Friday, May 17, 2013

How do you keep your home smelling good?

Q. I am always going into homes where everything smells so fresh and even sweet, what do you use to keep your home and linen smelling so good and long lasting?

A. Dryer sheets, lysol, and carpet powder are your best friends. Potpourri and candles do good to mask the smell, but that's not what you want. It's artificial. It's nice for a scent, but it's not a clean smell, really.

After cleaning, sprinkle some scented carpet powder on the floor and let it set for a couple of minutes, then vacuum it up. The scent remaining is very faint and fresh. Put a dryer sheet between your linen to keep them fresh smelling. You can also stick a bar of soap or dryer sheet in your closets to keep them fresh smelling. You can even rub a dryer sheet over your furniture (test it first) to give a nice scent AND reduce any static cling. Dryer sheets also clean and de-static-ify (LOL) tv and computer screens. AAAANNNDDD you can put a dryer sheet wedged or taped into an air conditioning vent in every room to spread the fresh scent around. No one will even know it's there.

How can I keep my dog off the furniture?
Q. she is a 5 year old lab and she won't do it when we're home but the minute we leave she makes herself at home! I've tried laying kitchen chairs on the couch but she just knocks them off!

A. This is an issue of obedience. Do NOT spank the dog as another person suggested. This does nothing and may hurt your relationship with the dog more than help. Plus, it is cruel and unnecessary. All it does is show that you are NOT in control.

Your dog has learned that she is barred from the furniture as long as you are there. Once you are gone, it's free game. That's because in her mind, she recognizes the "command" to stay off the furniture being associated with your presence.

Here's a trick to use - and it will take a bit of patience and a few tries, but may work well. Get a can (soda can is fine) and place about 20 pennies in it. Seal the can well. Then leave the area (room or house) in such a way that she thinks she can now go on the furniture, but stay within site of both her and the couch (you may need to trick her or use another person). As soon as she leaps on the couch (or starts to get on the couch), toss the can right at her feet. Do NOT hit her with the can. The goal is to scare her. After she leaps up frightened, walk into the room with a open arms, warm smile and comfortingly say, "come here girl - oh you poor thing, it's scary on that bad couch, isn't it?" What you are trying to do is make it seem like the couch is the one "barking" at her to get off, not you. She will associate going on the couch as "bad" and listening to you as good. As I wrote, she associates the "off" command with you. You want her to associate the command with the couch. So if she sees the couch, she remembers that it "barks" or makes a loud noise when she hops on. So she'll be more likely to stay off the couch.

This is a trick that I was taught by a professional dog trainer (over two decades of professional training) and one that I currently employ. If your dog is responsive to that can, it could be used for a variety of training issues. Do NOT shake the can as a rattle. Just give it one harsh shake - as if you just gave one loud "bark". So if she jumps on a person, shake the can once at her and say "down" or "off". This is just one example of how it can be used. Alpha dogs in the wild will give tiny nips at the neck and one loud bark to control the other dogs in the pack. This is even true for a group of dogs at play (when one will become the alpha). The goal is for YOU to become the alpha dog and then teach her "manners", like not jumping, not barking and staying off the couch.

Good luck!

What is the best vaccum or comercial vac for big home?
Q. I have a 3500sqft. home. We need a new vaccum the one we have is not doing it. We have a Hoover windtunnel. It does not perform well even when maintained. I have had a dyson in past and don't like the suction on that either. I would love a commercial vac with the best suction. Please help I have shaft carpet, hardwood, tile and stairs.

A. Print this articleDyson DC14 All-Floors Cyclone Upright
The Dyson DC14 All-Floors Cyclone Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed for use on all surfaces. It features a motorized brush bar that when activated removes dirt and pet hair from carpets. This function can be switched off to protect fine rugs or delicate flooring surfaces. The vacuum cleaner uses Dyson's Root Cyclone technology to ensure that there is no loss of suction. The Cyclone has a long telescopic wand to clean areas that are hard to reach. Dyson upright vacuums are certified asthma friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation.

Electrolux EL 7020B Oxy3 Ultra Canister
The Electrolux EL 7020B Oxy3 Ultra Canister Vacuum cleans traditional carpeted, hardwood and laminate flooring. The vacuum cleaner features a Beta power head option that increases power on carpets. The Optimal light informs the user about the performance level of the Oxy3 Canister. Electrolux guarantees that the Oxy3 captures 99.97 percent of the dust, allergens and small particles in a home. A simple cord rewind function at the touch of a button is a user-friendly addition.



produtools.comHoover 5507-900 Elite Rewind Upright Bagless
The Hoover 5507-900 Elite Rewind Upright Bagless vacuum cleaner is powered by a 12-amp motor. A lifetime HEPA filter is included, and a light indicates when it requires cleaning. The vacuum cleaner covers all surfaces and cleans wide strips. The vacuum features a headlight and furniture guard. Each Hoover vacuum includes a pet-hair removal tool, a dusting brush and an upholstery tool.

Kenmore Progressive 36932 Upright
The Kenmore Progressive 36932 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is bagless and designed to clean many surfaces, such as carpets, bare floors and rugs. The vacuum cleaner features a rotating brush roll that moves the vacuum across the floor. It also works well with tools, which are necessary when cleaning stairs, drapes and upholstery. Another feature is the Inteli-Clean lights, which change color to indicate when an area is completely clean.




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