Lola Clean Freaks

You may be wondering why no matter how hard you try, your home still seems all dirty and dusty all the time. Well, you are not alone on this because almost everyone also deals with this dilemma daily. Whether they like it or not, this issue must be dealt with immediately because it can lead to illnesses such as asthma, allergies, or other breathing problems. This is why it is crucial to know how to effectively  get rid of dust as part of making a happy and healthy home.

The source  of having dust at home can be because of many different particles such as dirt, pollen, mold spores, dead skin cells, hair, and fabric fibers, as well as airborne pollutants such as wood ash, chemicals, and vehicle exhaust. These may be challenging to deal with and it involves different parts, furniture and aspects of home.

Here we'll discuss some of the ways to keep your home as dust-free as possible. I'm sure you already know that a regular weekly cleaning which includes washing, dry-cleaning, and vacuuming. These are all essential to maintain your home so the air is as clean, comfortable, and as dust-free as it can be.

Have some Cloth as Company

Dust and dirt commonly  travels on a one way only; from outside to inside. Notice that every you or your home's visitor come in, they bring dirt into the house. This is almost impossible to prevent except if you have a filtering area which will wash away everything before they can access your actual house. But, one effective way to make it easier to clean up is by using cloth or leather door mats which would catch and trap all the dirt and stop it from traveling farther into your home. Wash or vacuum the mats regularly to prevent buildup. You can also use towels to wipe shoes and other footwear being used outside. In this case,  Lola's reusable Wowables towels can do the job.

Check on your Furry Friends

Our furry pets produce a lot of hair and dead skin cells which can then turn into dust. This is why it is important to groom pets regularly not only for us but also for them. Want to get rid of pesky pet hair? Lola Rola Sticky Mop can do the job! It collects dust and hair in an instant. Also, keeping your pet's litter box covered will also help reduce the spread of dust particles.

Keep your Windows Clean and Closed

During the warm sunny days, opening the windows to get some fresh air can feel so refreshing. However, little did we know that it is one of the manor contributors that actually increases the amount of dust in your home. It enters through large gaps and openings such as doors and windows in the form of pollen, mold spores, and airborne pollutants, which when combined can create a significant buildup that can be visible on windowsills and the only way to deal with this is to keep your windows shut—especially on windy days. Also, don't forget to clean them to make sure nothing gets pass your defences. Try Lola's Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth which is delicate to the glass and effectively wipes off hard-to-remove dust.

Damp it All Down, Yo!

Water seems basic but it should never be taken for granted. Know that a good damp mopping and is effective in eliminating almost 90 percent of the dust in your home. It is also important to note that plain water is the most environmental friendly cleanser that you can find. So, when you feel everything else fails, know that a damp rag or mop captures and holds dust, which can then simply be rinsed down the drain along with all your problems and stress.

Don't be Blind over the Blinds

Being close to the window, this is also a sticking point for dirt. So, don't think that just because you've exchanged fabric window treatments for blinds means you already got rid of the dirt for good because dust is drawn to blinds like moths to a flame, so you should clean them on a regular basis. Brushes and dusters can be a helpful tool. Luckily, Lola has got many variants that you can choose from. So, check it out!

Clear and Declutter

Lastly, it is always a wonder how dust makes it's way to untouched shelves and cabinets. That's why you should not keep it waiting for too long. Stocking too many items may also contribute. So, do some decluttering from time to time and throwaway things that you won't have to keep anymore.

Practice all of these tips and I'm sure, no matter how many times dirt and dust comes back within your home, you can always beat it all the time. Now, you can make your home a more comfortable one not only for you but for your whole family.

After a long and tiring day, it's where you find comfort --- Through it's warm embrace you finally feel home and safe and as you rest, you go into your most vulnerable state; prone to illnesses possibly brought by the dirt and bacteria lurking within your sheets, pillow and blanket.

Our bed is where we supposedly improve our well-being because it goes us enough undisturbed sleep. This is why this should be one of the most cleanest and safest part of your home. So, no part of it should pose risk to you or your family's health.

Remove and wash all the bedding

First and foremost, you have to collect and replace all the sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers regularly. Those that we're already used for a couple of days or weeks should be immediately thrown into the washing machine while you work on cleaning the mattress. Using warm water in cleaning will help a lot in getting rid of any dust mites. Meanwhile, pillows can or cannot be washed depending on the type of pillows you have. Double-checking the care label behind it is the easiest way to make sure.

Vacuum the mattress

To reach the small gaps near the insides of your mattress, grab your vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment and go over the entire surface including its sides. Look thoroughly for seams and examine  the crevice attachment to get any hidden dirt or dust. Do this once or twice to assure that no part is left untouched.

Spot clean your mattress

You cannot apply water or cleaning solution directly to your mattress because some of its materials are not supposed to be wet at all. Instead you might need a little bit of wiping and brushing to remove stains and dirt. Lola offers various tools which can help you accomplish this task; from the hand-held Angled Broom to its different kinds of Swiffer® Sweeper® Comparable wet & dry sweeper floor mop, these will help to pick up fur and other materials stuck in your mattress.

But aside from that, spot cleaning stains would also require you to use some stain remover. Of course, this stain remover should depend on the type of stain and the type of mattress. Be careful though, because not everything will work on your mattress. You also have to consider whether the effect of what you will use to you and o your family. Lack of caution may lead to unnecessary and negative reactions such as allergies.

Use the Tool+Solution combo

But, with proper research, you might pull it off. Aside from store-bought agents, you can also use some home ingredients that you can mix and use. This does not save you from doing some extra efforts, of course. For it is still more effective if you use the appropriate tools to remove the leftover stains that were not eliminated by the solution.

With the power of the two; dust, dirt and germs will be dealt with, through the best way possible. Making this a habit will assure the cleanliness of your home. Now, you can have a more comfortable and relaxed sleep because you know that your surroundings is clean and safe. You also don't have to worry about itch caused by harmful and microscopic elements because you are backed by your brush, scrubber, vacuum and cleaning agents which are ready for a fight 24/7.

Cleaning the floor is one of the most underrated household chores. It is seldom seen as important and sometimes is just ignored. But, it is just as important as the other parts of the house. Thus, it also needs the same amount of attention and care. While many might think that sweeping and vacuuming will be enough to remove all the dirt from your floors, the reality is that mopping is also a must as it can help remove difficult grime that brooms simply can't get up. Basically, mopping is a simple process, but some tips can help you get the job done faster. 

Clear and Sweep before Mopping

Making sure that the area is clean before mopping is important. You should remove all furniture such as tables, chairs and throw rugs to make the cleaning easier and faster. Keeping it free from debris is also a way to make sure every part of it will be cleaned. Mopping also doesn't go well when there’s dust and crumbs around because instead of cleaning it, the mop will only spread it around. So, don’t forget to sweep the floor using an item like the Flexible Dust Mop before mopping because debris is also one of the causes of scratches on the floor. Every time you finish mopping your floor, you also have to make sure everyone that is in your home will not step on the floor while it is drying. Also, clearing the area will make things much easier when you are trying to remove grime and debris.

Use Warm Water

Before starting the process, using a mixture of your chosen cleaner along with warm water is an effective strategy. But make sure you fill the bucket with water to the point that the mop will be completely submerged in the water. If you have a dried out mop, then it will need to soak in the warm water before you begin cleaning.

Mop in Sections

It is better to mop floors in small sections as it will help remove grime build up and debris. Newer mops like The Revolution Microfiber Spin Mop can significantly speed up your cleaning time. 

Rinse and Wring Out Your Mop

Don’t forget this step every time you finish a section. Make sure you wring out your mop before wiping the small section with the wrung out the mop. It is an essential process because it prevents the spread of dirt on to other parts of the floor. In case of hardwood floors, rinsing of the mop must be done twice. Our Spin Mop has advanced Built-in Wringer Spin-Cycle Technology which allows for complete control of the drying and wringing out of the mop to your desired moisture level, so no dripping, streaking and most of all-no mess!

Mopping floors should be a part of your cleaning routine. Keeping your floors clean can prevent bacteria and keep mold out of your house. Mopping may seem like a chore, but it is necessary for you to do to have a clean home. To make sure these tips provide maximum effectiveness, take a look through Lola’s wide variety of mops as you'll be sure to find the perfect mop or mops for all the floor surfaces in your home.

There’s been an on-going debate on what’s better between cloth or paper towels in terms of being used in cleaning. But to be honest, both have their fair share of disadvantages. In one hand, paper towels are single use only and they have limits as where you can use them as they can tear apart. Meanwhile, cloth towels though washable can easily become a nesting ground for millions of germs and bacteria plus it commonly remain damp for long periods of time making it easier to pick up and actually just pass the dirt and other properties from one place to another. This unconsciously poses a threat within the household. So in the end, both will just end up in the trash.

But imagine if we combine the power of the two in one product? Think of it as an improved paper towel that is washable and reusable so you won’t have to instantly throw it away in one use making your wastes minimal. Now, let me introduce to you the multi-purpose Wowables; your new cleaning partner which can be used to clean thousands of different types of surfaces and remove almost any kind of germ or stain. All you have to do is to rinse it after every use and squeeze it for the excess moisture before using it again. Unlike rags, it is also more absorbent making it more effective in dealing with different kinds of messes.

Aside from that, Wowables also have the 12 and 30 count roll meaning you can choose just the right amount that you need and you won’t have to buy more than what you intend to. Indeed, it has the potential to create an impact not only by reducing the use of disposable and single-use paper towels but also by making us more conscious on our usage. Aside from that, it also lessens the health risks caused by our usual habits.

Wowables is truly life-changing; in fact, not only to usual families but for special ones with fur-parents and their fur-babies because it can also be used to clean after our pets and their mess.

Speaking of cleaning after our pets, you may also be stressing out due to all the fur being left by your pets on couches and bed. Well, stress no more because Lola Rola Refillable Sticky Mop is here! Not only can it pick up dirt and debris right after you vacuum but also your pet’s shedding all around the house.

Using these reusable and refillable items is more than enough to help ease the worsening condition of the planet by reducing our wastes. Meanwhile, on a personal level, it saves us some costs gives us more convenience and helps us make our homes cleaner and enjoyable to live on.

“Sometimes we’re so focused on the biggest, the boldest and the brightest that we look past the little things that actually matter the most."

Too often, we underestimate the power of the small things. We overlook small details without realizing that they actually affect the entirety of the big picture. It might not be the sexiest topic, but the grout in a tile floor is truly a great example.

Stains, mold, dirt and dust can easily impede the looks of even the finest tile in your home. And these tiny particles, if inhaled or swallowed, can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, you can easily clean grout using simple household products or affordable commercially prepared bleach. Therefore, the only thing you need is time and commitment to make your tiles look brand new again and your home, germ free.

Roll those sleeves up! First, make a paste of baking soda and warm water. This mixture will work with all colors of grout. Apply an adequate amount to each tile and the surrounding grout. It is advisable to wear rubber gloves to prevent scratches and skin irritation from the abrasive mixture.

Eyes on the grout! Prepare a solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Just be conscious of the amount of vinegar you use. It can be harmful to some natural stones such as marble or limestone (see our recent post about this here). Spray it on the grout and tiles where you applied the baking soda and warm water paste. Watch the bubbles come up as the natural cleaning process begins.

Recharge! As you wait for the solution to stop bubbling, fill the spray bottle again with the white vinegar and water solution. Equip yourself with another baking soda and warm water paste. The bubbling usually lasts a few minutes, so you have time to reapply the mixture on the other sections of the floor.

Attack! Go on the offensive against dirty tiles and grout using a nylon bristled scrub brush or an eraser pad. As soon as the bubbling stops, start scrubbing along each grout line. Pay attention to the edges and corners then make these areas clean as well.

Level up! For stubborn grout stains, try adding an ample amount of salt. If you need even more reinforcement, don’t hesitate to use a commercially prepared bleach or chemical as long as it’s cost effective. 

Success! As the dirt and stains surrender, use a mop and warm water to remove the baking soda and vinegar residue. Rinse and change the water often during this process to avoid spreading any remaining remnants.  You can completely avoid this by using The Evolution Microfiber Self-Washing Mop System, as it has a dual compartment bucket - one side deeply scrubs the mop head fibers, the other squeezes out excess liquid fast.

You can also try other household items such as sandpaper, dish soap, lemon and more as cleaning agents. Plan, reinvent and test your tactics for your battle against dirt and stains. After all, you’re not just cleaning the grout, you're protecting your family’s health and wellness and the reward is peace of mind. Do this regularly and make sure you never take the little things for granted again.

“People who overlook the little things often fail the big things.”

“If you want me in your life, make room for me. I shouldn’t be fighting for a spot anyway.” 

Sincerely,

Your Dog

Have you ever had to choose between two entities you love? Let’s say between your dog and the nicest stuff you own, which your dog always scratches, bites or destroys? Well, the good news is, you don’t have to.

Animals have very short memories. Hurting them or locking them in a cage as punishment for their past bad behavior won’t accomplish anything. Let’s say you caught your dog chewing your favorite pair of shoes - take a step back and calm down. Unleashing your anger will just confuse your dog and encourage him to chew another object. Instead, use a light touch. Get his attention away from your things by giving him a toy or something else that is acceptable to destroy.

And here are some tips to maintain your home as a haven for your furry friend and your family.

First, don’t skip your dog’s bath time.  To avoid flees and potentially a bad odor, make sure your fur baby gets bathed regularly. Just be wary that too many baths can dry out the skin of your dog, especially during the winter. To reduce the stress and mess of bathing your dog, always remember to place a non-slip mat in the tub. Keep your dog calm by always checking the water temperature. It should be lukewarm or cool to avoid drying out his skin. Play relaxing music. Dry him well with a towel and let him do the shake shake shake! In order to make this a positive experience in his mind, reward him with plenty of treats. 

Keep your dog’s hair under control. Some dogs shed, some dogs don't. It often comes down to whether they have fur or hair - if they have fur, they likely shed, if they have hair, they don't. Keeping your dog’s fur off of your clothes, furniture and floor is a never ending battle. A healthy coat though, sheds regularly. However, excessive fur loss could mean a serious health problem and a lot of cleaning for you. Don't risk clogging up your vacuum - grab a Sticky Mop, pick up any stray hair, and tear off the sheet and throw it in the garbage when you're done.  It's that simple.

Handle accidents as they happen. It's almost inevitable that your dog is going to pee on your rug at some point. Clean up the mess right away to avoid stubborn stains on your carpet and furniture. Don't waste half a roll of paper towels cleaning up the mess, just grab a sheet of Wowables, an old newspaper, or an antimicrobial cloth to dry and clean the area. To be more efficient, use a commercially prepared solution as long as it’s cost effective.

Give your dog his own space. Make sure it’s complete with bed, food and water bowls, and toys. Reward him if he behaves properly. This will serve as his training to stay in one place, making it easier for you to maintain a clean home.

We love putting things in order. Tidying things up gives us satisfaction. There’s a psychology behind cleanliness that makes us long for organization. We simply love the clean, the organized, and the spotless. We love the fresh air. We love the smell of spring.

And what better way to start the day fresh than a little spring cleaning? Maybe we don’t always enjoy the process of cleaning per se as it can be challenging at times, but we always love the results. Here are some steps to get your spring cleaning done like a pro!

Declutter, donate and get rid. First, learn to accept the fact that you have to let go of things that are no longer worth keeping.  If you want to succeed at spring cleaning, it is essential to get rid of some the possessions you've outgrown like old clothes in the closets and shoes on the racks that you no longer use. Donate those that are still in good condition to a local charity. The less you have, the less you have to put away. Next, arrange your books, magazines, and newspapers according to your level of interest. Put them on shelves or in a box if you don’t always use them.

Dust, wipe and replace. Never underestimate just how much of a difference a dust-free environment makes.  In order to achieve the absolute cleanest ambiance, dusting is a must. It is important not to miss the tops of doors, fans, light bulbs and picture frames. These are the things that we often overlook. A duster that has an extendable handle is ideal. You may also use a vacuum cleaner with a handheld attachment to be more efficient. Wipe the tables, cabinets and windows with a microfiber cloth or dampen a sheet of Wowables with warm water and cleansing solution. Replace any burnt out light bulbs, water in the flower vases, and stained curtains. Once done, open the windows to let in some fresh air.

Fix, strip and launder. Surprisingly, cleaning your bedroom is not as tough as you think. First, gather anything that doesn’t belong in the room. Remove the bed linens and pillow cases so you can launder them. Clean the mattress by vacuuming the top and the sides, then flip and rotate it. Next, replace the sheets and blankets. Empty the trash can and wash it if needed, then take out the trash.

Brush, scrub and dump. Now it's time to clean the kitchen. Get rid of all the things that aren't absolutely necessary. Pay attention to the tiles. Clean the grout with an eraser pad, a scrub brush, or a bath and tile scrubber. Brush the edges and corners of the tiles. Scrub the stubborn stains repeatedly until the tiles whiten. Rinse the tiles and spray some air freshener. Do the same in your bathroom.

Sweep, mop and repeat. It's ok to be tired, but don't give up. You’re almost done. Sweep the floor with a broom or dry sweeper to remove all the dust and dirt residue. And then, start mopping in the furthest corner and move back toward the entrance. A spin mop or flat mop will get the job done quicker and easier than a standard wet mop.

Refresh, reward, rejuvenate. Once done, reward yourself with a nap or prepare a nice snack. Take some time to refresh - put on some tunes and relax. It’s a job well done!

Cheap clothes steamers exist but they likely weren’t your top choice when you bought one. Durability, quality and performance are definitely the most important things you consider when purchasing one. So, with what you spent on your clothes steamer (assuming you own one), are you sure you are getting the most out of your investment? They can do so much more than just get rid of wrinkles!

Before you start

Make sure that the steam output temperature is at 212° Fahrenheit or above to sanitize surfaces. Use only distilled water to prevent clogs and to avoid leaving mineral residues on fabrics. Avoid using the steamer on newly painted surfaces, waxed woods, musical instruments and vintage furnishings. And don’t forget to always read the fabric labels for precautions.

Steam Away

• Shine your windows and mirrors by steaming away the smudges, dust, and soil. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth as a follow up to avoid streaks.
• Sanitize your appliances' handles, toilets, sinks and countertops by steaming away all the germs. Point the nozzle of your clothes steamer towards those surfaces and you may not even need to use any chemicals.
• Remove stubborn grease and baked-on food off your pots, pans and stovetop. Target them with the steamer nozzle to make it much easier for you to just wipe the stains away (we suggest either Wowables or a microfiber cloth). This is very effective on glassware and avoids damages that other abrasive cleaners can cause.
• Get rid of carpet stains with a blast of your clothes steamer. Steam away the stains on the carpet for about 30 seconds to help loosen it and make it easier to remove. Make sure you hold the steamer at least six inches away from the stain. Use a clean towel to wipe the stained area and repeat as needed.
• Clean grout. Mold can’t withstand high temperature. Steam away the mold and dirt buildup in the grout. The heat will help to loosen any dirt on the tiled floors in kitchens and bathrooms. Wipe away with an anti-microbial cloth, microfiber cloth, or Wowables.
• Disinfect your car seats and carpet. Maximize your steamer's usefulness by utilizing it on your automobile. Reduce the tough time cleaning your car's hubcaps and bumpers - steam away the dust along with the stains on car upholstery, carpet, and floor mats. Give your car windows and mirrors a shine too.
• Refresh foams, sofa and bedding by steaming away odors, dust and bacteria. Just when you thought clothes steamers could only remove wrinkles, it can also steam away your stress. You can now experience a better night's rest on a germ-free bed or take a nap on a clean sofa.

There's certain household items which are really important, thus making them worth a significant investment. The key is to make sure that you are getting your investment back by maximizing the usage of whatever you bought.

If the Oscars had a category for the best natural cleanser or if Marvel created a kitchen and bathroom Avenger, guest what? Yup, vinegar would be the people’s choice.

Vinegar is the miracle cleaner that everyone's been looking for. Aside from it being cost-effective and having the proven ability to conquer the most stubborn of stains, it’s natural and can easily be found inside your home. However, just like Superman has Kryptonite, vinegar has its limits too and we all should be aware that it can’t clean everything and might even be harmful in certain situations.

Vinegar is a tough acid that can cut through grease and mineral deposits. But vinegar’s acidity can also damage certain surfaces, so it’s important to know which ones to avoid as well as details on what kinds of cleaners you can use as alternatives.

Granite, marble, and limestone. Vinegar is an acid. And acids don’t mix with natural stones. It can cause pitting and make them lose their shine. Acid eats away at the surface and leaves a dull or discolored spot behind. Alternative: You can use rubbing alcohol and water instead.

Hardwood furniture, walls and floors. Vinegar can also damage hardwood surfaces. It removes the chemical finish on the wood which acts as a protective layer and over time, it might also reduce the shine and leave a dull appearance. Alternative: You can just use wax instead and a traditional mop. Just make sure you avoid leaving excess water on your floors.

Egg-based stains and messes. Vinegar causes the proteins in egg to thicken, creating a sticky substance that is even more difficult to remove. Alternative: In this case, use soap and water instead. When choosing a cloth to use, Wowables are a safe bet.

Pearl products. Vinegar damages and dissolves pearl. The calcium carbonate in the pearl will react with the acid in the vinegar and eventually break down. Alternative: It is better to use a soft cloth dampened in a solution of lukewarm water and dish soap.

Wind shields, monitors/screens and smartphones. Vinegar removes the oil-resistant characteristics of the coating on the screens. It weakens the screen protection from dust and dirt which can cause big problems. Alternative: Use a microfiber cloth instead and wipe the screen regularly.