Lola Clean Freaks

Read more →

If humans have skin, our home as well as the furniture inside it also have surfaces. Just like us and our beauty regimen, our shelter’s surrounding also needs some thorough care to be on its best condition. However, it may not be as easy as it seems as property is a much larger area to work on compared to our body. Plus, it is composed of different types of surfaces which require different measures and materials to deal with.

Unfortunately, many home owners don’t bother to look into this area. But, it is non-negotiable. Everyone must accept that the usual method of wiping a surface with dump cloth is not applicable to everything because sometimes, you also need to do some scrubbing.

Concrete walls and surfaces should be treated differently from plastic materials, wooden tools, steel wares and ceramics. It is crucial to be aware of this to prevent jeopardizing the quality of your possessions.

It is also important to take note that you can’t purely rely on products that you can buy on the supermarket. You also have to invest time and make efforts if you really want to maintain your property.

On soft surfaces as well as on cloth, leather and cotton, it is really advisable to be careful. Mild scrubbing using Jumbo Microfiber Cleaning Cloth cleans without the use of harsh chemical. If there are stains that are hard to remove, research first about what is the effective agent to remove it without damaging the material itself.

While wooden and glass which are both sensitive to cleaning agents especially liquid ones should be handled with extra care especially if you use them for food. It is also advisable to use smooth materials such as cloth or sponge. You can try Lola  Wowables and save yourself from stress cause of its effectiveness even after several uses.

Ceramics on the other hand should be mopped. In Lola, you have plenty of choices from The Revolution microfiber spin mop, Squeezematic Sponge Mops, Scrubber Roller mop, Flexible dust mops, and the Sticky Mop.  It is not recommendable to use soap, vinegar and even ammonia on this surface as it may trigger the growth of molds and may damage your floors.

On plastic countertops, cabinets and equipment, an all purpose cleaner will do. But, brushing is a must. Make sure not to use brushes with bristles that are too rough as they may leave scratches and dents on the furniture. Instead, you can use organic and all-natural Tampico scrub brush which are suited for delicate surfaces.

Lastly, on stainless steel surfaces, never use abrasive cleansers or bleach because it can pit the surface. Just a Cellulose Sponge Cloth with the help of a solution made out of water and baking soda will do.

This may seem a lot but believe it or not, a bucket of equipment is enough. As long as you know what works best on what kind of material, then you won’t have a problem and definitely won’t have to spend too much just to clean everything inside your house.

Everybody is trying hard to go green these days. From individuals to the largest corporations being eco-friendly and doing things with sustainability in mind have become essential for improving your health and environment.

 Having a green, eco-friendly mindset is most important in your own home. By using cleaning methods and environmentally friendly products, not only will your house shine, you will have the peace and comfort of knowing that you’ve done your best to keep your family, home and the environment safe and free of toxic chemicals that can cause dermatological, respiratory, and other conditions.

You might be asking yourself, “aren’t green cleaning products more expensive?” Certainly an understandable concern. Fortunately, green cleaning products don’t have to be more expensive than conventional cleaning products. Prices are coming down everyday and these products tend to be sustainable which means they last longer and may be even more effective.

Here are a few simple tips and tricks to help get you started in keeping your home clean and green:

Take an inventory of your current cleaning products:  Did you know that cleaning products account for about 10% of the toxic exposure cases reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers? It’s important to take a close look at your cleaning products to see if they are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. It’s easier than you than you think to find replacements that are green and safe.

Use natural cleaning ingredients and products:  Just about every green cleaning product contains the same cleaning ingredients that mom used to use. Use the following natural cleaning items to keep your home spic and span:

1. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) - reacts with acids such as vinegar and lemon to create a gritty scrubber that works wonders with our Eco Clean™ Tampico Scrub Brush
2. White vinegar - loosens dirt and disinfects
3. Lemon juice - use this great disinfectant with vinegar and water to cut through grease to clean your glasses, jars, coffee mugs/pots, vases, blenders and more with our  Eco Clean™ Tampico Bottle Brush (which does not scratch the surface)
4. Olive oil - use this natural wonder and our eco-friendly microfiber mop or our Wowables reusable paper towels to polish wood
5. Borax - whitens, deodorizes and disinfects

Invest in your tools:  Always use gloves because skin is naturally very absorbent. Also, choose only the very best cleaning products, particularly eco-friendly and reusable products made of natural and sustainable materials.  Instead of a chemical cleaning product, reusable microfiber cloths can do the heavy duty job of dusting and scrubbing. An eco-friendly and naturally stiff brush will come in handy for jobs like cleaning grout.

Keep your home smelling fresh and clean naturally: Maintain better air quality and have a sweet smelling house without the use of household air fresheners. In general, keeping your house clean should eliminate most odors. Also, use natural odor-eaters like vinegar and baking soda. But perhaps the best air freshener of them all is to crack a window open (do this especially while you are cleaning)!

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.