Out, Damned Spot; Out I Say!

• Lady Macbeth

Racked with guilt over her complicity in the murder, Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth famously exclaims, “Out, damned spot; out I say!” while wringing her hands to remove a hallucinated bloodstain. You may be tempted to say something similar – or much worse – when suddenly faced with a horrifying spill of red wine on your carpet.

It’s always a sad moment when that delicious glass of red winds up on the floor instead of in your belly. My good friend Stacy never fails to drip, dribble, spill, or splash whenever we get together. I have honestly never met anyone as clumsy with food and drink as she. Fortunately for us both, she is also a wizard at removing stains from everything – including carpet – with products you already have in your home.  Her advice?

• Blot Up ASAP. Gently blot with paper towels from the outside edge of the spill to the center. Act quickly before the wine’s natural dyes and acids work their way into the carpet fibers.
• Select a Solution. See four options below:
  • Straight club soda.
  • One tablespoon each of white vinegar and liquid dish soap mixed in two cups of warm water.
  • Table salt – enough to cover the spill.
  • Wine removal product such as Wine Away (under $10 from Amazon).
• Test Solution. Test the solution on a small inconspicuous area for colorfastness.
• Dab and Blot. Dab your solution of choice in small amounts on the spill with a soft, clean white cloth (an old T-shirt will do nicely!), again working your way from the outside of the spot to the center. Don’t be tempted to dump the mixture all over the stain as it will cause it to spread and may damage the carpet’s backing.
  • NOTE: If using salt, cover the stain, let sit until dry, then vacuum.
• Rinse. Rinse the cloth frequently to avoid spreading or reintroducing the wine to the area.
• Rest. Let everything sit for five to 10 minutes.
• Rinse. Rinse the area with cold water.
• Blot and Repeat. Blot with a white towel. Repeat until no more color transfers to the towel.

Theoretically, you can use white wine to remove a red wine stain by following the above steps.. If wasting any wine on a spill shocks you to your core, consider having vinegar, salt, or Wine Away at the ready before you pop the cork.

Cheers!

The post How To Remove Red Wine Stains appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Clean Your Fridge

I am not happy with whomever invented Clean Out Your Fridge Day which is “celebrated” on November 15. Do we really need to be reminded that although the rest our place looks presentable, there’s probably something creepy, hairy, stinky, and unknown lurking in the back corner of the crisper drawer? Clearly, we do, or this day would not exist. My fridge is like my closet. It will go for weeks – dare I say months – looking tidy and clean and then suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, it looks like elves performed some horrible mischief in the night. My once neat, organized, color-coded (yes, I am THAT girl) closet is a sloppy wreck with clothes falling off the hangers and the fridge contains mysterious science-fair-like “stuff”. And it’s not like cleaning either is hard; it’s just an annoyance and an awful way to spend a Saturday morning when you could be brunching on eggs benedict and sipping mimosas. So, what is one to do? As in the words of a dear friend of mine, “Just git ‘er done”. Here’s a few tips on making this god-forsaken process a wee bit less miserable.

Prepare a Staging Area

Obviously, you must remove all the food from the fridge to clean it. Short on counter space? Set up a little folding table or use a few chairs. I am pretty successful with just removing food from one section at a time, cleaning it, and putting it back before moving on. For a complete, and uber thorough clean, put your food in a cooler. Whatever you use, you need at least enough room to hold a shelf’s worth of stuff. Make sure your kitchen sink is empty, too. While you’re at it, put the recycling bin nearby as you’ll likely be tossing expired items.

Gather Your Supplies

You won’t need much. White vinegar and/or dish soap, a spray bottle or a big bowl, a sponge and/or a scrubby, and paper and/or microfiber towels, all or most of which you probably already have on hand.  The vinegar breaks down grease and grime, and when mixed with hot water in a spray bottle (or bowl, or dishpan, or bucket), it becomes a food-safe cleaner that’s perfect for any gunk that might have accumulated on refrigerator shelves. The other items on the list will help you wipe, scrub, dry, and shine.

Work Shelf by Shelf

While some people have enough counter space (is there ever really enough?!?) to completely empty their refrigerators before cleaning, I find working one shelf at a time is often the best method, because you don't want to leave your perishables out for too long.

• Start at the top.
• Remove everything from a shelf and see just how messy you (or those darn elves!) have been.
•  If there are spills, carefully remove the glass from the frame (or brackets, depending on your fridge) and clean both sides, as well as the edges, with the vinegar solution.
• Dry with paper or microfiber towels.
• Wash the frame that holds the glass before replacing the entire shelf. For that, I usually head to the sink and use dish soap and hot water.
• If there aren’t any caked-on spills that require shelf removal, simply run a scrubby sponge under hot water. Give the shelf and fridge walls an initial scrub to loosen any gunk. Then, spray it all down with cleaner and give it another scrub, before wiping everything clean with a microfiber cloth.

NOTE: When you’re not actively working in the fridge, close the door to keep everything as cool as you can.

Doors and Drawers

Refrigerator drawers often accumulate debris, especially if they’re used for produce. For a deep clean, remove the drawers and wash them in the kitchen sink with soap and water. If they won’t fit in your sink, spray and wipe them clean, and dry them before putting them back. While the drawers are removed, wipe down the walls and “floor” of the fridge with the vinegar cleaner. Use the same method for the shelves inside the doors.

Clean It Before You Put It Back

Now that your fridge is sparkling (and you realize it wasn’t THAT BAD to clean), be sure to wipe down jars, containers, and condiment bottles so you don’t bring gunk back into the fridgeEven if it doesn’t appear dirty, it’s a good idea to give the bottom a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth, especially if the shelf was sticky. If any bottles or jars have accumulated a little goo on the outside, rinse them under warm water then wipe them clean and dry. If gunk has accumulated around the seal or the edges of the cap, take the lid off and wash it more thoroughly in the sink. Check all expiration dates and toss anything that’s expired, like the sriracha I just threw away from 2017. Hmmm.

Wipe Down the Outside

Once everything is back in your sparkling fridge, use a clean microfiber cloth and the vinegar spray to wipe down the outside of the doors, including the edges and seals, and don’t forget the handles! The worst area will undoubtedly be to top of the fridge as it tends to collect greasy residue from cooking and dust. I like keeping a kitchen towel on top that can just be thrown in the wash.

Keep It Fresh

You did it and you lived to tell the tale! Enjoy your super-clean fridge. For a while, anyway. If you want to keep it smelling fresher longer, stick an open box of baking soda on one of the shelves. Now treat yourself to brunch with a Bloody Mary. You deserve it.

The post Clean Out Your Fridge appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

When You Need A Quickie (Cleaning)

Spring is the traditional time of year when we think of deep cleaning to get rid of all the dirt we simply could not see during the dark and dreary winter. (My tried and true excuse. LOL.) Last year, we talked about spring cleaning. A lot. From cleaning windows and blinds, to dusting, to cleaning bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens — we covered it all. Deep cleaning your home ensures your space stays free of bacteria, allergens, crumbs, and other debris. But sometimes, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”  Today we'll chat about what to do when you need a quickie.

Finding time to give your home a thorough spring cleaning can be challenging even in the best of times. When you unexpectedly learn you’re about to have company and your home needs tidying up, don’t panic!  When you are in a time crunch, this 30-minute cleaning routine will save the day. This simple checklist will sanitize some of the highest-touch areas of your home, help you to stay focused to actually complete the spruce-up in 30 minutes, and make your space look and feel cleaner, so you can enjoy your guests worry-free.

Do the Dishes

Give your kitchen a sparkling look by cleaning dirty dishes and putting away clean ones. Including dish cleaning in your routine encourages consistency in maintaining a clean home. Consistent small efforts can prevent the accumulation of a larger mess, making it easier to manage cleaning tasks over time. But for now, just wash 'em up and put 'em away for an immediate positive impact on your kitchen.

Wipe Down Counters

Kitchen and bathroom counter tops are like magnets, attracting dust, crumbs, spills, and splatters. A quick wipe-down will give your space a tidier look almost instantly. Plus, you’ll eliminate bacteria and germs, and eliminate odors. Tuck any items creating clutter in a drawer or below-sink cabinet.

Shine Faucet Fixtures

Water stains can give your faucet fixtures a dingy, uncared-for look. Return your faucets to their former glory by giving them a quick polish. Bar Keeper's friend applied with a wet sponge followed by a buff with a microfiber cloth will work wonders. Regular shining helps minimize water stains, keeping your faucets looking new and well-maintained.

Polish Stainless Steel Appliances

From your microwave to your refrigerator, stainless steel surfaces easily show fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. Apply a stainless steel cleaner then buff with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Polishing these surfaces regularly ensures they remain free from these marks (but also stains and corrosion), creating a visibly clean and well-maintained appearance. Polishing stainless steel appliances is a relatively quick chore that can have a big impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen, and who doesn't appreciate a little gleaming in the kitchen?

Pick Up Clothes

Pick up your clothes, you animal! LOL. Clothes piled up on your bedroom floor, bed, or chair; left on the bathroom floor; or heaped in the laundry room can make your place look a hot mess. Put clothes back where they belong, whether in your closet or the hamper, for a quick tidying up. Not only will your space look instantly cleaner, but regularly washing and maintaining your wardrobe minimizes the presence of allergens, dust, and other particles that can affect indoor air quality and cleanliness. And it will make your mother happy.

Dust

Use a duster to clean furniture around your apartment that has accumulated a layer of dust, like your nightstands, dining room table and chairs, living room coffee and end tables, and any shelving. Don't forget the TV! A clean and well-maintained living room creates a much more welcoming atmosphere for guests than a messy, dusty space. Plus, it will reflect your commitment to a comfortable, inviting living environment while promoting a more organized and orderly living space for you.

Empty the Trash

If your trash cans are full, use this as your opportunity to empty and clean them. Remove the bag and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of the can. Add about two inches of warm water. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes, then swish it around and wipe. Rinse with clean water and let it air dry upside down. If the can itself is not dirty, just empty the trash, especially in the bathroom. No one wants to see your bathroom trash. If you, like me, are not a fan of seeing a trashcan liner around the top edge of your bathroom wastebasket, here's a quick tip to keep the can from getting mucky: place a paper towel in the bottom and let the corners rise up the sides. This will keep any wet or damp waste from discoloring the can or trash from sticking to the bottom. You're welcome.

Tidy Your Entryway

The entryway sets the tone for the rest of your place, so cleaning it is a quick way to make your space feel fresh and well-tended. Take a moment to organize shoes, jackets, shopping bags, and/or the dog leash.  All manner f stuff can quickly accumulate in the entryway. Put it all way (or tidy it up) now, then keep it clean and organized. Regular tidying and freshening helps reduce mess and creates the appearance of a more open and spacious entryway.

Vacuum & Swiffer

A quick once-over with a Swiffer on your hard surface flooring and vacuum on your rugs and carpets is a quick and easy way to make your space look and feel cleaner. Floors, like countert ops, are magnets for tracked-in dirt, dust, and debris, especially in high-traffic areas like your foyer, hallway, and entrance to your kitchen. Swiffering and/or vacuuming helps remove the dirt and dust, and prevents the grime from spreading throughout your home and settling on other surfaces. It also improves indoor air quality. Best of all, carpet vacuum tracks lend an air of tidiness to a room.

Floof

The easiest and funniest way to make your home look company-ready is floofing. You know, fluffing up all the soft surfaces. Punch the pillows, then give the sides and top a good wack to fluff up all the stuffing. I like to finish with a nice karate chop to the top. This tiny bit of effort will make them look thick, cozy, and inviting. Fluff up and straighten the sofa and chair cushions, too. Bonus: all this floofing is a great stress reliever!

Look at you! 30 minutes in and your place looks great, but don't forget to make time for spring cleaning later. Cleaning is always a bit of a pain, but a clean and organized home turns your home into a calm retreat for you and your guests.

The post WHEN YOU NEED A QUICKIE (CLEANING) appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

I’ve never really been able to wrap my head around all manner of dirt showing up in places where you clean things like hands, dishes, clothes, body, and hair. I mean, these places are usually full of hot or warm water and some kind of soap. So what’s with the dirt, soap scum, mold, mildew, and unidentifiable muck? According to Apartment Therapy, the black stuff is probably oxidized manganese, an element present in most water that tarnishes when exposed to air. Regular tap water can contain this mineral and faucets, toilets, or showerheads might accumulate some deposits. Ah, okay. But it’s still gross. And ultimately, in the case of our showerheads, it will cause the delightful forceful water spray of your shower become more like a trickle. Let’s get rid of the muck and get your showerhead sparkling clean!

Many folks delay cleaning showerheads because they just don’t realize how easy it is to clean them or just don’t think about it. As a result, over time, showerheads become clogged with deposits, making them harder to clean. The minerals in water can build up and block the openings just as they buildup on shower doors. The blockage can even prevent the interior of the showerhead from drying completely between uses, encouraging mold and mildew to grow. Plus, bacteria of all sorts thrive in showerheads, and thorough cleaning can help remove potentially harmful ones. More eww.

To save future you from an unpleasant and unnecessary ordeal, clean your showerhead routinely each week and deep clean a maximum of quarterly or at least twice a year. Why the variation in timing? It depends on how your water is, as hard water results in more mineral buildup.

Weekly Clean

• Run a scrub brush across the shower nozzles to loosen and free any buildup.
• Wipe down the entire shower head with your favorite all-purpose cleaner and a paper towel (or these cool reusable paper towels).
• Follow with a spritz of stainless steel polish spray and buff with a microfiber cloth for extra shine.

Achieving a clean, shiny shower head can be both fast and easy!

Deep Clean

Every few months, do a more thorough clean to remove mineral deposits and stave off germs from the head.

Timing

How long will the cleaning process take? It depends on the level of hard-water stains, how bad the mold is, and the severity of the clog in your shower head. Expect to spend anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes actually cleaning. But if you’re dealing with a particularly dirty or clogged model, factor in roughly six to eight hours of waiting time while your shower head soaks (so be sure to take a shower first).

The job is easier than you think, but you’ll need to adjust the process depending on what type of showerhead you’re working with.

For a regular, smaller, showerhead:

Supplies

• a sturdy plastic bag
• a rubber band or zip tie
• a few cups of white vinegar

Process

• Take a couple of thick rubber bands and slide them over the shower arm or loosely attach a zip tie.
• Fill a durable plastic bag (like a freezer or gallon zip-top bag) with white vinegar and place over the showerhead.
• Secure rubber band or zip tie around the bag.
• Leave overnight.
• Wipe off the showerhead in the morning.

PRO TIP: Use the same vinegar-and-baggie method for any faucet in your home.

Did you know? Vinegar has descaling superpowers (translation: It easily removes mineral buildup from your water).

For a larger, rainfall-style showerhead you may need to detach it to clean it:

Supplies

• Large bowl: Make sure it’s big enough to submerge your showerhead
• Distilled white vinegar
• Wrench
• Needle-nose pliers
• Microfiber cloth
• A mild bathroom cleanser
• Toothpicks
• Metal polish: Brasso can help with stubborn hard-water stains on metal showerheads.
• Sealant tape: Also known as plumbers tape, this thin wrapping helps prevent water from seeping out when you screw a showerhead back onto the arm.

Optional supplies

• Safety glasses to help protect your eyes from errant splashes of vinegar or cleanser.
• Step stool if you can’t easily reach the showerhead.

Process

• Use the adjustable wrench to unfasten your showerhead at the base of the arm.
• Remove any loose debris from the outside by running your hands or a soft cloth across the entire surface.
• Pull out any sealant tape that might be stuck to the internal threading.
• Remove any large pieces of debris from the small screen and/or flow restrictor just inside the showerhead with needle-nose pliers.
• Use a toothpick to poke any especially stubborn gunk out of the screen, but be very careful: You don’t want to widen the small gaps in the screen; that would allow larger bits of debris to get inside. When you’re done, place the screen and/or gasket back inside the showerhead.
• Rinse the showerhead.
• Place the showerhead in a large bowl, nozzle side up or sideways.
• Fill the bowl with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water, until the showerhead is completely submerged and swirl to help the solution run through the inside.
• Soak overnight.
• Remove from bowl and rinse thoroughly.
• Polish with cleaner of Brasso.
• Reattach using plumbers tape.
•  

PRO TIP:  Avoid using any cleaners that are abrasive or contain bleach, cleaners formulated for toilets or acids targeted to remove rust, and abrasive brushes and sponges, like the Magic Eraser.

Now that your showerhead is clean, gunk-free, and clog-free, reward your efforts with a nice long shower. Ahhhhhhh.

The post HOW TO GET YOUR SHOWERHEAD SPARKLING CLEAN appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Whether you are new to the greater Cincinnati area or have lived here a while, you’ve probably not had the chance to experience all the wonders around you. It’s so easy to take the abundance of things to do for granted and to simply be grateful that there are a plethora of activities available…if we ever need them. I am guilty of hanging out at home instead of getting off my duff and broadening my horizons. Soo this post is not just for you; I’m hoping it inspires me to get out there to explore and experience all the best things to do and see in our little corner of the world. Explore with me, won’t you?

Let’s start with Cincinnati’s unique food scene. The most famous are Cincinnati chili, Montgomery Inn barbecue, Graeter’s black raspberry chip ice cream, goetta (a mixture of beef, pork, oats, and seasonings) which reflects the city’s German heritage, Frisch's Big Boy, and LaRosa's Pizzeria.

But did you know about Cincinnati’s legacy of fine dining? In the 1970s, it was home to three Mobil Travel Guide five-star restaurants (New York was home to just two!). They were all French; surprisingly considering Cincinnati’s German heritage. There was Pigall’s, The Gourmet Room, which featured a 30-foot mural by the artist Joan Miró (it now hangs in the Cincinnati Art Museum), and The Maisonette, which still holds the record for the most consecutive years with a five-star Mobil guide rating, at 41. Beloved Jean-Robert de Cavel, a French-American chef, was chef de cuisine at The Maisonette from 1993 to 2002, executive chef at Jean-Robert at Pigall's from 2002 to 2009. Pigall’s is now Boca. Below the Maisonette was La Normandie, now the wildly successful Sotto. These were, and are, the best of the best.

Let’s chat about foods that are so good they’ve gained popularity outside our region. Here are eight Cincinnati favorites to check out in case you haven’t done so already.

Cincinnati Iconic Foods

• Cincinnati Chili – Well known for its unusual chili, a thinner, soupier version than traditional chili con carne or Tex-Mex, Cincinnati chili is ladled over hot dogs and spaghetti.  Customary toppings include cheddar cheese, onions, and beans; specific combinations of toppings are known as "ways". The most popular order is a "three-way", which adds shredded cheese to the chili-topped spaghetti (a "two-way"), while a "four-way" or "five-way" adds onions and/or beans before topping with the cheese. “Ways” are served with oyster crackers and a mild hot sauce. Cincinnati chili is seldom eaten by the bowl.  Two chain brands are famous in the region: Skyline and Gold Star.  However, there are plenty of other great places around the city to try Cincinnati chili, but none are more iconic than Camp Washington Chili.
• Graeter’s Ice Cream – In business since 1870, Graeter’s uses the French Pot method to make its ice cream. It’s a slow, small batch process making only 2 1/2 gallons at a time, creating ice cream that is rich, creamy and dense. Black raspberry chip is a Graeter’s bestseller, one of the flavors containing its incredible chocolate chips, some of which are as big as a quarter in every scoop.  There are almost two dozen Graeter’s stores in the tri-state area, and Graeter’s is available in every major supermarket.
• LaRosa’s Pizza – In 1954, Buddy LaRosa opened his first family pizzeria on Cincinnati’s West Side. His Sicilian-born father told him he was crazy. "You gonna sell pizza?  You must be crazy!"  Who could argue with him? After all, back then many Americans hadn’t even heard of pizza.  LaRosa's signature pizza is a thin crust variety made with a distinctive thick, sweet sauce (a family recipe created by the founder's Aunt Dena) and topped with provolone cheese.
• Montgomery Inn Barbecue – November 1, 1951, the Gregory’s and their four children took over a restaurant and began serving ribs full-time. A local journalist dubbed Ted Gregory “The Ribs King,” a nickname that stayed with Gregory for the rest of his life. The restaurant attracted some famous customers, including Bob Hope, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Other famous diners include several Cincinnati Reds legendary baseball stars, as well as actors and entertainers from all over the world.  The secret to their success is in the sauce – wife Matula’s still secret family recipe from 1959.  Try their barbecue in one of two restaurants: The Boathouse, located on the Ohio River, just east of downtown Cincinnati, or the original location on Montgomery Road. The barbecue sauce is sold in big box and grocery stores and on Amazon.
• Izzy’s World Famous Reuben – Izzy’s can trace its roots to Russia. Settling in Cincinnati, Izzy Kadetz and wife Rose opened the first kosher-style delicatessen west of the Alleghenies in 1901. Consistently ranked as the "best deli in Cincinnati", visitors to this local deli can indulge in Izzy’s Famous Reuben and their famous potato pancake. The savory sandwich is piled high with Izzy’s famous corned beef, sauerkraut, Izzy’s special dressing and melted imported Swiss cheese served with a bowl of all you can eat locally made dill pickle slices. There are five locations in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region.
• Frisch’s Big Boy – In 1939, Frisch’s opened the Mainliner restaurant, Cincinnati’s first year-round drive-in, named after the first tri-motor passenger airplane. Today, some 85 years later, a replica of the airplane still adorns the restaurant’s sign on Wooster Pike. Famous for their double-decker hamburger called the “Big Boy” with a specially formulated tartar sauce. The chain is best known for its trademark chubby boy with a pompadour hairstyle wearing red-and-white checkered overalls holding a Big Boy sandwich. Frisch’s is also known for its fish sandwich, Swiss Miss sandwich, and hot fudge cake.
•  Glier’s Goetta – Goetta is an old German recipe brought here in the 1800s by the German immigrants who dominated Cincinnati 200 years ago.  It was a way for poor folks to stretch a few scraps of meat. This celebrated regional dish of pork, beef, steel-cut oats, and seasoning is somewhat similar to sausage and scrapple, is shaped into a roll or a brick and fried up in a pan.  In 1946, Robert Glier returned home from World War II and bought a small store with a sausage kitchen and a smokehouse.  The rest is history.  Glier’s goetta can be found in stores and at German festivals throughout the summer, especially Glier’s Goettafest at Newport on the Levee. 
• Busken Bakery – Founded in Cincinnati by Joseph C. Busken Sr. in 1928, the company started from humble beginnings, selling baked goods from the counter of a meat market in East Hyde Park on Erie Avenue. In 1962, Busken moved the bakery operation to its current location at the corner of Madison and Edwards roads in Hyde Park. There are four locations in the region. This 4th generation bakery operates around the clock, six days a week and produces more than 100 unique varieties of fresh baked goods every day, but is famous for its smile cookie, donuts, and king cake.

And did you know that Pringles, Frank's RedHot Sauce, Airheads, Slush Puppie, and McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish are all from Cincinnati?

The story of the Filet-O-Fish story is so fun. It began in 1962 with Franchisee Lou Groen from Cincinnati, Ohio.  Groen’s restaurant was located in a predominantly Roman Catholic neighborhood and he noticed a decrease in sales on Fridays.  With determination and a knack for thoroughness, Groen convinced McDonald’s to test a breaded whitefish sandwich to help satisfy customers who abstained from eating meat on Fridays in observance of Lent. 

At first, McDonald’s executives were not certain about adding fish to the menu, which required a more complicated cooking process.  As a matter of fact, McDonald’s Founder Ray Kroc had plans for what he called the Hula Burger ― a slice of grilled pineapple and cheese on a bun.  Kroc made a deal with Groen that they would sell the Hula Burger and the Filet-O-Fish on a Friday, and whichever sandwich sold the most would be added to the permanent menu. Kroc was so convinced that his Hula Burger would outsell the Filet-O-Fish that he made a side bet with his first grill man Fred Turner that the loser would buy the winner a new suit.  The final score? Hula Burger: 6, Filet-O-Fish: 350.

“Fred got a new suit and McDonald’s got the Filet-O-Fish,” said McDonald’s Company Historian Mike Bullington.

Whether you are new to the greater Cincinnati area or have lived here for a while, it’s always fun to know – and taste – what the region is known for. What are your Cincinnati favorites? Let us know in the comments.

The post ICONIC CINCINNATI – FOOD EDITION appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

They are adorable and we love ‘em like they are our kids, but our sweets pets can be challenging to clean up after and can make it tough to keep our homes company clean. There’s pet hair and potty accidents. There are dirty paws and sharp nails. Some of us have messy eaters (not just four-legged, LOL) and some of us have chewers and shredders. Yes, our furry friends know how to make a mess. Being able to manage and even prevent these messes can make routine cleanup a lot easier and help prevent your frustration levels in check. Perhaps it’s the shedding that drives you nuts or the kitty-litter scatter. Maybe it’s funky pet odors, or water bowl splashes. Everyone has pet-owner woes and we’re here to help you tame that hairy beast with these tips designed to keep your home as clean as it was before you had pets. Unless, of course, you’re an utter slob in which case we’ll need to talk to your mom LOL.

HAIR

• Lint Roller. A lint roller is a great way to remove pet hair from your clothes, but you can also use it on couches, chairs, curtains, and other furnishings in your home. Lint rollers usually have a wide surface area and are effective at picking up pet hair. And BONUS TIP: did you know they are also great for cleaning dust from your lamp shades? For the top 8 rollers that work great on pet hair, click here.
• Furniture Covers. I absolutely cannot say, “no!” when my pup asks to snuggle on the sofa or curl up next to me in bed. If, like me, you can't keep pets off your furniture, use covers to protect the fabric from damage and unwanted odors. Most furniture covers are designed to be easily removed and washed. Wash regularly to help maintain a clean and odor-free environment. The Spruce Pets rate these the top 8 choices. In addition to protecting against pet hair, furniture covers can also guard against stains caused by spills, accidents, or tracked-in dirt. Choose a cover made from pet-friendly material that is durable and resistant to wear and tear. Avoid materials that may be easily punctured or torn by your pet's claws."
• Vacuum & Sweep. Keep pet hair from taking over your home by vacuuming and sweeping regularly, maybe even daily. Last summer I cared for my brother’s two yellow labs for a month while he and his wife were traveling. As the owner of a 12-pound non-shedding dog, I was overwhelmed by the amount of hair. Fortunately, they had a very nice, specialized pet hair model vacuum cleaner which was a game changer. Some vacs are also available with pet hair attachments designed to handle shedding, even intense shedding. Here are the 7 best vacuums for removing pet hair according to RTINGS.com.

• Hair Remover. Getting pet hair off your clothes, carpet, furniture, and out of your car can become an all-consuming challenge. But the right pet hair remover can make the job a lot simpler. You might even be able to wear that black shirt again. Here are the 8 best pet hair removers of 2024, tested and reviewed by The Spruce Pets.
• Rubber Glove. If pet hair is set into your furniture, use a rubber glove to get rid of it. Simply dampen a rubber glove, something that you probably already have on hand for washing dishes, and run it over the furniture to attract and collect hair.

• Groom. Brush daily and bathe regularly to help keep your place hair- and dust-free. Trim nails whenever they get long to protect your floors and doors from scratching damage. It's important to know how to cut your pet's nails to avoid hurting them. If you’re a chicken like I am, consider going to a groomer or your veterinarian. Speaking of nails, keep kitty from scratching your furniture by purchasing a scratching post. Cats scratch to mark their territory and sharpen their claws; offering designated scratching surfaces can redirect this behavior away from furniture and other areas of your home.

STINK

• Baking Soda. Pets can be stinky leaving funky odors in their wake especially in their favorite areas of the home. Baking soda has odor-neutralizing properties and can be used to absorb and eliminate unpleasant smells. Sprinkle it on carpets, furniture, and pet bedding, let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, and then vacuum.
• Wash Pet Bedding Regularly. Whether it’s your pup’s bed or your kitty’s tower, pet bedding must be cleaned regularly to prevent odors and pet hair buildup. Be sure to use pet-safe detergents! Consider using covers that can be easily removed and washed. My pup’s bed is small enough to toss in the laundry, but my brother’s 75-pound dogs have sleeping quarters almost as big as a twin bed, so a removable cover is a must. If you do have a cover that isn’t removable, sprinkle the bed with baking soda and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum.
• Quick Clean Up. Cleaning up pet messes promptly and effectively is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. Start by scraping up as much of the mess as possible. Then, clean the areas by scrubbing them with water and a pet-safe detergent. If odors remain, sprinkle the area with baking soda, let it sit, then vacuum.
• Odor Control Litter. Let littler help control smells. Good Housekeeping tested and reviewed 20 litter brands to find the vest. Their top 11 picks are easy to scoop, control odors and don't stick so much to cats' paws, which can lead to litter particles on the floor.

DRAINS

• Protect Your Shower Drain. Getting pet hair in your shower during bath time is inevitable, but there are ways to minimize shedding for easier cleanup. Brush your pet before her bath to help remove loose fur. Be sure to use a grooming brush appropriate for your pet's coat type to reduce shedding during the bath. Place a hair catcher over the drain, which keeps pet hair from causing clogs. It’s also very helpful in keeping your own hair out of the drain. Find the best ones here.

SPLATTER SCATTER

• Food Mat. My little guy drinks like a crazy animal and splashes his water everywhere. One of my brother’s labs attacks her food bowl with such force, the food flies. A great resolution is to place a mat under their dish. Mats can catch any spills and make cleanup so much easier. Look for a mat that will be easy to clean. A non-skid mat will help prevent your pup from pushing bowls around.
• Litter Mat. If you have a cat, you know they have a propensity for kicking litter out of their litter box. Keep it contained by using a litter mat, which is made with a mesh material designed to trap litter. These textured mats act like a doormat. Even the most well-behaved kitty will track litter granules out of the litter box. A good litter mat catches most of those bits before they spread throughout your house. Find New York Times Wirecutter’s top three litter mats here.
• Litter Box. You can also avoid the spread of litter by choosing the right litter box. A litter box with higher sides prevents cats from kicking or scattering litter outside the box (does your cat love doing this?) People has tested and reviewed 15 of the best litter boxes.

PAWS

• Wipe. Wipe your pet's feet when they come inside. While it might not be necessary to wipe every time they come inside, it's a must in certain instances. A walk during a rainstorm, after a storm when there are mudpuddles, when there is snow on the ground, and when playing in the yard or dog park (where a little time may be spent digging) are all times when paws will get dirty. I once lived in the historic section of a small town, and that old neighborhood seemed to have decades of dust and dirt everywhere. Even when we stuck to the sidewalks, my pups (there were two then) would come home looking like they were wearing brown socks. Sometimes a wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick. Other times a foot wash is in order. With my short guys, sometimes it was a half bath involving feet, legs, bellies, and chests. Chewy has 10 top-rated wipes for dogs and  these wipes for cats.

• Cover. When it’s really mucky outside, boots make a word of difference. It took many tries for me to find the right foot cover for my pup; many dogs just don’t like wearing a boot (although they look SO CUTE!). After losing three of four adorable zip-up red boots with fur trim ($50 down the drain) in a snowstorm, I thought we were through with boots and any real chance of a successful walk in the snow. The gamechanger for me – and Ollie – was Pawz Waterproof Boots. They are not only lightweight and waterproof; they also can’t be easily kicked off.

Imagine being able to love your pet unconditionally along with your nice clean home now free of all the dirt, hair, and stink your four-legged baby brings with him. Now you can. You’re welcome, and tell your dog we said, “Hi!”

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