Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Editor's note: This article was published in Grand Traverse Scene magazine's July 2021 issue. Pick up a free copy at area hotels, visitor's centers, chambers of commerce or at the Record-Eagle building on Front Street. Click hereto read GT Scene in its entirety online.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, people have been investing into their outdoor living areas like never before, according to the owner of a local landscaping company.

Bob Drost is the founder and owner of Drost Landscaping in Petoskey, which customizes residential outdoor spaces around northwestern lower Michigan.

Drost said his company currently has seven clients waiting for a hot tub or pool to be installed at their home, after the company had previously only done approximately 10 such projects in its 30-year history.

Were so backed up, Drost said.

He said fire pits and outdoor fire places have also been very popular recently.

It extends your outdoor living into the evening, Drost said. And people just feel the safest at home. And theres nothing greater than an outdoor kitchen, where you can grill a burger, and youre not bringing it in and out of the house. And a lot of them have refrigeration, ice makers and sinks. Its just an amazing deal. Were talking (about) people who will put $150,000 into outdoor family space.

Drost said he recently completed a project for a well known individual in Traverse City.

He just decided that he wanted to make sure that his two daughters first choice was to come home with their friends and not be out someplace else, Drost said. So he kind of built an atmosphere that would draw these teenagers home at night and with their friends, and I think he was very successful.

It would blow your mind, he added. This thing is just a drop-dead perfect outdoor kitchen. You could cook a meal for a reunion on the thing, and then go in the stone hot tub when you get done.

When done right, Drost said upgrading ones outdoor living space is a good investment when it comes time to sell the house.

When you go to sell, people are just taken back by that, Drost said. Lets say you bought it (a house) for $150,000 and put $50,000 into the landscape, now you can probably sell it for $225,000. Its not like buying an expensive vehicle, and then the next year its worth $10,000 less Landscaping done correctly is always a good investment.

Drost said the latest trend is outdoor sound systems that are weatherproof year-round and controlled by ones smartphone.

Its just fantastic, Drost said. Again, it just increases that outdoor living.

And theyre not terribly expensive, he added. Our technicians from the irrigation and lighting division install them, and its everything from tweeters and subwoofers. And God, the sound just blows you away.

Diane Bell, owner of Ciao Bella! Design & Interiors in Petoskey, said she is seeing more and more folks wanting to extend outdoor living into the colder seasons in northern Michigan.

People are spending much more time (outdoors), Bell said. They get here now in April or they get here in the first part of May Weve got a lot of people that have moved up permanently and have become year-round residents. And you still want to be able to enjoy that outdoor feel.

Bell said outdoor infrared heaters allow people to be warm outdoors in almost any conditions, unlike gas heaters.

Im sure youve been to a restaurant where theyre eating outside in October and theyve got all those posts with these gas heaters well, the wind takes that heat and just blows it away, and so people are still chilly, Bell said. Infrared heats the person, not the air. So when it is 20 degrees outside, and you want to eat outside, you can. Its wonderful.

She said outdoor firepit tables have also become quite popular.

We sell quite a number of those, because people love to have sort of a chat circle around, but they want it closer to their house, Bell said. They may want it on their deck, and you can do that.

She said outdoor kitchens are in vogue now too, aided by improved technology that resists weather year-round.

It used to be when you built an outdoor kitchen, it was heavy and immobile and you were stuck with maybe something in stone or whatever, Bell said. However, theres a company where all of the cabinetry is aluminum and its powder-coated. And it has gaskets around it, and its airtight. So animals cant get in. Doves cant get in. It stays out year-round. And its very modular. And you could actually move it, if you needed to.

She said powder coating is an desirable feature for patio furniture as well.

Everybody thinks they need to put their patio furniture away in the winter you do not need to do that, if youve got good patio furniture and its powder-coated, Bell said. Ive had my patio furniture outside for 20 years and it looks like the day I bought it, because in the winter time, we cover it up. We have all these covers for patio furniture, and all we do is put bungee cords around them. And they get less abuse than if you try to store them and stack them on each other somewhere.

And almost I would say 85-90 percent of all really good patio furniture that is (made) out of metal has been powder-coated well, which means it doesnt fade, it doesnt chip, Bell added. If youve got something in metal and it starts to look like its chipping, that is a bad product, and its not worth the money you even put in it, even if it was cheap So you really get what you pay for in outdoor furniture.

She said wind-sensor retractable awnings are also extending outdoor living into bad-weather situations.

If youre in town and all of a sudden the wind comes up, it automatically retracts, Bell said. Its almost like creating an outdoor room. And it really extends the living space. You can go and still have your dinner out there and its raining, Bell added. Theres a lot of possibilities.

For something relaxing at home, theres nothing better than a koi landscape in ones backyard, according to Cliff Both, owner of Authentic Lawn and Tree Service in Cedar. Both said a koi landscape is centered around a pond containing Japanese koi fish, which he said are very unique creatures that often live to 75 years.

Theyre also fish that actually recognize their own owner, Both said. They recognize characteristics of different people. Theyre literally smart. They can be trained to ring a bell or to actually feed themselves. Theyre intelligent You can actually train them to feed right out of your hand, and no other fish will do that other than the shark, of course.

Along with the pond, Both said a koi landscape can also include other features such as a waterfall and zen garden.

You can implement whatever parts of the Japanese culture you want, that you like ornamental grasses, Both said, for example. You can get the zen garden, which is the gravel. It brings feng shui into it. Its all about the flow and everything just to relieve stress and just so you can get the most out of that time that youre out there, which we all know is far and few between in todays reality working for a living and trying to pay the bills. I personally think everyone needs to do more of it.

He said koi landscapes are great sanctuaries from the grind of everyday life, especially during the pandemic.

You just want to get out and just get away from it all, Both said. What better place when youre sitting there watching your docile koi (fish) just swimming around beautiful fish

Theres 17 different varieties but each one is like a snowflake no two are the same. But imagine doing that and catching some (sun) rays and hearing the little waterfall or the stream, creek running into your pond Theyre just soothing.

He said koi ponds also naturally attract butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and turtles.

It just brings everything together nature together and relaxation, Both said. Its amazing.

Both said he takes pride in creating relaxing spaces for his clients.

I have a passion about creating that for people, Both said. And then I know theyre literally helping their life out, because its bringing their stress level way down.

Both said hes received great feedback from customers whove had koi landscapes built at their residences.

They love it, Both said, adding the koi fish often become like family pets to his clients, complete with names for each of the fish. Its crazy how much they get into it Its a whole new life.

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Patio Perfection: Find inspiration in your own backyard - Traverse City Record Eagle

Jims Carpet Cleaning offers an expert service to help look after your precious floor coverings and more. We specialise in cleaning commercial and domestic carpets as well as upholstery, curtains, mattresses and tiles.

Our carpet cleaning services are carried out by professionals who are fully trained and very reliable. As professional carpet cleaners we understand the value of your carpet to your home or business. We therefore believe in providing a thorough clean which also helps to protect your investment and ensure it looks and feels great!

Our carpet cleaning service uses the most advanced products and equipment. We also clean to Australian National Standards so that your carpets remain in top condition.Whether you need a steam clean or a dry clean, Jims Carpet Cleaning can do it for you.

We work with residential customers who want a cleaner carpet at home, as well as commercial customers who need their office carpets, hotel carpets or other business carpets cleaned. Whatever your carpet needs, large or small, Jims Carpet Cleaning can do the job.

Its always important to maintain these items by cleaning and refreshing them on a regular basis. At Jims Carpet Cleaning we can help you do this for all your carpets, curtains, upholstery and more. A good clean will also help reduce the buildup of germs and bacteria as well as help to maintain their look and feel.

With all our carpet cleaning and other services we take pride in our work. So whenever we respond to a customers call, we first go through your job on site and answer any questions you may have. This helps us to discuss possible treatments and troublesome areas, as well as ensure that you understand our process.

Once you are happy with these discussions our carpet cleaners will get to work and clean your carpets, upholstery or other required areas.

So if you are looking for a professional expert cleaning service for your home or business, look no further than Jims Carpet Cleaning. We are reliable, friendly, well trained and also respectful to all our clients. We also know our industry well and can offer advice on a range of protection products.

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Carpet Cleaning Services - Carpet Cleaners, Rug Cleaners

The dirt in your carpet likes where it is it has gotten close to the carpet fibers and started to form a bond with them. Oils have worked their way into high traffic areas, spots have been sitting a long time, and they all have a stranglehold on your carpet.

Our residential carpet cleaning solutions are designed to break that hold. Our prespray will start the process in the worst areas, loosening the dirt and grimes grip. Then we come in with our Oxi Cleaning solution a combination of our oxygenated booster and our EPA Safer Choicecertified encapsulator which does two things.

The oxygen in the residential carpet cleaning solution breaks up the dirt and debris, detaching it all from the fibers. Next, as the dirt is being broken up, the encapsulator is forming microscopic sodium crystals around the broken up debris. This both makes the debris easy to remove and prevents it from reattaching to the carpet. Whats more, these residential carpet cleaning solutions clean effectively without needing lots of water, so carpets dry quickly after were done.

After the solutions have worked their magic, our residential carpet cleaners bring out the OF1000. It may look simple, but dont let that fool you. This residential carpet cleaning machine has two counter-rotating brushes designed to reach deep into the carpet pile and capture the encapsulated debris, lifting it up and out of the carpet.

The machine does an incredible job removing debris, but we dont want to miss anything. Thats why our residential carpet cleaner technicians always go over the carpet twice, that way they know that every side of the fiber has been thoroughly scrubbed.

Oxi Fresh cant wait to clean your carpets and give them a fresh, healthy feel. Were a residential carpet cleaning company that has your homes needs in mind! Scheduling a residential carpet cleaning service is very easy, just enter your zip code in the Franchise Finder below to get the right number to call and great coupons!

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Residential Carpet Cleaning | Oxi Fresh

Professional carpet cleaning from the experts

Jims Cleaning is a multi-award winning cleaning franchise business specialising in all aspects of home and commercial cleaning. Carpets are one of our main areas of expertise! From ground-in dirt and stubborn stains through to unpleasant smells, we can solve the problem for you quickly and efficiently, at the very best prices!

If youre wondering Where can I find expert carpet cleaning near me? youve come to the right place. Jims Cleaning operates as a franchise business. This means we have franchises in every state and territory of Australia. So, wherever you are based, we can always provide you with a professional cleaning team in your area. As a result, you can access carpet cleaning experts quickly whenever you need them.

Our franchises are all run as small businesses, so the teams build up trusted relationships with their local communities. This gives us a great understanding of the needs of our clients in your area, so we are in a great position to tackle your jobs to the highest possible standards.

As we are local to you, we can arrange the most convenient time for us to come and clean your carpets and rugs. This might be a time when you are at home. However, if you cant be there, thats absolutely fine! Our cleaners are all highly trained and experienced. They are also police-checked, so you can feel completely safe and secure. In addition, we have public liability insurance up to $10 million, so your property is in safe hands with us. We want you to feel reassured and have absolute peace of mind.

We take great pride in our work and are confident that you will be completely satisfied with our standards. This is why we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee! If you are not happy with any aspect of our work, we will come back and put things right at no extra cost. Your happiness is our number one priority!

As well as simply cleaning carpets and rugs, we offer a number of other expert cleaning services to keep your home looking and smelling its best. These include:

We can restore every aspect of your home to its former glory, even removing stubborn water stains from carpets and rugs.

If you would like more information about carpet cleaning, rug cleaning or any of the other specialist services we provide, or for a FREE quote, please call us on 131 546 or contact us online. Our friendly team will be happy to help you.

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Carpet Cleaning | Jim's Carpet Cleaning Services - 131 546

Carpet Cleaning

In addition to frequent vacuuming, it's important to clean your carpet on a regular basis. Cleaning systems will remove the oily, sticky soil that vacuums can't take out, and will help keep your carpet looking great over time.

Hot water extraction targets the soil that results from air pollution cooking vapors and tracked-in dirt which can cause gradual but significant dulling of colors over time. The color isn't lost, but is hidden under the film. If this type of soil is allowed to accumulate, it begins to attract and hold the dry soil.

The process consists of applying a cleaning agent into the carpet pile and using water in the extractor to recover the used solution and soil. This can be done from a truck-mounted unit outside the home with only the hose and wand brought inside or by a portable system brought into the home. This system is commonly referred to as "steam cleaning," although no steam is actually generated. Whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself, make sure the machine used has the CRI Seal of Approval.

Carpet in a typical household should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, depending on the number of residents and amount of activity. If carpet is cleaned before it becomes too unsightly, the cleaning chore will be easier and more successful.

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Carpet Cleaning | Shaw Floors

The Steam Team is the number one choice for cleaning and restoration in Austin,Texas.We have over three decades of experience in cleaning and maintaining commercial and residential flooring.We take pride in our reputation, experience, systems, education and guarantee. Our mission is to provide you with the most outstanding service experience ever.We also are leaders and specialize in restoration, from water damage to smoke and fire damage restoration. Voted best rug cleaning in Austin by the Austin Monthly Magazine.

Steam Team and TST Restoration Services:

Carpet Cleaning,Tile & Grout Cleaning Austin,Wood Floor Cleaning,Stone Cleaning & Polishing,Fabric & Upholstery Cleaning,Air Duct Cleaning, Commercial Cleaning

Water Damage Restoration,Fire Damage Restoration, Storm and Flood Restoration, Disaster Restoration, Construction Services, Contents Restoration

Since 1983, our number one goal has been customer satisfaction, and over the years we have continually raised the bar in exceeding customer expectations. In fact, we even guaranteeour services; if at any time you are not completely satisfied, we will do whatever it takes to rectify the problem. We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and all of our technicians are IICRC Certified. We provide award winning customer service and are recognized as a leader in the industry.

Contact us today for a quote or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you as we have served the larger Austin area for over thirty years! If you live in Austin,Round Rock, Georgetown,Marble Falls, Westlake, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Leander, Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle, Bastrop, Pflugerville, Spicewood,San Marcos or in any other city in the Austin Metroplex area, Call us at 512-451-8326to schedule an appointment for all of our residential or commercial cleaning or restoration services.We service Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Georgetown, Round Rock, Manor, Hutto and Austin carpet cleaning customers everywhere.

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The Steam Team Austin, TX Carpet, Tile, Air Duct ...

When your homes carpets are in need of a good cleaning, which powerful cleaning system should you select? We take a closer look at the pros and cons of dry carpet cleaning systems and steam cleaning systems to help you get a sense of what work best for the condition of carpets in your home.

Advantages of Dry Carpet Cleaning

A dry cleaning (very low-moisture) solution for carpet maintenance goes a bit beyond your typical vacuum cleaner routine. Dry carpet cleaning offers deep cleansing power by supplementing with compound cleaning agents to pre-treat fibers and break down dirt prior to the actual machine cleaning. The cleaning agents are brushed or buffed into the carpet, and then are removed during cleaning, along with all of the dirt, oils and other sediments that loosen when the cleansers are embedded between the fibers. The cleansers can also add protection to carpet fibers to prevent future stains, much like you might apply a stain shield spray to furnishings.

The system is more conventionally used for residential purposes when homeowners are seeking spot treatment, but it's also ideal in scenarios when you would have a harder time limiting traffic on the carpet (such as at the entryway or hallway in a commercial space). Dry cleaning systems are less expensive than steam cleaners, and because they use less moisture, leave homeowners with a faster dry time. The treated rooms are typically only out of service for 30 minutes to an hour.

If renting the machinery isnt right for you, there are many store-bought powder cleaners that simulate the dry cleaning experience. These products contain ingredients that absorb smells and actively cleanse the fibers of a carpet, and then easily vacuum away after setting for a short period of time.

You can also opt for a simple DIY carpet cleaning powder. One of our favorite homemade blends uses a mix of baking soda, borax, cornstarch and cornmeal, as well as cinnamon and bay leaves to offer a refreshing scent. The disinfecting and cleansing properties of all ingredients make it a welcome addition to your cleaning cabinet and an easy material to sprinkle on the carpets before a vacuum cleaning.

Advantages of Steam Cleaning

For individuals and families who struggle with allergies or sensitivities to scents, steam cleaning can be the best way to deep clean or spot clean carpets in the home. The water vapor produced contains no smell, and its an effective way to kill bacteria and lift dirt that contributes to other bothersome scents.

Unlike sprays and dry cleansers, steam cleaning a carpet wont inject substances that would leave residue on the carpet fibers.

Steam cleaning is a really effective and efficient way to lift build up from the carpet fibers, including mold and pet scents. It also is effective at improving the appearance of carpets that have been neglected over time. The restorative effects can almost always be seen in high traffic areas, such as on hallway carpets on which foot traffic creates a compressed path over time.

When all other cleaning attempts fail, steam cleaning is often a last chance solution that will offer results.

Steam cleaning does inject moisture into the carpet fibers, but much less moisture than if you were to shampoo your carpet by hand to disinfect and refresh it.

Disadvantages of Dry Carpet Cleaning

Dry carpet cleaning systems do work well, but when youre in need of a deep rejuvenation, its usually not powerful enough of a process to revitalize and disinfect a carpet.

Dry carpet cleaners can inject chemicals that leave residues on carpet fibers or scents that trigger allergies in some homeowners, and it's just another thing to consider if you have toddlers or babies who spend a lot of time on the carpet.

Residue build-up can actually age a carpet over time, as its more likely to collect dust than an untreated and regularly vacuumed cleaner.

Disadvantages of Steam Cleaning

The most obvious disadvantage of steam cleaning carpets is that it typically requires powerful rental equipment, heavier and more inconvenient to transport compared to dry cleaning units.

In the days and weeks following a steam clean, the dirt extracted from deep in the fibers may seem to re-emerge; its possible that a secondary steam clean would be necessary to have the best results.

When it comes to relying on a steam cleaner for lifting stains, its still necessary to take into account the age of the stain, how deep it has penetrated the fibers and what caused it. Steam cleaners work well, and perhaps better than dry cleaners, but arent always totally effective at removing deep, tough spots.

Steam cleaning is a method that can be used periodically but should not be used regularly, as it can wear on the carpets unnecessarily.

Finally, steam cleaners can often leave moisture in the carpet, which can take upwards of 24 hours to dry.

Save the day with these tricks to remove common carpet stains.

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Dry Carpet Cleaning vs. Steam Cleaning | HGTV

Vax Platinum Smartwash deals

In this Vax Platinum SmartWash review, we won't be fixating on dog muck. However, this is a carpet cleaner that proved its worth in a test so extreme, it changed my perception of carpet cleaners in general. It's not just a carpet cleaner; it's a crap-et cleaner.

Before getting this Vax, I saw carpet cleaners as something to be used once in a blue moon, when the whole house needed a good seeing to. But since receiving a sample of the Vax Platinum SmartWash, Ive found it to be useful on a number of occasions, mostly because I have two Labradors (one a puppy) and three cats, but also because I have had my own fair share of recent accidental spillages, like the last time I reviewed a pod coffee machine and spilled the contents of a whole shot over the lounge rug.

To sum the Vax Platinum SmartWash review up very adroitly, it's the best carpet cleaner you can get. Just pair it with something from our list of the best vacuum cleaners or, if you are a modern type, the best cordless vacuum cleaners, and you're set for life.

Finally, for any literate dogs, reading: this is your nemesis when it comes to cleaning up behind you. Go on, give it your best shot, if you think youre hard enough.

Vax's rug demon costs 300 in the UK and AU$500 in Australia. It doesn't appear to be available in the USA but if it were it would cost about $420. Amazon has lots of all-American carpet cleaners, should you need one immediately. Bissell and Hoover are the big boys of carpet cleaning, Stateside.

(Image credit: Vax)

From a design point of view, most carpet cleaners share one thing in common they look the same; rather like oversized upright vacuum cleaners from the 1960s only with a modern, Dyson-esque transparent plastic twist. This model sticks to the formula and features a big wide transparent cleaner head, two large wheels on the rear and two water containers a 3.5-litre one for clean water and a 1.9-litre reservoir for all the dirty water thats been sucked out of the carpet. Mounted to the rear is a smaller auto-mixing reservoir for the cleaning solution (it comes with two 250ml Platinum Solution bottles and a Pre-Treatment spray). In the realm of carpet cleaners, the Vax is a good looker, not that it matters.

One of the main problems with domestic carpet cleaners of the upright variety the most common style is storage, as in where the hell am I supposed to put this when I dont need it?. The Platinum SmartWash is certainly big but I reckon itll easily fit in a cupboard under the stairs or any dry outbuilding. Crucially, at 7.4kgs, its not quite as heavy as some models Ive tested so its not too bad to lug up a flight of stairs. Its also surprisingly easy to push and pull, especially on thin to medium pile carpet.

One of the key things about this model is that it doesnt come with a trigger on the push handle and I shall explain why this is so, just a short finger scroll below.

(Image credit: Vax)

Most carpet cleaners have a trigger on the handle and you pull it to squirt solution into the carpet as you push the cleaner through the pile. You then release the trigger on the backstroke and the cleaners suction is activated, drawing all the filthy water from the carpet and depositing it into the dirty water container.

The Vax Platinum SmartWash doesnt have a trigger because it senses forward movement, activating the solution pump as you push it. It also senses rearward motion, automatically activating the powerful suction function on the backstroke. This is clever and I generally really like it, even though fingering a trigger is hardly a strenuous exercise. The main reason I like it is because its actually quite possible to forget to release a trigger on the backstroke which means the carpet receives a double dose of water.

With this model I simply push it forward slowly (slowly being the watchword here) and draw it back even more slowly so as much water as possible can be vacuumed up in a single rearward sweep. And just in case youre wondering how, with an automatic system like this, its possible to perform two or three consecutive rearward drying sequences without it continually dispensing solution on the forward stroke, the Vax bods are one step ahead of you. Simply tap the Dry Only button and the washing function is turned off so you can suck up any excess water on both the forward and backward strokes. An illuminated Wash and Dry display on the brush head tells you which function is in operation.

There is, however, a small catch with this automatic system that Im not so keen on. Since this machine activates the water solution whenever its pushed, you have to either push it to the area you want to clean while tilted and locked in its upright storage position or, if the cleaning head is flat on the floor, push it along the carpet with the power off. Otherwise it will simply start washing the carpet en route to the cleaning area. And worse, you may not even realise this and end up with a wet stripe across a section of carpet you didnt intend to clean. Its not a major issue but you just need to be aware that if the powers on and the cleaning heads down, it will start dispensing water the moment it detects forward motion.

The Vax is equipped with two forward-spinning Flexforce brush bars that reach deep into the fibres. These bars can be easily removed for cleaning, along with the whole transparent housing. This is something you will need to do after each session or some of the fluff and muck that isnt sucked into the dirty water chamber will linger and dry when in storage.

The machine also ships with a patented SpinScrub hand tool and 2.5m long hose for sorting the stairs, upholstery and the car. The 9 metre cable provides more than enough leeway to tackle even the largest rooms from one mains outlet.

(Image credit: Vax)

This carpet cleaner has proved itself exceedingly well, first during a standard full scrub of a bedroom carpet that had never been cleaned and, just 30 minutes later, a cataclysmic disaster involving dogs. It miraculously sorted the smeared excreta without leaving any evidence and I was overjoyed by the results. The same can not be said about the robot vac which required wearing a face mask while giving it a full clean using a toothbrush and copious amounts of paper towelling.

For something so wide (13 inches/33cm), the Vaxscleaning head is pretty easy to manoeuvre though it did tend to veer off course a bit on my medium pile carpet. The low profile head also proved handy for reaching under the bed.

This beast has impressive suction and I was amazed at the amount of water that was being sucked into its maw. The result was an almost dry carpet after two or three extra strokes in the Dry only mode.

(Image credit: Vax)

If youre looking for an easy-to-use carpet cleaner that doesnt weigh a ton and is relatively easy to store, Vax Platinum SmartWash comes highly recommended. Its easy to push and pull, pretty simple to clean and it deals very well with all kinds of stains except, understandably, some that have been in situ for several months.

Given that the price is not noticeably inflated, this is, all told, probably the best carpet cleaner you can buy today, pound for pound (or dollar for dollar).

Prices - Vax Platinum Smartwash:

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Vax Platinum SmartWash review: probably THE best carpet cleaner - T3

WHEN it comes to our all-time worst cleaning crimes, we're all been guilty of charging up the stairs in muddy shoes we can't be bothered to take off. Right?

Well now one mum-of-three has revealed an incredible solution for cleaning even the filthiest of staircase - and the pictures are nothing short of game-changing.

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Posting in a Mrs Hinch Facebook fan group, the mum - who lives in Portadown, Northern Ireland - wrote: "Our stairs get a lot of traffic with kids running straight upstairs from outside so I read somewhere about 'Elbow Grease' and thought I would give it a bash before ringing in a professional cleaner."

Asking her fellow 125,000 group members to "please don't judge", the mother posted before-and-after snaps of her tired stairs before revealing the two affordable cleaning products she used to achieve the impressive results.

Delving into the four-step method, the mother wrote: "I sprayed with Elbow Grease and then left it for 10 minutes.

"Then I rubbed in Dr Beckmann carpet cleaner and left it for 20 minutes."

After using the two deep cleaning sprays - which only set her back 4 - the mother then "scrubbed with warm water and a hard-brush and then rubbed it with a white towel."

In fact, the four-step process (which took less than an hour) proved so vigorous for the mum that she even joked about cancelling her spin class later that day.

But sore arms and 4 seems like an incredibly small price to pay for a carpet which looks as good as new. Amirite?

Unsurprisingly, other cleaning fans have been similarly blown away by the home transformation.

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Praising the mum for her honesty, one user replied: "You should be so proud, your house is clearly well loved and lived in which does for the majority of us who don't all have 'show homes'.

Another wrote: "Great job. I hope everyone will take their shoes off after all your hard work."

Impressed with the mother's determination, a third added: "Amazing job - looks like a huge amount of hard work. Well done you."

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For more household cleaning hacks, this mum has revealed how a 1 household vinegar made her crusty kettle as good as new within a few SECONDS.

Plus this mum uses tomato ketchup to clean grime off her bathroom drain in mere minutes- and the photos speak for themselves.

And shoppers can't get enough of the 89p cleaning paste from Home Bargains that is a favourite with Mrs Hinch.

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Mum reveals how she transformed her filthy staircase with a 4 four-step cleaning method using Elbow... - The US Sun

Lambert enlisted assistance from Javad Torabinejad, who helps people design, set up, and maintain edible landscapes and gardens through his company, Future Foodscapes (futurefoodscapes.com). Torabinejad was raised in Iran by a widowed mother, who gave each of her five sons a fruit tree to nurture in their small yard. Through this experience, he learned about grafting and pollination, developing a lifelong love of gardening. So strong is his zeal, Torabinejad has traveled to other growing zones with potted fruit trees in need of timely cross pollination.

Torabinejad, who has two degrees in agriculture and a Ph.D. in ecology, is scheduling pruning and thinning for Lamberts permaculture area. Hes also selected some disease-resistant apples to graft to her dwarf trees and moved her asparagus to a sunny location with appropriate soil. Hes also helped her with pest problems, including deer.

We specialize in helping people incorporate food and medicinal crops into their landscapes, Torabinejad said. What we do includes fruit tree care, garden designs, disease diagnosis and treatment, pest ID and control, and more.

Torabinejad advises starting small and leaving space between trees to avoid removals later. He often recommends beginning with a fruit tree, one that is relatively trouble-free and resistant to most diseases.

A hardy fig is good in a south-facing spot, he says, and mulberries, service berries, blackberries, and native persimmons work also.

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Edible landscaping: Farming the yard (copy) - Roanoke Times