fresh scent, you can add some drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda and mix it in prior to sprinkling {it’s the same mix I use for freshening our carpets}. Let it sit for a couple of hours. Vacuum up any residual baking soda. 90024 90031 90002 90064 90005 90018 Blood Stains 90019 90002 Apply hydrogen peroxide {3%} to the blood stain. {NOTE: The hydrogen peroxide may bleach fabrics so check for color fastness if this is a concern}. You can spray it on with a spray bottle if you are treating a larger area or put it on with a Q-tip for small spots.Blot while it is bubbling with a clean, white cloth. Once it has stopped bubbling, leave it on for an additional 5-10 minutes. Spray lightly with COLD water {the stains can set more if you use hot water due to the proteins in the blood} and blot until dry. Repeat if necessary. A salt water spray or dish soap mixed with water {1 tbsp. dish soap and 2 cups cold water} can also be used if treating a fresh blood stain. 90005 90018 Urine Stains 90019 90002 Blot excess fluid with a clean, white towel.Make a cleaning solution of 2 tbsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. dish soap, and 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide {hydrogen peroxide breaks down quickly so use this immediately and discard what is not used}. You can either use a spray bottle or a cloth soaked in the solution to apply the solution to the mattress. Let this set for up to 24 hours and then vacuum or wipe up any baking soda residue. Repeat this process if any odors remain especially for pet stains. You can also try blotting the spot with a cloth soaked in vinegar.90005 90018 Odors 90019 90002 If the odor from your mattress is not removed by the general cleaning instructions above, you can purchase a plastic mattress bag {that is used by movers} from a moving or box company. Sprinkle the entire mattress with baking soda, and place in the sealed bag for 1-2 days. Remove the bag and vacuum. 90005 90009 Mattress Maintenance Tips 90010 90002 The following tips are easy to do and can help to prolong the life and health of your mattress. Just work them into your regular routine when you typically clean your sheets.90005 90002 90083 90005 90018 Vacuum. 90019 90002 Vacuum your mattress when you change the sheets {or at least every 3 months} ​​to reduce dust {this is much more effective if you have a HEPA rated vacuum} 90005 90018 Use a mattress cover. 90019 90002 These can help to protect against dust mites and other allergens and are easily removable and washable. It will also reduce the need to vacuum the mattress as often. 90005 90018 Invest in a mattress pad. 90019 90002 These are placed over the mattress cover and under the sheet of the bed.In addition to improving comfort, they also provide an additional barrier between you and the mattress and can be easily removed and laundered. If you have young children, using a water resistent mattress pad is always a good idea for all of those night time «accidents» that can happen. 90005 90018 Wash bedding regularly. 90019 90002 Wash bedding and mattress covers frequently in hot water (above 130F) to kill dust mites. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar to remove any odors and soften the sheets.Strip your beds if you are going on a vacation. This provides a great opportunity to really air your mattress out. 90005 90018 Rotate your mattress. 90019 90002 Rotate your mattress about once every 3 months This allows for more even wear and tear of your mattress and can help prolong the life of your mattress. {90028 NOTE: 90029 Rotating your mattress refers to turning it 180 degrees {still keeping the top facing upwards}. Most of the newer mattresses are NOT designed to be flipped over so check your manual!} 90005 90018 Set your bedroom environment.90019 90002 Since dust mites prefer warm, moist, dark environments, try keeping your bedroom humidity levels below 50% and the room temperature below 70 degrees when possible. Vacuum and dust your bedroom regularly to reduce dust. Lightly misting surfaces with water prior to dusting can remove up to 90% of airborne dust and HEPA rated vacuums do the best job at vacuuming without blowing dust back up into the air. 90005 90018 Check Labels 90019 90002 Be careful of using deodorizing sprays or those that claim to reduce odors.These products often do not actually remove the odor and just cover it up with stronger chemical smells. Some of them contain chemicals that are not checked for safety and contain carcinogens. Instead, look for options that are simple, natural, and biodegradable. 90005 90002 90116 90005 90002 So hopefully that is everything that you could want to know about your mattress! A little time cleaning = a healthier, good night’s sleep! And if you still need help getting a good night’s sleep, check out these 7 tips for a better night’s sleep.90005 90009 More Cleaning Tips 90010 90002 For more cleaning tips and tricks, check out these posts … 90005 90002 90125 90005 90002 Free Printable Cleaning Labels 90005 90002 90130 90005 90002 Time Saving Cleaning Tips 90005 90002 90135 90005 90002 90005 90002 90005 .