Friday, February 22, 2013

Backyard Green Cleaning and its Benefits

Over the years, we all have realized that we can contribute to the protection of our environment by going green. Knowing its significance and benefits, new innovative ways are invented to reduce the negative impacts caused by our daily activities that harm our environment. There are innovations in new vehicles, tools, and appliances as well aimed to make them energy conservative and harmless. Backyard green cleaning is one way that we can do at home for the good of our environment.

Green cleaning is an effective way to clean our backyard or patio without harming or our environment. No special tools required in this, in fact, tools and solutions can be made out of mostly common household items. There are many green cleaning ways that have been developed just at home and shared by generous people. They are available in many places especially in the internet. All you have to do is find them.

Backyard green cleaning has a lot of benefits aside for being environmentally friendly.
  • First, it is better to clean this way if you have delicate plants, pets, or fishes around. Avoid contaminating their place with toxic chemicals.
  • Second, it is for our protection. The danger of harmful and toxic chemicals is really serious. Frequent exposure is not good for our health. Avoid harmful chemicals by using natural products or common household items.
  • Lastly, these common products are inexpensive compared to special chemical formulas. Green cleaning includes ways of conserving resources like water and electricity. In short, we can save a lot of money.

We will give you some basic tips to know what green cleaning formulas to find for your backyard green cleaning.

Baking soda or bicarbonate of soda is very well known to remove odors. At the very basic form, you can sprinkle the powder into outdoor cushions, pillows, outdoor rugs, and other patio furniture items that have a fabric. Leave it for about 30 minutes and vacuum clean it afterwards to remove the odor.

Other mixture of baking soda can be used in cleaning surfaces and removing stains.

Be careful, do not buy baking powder, it is a different thing. Although it contains baking soda, it has other acidic ingredient that acts differently.

Vinegar contains acid that is effective at removing mineral deposits, soap scum,  and molds. It helps soften fabrics and aids soap to wash away dirt and stain easily. So next time you wash your patio umbrella, shade sail, or awning, try adding one-half cup vinegar to a bucket of water.

Table salt can be used for scouring and can absorb grease on wooden furniture surfaces.

There are so many uses of natural and common household products. With the right amount, type, and formulation, you might be surprised that your backyard green cleaning can be done with just these items found in your kitchen.

Natural and green cleaning products are now available in stores. However, it is more fun to make your own formulation. Good luck!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Patio Heater Safety Tips

It is desirable to relax in a patio or deck where the space is more breathable with the sweet breeze of fresh air. But when chilly season comes or when the temperature of each night becomes so cool, life outside can become uncomfortable. To extend the outdoor enjoyment, all we need is a patio heater.

There are a few types of outdoor heaters such as electric patio heaters and propane outdoor heaters. All these heat sources require proper use and maintenance for safety. Talking about safety, most heater related fires are attributed to indoor space heaters and fireplaces and seldom to patio heaters. But patio heater safety should not be taken for granted. Accidents can happen and unexpectedly most of the time, so better safe than sorry. Here are some useful patio heater safety tips.

Avoid Overheating
Overheating is the common cause of damage to electric appliances and other related accidents. Do not overload an electric outlet most especially extension wires. Plug your patio heater directly into a wall outlet as much as possible.

Keep Away from Flammable and Light Materials
Electric patio heaters make a warm place from a heated element while propane and gas patio heaters generate heat from fire. All of them can start a fire if not used properly which is also why it is important to always read user manuals and follow instructions. Basically, flammable and light materials such as curtains, drapes, rugs, and even some patio furniture and outdoor cushions should be kept way from them. Even patio shades and covers including patio umbrellas and shade sails should be higher above the heaters.

Kids and Pets Safety
Choose those that are designed safe for kids or pets. Most patio heaters these days have safety features such as glass doors, screen doors, anti tip feature. Always make sure that they are locked and secured.

Keep Dry
Keep your patio heater units dry. Place them in place there are no moisture and water because these elements may damage the unit when in contact.

Pay special attention to electric patio heaters. Water and moisture can easily damage the unit and may put you in danger. Do not use the electric heater when it gets wet even just a little amount of water. Be sure to dry it completely or have it checked by a technician.