Here are some of the finer points to cleaning a few or our favorite products to get the job done right.

Garbage disposals

You don't want to know what's hiding in your garbage disposal; you just want it clean.  There are several products that we think get the job done.  One is Summit Foaming Gargage Disposal Cleaner.  It is a blue foam that removes 99. +% of odor-causing grunge and has a pleasant lemon scent.

Clogged showerheads

Showerheads clogged with hard water deposits? We like CLR Calcium Lime and Rust Remover to get shower heads working like new again.  To clean a showerhead mix equal amounts of CLR and hot water.  Submerge the showerhead and let is soak for two minutes - longer if you have excessive buildup.  Rinse thoroughly with cold, clean water.  Repeat if necessary.

Dryer Vents

The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over 15,000 dryer-related fires occur each year, causing an estimated $97 million in property loss.  Lint can build up on the heating element and in other places inside the dryer, causing it to overheat and possibly catch fire.  At the same time, clogged dryer vents cause your dryer to work harder and can greatly increase the time it takes to dry your clothes (up to 2 or 3 times for each load!) which increases your energy costs.  By keeping your dryer running cleanly and efficiently, you will be able to dry your clothes faster and save a lot of money at the same time.

To increase the efficiency of your dryer, and lower the risk of fire:

    Inside the dryer:

• Empty the lint trap after each load.
• Use a lint brush or vacuum attachment to remove any accumulated lint under the lint trip and around other accessible places frequently.
• Every one to three years, depending upon usage, have the dryer taken apart and thoroughly cleaned by a qualified service technician.

   Outside the dryer:

• Keep dryer vents/ducts as short and straight as possible.
• If you need to replace your dryer vent, don't use the flammable, filmsy plastic or foil duct.  Only metal vents should be used, which is what most manufacturers specify.
• Don't push your dryer back against the wall.  Doing so will crush the venting material, causing reduced airflow and increased lint build-up.
• Disconnect, clean and inspect the dryer duct run on a regular basis, or hire a professional to do so.

Bottomline, keep your dryer free as much lint build-up as possible.  And whether your dryer is clean or not, never let it run while you are out of the house or when you are asleep.

Screens

Get ready to open windows again by cleaning your screens and checking them for holes.  The simpliest way to clean them is to vaacuum them while they're still in place with the upholstery nozzle.  If a few of your screens require more work, take them off and spray them with a garden hose.  You might need to scrub them with a stiff-bristled brush (just be careful!) and a mild detergent solution, and finish by rinsing off with the hose.

Got holes? You can easily patch most yourself, depending on the size of the hole.  Ace has assorted patches that you can place over the hole, push gently and the frayed edges of the patch attach to your existing screen. 

For optimal results, or for holes exceeding 3 inches in diameter, we suggest replacing the screen instead of patching it.  Ask your helpful Sneade's Associates to recommend replacement products for you, or possibly do the screen repair for you.  If you have pets, ask about the materials you can use for pet-friendly screens.

Wood floor maintenance

Today's wood flooring is very easy to maintain.  Usually, all that's needed is regular sweeping and vacuuming.  Occasionally, you may want to damp mop the floor using a product specifically formulated for wood floors.  Bissell and Bona make a wood floor cleaner that's designed to safely clean and restore your floor's natural beauty, leaving a natural shine with no wax build-up.  They are dual-purpose cleaners that can be used with some hardwood floor cleaning machines, or with a mop and bucket. 

Gutters and downspouts

 Get ready for spring rains by ridding your gutters and downspouts of leaves and other debris.  Gutters help protect siding, windows, doors, and foundations from water damage and help prevent flooding in basements.  When gutters are full of debris, they fill with water, back up, overflow and can become loose from their mountings.

Cleaning out your gutters might not be enjoyable, but it can be made easier with Working Products Gutter Getter, a scoop that flexes to conform to your gutter.  Once clean, install a gutter guard mesh or foam insert.  Both stop leaves and debris from clogging gutters.

Want to do something "green" with all that rain water runoff? Install a rain barrel.  Rain water is usually soft and free of dissolved minerals, so lower your water bill by using it for indoor plants, gardens, lawns and washing your car.

Blow out the beds

Increase the curb appeal of your home by doing a spring clean-up on your landscaped areas.  Blow or rake leaves and other debris from your flower beds. To cut down time on the job, invest in a leaf blower.  The Black & Decker Leaf Hog Blower/Vac is three tools in one:  a blower, vacuum and mulcher.  It's also great for blowing out dry debris from your gutters!

Tune-up your mower

It's important to remember that your lawn mower needs attention to prolong its years of service.  Seasonal maintenance consists of cleaning and lubricating, including changing the oil, changing the spark plug, and changing/cleaning the air filter.

Remeber to check the blade at least once a year.  Either purchase a new blade or sharpen the old blade with a file bench grinder, making sure to remove the same amount from each end of the blade.  Not sure you want to tackle it on your own?