Steam Cleaner Vacuum

A selection of hot water extractors are being marketed
that range from the large or small canister types
with hose and nozzle to those that look more like an
upright vacuum cleaner.  The basic operation of the
steam cleaner vacuum involves spraying a mixture
of warm water and detergent into the carpet, washing
the fibers and then extracting the solution mixture
back out.  There are some models that include
rotating or revolving brushes that will agitate the
carpet for better cleaning.

The earlier styles that were sold consisted of a
special wand and nozzle that was used to on wet/dry
utility type of vacuum cleaner.  The long hose was
connected to a nearby hot water source.  The detergent
came in a small bottle on the wand and was mixed with
hot water before being sprayed on the carpet.  By
using a finger controlled valve, you should control
how much water was sprayed in the carpet.  Even today,
this type of vacuum is still being used.

The more modern designs are more self contained in
the sense that water and detergent mixtures are
placed into a tank on the machine.  This will free
you from the long water supply hose.

The main part of an extractor will consist of a
cleaning solution tank, recovery tank, suction motor,
cleaning nozzle, and some sort of solution spraying
system.  If there is a hose that is used, there
will also be a motor or turbine driven pump that
will force the solution on to the end of the hose.

Upright steam cleaners
These types of vacuums look like uprights also
have the tanks, suction motor, main nozzle, and
other features built into one. The entire vacuum
unit is pushed around much like using an upright
vacuum cleaner.  Normally, the solution is gravity
fed to the spray nozzle which is directly behind
the suction nozzle.

Most types have brushes mounted in the same area
to agitate the carpet for overall better cleaning.
For cleaning upholstered furniture and carpeted
stairs, most types will have a special hose and
smaller nozzle that will come with stationary
brushes that can easily detach.

Canister steam cleaners
This type of steam cleaner will come with a separate
hose and nozzle and has the tanks and suction motor
built directly into a case that is pulled along
with you.  The nozzle at the end of the hose and
the wands are moved back and forth across the carpet
to clean it.

There are some deluxe models that have a drive motor
style revolving brush in the nozzle that will help
you with the process of cleaning.  These types of
nozzles are much lighter to move acros the carpet
than the upright types of steam cleaners.

The only disadvantage is that they aren’t as
convenient to set up and store as the self contained
upright type.  Therefore, having to pull them
around with you can be a pain in the neck.  The
smaller portable extractor is a variation of the
canister type in a small package.  Even though this
may sound great to have for stairs and furniture,
the effectiveness they offer is actually quite
poor.

Steam cleaners work the best when they used on a
periodic basis to clean carpets that are very
lightly soiled.  If you use them on carpet that is
very heavily soiled or stained, it can be very
disappointing to say the least.

If you have the need for heavy duty cleaning, you
should look into the professional cleaning
services that are offered in your area.  They have
heavy duty commercial equipment that is far more
powerful and able to produce much better results.

Home Pedicure Tips for Moms

Sometimes, it’s the simple pleasures in life that make us happy.  Pampering, even for just an hour, can make all the difference. If you’ve never had a pedicure, or it’s been ages since the last one; you’ll agree it is the most soothing and relaxing hour you’ll probably ever spend in a salon.  However, you can also derive the same pleasure at home. Wait until the kids have gone to bed; and proceed to your bathroom. Then, follow these home pedicure tips for moms.

1. Light an aromatherapy candle, and place it on the countertop in your bathroom.
2. Fill your tub with warm water. Add either Epsom salt or your favorite bath salt.
3. Using cotton balls, remove old polish from your toenails with nail polish remover.
4. Soak your feet for ten to fifteen minutes.
5. Using a pumice stone to rub the heels and balls of your feet to remove dead skin. If you have a soft brush, you can use that as well.
6. Dry your feet thoroughly.
7. Cut your toenails.
8. Using your favorite moisturizer, massage your cuticles and both feet.
9. Gently push back your cuticles with an orange stick, and remove the excess cuticles.
10. Massage your legs with the moisturizer as well.
11. One foot at a time, apply clear nail hardener.
12. Apply your favorite color nail polish.
13. Apply a second coat of nail hardener.
14. Add cotton balls in between toes until nails are dry.
15. Use flip-flops if you need to walk around, or simply relax in your scented bathroom until nails are dry.

Wasn’t that a wonderful experience? Do you feel relaxed? Home pedicures can be just as soothing as going to a spa or salon; the only difference is it doesn’t cost anything except the price of a small bottle of nail polish. In addition, having an hour of alone time is completely worth the experience.

Home Manicure Tips for Moms

Having a manicure can be very uplifting, especially if you haven’t had the time to pamper yourself.  While nail salons seem to be cropping up everywhere, there have been reports of infections due to insufficient sanitizing of the utensils. Also, once you’ve been to a nail salon, chances are you may have to return often. The reason for this is quite simple; nail salons tend to remove too much nail surface, leaving your nails vulnerable to breakage. Thus, a return trip is almost always required.  It is much easier to tend to your nails at home. Here are home manicure tips for moms that will ensure your nails will remain strong, and ultimately avoid the unnecessary expense.

1. If you have a desk lamp, set it on your kitchen or dining room table.
2. Prepare a bowl with dish washing liquid and warm water.
3. Have all of your manicure utensils, cotton balls, nail polish remover and polish on the table as well.
4. Place a dish towel on the surface of the table.
5. Remove the polish from both hands.
6. File your nails, if necessary.
7. Using a cue tip dipped in the water, clean under the fingernails.
8. Place one hand in the bowl first, then after a few minutes take the orange stick and push back your cuticles.
9.  Follow the same procedure with the other hand.
10.  Use your cuticle utensil to remove dead skin.
11.  Place your each hand back into the bowl; then wipe dry.
12.  Massage your hands with moisturizer before you begin polishing.
13.  Apply nail hardener to the left hand first; then the right.
14.  Apply the polish to the left hand next; then the right.
15.  Apply a top coat of nail hardener to the left hand; then the right.
16.  Wait until polish is completely dry; about 30 minutes.

Note: There are cuticle removers available in liquid form. However, they tend to leave your cuticles very dry after a few days.

Manicures do not have to be expensive, nor do they have to cause infection. If you follow these tips, you will be able to give yourself home manicures whenever needed, and fully enjoy the process at the same time.

Natural Home Beauty Remedies in a Flash

Would you be surprised to learn that spending a small fortune on beauty products is quite unnecessary? All of the ingredients you’ll ever need are in your kitchen or pantry cabinet.
Here are three ways in which you can use natural home beauty remedies in a flash.

Olive Oil: You cook and bake with it; but did you know you can use it in a variety of other ways? Because olive oil is chemical free, it can be used on your skin; as a bath oil, moisturizer, massager, and conditioner. For example: You can apply a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice to your skin before bedtime to reduce wrinkles and, at the same time, moisturize your skin. To strengthen your nails, soak them in warm extra virgin olive oil for five minutes. Massage your sore muscles with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil and rosemary. Apply olive oil to dry hair as an overall conditioner.  It will leave your hair smooth and shiny.

Oatmeal: Wouldn’t you love a facial? Get out the box of oatmeal from your cabinet and begin. This oatmeal facial will not only exfoliate, but moisturize your skin as well.  Here are the steps: Take out a package of instant oatmeal; add a half a cup of water; two tablespoons yogurt; two tablespoons of honey and one egg white. Mix the water and oatmeal, then add the additional ingredients. Apply a thin layer to your face. Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until you feel tightness; then rinse your face with warm water.

Dry Skin Brushing: Here is a technique that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Before taking a shower in the morning, use a brush or sponge and begin the dry skin brushing process to exfoliate dead skin cells, and improve your blood circulation. Here’s how to do it: While standing the shower with the water off, start at your feet and begin brushing in small circles toward the upper part of your body.  Then work your way down the back of your body to complete the process. Do not scrub hard, but apply even and light pressure.  After you have completed this procedure, take a shower.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enhance your beauty.  All of the natural remedies are at home and within your grasp.