Learn Important Dryer Vent Safety Here!

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

A dryer is something that almost every home in America has and it’s important to know how to be safe around them.

Most people are probably not aware of how dangerous they can be and we hope you’ll learn how to stay safe with this article we found!

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From the article:

Clothes dryers evaporate the water from wet clothing by blowing hot air past them while they tumble inside a spinning drum. Heat is provided by an electrical heating element or gas burner. Some heavy garment loads can contain more than a gallon of water which, during the drying process, will become airborne water vapor and leave the dryer and home through an exhaust duct (more commonly known as a dryer vent).

A vent that exhausts moist air to the home’s exterior has a number of requirements:

It should be connected. The connection is usually behind the dryer but may be beneath it. Look carefully to make sure it’s actually connected.

It should not be restricted. Dryer vents are often made from flexible plastic or metal duct, which may be easily kinked or crushed where they exit the dryer and enter the wall or floor. This is often a problem since dryers tend to be tucked away into small areas with little room to work. Vent hardware is available which is designed to turn 90?? in a limited space without restricting the flow of exhaust air. Restrictions should be noted in the inspector’s report. Airflow restrictions are a potential fire hazard.

One of the reasons that restrictions are a potential fire hazard is that, along with water vapor evaporated out of wet clothes, the exhaust stream carries lint highly flammable particles of clothing made of cotton and polyester. Lint can accumulate in an exhaust duct, reducing the dryer’s ability to expel heated water vapor, which then accumulates as heat energy within the machine. As the dryer overheats, mechanical failures can trigger sparks, which can cause lint trapped in the dryer vent to burst into flames. This condition can cause the whole house to burst into flames. Fires generally originate within the dryer but spread by escaping through the ventilation duct, incinerating trapped lint, and following its path into the building wall.

InterNACHI believes that house fires caused by dryers are far more common than are generally believed, a fact that can be appreciated upon reviewing statistics from the National Fire Protection Agency. Fires caused by dryers in 2005 were responsible for approximately 13,775 house fires, 418 injuries, 15 deaths, and $196 million in property damage. Most of these incidents occur in residences and are the result of improper lint cleanup and maintenance. Fortunately, these fires are very easy to prevent.

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Looking for more tips on dryer vent safety? Checkout this article and learn more important fire safety tips that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.nachi.org/dryer-vent-safety.htm

Looking to Save Money? Try These Ideas!

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Everyone likes to save money. We found this article that we hope will help you narrow down some additional ideas on saving you valuable money.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs condos vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Choose energy-saving lighting. About 10 percent of the energy your home uses going to lighting costs. Replacing 15 traditional bulbs with energy-saving bulbs will save you $50 a year — and more than $600 in energy costs over the life of the bulbs. Compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs can yield as much as 75 percent energy savings and last six-times longer. Get even more energy savings, longer life span and less wasted heat by switching to ENERGY STAR LEDs.

Use an electronic power strip for your electronic equipment. Many electronic devices and equipment continue to consume unnecessary energy even when not in use. Often called energy vampires, these unplugged devices cost families about $100 a year. Use a power strip for electronic devices and turn it off when not in use to eliminate these energy vampires. And be sure to unplug your chargers — they draw energy even when they aren???t connected to a device.

Reduce energy for water heating. Water heating is a large energy expense in your home, accounting for about 14 percent of your utility bills. By taking low-cost steps, you can reduce your water heating bills. Make sure your water heater is set to no higher than 120 degrees. Install low-flow showerheads or temperature-sensitive shower valves. Newer water heaters have more insulation than older ones. If your water heater is more than five years old, you should wrap a water heater jacket around it to stop heat loss from the tank.

Hire a professional to maintain your heating and cooling system. Arrange for annual maintenance with a qualified technician. This includes checking the airflow over the coil, testing for the correct fluid (refrigerant) level, checking the combustion process and heat exchanger are operating safely, and ensuring proper air-flow to each room. In addition, you should clean the air filters in your heating and cooling system once a month, and replace them regularly.

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Did you know that your dryer could catch on fire? Checkout this article and learn why it’s important to maintain your dryer that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://energy.gov/articles/resolve-save-energy-year

Had Water Damage in the Past and Now Have Mold? Start Here!

Posted on July 2, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Water damage and mold go hand in hand unfortunately. If water damage isn’t properly cleaned up and dried it can easily lead to mold. We found this article with tips on how to remove it.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs townhomes cleaning dryer vent services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Do-It-Yourself
Depending on the extent of the water damage, you may be able to take care of it yourself. Small water problems call for basic do-it-yourself tips, (3 must know tips for do-it-yourself mold removal) like drying out the area and using products that are specifically designed to destroy mildew. Fans directed at the wet area can help it dry quickly and efficiently. So can running the heater in the house, because it dries out the air. You can also try using a hair dryer on the area if it???s a small space, so you can dry out the carpet, baseboard, or drywall.

There are products designed for protecting an area from mold and mildew, as well, including sprays and paints. Even if you dry out the area thoroughly, you???ll still want to consider using one of those products to make sure you don???t let mold start to develop.

Repainting the area with a mold-stopping paint can be a good plan, depending on the size of the area. You can always do that, allow it to dry, and repaint over that with a color that matches the room. For very small areas, or for treating carpeting and soft furniture, there are anti-mold sprays that can be purchased and used to stop mildew growth.

Hire a Professional
If these things aren???t enough, they don???t seem to do the job, or the area is very large ??? such as your house getting flooded ??? it may be in your best interest to hire a professional restorer. A mold remediation specialist (How to Choose a Mold Remediator) can make sure that any problems are resolved before they get started, or can treat them once they develop. It???s better to catch mold problems early, but a professional can treat advanced issues, as well.

What to look for and where you should go when locating a mold remediation specialist is similar to finding any kind of worker for your home. Make sure you find someone who???s insured, and who???s properly licensed. If they make a mistake, you???ll be compensated. All reputable companies will meet these requirements.

You should also get some estimates. Just because two or three companies perform the same service doesn???t mean they all charge the same price. You don???t want to end up paying too much when you could???ve gotten the same quality for hundreds or thousands less. Ask questions of the people who you???re considering working with.

Make sure you understand the process they???ll be going through, what it means for you and your family, and whether you???ll have to stay somewhere else while the work is being done. The mold damage might???ve been a surprise, but the remediation process doesn???t have to be.

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Need more information about mold? Checkout this article with more information about mold that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://moldblogger.com/how-to-remove-mold-after-water-damage/

Learn All About Water Damage Restoration Here

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Water damage restoration is something that not many people are familiar with unless they have had to have it in the past. We wanted to share this article with you so that you have more information.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Baton Rouge apartment associations dryer vent cleaning services , then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Water damage restoration is the process of restoring a property back to pre-loss condition after sustaining any level of water damage. While there are currently no government regulations in the United States dictating procedures, two large certifying bodies, the IICRC and the RIA, do recommend standards of care. Most companies use the IICRC procedural standard, which is the S500. It is based on reliable restoration principles, research and practical experience with extensive consultation and information gathered from numerous sources. These include the scientific community, the international, national and regional trade associations serving the disaster restoration industry, chemical formulators and equipment manufacturers, cleaning and restoration schools, restoration service companies, the insurance industry, allied trades persons and others with specialized experience. The S500 water damage guide is subject to further revision as developments occur in technology, testing and processing procedures.

Loss assessment and evaluation
A professional water damage restoration service will document the materials which were affected by the water damage and refer to industry standard pricing guides such as The Blue Book in order to determine the proper value of the residence’s materials lost and their service.
Water damage services include the inspection of the affected area(s) with water sensing equipment such as probes and other infrared tools in order to determine the source of the damage, and possible extent of area affected. Restoration services would then be rendered to the residence in order to dry the structure, sanitize any affected or cross contaminated areas, and deodorize all affected areas and materials. After the labor is completed, water damage equipment including, but not limited to, air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, wood floor drying systems, and sub floor drying equipment is left in the residence. After a period of two to three days are the labor is completed, a reevaluation of the residence is taken to monitor the drying process, and any equipment not further needed is removed as to keep the charges under control.

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Wondering how your insurance will respond to a water damage claim? Checkout this article and find out how your insurance company will respond to a claim that could be of interest to you.
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Read the entire article here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_damage_restoration

Drywall Have Water Damage? Start Here!

Posted on June 18, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Water damage can affect many different areas in your home but one of the most common places it affects is drywall. Most people not sure how to start so we found this article that we hope will help.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs homeowners associations dryer vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

If you have water damage on a part of your drywall–say, from a leaky roof over that spot or a plumbing problem–you don’t need to replace the whole wall. If the damaged area isn’t more than few square feet, you can cut it out and set in a replacement piece of drywall. It’s important to work off studs so the new section is solid, and you’ll need to plan on taping and sanding the seams over a few consecutive days.

Things You’ll Need

Electronic studfinder

Tape measure

Pencil

Long level

Razor knife

Drywall saw

Screwgun

Drywall screws

Piece of drywall the same thickness as the existing drywall

Mesh drywalling tape

Bucket of pre-mixed drywall compound

Drywall application knife (looks like a very wide putty knife)

Drywall sandpaper

Use your studfinder to locate the nearest studs on both sides of the damaged area. With your level, make two vertical pencil lines at the centers of each of the studs, with the lines running high enough and low enough to span the damaged area.

Use the level again to mark two level horizontal lines between the vertical lines, one above the damage, the other below it. You should now have a perfect square perimeter around the damaged area, with the vertical lines of the square centered on studs.

Use your screwgun to sink drywall screws along the vertical lines, half an inch outside the square and every 6 inches along the line.

With your drywall saw and razor knife, cut out the square at your pencil line. You should end up with a square hole in the wall, with half the widths of the studs visible on either vertical side, leaving the screws just outside the vertical sides to secure the nondamaged parts of the wall to the studs.

Cut your new piece of drywall an 1/8 inch smaller than the dimensions of the square. Set your level along your marks, running your razor knife along the edge of the level, then snapping the drywall at the line and cutting it away from behind.

Set the new piece of drywall in place in the hole. Use your screwgun to put screws along the vertical edges of the piece, into the studs.

Lay mesh drywalling tape over all four seams and spread drywall compound over the seams with your drywalling knife. Let it dry for a day, then hand-sand the drywall compound and apply a second, lighter coat of it along the seams. Repeat the process a third time, with the lightest coat, then give a final sanding and paint it.

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Interested in avoiding a flood? Checkout this article about avoiding a flood by maintaining your washer.
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Read the entire article here: http://www.ehow.com/how_5164670_replace-drywall-water-damage.html

Learn What to Do After a Fire From the U.S. Fire Administration

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Fires can be devastating. It can be difficult to pick up the pieces and move forward. We found this article that we hope will help if the need ever arises.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Denham Springs apartments vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process.

When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact.

The U.S. Fire Administration has gathered the following information to assist you in this time of need. Action on some of the suggestions will need to be taken immediately. Some actions may be needed in the future while others will be on going. The purpose of this information is to give you the assistance needed to assist you as you begin rebuilding your life.

Contact your insurance company or agent right away.

Ask your agent:

What to do about the immediate needs of your home. This includes pumping out water and covering doors, windows, and other openings.

What you should do first. Some companies may ask you to make a list of everything that was damaged by the fire. They will ask you to describe these in detail and say how much you paid for the items.

Be careful when you return home.

If your home had a home fire sprinkler system, you will find little damage from flames, heat, smoke, and water. If not, and you plan to rebuild your home, now is the time to think about installing sprinklers into your home! Talk with the owner about it if you are a renter. You can find more information at the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition???s website: www.hfsc.org

Cleaning and restoring personal items.

There are companies that are experts in cleaning and/or restoring your personal items. Whether you or your insurer buys this type of service, be clear on who will pay for it. Be sure to ask for an estimate of cost for the work and agree to it in writing. Ask your insurance company for names of companies you can trust to do a good job at a fair price. These companies provide services that include some or all of the following:

securing your home against more damage;

estimating damage;

repairing damage;

estimating the cost to repair or renew items of personal property;

storing household items;

hiring cleaning or repair subcontractors; and

storing repaired items until needed.

Read the entire article here: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/citizens/atf/

Increase the Value of Your Home With These Ideas!

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

This article lists things you should focus on if you want to increase the value of your home. It also includes areas not to improve upon to increase the value of your home. It is filled with great information that we’re sure will help you in planning the next phase of your home!

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Baton Rouge condos dryer vent services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Some home improvement projects that add value to a home include:

1. Remodeling the Kitchen
Most people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and because of this, updates in this room pay off. According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don???t go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house, or the neighborhood.

A Little Paint Goes a Long Way
When it comes to how much you spend on a kitchen remodel, prices can run the gamut, from $5,000 to $75,000, or more. Get the biggest bang for your buck on a kitchen remodel by looking at color. Fresh paint, in modern colors, can go a long way towards updating the look of your kitchen. Plus, paint is relatively cheap.

Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient models. Energy Star-rated appliances are better for the environment, and they also help you save money, because they use less energy. Potential buyers often look for ways to save money when shopping for a new home.

2. Bathroom Addition
If your home only has one bathroom, you can recoup a large chunk of your investment by adding another one. HGTV estimates that you can recoup 80%-130% of whatever you spend adding a bathroom.

3. Reinventing a Room
Adding more square footage to your home with a new room can be an incredibly expensive project. Although you can recoup some of your investment, anywhere from 50%-83%, this project???s costs can quickly spin wildly out of control. Just turn on any of those home remodeling TV shows; projects that start off with a $15,000 budget quickly turn into $30,000 or more when homeowners and contractors run into unexpected problems.

Reinvent the existing space in your home to save money. Finish a basement, or convert the attic to a bedroom. Many homeowners can also add small apartments in, or over, their garages ??? which they can then rent out as a room.

4. Adding Energy-Efficient Windows
These days, buyers shop for homes with energy efficiency in mind. Old, drafty single-pane windows are a major turn off. Energy Star claims that adding Energy Star-rated windows can save you up to $500 a year in heating and cooling costs by making your home more energy efficient.

According to HGTV, you can expect to recoup 60%-90% of your costs when you invest in energy-efficient windows. You can also receive a green energy tax credit of 10% for this upgrade, as long as you install Energy Star-rated windows. You might also qualify for additional credits from your state, or even your utility company.

5. Deck Addition
Adding a deck increases the value of your home. Outdoor living spaces have become more desirable, especially since more people stay home for vacation (i.e. referred to as a staycation). If you make your deck and your backyard more appealing, your house will be more appealing to prospective buyers when you decide to sell. HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65%-90% of their investment by adding a deck.

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Interested in more tips to increase the value of your home? Checkout this article for homeowners with more home improvement tips that could be of interest to you.
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To view the entire article click here: http://www.moneycrashers.com/7-home-improvements-to-increase-its-value/#ixzz2Sor0bGaR

Renovate Your Home AND Boost Resale Value!

Posted on May 28, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

All homeowners want to do what they can to improve the value of their home. We found this article with ideas to cheaply and easily renovate your your home as well as boosting resale value. We hope it will make your creative juices flow!

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need a Lafayette townhomes vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Hire a pro. Consider hiring a pro to take a look at your home and offer advice. One morning spent with a home inspector, a real estate agent or a local designer can give you insight into what potential buyers will see when they look at your home ??? and can save you money in the long run.

Invest early in landscaping. A beautifully landscaped yard with gorgeous, mature shade trees can be a big selling point, but you’ll need to allow for at least several years of growth to make the most of your investment. Make planting a priority early on, and be sure to seek out expert advice on the proper placement and care of your trees and yard.

Power wash paths and siding. Giving your home’s exterior and paved areas a power wash can be nearly as dramatic as repainting, for a much lower cost. Rent a machine from your local hardware store if you don’t have one.

Maintain green lawns. Sad, neglected lawns are a major turnoff to potential buyers. Maintaining a healthy lawn from the beginning with regular care is the least expensive route, though laying new sod can be worth the dramatic improvement in curb appeal if you don’t have time to start from seed.

Upgrade exterior doors. Curb appeal will help sell your house; it’s as simple as that. And the way your home looks from the outside depends a lot on the condition of your front door (and the garage door, if it’s visible from the street).

Remove eyesores. Outdated wallpaper, tacky light fixtures, stained carpets and popcorn ceilings are all good candidates for updating. The replacements need not be high-end; just think clean, simple and contemporary.

Minor kitchen renovations bank the biggest return. If your kitchen is fairly current, you may want to leave it alone ??? remodeling a kitchen comes with a hefty cost, and you may only be able to recoup around 65 percent of your investment. Smaller updates such as painting or refinishing cabinets that are still in good shape, or upgrading to Energy Star appliances, can refresh your kitchen’s look at a fraction of the cost.

French doors add more than light. If you are looking for a special feature to add to your home, consider replacing a door or several windows with French doors. Not only will they let in more light, but the open feel they provide makes the whole space feel larger. Plus, they make for a romantic addition to your home’s sale ad. “French doors leading to the garden” ??? now that has a nice ring to it!

Choose current paint colors. A fresh, crisp paint job in modern neutrals like gray and putty shows off your home to best advantage. Don’t feel you have to avoid all color; just be aware that the bolder your choice, the more likely it is that it won’t agree with someone. An overly bright or badly chipped exterior paint color may need refreshing too, so don’t stop with the indoors.

Build in extra storage. Another great investment is to add built-in shelving or cabinets in halls, garages or anywhere you have the space. Buyers love seeing great storage, so this can add a lot of appeal ??? and if you are able to do some of the work yourself, you can keep costs reasonable.

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Interested in more tips to increase the value of your home? Checkout this article for homeowners with more weekend home improvement projects that could be of interest to you.
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To view the entire article click here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3189463/list

Looking to Allergy-Proof Your Home? Start Here!

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Allergies are a pain in the butt. We found this article with a ton of ideas on how to allergy-proof your home. We hope it helps!

From the article:

1. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule. Keeping dust and pet dander at bay is a continual process, and it’s especially important to stay on top of cleaning when allergies are a concern. Be sure to wipe surfaces with a damp rag rather than dry dusting, which often just brushes dust back into the air.

Ideally, members of the household without allergies would take on the dustiest jobs, but if you have bad allergies and must clean, wear a dust mask ??? or hire a cleaning service if you can.

2. Start a no-shoes policy and beef up doormats. Keep dust, pollen and more from entering your house in the first place by encouraging visitors to slip off their shoes at the door. Provide ample interior and exterior doormats to trap shoe muck and a basketful of slippers for guests.

3. Upgrade your vacuum cleaner. Get one with a HEPA filter to trap allergens ??? these filters work wonders. Also be sure to choose a vacuum cleaner with a bag that can be changed easily (that is, without spewing dust everywhere).

4. Swap out heavy drapes. Thick drapes with lots of folds and pleats are masters at trapping dust and other allergens. Instead choose blinds you can wipe down or machine-washable curtains.

5. Remove carpeting. Traditional wall-to-wall carpeting is notoriously difficult to get and keep clean. Whenever possible, go with hard flooring (wood, tile, linoleum) instead.

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Did you know that Spring cleaning will help with your allergies? Checkout this article for homeowners with valuable information on Spring cleaning that could be of interest to you.
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For all the ideas click here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10186599/list/18-Ways-to-Allergy-Proof-Your-Home

Spring Cleaning – A Guide to Making it Easy

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Jeremy Leake

Spring cleaning is something that most people would like to do whether or not they actually follow through and do it is another story. We found this article that we hope will make Spring cleaning go easier for you this year and for many years to come.

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SPONSOR FOCUS: If you need Hammond vent cleaning services, then Dryer Vents Plus is your #1 choice! Call Jeremy Leake today at 225-612-7752 to schedule your 100% Free, No Obligation Quote!
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From the article:

Spring cleaning will never be effortless, but you can take the guesswork out of what to do in each room with these helpful checklists. Download each checklist to take with you as you work your way around the house. Each list is organized by what to de-clutter, clean, dust and update in each room. Customize the list to fit your individual needs by adding your own cleaning to-do’s in the notes column.

Don’t fret over how long it will take to get the task done — these lists can help create a realistic timeframe for your spring cleaning project. Each list can be broken up over several days and accomplished in smaller chunks.

Make sure to get family members involved with spring cleaning. Print off separate bedroom and bathroom checklists to give to older children and ask them to pitch in. Each family member can be responsible for clearing personal items from public areas like the kitchen and living room.

And while spring may be the traditional time of year to deep-clean, these spring cleaning checklists can also come in handy any time you want to freshen up your home throughout the year.

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Worried about cleaning your dryer vent? Checkout this article about why dryer vent cleaning is a must for homeowners that could be of interest to you.
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Get the checklists here: http://www.sheknows.com/home-and-gardening/articles/827351/spring-cleaning-checklists