Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

On Thursday, it was good that the streets of downtown San Francisco werent too crowded yet. A large glass plate fell from the skyscraper and shattered on the sidewalk, leaving no one injured.

The windows on the 45th floor were under repair on Thursday afternoon, but all the glass fell on the 45th floor. The San Francisco Emergency Management Agency issued an alert on Twitter at 2:08 pm on Thursday, informing residents to avoid the areas of First Street and Folsom Street due to obstacles.

Until 2:35, when the science fiction fire department posted the photo below, there was no mention of what was really happening. A window-cleaning scaffold hangs around the 45th floor of the 55-story Avery Tower at 450 Folsom. The department confirmed that there were no injuries.

The window glass seems to have come loose during the repair.

Since Twitter is Twitter, I think pedestrians should avoid the area, so someone told the Emergency Management Department that their warning about avoiding the area should be directed only to the driver. Whined.

And someone else immediately replied, Given the windows fell from the 45-story building, I think it was wise for pedestrians to avoid the area.

Back in February 2020, A large window fell from the 41st floor of the Millennium Tower, Shattered on the ground and thankfully no one was injured but the incident was due to a large gust and the fact that the windows were open at that time.

The horrifying situation of 450 Folsom is reminiscent of the infamous early days of the John Hancock Tower in Boston, designed by IM Pei, who began dropping 500 pounds of glass in strong winds. Under construction in the early 1970s.. The tower was called the Palace of Plywood because so many pieces of glass fell and were temporarily replaced by plywood. As a result of this problem, the towers opening was delayed by five years from 1971 to 1976, requiring the replacement of all 10,334 glass plates due to design flaws.

Window Glass Falls From 45th Story of The Avery In Downtown SF, Shatters On Ground Source link Window Glass Falls From 45th Story of The Avery In Downtown SF, Shatters On Ground

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Window Glass Falls From 45th Story of The Avery In Downtown SF, Shatters On Ground - California News Times

Articulating self-propelled boom lift. PHOTO | Trading Michielsens

Construction lifts are powerful aerial platforms that help workers to reach high elevations.

With many different types of lifts for construction to choose from, it is easy to make the wrong choice when you do not understand the functionality of each available option.

To help you out, here is an overview of the various types of lifts.

Also known as knuckle lifts due to the shape of their arm, articulated boom lifts are aerial platforms with a jointed arm and a work platform that reaches elevated job sites.

The base of arm is attached to a turntable that allows it to bend in various directions. This enables the lift to move around obstacles and move workers to otherwise impossible areas.

With a maximum lift height of 130 feet, articulated boom lifts are mainly used for exterior cleaning, maintenance tasks, as well as piping and electrical repairs.

A telescopic boom lift is an aerial platform attached to a long extendable arm that moves up, forward, and down allowing a worker to access very high elevations.

Unlike articulated boom lifts, telescopic boom lifts are fitted with small buckets that can only hold one worker at a time. They are ideal for tasks that can be done by one person.

At a maximum lift height of 180 feet, telescopic boom lifts can reach the highest elevation when compared with all the other types of lifts for construction.

Designed to be transported easily, towable boom lifts are best suited for projects that require conveyance of equipment from one site to another.

These types of lifts are usually fitted with arms that function just like those of telescopic boom lifts, except that their arms do not bend.

Drawback: Towable boom lifts have lower weight and height (50 ft) capacities.

Also known as cherry pickers, bucket trucks are truck-mounted aerial platforms attached to a hydraulic crane.

They are commonly used to help workers to access utility lines or to pick fruits in orchards.

Bucket trucks are also used for installation of lights and warehouse racks as well as maintenance works that require workers to reach elevated sites.

They have a maximum lift height of 160 feet.

Bucket trucks can be transported easily and quickly since they are attached to wheeled vehicles that can be driven at top speeds on highways.

RELATED: 12 Types of Cranes Used in Construction Sites

These types of lifts belong to the scissor lifts family. Rough terrain scissor lifts are fitted with heavy-duty tires to operate in exterior settings and rugged conditions.

They operate on all types of terrains, including sites with uneven surfaces.

Rough terrain scissor lifts are designed to move only up and down with a maximum lift height of 60 feet. Although their lift height is lower than that of boom lifts, rough terrain scissor lifts are fitted with wider platforms with a larger weight capacity of 2,500 lbs.

Electric slab scissor lifts are large types of lifts with wide aerial platforms stayed by cross-brace supports. They can only move up and down and must therefore be placed directly below the work area.

With a maximum lift height of 60 feet, electric slab scissor lifts are suitable for cladding installation, window cleaning and installation, as well as exterior repairs of a building.

Vertical mast lifts are aerial types of lifts for construction designed to help workers reach elevated sites in tight spaces.

They can only move up and down, which enables them to function in very narrow spaces.

Vertical mast lifts come with a platform that can hold two or more workers.

One of the biggest advantages of these lifts is their ease of transportation. However, their maximum lift height is often less than 30 feet way below that of scissor lifts and boom lifts.

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7 Different Types of Lifts for Construction | CK - Construction Kenya

News releases | Population Health

October 1, 2021

App-based drivers have had a lot to worry about during the pandemic, and rider behavior is a big one especially when it comes to exposure to infectious diseases and potential conflicts over masking. Charles Deluvio/Unsplash

When you get into the car of the app-based driver you just tapped up on your phone, you expect and hope the driver and the car are safe and capable of getting you where you need to go. Apps rate drivers, which you can see. But what if the driver is sick? What if the car has a mechanical problem? What if the driver has simply had a bad day?

What you may not have realized is that the driver is wondering the same thing about you: Is the passenger ill? Are they properly masked? Will they pull it down once seated? Will they cough, blowing air around? Are they in a bad mood? Did they just get out of a rough meeting or an alcohol-fueled altercation at a bar?

Its a job that is vital to so many people, for moving people to and from medical appointments, to and from the airport, etc. Obviously, app-based drivers are essential for moving people, said Marissa Baker, an assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington. Its vital work, but its largely something the general public seems to forget about.

Baker is senior author on new study published Sept. 14 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine that is focused on understanding the pressures, risks and dilemmas facing app-based drivers and how they were affected by the pandemic.

Every ride carries potential risks. Each trip includes at least two people possible disease vectors, unpredictable humans now in a closed and confined space. The passenger may face this risk a few times a week. For the driver, this is a workplace risk possibly undertaken dozens of times a day.

Throw a viral pandemic into the mix, and you have workers in a largely unprotected job facing a range of very difficult choices: keep driving no matter what or lose income; ignore an improperly masked passenger or tell them to mask up and risk a bad review or altercation; drive a coughing passenger to a COVID-19 testing site or face deactivation for turning them away; pay out-of-pocket for cleaning supplies and PPE or run an even greater risk of infection.

To illuminate these pressures, Baker and other UW researchers trained four app-based drivers, all affiliated with the Teamsters Local 117 in Seattle, to conduct survey interviews of their fellow drivers. The newly trained interviewers surveyed 100 app-based drivers in Seattle between Aug. 11 and Sept. 7, 2020. The drivers were predominantly male (97%), identified as Black or African (84%) and were under the age of 55 (87%).

The majority of drivers reported high levels of stress and concern about being exposed to the novel coronavirus. Roughly 30% thought they had already had COVID-19. Most, 73 drivers, lost income, while spending their own money on PPE. Those who left the business because of the pandemic (42 drivers) reported having a hard time getting unemployment benefits. Only 31% said they received an appropriate mask and hand sanitizer from the company they drove for, and even then the supplies were not enough.

For workers who are in this kind of employment during the pandemic, they receive very little support from the companies that they drive for, and this is a population that had a lot of awareness of the potential exposures they could be facing, Baker said. They had a lot of concerns and worries, not only about how those exposures would be affecting their health and their familys health, but also the viability and their job.

The drivers spoke of feeling isolated and lonely, since they rarely have a chance to talk with their peers.

In the study, one driver explained, [I]n this line of work, youre very insular. I mean, Im in my own little universe so finding a way to bridge that gap has been the biggest challenge.

Simple issues, like finding restrooms, became bigger problems with libraries, community centers and businesses closed during shutdowns.

You have other people who are doing the same job as you, but you may never interact with them. So you miss out on some of that strength, not only brainstorming of like, Hey what masks are you using? or Where are you stopping? but it also keeps workers from organizing, Baker said. If you get these workers talking to each other and recognizing that they are all facing the same struggles, that can lead to changes.

In Seattle, drivers and their union leaders have been able to win a minimum wage requirement as well as establish a resolution center where drivers contest being taken off the apps through which they are hired. There have been other improvements as well in Seattle and other cities.

Baker explains that while Seattle has taken steps to try to improve drivers working conditions, drivers nationwide do not enjoy the same benefits because they are not classified as employees. So, they dont have access to state or federal health and safety protections, a living wage or sick leave.

This is a full-time job for many people, this is not just driving on the weekends to supplement another job. These drivers are raising families, using what they make to pay for their kids to go to college. This is important, vital work, and we should be recognizing that through the benefits that we demand that these drivers receive, Baker said. Not only for their well-being, but also for the customers they interact with.

Co-authors include Kerry Beckman, Lily Monsey and Megan Archer, all graduate students and staff in the UW School of Public Health; Nicole Errett, an assistant professor in the UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences; and Ann Bostrom, a UW professor of public policy and governance. This research was funded by a UW Population Health Initiative Economic Recovery Grant.

###

For more information, contact Baker at bakermg@uw.edu

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UW study provides rare window into work life of app-based drivers during pandemic - UW News

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The technician did a great job and was very professional and pleasant. He counseled us on best options for our soiled carpets. Very happy customer!

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Zerorez has been proudly servicing the cityof Pittsburgh for over six years. Our local technicians have enjoyed bringingthe same shine and sparkle to Pittsburgh homes as the steel the city is knownfor. With its scenic rivers, architecturally gorgeous bridges and uniquelyenergetic spirit, we at Zerorez have loved servicing the carpets, air ducts,upholstery, hardwood floors and area rugs of the city we call home, not tomention our many partnerships with Pittsburgh businesses and non-profits. Ourcommitment to WOW means that we want you to go out and enjoy our beautifulcity- we've got your cleaning needs covered.

A Few of Our Services

Finding a good carpet cleaner near you can bea difficult task if you are not exactly sure what to look for. Many carpetcleaners in Pittsburgh use standard carpet cleaning techniques that have beenused for generations. These processes often use soaps or harsh chemicals thatleave behind a residue that can be harmful to your carpets, your home, andcause your carpet to re-soil prematurely. Even carpet steam cleaners leavebehind excess residue that over time attracts bacteria. You don't want that!Here at Zerorez Carpet Cleaning Pittsburgh PA, we have a new solution to offeryou - Powered Water. Our Powered Water technology and combined with ourZerorez process uses no soaps or harsh chemical substances that could be leftbehind and cause you problems in the future. With us, you will have Insanely Clean Carpets and be worry-free! Ourextraction wand removes embedded soils, debris, and detergents left behind byother cleaners while our patented process leaves you with cleaner floors, afaster drying surface, and a smile on your face.

Don't want to clean yourupholstery on your own? We understand. Leave it to the experts at Zerorez! Weclean with Powered Water, meaning we never treat your upholstery with harshchemicals. We are not your typical upholstery cleaner that uses harsh chemicals!Powered Water loosens up the dirt and grime and removes bacteria and otherunwanted things that might be embedded in the fibers. Lean back on your freshlycleaned sofa and relax- we will do all the dirty work for you AND ensure thatyour furniture is safe! So, next time you spill your midnight ice cream on thecouch, call the upholstery experts at Zerorez!

Don't want to clean yourupholstery on your own? We understand. Leave it to the experts at Zerorez! Weclean with Powered Water, meaning we never treat your upholstery with harshchemicals. We are not your typical upholstery cleaner that uses harsh chemicals!Powered Water loosens up the dirt and grime and removes bacteria and otherunwanted things that might be embedded in the fibers. Lean back on your freshlycleaned sofa and relax- we will do all the dirty work for you AND ensure thatyour furniture is safe! So, next time you spill your midnight ice cream on thecouch, call the upholstery experts at Zerorez!

Our revolutionary cleaning process is excellent for cleaning air ducts, and necessary! Did you know that dirty air ducts block airflow and increase the risk of suffering from allergies, asthma, hay fever, and other irritants? A clean HVAC system promotes a healthier indoor environment, which contributes to productivity, comfort, and a sense of health and well-being. Our powerful truck-powered equipment will remove the dirt and debris (avoiding home contamination), coat and protect the interior of the duct system with anti-microbial protectant, reduce dust, mold, and bacteria, promote a healthier indoor environment, and reduce the need for interior cleaning and dusting.

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Carpet Cleaning Experts | Zerorez Pittsburgh

On average, professional carpet cleaning costs $150, but prices range anywhere from $80-$299.The average cost range for carpet cleaning is $145-$178.

Carpet cleaning costs per room

How much youll pay for carpet cleaning services can vary depending on how many rooms need a cleaning. Heres a look at the average cost of carpet cleaning depending on how many rooms you have:

Number of rooms

Average cost

1 room

$94

2 rooms

$120

3 rooms

$146

4 rooms

$172

5 rooms

$198

6 rooms

$224

Compare prices from carpet cleaners near you.

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Carpet cleaning costs per square foot

Some companies may charge you for their services depending on the square footage of the room. Typically, prices start at about $0.15 to $0.20 per square foot and go up to an estimated $0.40 to $0.50 per square foot. Companies may charge extra for carpeted stairs or deep stains that take longer to clean.

Cost of dry carpet cleaning and steam cleaning

Steam and dry cleaning are two of the best ways to remove dirt and grime from your carpets. And steam cleaning, specifically, may also remove bacteria from your carpets.

Steam cleaning, dry cleaning and carpet shampooing are effective methods to remove difficult stains, but keep in mind that you will need to give your carpets time to dry before walking on them again. Its often recommended to try steam cleaning your carpet if other methods didnt successfully clean your carpet.

Additional cleaning services

Do you have a rug that also needs cleaning? What about furniture or drapes? Or, maybe you have non-carpeted flooring wood, laminate, tile or vinyl flooring that also needs to be cleaned.

Fortunately, many companies that offer carpet cleaning services tend to also offer additional house cleaning services, including:

You can also ask the company youre considering about extra services such as:

Find the best carpet cleaner in your neighborhood.

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How carpet cleaning pricing works

Square footage, the number of rooms and the specific treatment or cleaning method are the biggest factors that will impact how much you will pay for professional carpet cleaning services.

Some companies might also have minimum fee requirements. For example, they might charge a minimum of $250 or they may have a two-room minimum.

If you have an especially large room or if you live on the top floor of a high rise, you may incur an extra cost. Stairs may cost more, and some companies may have specific prices to remove certain types of stains.

Get a free estimate from a great carpet cleaner near you.

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How to save money on carpet cleaning services

Often, you can save money by doing some of the prep work yourself, such as moving your furniture out of the room and pre-vacuuming your floors.

You may also save money by asking the professional to only clean high-traffic areas, such as hallways, entryways, etc. The carpet under your living room couch, for example, will always benefit from a quick vacuum. But because its hidden away from foot traffic it may not need to be deep-cleaned.

Dont hesitate to ask companies about special deals or discounts. They might offer packages or discounts for military members or senior citizens, for example.

When to hire a professional carpet cleaner

If youre physically unable to clean your carpets, hiring a carpet cleaner may be necessary. Steam or dry cleaning the carpets in your rooms can be a long, strenuous activity. Make sure you're physically up for the task.

You should also hire a professional if you dont want to invest in the carpet cleaning tools and equipment. Renting a deep cleaner costs about $20 to $30 a day, according to Consumer Reports. You can also buy a steam cleaner some models cost less than $100 while state-of-the-art cleaners can cost several hundred dollars.

And lastly, hiring a professional is a good idea if youre moving out of a rented home or apartment. Professional companies can remove stains and spots that may help you get your security deposit back. Also, consider hiring a professional to clean your carpets if you're preparing to sell your home.

Find a great carpet cleaner in your area.

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Signs you need to repair, remove or install new carpet

Notice a strange, moldy odor coming from your carpet? Working on the same stain for a year that just wont go away? At a certain point, it comes time to go a step beyond cleaning and simply remove the carpet.

If your carpeting is more than 15 years old, its likely time to install new carpeting. For carpets that arent old but have gone through serious damage, repairing the carpet may be the best choice. This may happen if a pet chewed up your still-new carpet, or if you have a permanent stain that you simply cant be removed.

How to hire the best professional carpet cleaner

You have many options to choose from when it comes time to hire a pro. Use these tips to ensure you make the right choice for your home:

Check to make sure your carpet cleaner holds the proper business license for your city or state. Although carpet cleaners are not required to hold a certification, some may be approved by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

Before you hire, ask the professional if they hold insurance. This will protect them (and you) in case of an accident during the cleaning process.

Go online and browse through the top-rated professional carpet cleaners in your area. Read their profiles to get a sense of the type of services they offer. And take time to read several reviews left by past customers. Look for information about the cleaners quality of work, and try to find before-and-after photos of customers carpets.

Find a top-rated carpet cleaner near you.

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Aim to narrow down your list of potential pros to three or five. Then, contact the pros to get free estimates. To ensure you receive accurate quotes, give the pros as much information about your carpets as possible. For example, tell them how many rooms you need to have cleaned, the square footage, your carpet type and its current condition.

When youre in contact with the pro, make sure you get a written list of all of the fees you can expect to pay for their carpet cleaning services. Some companies may have additional charges for add-ons like spot removal or deodorizers. If you think you may require extra services, let the companies know so you know exactly how much it will cost and you dont get a shocking amount on your bill.

For more tips on hiring safely, visit Thumbtacks Smart Hiring guide.

Cleaning your carpets regularly will lengthen the life of your carpet and freshen up the look of your home. Find a carpet cleaner in your area today and ask for free estimates.

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2021 Carpet Cleaning Prices | How Much Does Carpet ...

It all started back as 1817 when Johnson Brothers set up their silk dyeing business in Liverpool. We are proud of our unique heritage and our dry cleaning journey has now moved into its third century. We stay at the forefront of our industry, embracing new technologies and solutions. We believe that the combination of this experience and expertise makes us the UKs best dry cleaner.

At Johnsons we care for the environment as well as your clothes. We co-founded and introduced into the UK market a new dry-cleaning solution called GreenEarth. Based on silicon cleaning technology and not the traditional, harsher petrochemical solution, GreenEarth is a gentle, environmentally non-toxic solution dry cleaning product. Proven to clean just effectively, but without the harsh chemical smell, because GreenEarth is a gentler clean it can helping to protect your clothes and the environment at the same time. Johnson Cleaners are the only national retailer in the UK cleaning with GreenEarth.

VISITED US RECENTLY?We'd love to hear your thoughts on the experience you received when visiting our branches. As a thank you we will email you a voucher for a discount off your next shop with us.

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Johnsons Dry Cleaners | UK Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service

There is nothing like coming home to a clean and welcoming space. At Executive Green Carpet Cleaning, our dedicatedcarpet cleaning experts in Naperville offer reliable, high-qualitycleaning services so you can always enjoy the peace of a clean home.

We take pride in being a green company, using products that are safe for the environment and for your family, and as Master Textile Cleaners, you can trust that even your most delicate projects are safe in our hands. Our team handles projects of all kinds, including carpet,upholstery,tile and grout,oriental rugs,hardwood floors,area rugs,damage restoration, and commercial services.

Located in Bridgeview, we are an independently owned and operated company serving residential andcommercial customers throughout River Forest, Oak Park, Naperville, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Palos Park, Orland Park, Homer Glen, Joliet, and the surrounding areas.

Call(630) 990-8600 orcontact us online to recieve your free quote for carpet cleaning in Naperville, IL, or the surrounding areas today!

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Carpet Cleaning in Naperville, IL | Executive Green Carpet ...

It's not often that the answer to a household problem is 'buy some beer'. And yet, as it turns out, in the case of removing stains from carpets, beer may well be the unsung hero of home cleaning ingredients.

We've all been there. Learning how to clean a carpet isn't difficult, but removing a stain, especially if it's old, is a different story. If you've tried the usual suspects like vinegar and baking soda and aren't getting anywhere, it may be time to turn to less orthodox methods that are actually surprisingly effective.

(Image credit: Rafael Ben Ari / Alamy Stock Photo)

And the ingredient in question, folks, is...beer. Yes, it sounds counterintuitive, especially if you're dealing with food or alcohol stains, but you may find that beer is surprisingly good at removing stains you thought were too ingrained to bother trying to remove.

Of course, trying on the best carpet cleaners may do the job, but if you don't have a good tool to hand, a bit of your pint may work just as well.

'A lesser-known life hack for removing stains from rugs is beer!' explains Nick Acaster, Managing Director of Rugs Direct.

'Beer can literally lift the stain out if you pour a small amount of it on top and rub it lightly, the stain should then disappear. As with all these methods, you may need to repeat this process to make sure all traces of the stain have gone.'

(Image credit: Carpetright)

How does it work? Beer is acidic, with larger ranging between pH 4.00 and 5.00, and ale going down as low as pH 3. This is good news if you're trying to tackle organic stains. And, because beer is a liquid, it is likely to penetrate better than a powder agent.

As with all DIY carpet cleaners, it's always a good idea to test the beer on a small inconspicuous area first, especially if your carpet is very light. You should also think carefully about which beer type you'll be using. Pale ale is less likely to leave behind stains of its own, so don't reach for Guinness!

All you need to do is carefully blot the beer into the stain until saturated, leave for a few minutes, then blot out with a clean cloth. And if you still haven't had any luck, try one of the best upholstery cleaner products instead.

Read the original here:
The carpet stain removal hack that only requires you...to buy some beer - Real Homes

Photo credit: Katie Pittman

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."

Some products show up everywhere: subway ads, Instagram, celeb endorsements. With this series, we're testing such products to conclude one thing: Does it live up to the hype?

Bissell's Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner, a portable carpet and upholstery cleaner that uses suction and a cleaning solution to remove set-in stains.

Unlike other carpet cleaners, the Little Green Machine can easily be stowed away in a closet or on a shelf. In NYC, storage space is precious, so having something that's small enough to put in my closet yet strong enough to tackle puppy stains and daily spills is pretty incredible.

Plus, it rings in at under $200, making it pretty affordable for the cleaning power it advertises. Some other full-sized cleaners cost upward of $400, which I wasn't willing to shell out for something I'd only use when I really needed it.

Photo credit: Hearst Owned

Some may call me obsessive or extra because of my cleaning habits, but I prefer to call myself tidy and neat. So when I saw Bissell's Little Green Portable Carpet Cleaner blowing up on TikTok, I knew I had to try it for myself.

I watched in awe as this little machine sucked out years-old coffee stains from car seats, dried up pet messes from carpets, and even spruced up dingy looking furniture upholstery like magic. While I don't often spill or stain things, accidents happen, and sometimes a rag and some OxyClean spray just don't cut it although before I got the Little Green into my own hands, I had to make it work when my boyfriend spilled mole sauce on my white rug, but I digress.

As nice as it would be to have a full-size carpet cleaner in my apartment, it just isnt feasible. I dont have the space to store it, and I wouldnt use it often enough to warrant paying the price for it. Ive thought about renting carpet cleaners from hardware stores, but then I have the joy of lugging it home on the subway. It also doesnt help when you need to work on a stain sooner rather than later. Sometimes, it can take days to reserve and bring home one of the larger machines. The Little Green was the perfect solution for my small apartment and (hopefully) small messes, and it costs under $200.

Story continues

Photo credit: Bissell

My original plan was to test this on the interior of my boyfriend's car, which has light upholstery and also has seen the wrath of three dogs worth of grime in the back seats. However, I got so excited that I ended up trying it in my apartment before he could make the drive to Brooklyn.

The Little Green is a little larger than a hand vacuum and weighs about 10 pounds, but it's easy to tote around your house or apartment for smaller stains. It has two reservoirs that connect to the actual machine, one for the clean water and solution mix, and another that collects the dirty water the machine sucks out of whatever you're cleaning.

The machine is like a little wet vac, except it actually sprays liquid and sucks it back up. To spray the liquid, you use the nozzle attachment at the end of the hose. It has a trigger on it that, when pressed, sprays cleaning solution. Then, you run the nozzle over the wet area you sprayed, and it suctions out the dirty liquid and deposits it into the dirty tank.

I decided to try to clean an ottoman I've had with me since my freshman year of college one that's been a side table, step stool, ottoman, plant stand, and more. I'd never properly cleaned it other than vacuuming it, but I figured it would be pretty clean. There weren't any stains on it, but I knew that could be deceiving

Using the hose, I sprayed on the cleaning solution, gave the top of an ottoman a slight scrub with the attached brush on the nozzle, and began vacuuming up the (now soiled) solution. Let me tell you: That ottoman must have seen spills that I had long forgotten. I watched in amazement as brown water flowed into the dirty tank.

I did two passes on the top of the ottoman to ensure I got everything out, and I was shocked by how dirty it really was. I was also surprised by how well the suction worked on the machine; the fabric was slightly damp, but not soaked like it would be with other heavy duty cleaners. It dried quickly, too.

I kept going around my apartment, cleaning my entryway rug, kitchen runner, and even spots on my duvet cover on my bed (sometimes I can't be bothered to put it in the wash if there's only a small puppy paw print on it). The Little Green tackled each stain and smear with ease.

Using it was pretty intuitive, too. Plug the machine in, turn it on, and do your thing. I didn't feel like I had to go hunting for instructions, and the tanks have fill lines on both sides, so there's no guessing when you need to fill up the clean side or empty the dirty side.

Photo credit: Katie Pittman

Like I said, I live with a puppy, and she didn't seem bothered by the noise the machine made, either. It's not louder than your average hand vacuum, which is nice when you are cleaning a larger area that takes longer to do.

As much as I love this Little Green machine, it isn't perfect. While using it, I found that little bits of lint and hair would get stuck in the nozzle, which you can't take apart to clean. I can detach the nozzle from the hose to rinse the connection out, but I can't reach the crevices near the nozzle at all. I fear that it'll only continue to gather muck there, which could affect future performance. But, until that actually happens, I'll keep brainstorming about how to clean it out.

The machine comes with a trial-sized bottle of cleaning solution, so you do have to buy another when you use it all up. Depending on what kind of solution you get (there are pet, spot-cleaning, and Oxy formulas), a bottle can cost you about $13). While that's not awful, it can add up if you're using the machine often. I've only used a couple of teaspoons of solution per tank of water, and I still have a good bit of the trial bottle left after two full tank refills.

The affordable price point and compact size of Bissell's Little Green carpet cleaner gives it two thumbs up in my book. I'll definitely continue to use it to clean up spills, puppy accidents, and mysterious stains that pop up around the house. Next up: finally cleaning my boyfriend's auto upholstery.

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This Viral Carpet Cleaner Has Been All Over TikTok But Does It Work? - Yahoo Lifestyle

The Pink Stuff, an abrasive cleaning paste for hard surfaces, was doing absolutely nothing for 15 years, said Henrik Pade, a managing director at its parent company Star Brands, headquartered in the United Kingdom. In 2017, it gained a little boost from cleaning influencers on Instagram and YouTube. The company, which at the time sold most of its cleaning products through domestic brick-and-mortar grocery stores, started investing in social promotion, but we didnt know enough about it, Mr. Pade said.

Then came TikTok. We cant take any credit for it as a big strategic plan, Mr. Pade said. It happened, and we started to follow. Videos of people cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and off-label items shoes, car wheels with the Pink Stuff have, in little more than a year, accumulated more than 250 million views. Some are effective demos. Plenty are jokes.

Three years ago, Mr. Pade said, sales of the paste totaled around 2 million pounds, or around $2.6 million. Last year, they exceeded 25 million pounds, or $34 million, accounting for half of the companys total sales. In the U.K., it has gone from being a niche product to widely stocked in retailers, including the nations largest supermarket chains, which still account for a large majority of its domestic sales, Mr. Pade said. In the U.S., however, sales are 85 percent online, mostly through Amazon, thanks in large part to TikTok.

Stories like these suggest, with some credibility, that on TikTok, any thing can be the next big thing. The app that always tells you what to watch next and has no problem telling you what to buy next, too. Yet its version of shopping is also conspicuously makeshift, with a heavy dependence on Amazon, where creators prospect for viral gold and users follow. This might feel to an international tech conglomerate like unrealized potential.

Features like storefronts for brands could be understood as attempts by TikTok to catch up to Instagrams own recent attempts at becoming a one-stop shopping destination. A few, however, hinted at desire to turn TikTok into something even more independent and commerce-focused, following the path of TikToks Chinese sister app, Douyin, which has more than 600 million users. Brands and users on Douyin can already sell and buy products without leaving the app, and do so by the million. It has its own payment system and has started to siphon market share from Chinas e-commerce giants, which it has explicitly identified as competitors.

Whether an end-to-end shopping experience, as Mr. Irigoyen described earlier this week, is what people ultimately want from their social spaces remains, as ever, an open question: Maybe the naked consumerism of #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt is only tolerable to the extent that it feels organic. Or perhaps TikTok is different. Its a platform that never pretended to be anything but a machine for producing and monetizing virality, and it has never been shy about telling us what it wants us to do next. What do we stand to lose, anyway, if it becomes a mall? The best of the rest of TikTok feels fleeting even as we enjoy it that was always part of the fun.

Read more:
TikTok Shopping and the Rise of 'Social Commerce' - The New York Times