Patty Manzi’s Tri-Valley Real Estate Blog

Here’s an earth friendly recipe for an all purpose cleaner.

Dissolve 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of warm water and apply with a sponge or spray bottle. Rinse with water. It can be used to clean and deodorize kitchen and bathroom surfaces!

Here are a few new ideas to try while getting through your spring cleaning!

1. Dusting with a paintbrush can be an effective way to get into those hard to reach cracks & crevices, etc.

2. Kids smelly shoes? Here’s a solution. Put some tea leaves into a pair of stockings and stuff each into a shoe. Leave for a day or two and the smell vanishes.

3. Treat stubborn bathtub stains with a paste made from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. By the time the paste dries, the stain should be gone.

4. To remove sticky residue/glue, try one of these: mayonnaise, peanut butter, nail polish remover, “Goo Gone”, or any oil.

5. Erasers will remove black heel marks on floors and Artgum erasers will clean bone colored shoes.

Spring is on its way here in Pleasanton! Winter is loosening its cold grip, wildflowers are beginning to bloom and sunshine is peeking into windows. It’s time to brighten up, rearrange furniture and welcome the return of warmer weather. A few hours of old-fashioned spring cleaning can refresh and revitalize your home and your spirit!

Where to Start?

• Move furniture and vacuum under it.

• Wash windows inside and out.

• Repair or replace torn screens.

• Bring out warm-weather clothing; clean and store heavy winter wear.

• Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.

• Clean out the garage to create space for sporting goods, camping equipment and garden tools.

• Clear away dead foliage and weeds to make room for new growth.

• Check interior, exterior and grounds for any needed seasonal maintenance.

• Have cooling systems inspected so they are ready for action.

• Schedule a garage or yard sale to dispose of unwanted items and turn your trash into cash!

• Clean gutters and downspouts and inspect for proper drainage.

• Wash house exterior to remove dirt and mildew.

• Clean and replace air filters.

• Reprogram thermostat settings for warmer temperatures.

• Check pool and spa equipment.

• Clean and seal wood decks and fences.

I wanted to alert you to a FREE recycling event that I heard about yesterday.  

Universal Waste Management is hosting this event ONE DAY ONLY on Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 10:00am – 2:0pm.  It will be held in the parking lot at 2600 Camino Ramon in San Ramon’s Bishop Ranch.

Here is a list of items that you can bring for recycling:

• TV’s
• Monitors
• Computer Systems & components
• Copiers
• Fax machines
• MP3’s
• Printers
• Video game systems
• Cell phones (& cell phone batteries)
• Phone systems
• Data tapes
• Internet devices
• Miscellaneous wiring
• CD’s/DVD’s – players & discs
• Stereo equipment
• Toner

NO HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, ALKALINE BATTERIES, OR LIGHT BLUBS ACCEPTED.

Please visit www.unwaste.com or call the company directly 510-868-8783 for more detailed information.

Happy Recycling!

Many of us may be contributing to water pollution without even realizing it.  Before you exclude yourself as part of the problem, check off which of the following situations might exist at your home.

• Leaking, overflowing, or outdated septic tank
• Vehicles that leak oil, antifreeze, transmission, or brake fluid
• Large paved or impervious surfaces that drain directly into streets or storm drains
• Bare, unplanted areas from which soil erodes when it rains
• Downspouts or drain pipes that empty water into the street or storm sewer system
• Yard clippings, fertilizer, or pesticide left on streets and sidewalks
• Using a hose to clean your driveway and walkways
• Over-watering of gardens or lawns
• pet or animal waste left in the street, on sidewalks, or on the ground
• Improper storage and disposal of pesticides, gasoline, oil, paint, etc.
• Using storm drains to dispose of yard waste or chemicals
• Lawns or gardens not fertilized deeply enough, or over fertilized
• Lack of landscaping that would allow water to infiltrate the soil

The good news is that everyone can help improve the condition of our water just by being aware of these things, and making small changes to prevent further pollution of our water.