Friday, May 27, 2011

25 Amazing Uses for Baking Soda You've Never Thought Of

Do you give much thought about baking soda? Probably not. Other than adding it to recipes to make the batter rise, you probably just let the box sit in your cupboard among your other baking supplies.

But, baking soda, which is also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, is much more than a baking supply. It can actually make your life easier. Not only is baking powder economical to purchase, but it's also one hundred percent safe and natural to use everywhere around your house!

Let's look at twenty-five amazing ways you can use baking soda:

In the Bathroom

1. One part baking soda mixed with two parts of ground oatmeal makes a great scrub for your face. Just mix together the two ingredients and add enough water to make a paste. Gently rub the paste onto your face, avoiding the eye area. Leave the facial on for a few minutes. Then, gently remove it with plenty of cool water and a wash cloth. Your face will feel noticeably soft and smooth!

2. Is your skin suffering from a case of Poison Ivy or Sumac? Or, do the kids have Measles or Chicken Pox? Add a half cup of baking soda to a bath tub full of warm water. Soak the entire body. The baking soda will help relieve the itching and irritation. It will also help to soften skin!

3. There are many teeth whitening products on the market today, but the most natural is plain old baking soda. Simply dip your toothbrush into some soda everytime you brush! Not only will it help whiten your teeth, but it will help to clean your breath as well!

Baking soda can also be used to safely clean dentures, partials, and other dental apparatus.

4. You can use baking soda just like a dry cleanser to clean sinks, bath tubs, and toilets. It works especially well on chrome fixtures! It rinses off easily and you don't have to worry about scratches either.

5. Hairbrushes and combs pick up not only loose hair, but they also get oily.
Clean yours once a month by soaking them in a solution of warm water and a teaspoon or two of baking soda. Scrub them with a soft brush, if needed, then rinse them with clean water and let them air dry.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Tips to Maximize Profit with the House Flip

Flipping houses has become very popular and has sparked a number of television shows that gloss over the small details of what it takes to flip a house and maximize profits. If you aren’t willing to get a little dirty and invest your own time and sweat, be prepared to lose a significant chunk of profit to contractors. The more you take on yourself, the more profit potential.

I have been working with an investor for five years, helping him flip houses. During that time, I have identified a number of simple fixes that save time, trips and money when I first go to one of his houses to work. This article will give you a tip or two to save a buck and the basic contents of a house flipper’s essentials first day toolkit.

Baths and Kitchens

Two of the most important areas that can make or break the sale of a house are the kitchen and the baths. These can also be areas where fixture replacement can be expensive. However, just because fixtures look bad, doesn’t mean they must be replaced. Sometimes good solid cleaning strategies and a bit of elbow grease can make a fixture look renewed.

Baking soda and bleach are two components of the house flipper’s essentials kit. Baking soda is a low abrasive cleanser that can be rubbed into surfaces with a wet sponge and used like popular name brand cleansers. It works very well on stainless steel sinks, as well as on porcelain. It has the added benefit of being a deodorizer, so when you rinse it down tub and sink drains, it can eliminate drain odors, especially if a property has been sitting unused. It is also biodegradable. Bleach is an old stand by for getting out stains and sanitizing. Pour some in that ugly toilet bowl and let it sit for a few hours, then use a toilet brush to clean the bowl. You may have to do this more than once. Remember that bleach will remove color from things it comes into contact with, so be careful not to spill or drip it on non-colorfast surfaces. Both these cleaners can help to remove stains and grime from laminate and cultured marble counter and sink tops. Test laminate for color fastness in a hidden area, before using bleach.

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I Love My Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Here is another product that has a long history with me. My Arm & Hammer baking soda is so versatile, I cannot imagine my life without it. From my great grandmother to myself, Arm & Hammer baking soda has been passed down from generation to generation. I love my Arm & Hammer baking soda and would like to express why.

My first memories of Arm & Hammer baking soda are of my mother using it as a toothpaste of sorts. She simply wet her toothbrush and dipped it into baking soda. Baking soda is an excellent plaque remover and teeth cleaner. I use it for this purpose when I run out of ‘regular’ toothpaste.

The most noticeable feature of Arm & Hammer baking soda is the yellow box it comes in. The box is brand specific and easy to see. It stands out from the rest on the grocery shelf. That is nice. The print is easy to read on it, too.

My Arm & Hammer baking soda is nothing fancy to look at. It is simply some white powder. There is nothing to describe regarding that feature. I would not consider that a drawback.

Arm & Hammer baking soda comes in different sizes. It is more cost effective to choose the larger size, I have found. Baking soda lasts a long time, so it is very economical. It can be substituted for quite a variety of more expensive products.
It truly is an amazing product.

There are so many ways that I use Arm & Hammer baking soda, it is hard to decide where to start (in addition to the dental secret previously mentioned). It can be used in the kitchen, for medicinal purposes, for pet care, for auto work, etc.

As far as using it in the kitchen, it is great for removing strong odors from my hands. For instance, after chopping garlic, I simply wet my hands and rub a bit of my Arm & Hammer baking soda on. I scrub for a bit. I do not need soap.

My Arm & Hammer baking soda can be used as a meat tenderizer. I simply rub some baking soda into the meat. I let the meat sit in the refrigerator for about three hours, and then rinse it off. How easy is that? And, there is no after taste.

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Glade vs Love My Carpet Deodorizers

When it comes to the cleanliness of our homes we want the best. Those little smells that can’t always be gotten rid of can really bring out the worst in your home. Whether you have dogs and cats, or smoke, or have a baby that has a never ending supply of used diapers you probably can’t get rid of some odors that may come out at the most inopportune times.

We all know that the most unpleasant smells we come across seem to live in our fabrics. From our clothes, to our drapes, furniture and carpets, it seems not only to attract but also trap nasty odors. Sprays can often times create a coating on fabrics that disrupts the quality and makes it hard to clean. This is why powders such as these two leading carpet and room deodorizers are so popular…they have many uses.


Glade vs Love my Carpet Deodorizers: Top Glade Carpet Fragrances
Glade is known for its fine smelling aromas that last long while virtually covering all the unpleasant hints in the air. Just a few of their best scents available in carpet care are listed below:
• Clean Linen™
• Country Garden®
• French Vanilla
• Fresh Scent
• Lilac Spring®
• Melon Burst®
• Rainshower®
• Tropical Mist®


Glade vs Love my Carpet Deodorizers: Glade Product Perks
Just a few of the key things that you can count on when dealing with this company’s products:
• Glade Clean Linen Carpet & Room Deodorizer fills the whole room with delightful scents for hours.
• Glade Carpet & Room Deodorizer contains a formula that first eliminates deep-down odors like those caused by pets, smoke, dampness, and mildew.
• This product is sold by weight and not volume.
• Made in Canada.

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Clear Up Your Dog's Body Odor

Some dogs just have an unpleasant smell and others acquire unpleasant smells from rolling around in trash, digging around in certain areas, or eating something that has an awful smell. Whatever the reason there are a number of things you can do to clear up your dog’s bad body odor. First, make sure you groom your dog often. Brushing their coat helps to remove odors that pile up in their fur causing body odor. Brushing helps remove excess oils from the skin and hair. Applying deodorizers and moisturizers when you brush your dog also helps clear up the body odor. My dog loves to dig and get into everything when she is outside so she often has a bad body odor or at least she use to. I started grooming her and spraying her with moisturizers and she smells much better, in fact, because I groom her everyday and spray her the smell of the spray stays in her fur clearing up any body odors.

Bathing your dog will definitely clear up body odors. Use a pet shampoo with a deodorizer or moisturizer and give your dog a good wash all over. If your dog has a very oily coat, you may want to try a tar-based shampoo instead of regular shampoo. The tar-based shampoo works much better to grind out dirt and clear up excessive build up in your dog’s coat. The shampoos are available at pet stores. However, if your pet is very oily make sure you don’t wash him too much. Excessive washing can cause oil glands to increase causing your pet to be even oilier and have more body odor. Try washing your pet once a month.

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Online Holiday Gifts for Dogs and Puppies

Holiday seasons bring cold temperatures which often contribute to depression and lack of activity for family dogs. For many dog lovers, purchasing holiday stockings and holiday gifts for the family dog is no less common than the gift purchase for a family member. When considering unique holiday gifts for your dog, at costs less than $50, shopping for these unique dog and puppy gifts, online, has never been easier:

Toys:
Dogs, especially puppies, enjoy engaging, self stimulated playtime as well as playtime with the dog owner. Because the dog is generally indoors during the winter, engaging the senses while allowing for some physical activity, will decrease the level of depression and provide for a healthier and happier family dog. To encourage play indoors purchasing toys which engage your dog in a variety of activities, will ensure less boredom for your family canine. For an engaging dog holiday gift, consider purchasing The Almost Indestructable Ball. Offering a challenge to any indoor dog, the ball was designed in an easy to see red polyethylene material which provides for more bounce and engages dogs which enjoy rolling a ball around the house while providing a toy which can be used for hard chewing. Because of the material make-up, the ball is not easily chipped, broken or popped. With the enticing color, the dog often finds hours of entertainment and sensory stimulation especially when indoor for many hours. Purchased online, at www.petsmart.com. Price starting at $6.99. To further engage your dog, with the added use of dietary treats, consider purchasing BusterCube, offering not only a self engaging ball and cubed activity, this holiday dog toy stimulate the smell, taste and visual sensory mechanism through the manipulation of treates stored within the cube. In this non-battery operated toy, the dog will paw the cube, rolling it around on the floor, resulting in the release of small dietary treats. Available online through www.petsmart.com. Price: $12.99.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Carpet and Room Allergen Reducer and Odor Eliminator

For maximum odor and allergen reduction, Arm and Hammer Carpet and Room Allergen Reducer and Odor Eliminator provides an excellent safe and proven alternative to other products that mask odors but do not address the causes of odors and allergy causing substances trapped in your carpet. Your home is one of your greatest investments. Invest in your family’s environment by selecting this outstanding product.

Imagine coming home, opening your door and being greeted with a spring breeze from a meadow of flowers. Sounds inviting doesn’t it? Allow Arm and Hammer to bring country freshness and reduced allergens into your home. Your family and your pets will appreciate this extra touch when you clean your house. This product is currently available at your local stores. Purchase this superb product in your efforts to create a better environment in your home. This cost effective purchase will help to create a healthier environment for your family and pets.

When you open the lid of this familiar orange box, the sweet fragrance immediately captures your senses. The light fragrance touches the senses without overwhelming the environment. Close your eyes and your senses perceive spring time fragrances from your garden—roses and wildflowers blended perfectly. Allow Arm & Hammer to assist you in your house cleaning efforts. You will be pleasantly surprised in the significant change this product can make in your home. Pet and cooking odors no longer permeate your environment. Cooking fish is no longer a lingering experience. Try this product and compare your current carpet deodorizer.

Did you know that Arm & Hammer Carpet and Room Allergen Reducer and Odor Eliminator was invented by a company whose name has been long recognized as a source of quality products? One of these products, baking soda, is utilized in this allergen and odor reducing product. When used with a HEPA filter or allergen filtration vacuum bag, it removes allergens deep within carpet fibers by releasing the static charges.

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Deodorize Urine Odor with Borax

Urine odors can be very hard to eliminate from surfaces. Pet accidents can be hard to get the urine smells eliminated from surfaces. Bed wetting accidents can leave a mattress smelling like urine. If you have small children with diapers you know that the diaper pail can get gamely over use. Urine odors can be eliminated with Borax.

Borax is a wonderful deodorizer. Borax deodorizes as it cleans surfaces that have been urinated on. Borax is a versatile household cleaner and it is a great booster in the laundry.

If you have clothes that smell of urine Borax can deodorize the clothes in the washing machine. Just add a half a cup of borax to your wash load along with your regular detergent to remove the smell of urine on clothes. Borax works well at deodorizing cloth diapers. Borax in your washing machine helps your regular laundry soap to work better. Borax helps to whiten and brighten your clothes and also helps to remove stains.

Diaper pails can smell like urine and they need to be cleaned every so often. Clean your diaper pail with warm water and a quarter cup of borax to rid the diaper pail of urine smell. A dirty diaper pail can make a room smell like urine so to clean the diaper pail with some borax can freshen up the whole room.

Pets can have accidents on the floor. Pet odor can make a room smell of urine. Clean pet urine spots with some borax to deodorize the smell of urine. Just dampen the spot on the floor with some clean water and sprinkle some borax on it. Rub the borax into the spot with a clean cloth and let it dry. After the borax has dried then brush the spot or vacuum the borax up.

Accidents happen on mattresses and when they do a mattress can get the odor of urine. You can remove the urine smell out of a mattress with borax. Moisten the area on the mattress with a clean damp cloth. Then rub some borax into the moist spot with a clean cloth. Let the spot dry and then you can vacuum up the borax. If the mattress still smells like urine you can repeat the process.

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How Dog Owners Can Keep Their Home Smelling Fresh

I often hear dog owners complaining about how their pet causes their home to smell. I have had dogs in my home for most of my life and never had the problem with my home smelling like my pets. This is because I follow several simple steps to help prevent my pet from smelling up my home. These tips keep my home smelling fresh. If it weren't for the pet beds located throughout my home, you'd never even know that I was dog owner. If you want to keep your home smelling fresh, follow these tips.

How Dog Owners Can Keep Their Home Smelling Fresh #1: Baths

I can't count the times I've had dog owners complain to me about their home smelling like their dog. Whenever I hear this, I ask them "When was the last time you bathed your pet?" More than 90% of the time, the owners can't recall the last time they bathed their dog. If this is the case if your home, stop blaming your pet and bathe them. You need to bathe your pet at least once a month. Some dog owners wash their pets almost obsessively, but a vet will tell you that this is not necessary and can actually cause dry skin. But, keep your pet clean if you want a fresh smelling home.

How Dog Owners Can Keep Their Home Smelling Fresh #2: Brush Your Pet

Most of the time, the smell that comes from your pet is the dead fur that is stuck to them. Take the time each day to brush your dog and remove the loose hair. As a dog owner, you should already be doing this, but if you aren't, remember that you must do this if you want to keep your home smelling fresh.

How Dog Owners Can Keep Their Home Smelling Fresh #3: Vacuum

If your home is covered in dog hair, it may not be your pet that stinks. It may be the pet hair. Depending on the size of your dog, and the time of the year, you may need to vacuum once a day to keep your home smelling fresh.

How Dog Owners Can Keep Their Home Smelling Fresh #4: Carpet Deodorizer

A valuable cleaning product for dog owners is carpet deodorizer. Carpet deodorizer is sprinkled onto your carpet and allowed to set before you vacuum. The powder will absorb the odors and will be removed when you vacuum. I suggest doing this once a week if you want to keep your home smelling fresh.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

How to Use Pine-Sol to Get Rid of Bad Odors

For some odors nothing will get rid of it except for the power of Pine-Sol Disinfectant Cleanser, this product is a great cleanser and deodorizer for your house or apartment, you don't here a lot about this product but, it can work wonders on bad household odors like toilet smells, diarrhea and urine scents, if it's on your carpet or floor, if you have a scent in your house from someone having diarrhea or, where someone had an accident on your carpet, or your toddler who may put their hands in their diaper and than smear it on your carpet or just have an accident on the carpet ,you can use Pine-Sol to get rid of the bad oder left behind in the carpet, even if your pet have an accident on your carpet you can use Pine-Sol Disinfectant Cleanser to get rid of all the bad odors in your house.

Pine-Sol will make the whole house smell really fresh and clean, it has a clean smell about it because, when you clean one room you can smell it all throughout the house, it's so powerful it will smell like you cleaned the whole house when you only cleaned one room. It's also good for the sink, tubs, toilet bowls, garbage cans, floors, stoves,grease, and grime, and has many other uses, although it's not recommended for wood floors.

This product is inexpensive you can buy it from any grocery store or the drug store for less than three dollars, or buy it from the dollar store for less than two dollars. You can also buy the product online if you want to buy in bulk or a case you can even find cases at places like Sam's Club, or just buy it from the dollar store for a lot less. I've seen this product online for almost thirty dollars if you're buying in bulk. You can also buy the lemon scent, the regular strengthen is very strong so you only need to use about 1/4 cup per gallon of water, if you use to much the scent will stay in your house for at least three days because, it's really powerful so, you don't want to use to much, one bottle should last a long time.

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Mini Lop Rabbits as Pets

If you are considering a rabbit as a pet you may want to look at the mini lop rabbits. They are known to be highly intelligent animals that, when young, are very easy to train. Mini lop rabbits are very sociable animals who respond to attention and affection. They can be trained to adapt to an indoor environment with positive reinforcement and praise.

Early on mini lop rabbits respond to training. They learn quickly to interact with humans and other pets in the household. They become very attached to their primary care givers but also to not object from attention from others in the house or even guests. Since they are social creatures it is best to have your mini lop ear rabbit live inside and litter train them. Mini lop eared rabbits should not be given run of the house because of chewing issues, but they can be let out frequently in supervised situations. Given proper care they fare well living indoors in their own cage.

Unless you are planning to breed you mini lop rabbit you should have your rabbit spayed or neutered by the veterinarian. Fixing you rabbit is better for the rabbits overall health and eliminates a myriad of behavior problems Mini lop rabbits mark territorially like male cats ; neutering them takes care of this issue. Spaying and neutering also cuts down on aggression and chewing in both male and female mini lop rabbits.

Mini lop rabbits have docile personalities most of the time. Early socialization allows them to get along with dogs, cats, and children. Still each rabbit has its own individual personality and it can be influenced by a wide variety of social interaction early in life. It is not uncommon for mini lops rabbits to become fast friends with the family dog. No pet rabbit should ever be left unsupervised with another pet or a child, because all animal behavior can be somewhat unpredictable.

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5 Tips in Making Your Vehicle "Dog Friendly"

It breaks your heart to leave your poor doggie at home, so you love taking him along for the ride. This can be stressful for your pet, especially if you're planning a long road trip. Here are five easy tips to help make your ride more enjoyable for you and your furry friend.

1. Doggie's Personal Item. Taking your dog away from the "home den" can be very stressful on your pet. A favorite chew toy or stuffed animal can help carry the the scent from familiar to unfamiliar settings. Don't forget their leash! A "must-have" for safely transporting your pet "to and from" your car, especially during pit-stops. Leaving a spare leash and some doggie's bags in your vehicle, keeps you prepared for the times you might be in a rush to get somewhere.

2. Doggie Bed. Dogs require over 10 hours of sleep. Putting their bed in the car can help them rest comfortably, especially for long rides. If you have a big dog, a blanket from home can help to keep it warm in the backseat or a sheet to cool them off during hot weather. This is also helpful if you have a pet that sheds. If you have a small dog, purchasing a booster seat can help your animal see outside the window and keep it comfortable and safe during the ride.

3. Doggie Snacks and Treats. If your dog experiences anxiety during rides, put snacks or a bone in the car to keep their mind distracted or to reward good behavior. If you are going on a road-trip, snacks help to satisfy hunger until you reach your destination.

4. Water. Always keep your dog hydrated. Anxiety or excitement can happen during rides causing panting and loss of fluids. Putting cool water in a disposable container with a lid is an easy way to hydrate your pooch. A water bottle with a plastic bowl also comes in handy or if you need something more compact, use a zip lock bag. Simply fold the end and fill with water. It's an easy way to dispose of the container once your done quenching your pet's thirst.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Home Staging: A Do-It-Yourself Guide for the Budget Minded

Home staging is becoming the most known buzzword of the real estate market, especially in today's volatile real estate market. There is no doubt and there is statistical information proving that home staging is a necessary evil of selling your home fast and profitably. There are several websites and realtors that promote and encourage the use of a professional home stager.

However; if you are on a tight budget, you can accomplish staging your house yourself, if you are not afraid of cleaning, organizing, and have a little creativity about you.

First things first...Get Your Mind Right!


Your mindset must change from "seller" to "buyer". Your space, your domain, your home is no longer yours. Your home is now an object up for sell. You must remove the "you" from your home. Your ultimate goal is to feel like you are in a model home. You want your children, friends, or spouse to walk in the front door and go "WOW! This place looks great...I could live here!"

Break the Task Down!


Don't tackle the entire house at once. Break it down, room by room. Approach each room with the same objectives and the following check list.

Checklist per room:


1. Remove the "you" stuff. Personal pictures and knick-knacks. If you no longer want these items, trash them; otherwise, store in plastic containers. You can leave platonic knick-knacks for decoration purposes.

2. Remove any items that are not in perfect condition. This includes any broken lamps, tables with broken legs, broken knick-knacks, and remove any throw rugs.

3. Storage areas or closets. These areas are imperative to your success. Any storage areas or closets must be clutter free and organized. If you are working in a closet, even if it is a single rod and shelf closet, you must throw away what you don't want and organize what you do want. This is easily accomplished by sorting items and using stackable plastic bins for storage. Goodwill needs to become your best friend at this time!

While your closet or storage area is empty, take this opportunity to clean it. Get the cobwebs out and clean the baseboards and doors.

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Cha-Ching: Making Clutter Payoff

Yesterday, I did exactly what I said I would do. I gathered all those outdated VHS tapes, and grabbed a shelf full of books, added them to the bags of books I already bagged. I then grabbed the bags of items I had deemed destined for Goodwill, loaded up the car and took each to their specified destinations.

I felt energized as I pulled into the Goodwill drop off lane. And I felt even more energized as I dragged five bags of books into Half Priced Books. As I sat the bags of books on the counter a sudden weight felt as if it had been lifted off my shoulders! I was free of books! Well, at least a good portion of them.

For this task, there was reward. Albeit $17, but it was money in the pocket I did not have before. It was so hard to not buy another book or two while in the store, but I made it out without any additional purchases.

It makes me wonder how much more money I can make off these shelves. I know a lot of people would probably be clamoring over that complete Harry Potter collection. Or, since it is the beginning of spring, all of those diet and weight-loss books I've collected.

You see, one of the things I hope to accomplish with this is that as I remove the clutter from my surroundings, I'll be able to remove the clutter of my mind and then the clutter around my waistline. Because of all the *stuff* lying around the house, I come home feeling defeated, which then makes me depressed, then leading to the cookie aisle at the local grocery store. Even our kitchen cupboards become a source of clutter in our lives, causing us to feel overwhelmed leading us to the nearest fast food drive-thru lane.

There is that word again: overwhelmed. It is a common theme when we become so burdened with so much around us. It equates in time. It equates in finances. It equates in relationships. It equates in our well-being. Don't you want to lose the chains that keep you tied down to the things that clutter and weigh us down? I know I do. And that is our goal. To free ourselves from burdens that keep us anchored.

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Deodorizing Your Stinky Pet Ferret

Ferrets are captivating little pets with their cute faces and comical antics. Said to be smarter than a dog and retaining an almost kitten-like playfulness even through adulthood, they are popular, save for one problem; time and time again, ferret owners find themselves put on the spot or questioned about their odiferous pets. Is there any way of combating this problem or are ferret owners doomed to always have the stinkiest pets? While many ferrets are abandoned, every year, due to issues with their smelling, there is hope yet. In fact, by taking a few simple steps, ferret odor can be practically eliminated, leaving pet owners free to enjoy their little furry friends.

Belonging to the same zoological family as creatures like skunks, wolverine, mink and badgers, the fact that ferrets can be smelly is an entirely natural thing. Possessing musky scent glands behind their ears and around their anus, ferrets have no idea that their own particular eau de ferret is not what most humans consider the prettiest of scents. Fortunately, most ferrets which are sold in pet stores have been “descented,” removing the glands from around their anus and preventing them from spraying, though the glands behind their ears remain.

So how do we combat “stinky ferret syndrome?” There are many steps to take that will help eliminate odor. First of all, it will definitely help to cut down on the potency of your pet’s smell rating by ensuring that s/he has been spayed or neutered. When a ferret is ‘fixed,’ they are less inclined to mark their territory or to exhibit many of the traits that a breeding ferret might show. Additionally, spaying and neutering your pet will also improve their health, making them less susceptible to disease, as well as reducing the likelihood that they will exhibit territorial behaviorisms.

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Maintaining a Clean Home and Owning a Pet

We have all heard the meticulous housekeeper say how they would never have a pet in the house due to the odors and the hair. This person is obviously not a dog lover. This person does not know the joys of their faithful four-legged friend curling at their feet or laying his or her head on their lap.

With a few simple steps and a little organization, you can have a large dog in your home and maintain a clean environment with very little effort or expense. Until your pet greets your guests they won't know you even have one in the home.

First you need to purchase a good grooming brush. Don't be naïve and think that if you take your dog to the groomer once a month that you won't have a hair problem. Dogs that spend time indoors and outdoors don't necessarily grow their winter coat. They are inside where it is warm, so they don't need all their hair. You will need to brush your dog at least every other day to keep hair to a minimum. This only take five minutes or less and your dog will love it.

Next you need to purchase lint rollers. These have replaceable adhesive strips that will lift the dog hair right off your clothes and furniture. These are basically inexpensive and work quickly when unexpected company arrives.

For the food area you can purchase a pet mat that will catch any spilled food or water. Don't expect that you pet will clean up every crumb.

Every dog has that dog odor. The pet doesn't mean to be offensive, but to some people the odor is overbearing. Febreeze or a similar product will work wonders on pet odors.

Bathing your pet is strictly your choice. If the pet spends much time outdoors you will probably want to bath your pet. Your bathtub will work fine for this if you can get your pet to cooperate. Be sure to use a non-detergent shampoo that won't be harsh on your dog's skin because we tend to bathe them more than what they need. You can also get scented deodorizer to spray on after the bath will last several weeks and keep the dog smell down.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Solutions to Pet Odor Problems

A pet in the household is a source of joy. There can never be a dull moment with a furry, playful, and cute animal companion around. But as the saying "There's always two sides in a coin" goes, and as the law of the universe persists in the existence of both positive and negative forces, then so it's true that having a pet also has its downsides. One prominent unfavorable factor is the damage a pet can bring to our home. Let us cite here the most common, which is pet odor. I'm not talking about their natural, fairly acceptable body odor, but the unpleasant smell from their urine or feces.

There are scented candles and air fresheners to mask the nasty smell but these are only short-term solutions. Once the fragrance fades away, the odor problem is again evident. Instead of spending too much money on air deodorizer supplies, apply a method for a long-lasting and/or permanent odor prevention and eradication.

First determine the source. What is the smell? Where is it coming from? In what specific area of the house that is, on the carpet, under the table, behind the stairs, etc. is it emanating from? If you have more than one pet, who is responsible? Immediately take actions to teach your pet in order to prevent future occurrences of misbehavior. Set rules as to where your pet can go freely in your house and place it in areas where not too much damage can be done such as in rooms where there are no carpeting, light-colored fabrics and expensive furnishings. If pets are to be left on their own and are not yet fully trained, leave them in their kennels to avoid messing up the house.

What's done is done. Instead of exerting energy scolding your pet which isn't helpful at all (you're more likely to cause distress and anxiety to your pet), divert that energy into cleaning the soiled areas. The treatment really depends on the severity of the damage. If big spots on your carpet for instance have already been urinated, a simple scrub won't do. You would have to either replace your carpet or hire a professional carpet-cleaning service for a thorough work.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

From Purrfect Pet to Hell Cat

So, following my bragging about how well the cat was handling the introduction of Kitty Litter into his life, and the beginnings of coping with being locked indoors, it all went to hell. I committed a fatal crime. I changed the brand of kitty litter. Take my advice and don't do this. Just quietly mob up the horrid clay paw prints every day.

I thought the crystals would be an improvement, no smell and no nasty clay paw prints. In my delusions of grandeur I figured it would be best to make this change now, as he's learning rather than later. Do not ever do this!

I have had a headache for the last 6 days, and the cat is attempting to see if he can master the human toilet in preference to his own. I blame my mother for this. She jokingly said last week that I could train him to use the toilet. "People have done it. Like that video in that email." I replied with a reference to how horrible I found this notion to be. The cat apparently didn't think it was such a horrible concept and is starting to seriously think about it.

Yes folks, my cat HATES the crystals so much that he's considering the water based contraption. This says a lot because the cat seriously loathes all things water related. But I have none-the-less seen him attempting to get up on the seat.

I'm thinking it's the deodorizer in the new litter, because when he clearly needs to go and I place him on the litter he is seeming to sniff for something that I guess he doesn't find. I preferred litter with the deodorizer as I'm not a fan of the litter thing much more than the cat is. It seems that Mao has other toiletry ideas though, and he wants the smell. Or, failing that, to use the same thing everyone else in the house does.

I do see his logic, but I'm stuck on the thought of 'EWWW! Yuck. Hell no. Not ever.' I don't care how many YouTube hits a video of it would get me. YUCKY, no. Not using the human loo.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Tips for Removing Pet Odors and Stains

Of course we all love our pets, but we do not love their yucky smells. The earlier you try to get rid of the smell, the better! The sooner you remove the odor, the better chances you have of getting it before it becomes the permanent smell of your home. If you are looking for an easy way to get rid of the smell in your home, keep reading.

In order to remove the odor from your home, locate the source of the smell. Rely on your eyes and nose to help find the stains. Sometimes, using a black light is the best way to make the stains standout that you cannot find on your own. Once you find the stains, be sure to make an outline with some kind of substance like chalk.

You will need to use a pet stain and odor product to get rid of both the stains and the smells. It will need to contain an ingredient that is a biological odor eliminator. This will help break down the stain and help remove it from carpet or upholstery.

Removing the stain is easier if it's fresh. You may want to place some paper towels and press into the stain to remove as much as you can. Be sure to get as much as possible, almost drying the spot. Then follow the directions on the cleaner you purchased and clean the stain and get the odor out.

If there happens to be big number of stains you are trying to get out, including old ones, try using a wet or dry vacuum. This will help to clean and rinse the carpet and the pad if you use water as well. Do not try to steam clean as it can really make the stain and smell much worse.

You will need to wash any pet bedding in the same manner. Try to get the spots where your pet tends to spend most of its time. Use detergents that have baking soda if you wash pet beds in the washer. This will help to eliminate any odors in the bedding.

Any other time you vacuum your home, make sure to use a carpet deodorizer or a fabric refreshing spray. This should be done after vacuuming the carpet to make sure it stays as fresh as possible. Be sure to stay on top of any other stains made in order to keep your house looking and smelling its best!

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Tips for Removing Pet Odors and Stains

Of course we all love our pets, but we do not love their yucky smells. The earlier you try to get rid of the smell, the better! The sooner you remove the odor, the better chances you have of getting it before it becomes the permanent smell of your home. If you are looking for an easy way to get rid of the smell in your home, keep reading.

In order to remove the odor from your home, locate the source of the smell. Rely on your eyes and nose to help find the stains. Sometimes, using a black light is the best way to make the stains standout that you cannot find on your own. Once you find the stains, be sure to make an outline with some kind of substance like chalk.

You will need to use a pet stain and odor product to get rid of both the stains and the smells. It will need to contain an ingredient that is a biological odor eliminator. This will help break down the stain and help remove it from carpet or upholstery.

Removing the stain is easier if it's fresh. You may want to place some paper towels and press into the stain to remove as much as you can. Be sure to get as much as possible, almost drying the spot. Then follow the directions on the cleaner you purchased and clean the stain and get the odor out.

If there happens to be big number of stains you are trying to get out, including old ones, try using a wet or dry vacuum. This will help to clean and rinse the carpet and the pad if you use water as well. Do not try to steam clean as it can really make the stain and smell much worse.

You will need to wash any pet bedding in the same manner. Try to get the spots where your pet tends to spend most of its time. Use detergents that have baking soda if you wash pet beds in the washer. This will help to eliminate any odors in the bedding.

Any other time you vacuum your home, make sure to use a carpet deodorizer or a fabric refreshing spray. This should be done after vacuuming the carpet to make sure it stays as fresh as possible. Be sure to stay on top of any other stains made in order to keep your house looking and smelling its best!

Ref: associatedcontent.com

How to Get Pet Stains Out of Carpet

Pet stains in carpet can be a real beast, because even though we think they have been cleaned entirely, pets can still scent the areas where they have been doing their business, and it tempts them to continue using the area to pee or poop on. It's a difficult cycle to get rid of, since pets are territorial by nature and once they have pooped or peed in an area and can still smell the remnants of a stain, they'll continue "going" there. Getting rid of the stain entirely so not only YOU can't smell it, but neither can your pets, can be a real challenge. Here is how to completely eradicate pet stains in carpet so they can't be scented by anybody.

Whatever you've been doing to clean up the pet stains, if your pet is still pooping or peeing in that area, then it isn't clean. If your cat continues to poop in the hallway, even after you've scrubbed and sprayed and shampooed, the stain is still alive and kicking, and you'll continue to be cleaning up after your indoor carpet toilet user.

If the stains are urine-related, the stain may be set in the padding under the carpet, and the best thing to do is to replace the carpet padding. All your cleaning and scrubbing won't eliminate the deep-set stains, and the problems will continue.

Clean stains as soon as they occur by blotting out the wet stains with a paper towel and picking up poop immediately before it dries and sprinkle baking soda in the area to soak up and eradicate odors. The longer you leave a stain, the more permission you are giving your pet to continue using the area. They will continue marking there if they can smell their own fresh urine or feces in the area. After using baking soda and the area has dried, use a carpet deodorizer on the area as well and vacuum as normal, then go over the area again with a washcloth with hot water to lift out any stain remnants.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Product Review: Glade Carpet & Room Deodorizer

Anyone who's going off to live in a college dorm this fall needs to know one thing: keeping stink off the floor is a key to success. Living in the dorms are not like living with the parents; i.e., things get dirty quick, especially carpets. This may result as a genuine lack of cleanliness, laziness, or simply a miscommunication involving one or more distustingly filthy roommates.

Glade Carpet & Room Deodorizer can help prevent a dorm room from smelling like a wet boot. While vacuuming is arguably the most important task involving room maintenance - typically up there with dusting and hosing vomit off of the ceiling - it may not do the job of masking the odors that sink down deep inside the carpet.

In fact, contemporary vacuums fail to actually remove the majority of the dust particles from the rooms themselves; vacuum cleaner bags clog up all the time. And serious air-flow issues remain, too. Ever stuck your nose near the vacuum's exhaust? Pair this with the random nastiness of things being spilt on the floors of young adults [who are responsible for living on their own for the first time in their lives] and that is one stinky funk.

So, although Glade Carpet & Room Deodorizer 'contains a formula that first eliminates deep-down odors caused by pets, smoke, dampness, and mildew' it won't necessarily make the dorm room any cleaner, it will make the room at least smell cleaner. That means the girls sitting on the futon won't pick up the direct stench coming from squirrels, cigars, beer, and cafeteria crumbs deep within the dorm floor.

Indeed Glade Carpet & Room Deodorizer does its job of masking odors and, if very few odors reside in the carpet, might even make a clean room smell better than before. The directions are simple: sprinkle a half cup of the powder product evenly from wall-to-wall, wait a few minutes, and vacuum well.

Ref: associatedcontent.com

Review: Lola & Louis Conditioner and Deodorizer for Dogs and Cats

I am the proud owner of one of the world's sweetest companions. I don't call her a dog, because she isn't just an animal to me. She's a highly valued friend. I try to always treat her with the respect and love that she deserves and, trust me, that is a lot.

My darling little Shih'Tzu unfortunately suffers from horrendous allergies. We have yet to figure them all out for certain, but the poor baby has a constant state of the "itchies." She will scratch herself raw trying to solve the problem.

Although I trick her into taking her allergy pills and she gets shots as often as allowed, those never seem to be enough. She is still miserable. So I'm constantly in search of a product that will help to soothe her sensitive skin.

My most recent find is called "Lola and Louis Daily Conditioner & Deodorizer." It comes in a 14 fluid ounce frosted plastic bottle with an atomizer. The liquid is blue in color.

According to their display advertising, this conditioner "promotes healthy, shiny fur; relieves dry and itchy skin; and lightly deodorizes."

With regard to the first claim that the product promotes healthy, shiny fur in between baths, I have to vehemently disagree. If anything it makes my dog's coat feel like it has been sprayed with Aqua Net hairspray; making it stiff and hard. Her coat looks dull and lifeless whenever I use this conditioner.

It also claims to detangle and make the pet's fur more manageable. Again, I saw no evidence of that. However, to be fair, a Shih Tzu's coat is very fine and tangles easily no matter what you do.

The second claim says it relieves dry and itchy skin. I saw no evidence whatsoever of that. If anything she scratches more now than before.

With regard to the claim to that the product deodorizes, I'll give them that one. It has a nice, light smell that isn't at all perfumey in nature. It is a natural botanical mixture of geranium and patchouli, blended with sage, thyme, and bergamot. It is actually very similar in scent to the used by my dog's vet.

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Product Review: Power House Carpet Cleaner and Coralite Pet Wipes

If you own a pet; especially a dog, you will appreciate both of the following products. If you don't own a pet, you will still appreciate at least one. Both of these products only cost one dollar and are a great addition to the household arsenal of cleaning products.

The first product applies to everyone. As I said, it only costs one dollar and it is worth its weight in gold. It is called "Power House Carpet Cleaner and Deodorizer". For your dollar you get a 14 ounce spray-can of carpet-cleaning liquid.

This spray is very effective for spills and for those pet "mistakes"; and, most every pet has one sooner or later. All you have to do is shake the can well. Then hold the can about two feet away from the carpet and spray evenly over the stain. Let the product stand for one hour and vacuum; it is amazingly easy.

There are two extra points to add to the instructions. If you are dealing with an extremely hard stain or long-standing stain; it is a good idea, once you have sprayed, to rub the fluid deeply into the carpet. Further, it always makes sense, not just with this product but any carpet cleaner; to spray a little "out of sight" and vacuum it to see what type of "color reaction" you are going to get.

An additional product that also costs only one dollar is for those pet owners who catch a whiff of their pet between baths or, see them itching or, just want to "clean them up" for any reason. "Coralite Pet Wipes with Aloe & Vitamin E" is a "wipe" that allows you to clean your dog; your cat; or, any small animal by safely wiping them with this little "towel". Further, it can be used to soften paws and nails. Our dog stands as still as a statue while we rub him; he really enjoys it and, it feels good on his paws; once again according to his closed eyes.

This has been a great product for us because it allows us to give our dog some interim care; not only his "social acceptance", but, his comfort, without putting him through the stress of a bath. For pets like cats, baths are not a typical answer anyway, so, this is a great and often welcomed alternative.

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Volcanic Deodorizing Rock: A Review of This Non-toxic Deodorizer

The search for safe deodorizers is an endless chore, it seems. On one shopping expedition months ago I noticed a bag of rock hanging in the pet care aisle. It was special volcanic rock and was purported to take care of pet odors naturally by way of a negative ionic charge. All I needed to do was hang it somewhere and give it some sun occasionally to "recharge."

Well, what the heck. It was not expensive and if it really worked then I'd save a lot of money that would normally be spent on chemical deodorizers. I brought the magical volcanic rocks home and, after removing the plastic and shaking the rocks around a little, as the instructions informed me I should, I hung the bag in a corner of a room that contains a litter box.

A week went by and I noticed no improvement. Yes, I cleaned the litter box daily as usual. But I noticed no marked absence of odor that could be attributed to the volcanic rocks. Snake oil? Did I get duped? I researched the rock online to see what others had to say. Volcanic rock of this sort is marketed by several companies and all the reviews I came across were positive. This product did not work for me though.

I noticed that some manufacturer's deodorizing rocks look different. The volcanic deodorizer on leevalley.com, for instance, shows much smaller particles of rocks in a bag than the kind I bought--which had rocks up to half an inch in diameter. Could this be the difference? Quite possibly. The rocks are supposed to work by absorbing and neutralizing the odors. Perhaps my larger rocks just weren't very good at clutching odors.

Further research has shown me that Zeolite (or clinoptilolite ), the deodorizing rock I bought, is commonly sold in feed and seed shops as a deodorizer and at a much lower price. The substance, it appears, is used effectively by many.

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The Ultimate Guide to Pet Cleaner's for Multiple Pet Households

I've had countless friends spend cash on pet products that just don't work for the level of stain fighting a multiple pet household can need. Here is a review of several reliable, stink free products that work for you and your pet by neutralizing odor and killing stains, making sure accidents don't happen again. We've got everything here for the pet conscious, kid conscious, and environmentally friendly. Just pick your weapon.

Equalizer Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator :


This pet friendly product claims to remove organic stains and odors with a use on almost any surface or fabric but wood. It gets rid of the smell and the unseemly look of stains such as cat urine, blood, hairballs, and vomit. However, it doesn't work on dirt spots caked into the carpet and sometimes, depending on the spot, a second application is necessary. The product leaves a pleasant scent while neutralizing the odor to the pets doing the damage so repeat spots are less frequent.





Stink-Free Urine Odor Remover

Not only removes disgusting and unpleasant pet odors, also dissolves spots without a frilly smell. This is a best bet for anyone allergic to deodorizer or unseemly citrus smells commonly put into other oder cleaners. Eliminates the odor at the source without masking it to both the animals, and their humans.

Simple Solutions Natural Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator

This product is unique in that is chemical free and environmentally friendly to both the per and it's owner. This cleaner promises to work great on carpet, carpet padding, and upholstery while cleaning deeply and eliminating repeat accidents. It does this all the while without harsh chemicals as it's made with user friendly corn-based ethanol, a truly toxic free cleaner. It still carries the same punch as it's chemical counterparts cleaning deep down into the surface and illuminating old stains just as well as new ones.

Ref: associatedcontent.com