Monday, August 12, 2013

Sweeping versus Vacuuming

     Some people reach for a broom the minute a mess hits the floor. Others drag out the vacuum. Although both sweeping and vacuuming are effective at cleaning up most messes, knowing the differences between the two can make the chore a lot easier. In some situations, a vacuum is best. Other situations call for a broom and dustpan. It all depends on the constitution of the mess and where it landed. 

 There are some interesting face that most don't know when it comes to sweeping. I prefer to vacuum everything as much as possible and rarely use a broom. When sweeping the particulates which is a general name given to a tiny solid or liquid particle or piece of matter. It usually refers to particles in the air (airborne particulates) end up in the air and are not picked up compared to vacuuming them. We use hepa filter vacuums to prevent any dust particulates etc from escaping. 


  The health effects can range from none at all to very serious.

For people with allergies, certain types and amounts of particulates, such as mold spores, pet dander, pollen, or dust mites, may cause allergic reactions. Some people can be allergic to material in tobacco smoke and other combustion byproducts. Asthmatic episodes can occur in some people. Examples of allergic symptoms and signs include nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, coughing, runny eyes, throat irritation, rashes and headaches. In severe allergic reactions, death can occur. Believe it or not some people are seriously allergic to dust. Dust from sweeping can stay in the air for several hours after sweeping getting caught in the air, landing on counters , furniture etc. 

All in all I have found that sweeping as a little as possible out ways vacuuming anytime, If you can, use a hepa filter vacuum but either way vacuuming is always best. 

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Multitasking

To start this, the meaning of multitask is:The concurrent operation by one central processing unit of two or more processes.

 Multitasking refers to the ability of an individual or machine to perform more than one task, or multiple tasks, at the same time. In the field of human resources, multitasking is a popular term that is often used to describe how busy managers or business practitioners are able to accomplish a growing amount of work in a limited time period. The term was popularized in the late 1990s with the increasing move to a 24-hours-per-day, seven-days-per-week work and service culture experienced in the U.S. The term has grown to define people in their roles as employees, parents, family members, and any number of other roles they perform simultaneously as they try to balance business and pleasure in a limited amount of time.

There is an article on NPR that I found very interesting to read. It is rather long but very interesting o read, or browse lol. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=95256794

So, I know this is kind of an odd Blog Title but I've been doing this a lot lately and sometimes wander how people multitask when they have families, kids etc. I would really like some comments from others on how they multitask their day!

As you all know, I own and operate Helping Hands Cleaning Services, LLC. We are a full services residential and commercial cleaning company that has over the past couple of years kept me running lol. My brother works for and runs Southern Foundation and Repair also here in Mobile, AL. Last Thursday I started helping them 6am - 2pm with remodeling an old Historic home that was built in the early 1900s. I am helping remodel the house as close to its former condition and look as possible. My company will also be doing the post construction clean up as well. 

So, I'm helping with his business, running my residential and commercial cleaning company along with doing some strong marketing for the residential side of the business. This is definitely testing my multitasking skills to say the least. I have learned that as a business owner multitasking comes with the job and if you can't multitask then being a business owner is not for you. For those that multitask work, family, kids etc and make it work I give them props and they deserve a pat on the back. :)

I would love to hear from others on there stories of multitasking our suggestions on how they manage multitasking to make it work for them so please leave comments!!

As always, remember Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/HHCS1

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Cleaning an old house with lead paint

So,im spending some time helping with the cleaning and remodeling of an old house with lead in the paint etc. First all, its hot hot hot outside here on the Gulf Coast and the humidity will suffocate you. As we all know, dealing with lead paint can be very harmful if not handled properly. 

If your home was built before 1978, there is a good chance it has lead-based paint. In 1978, the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-containing paint, but some states banned it even earlier. Lead from paint, including lead-contaminated dust, is one of the most common causes of lead poisoning. Always wear an approved mask to help prevent breathing in the dust. Lead in household dust results from indoor sources such as old lead paint on surfaces that are frequently in motion or bump or rub together (such as window frames), deteriorating old lead paint on any surface, home repair activities, tracking lead contaminated soil from the outdoors into the indoor environment, or even from lead dust on clothing worn at a job site.

If anyone is doing any work on an house built before 1978 I recommend having it inspected for lead paint before doing any work. Always take precaution before doing any work.