We know the kitchen is one of the busiest areas in any home. The sink being the center of this area, it gets lots of use. Keeping it clean and smelling fresh can be a challenge but is important. Here are a few quick tips to help you manage this:
1. Clean - Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, follow with 1 cup of white vinegar. Let this sit for about 5 minutes, do work it's magic. Boil a pot of water while waiting, then pour it down the drain. This will help to remove and kill any mold or bacterial building up in the pipe.
2. Fresh Smell - Pour 1 cup of ice down the drain (this also helps to clean off the blades). Include some lemon, orange, grapefruit or lime rinds to the ice; for the clean smell. Then turn on the blades as they chop up the ice and rinds they will help to clean and leave a fresh scent in your kitchen area.
This is a process that can be repeated as often as you feel necessary.
Home Service Now Blog
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Home Maintenance Checklist
GROUNDS
Check window wells and storm drains
Seal driveway and walkway cracks
Check fencing and gates
Check and trim trees
EXTERIOR
Check for proper drainage away from house
Check for deteriorated/damaged siding
Seal any cracks or gaps
Check for finish or paint deterioration
Shut off exterior faucets and drain water
ROOF
Check for loose, damaged or missing roofing
Check condition of chimney and vents
Check flashing for damage or poor seal
Clean all gutters and leaders
WINDOWS & DOORS
Check and reset screens with storms
Check putty/glazing at windows and glass doors
Check for leaks, caulk and weather strip
PLUMBING
Insulate water lines that are subject to freezing
Check condition of water heater
Clean and secure dehumidifier
ATTIC
Insulate over attic stair and hatches
Fill in gaps in insulation cover
Check ventilation openings for nests and blockage
HEATING/COOLING SYSTEMS
Remove and winterize room air conditioners
Have heating system checked by serviceman
Check all radiators and valves
Lubricate all pumps, fans and motors
Test and start humidifier
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Customer Service Survey Results!
Do you find out what your clients think of your customer service?
We decided to reach out and get some feedback, our results are shown below.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Shared/SharedResultsSurveyResultsPage.aspx?ID=L24NF96UHNZM
We decided to reach out and get some feedback, our results are shown below.
http://www.zoomerang.com/Shared/SharedResultsSurveyResultsPage.aspx?ID=L24NF96UHNZM
Digital, Programmable Light Switch & Installation - $130
Heavy Duty Digital 7-Day Timer Switch
Would you like to improve your homes security?
We provide you with an - Indoor digital wall switch timer with flushmount design, 6 On/6 Off settings per day, controls lighting including fluorescent and heavy-duty loads such as fans and appliances, easy-to-set programming. Set it once and never set it again; follows daily changes in sunrise/sunset times. Battery backup guards against memory loss and replaces any standard wall switch.
Would you like to improve your homes security?
- Lighting is a deterent for criminal acitivy
- Lighting increases visibility of your home and what's happening around it
- Lighting is an important safety measure to take while away on vacation
We provide you with an - Indoor digital wall switch timer with flushmount design, 6 On/6 Off settings per day, controls lighting including fluorescent and heavy-duty loads such as fans and appliances, easy-to-set programming. Set it once and never set it again; follows daily changes in sunrise/sunset times. Battery backup guards against memory loss and replaces any standard wall switch.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Garage Floor Cleaning Tip
Did you know that prolonged exposure to road salts can cause spalling of your garage floor? (Spalling is a result of water entering brick, concrete or natural stone and forcing the surface to peel, pop out or flake off. This is because there is salt in water. Salt pushes outward from the inside. Eventually, spalling can cause crumbling and destruction of a structure.)
Here is a fun and easy trick to help prevent damage to your garage floor:
1. Sweep your garage floor with a large brush broom.
2. Shovel a few of small piles of snow into your garage.
3. Sweep it around, let it sit for a little while (30 – 60min)
4. Sweep the snow out.
Along with that snow goes the salt build-up on your floor, the dirt and grime that has collected after having your garage closed up and your vehicles dragging in the weather from roads.
Try this once a month during the winter months to prolong the life of your garage flooring.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2010 Reviews for Spectrum Home Services
12/15/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Westmont, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
they were excellent
12/14/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Linda M. in Wheaton, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Spectrum did a wonderful job! Not a leaf in sight! We would definitely recommend their services.
11/29/10 ✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in West chicago, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Good communication, fair pricing and prompt service. I have already recommended Spectrum Home Services Of DuPage County, Inc to several friends!
11/29/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Wheaton, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Fabulous communication, professional workmanship.
11/23/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Naperville, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
11/09/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Plainfield, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Very friendly and easy to work with as well.
11/03/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Holly B. in Downers grove, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Although I did not ask to have the leaves removed from the backyard, they did it anyway. Very pleased!
10/18/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by John K. in Naperville, IL
Project: Aerate a Lawn
Lawn aeration was the service. Receieved immediate response to servicemagic.com posting. Sales by phone and in person for estimeate was professional and low key. Call back after visit by sales rep yileded an additonal 10% discount. Service itslef was as promissed in both size and depth of plugs. Management followed up with a call and payment was easy via phone. JK
10/12/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Amy M. in Naperville, IL
Project: Aerate a Lawn
Kevin is great! He is knowledgeable, courteous, and prompt. Got the job done in a timely manner and had great follow-up communication. He is a little higher priced than other contractors, but his service and attention to detail is well worth it!!
09/24/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Wheaton, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Excellent experience with this company! On time, great job, very professional, and left everything clean and neat. Would highly recommend them.
09/16/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Jim W. in Naperville, IL
Project: Aerate a Lawn
Received an email from them right away containing a quote which was very reasonable. Called them and set up an appointment on the day they said they could be here in the original email. They arrived on the specified day close to the designated time and performed the aeration in an efficient and friendly manner with new looking equipment. After the job was finished, they blew plugs off driveway and sidewalk and even swept remaiing debris off walk. I'm very pleased with the job and would recommend Spectrum Home Servoces and Service Magic to anyone.
09/07/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Krisan M. in Plainfield, IL
Project: Mow Grass and Maintain Landscaping
Once I submitted my name to be contacted, they called me BEFORE i even was finished reading about them on the Internet. They are very pleasant to work with and seem to be very trustworthy also. They keep me well informed and work hard to keep me happy!
08/23/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Matthew C. in Downers grove, IL
Project: Hire a Handyman
Kevin worked with the highest possible attention to details. He never slowed down or compromised any quality of work. His work was outstanding, as he went FAR above the minimum level of quality. I highly recommend Kevin and Spectrum Home Services!!
08/16/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by John F. in Carol stream, IL
Project: Mow Grass and Maintain Landscaping
Excellent job! Plan on using again.
07/24/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Linda B. in Downers grove, IL
Project: Hire a Handyman
kevin was nice told me every thing that was wrong and did a great job while he was here.
07/15/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Sara Y. in Aurora, IL
Project: Hire a Handyman
Kevin installed 2 new porch columns for us. The old ones got rotten. He replaced them with 2 fiberglass columns. He is very detail oriented. He came twice before the job to measure the columns and made plans of how to better position them. He made 2 wood blocks to put on top of the columns to make them fit nicely. His did an excellent job and also cleaned up after the work. We are very satisfied with his work. We recommend him highly.
Review by a Neighbor in Westmont, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
they were excellent
12/14/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Linda M. in Wheaton, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Spectrum did a wonderful job! Not a leaf in sight! We would definitely recommend their services.
11/29/10 ✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in West chicago, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Good communication, fair pricing and prompt service. I have already recommended Spectrum Home Services Of DuPage County, Inc to several friends!
11/29/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Wheaton, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Fabulous communication, professional workmanship.
11/23/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Naperville, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
11/09/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Plainfield, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Very friendly and easy to work with as well.
11/03/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Holly B. in Downers grove, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Although I did not ask to have the leaves removed from the backyard, they did it anyway. Very pleased!
10/18/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by John K. in Naperville, IL
Project: Aerate a Lawn
Lawn aeration was the service. Receieved immediate response to servicemagic.com posting. Sales by phone and in person for estimeate was professional and low key. Call back after visit by sales rep yileded an additonal 10% discount. Service itslef was as promissed in both size and depth of plugs. Management followed up with a call and payment was easy via phone. JK
10/12/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Amy M. in Naperville, IL
Project: Aerate a Lawn
Kevin is great! He is knowledgeable, courteous, and prompt. Got the job done in a timely manner and had great follow-up communication. He is a little higher priced than other contractors, but his service and attention to detail is well worth it!!
09/24/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by a Neighbor in Wheaton, IL
Project: Fall / Spring Yard Clean Up
Excellent experience with this company! On time, great job, very professional, and left everything clean and neat. Would highly recommend them.
09/16/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Jim W. in Naperville, IL
Project: Aerate a Lawn
Received an email from them right away containing a quote which was very reasonable. Called them and set up an appointment on the day they said they could be here in the original email. They arrived on the specified day close to the designated time and performed the aeration in an efficient and friendly manner with new looking equipment. After the job was finished, they blew plugs off driveway and sidewalk and even swept remaiing debris off walk. I'm very pleased with the job and would recommend Spectrum Home Servoces and Service Magic to anyone.
09/07/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Krisan M. in Plainfield, IL
Project: Mow Grass and Maintain Landscaping
Once I submitted my name to be contacted, they called me BEFORE i even was finished reading about them on the Internet. They are very pleasant to work with and seem to be very trustworthy also. They keep me well informed and work hard to keep me happy!
08/23/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Matthew C. in Downers grove, IL
Project: Hire a Handyman
Kevin worked with the highest possible attention to details. He never slowed down or compromised any quality of work. His work was outstanding, as he went FAR above the minimum level of quality. I highly recommend Kevin and Spectrum Home Services!!
08/16/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by John F. in Carol stream, IL
Project: Mow Grass and Maintain Landscaping
Excellent job! Plan on using again.
07/24/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Linda B. in Downers grove, IL
Project: Hire a Handyman
kevin was nice told me every thing that was wrong and did a great job while he was here.
07/15/10 ✰✰✰✰✰
Review by Sara Y. in Aurora, IL
Project: Hire a Handyman
Kevin installed 2 new porch columns for us. The old ones got rotten. He replaced them with 2 fiberglass columns. He is very detail oriented. He came twice before the job to measure the columns and made plans of how to better position them. He made 2 wood blocks to put on top of the columns to make them fit nicely. His did an excellent job and also cleaned up after the work. We are very satisfied with his work. We recommend him highly.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Benefits of Home Humidification
Dry air doesn't only affect the people who live in the home. Dry air can also damage furniture, wood floors, trim, molding, and paint in your home. A humidifier not only helps those in your home breathe better, but it also helps maintain the air in your home at a comfortable level for everything inside it. Furthermore, air that's too dry makes the temperature feel colder than it actually is. Humidification works in conjunction with heating devices to keep you warm during the winter as well as save you money on your heating bills.
Humidifiers, by sending small molecules of moisture into the air, can help keep you healthier and extend the life of your furniture. The optimum humidity level in a house is generally 35 - 40 percent, anything above that can induce mold. An easy way to tell if you have too much humidity in your home is to look at your windows. If there is moisture on the glass, cut back on your humidifier use. You can also purchase a humidity gauge.
http://www.target.com/s?keywords=humidity_gauge&AFID=google&CPNG=home%20decor3&LNM=Humidity%20gauge&LID=25p6491474&adgroup=clocks&MT=broad&KID=6e467c5f-5b95-a2e9-738e-000065198961&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000
If you are interested in finding out more about what humidification options would be best for you, your family and home please contact us (630) 946-6605 or chicagoinfo@spectrumhomeservices.com
You can even find cute humidifiers for your bedroom like this one...
Humidifiers, by sending small molecules of moisture into the air, can help keep you healthier and extend the life of your furniture. The optimum humidity level in a house is generally 35 - 40 percent, anything above that can induce mold. An easy way to tell if you have too much humidity in your home is to look at your windows. If there is moisture on the glass, cut back on your humidifier use. You can also purchase a humidity gauge.
http://www.target.com/s?keywords=humidity_gauge&AFID=google&CPNG=home%20decor3&LNM=Humidity%20gauge&LID=25p6491474&adgroup=clocks&MT=broad&KID=6e467c5f-5b95-a2e9-738e-000065198961&ref=tgt_adv_XS000000
If you are interested in finding out more about what humidification options would be best for you, your family and home please contact us (630) 946-6605 or chicagoinfo@spectrumhomeservices.com
You can even find cute humidifiers for your bedroom like this one...
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