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Summer is the time to lay in the grass and relax after a picnic filled with buttery corn on the cob, hamburgers with sweet barbecue sauce, and hot dogs smothered with ketchup. As you watch the kids’ popsicles drip onto their shirts, slide in the grass while playing with your furry friend, or accidentally slather sunscreen on your swimsuit at the beach, you may wonder, “How do I get rid of stains from my summer adventures?”

We’re here to help you with handy tips for cleaning those stubborn summer stains out of your clothes, so you can get outside and enjoy peace of mind that your clothes will be as good as new and free from stains.

Grass Stains

Grass stains are some of the trickiest to remove from clothing. You can get grass stains when kneeling on the grass to play with your child or dog, skidding into home plate during a fun baseball game, or laying down on the warm grass to daydream. While these are fun things to do, getting grass stains out requires elbow grease and items you already have in your pantry.

First, understanding the chemical composition of grass will help you get the stains out efficiently. Grass is made up of protein and organic matter and can settle into fabric stubbornly.

A common method we’ve found for removing grass stains from clothing is to soak the piece in a solution of equal parts water and vinegar for about 15 minutes. Next, take a rag and gently dab the stain or rub the fabric together until the stain is gone. If you have a grass stain on a piece of white clothing, you can soak the fabric in a mixture of 1/4 cup of bleach, a 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 3/4 cup of water. Soak for about 30 minutes and gently rub the stain away.

For grass stains on denim, soak in the vinegar/water solution and then apply liquid laundry detergent to the stain, scrub the stain with a bristle brush, and let the detergent soak for about 15 minutes. Launder any piece of treated clothing in cold water and air dry to ensure the stain doesn’t set into the clothing.

Ketchup or Barbecue Sauce Stains

Summer is the perfect time for backyard barbecues with burgers, hot dogs, and ribs. And what goes perfectly with these tasty summer foods — ketchup and barbecue sauce. As you’re eating that perfectly prepared hot dog or burger topped with tangy ketchup or nibbling on a rib slathered in sweet barbecue sauce, you notice that a big glob of the sauce drips onto your favorite summer top, staining it a bright red.

Because tomatoes have tannins in them, they stain clothing pretty quickly and are often stubborn to remove. Barbecue sauce has oil in it, so you’ll need to use the second method listed below to remove the stain.
Before tossing the piece of clothing into the washing machine, you’ll want to treat it using one of the following two suggested methods. First, rinse the stain from the inside of the clothing with cold water. Next, mix equal parts salt and baking soda with a bit of water to form a paste. Rub the paste into the stain until the stain is gone.

Another effective way to remove ketchup stains is to put liquid laundry detergent onto the stain, rub it with an ice cube, and then soak the fabric in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Once you’ve removed the stain, launder the clothing as normal.

Sunscreen Stains

There’s nothing quite as special as spending time under the summer sun. Whether you’re playing a rousing game of sand volleyball, paddle boarding on a placid lake, or relaxing in a chaise lounge by the pool, you’ll want to have the appropriate level of sunscreen on for UV protection. However, the oils in sunscreen can penetrate clothing quickly, creating unsightly yellowish stains on your favorite T-shirt, swimsuit coverup, or sundress. In addition, most sunscreens have an ingredient called avobenzone which causes rust-colored stains, especially when laundered in hard water.

One key to removing sunscreen stains is timing. The longer the sunscreen stays on the fabric, the more challenging it is to remove. The first step to removing sunscreen stains is to treat the area with liquid laundry detergent or a prewash stain remover. Next, take a bristle brush and scrub the stain and then let the detergent sit on it for about 15 minutes. Wash the clothing in hot water in the washing machine and dry as normal. If you have hard water, hand-wash the garment in heated distilled water to ensure the stain doesn’t set in.
Don’t let summer stains on your clothes keep you from doing the many activities you and your family enjoy during this special season of the year. Summer stains are a breeze to clean if you use the above-mentioned tips and techniques.

If you’d like more information about green cleaning or having your home or furnishings brightened up and refreshed, feel free to contact us. We look forward to helping you with your cleaning solutions.

Travel offers untold opportunities for enrichment and entertainment. While you can see a lot of beautiful places and inspiring performances online, nothing quite compares to being there in person. If you’re concerned about safely getting out and about, there are several things that you can do to help keep germs at bay while you’re on the go. Try these tips the next time you’re traveling. Whether it’s a quick day trip or a multiday adventure, these smart strategies will keep everyone a bit safer.

Minimize Germs on Airplanes

When you board an airplane, the rows of empty seats might appear clean, but that doesn’t guarantee they’re germ free. Some airlines don’t deep-clean the interior of their aircrafts as often as you’d think. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to enhance the cleanliness of your flight.

First, wipe down your space. Keep disinfectant wipes in your carry-on and take a moment to wipe down your entire area, including the:

• Seat
• Armrests
• Seat belt and buckle
• Tray table
• Window shade
• Air vent
• Seat pocket

Sanitize your hands thoroughly before and after you eat, drink, or use the restroom on the flight. When possible, avoid using the airplane bathroom. This compact space is so small that flushing can spray the entire room with germs. If you must use the restroom on the plane, wipe everything down with a disinfectant wipe first and use a paper towel to open the door when you’re finished.

Though you may be tempted to close the air vent beside your seat, it’s actually better to keep it open. The air coming from that vent is likely the cleanest air on the plane. Airlines often use HEPA filters that capture up to 99.9% of germs. Keeping the air circulating is the most effective way to filter germs out of the air.

Sanitize Your Hotel Room

Carefully inspect your hotel room before you settle in. If you see any obvious signs of dirt, ask for a room change. If the room looks satisfactory, you can move on to tackling a few tidying tasks on your own. Begin by wiping down flat surfaces with a disinfecting wipe for an extra layer of protection from germs. Focus on door knobs, taps, telephones, pens, and the coffee maker. 

Next, you can address the remote control. Microbiologists have found that this is one of the most contaminated items in the average hotel room. While wiping it down is a good start, you may want to go even further with this item and enclose it in a plastic bag so you’re not touching the buttons at all. Bring a small baggie with you or use a shower cap or plastic bag from another item in the room, such as the coffee supplies.

Remove all bedding other than the sheets. Though sheets are changed between guests, blankets and comforters often are not. If you find the bed too uncomfortable without the extra bedding, request freshly laundered items from housekeeping.

Pack Smart

As you’re preparing to travel, carefully consider not only what goes in your bag, but the bag itself. It’s best to use wheeled luggage whenever possible. This is especially true for a carry-on that’s traveling through an airport, bus station, or train station with you. Wheels help keep the bag off the ground so it will pick up less dirt along the way. If you’re taking a bag that slings over your shoulder, try to keep it small so you can juggle it as needed. For example, you may need to keep your bag on your person in the restroom so it doesn’t touch this particularly contaminated floor.

Carry a trash bag with you while you’re traveling so you can keep clean and dirty items separate. If you let your dirty clothing mingle with fresh items in your bag, you may spread any germs or dirt that you picked up while you were out and about. You should also keep extra shoes in a separate bag, as they can pick up a number of contaminants from the streets and sidewalks.

Carry Essentials On Your Person

Keep a handy travel bag with all the essentials you need to combat germy situations while you’re traveling. This should include:

• Hand sanitizer. Sanitize after you come into contact with high-touch items like a touch-screen ticket kiosk, gas station handle, handrail, or credit card reader.
• A purse hook. This useful little hook keeps your bag off the floor and out of the way in restaurants.
• Credit cards. One study found that the average $1 bill circulating in New York City is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, oral microbes, and more. Using a credit card instead will help you avoid touching cash and change.
• A pen. Keep your own writing utensil handy for signing receipts or even taking notes during travel so you don’t have to pick up the community pen.

While these tips will help you avoid germs while you’re traveling, there’s no foolproof solution for keeping all contaminants away while you’re on the road. Consider scheduling a good deep cleaning when you get home to take care of any germs or contaminants that may have hitched a ride back with you. Our team at Kingdom Keepers can help ensure health, safety, and cleanliness in your home.

Chores are a necessary part of maintaining any home. With kids home for the summer, the timing is perfect to get the whole family involved in these tasks. This eases the burden of parents who are spending more time entertaining children or shuttling them to activities while giving kids a solid routine and sense of accomplishment that they can incorporate into each day.

The Benefits of Chores for Kids

Children can start participating in chores as early as age 3. Creating this routine early can help turn chores into a habit that will follow children throughout their entire lives. Having help with chores is certainly beneficial for parents, but it’s great for kids too. Children who participate in chores learn about:

• Dealing with delayed gratification
• Persisting through challenging tasks
• Managing their time
• Developing organizational skills
• Balancing work and play
• Contributing to the family and home

Children involved in age-appropriate chores will hone essential skill sets that help them succeed in other areas of their life as well, such as school, relationships, and work. Though establishing chore routines can be frustrating at times, it’s worth it to work through the difficulties. Resist the urge to give in and do the chores yourself. In the long run, it will pay off when you give your children the chance to master these skills themselves.

Selecting Age-Appropriate Chores

It’s crucial for children to receive age-appropriate chore assignments. Chores that are too difficult lead to frustration and an unnecessary struggle. Consider these age-appropriate tasks:

• Toddlers: Getting dressed, putting clothing in the hamper, putting away toys, dusting
• Preschoolers: Putting away groceries, feeding pets, clearing the table after meals, watering plants, sorting laundry
• Elementary-age children: Wiping down tables and counters, putting laundry away, sweeping floors, loading and unloading the dishwasher, helping to prepare meals, packing lunches, using the washer and dryer for laundry
• Middle schoolers: Changing the sheets, cleaning the kitchen, performing yard work, washing windows and mirrors, cleaning out the fridge, washing the car.
• High schoolers: Assisting with errands, watching younger siblings, shopping for groceries, putting gas in the cars

Always evaluate the individual child’s aptitude and abilities when assigning chores. Some children may need extra time to master certain skills while others will be ready for more responsibility, even at a young age.

Making Chores Fun

Children’s resistance to chores typically stems from the fact that they’re boring. Make chore time more fun, particularly for younger children, by turning it into a game. Toddlers and preschoolers may enjoy playful games. Turn cleaning up into a race, see who can do the best boogie while cleaning, or create a scavenger hunt as children pick up the room. Young children also respond well to sticker charts. This gives them an immediate reward every time they complete a chore. These stickers may add up to special rewards like ice cream or a trip to the movies.

Older kids may enjoy a more complex system. Consider assigning a certain number of points or monetary value to each chore and allowing kids to choose their jobs for the day or week. Alternately, kids might pull jobs out of a hat. If the children are all old enough to perform the listed tasks, consider letting them trade if both parties agree. This can lead to some interesting deals as children build their negotiation skills.

Streamlining the Chore Routine

Establishing a new routine can be challenging, but chores will get easier with repetition. Always provide guidance the first few times a child does a chore. Demonstrate the task first. Never assume that the child will know exactly how the job is done, even if they’re older and the job seems simple. The parent’s demonstration sets the bar for thoroughness. 

Set a designated time for chores so children can get into a habit of doing these tasks at a particular time each day. Develop a routine for completing larger tasks like cleaning the kitchen. This may include rinsing dishes, loading the dishwasher, wiping down the counter, rinsing out the sink, and sweeping the floors before the task is done.

Adding Incentives for Chores Well Done

Brainstorm with children to decide which incentives are the most enticing for a job well done. Providing rewards on a regular basis will make it much easier for children to keep up with their chore routine. Younger children may need a daily incentive, like pushing back bedtime 20 or 30 minutes. As children get older, they may work for additional screen time or other freedoms.

Older children may respond better to the anticipation of a big reward. Consider weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payouts like:

• A visit to the pool or water park
• A trip to the zoo
• Ordering pizza
• Purchasing a new book or board game
• Earning an allowance

A well-organized chore schedule will keep things tidy from day to day, but even a well-maintained home can use a professional touch from time to time. If getting the house back in shape seems overwhelming, contact us to get a fresh start. This can help you get the home sparkling, making it easier for children to maintain going forward.

As we all know, summertime in Oklahoma means heat, and that means more days spent by the pool—and that means folks in town are getting ready for swimsuit season. As school wraps up and schedules slow down, more people are getting back in the gym to pump iron, tighten their cores, and—most importantly—sweat.

If you own a gym, yoga studio, or any kind of fitness center, you know how important it is to keep your facility clean and spotless. Not only does it prevent the spread of germs and keep your members healthy (which enables them to keep coming back), but it makes a great impression on new visitors, which drives business back to you.

If you want to provide exceptional service and a flawless first impression, here are some professional cleaning tips to get your gym ready for the summer rush:

Top 3 Spaces to Prioritize When You Clean Your Gym

Welcome Area
Front desk, check-in station, lobby, waiting area—whatever you call it at your gym, the welcome area is one of the most important places to clean. Not only is it your chance to make a great first impression on new (and returning) guests, but this area is also prone to collect a lot of “junk” as people walk in and out of your door.

If you have trash cans by the door, they probably fill up faster than the other trash cans in your facility. (It’s convenient, after all, to toss a protein bar wrapper, paper towel, or water bottle on your way out the door). To keep your welcome area looking tidy, make sure to empty these bins often. If they have a lid, wipe them regularly—no one wants to accidentally touch the sticky remnants of another person’s protein shake when they reach to throw away their trash!

Also pay attention to glass doors and display cases in your welcome area, where fingerprints (and sometimes children’s nose prints) often collect on the glass.

Bonus Tip: Do you provide towels at your fitness center? If so, make sure to clean and disinfect the containers that hold the towels. If they’re displayed on a countertop, disinfect that countertop regularly. If kept on a shelf, wipe that cabinet regularly. And if you’re using the same container to collect dirty towels as you are to carry clean ones—please stop! Unless you want to thoroughly disinfect that hamper or laundry basket every time you use it, it’s best to use a separate receptacle for clean and dirty towels.

Bathrooms & Locker Rooms
If you knew that almost every person in your gym used a certain treadmill, barbell, or yoga mat, you’d clean it pretty regularly, wouldn’t you? Think of your bathrooms and locker rooms that way—almost every person that comes to your gym will use the bathroom or changing area at some point during their visit. Consequently, you should be cleaning it regularly throughout the day.

Just like in your home, damp areas are also susceptible to mold and mildew. So, as you clean your restrooms and shower spaces, be on the lookout for any standing water or moisture buildup, which could lead to mold. If you have rubber mats to prevent slips and falls in the shower area, these should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of germs. (And don’t just wipe the tops—be sure to check underneath the mats for dirt, grime, and mold.)

You can also consider a “shoes only” shower rule to help prevent the spread of fungal infections and germs. (If you really want to impress members, keep a supply of inexpensive rubber flip-flops that you can offer to guests as needed.)

Popular Equipment
And of course, a gym is never completely clean unless the equipment is sparkling (or at least, germ free). You probably offer disinfectant spray or wipes for members to use, but it’s best not to rely on clients to clean your equipment as thoroughly as it needs (they’re there to work out, after all!).

Depending on the volume of clients your facility sees, you may need to clean the equipment throughout the day or once at the end of each day. For serious scrub-downs and maintenance, consider a weekly cleaning when the gym is closed.

You might also want to clean the popular equipment more regularly—for example, if many of your members prefer a specific set of dumbbells or a certain treadmill, make sure to wipe down those more often. When cleaning yoga mats or ab mats, make sure they have time to dry completely before being rolled or stacked.

You should also pay special attention to handles, buttons, and other high-touch surfaces. If you’re cleaning cardio equipment (or any area that gets especially sweaty), think about where members place their towels. Do they toss them over the monitor of a treadmill? On the handle of a spin bike? These areas should get special attention when you’re cleaning and disinfecting.

Clean Your Gym Like a Pro

In every area of your fitness facility, remember the importance of both cleaning and disinfecting (yes, there’s a difference!). Start by cleaning to remove visible dirt and grime (vacuuming the floors, wiping dust, removing trash, cleaning dirt and grease from nooks and crannies), then follow up by disinfecting and sanitizing. Certain areas (like equipment handles, buttons, and countertops) will likely need to be disinfected more often than cleaned, but both are important to do regularly.

To make things simpler for you and your staff, develop a cleaning schedule and checklist. This will ensure every employee knows exactly what needs to be cleaned and when, and you can be sure you’re not overlooking or forgetting certain areas. The checklist will be different for each gym (yoga studios might want to focus on disinfecting the floor more than, say, spin studios), but setting a standard for your facility will help you keep members safe, healthy, and impressed with your business.

If you want professional-level cleaning without the hassle, just give us a call! You can learn more about our commercial cleaning services on our website and click here to request an estimate.

Spring is the perfect time to start fresh and make positive improvements in your life—you might implement a new workout program, purge some unneeded junk from your pantry and closets, or start pulling weeds in your yard. And of course, there’s the ever-popular spring cleaning! (We have to say, we’re partial to this idea!)

Typically, people picture “spring cleaning” and think of tackling those less urgent but oh-so-satisfying chores—like wiping baseboards, scrubbing windowpanes, and cleaning out the refrigerator. But the spring is also a perfect time to rethink how you clean. Enter: green cleaning.

Green cleaning is a way to reduce your negative impact on the environment via your cleaning products and practices. We also sometimes use this term to refer to using more natural methods of cleaning that are better for your health. In this blog, we’re sharing five ways to make your cleaning routine a little greener.

Get Crafty

Many commercial cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and your health. One of the best ways to eliminate these kinds of ingredients from your home is to make your own cleaning products! It might sound like an added chore or errand to run, but there are several cleaning solutions you can make with common household ingredients—like baking soda (a natural odor absorber), vinegar, lemon, and essential oils. One of our favorite natural cleaners is a combination of vinegar and baking soda—this classic “science experiment” is a great way to scrub stuck-on food off your pots and pans.

Purchase Smarter

That said, you may not have the time, the desire, or the ingredients to create your own cleaning solutions—and that’s okay! With green cleaning becoming more and more popular, there are plenty of “green cleaning” products you can purchase for your home. If the idea of overhauling your entire cleaning arsenal feels overwhelming, swap just one or two products at a time, or simply replace your old products with greener versions as you use them.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

As you start “greenifying” your cleaning supplies, remember these three words—reduce, reuse, recycle. Think of ways you can reduce waste while cleaning, reuse supplies, and recycle items. (You can also buy items—like paper towels—that are made from recycled materials!) Instead of dryer sheets, try wool dryer balls—they can cut back on drying time (which could save energy in your home) and help reduce static. Instead of using disposable mop heads, use microfiber ones that can be washed and reused. Do the same thing with dust rags and wipes for your countertops—swap the disposable versions for reusable cloths. To take it a step further, you can even make cleaning cloths out of your unwanted clothes or linens, so you don’t have to purchase new ones!

Scent Sensibly

If you love a fresh-smelling home but hate the idea of spraying chemicals into the air you breathe (who doesn’t?), try natural air fresheners instead. By boiling cinnamon, herbs, citrus peels, or other organic elements, you can create a delicious, inviting scent that’s safe for your body and the environment. You can also use essential oils in a diffuser. And if you miss the scent of fresh-smelling laundry (you know, because you swapped dryer sheets for reusable dryer balls), you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the dryer balls!

Let Nature In (But Not Too Much)

Spring (especially early spring in Oklahoma) is a great time to open your windows! This helps circulate stale air; plus, if you do still use a few harsh chemicals when cleaning, it can help remove the harmful fumes from your home.

We also recommend not wearing shoes in your home, especially if you have lots of carpet or small children (particularly ones who crawl or play on the floor). Think about what the bottom of your shoes encounter when you walk outside—there might be gum on the sidewalk, pet waste, fertilizer, dirt… none of which you want in your home. And if you have carpet, you can’t easily disinfect it. (This tip isn’t entirely for the purposes of “going green,” but it does reduce the possibility of tracking germs and chemicals into your home!)

If you want to implement green cleaning in your home or office space, we’d love to help! We offer green cleaning packages for residential and commercial spaces. You can learn more on our Green Cleaning page and click here to request an estimate.

“Green cleaning” is becoming increasingly popular. Today, there are more and more options available for eco-friendly products that consumers can feel good about. And while “going green” might seem like a fad, it’s a lifestyle change that can benefit your health, your budget, and the environment.

We know change can be hard, and if you’re not used to the idea of green cleaning or you’ve become accustomed to using other products, you might be hesitant to switch. If you’re on the fence about updating your cleaning regimen, here are three reasons to switch to green cleaning:

#1: You have young kids

As a parent, one of your highest priorities is keeping your child safe. And the fewer risks at home, the better. When it comes to cases of childhood poisoning, cleaning products are the second most common offender (after personal care products). And while you should keep all cleaning products (green or not) safely out of your little one’s reach, natural solutions (especially homemade varieties) could be a safer alternative. Plus, they’re less likely to irritate your child’s sensitive skin and eyes when used around the home. If you’re purchasing a product (and not making your own), read the ingredient list and check for allergens and toxins.

#2: You want to be healthy

Dealing with a skin rash? Asthma? Watery eyes? Your cleaning products could be partially to blame. Just like your kiddo’s, your body responds to chemicals in your environment. Certain ingredients in commercial cleaning products can trigger respiratory issues or cause skin or eye irritations. Some harsh chemicals can also burn when they come in contact with your skin. And the “cleaner” your cleaning products, the less you have to worry about the air you’re breathing, what chemicals might get on your hands, or what fumes might irritate your eyes.

#3: You care about the environment

Chemicals in commercial cleaners can contribute to air pollution, and manufacturing can also be harmful to the environment. (You can learn more about this on our Green Cleaning page.) If you want to protect our environment, your cleaning products are a great place to start! Consider using refillable glass spray bottles to help reduce plastic waste, and buy refills and other products with eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. Or, try making your own cleaning solutions–this alternative gives you quality-control, and it’s budget friendly.

Know Your Stuff

Typically, products that focus on natural ingredients are going to be safer for your health and the environment–but that’s not always the case. When it comes to product labels, words like “green” and “natural” can mean different things; they can also be a little misleading, so it helps to research product certifications and know what ingredients to avoid. An eco-friendly product doesn’t guarantee a healthy product, and vice versa.

Let Us Help You Get Started

We know overhauling your entire cleaning arsenal can be daunting, but it’s worth it! And you don’t have to change everything at once—try switching just a few of your cleaning products and change them gradually as you run out of your old ones. Or, let someone else do the hard work for you! At Kingdom Keepers, we offer a special green cleaning package for customers who want a more natural, environmentally friendly service. You can learn more on our Green Cleaning page or click here to request an estimate.

¹https://www.poison.org/poison-statistics-national-data-from-2018