3 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home’s Plumbing & Air
Springtime is right around the bend, which means it's about time to take out your duster, vacuum, and whatever other cleaning supplies you have and get your home looking spick and span!
But your spring cleaning routine shouldn't stop at surface-level cleaning — now's the perfect time to deep clean the fixtures you use on a daily basis. While your plumbing and HVAC systems are hidden away, that doesn't mean they should go without a deep clean this spring!
1. Deep Clean Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals are a great modern convenience that allows you to dispose of food scraps quickly and makes cleaning easier. Unfortunately, it's easy to forget that disposals need to be cleaned too, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria or mold.
When cleaning your system, it is important that you first disconnect the power to avoid a routine cleaning turning into a trip to the hospital. Then you should take the rubber splash guard out of the system and get rid of any small food particles or grease trapped under it by scrubbing with an old toothbrush or scrubbing brush.
Next, shine a flashlight down the disposal to find food particles and use either tongs or another tool to remove the pieces; never use your hands because the blades are sharp even when they're not moving.
After removing any pieces of food you find, it's time to clean the blade. Place the splash guard back, reconnect the power, pour two cups of ice and a cup of salt down the drain while running the cold water. Now turn on the disposal and let the system work until all the ice has been ground up. This mixture should effectively scrub the edges clean.
2. Clear Slow or Clogged Drains
If you're dealing with a slow or clogged drain, you might be tempted to use just any chemical cleaner to get the job over with as fast as possible. While this way may seem more convenient, these caustic chemicals can damage your pipes and potentially release harmful fumes which burn your skin, eyes, and the internal linings of the respiratory system.
Instead of using dangerous chemical drain cleaners to fix your drains, try using a mixture made up of boiling water, baking soda, and white vinegar.
First, you should remove the stopper from your sink or tub if there is one.
Next, you will pour a small pot full of boiling water down the drain, followed by a 1/2 cup of baking soda.
You will then allow the mixture to work for the next 10 minutes, if you have a stopper, you can place it over the drain to force the reaction downward, but it is unnecessary.
After waiting, you will then pour another pot of boiling water to assist in washing away the clogs that were loosened up during the process.
This procedure may not work right away, so if you notice some improvement after the first attempt, try the homemade mixture again. However, if the drain is still clogged after multiple attempts, you should probably call in a team of professionals. The technicians at Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. have the necessary tools and know-how to offer fast and effective solutions for your clog.
3. Enhance Indoor Air Quality
Whether it's coming from your garbage, drains, or bathroom, foul odors are a natural part of home life. Air fresheners may seem like an easy way to deal with these bad smells, but did you know they can release hazardous pollutants into the air? These deodorizing sprays have been linked to elevated levels of volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and xylenes, which can cause headaches and nausea.
By creating your own all-natural alternative, you can get the same benefits of an air freshener without polluting your air. To make a natural deodorizer, simply put around half a cup of baking soda in a mason jar, then add 15-20 drops of any essential oil you enjoy. Next, all you have to do is close the top and shake the jar to mix the ingredients, then open the lid to freshen up the smell of the room.
Are you worried that your home's indoor air quality may not be at a good standard because of your air freshener use and other factors? You can contact the Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. team to get your ventilation inspected.
We're Here for You
For all your HVAC and plumbing needs this spring, the team at Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. has got your back. Call (937) 837-2333 or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.