Safe-Home.com

Qustion about the Vapamore MR-100 Primo Steam Cleaner Sanitizes Plus Kills Mold, Bedbugs Etc..

Q: "I have mold growing in the grout between the ceramic tile in my bathroom. I bought this house at auction in the fall. It was abandoned in the spring so no AC was on during the summer months. The ceramic tile itself is really dirty both in the shower and on the floor. I am concerned about bedbugs and dust mites in the carpeting. Can the Vapamore handle these problems? Is it expensive to operate? Do I need to add chemicals for the best results? Thanks. Will."

Answer: The Vapamore Primo Steam cleaner includes accessories to clean almost any hard surface that can be cleaned with water. Kill the mold in the grout and clean the tile as well. This unit was invented by a former ceramic tile installer and repairman.

The only requirement is that you always use distilled water in the Vapamore. The holding tank holds 1.6 liters of water: fill the included plastic measuring cup twice. Remember you must let the unit cool down for 30 minutes between refills to avoid steam/scalding. This is an economical way to clean this home, your cars and more since there are no expensive chemicals, no dangers other than steam.  Professionals use this machine to kill bedbugs and dust mites so you can, too.

Your wife or you will also appreciate using this as a steamer to get wrinkles out of clothing.

Vapamore Specifications:

• Power requirement: 120V/60Hz
• Heater Wattage: 1500 watts
• Steam Flow: 40g/Minutes (Maximum)
• Steam Availability: 50 minutes per tank (Maximum)
• Steam Pressure: 3.5 Bar (Maximum)
• Permissible Pressure: 5 bar maximum
• Water tank volume: 1.6 Liters Maximum
• Sound Level: 30 decibels during use
• Appliance weight without accessories: 4.5 kg or 10.5 lbs
• Heating time: approximately 11 minutes.
• Wheels: Two, each are 4.5 inches in diameter.
• Power Cord Length: 18 feet
• Steam Hose Length: 6 feet

Below is a list of what is included with each Vapamore Primo.

Question about the lambswool dusters, the Lambswool Duster, 10 inch Head, with Standard Handle and the Lambswool Duster w/ Telescope Handle, Assorted Colors

Q: "Are these made in China? I prefer to buy products either Made in USA or Made in Canada. Also are these washable? And are they sturdy enough for a cleaning service? Thanks. Sue."

Answer: These are made in Canada with Canadian wool. Our  primary customers are large hotel and motel chains, cleaning and janitorial services and private companies who have their own cleaning and maintenance personnel. Individuals often purchase these dusters along with our Bona Kemi and Sh-Mop products if they do their own housecleaning.

The standard handle duster has a sturdy plastic handle that is 16 inches long, 26 inches with the 10 inch lambswool dusting head. We buy these in cartons of assorted colors as we do the lambswool duster with telescoping handle. Each has an end loop for hanging or you can thread a cord through for hanging if you choose.

The extended length, telescoping duster has the same 10 inch long lambswool duster head. The handle locks at the length you prefer. The handle extends to 42 inches from 32 inches.

Question about the use of tea tree oil in Kirks Premium Tea Tree Oil Deodorant Soap, 6 Bars-BLUE

Q: "What is the purpose of tea tree oil in this deodorant soap? Thanks, Pete.

Answer: Tea tree oil helps reduce odors by reducing bacteria on the skin surface. According to the Wikipedia, "Tea tree oil has beneficial medical properties when applied topically, including antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral action. . ."

Kirks Transparent Glycerin Deodorant Soap also contains:

• Natural Vegetable Extract: Reduces body odor.
• Rosemary: Herb stimulates skin.
• Sage: Heals and refreshes skin.
• Peppermint: Natural oil reduces scent on body.
• Fragrance: A light delicate herbal with floral background and woody undertones.

Because it is a high glycerin soap, Kirk's deodorant soap does not melt quickly like many soaps with lower levels of glycerin. It also is gentle on the skin.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the MicroMax Microfiber Wet Mop Cover, 24 In., BLUE

Q: "I bought a 24 inch BonaKemi microfiber mop last year. I need more covers. I understand the mop was discontinued. Will the MicroMax covers fit? How are they different? They are much less expensive. Thanks. Mary."

Answer: The MicroMax covers are made by Medline, one of the nation's leading manufacturer's and resellers of medical products. Medline MicroMax are super absorbent microfiber mop covers that fit all 24 inch long commercial mops that are 24 inches long by 4 inches wide. The actual size is a rectangle 25.5 inches by 5.5 inches. These are double layered covers.

Superior to standard commercial mop covers for microfiber mop bases, these wet mop pads are double layered. The outer layer is 100 percent twisted microfiber and is made from 100 percent polyester and 80 percent polyester/20 percent polyamide fibers. The inner layer is made of high-density foam for increased absorption. Wash these micromop pads in detergent and hot water up to 140 degrees F. Lasts through 250-300 washes. They are available in quantities with discounted prices. For example, a box of 12 coverscan save you a lot of money.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the effectiveness of Bac Zap Urine Neutralizer Deodorizer, a Bio-Active Urine Neutralizer with Enzymes .

Q: "My two cats fought a year ago and sprayed urine on my carpet. I have tried everything I can find but when the AC and heat are off, the odor rises from the carpet and almost gags me. How does BacZap work? Will it work any faster than the other urine neutralizers I've tried? Will it kill the odor better?" Thanks Lorrie, Your Warehouse Manager

Answer:  This product is made by Brulin, who specialize in products for nursing homes, hospitals, veterinarians, kennels, etc. More detailed information on use is arriving in a day or two as this is a new product for Safe Home Products and is not yet on site in Iowa.  This is what information we have received and was also gleaned from the manufacturer's website:

"Tthis ready-to-use liquid formula attacks uric acid odors immediately with a powerful enzyme digestion process. It is bio-active. Use as is or add it to carpet shampoos and cleaners. This is a popular nursing home and hospital product. Attacks Uric Acid Odors Immediately by a Powerful Enzyme/Digestion Process with Zero Environmental Impact .Specially bred enzyme/bacteria cultures attack and break down the uric acid molecules like nothing else before. It does the job by digesting the source, just the way nature does it...but does it in minutes rather than days or weeks, with zero environmental impact. Destroys malodors by eliminating the source. Vanilla herb fragrance."

I, too, have some issues with dog urine odors from my carpet when the humidity rises. I will update this page after I get the additional information.

Thanks for your question, Lorrie.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about killing influenza virus on hard surfaces in day care centers, schools and hospitals.

Q: "I am in charge of maintenance for a school district. We are looking for cleaners that will kill flu virus on hard surfaces.This year the numbers of flu cases are projected to be quite high. What can we used to clean? Will these products also kill Swine Flu?" Thanks. John

Answer: Swine Flu is caused by an influenza A (H1N1) virus. All influenza A viruses ares essentially the same, whether they are swine, avian, or human.  Two of the Brulin products we sell Maxima, and BruClean TbC have label claims against at least one form of influenza A virus. The EPA makes the following comments on identifying products that are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated with the swine flu. " EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces."

1. Maxima is a Soft Acid Disinfectant Cleaner that can be used as a disinfectant cleaner, a glass cleaner, a toilet bowl cleaner, for cleaning chrome and for lime and soap scum control. It is effective against HBV and is Staphyloccidal, Pseudomonacidal, Viruscidal, Fungicidal and Mildewicidal.
2. Brulin Bru-Clean TBC comes in a 540 tablet bottle. These are effervescent tablets that clean and disinfect. Effective Against a Wide-Range of Micro-Organisms Including TB,C.Diff, and Canine Parvo. Meets the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Use in place of corrosive bleach or harsh phenolic disinfectants. Bru-Clean TbC is effective, yet safer – its active ingredient, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), is used worldwide to purify drinking water. Less Corrosive than Harsh Bleach & Phenolics.Safer Active Ingredient. Use in animal care, day care, isolation wards, medical research, etc. facilities.

Maxima is available in several strengths and sizes. Bru-Clean is currently available only in the large bottle.

Thank you for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the product Product Code: BK1001, BonaKemi Hardwood Floor Polish

Q: "Does the Polish leave a high gloss on the floor after it dries like the Refresher does? I noticed the Refresher product has a note on the label that it will leave a higher gloss on the floor than before its use and I would like to understand if that same note applies to the Polish product? Thank you for your response!"- Jennifer

Answer: Thanks for this question. I contacted BonaKemi to make sure my answer was correct. As you can see below, the important questions to ask yourself are whether you plan to have the wood floors refinished completely or not: Bona Wood Floor Polish cannot be re-coated (see below.) If you need technical support, phone this BonaKemi number: 800-872-5515.

BonaKemi Responded: "Bona Floor Polish is for newer floors including prefinished flooring: it is a blend of polyurethane and acrylic. You can buff the polish to get a better shine: the polish gives more of a sheen and blends better into the existing flooring than BonaKemi Hard Wood Floor Refresher. View the polish as a maintenance product like a wax. The acrylic component is why polished floors cannot be re-coated without being stripped. There are acrylic stripping agents available but the risk is that the polish will remain in the cracks unless sanded out.

The Bona Refresher is for older floors, gives more gloss and can be re-coated with polyurethane finish. The most important isse is to measure the area to be covered and not to skimp on the product. For both the refresher and the polish, the coverage is 500 square feet maximum. That is an area that is 10 feet by 50 feet or 15 feet x 33 feet, etc. If you spread the polish or refresher too thin, then you can get streaks. The refresher is not as durable as the polish but again this is meant for older flooring."

Applying Bona Hard Wood Floor Polish.

1. Vacuum, Sweep or Dust Mop then thoroughly clean with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner and the blue Microfiber Cleaning Pad on your Bona Microplus Mop. Repeat if necessary. Allow floor to dry.
2. Gently rock container back and forth to mix. Slightly dampen (with water) a Bona Applicator Pad, Bona Cleaning Pad or paint pad and attach to mop. Squirt Hardwood Floor Polish onto floor. Working in sections small enough to keep the applicator wet, apply product to the floor and spread evenly. Smooth with the grain. Continue working in sections until the floor is completely coated. Rinse the applicator pad with water.
3. Allow the floor to dry at least 2 hours before allowing foot traffic. Allow to dry overnight before heavy foot traffic.For Best Results: Always test a small inconspicuous section of the floor before use. Do not apply the product too thin. Coverage should be 500 square feet per bottle. Streaking will occur if the product is applied too thin. Coat the entire floor to ensure an even appearance.
4. Application Frequency: Use as needed every 1-2 months.
5. Note: Bona Hardwood Floor Polish is not re-coatable with finish. Hardwood Floor Polish must be completely removed by sanding to bare wood before recoating to ensure proper adhesion.

Thank you again for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Product BonaKemi Hard Surface 24 Inch Commercial Floor Mop Kit.

Q: "We have a computer store in a strip mall in a Pittsburgh suburb.Despite floor mats at the door, dirt gets tracked in by our customers. We have a cleaning company come once a week but the floor often needs cleaned every day. Do you think this mop kit would be a good choice for a fast floor cleaning? We don't want to deal with taking mop covers home to launder them." Thanks. Lynn.

Answer: I recommend this commercial floor mop kit for quick cleaning of larger areas. With a 24 inch mop head and disposable covers, this mop cleans quickly and no one has to launder grimy covers. In this mop kit, you also get 25 disposable covers, a sturdy telescoping handle and a 32 ounce spray bottle of commercial hard surface floor cleaner, also from BonaKemi. Additional packages of disposable covers are available in packages of 50 or cases of 300. For those of you who have laundry facilities available, I recommend the Dust Mop Covers and the Microfiber Wet Mop Covers that can be washed and dried hundreds of times.

We also sell concentrated commercial hard wood cleaner and concentrated commercial hard surface cleaner in gallons. That dilutes 8 parts water to 1 part cleaner so you can easily refill the spray bottle and reuse about 36 times. If you have hardwood, select the commercial mop kit with hardwood cleaner instead of the hard surface cleaner.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about 32 oz. Spray Bona-X LAMINATE HARD SURFACE Floor Cleaner.

Q: "Dear safehomeproducts, Can I use this cleaner with just a regular dust mop? Or does it have to be a special type of covering for the mop? What I do now is spray the cleaner, damp the mop, and mop away......afterwards, I remove the cloth from the mop and throw it in the washing machine. Thanks Andrea"

Answer: I do not recommend using a regular dust mop for two reasons. First, if it is acrylic yarn, dirt, particles of food, grit, etc can get caught up in the yarn and cause scratches on the floor.

We recommend that you vacuum, sweep the floor with a soft broom or dust with a clean dust mop. We sell dust mop covers that are made of microfiber and release the particles when they are laundered. The two flat knit microfiber covers are from Bona Kemi and from Sh-mop, blue one and a yellow one. There is also a longer fibered white microfiber cover that fits the Microplus mop.

Then use a cotton covered Sh-Mop, microfiber covered Bona Mop or Micro-Plus mop and actually clean the floor. That way you will have a shining floor and avoid scratches. As the covers get soiled, replace them with clean ones. Then launder in the washing machine. Both types of fabric both grab the dirt into the fibers and release all the particles, etc. in the wash.

Remember that this Bona floor cleaner is great to clean your formica, stone or other sealed surfaces, too.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about availability of long lasting, all vegetable based bar soaps.

Q: "I'm looking for a bath soap with no animal products and will not get soft after a few uses." Thanks. Henry

Answer: You've found it! Kirks Original Coco Castile Soap is a bath soap with no animal products that stays firm. It is also hypoallergenic and lathers generously in hard and soft water. I began selling Kirks soaps in 2000 as my late father shared it was no longer available in Western Pennsylvania supermarkets. One Illinois customer who'd been exposed to Agent Orange claimed Kirks is the only soap that doesn't irritate his skin. Each 4 ounce soap bar is approximately 3.75 inches long by 2.5 inches wide by 15/16 inches thick (measured with wrapping on.)

Kirks Bath Soap Advantages:

• Luxurious lather in hard or soft water.
• Use as a body soap, facial soap or for shampoo.
• Gentle hypoallergenic soap.
• Biodegradable
• No animal testing
• No animal by-products
• Horse and dog owners use as an animal shampoo.
• Ultra gentle with no drying residue.
• No synthetic detergents.
• Longer lasting than most supermarket soaps.
• Shelf Life: Indefinite.
• Bar weight: approximately 4 oz.

We sell it in 6 bar packages, 12 bars packages 24 bar half cases or an
48 bars full cases. Both the cost per bar and the shipping cost per bar goes down as you buy more. We also sell Kirks in a liquid form that is the original formula.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara