Wondering which makes the most sense: renting a carpet cleaner, buying one, or hiring a service to do the work? The answer depends on your budget and how you want to spend your time.
Our team members have been researching carpet cleaning options (for their own homes!) so we think we’re pretty up-to-date on our analysis. Here’s some findings and tips to help you make the best decision and to also save you money.
The highly-rated, professional grade, but user-friendly BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine can be rented from stores in your neighborhood for a fraction of the price of hiring or buying. Prices start at $29.99 for a 24-hour period but the best value is to rent it for 48 hours for $39.99. (Don’t forget to print out the coupon for some extra $$ off!) One of our team members bought the compatible Bissell cleaning solution on Amazon for cheaper a few days before their scheduled rental. Review: “We wanted to test out this machine before we committed to buying one. The Big Green worked great and we are so happy with the results! And it’s so easy to use!”
Here at CA Real Estate Group, we order carpet cleaning services to show off our beautiful listings. We have come across several great cleaning services that quote us anywhere from $250-350 for a four bedroom home with stairs and hallways. Pricing also depends on carpet area, heavy stains, and whether or not they move the furniture for you. Contact us for recommendations of carpet cleaners in your area.
The above-referenced BISSELL Big Green Professional Carpet Cleaner Machine is sold on Amazon for less than $400. For homes with a lot of foot traffic, kids, or pets, this might be the way to go. For smaller spot treatment and upkeep, two of our team members just bought the BISSELL SpotClean Pro Portable Deep Cleaner. We found it at Kohl’s at a discounted price + coupon + free shipping for $141.95! This is a good choice for upholstery, stairs, rugs, and interior car cleaning.
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Have you ever used a Magic Eraser, a.k.a. melamine foam sponge? Would you agree with us that it’s a game changer in household cleaning? It is touted as the catch-all cleaning tool, capable of banishing everything from permanent marker to soap scum to beet juice. Put it to the test for its Magic!
But what’s even better is that we want to give all of you a chance to win a package of Magic Erasers. Here are the instructions to enter the drawing:
Increase your chances to win by entering the drawing all CA Real Estate Group team members’ accounts:
Winners for each account will be announced on Fri, 3/12. All submission accepted through 3/11.
We will contact the winners from each team members’ Instagram account via Direct Message and direct ship the package of Magic Erasers to the address you provide when we contact you.
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!!
For more drawing and raffle opportunities, home maintenance tips and all things home and family, follow us at @carealestategroup on Facebook and Instagram.
We’ve always heard that LED lights are more energy efficient than traditional light bulbs. But what EXACTLY are the benefits and are they worth the time and money up front, you ask? Find out here as we bring you 10 benefits to switching to LED lighting. By the way, did you know that LED stands for “Light Emitting Diodes?” We learned something new. ?
For more home maintenance tips and all things home and family, follow us at @carealestategroup on Facebook and Instagram.
Fix temporary or minor leaks with caulk. Caulk can be used to seal showers, bathtubs and sinks among other things around the house!
This guide from Home Depot shows how to caulk around a bathroom sink, including how to remove old caulk, how to apply caulk and how to use a caulk gun. The basic caulking tips here can be used for any project using caulk.
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A carbon monoxide detector and alarm is the only way to know if there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. The small investment of money and time is absolutely worth it for your peace of mind.
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HOME MAINTENANCE TIP for this week is a how to on cleaning your bathroom exhaust fans to prevent moisture and mold. Fans in your home help clean out smells and moisture, but if they can’t do their job efficiently, you run the risk of growing mold in your home. Once a year, take the time to remove and clean your bathroom exhaust fans. This’ll keep the hardware running smoothly, and the moisture out of your home. The same rule of thumb applies to the kitchen fan, too!
We’re all about saving money and DIY-ing things around the house. However, there’s some things that we just can’t compete with the pros. Afterall, they are rightly called pros for their experience and expertise!
If you spot a single bug such as a fly, yellow jacket, or ant, there is usually no need for a professional pest control company to come to your home. But if you spot a termite, a bed bug, or any other insect that can cause damage to your family or your home, it’s time to call a professional exterminator.
There are certain things that need to be considered when deciding to DIY or hire a professional. Here are some things to consider:
o DIY – A trip to the store and the purchase of chemicals is typically less expensive than hiring a pest control company.
o Professional – Although the initial investment is more expensive with a professional, it may end up being the cheaper alternative. If the in store pesticides are not effective they may result in the growth of your pest control problem. Continuing to buy in store products can get expensive. Not to mention the potential damage to your home that pests can cause.
o DIY – When doing it yourself, you can go to the store, purchase the pest control product, and apply it at your own convenience.
o Professional – It can be a pain to find a time that is convenient for both you and your exterminator to meet at your home for a treatment. More often than not, this is at the inconvenience of the customer. However, a good exterminator will work with the homeowner to schedule the best time for them.
o DIY – The instructions are on the label. Not only can information be found on the label but it is very easy to go to the internet and do a research on the particular product or insect. Be sure that all instructions are followed exactly as listed on the package.
o Professional – An experienced and knowledgeable exterminator will be able to quickly identify and treat your problem. They are also able to answer any questions that you have about prevention or other issues that you are experiencing. Their experience and expertise can keep your home and family healthier than just reading the instructions on a label.
o DIY – Chemicals of any kind can carry a risk. Applying chemicals that you are not knowledgeable about could potentially cause harm to humans, pets, or plants in the area. This is not to scare you but to remind you that we cannot stress enough the importance to read all instructions and follow all directions listed on the product label.
o Professionals – By hiring an experienced and knowledgeable pest control company, most risk is removed from the homeowner. Be sure to read all contracts and get reviews from past customers before hiring a pest control company.
o DIY – For small pest problems, store bought exterminating products can oftentimes be effective. For a bigger infestation, it can be more difficult with store bought products. Pests are adaptable creatures and can get become immune to certain chemicals after a certain amount of time.
o Professionals – A reliable pest control company will have up to date information and products to treat your infestation.
o DIY – Depending on the store and product, you can return a product. Check your local store return policies before purchasing.
o Professionals – Always ask about a company’s policies before hiring them to treat your home. Will they return to your home for no charge if your issue is not solved? Do they offer warranties on their work? A good exterminating company will.
When trying to decide if you should tackle your pest control problem, consider the list above. For a small infestation, do it yourself is a good option that can be inexpensive. For larger infestations or a continuing problem, save yourself the time, hassle, and money and call a professional exterminator. As always, the key to pest control is prevention.
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Rain is in the forecast and the blustery winds are kicking up leaves and debris. Although this may be the extent of our So Cal winter storms, these weather elements are enough to clog roof gutters and create some headaches for you homeowners.
A gutter that’s clogged, cracked, leaked, or separated from the house may seem like a minor issue at first, but all of these can lead to potentially costly problems that will be a headache for homeowners.
Here’s a step-by-step “How To” infographic to help you save your roof and will allow you peace of mind during the next storm!
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Are you like us here at CA Real Estate Group and hardly ever clean their dishwashers? ?♀️?♂️ Guilty as charged.
Here’s a super easy way to keep your dishwasher clean and running efficiently.
Remove the bottom dish rack. Inspect the dishwasher drain, removing any gunk or food caught there. This will improve drainage, increase cleaning efficiency and prevent damage to the dishwasher.
Start with an empty dishwasher. Place a cup of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container on the upper rack of the machine. Run the dishwasher through a hot-water cycle. This will wash away grease and grime and remove musty odors, too.
Sprinkle one cup of baking soda across the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short, hot water cycle. The dishwasher will be fresh-smelling and have a brightened, stain-free interior.
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Are you looking for a homemade, all-purpose DIY cleaner that acts as a glass cleaner, disinfectant, kitchen cleaner, dusting spray, degreaser and for use in just about every corner of your house? YES, PLEASE! ?♀️?♂️ Here’s a recipe we found at fabHOW.
What you’ll need:
Vinegar – 1 cup
Distilled water – 1 cup
Baking soda – 1 tablespoon
Lemon essential oil – 30 drops *optional, substitute with any scent you desire!
Lavender essential oil – 10 drops *optional, substitute with any scent you desire!
Use your homemade all-purpose cleaner as you would use your regular household cleaning spray. For illustrated step-by-step instructions and for more ideas and tips on how to use this simple cleaner, go HERE!
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