Green Cleaning Your Bathroom

Think about how often you use your bathroom. Now think about how often you clean it. Even if you do make it a habit to tidy up the bathroom, chances are you’re using harsh chemicals that are not only bad for your health but are also unsafe for your home.

Cleaning your bathroom should be quick and easy, but it should also be done in a safe and healthy manner. That is why we’ve compiled a list of ways you can clean up without toxins putting you in harm’s way:

Scrub the tub. Take one teaspoon of liquid soap and add a few drops of an antibacterial essential oil, like rosemary or eucalyptus. Mix that with one cup of baking soda and enough water to create a pasty texture. Use a sponge to scrub and rinse.

Make marble sparkle. Clean your beautiful marble countertops with a liquid soap, water, and a clean cloth. Avoid using sponges and harsh chemical cleaners that can ruin the surface. Wash as often as possible.

Fight mildew. The more efficient and eco-friendly way to keep mildew at bay is to turn on the exhaust fan during and after steaming up the bathroom. The exhaust fan should eliminate most of the moisture in your bathroom, helping to eliminate fungus.

Make an oily freshener. Need to freshen up a foul odor in your bathroom? Skip the Febreeze as well as other chemical-based fabric fresheners. Instead, add some of your favorite essential oils into spray bottles, add one cup of water, and spritz when needed.

To learn more about how you can green clean your bathroom, click here.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available 24/7 for plumbing needs in the bathroom and around the house. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.   

Quick Bathroom Cleaning

Do you have a bathroom cleaning routine pat down? If you need a quick guide to painlessly and thoroughly get rid of dirt and germs, look no further than this 15-minute cleaning guide to get a spotless bathroom from top to bottom:

Sink - Rid the sink of toothpaste and gobs of hair by wiping it up with white vinegar. Pat down with a paper towel. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to refill your soap dispenser and wipe down your toothbrush holder.

Toilet - Don’t forget about the hard-to-reach corners that easily build up dust and hair. Disinfect with a combination of ½ cup white vinegar, ½ cup vodka, 10 drops of lavender, as well as 1 1/12 cups of distilled water. This will keep harsh chemicals to a minimum while accomplishing a quick cleaning job.

Mirror - Mix half vinegar and half water in an empty all-purpose spray bottle. Add about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a fresh scent, such as peppermint or lavender.

Tub - Clean your porcelain tub with baking soda and a damp sponge. Then, pour vinegar down the drain with baking soda to get rid of any alkaline buildup. This will also get rid of bathroom mold and mildew - especially if you use daily after showering. All you need is a few minutes!

Floors - Finish up your quick clean with the floors. Instead of spreading around dirty water with a mop, grab a pair of “rag socks”, sweep up the dirt with your feet, and toss them when you're done.

New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter is available 24/7 for plumbing needs in the bathroom and around the house. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services.   

Quick Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Out of all the rooms you use in your home, your kitchen probably receives the most use, so dedicating time to clean everything from appliances to the fridge is important. Can’t find time in your busy schedule? No worries - we’ve got your shortcuts here to quickly and efficiently tidy up the room:

 

Garbage Disposal - To deep clean your disposal unit, make quick and easy ice cubes: blend half vinegar, half water and grind the ice cubes. Repeat on occasion, especially after you have guests over.

Refrigerator - Empty any expired or unwanted food, then push the rest to the side. Clean shelves using a sponge, dish detergent, and warm water. Shift items around to wipe up the other areas until your fridge is completely clean.

Stainless Steel - A streak-free cleaning solution for stainless steel requires an olive oil-based stainless steel spray. This should remove noticeable fingerprints and grease stains.

Sink - No matter what kind of skin you have, fill it with hot water, add one cup of bleach and let soak for approximately one hour. Then drain and rinse thoroughly. Take it a step further by scrubbing with baking soda or giving it an extra shine with a glass-cleaning spray.

Supplies - Clean your kitchen supplies by disinfecting them in the dishwasher. This includes sponges, dish racks, refrigerator drawers, utensil organizers. The steamy water and detergent will help kill germs and

If while you’re cleaning the kitchen, you come across and plumbing or sewer problem, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter. We are here for your emergency needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website to learn more about our services. 

Save Water While Washing the Dishes

Today is No Dirty Dishes Day! Choose to eat meals out or use disposable paper plates, but if you must use your finest dishes, make sure you stay earth friendly while cleaning them. Keep in mind that a little effort can go a long way!

Here are five tips to help you save water while washing your dishes:

Scrape your plate. If you’re like most people, you probably place your dirty plate in the sink without wiping it off. Give water a break by clearing dirty dishes before you stack them in the sink! When your plate is covered with leftover food, go over to the trash and clean it off.

Pile the dishes. After you’ve scraped off your plates, pile them together in the sink. Instead of reaching for one plate at a time, keep your dishes close to prevent the sink water from running longer.

Fill your sink. Do you hand wash your dishes? If so, plug up the sink and fill it with warm, soapy water. When you don’t let the water run the entire time you clean, you can save 200-500 gallons per month!

Full loads only. Unless you have a big family or you’re hosting a party, there’s no need to load the dishwasher after each meal you eat. Conserve over 400 gallons of water each month by waiting until it’s completely full!

Read soap labels. Did you know most people use 10 to 15 times more soap than they actually need? Most soaps are very concentrated and if you use too much of it, you’ll need to rinse more than is necessary. Read the label on your dish soap to ensure you’re using just the right amount!

Looking for more earth friendly cleaning methods? Connecting with us on Facebook! And remember, if you need help fixing a leaky pipe or clogged drain, Nassau County Plumbing & Sewer Rooter can detect and repair your plumbing issues. Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.

Clean Your Bathroom in 5 Minutes

Do you spend hours trying to catch up on cleaning your bathroom? Don’t bother! Truth is that just five minutes a day can save you time in the long run.

Using the five minute rule really does work. Here's how:

Minute One. Dedicate this time to clear off surfaces. Put away the flat iron and magazines. Stow away your makeup and toss that old towel into the laundry bin. Pick dirty clothes off the floor too!

Minute Two. It’s all about surface cleaning. Apply some toilet bowl cleaner and let it sit until the last few seconds. Wipe any toothpaste, hair, and dust off counter tops. Don’t forget the sink and toilet tank as well. Circle your toilet brush around in the final seconds and you’re good to go.

Minute Three. Straighten things up. Refold towels, make sure you have enough toilet paper, and close your shower curtain so it can air out. If you finish that quickly, straighten up those lotion and shampoo bottles on your counter tops and in the shower.

Minute Four. Almost done! It’s time to check your mirrors for splashes of toothpaste. Wipe it down with your favorite glass cleaner to brighten up the space. If your mirror is already spotless, take this minute to add some shine to your sink and bath fixtures. Those final touches really make a difference!

Minute Five. Do your kids make your bathroom extra messy? Don’t panic - you have a whole 60 seconds to tidy up anything out of sorts, take a step back, and access all the work you did!

There you have it! Five quick minutes to keep your bathroom looking fresh. For maximum cleanliness, use this system every day (if possible). Skipping a few days could add time to a fairly quick routine, so make an effort to give yourself a little extra time either morning or night. Final advice? Don’t let these 5 minutes intimidate you!

If you run across troubles with plumbing or drain systems during your five minute cleanup, turn to Nassau Plumbing and Sewer Rooter -  your trusted Nassau County plumber, ready to handle all of your sewer and drain cleaning needs! Give us a call at 516.874.7937 or visit our website for more information.

Wellness Wednesday: 5 Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean the House

It’s often easy to forget the harmful effects of household cleaning products we use on a regular basis. Choosing more natural products and removing toxic ones goes a long way to ensure you’re breathing fresh, clean air.

Looking for alternative methods? Here’s how you can get started now:

Look under your kitchen sink. Glance over the products you have - eliminate the toxic ones. Place these in a locked storage bin for your community’s next Household Hazardous Pickup Day. Chemical-free products create a safer environment for the whole family.

Replace toxic products. Choose non-toxic substitutes. Look for “Signal Words” on labels - danger, warning, poison, caution - all indications of health concerns and products that you should avoid using in your home. Try alternatives like baking soda or lemon juice. Click here for a list of chemical-free recipes you can try this season.

Recycle cleaning materials. Save money and help the environment! Reusable mops, safer sponges, rags (instead of paper), and HEPA vacuums provide your home with clean air.

Clean indoor air with plants. Plants are an organic way to reduce indoor air pollution in your home - add a lightly lavender antibacterial spray for a lovely, clean scent that disinfects. Not to mention, houseplants add more oxygen too!

Use your senses. Smell, hear, feel - if your nose detects rotten food or dirty pet products, it may be time for a cleaning. Floors feel sticky? Grab a clean rag or mop. Your senses will tell you which household areas need to be attended to.

For more eco-friendly cleaning methods or help installing energy efficient appliances in your home, call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at 718-514-7145! We can help you make a difference.

Deep Clean Your Kitchen!

Tomorrow is Clean Your Kitchen Day and a perfect time to give your kitchen that deep clean it's been hoping for. While you probably wipe down and around your kitchen each and every day, getting into the nooks and crannies of your entire kitchen calls for a checklist.

Use this chilly Saturday to buckle down and make your kitchen sparkle. Turn to this guide below for a little inspiration:

Cupboards and surfaces. Clear out all of your Tupperware, utensils and knickknacks so you have nothing left but empty spaces to attack. Wipe down all interiors with a disinfectant spray - including hard to reach areas like high shelves and extractor fans. Wipe down cabinet exteriors with warm, soapy water unless the material calls for a special cleaner. If handles are particularly greasy, consider removing them and soaking them in a bowl.

Kitchen appliances. The biggest jobs include the oven and the fridge. To clean the oven, first unplug it. Then, remove all shelves and scrub down the inside and the door with an oven cleaner spray. Soak the shelves in the sink in the meantime.

Unplug the fridge before cleaning it, as well. Remove all the contents - chucking food that is moldy or old and placing perishables in a cooler. Remove all shelving and let that soak in the sink too. Thoroughly wipe down walls with a bacterial spray. The fridge is a perfect place for bacteria to build up if not cleaned regularly.

Finishing touches. Now that all of the big projects are complete, refocus your attention to the sink and the floor - two spots that probably got even dirtier in the process. Fill the sink with warm water and bleach or limescale remover. Let it soak for a bit before draining and wiping it down until it's completely clean. Lastly, sweep and or vacuum the floor and fill up a bucket with floor-cleaning solution and a little bit of water. Mop the entire floor and then leave the room and allow everything to dry.

Run into a plumbing problem during your cleaning spree? Call us at NY Plumbing & Sewer Rooter! We've been proudly serving plumbing customers in New York for over 50 years. Visit our website for more information. 

Every Mom's Favorite Kitchen Cleaning Tricks

It's no secret that every child's favorite after school activity is snack time! That's why every mom loves learning clever tips to keep her kitchen clean.

At New York Plumbing and Sewer, we're happy to give you the support you need. Whether it's for routine plumbing maintenance or every day home improvement tips, you can count on us.

5 Kitchen Cleaning Tips

1. For those juice boxes that spill all over, use hydrogen peroxide in water. With a few drops of ammonia this concoction is the answer for stone counter top stains. 
2. Half a cup of baking soda and two gallons of water is all you need for a sparkling clean tile floor. These are ingredients you can grab on the way to work in the morning, and their cheap!
3. Nine parts warm water and one part white vinegar is your solution for shinier wood floors. Getting your kids to leave their shoes at the front door may be hard, but cleaning up after them doesn't have to be.
4. Have a little artist in your house? Crayons on wall paint can be washed away with mild dish-washing soap mixed with water. 
5. Squirt a little ketchup on your kid's plate of chicken nuggets and then add a little to your pots and pans. Rinsing copper and brass fixtures with ketchup and warm water removes tarnish. 

For more clever kitchen cleaning tips, click here. 

Find a leak during your little cleaning spree? No worries! At New York Plumbing and Sewer Rooter, we're available for all of your plumbing emergencies and needs. Call us at 516-874-7937 today! LIKE us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Google+ for more updates and plumbing information.

6 Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Clean While You Cook

The kids are home from school in the summer and there are more family parties to go around! If you want to cook a great meal and avoid an agonizing clean up, check out these great tips from Reader's Digest below:

1. For cleaner counters, place all ingredients on an empty baking sheet prior to prepping them. The baking sheet will catch spills, plus you won't waste searching for every item as you cook. 
2. To avoid a greasy olive oil bottle, wrap a folded paper towel around its neck and secure with a rubber band to absorb any drips. 
3. If you break a glass while cooking, use a piece of white bread to pick up the pieces. Even tiny slivers will cling to it. Clever, huh?
4. To protect a a special recipe from getting ruined by splatters and stains, place it under a clean glass pot lid.You can still read it while shielding it!
5. While you cook, toss scraps into a large bowl, keeping the mess in one place. Line the bowl with a plastic bag to make cleanup even easier.
6. Keep your thumbs squeaky-clean by using a wine cork to make an indent in thumbprint cookies instead of your thumb!

Your kitchen is perfectly clean but one of your appliances stopped working or the sink is clogged? Call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter for all of your plumbing needs this season. 

7 Steps for a Quick Kitchen Clean Up

Love a good meal but hate the mess that comes with cooking one? Lucky for you, Consumer Reports has some great advice. Here's just 7 simple steps to get clean quickly:

Choose a speedy dishwasher: The downside of more water- and energy-efficient machines is a cycle time that can approach 3 hours. Some models are quicker, such as the $700 Bosch Ascenta SHX3AR7[5]UC.

Skip the pre-rinsing : Most modern dishwashers don’t need it. You’ll save time, and you could reduce your household’s annual water consumption by up to 6,500 gallons.

Let all-purpose cleaners settle in: Manufacturers of those products often make “spray and wipe” claims. However, letting them sit for a few minutes results in better cleaning power, which could save you time in the long run.

Clean smoothtops quickly: Cleanup is easy with smoothtop cooktops. But food that contains sugar, such as tomato sauce, can bond with the glass if you let it cool. For routine care, use a cleaner made especially for smoothtops.

Consider a robotic vacuum: They can’t deliver the deep carpet cleaning of a regular vacuum, but they’re perfect for collecting cereal, crumbs, and other surface debris from the kitchen floor.

Clean as you go: Put ingredients away once you’re finished with them, or enlist someone else to do so, including a child who’s old enough. Keep a bowl on your work surface for food scraps. 

Time refrigerator cleanings: Wait until it’s almost empty, then push any remaining items to one side. Clean shelves with a sponge and a solution of dish detergent and warm water. Rotate the items and repeat until the entire refrigerator is clean.

Have any other secret tricks your willing to share? Let us know on our Facebook Page. For kitchen problems you can't solve, NY Plumber & Sewer has your back. 

For more information visit consumerreports.org.