5 Tips to Make Cleaning Fun

If your sense of shame outweighs your desire to entertain, it might be time to step up the housework.

Piles of stuff, a smelly fridge, an oven that needs cleaning, toothpaste on the bathroom sink—if this describes the way your home looks most of the time, finding a few cleaning shortcuts will definitely help you out.

It’s not necessary to spend every day engaged in heavy housework if you know and practice the cleaning tweaks recommended by the pros.

Soaker Method

Spray it down and let the cleaner do the work for you. Often, allowing a cleaner five minutes to soak into a surface will save you 20 minutes of strong elbow grease. The same goes for toilet bowl cleaner when you treat the bowl before bed and swish it in the morning. For odors that just don’t want to leave, Clear the Air products will get your house smelling fresh and clean. Placing a bag or sprinkling granules around the house will completely eliminate those stubborn smells.

Make an Appointment With Yourself

If it’s clutter that has you firmly in its overwhelming grasp, make an appointment with yourself several times a week. Even 15-minute intervals provide enough time to whittle down the piles of mail, toys and dislocated items that belong in other rooms or out of your life altogether. Pencil yourself in on your desk calendar, just like you would a doctor or dental appointment. This way you’ll be more apt to honor the commitment you’ve made to a more organized home.

Make Cleaning Convenient

Imagine how difficult it would be for your mechanic to fix your car without the proper tools. Mechanics have implements that make their jobs easier, such as specialty wrenches, extension arms and more. If you approach cleaning with the same mentality—that it takes tools to get the job done right—the task will take on a whole new energetic feel. Find the products that work best for you and make those little household jobs easier:

• Antibacterial wipes
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• Specially shaped mop heads
• Over-size buckets
• Handy cleaning caddy

The items mentioned above shouldn’t cost much, but you should also invest in a a high-output, low-weight vacuum, like the ones made by Dyson and sold at department stores.

Hampers in Every Room

If even one person in your family is guilty of leaving a trail of discarded clothes in their wake, keeping a laundry hamper in every room will make life much easier. Those little piles of socks and leggings that were pulled off and tossed in the corner go far in giving your home a disorganized feel. Keep the clothes off the floor and neatly tucked away in hampers.

An Ounce of Prevention

It’s the little things that matter—like one doormat that sits just outside every entrance and a second one that lays just inside. It’s the double whammy of dirt prevention. Removing shoes at the door, Keeping a cleaning tablet dissolving inside your toilet tank and adding a few drops of olive oil to your floor rinse to help prolong the shine on your wood floors are all excellent preventative measures you can take to help cut down on the workload throughout the week.

Does Your Kitty Make Biscuits?

This kitty is so cute falling asleep while making biscuits!

Does your kitty knead, or make biscuits?

If your kitty makes biscuits, it’s a sign he or she loves you! Check out more ways to see if your cat loves you.

Marshmallow Needs A Furr’Ever Home!

Marshmallow – A  suuuper SWEET treat!

Check out Marshmallow from the San Diego Humane Society! She needs a forever home and is as sweet as can be!

Behold, the marshmallow!! T’was ever there a sweeter treat? And, true to her name, Marshmallow, the 11-month old kitty, is just as sweet as can be. Now, as is the case for any marshmallow, this adorable red tabby can require a little bit of time and care in order to warm up and soften. You see, she had a rough start and was forced to fend for herself during a time when she should have been pampered. As is such, she can be a bit wary of new people and environments.

But this sweet girl has made remarkable progress in the short time that she has been with us, and we just know that when she finds the right home, she is certain to show how very beautiful she is both inside and out. In addition to being sweet and having an adorable face, Marshmallow’s favorite pastimes include looking out the window and watching the world around her, playing with her feather toy, and rolling over for a good belly rub.

We simply can’t wait for this wonderful kitty to find a loving home, where she can feel safe and loved and let her inner sweetness shine!

If you are interested in meeting Marshmallow, please come by our Central Campus on Gaines street to meet her, or call us at (619) 299-7012.

Animal ID 134588

Why You Should NOT Declaw Your Cat!

Declawing your cat is not the answer!

If you are thinking of declawing a cat, or a veterinarian suggests declawing at the same time as neutering, before you make a decision for non-reversible surgery, please consider these reasons NOT to declaw.

Your cat will live his remaining years with the result of your decision, one way or another.

First it is important to know scratching is normal. Cats scratch for several reasons. First, it feels good. It also “files” their nails and helps make room for newer growth.

Declawing can trigger behavioral problems. Although veterinary research has not turned up evidence that declawing alters a cat’s personality, the simple mechanical changes the procedure brings can eventually result in behavioral changes. Declawed cats may be more likely to bite, for example, since their first line of defense is gone.

Declawing your cat rids him of his chief weapon of defense. A typical counter-argument is, “My cat is indoors-only.” Even indoor cats sometimes manage to escape. A declawed cat does not stand a chance against a large dog, a bigger cat, or a predator. Although he still has teeth, by the time he gets in close enough to bite, it may be too late.

A declawed cat will lead to other problems such as resistance to using the sandbox. Declawed cats often associate the pain when digging in litter with the litter box itself, and will avoid it, choosing softer carpeting instead.

When cats lose their ability to give a quick warning scratch, they will often resort to their second line of defense: a good, hard bite. The cat’s owner may sometimes find himself the victim, just when he thinks his cat is enjoying a petting session.

Cats need the exercise that their claws and toes provide. Watch a cat stretch, whether horizontally on a carpet or vertically with a tall scratching post. He will grab the carpet or sisal with his claws, using the resistance to pull and stretch his muscles. Cats’ claws actually play a large and positive role in their amazing muscle tone and agility.

Instead of declawing your cat, consider other options. Trimming your cat’s claws frequently and buying a scratching post to sub in for that treasured armchair (sprinkling catnip on it may help get him interested).

How To Move With Pets

Moving with your pets?

Whether you are buying a new home or moving into a new rental, if you have pets it is important to make sure the move is as uneventful as possible.

If you plan to move in the near future, check out our helpful tips to make sure your pets stay as calm as possible during the move:

• Stick to your routine – If you have certain times you feed, play and walk your pet, stick to them even during the move. On the day of your move, feed in the morning as you usually would and take your dog out on a walk before your move.
• Bring your pets’ toys – Bring along your dog and cat’s favorite bed, toys, treats and food and water dishes. When arranging their items in your new home, place them in places similar to where they were in your old home.
• Keep things calm – If you feel your pet will benefit being near you during the move, plan on that. If your cat would rather be away from all the hustle and bustle, keep him in a crate away from the madness until it is safe to let him or her out in your new home.
• Keep your pets confined – During the move and while you are packing and unpacking, it may be likely doors and windows will be left open. Avoid having your pet hide or run away and keep him confined to one room you know will not be bothered. It is also a very good idea to keep your pet’s identification and your contact info on your pet. Keep vet records with you as well.
• Be patient and provide plenty of love and reinforcement – It may take a while for your pet to get used to their new surroundings. Let your dog and cat explore and come out when they’re ready. Make sure your cat’s litter box is easily accessible and in the same room you let him out in. Give them lots of attention, more than usual. Change is difficult for your pets; let them know everything will be alright by paying extra attention to them!

How To Eliminate Cat Litter Odor

Does your cat’s litter box smell?

Clear The Air’s Cat Odor Eliminating Products are specially formulated to eliminate cat urine odor.

If you have a cat you know that cat urine odor is incredibly strong and can be almost impossible to get rid of. However, our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator works wonders at keeping this odor away.

Check out our helpful tips to ensuring your cat’s litter box goes unnoticed to your nose:

Scooping – The number one rule, and the only thing that will keep litter box odor at bay, is constant cleaning. That means scooping the box out at least twice a day, removing the solids and liquid clumps if you use clumping litter.  If you don’t use clumping litter, you can use a large solid metal spoon to lift out the most urine-soaked areas each time you clean and add litter as needed to replace what is removed.

Washing Your Litter Box – You should also get in the habit of washing the litter box at least every other week if not more.  Use a mild unscented dish detergent and rinse clean.  Remember to clean your scooper too.  When the box is dry, sprinkle a thin layer of our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator in the box first.  Then add two to three inches of litter.  Cats do not like a deep tray of litter and this allows you to add litter as you scoop.

Type of Litter – Some have perfumes and others have additives to only cover the smell.  To a cat, these smells can be overwhelming and make the box unwelcoming.  It is usually a good idea to get unscented litter and sprinkle our Cat Urine Odor Eliminator in the box to eliminate the odor, not cover it up.

Type of Litter Box – Using the largest box your home can accommodate is the best idea.  A good rule of thumb is to get a box that is at least twice as long as your adult cat and wide as the cat is long.  Even though a covered box is nicer to look at, most cats don’t like them and they also trap odors inside making it unpleasant for your pet to enter.

Location – Lastly, location of your cats litter box is very important to keep your pet happy to relieve himself in the correct areas.  The rule is one litter box per cat plus one.  It is important to have the boxes in different locations.  Also make sure the box is in a low traffic area, away from his or her food and in a place that your cat can easily get in and out of.

These suggestions may take a lot of effort but not only with your cat be happier but you will as well, not having to put up with cat urine odors.    Remember to pick up Clear the Air’s Cat Urine Odor Eliminator available at all Petco stores or online.

How To Rent Or Sell Your Home Faster

Preparing to sell your home?

Clear The Air has helped many Real Estate Agents sell and rent homes faster with our product. If a home has any type of odor, chances are it will deter potential buyers or tenants.

Sell or rent your home faster with these helpful tips:

• Avoid strong smells in your home. Make sure to take out the trash, clean out then fridge then use Clear The Air to neutralize any odors. Sprinkle Clear The Air on the litter box if you have a cat and on any furniture that you can smell odor. We also recommend hanging our Odor Eliminator Bags throughout the home 48 hours before you go to show the home to eliminate any odors that may bother potential buyers or renters.
• Enhance your home’s curb appeal. Spruce up the look of the yard by performing regular yard maintenance. Mow the yard, edge the lawn and add some colorful flowers and plants.
• De-clutter your home so a potential tenant can picture themselves living there. We recommend removing personal items like toys, papers, magazines, makeup products, family photos and any knick-knacks.
• Repaint if you have colorful walls. Make everything look cleaner and fresher with whites and light tans. Lighter colors also make a room look better and brighter.
• Make sure your floors are clean. If you have carpet, you will want to get them professionally cleaned. For tile and hardwood, use a floor shiner. If your flooring shows a lot of wear and tear, you might want to consider new flooring for your property.

How To Care For Pets In The Cold Weather

Cold weather tips all pet owners need to know.

The east coast of the nation is experiencing extreme cold weather conditions. During these conditions it is vital to make sure your pets are inside and warm.

Clear The Air would like to share some cold weather tips from the Humane Society:

• Keep pets indoors and warm – Don’t leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater.
• Help neighborhood outdoor cats – If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It’s easy to give them a hand.
• Give your pets plenty of water – Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen.
• Protect paws from salt – The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
• Avoid antifreeze poisoning – Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach.
• The best tip of all: keep your pets with you – Probably the best prescription for winter’s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.

Read entire article at the Humane Society’s website.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

Of folks who make a New Year’s Resolution, 46 percent are successful at their resolution six months later, a study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology reports.

If you’ve been dragging your feet on putting the finishing touches on your home, why not make it a New Year’s Resolution to really create good cleaning and de-cluttering habits?

Use these 5 New Year’s resolutions to get your house in good order.

1. Schedule biannual deep cleanings: The proverbial deep clean is a mainstay of keeping a clean, comfortable house. Early January, when the weather is chilly and you’re full of resolve to stick to your resolutions, is the perfect time for a deep clean. Work room by room, cleaning out all the nooks and crannies. Wash the walls, steam the shades, clean out clutter and donate things you no longer need to Goodwill. When you put away winter clothes for the spring/summer, do another deep clean. For tough smells, Clear the Air odor eliminators will refresh your home so you can start the new year off right.

2. Replace home goods: Over time, you may forget that you never got around to buying curtains for the dining room or fixing the rips in the screen door. You simply don’t see these home flaws. As you deep clean, inventory all of the little things that need fixing — and then fix them. For example, if you’ve been putting up with cracked blinds or ugly, stained window treatments, make replacing them a top priority. You can learn more about the 11 common types of window treatments online at Theshadestore.com, and then buy the right ones with confidence. When you enjoy your shades, you’ll be more motivated to keep those windows clean.

3. Personalize your home: Paint instantly adds character to a house. If you’ve been living with white walls for too long, personalize your living room, dining room or bedroom with a fresh coat of paint. The Augmented Colors app for Windows Phone ($1) comes in handy when picking paint colors. Just point and shoot to capture a color and get its hexadecimal code and RGB profile. Then head to your local paint store to grab a gallon and some brushes.

4. Maintain appliances: It’s all too easy to take your dishwasher or hot water heater for granted. However, preventative maintenance can keep your appliances operating at maximum efficiency, which in turn will save you money off your utility bill. Schedule an appointment with your plumber, HVAC specialist or other appliance repair person. When the seasons change, have your home heating and cooling systems professionally serviced. Seasonally, clean out the dryer vent, change the filters for your air conditioning and home heating, caulk any leaks around your windows and doors, and clean out dishwasher drains to prevent clogs.

5. Keep it up: It’s all too easy to devote a whole weekend to cleaning your home, yard, closet or basement and then let things get messy again. To realize a clean home in June, you’ll need to keep it up. Try setting reminders on your calendar or in an app to perform the big tasks. Perform small tasks, such as loading the dishwasher or wiping the counters, while tackling larger projects like cooking a family meal.

Kitty Christmas Tips

Merry Christmas!

Expecting company for Christmas? Use Clear The Air to eliminate pesky cat litter box odors.

Clear the Air loves cats and we take special care in making sure our cats’ litter boxes are properly cared for and odor free.

Follow these simple steps to keep your cat’s litter box odor free:

• Add granules to bottom of litter box, add litter, then add additional granules on top.
• Add ½ cup of granules each time litter is changed, scooped or as needed.
• Will prolong the life of your litter.

While our product works absolute wonders on the litter box to eliminate and keep odors down, there are other measures you can take to ensure your cat’s litter box is odor free to you and your cat’s noses:

Use Clear The Air a few times a week to sprinkle over your cat’s litter. Is company about to arrive and your cat leaves a present for you in his litter box? Sprinkle our granules over the “present” and the odor will vanish, we guarantee it!

Scoop your box at least daily, sometimes even more. The longer urine and feces sit there the more likely the smell will invade the rest of your home.

Replace litter twice a month depending on how many cats use the litter box. Empty out your entire litter box and wash the box with soap and water. Dry the litter box, sprinkle a thin layer of Clear The Air Cat Urine Odor Eliminator and add then add sand.

As time goes on, you will want to replace your actual litter box. Your cat’s claws and scooper can make small grooves in the bottom and sides or your litter box. These small grooves are hard to sterilize and hold onto odor.

Make sure your litter box is in a well-ventilated area. You also want to make sure your cat has plenty of room to get around his litter box. If the box is in a tiny, dark hidden space the odor may be unpleasant and your cat may be more likely to find another unwanted place to use the restroom.