GOOD HOUSEKEEPING - 1950's STYLE

Does anyone remember the housekeeping books of the 1950's?  I wasn't around then. Not even close to a twinkle in my new born parent's eyes.  Boy, it seems like a long time ago even though it wasn't.  Anyways, back to the books.  I read an article that the housekeeping books of the 1950's commonly recommended a rigorous cleaning regimen for middle-class homes.  The regimen looked something like this:

Dust all woodwork and furniture, including window frames, screens, and blinds, every day; dust the floors with a dust mop daily; vacuum carpets daily; brush all exposed surface on upholstery every day, and do a complete brushing with an upholstery brush or vacuum, getting under pillows and in crevices, one or twice a month; vacuum wood floors once a week; dust walls and ceilings daily or weekly; and rub all furniture long and hard, with the grain, once a week.

YIKES!!  I can understand why there were lower rates of asthma and allergies back then.  There was no dust.  I wonder, is this where our grandparents get the "white glove test" from?  hmmm.  :/

BASICS: CARE & CLEANING OF NATURAL STONE

No doubt that stone surfaces have become popular in homes within the last century.  More homeowners are installing stone flooring, furniture, countertops, and vanity tops.  More common stones we see often are marble, granite, limestone, slate, and travertine (a limestone).  And even though these different types of stone call for different kinds of care and maintenance we're only going to touch on general cleaning.

Sounds a bit weird but vacuum or dust (using a smooth microfiber cloth) stone surfaces before damp wiping them.  Do not use abrasive materials to clean with; such as, dusting sprays or chemically treated mops or cloths.  Abrasion by dirt can dull the surface if not properly removed.  If something should spill on your stone surface blot the spill with a microfiber cloth immediately.  Using a clean microfiber cloth wipe the area with fresh water and a mild soap. Dry the area thoroughly.

Just in case you're wondering why I stressed blotting a spill instead of wiping a spill up let me share a tidbit.  If you wipe the spill around, you will spread the spill and stone surfaces are porous.  We wouldn't want to create a bigger catastrophe on your investment.

Hope this helps.

CARING FOR YOUR PORCELAIN TUBS

Personally, I'm in love with claw-foot porcelain tubs.  I think they embody old world charm and can positively change the look of any bathroom.  Unfortunately, my bathtub is quite ordinary.  Either way, porcelain enameled tubs and sinks no matter the style require some care.  

TIP #1 -  Do not use abrasive cleansers to clean your tub.  Abrasive cleaners can dull and even scratch the shiny surface and the very smoothness of that surface is both what makes it shine and what makes it easy to clean.  

TIP #2 - After cleaning your porcelain tub or after every shower, use a microfiber towel to dry it.  Drying the tub produces the best appearance by getting rid of water marks and lingering soap scum.

Hope this helps.

PEEPING DUST

Finally!!  Temperatures have dropped and we've been opening up our windows to enjoy the cool breeze only nature does so well.  Our air conditioners (and wallets) sure needed this break.  Unfortunately, with open windows and bountiful breezes come outside dust and allergens.  The worst of it collects on our window screens, blinds and window sills. So let's get going and clean out those windows!!  

Start by dusting the window blinds, frame, sill, and screen with a dry dust cloth.  You can smear dust all over the place if you apply a damp cloth to your window surfaces before dusting.  This makes a big mess and totally not fun or easy cleanup for that matter.  Then, you'll want to use a mild soap detergent (Dawn dish soap) and water mixture with a microfiber towel to clean the screens.  With a different microfiber towel and fresh water plus soap clean window ledges and frames.  With a squeegee and a natural window cleaner with essential oils go ahead and wipe down glass.  The toughest part might be the blinds.  They are for me.  Close the blinds and gently wipe down slants with fresh water/soap mixture.  Be sure not to put too much pressure as they may come tumbling down.  A microfiber towel is essential in that it won't scratch any of the surfaces and uses minimal water to do the job.  THAT'S IT!  You're done.  Now on to the next window.  

UNEXPECTED HOUSE GUESTS

It happens to the best of us when we're on our way home from a busy day wondering what we're going to make for dinner the phone rings and after answering it we're suddenly in a panic to get home and perform a miracle.  Our foot seems to suddenly press on the gas peddle as we weave in and out of lanes because company is coming over!!  Dinner now is a distant memory.  We are now thinking about what to do with a messy house.

I've gone so far as to keep guests in the living room saying "sorry the toilet broke this morning." But that only worked once.  Here are a few things I've learned to do after panic has set in and I've reached home.

• Place all dirty dishes in the dishwasher or oven.  We're ordering out at this point.
• Wipe off all countertops and cabinets to be free of grease and finger prints.
• Clean the toilet bowl and seat.  Don't forget to flush.
• Use a microfiber towel and glass cleaner and wipe down any glass and/or mirrors.  People always look at themselves; especially, at someone else's house.
• Replace hand and bath towels with fresh ones.  Don't forget to change hand towels in the kitchen.  
• Try to pick up as much as possible and throw into a bedroom, close the door, and post a "DO NOT ENTER SIGN."
• Light many scented candles throughout your home.

One last tip:  don't forget to order dinner.  I hope this helps.  Good luck!!

TIPS ON DISPOSING CLEANING PRODUCTS

So, you're looking to dispose of cleaning products in a safe manner.  Don't want the neighbors to call you out for burying hazardous materials in your backyard?  Well, I'm here to help.  If you no longer need a cleaning product and want to help save your backyard (the environment) the first thing you want to do is read the label for suggested disposal instructions.  In an event that the label has worn off follow the following suggestions:

Pour down the drain.  If a product is water-soluble (meaning you can mix it with water) you can flush it down a toilet or pour it down the kitchen drain with running water.  Several water-soluble cleaning products are: liquid laundry detergents, chlorine bleach, liquid fabric softeners, multipurpose cleaners, glass cleaners, disinfectants, carpet cleaners and floor cleaners.

IMPORTANT:  DO NOT MIX TWO OR MORE CLEANING PRODUCTS!!!  We don't want to find your home on the five o'clock news.  Secondly, if you have a septic tank do not use this method of disposal.  Most septic systems are not capable of treating chemical waste.  

Place it in the trash or recycling bin.  If container is not empty please put in a plastic bag as to not contaminate other garbage.  Several products you may want to throw out are: scouring pads, aerosol cans, remoistened towelettes, and fabric softener sheets.  

Last but not least: Take to waste-disposal facility.  Some products are way to hazardous to dispose of any other way other than in a waste-disposal facility.  Such products include: flammable products, crystal drain openers, dry-cleaning fluid, and polishes & waxes that harden on surfaces.

Hope this helps!  Let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.

BEWARE: SMALL CHILDREN ARE IN THE HOUSE

If you have little ones around the house like we do, please take extra caution in where you store your cleaning equipment and products.  Also be diligent about reading what the product label has to say before using it.  Whenever possible, avoid using products that use the words corrosive, reactive or explosive, flammable, toxic, or poisonous.  It is a very real scenario that too many children are poisoned by common household cleaning agents.  A few tips to follow in keeping your kids safer are:

• Never leave cleaning products unattended or easy to get to.
• Don't leave buckets full of water unattended as tiny tots can easily drown if they somehow climb in.  Hay, you never know!
• Always, always close caps and lids of any cleaning container.  
• Dispose of any unused or empty cleaning containers.

I hope these simple easy to follow tips will keep you and your family safe from cleaning agent harm.  

THE RIGHT STUFF

I'm curious...what's lurking in your cleaning closet?  You don't have to spend an entire weekend or even an entire day cleaning your home.  If you have the right tools and you know how to use them cleaning can be effortless even enjoyable.  (I see those eyes rolling)  It's true.  Let's take a quick peek at what you have to clean your home with.  

First and for most a good vacuum with attachments is needed in every home.  Doesn't matter if you don't have area rugs or carpeting.  With the use of attachments, you can suck up cob webs and dust bunnies from the ceilings, and clean up food crumbs from under tables and kitchen cabinets.  Make sure your vacuum cleaner is in good working order.  My advice is to make sure its also clean.  You don't want to spread allergens from one room to another after each use.

Several of my go to cleaning tools are:

• A broom with a wide angle and dustpan (you can also use the vacuum to "sweep up"),
• A wet mop (microfiber of course),
• A couple of buckets to use in washing floors, windows, walls, etc.,
• A pair of rubber gloves (helps protect your manicure),
• A good sponge,
• A toilet bowl brush, 
• Trash bags, and 
• Lots of microfiber cloths for dusting and cleaning.

This list is by no means exhaustive.  These are a few of what I think is needed in every home.  Ok, let's take a look at what you have in regards to cleaning products.  I'm big on using environmentally friendly cleaning agents.  At work we use concentrated products because we're not storing large volumes of bottles and all you really need is a little product with some water and viola.  

Several of my go to cleaning products are:

• An all-purpose cleaner for floors, walls, and other standard surfaces,
• Disinfectant,
• Degreaser, 
• Dish washing detergent (can't live without this), 
• Oven cleaner,
• Wood cleaner,
• Stone cleaner (for natural stone floors and walls), and
• Stainless Steel cleaner (usually water based).

Again, this is a basic product list.  With these tools and cleaning products you'll be well on your way to an enjoyable cleaning experience.  

IS YOUR “COMFORT ZONE” REALLY THAT COMFORTABLE?

Why is it that when we’re told to do something that will be beneficial to us, and accept it to be true, that oftentimes we choose to avoid it? The voice that only we can hear tells us that we’ll start… someday.  We’re told that by eating lighter portions of our favorite foods and exercising on a regular basis that we’ll lose weight, build stronger muscles and live longer. Countless books are written stating that our financial freedom depends on spending less and saving more.  So, I’m wondering, why are we not following the advice of others and eating healthier, exercising more or saving money?  The answer is simple: Being comfortable in our current lifestyle, and changing the aforementioned habits at a root level means changing our comfort zones and most of us are not ready to do just that.

 Why not?

Uncertainty.  Every day we face uncertainty, uncertainty to move forward because some level of fear of the unknown inhibits us from seeing the bigger picture.  We need to constantly remind ourselves that where we want to be and who we want to become is going to be our reality, so long as we work at making it so.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely hard work and requires a considerable amount of self-discipline but, isn’t that what’s great about creating your own self-fulfilling prophecy and doing the things you really want to do?  Ruben Gonzalez, author of The Courage To Succeed, wrote “every success you’ve ever had or will ever have is the product of your courage to act and the courage to endure.” 

Do you want to watch life go by sitting on the sidelines?  I don’t!  I wasn’t raised to believe that something is too good for me-with that mentality I’ll always find ways not to do my best or quit.  I was raised to reach for the stars, and I know I’ll attain them.  Like I said, it’s tough at times but I imagine what I want and I try to create the lifestyle that looks just like what I’ve imagined; even when it rides up against my current comfort zone. There are things that I want to accomplish and I have already made up my mind that I’m not settling for less.  Why would you?  I want to stay healthy and eat better (a constant challenge) so I get out of bed, caffeine deprived, and drive my sleepy self to the gym.  Not everyday, but I know my ultimate goal and I do what it takes to get it done. 

I wish you the greatest success and hope you look at life in a way that constantly challenges your comfort zone so you can achieve the greatness that life can provide.

INTERVIEW - LARI I. DIAZ, OWNER SWEEPING DIMENSIONS

I had a great deal of fun being interviewed by Mark Goodman, SCORE Chicago business mentor, on March 17th.  I wanted to provide the link so you can check it out.  SCORE is a non-profit organization that's dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business in the US.  I have the great honor of being a part of SCORE Chicago providing free business counseling, management consulting and really affordable workshops.

I want to hear from you.  Tell me what you think of the video.  People are right, the camera does put 10 lbs. on you.  :(

This is a recorded interview.  Please do not call the number on the screen.

BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY - SWEEPING DIMENSIONS

A DAY AT COLUMBIA COLLEGE

It has been a great experience in returning to the classroom – this time as a speaker, and not a student.  I was invited to speak to Dr. Roberts’ class at Columbia College on the perils of entrepreneurship and the benefits of utilizing programs that SCORE offers to budding entrepreneurs and those looking to expand an already successful business.  Some of the questions these young learners asked pertained to creating the right business entity, insurance requirements, and applying for a loan.  I was asked questions a little close to home; what is it like working in a family business, what have the challenges I’ve faced.  Somewhat of an irony, is that I’ve had the chance to learn more about what students are concerned with then they probably learned from me.  One thing is for sure, next time, I will bring a glass of milk to Dr. Roberts’ class – sweets are common in his classrooms. 

Do You Love To Clean? 3 Cleaning Tips That Will Change Your Mind

Cleaning is one of those chores you would love to hate.  You can get dirty and messy during the process but when it’s all done there’s always a huge sigh of relief and a sense of calm. Yes. I am talking about cleaning and it is true that when you walk into a room you just cleaned, sometimes there is no greater sense of tranquility and accomplishment.  Calm surrounds us all when we are in the presence of cleanliness.  We tend to spend more time in these surroundings so it is no wonder that more business is done in a clean office and more people join you for festivities in your home.  I mean, who wants to see cobwebs inconspicuously hiding in ceiling corners, ceiling fans showing bundles of dust on its panels, or finger prints on light switches and door knobs?  The following three tips can make cleaning easier and less time consuming at the end of a busy day. It all begins by clearing out clutter. 

Simple enough, but when we spend a large amount of our time in rooms like the kitchen or our office clutter always accumulates.  This makes cleaning a longer task than it has to. Our first tip is to keep areas clutter free.  For example, excessive paper clutter like mail, homework assignments, or phone messages, should not be on countertops, the dining room table or conference room. Scattered utensils, dishes, and open food containers should always be put away.  Consider removing clothing off exercise machines, toys on  sofas and loveseats, and magazines off of chairs and tables.  These small changes can make a considerable difference to a healthy environment. 

After the pick-up, we can get to the culprit of all cleaning culprits – dust. Cupid did not give us a love affair for these fine, dry particles.  Those who suffer from allergies attest to the difficulties of removing them from surfaces.   By using the proper tools like a treated dust cloth or a microfiber towel to remove dust from all surfaces in your home and office becomes easy and effortless.  Every other day make a point to remove dust from chairs, tables (dining room tables, end tables, coffee tables), and any other horizontal surfaces.   Don’t forget to shake out dust and allergens from the sofa and pillows.  No one likes to bounce on the sofa to have dust bounce right back at us. 

Once the dust is removed, damp wipe with appropriate cleaning liquid and a microfiber towel all horizontal surfaces.   Wiping surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth helps to eliminate germs and allergens not removed by dusting alone.  One last tidbit:  A fresh bundle of flowers makes a lasting impression on your mood and that of your company.  It’s a low cost way to relax and be in the comfort of your environment.  Keep a fresh, vibrant colorful bouquet in the most occupied room.  

What we're doing to help the environment!

What does "Green" really mean?  Going green is about embracing the principles of environmental responsibility by making different choices that lessen the negative impact on our environment.  

Several years ago, Sweeping Dimensions introduced its green cleaning program using products that reduce environmental impact and protects the health and safety of our staff and the clients we serve. Quick disclaimer: by implementing this program does not mean that we do not use a few traditional cleaning methods or that they create unsafe/unhealthy conditions.  We have simply taken additional steps towards reducing pollution while continuing to maintain and improve the healthiness, comfort and aesthetics of our clients' homes and businesses.

One of the most significant changes we adopted is the use of microfiber cloths and mops during our cleaning routine.  They are environmentally friendly for many reasons.  First, they are lightweight and can be washed in large quantities, greatly reducing water and energy consumption.  A big plus when the water  and electric bills comes in.  They also take up less physical space reducing both transport costs and storage space.  We have found that there are many other benefits to using microfiber.  They are:

• Microfiber cloths are hypoallergenic.  Great for those of us who suffer from allergies or asthma.
• Microfiber cloths are super absorbent.  They absorb over 7 times their weight in water.
• Microfiber cloths dry in 1/3 the time of ordinary cleaning towels.
• Microfiber cloths are over 4 times more effective than ordinary cleaning towels.  They clean almost any stain from any surface, are more plush & longer lasting than other cleaning products and contain more than 200,000 fibers per square inch.
• Microfiber cloths are completely lint free and non-abrasive.

In addition to microfiber, we have also incorporated liquid products as concentrates rather than as ready-to-use mixtures to our green cleaning program.  As a result, we use trigger bottles and pump sprayers - no need for propellants.  In a small way, we help reduce  packaging materials and their potential burden on the environment as well as fuel, vehicle emissions, and other impacts of transportation.

We believe that green cleaning benefits everyone especially those with special needs and sensitivities.  In cases were an individual has allergies or illness we address his/her specific needs and make appropriate changes to products, procedures, and scheduling as necessary.  

Ladies: Is Protecting Yourself Important?

As women, we are naturally busy taking on more than we should. We get caught up in the stresses of life; work, school, birthdays, holiday parties, the end of yet another year and then taxes creep in on us. It is there, in the busy-ness of life that I find the reason for this article. Many of us know that being still at the end of a long day is because we’re lying down on a couch or in bed sleeping. During the day we walk around with our cell phones attached to our ear and a planner full of things to do lists (I’m so guilty of this). My question to you is this, how many times have you placed self-protection as a priority on your long list of things to do? Have you thought of visiting a martial art school or a university or community center that offer self-protection seminars?

It’s not about the class itself or the style of self-defense/martial arts. It’s about the why.

Many of us work late and walk to our cars in the dark. We go grocery shopping at night. In the rare occasions we get the chance to hang out on a girl’s night out. Our backs are turned away from people when we’re securing our children to a car seat and the list goes on.

As women we should feel confident in that we have a basic understanding of how to defend ourselves when we go out or invite people into our homes and offices. We need to realize that there is a real danger of harm. Too many of us come across real ass____ (please, fill in the blank) that our skin crawls and we begin looking for an immediate exit when confronted with one. Self-defense is not about learning any particular set of forms but partly in learning how to use what you have in front of you as an equalizer. Using your keys, your beverage (hopefully a really hot one), a chair, a pencil, etc. as a tool for a quick escape. We should learn to make use of what is needed when it is needed. To react by moving instead of standing still and being victimized.

I am painfully aware that not many schools, community centers, or local organizations advocate and market their self-protection classes well or consistently. Maybe once or twice a year we will see a flyer for an introductory workshop on women’s self-defense. I have taken some kickboxing and martial arts classes and know that if it weren’t for friends who told me about them I wouldn’t have known or have had an interest in going. Even though I don’t attend classes anymore, I can honestly tell you that I learned not to be afraid because of not having an idea of what to do if I were ever to be confronted in a bad situation. It is due to the value of what I’ve learned that I am a strong advocate in women making it a priority to spend some time out of their busy schedules to acquaint themselves with self-protection skills.

Our self-protection is a priority. We need it and we deserve it! Since most men in our lives don’t encourage us to participate in these types of classes it’s up to us to make the initial inquiry. At the very least, visit a school or community center that offers self-defense, kickboxing or martial arts and try a class. Believe me, it’s a great stress reliever and a good workout. You will learn to follow your intuition. Because if something feels wrong it usually does for a reason. It will be a blessing if you can use some of what you’ve learned in class in an unforeseen real life experience if there ever will be one. Look for programs that are taught at universities or community centers where the cost is minimal if not free. Look for a program where at least one member of the training team is a woman. We have a higher comfort level walking into a generally male dominated class/subject matter when we know that another woman will be there to greet us and be apart of our experience.

To all the guys reading this: If you have a scornful look because I geared this article to women and you feel that I’m being sexist (and I might, just a little), think about the women (daughters, wife, mother, etc.) in your life that you care for and love. Wouldn’t you want the piece of mind of knowing that they can take care of themselves? Admittedly, I have a beef if you will, with you fella’s. There are more and more martial arts, self-defense, MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) classes and seminars offered to you. What’s that all about?

A Lesson Learned

Is it possible to gainfully learn something from someone whom you see as unsuccessful? Be it a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, or member of the family. In life, I have spent the greater part of my adult life listening to people who had great ideas and who inspired me to do better. Yet I viewed many as people who rarely seemed to emanate success in their own lives. For example, I have heard the myriad of “how to have a great relationship” from neighbors who later filed for divorce. Or in business, I have been told that “this is how to market yourself to be successful” from business consultants who were finding it difficult to run their own businesses. So, I ask myself, do I turn a deaf ear when someone offers advice on a subject I know they know little about?

In the past, I have struggled with the notion that I knew more than my neighbor, my friends, and god help me my parents. And yet, in recent years I have come to the standing realization that I have so much to learn from the very same people who I thought otherwise had much to offer. What I thought “I knew” was not at all what I know now.

I am bitterly aware that listening was one of my shortcomings. I didn’t listen close enough to what they were saying because if I did I would have been smart enough to utilize some of those thoughts and ideas into accelerating my personal and professional growth. I would have attended more events, more networking meetings. Been involved in more projects. I would have (albeit reluctantly) taken opportunities that were made available because someone thought it would be good for me.

As a business owner, today I look for and listen attentively to those who can offer any advice no matter how small. I attend after hours networking events even when I’d rather be at home or finishing a project at work. Why? Because that’s where people share their ideas, their opinions, and their triumphs and tribulations. I may learn something valuable that would immediately help my business grow and then I may learn of what not to do because it would hinder the growth of my business. Or I may learn about an idea that may not help me in any way but may help someone I know. What’s ironic is that at times I may even learn something about myself.

A continual goal of mine is to “listen”, even when I feel someone isn’t (at that moment) making any sense. As a kid, I remember sitting around a dinner table with my parents and their friends (always against my better judgment) hearing “the” adults talking business and life. I would think to myself and often times to my dismay out loud that I would be different, I would make my own rules, I’ll do it my way. And as I would vocalize my thoughts, I would hear “it may not mean anything to you now but wait until you’re my age, you’ll see.” All I’d like to say to them is that I remember and I thank you. I am not only hearing you but also listening.

Business is tough and life is tougher. It is up to me to make every opportunity count and to learn something because it may be of value sometime in the future if not now.

Sweeping Dimensions Commits to its Employees Personal Saftey

How many small companies invest in the personal safety of their employees?

Next week Sweeping Dimensions will be hosting a self-protection seminar. On what started as a team-building event for our employees has grown to include friends and family. This article is written mainly because of the overwhelming feedback I have received from everyone I have mentioned the seminar to. I have not once been questioned on “why” I am hosting the event. I have gotten lots of “when” and “where”. It is surprising to me how excited my staff are of this experience. It’s been a long time since I have heard a common conversation among them. A few are looking forward to “defending” themselves against a fellow employee. Hmmm…..that sounds like trouble!

Robert Bartkowski, owner of www.whitecollarwarrior.com, is instructing our group next Tuesday. Mr. Bartkowksi, a student of martial arts for the last 17 years, will educate us on effective, efficient and easily applied self-protection skills in the (hopefully) unlikely event we become a target to an attacker. What appealed to me about his program is that we do not need to learn tons of ways of beating off an attacker, we only need a few good ones. It’s not about strength or size that matter, it’s about using basic techniques that cause the most pain. Which is kinda cool, since several of our staff are older and petite and for some ungodly reason believe that they couldn’t defend themselves.

I am thankful that I have employees who like what they do. Who take great strides to arrive to our offices before dawn and often times go home after the sun has set. I feel a responsibility to them. I also have a responsibility to my nieces and nephews who are growing up in a world that is different and scarier than the one I grew up in. Knowing that they too can utilize techniques that can keep them from harms way is priceless to me.

As with my staff, I too am looking forward to Tuesday’s seminar. I have ton’s of stress and aggression built up and the idea of Mr. Bartkowski in full gear (the assailant) waiting for us to practice what we’ve learned is extremely tempting. I guess I’ll have to buy a lot of ice for when he goes home.