Welcome

About Us

At Brown Forum for Enterprise, we believe knowledge is the key to smarter homeownership and business management. That's why we're dedicated to providing clear, practical educational resources about home services that matter most. Whether you're trying to understand when to upgrade your electrical panel, how to protect your office from everyday germs, or what steps to take after a flood, we offer straightforward guidance to help you make informed decisions.

Our goal is simple: help everyday people feel confident about maintaining safe, efficient, and healthy spaces—whether at home or at work. From pet owners looking for cleaning tips to property managers dealing with unexpected damage, our articles are designed with real-life situations in mind.

We work with experienced professionals in various trades to bring you advice you can trust. No fluff, no sales pitch—just helpful information to make life a little easier.


5 Crucial Questions to Ask an Electrical Contractor

Hiring the right electrical contractor can make all the difference when it comes to safety, code compliance, and the long-term reliability of your home’s electrical system. Whether you're planning a renovation, need a service upgrade, or just need some troubleshooting, it's important to ask the right questions before committing to a contractor. Here are five crucial questions to ask any electrician before hiring them.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Always start here. A licensed electrician has met the necessary training, experience, and exam requirements to legally perform electrical work in your area. Insurance, including both liability and workers' compensation, protects you in case of property damage or injury on the job. Ask to see proof of both, and verify the license number with your local licensing authority if you're unsure.

2. What's Your Experience With This Type of Project?

Not all electrical work is the same. Some electricians specialize in residential remodeling, while others may focus on new construction, commercial work, or service upgrades. Ask if the contractor has specific experience with your type of project—whether it's installing a new panel, wiring a kitchen remodel, or adding exterior lighting. Experience often leads to faster work, fewer surprises, and better results.

3. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

A reputable electrician should have no problem providing a few recent references or pointing you to online reviews. Talking to past customers gives you insight into how the contractor communicates, whether they meet deadlines, and if they stay within budget. Be wary if an electrician avoids this question or has a track record of complaints.

4. Who Will Be Doing the Work?

In some cases, the person you speak with may not be the one who performs the job. They might send an apprentice or a different crew altogether. Clarify whether the person giving the estimate will also do the work, and ask about the qualifications of anyone else who might be involved. It's your right to know who will be in your home.

5. What Is the Scope of Work and Estimated Cost?

Before signing a contract, ask for a clear breakdown of the scope of work, including materials, labor, permit fees, and any potential additional charges. A detailed written estimate helps prevent misunderstandings and gives you something to compare with other bids. Avoid contractors who give vague pricing or try to skip written documentation.

Final Thoughts

Asking these five questions can help you make a confident and informed decision when hiring an electrical contractor. A trustworthy electrician will welcome your questions and answer them. Taking the time to vet your contractor properly can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a safer, code-compliant outcome for your home.


5 Reasons to Get an Electrical Panel Upgrade

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of the electrical panel in our homes. Often hidden away in basements or utility closets, it ensures that power flows seamlessly throughout our living spaces. If you're wondering whether it's time to consider an electrical panel upgrade, here are five compelling reasons.

Enhanced Safety Measures

Your electrical panel serves as the control center for the electricity in your home. Over time, wear and tear can compromise efficiency, potentially leading to safety hazards such as electrical fires. Upgrading your electrical panel ensures that it meets the latest safety standards, providing enhanced protection for you and your loved ones. A master electrician has the expertise to identify potential risks and address them effectively, ensuring your home's electrical system is safe and reliable.

Accommodating Modern Appliances

The electricity demand has significantly increased with the proliferation of modern appliances and electronic devices. If your current electrical panel struggles to keep up with the load, you may experience frequent tripped circuits or damage to your valuable electronics. An upgrade will equip your home to handle the demands of contemporary living without the inconvenience of disruptions. A master electrician can accurately assess your power needs and install a panel that meets these requirements.

Home Value Boost

Do you plan to sell your home in the future? A modern electrical panel can be an attractive selling point for potential buyers. It signals that the house has up-to-date electrical infrastructure, alleviating concerns about issues and making your property more appealing in a competitive real estate market. Professional installation can add credibility and value to this upgrade.

Compliance with Code Requirements

Building codes and electrical standards evolve to ensure the safety and efficiency of electrical systems. If your home's electrical panel is older, it may not comply with the current code requirements. An upgrade brings your home in line with regulations and ensures that it meets the standards to keep your household safe.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Upgrading your electrical panel can contribute to overall energy efficiency. Modern panels are designed to distribute electricity more efficiently, reducing energy waste. This is good for the environment and can lead to cost savings on your energy bills over time.

Hire a Master Electrician for Peace of Mind

When considering an electrical panel upgrade, it's essential to consult with a master electrician. They can assess your current system, provide expert advice tailored to your home's specific needs, and carry out the upgrade professionally. Be sure to reach out to a qualified electrician to ensure that your electrical panel is up to the task of keeping your home powered safely and efficiently.


How to Maintain a Clean and Healthy Office Environment

Your productivity at the workplace can be affected by how you feel about your surroundings. The environment in your office can significantly impact how well you feel, mood, and focus at work.

Keep surfaces clear

All work areas should be free of clutter and distraction; this includes computer screens and desks. Cluttered or cluttered work areas contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety, and frustration.

Have a healthy work environment

The environment in your workspace can significantly impact how well you feel, mood, and focus at work. The pressure to be productive is so great that some people take the time to clean up their workspace, but this is not something that should be done to boost their productivity. A clean and polished workspace does more than make you look good; it also helps promote productivity at the workplace.

Have a fresh and clean bathroom

Bathrooms are where more germs survive than any other area in your office. This is because people utilize the same objects repeatedly, but cleaning them is not a priority. People are more likely to share germs by shaking hands with a person after they have used the restroom. The bathroom should be one of the first places you clean to keep your entire office germ free.

Regularly disinfect

You benefit from a clean workplace because it makes it easier to do your work and is more comfortable.

When working in the office, you will spend a lot of time sitting in front of your computer and using the Internet. The computer screen is one place where germs live, so cleaning the monitor every day would be an easy way to keep your entire office germ free. A few seconds of effort each day would make a big difference.

Make a cleaning schedule for your office

A cleaning schedule will enable you to regularly develop a positive habit of doing cleaning tasks. Once you make a routine for yourself, it will be easier to clean your work area.

Each week, set aside a block of time to take care of routine office chores like emptying the trash, sweeping the floors, and wiping down desks and walls. You are less likely to spend each day cleaning one item at a time if you schedule a weekly cleaning session.

A Sussex County, DE carpet cleaning service recommends that you have carpets and floors professionally cleaned twice a year to keep mold, dust, and allergens from building up.

Consider hiring office cleaning professionals

Sometimes it is important to outsource cleaning services because you will have more time to focus on your business's accomplishments. Hiring professionals to clean your office is a good idea if:

Creative and Affordable Ways to Beautify Your Home or Office

A unique and cozy space can make you feel at ease, whether it's a room in your home or the office. But sometimes, our creativity can be limited by our resources. Although we might be able to find nice wall decor or an elegant piece of furniture on sale, we often forget that there are many creative and affordable ways to beautify your home or office. The following list is just some of the creative decorating ideas you can use.

Painting The Walls

Painting walls can be a very significant way of transforming a living space. It can also be a perfect way of decorating a home. There are many different wall paints to choose from when it comes to walls painting. One of the classic types is the grungy type. However, before choosing which one will look best with your decor, try to figure out what kind of space you want to create.

Plants Incorporation

Plants bring life into your living space by creating a natural appearance. They can bring a sense of warmth and welcome. Plants can also help keep your room clean because they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. For example, a fern can give you a tropical look for your home or office. The only problem is that it needs to be watered often. Luckily, there is an option of artificial flowers, which brings the same fantastic look into your space.

Rugs

Rugs can be one of the best ways to add coziness and color to any room. There are many different rugs available, from thin ones with little patterns to heavy ones with designs on them. Heavier ones are the best for preventing slips and falls.

Deep Clean

Doing a deep clean is a very inexpensive way to transform your space instantly! A Boston carpet cleaning service can make your floors look new. Dust and organize shelves. Remove cobwebs and clean walls. Clean and polish furniture. 

Bookshelves

Bookshelves are great additions to any living space. They can hold your books and decorative items and improve your aesthetic by adding many different colors to the room design.

Mirrors

Mirrors are great for making a small room appear more extensive and more spacious, so it's a great idea to install one in the room of your choice. They also give you a great chance to show off your style by placing it in the middle of the room. Mirrors are suitable for creating a more welcoming atmosphere by adding light and space to a room. They can also be used as decorative elements in the room.

Curtains

Adding curtains is another way to make your home or office appear bigger and more comfortable. There are many different types of curtains you could choose from, such as thin, thick, or decorative curtains; you could even choose a set if you wish to get the entire space looking great.

Lamps and Lighting

This is another essential element of decorating that you can use to enhance your space. Consider going with the wall-mounted lighting, which brings a more modern look to your room. A table lamp can be used to highlight any particular feature in the room, such as artwork or piece of furniture.

A Deep Cleaning Checklist for Autumn

It's that time of year again when it's not quite cold enough for winter clothes, but you can feel the chill in the air. Yes, autumn is here. And with all that change in temperature and weather comes some changes to your home. The leaves are falling off the trees and covering your lawn; new bugs are coming out at night; you might need to start wearing heavier coats or buy a humidifier. All these things signal an opportunity for some deep cleaning. If you want your home to be ready for fall (or if you just want to get rid of some clutter), this list is for you.

#1: Clean Out Your Closets

If you've been hanging onto summer clothes for just a few months too long and they're getting that dusty smell, now is the time to give them the boot. After you weed out your summer clothes (or things you don't need anymore), go through your winter clothes as well. You might want to do some shopping for those cold-weather essentials at this time, as well as think about all those sweaters and coats in storage.

#2: Clean Up Those Cracks and Crevices

As fall starts to set in, you'll start seeing more bugs coming out during the night or crawling into your home. So, now is a great time to clean up those cracks and crevices that might be harboring critters. Check behind doors and along sills for anything that can accumulate dust (and bugs.) over time. Just running a duster around the area will help. Also, look under furniture like couches or beds where pests could be living. Be sure to check any other areas where rodents might try to get inside your home as well.

#3: Deep Clean Your Kitchen

Do you remember how summer was all about grilling outside? However, since it's fall now, maybe you are using the stove again. That means it's time to do a deep clean of the kitchen and get rid of those hidden burnt-on food particles. If you haven't already, take everything out of your refrigerator and use baking soda and water to scrub away any odors or icky films. Afterward, go through your cabinets and throw out anything expired (or items you never use).

#4: Deep Clean Your Bathroom

It's always a good idea to deep clean your bathroom at least once a year, no matter what time of the year it is. Now is especially a great time. The first step is to do a quick cleaning with some disinfectant wipes – this will help speed up the process and ensure that your bathroom is sanitized and ready for the colder months. Then go through your cabinets to get rid of any old or expired items. If you're keeping them, make sure they are clean, organized, and neatly placed where you can find them quickly when you need them.

#5: Deep Clean Your Bedroom

Now is a great time to deep clean your bedroom because this room needs to be warm and cozy when the cold sets in. One area to focus on is under your bed since dust can accumulate during summer but when you weren't looking. Just take all the items out, vacuum, dust mop, or wipe down that area to remove any dirt or grime. You might be surprised by how much dust accumulates under here.

Deep cleaning your house can be a great way to kick off autumn and get ready for winter. This list should help you brainstorm areas of your home that need special attention over the next few months and before winter starts (and when we all start spending more time inside).


How to Keep Your Home Clean When You Have Pets

Everyone loves their pets, but not everyone loves cleaning up after them. Hair ends up stuck to upholstery, accidents stain carpets, and dirty paws track dirt all over the home. For some pet owners, maintaining a clean home can feel like a full-time job that cuts into the free time you could be spending with your beloved furry friend.

However, it doesn’t have to be such a time-consuming chore. These tips will make it simple for you to keep your home clean.

Invest in a Quality Vacuum

Doing away with pet hair is often the most time-consuming and frustrating part of cleaning up after a pet. Owners of heavy shedding dogs like the Labrador Retriever often vacuum daily in order to keep the hair at a tolerable level. However, pets that don’t shed can still make a mess that needs to be vacuumed.

That’s why it’s important that all pet owners have a trusty vacuum on hand. You need one that has good suction, a durable filter to control dandruff and odor, and a brush attachment to tackle upholstery.

You can even consider getting a robot vacuum and programming it to clean the floors so you don’t have to worry about it.

Clean Carpets Regularly

Vacuuming is important, but regular professional carpet cleaning is essential for keeping pet hair and stains to a minimum. It is recommended that you hire a carpet cleaner at least twice a year. For more information click here!

Keep Your Pet Clean

A dirty pet will obviously bring dirt into your home, so keeping your pet clean is an easy way to help maintain a clean house. Wipe their paws off at the door when they come inside, or, better yet, some pets can even be trained to wipe their paws on a rug.

You don’t need to bathe your dog after every walk, but keep an eye out for dirty paws so you don’t end up with muddy paw prints all over your living room floor.

Clean Up Accidents Quickly

Even house-broken pets can have an accident when they’re feeling ill or out of sorts. Respond to those accidents immediately and clean them up before they stain the floor and their scent permeates through the home.

You should also have a spot-remover on hand to rescue soiled carpeting or fabric.

Cover Your Furniture

If you like to cuddle with your pet on the couch, consider covering your furniture. You don’t have to wrap it in uncomfortable plastic as your grandma used to, but even a small throw blanket goes a long way when it comes to preserving the integrity of your upholstery.

It helps limit the amount of hair that clings to your furniture, is easily removed should an accident occur, and can quickly be thrown in the washing machine when it’s time to clean it.

Super Easy (But Often Overlooked) Ways to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

You want your home to look its best. You're probably even moderately successful about that indoors, but what about outside? Your home's exterior is the first thing people see about your home, and it's also what greets you when you get back after work and errands.

Fortunately, there are super easy but often overlooked ways to boost your home's curb appeal.

Raise Your Mower Deck

If you don't like mowing your yard, you might have lowered your mower deck pretty close to the ground. The lower you cut your grass, the less often you have to mow it, right? What you could be doing is actually 'burning' the grass and leaving it weak and wilted. Going a bit higher leaves more of the blades so your yard looks healthier.

Forget Bagging Things

While you're tweaking your lawnmower, pull the bag off it. Just spread the clippings back into the yard so they can provide a source of nutrition for the plants left standing. For that matter, without a bag, your mower might be a portable blower you can use instead of sweeping driveways and sidewalks with a broom.

Who Do Your Neighbors Use?

Do you think highly of a neighbor's yard but never see them working out there? Ask them casually if they pay anyone to care for it. Whether it's a professional landscaping company or just a kid down the street mowing for money, they probably would welcome your yard's business. Take a look at their siding and driveway. Do they look much cleaner and shinier than yours? Your neighbor might be using a pressure washing service. 

Plant Some Evergreens

Evergreen plants can work wonders for your yard. They usually have dark brown and green colors that provide supporting contrast to the vibrant blooms of spring and summer and even the rainbow colors of fall foliage. In the winter, they might be your only color, and they usually require very little upkeep or maintenance.

Wash Your Car

This particular piece of advice might feel like a slap in the face, but if any of the vehicles in your driveway haven't been washed in a while, then they might be the visual sore point detracting from the rest of the front yard. You don't need to wax and polish the car, just get a quick, cheap car wash the next time you fill up your tank.

In Summary

Boosting your home's curb appeal has many benefits, from making your home more welcoming to guests to making it more alluring to potential home buyers. Using these super easy and sometimes overlooked methods of doing it might not make your home the envy of the block but they should be enough to avoid the ire of your cranky neighbors.

Easy Ways to Raise The Value Of Your Investment Property

Before you list your investment properties on the market, you might be thinking about ways to raise the value. Certain situations like time of the year can change the pricing on your properties, but buyers are essentially putting the value of your properties at how much value it would give them.

Fortunately, you do have some ways you can modify your properties so renters and buyers feel more satisfied with what you have to offer. Check out these ways you can raise the value of your properties.

Clean it Up

One of the easiest ways to raise the value of your property is to ensure that it appears neat and tidy. This will send a signal that your property is well maintained and cared for. You should have the landscaping maintained regularly to keep it looking manicured and weed free. Hire a service to wash your property at least once a year. This service should include driveway, siding and roof cleaning.

Additional Bedroom

Whether it's for another kid or just to have space for an office, everyone would love to have an extra bedroom. A good question though is where are you going to put this wall in the first place?

To find the right space for your additional bedroom, look for rooms that might be taking up too much space. For example, you might be able to take your living room and siphon off the space so you can add another room. You'll just have to add some drywall to space off both rooms. Strongly consider adding another room to your properties if you want to up their value.

Appliances

Depending on how old the appliances in your property are, a buyer might get the sense that your property is priced way too high for how old it seems. Fortunately, many appliances don't cost too much in the long run to replace. To find the right appliances to replace, think about appliances that buyers are going to be using more.

For example, you'll definitely want to think about replacing an old fridge as buyers are going to have to look at it every single day. You should think about also adding additional appliances if they weren't there before like a microwave so buyers have more convenience with their property. Make sure you replace or add additional appliances to your properties when you want to up their value.

Additional Bathroom

As families are looking for properties to buy, they might be thinking about purchasing somewhere that has a lot of bathrooms. The reason for this is that it can be easily annoying living in a house where someone is always taking up a bathroom. To convince buyers in this scenario that your property is worthwhile, you could think about adding another bathroom.

Because of plumbing and appliances, building a new bathroom will definitely be more costly than adding another bedroom. However, buyers might take this strongly into consideration by spending a lot more on your property than it cost for you to build that bathroom. Factor in the costs and think if adding another bathroom would be worth it for your properties.

Upgrade the Electrical System

Electrical upgrades can be an excellent way to increase the value of your property. With today's modern technology, buyers are looking for homes that have updated electrical systems to accommodate their electronic devices and appliances.

Upgrades such as adding more electrical outlets, upgrading the electrical panel, installing smart home systems, and energy-efficient lighting can all make an impact on the value of your property. Aurora, Colorado electricians can ensure that any upgrades are done safely and correctly to avoid any potential hazards.

What should I do when my house has been flooded?

One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner is if their home is inundated with a lot of water. Water damage can be very significant and can make a property uninhabitable for a period of time. If your home has been affected by flood waters or any other type of water damage, there are a number of things that you should do to make sure that your home is safe, properly repaired, and that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.

Reduce Additional Risks

Once you notice that your home is flooding, the most important thing that you need to do is prevent things from getting worse. Make sure that your home is safe to be in, you should try to turn off any electrical outlets and appliances located in the flooded area and turn off the water source to your home. This will help to prevent the likelihood of major accidents and more flooding.

Document the Situation

Before you do anything else, you also need to make sure that you have enough flood properly documented. This should include making sure you take plenty of photographs of the flooded areas of your home, document any items that have been damaged, and write down additional notes that could be helpful when you file an insurance claim.

Contact Your Insurance Company

After a flood to your home, you should contact your insurance company and have them come to your property immediately. Due to the challenges and risks that come with floods, an insurance company will waste no time when it comes to sending out an insurance adjuster. Your insurance company will be able to review your policy to confirm your coverage, get a sense of the damage, and develop a plan to correct the issue and make necessary repairs. Because of this, you will want them involved as quickly as possible.

Salvage What You Can

Before you spend any time in the flooded areas of your home, you need to make sure that it is safe and does not present any physical or health hazards. If it is a safe place to be, you could spend time trying to salvage the materials in your home. You should go and try to see if any of your personal items can be saved. If so, you should have them removed to a drier area of the property. You could also reduce the total damage by drying your home out and cleaning immediately.

Residential Roofing Installation And Asphalt Shingles

Choosing asphalt shingles for your home is quite important as your home must remain safe from wind and rain. There are quite a few different people who wish to replace their roofs to ensure they are safe, and you may select a color that you think matches the house. This article explains how you may choose shingles for your home, and you will feel far better about the appearance of the house along with your protection once it has been completed.

#1: The Colors

You must choose special colors for your roof that will look good from the street. These colors have been chosen to match your home, and the finest shingles will reflect light. There is less heat transferred into your attic, and you will see a bit of a sheen from the street. This makes your home much more energy efficient, and you will notice that yu may choose from blacks, browns, blues and reds that will match your home's design.

#2: The Size

You must choose asphalt tiles for the roof that are the proper size. They are to be stacked on the roof to protect your home from wind and rain, but they come in multiple sizes. You must ask your roofer which sizes they would use, and you may purchase more than enough of these shingles for the house. The shingles may be split or cut when needed, and they are stacked to keep each of the shingles from leaking.

#3: Thickness

The thickness of your shingles plays into how the shingles will fit on the roof, and you may need something heavy if you live in a place that has quite a lot of wind and rain. You may choose thin shingles when you do not have enough room to stack them properly, and you may ask your roofer which they would choose. Someone who is selecting shingles for the first time must check the thickness rating on each shingle, and you will find that there is a shingle that balances your needs carefully.

You must select the proper color and style for your home that will fit in, and you will find that the shingles you install on the roof will look good, provide more protection and make you feel much more secure. You may ask your roofer for advice, and they will help you select the perfect asphalt shingles for your home.

Water Damage? Don’t Panic! Help is Closer Than You Think.

Water damage to carpet can spell disaster for a homeowner, but it is good to know that there is a trusted carpet cleaner that can come out and restore carpet. An individual's home is by far their most prized possession. The home is not only the place that one lives, but it is also the place that holds our memories, hopes, and aspirations. Since that is the case, savvy homeowners do all that they can to take the utmost care of their home. Unfortunately, there are some events that can happen to a home that can cause serious damage. These events include things such as accidents, natural disasters, and of course normal ware and tear.

When it comes to water damage, a homeowner can be amazed by the amount of damage that water can do to their carpet. Water damage can cause serious damage to the floor under the carpet, mold problems, and odor. Since that is the case, if there is serious water damage to the carpet, it is imperative to get in contact with a carpet cleaning company.

A professional carpet cleaner is an individual who understands the importance of doing a thorough cleaning of carpet. Since odor can be a big issue when it comes to carpet cleaning, this is a professional company that can do a deodorizer that uses a hot water rinse. When a hot water rinse is applied to a carpet, there is no sticky residue that is left behind. This is a company that can come out and do a cleaning using state-of-the-art technology. This company uses equipment that is mounted in the van and the equipment goes straight into the house. This equipment has the strongest horsepower available when it comes to carpet cleaning machines.

When it comes to carpet cleaning solution, many homeowners are worried about the effect that this solution can have on their home environment. Green carpet cleaning solution is detergent free, hypoallergenic, non-toxic and odorless. This is a cleaner that is green certified and safe. This carpet cleaning company is also able to do a carpet cleaning at a very low price. If a home owner has water damage to their carpet, they need not despair because a professional green carpet cleaning company can come out and clean their carpet quickly and efficiently.

Spring Cleaning and 10 Simple Tips!

It's time! Spring is here, and the dreaded term "spring cleaning" comes to mind. Don't worry! I have ten simple tips to help you get through this year’s bout with spring cleaning. We're going to go over a few things that are guaranteed to make your home look and smell nice for the rest of the season!

1. Open windows - Opening your windows will allow you to air out your home while you're cleaning. Turn on your ceiling fans and enjoy the natural breeze in your home. this will also help to clear out settled dust particles.

2. Organize - Spring cleaning is a good excuse to organize some of those things that have somehow ended up all over the place! Often times we will take something out of its place and set it down somewhere else, go looking for it and never be able to find it.

3. Clean your refrigerator - Take out all of the nasty old expired food that sometimes gets pushed to the back. Remove your shelves and clean them if they're dirty.

4. Clean your baseboards - All you need is a bucket of warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a rag or a sponge. You'll want to dip your sponge or rag in the bucket of warm water and soap, and ring it out. Just run it along the baseboards, going room to room, and you'll be done in no time!

5. Dust - Dreaded dusting! If you have allergies you'll hate this one, but it has to be done, and you'll be happy once it's been taken care of. Get yourself a feather duster or microfiber duster, some of them will even extend so that you can get the tops of the blades of your ceiling fans. Run the duster over anything that generally collects dust.

6. Vacuum - Vacuuming is one of those things we should do regularly, but some of us have pets that look at us like we're monsters every time we scoot it across the floor.

7. Clean your carpet - It's time to get those spots out of the carpet that have slowly been getting bigger and darker. You can pick up many different kinds of cleaners, just make sure you get what pertains to your needs and will not harm your carpet.

8. Air fresheners - Air fresheners are a great way to keep your home smelling clean. There are many varieties, from plug-in oils, to wax warmers and candles.

9. Do some work on your flower beds - You would be surprised at how nice and new you can make your home look with a little bit of work on the outside. Weeding, trimming, and re-mulching are just a few great ways to do so.

10. Have a yard sale - Okay so now the house is clean, inside and out, and maybe you have some things laying around. Let's get those things pulled out and and ready to sell. So now you have a nice clean house, and a little bit of extra pocket change!

Deep Cleaning your Living Room

Your living room is one of the busiest rooms in the house, besides the kitchen. This is where your family- meets, entertains, plays, watches TV and often times eats. It’s no wonder this space always seems so dirty! Even if you clean every day, it still seems as though it could be cleaner.

Here are 5 steps to deep cleaning even the dirtiest of living rooms

1.) Vacuum- I know this may seem obvious, but you never know the power of a good vacuum cleaner until you’ve tried one! Always be sure to clean the filters of your vacuum cleaner. If the filter isn’t clean the suction on the vacuum cleaner is not as useful. First, make sure everything is picked up off the floors. This includes toys, area rugs, chairs, tables, anything that may get in the way of your cleaning. Next, you want to make sure you get under the couches, chairs and tables where crumbs and dirt pile up. Also don’t forget to vacuum the drapes, this is something so many of us forget about it. You may take it for granted but the bottom of drapes can get so dirty so fast, especially if you have pets running around and rubbing against them. It’s fairly simple to use the detachable hose and just slide it down each curtain. Lastly, don’t forget to vacuum the furniture. Always make sure to use the detachable hose and light bristle brush to clean off couch and chair cushions. Remove the cushions and be sure to clean out whatever has gathered down there (and maybe make some extra pennies too!).

2.) Clean Behind furniture – it is easy to clean around the furniture leaving it in one spot and just vacuuming or sweeping around it, but when you need a real deep clean you have to move the furniture and clean behind it. Once you see all of the dust that has piled up behind end tables and TV stands you will be happy that you are cleaning it. You may also notice some discoloration in the carpet from the wear of the rug not covered by the couch. If it is an area rug then you are fortunate enough to be able to rotate it so that your carpet is worn evenly.

3.) Steam clean furniture and floors- Steam cleaners have come a long way! Gone are the days where you can’t sit on or walk on the places that were steam cleaned for days. Most steam cleaners these days will dry to the touch within an hour. This makes it a painless and easy way to ensure your living room is getting a deep cleaning. It will be amazing to you to see how much dirt is stuck in your carpeting and furniture even after vacuuming.

4.) Dust everything – I don’t mean just run a rag over the tables and TV, I mean actually dust! Use a good polish and old rag, move off everything that is on the tables or stands and dust underneath. Be sure to polish or clean anything you are putting back onto the table. The worst thing to do is to put something dusty on a freshly polished surface.

5.) Clean the windows, inside and out! One of the most common mistakes to make is to clean the windows on the inside only. It’s not until there is a ray of sun in your windows that you see the dirt that is layered on coming from the outside. It’s not always easy but there are many cleaners that can be bought at your local hardware store that you can attach to a hose and just spray from the outside.

Best Tips To Do A Deep Clean On Your House This Winter

1. Spring cleaning is a great time to take advantage of the exterior parts of the home that need to be revived, but the winter is a time when everyone is locked up indoors. Take this time to get cozy, and comfortable in your interior space.


2. Begin with noticing what makes you feel comfortable in your interior space. What makes you feel happy and serene while you are inside? Is it your book collection and a nook for reading? A comfortable kitchen that you can bake and cook in? Is it reaching for your coziest sweater?


3. When you identify what it is that makes spending time in your home so comfortable, make sure to approach those areas of your home with the intention of making them more organized, comfortable, clean and refreshed. If it is your reading nook, donate old books, dust the shelves, arrange them on the shelf by color or title, reupholster your reading chair, and deep clean the carpet underneath the chair while it's in the shop. If your favorite place is the kitchen, take everything out, clean out the cabinets, get a professional oven clean, and restock your kitchen only with the things you intend to use this year. Keep everything else in storage.


4. Air quality is especially important in the winter because people are spending most of their time indoors breathing recirculated air. Winter is a great time to take deep cleaning upon yourself because you are already spending time inside. Take advantage of a nice vacuum with attachments and vacuum window treatments, lampshades, upholstered furniture, and headboards. Clean the tops of ceiling fans that can get notoriously dirty, and use small dusting cloths to get into nicks and crannies on display shelves.


5. Getting rid of the dust bunnies can also extend to the vents in your home. Dust can really gather and get stuck in ventilation systems making the circulation of dust throughout the home perpetual. Hiring a professional company to come and deep clean the vents will clear out the dust in the home so you can breathe easier and keeps it from gathering on everything.


6. Dust also gathers in carpets, so having a professional deep clean of wall to wall carpets and area rugs in the home is also beneficial. A small electric HEPA filter air filter that stands on the floor can also trap dust midair.


Featured Information by Our Businesses

10 Things To Look For When Selecting A Professional Carpet Cleaner

There are several carpet cleaning companies to choose from. However, it is important to remember that not all carpet cleaning companies are the same. There are 10 things that you should look for in a carpet cleaner.

Insurance
If a carpet cleaner gets injured while they are working, then they can possibly sue you. Fortunately, you will not be held liable for someone else's injuries if they have insurance. That is why you should select a carpet cleaning company with insurance.

Guarantee
A good company will provide the work with a guarantee. This means that if you are not satisfied with the service, then you will be able to get your money back. You want to select a company that provides you with a guarantee.

Safe Products
There are many carpet cleaning chemicals that are dangerous to your health and the environment. That is why it is a good idea to select a company that uses safe and natural products and methods such as steam cleaning.

License
There are many people today who are running a business without the proper credentials. You should select a company that is licensed.

Price
It is important to note that you will have to pay more in order to get quality service. However, you should definitely select a cleaning company that you can afford. That is why the price is one of the things that needs to be considered.

Written Estimates
A written estimate will allow you to budget accordingly. You should ask the company if they can provide you with a written estimate.

References
A good company has had several satisfied clients. You should ask if you can speak with previous clients.

Experience
Generally speaking, the more experience a carpet cleaning company has, the better. You should select a company with five or more years of experience.

Hours Available
You want to select a company that can work around your schedule. That is why you need a company that has flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Complimentary Consultation
You should select a company that offers you a complimentary consultation. The consultation will allow you to determine whether a particular company is the right fit for you.

10 Tips On Cleaning Your Home for the Holidays

The holidays are almost here, and you are likely to be looking forward to entertaining in your home. Get your home ready by following these 10 simple tips.

1. Clean Your Appliances
Your kitchen will be the hub of holiday activity. Give your appliances a wipe down. Focus on areas you might normally miss such as your stove knobs and refrigerator handles.

2. Dust the Fans
After running all summer, your fans are covered in dust. Wipe down each blade, and switch them to their winter setting.

3. Check Under Your Furniture
Rearranging your living room may be necessary during big holiday gatherings. Avoid embarrassment by checking for stray toys and dust bunnies before your guests arrive.

4. Change Your Air Filters
Your HVAC system influences your air quality, and changing the filters will keep down the dust.

5. Clean Your Curtains
If it has been several months since your took down your curtains, go ahead and throw them in the wash. This is also a great time to switch them out if you prefer to match your holiday decorating scheme.

6. Focus on Focal Points
Holiday decorations mean that all eyes will be on places you wouldn’t normally notice. For example, mantle decorations will bring attention to your fireplace. As you decorate, notice these areas and add them to your cleaning checklist.

7. Deep Clean Your Floors
In every house, the floors take up the majority of every room. For this reason, having them professionally cleaned makes a big difference in your guest’s first impression upon entering your living area.

8. Clear Out Food Areas
Your pantry and refrigerator may become open season to guests who bring dishes to share at potlucks. Spend a few minutes checking expiration dates, and wipe up any spills that happened over the summer. Before events, make sure there is enough space for everyone to store leftovers until they go home.

9. Minimize Mess
Once you get your home clean, help everyone keep it that way by placing rugs near entrances. Boot scrapers and shoe racks also help to keep winter mud off your beautiful floors.

10. Know When to Delegate
There is no reason why you should do it all this holiday season. Get the family involved by giving the kids simple chores such as dusting the furniture. Then, arrange for professional cleaning for serious jobs or times when your holiday schedule has you frazzled.

Make this season stress-free by tackling those extra cleaning jobs right away. By doing so, you can enjoy a comfortable home while knowing the biggest thing on your to-do list is making your guest list.

© Copyright, Brown Forum for Enterprise. All Rights Reserved.