Lewis Maclean November 2017

3 CLEANING ‘RIP-OFF’S’ THAT ACTUALLY WORK

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. But sometimes we stumble across a few hidden gems that make our lives easier. And, when it comes to cleaning house, we can all use a little “easier.” Check out these products you may have already written off and let them surprise you.

Does your home have a carbon monoxide detector? Many homeowners make sure to install smoke detectors, but, all too often, they skip the carbon monoxide (CO) detector. They assume they aren’t at risk or that there are no sources of CO in their homes. The truth is, there are several potential sources of this odourless and colourless gas within a home.

Dollar Store Cleaning Products

If you’ve ever ducked into the local dollar store to buy some Mylar balloons for your niece’s birthday party, you might have noticed the jugs and spray bottles plastered with the word “Awesome.” Surely, this knock-off soap can’t work as well as your brand-name products, right? You’d be surprised. Online reviewers sing Awesome’s praises, suggesting it should really be a higher price for how well it works. Just make sure you wear gloves when you use it. You use too much soap in your washing machine and dishwasher. At least, that’s what the New York Times reported as the No. 1 complaint from repair people and appliance experts. Modern appliances are designed to use less water, and as soap becomes more concentrated, using too much can damage your machine. That’s what makes detergent pods so handy. They don’t look like they can clean all your dishes or an entire load of clothes, but they actually provide the perfect amount for modern machines. You save money on detergent and machine repair! Anything with “magic” in the title sounds like a scam. For this reason, you may have avoided the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and similar melamine foam products. But this is one case where the product lives up to its wild claims. Melamine foam is abrasive and can break down and remove material from fine cracks and textures, making it an effective cleaner. It can be used to whiten sneakers, clean tub scum, and remove permanent marker from your fridge. Since the snake oil salesmen in the days of old first tricked trusting folks out of their hard-earned cash, consumers have wised up and are quick to write off perceived scams. Still, every now then you get lucky, and the cheap white sponge really does make the stove look like new. But you should still think twice before you say yes to gas station sushi. Detergent Pods Foam Cleaning Blocks

These sources include:

• Oil and gas furnaces • Gas stove/range • Gas lines • Gas water heaters • Generators • Space heaters • Fireplaces • Motor vehicles

When these items are maintained and working properly, risk for CO exposure is very low. However, during the winter months, people generally use gas appliances at a higher rate, which increases overall risk. Because the consequences that come with exposure are so high (illness, brain damage, and death), being prepared makes all the difference. We recommend placing CO detectors outside bedrooms and on every floor of the home, as well as near each potential source of the gas. The associated risks are also why we offer our customers a special hybrid monitor, which is designed to detect both CO and natural gas levels within your home for an additional level of safety. A note on motor vehicles: During the winter, many people turn on their vehicle before they leave to allow it to warm up. If you do this, do it in a well-ventilated spot, with the garage door open or the car in the driveway. Never let a vehicle, generator, or other gas-powered equipment run in an enclosed space.

2 • www.lewismaclean.com

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