Happy Aniversary Domestic Touch!!

     

Domestic Touch will be celebrating their one year anniversary this March! In this last year, I have learned so much about the  products that we use and the reaction they have on some household products that contain harmful chemicals. I have also learned that I cannot please everyone. I will not compromise my beliefs and ethics to do so. If you are one of our very respected and loyal customers or would like to become one, Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

Manufacturers of household cleaning products are not required by law to disclose the ingredients in their products, so it's easy to buy products that contain chemicals that are harmful to the members of your family. Some cleaning products bear labels containing the words, "Danger," "Warning," or "Poison," but without being able to identify specific chemicals, it's hard to know what's inside. Therefore, having a knowledge of which kinds of chemicals are typically found in certain types of cleaners can help you keep your home free from dangerous chemicals and their fumes.

 

Formaldehyde

o   The smell of formaldehyde may be familiar to you from high school biology dissections, but you may be surprised to know that formaldehyde is a common ingredient in household spray deodorizers. These aerosol deodorizers are often used to get rid of lingering smells in kitchens and bathrooms. Spraying formaldehyde into the air is especially dangerous because it is a respiratory irritant. Formaldehyde is also a suspected carcinogen.

Chlorinated Phenols

o   Chlorinated phenols are chemicals commonly found in toilet bowl cleaning products. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified chlorinated phenols as priority pollutants and has said that they are harmful to humans, animals and fish. They are toxic to respiratory and circulatory systems, therefore, chlorinated phenols are harmful to those in your house who inhale them and also to animals that encounter them after they leave your home and enter the water system.

Petroleum Solvents

o   Petroleum solvents are common ingredients in floor cleaners and dry cleaning solutions. Petroleum solvents are neurotoxic, causing eye and skin irritation, and may contain benzene, which is a known carcinogen. Home dry cleaning kits can also contain petroleum solvents and should be used with extreme care.

 

*this is what builds a coating on your wood floors and is what cause's streaks when we use the steam cleaner. It will take several cleanings for the steamer to remove these but, be patient if you want a chemical free home.

 

Diethylene Glycol

o   Diethylene glycol is a common ingredient in window cleaning solutions. Because it is colorless, odorless and viscous, diethylene glycol is an ideal solvent for many products. However, in 1937, diethylene glycol was responsible for mass poisonings around the world when it was used as a food additive. Even when it is not ingested, diethylene glycol is associated with kidney and liver damage.

The products we use are all Natural and biodegradable. What this means is they leave no footprint in your home or in our environment. Domestic Touch will enable you to rest easy knowing that all living things in your home will be treated with the utmost respect and care. 

1. Envirox 117 is used at a very diluted level in our cleaning product that will disinfect and sanitize all surfaces while remaining all natural and biodegradable. This product is made from stabilized peroxide and citrus oils. www.enviroxclean.com

2. Baking soda is our abrasive and also used in some situations with white vinegar to work on tough stains.

3. Pure lemon oil is used on wood surface to not only polish and dust but feed the wood naturally.

4. Pumice is an all natural stone from the earth (volcanic) that we may used to get out rust or hard water stains.

5. For greasy areas we use Dawn all natural dish soap diluted with water.

6. Our floor steaming cleaners use all cotton pads and water to disinfect and clean your floors. Some floors need a little extra help. In this case we may use our cleaner in a spray bottle or lemon oil. Lemon oil is also used effectively on soap scum build up in tubs and showers.

Thanks again for a great year!

God lives!

Kim

 

 

 

Maintaining a Healthy Home Environment

Keeping your home healthier and greener doesn’t have to be time consuming, overwhelming or have a high price tag.  Just by following these simple standards can improve the health of your home and everyone in it. For some people these standards are already in place, for others, this is a major challenge to re-examine a lifetime of unhealthy habits. It's never too late to change!

Avoiding or limiting exposure to toxic chemicals is at the top of every parent’s list. “Toxic chemicals are everywhere, so exposure is really difficult to avoid," says Sonya Lunder, MPH, a senior researcher with Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that researches environmental issues. "But there are things people can do to be proactive."

According to WebMD,These are the top 10 suggestions for making your home a healthy environment 

1. Get house dust under control.

House dust aggravates allergies. It also contains more hazardous chemicals than you might think, including lead, fire retardants, pesticides, and other chemicals.

·         Make sure your vacuum has strong suction and a HEPA filter so that dust and dirt go into the bag.

·         Vacuum at least two times each week.

·         Clean the vacuum bag and filter every time, so dust isn't spewed back into the air.

2. Kick nicotine addiction.

If you're still a smoker, it's time to kick it.

 3. Get your home tested.

Both lead paint and radon are serious hazards you can't afford to ignore. Lead poisoning is known to cause brain damage in a developing fetus and in young children if not treated. Radon is a cancer-causing radioactive gas.

             Check with your local health department about lead paint testing. A lab test of a             paint chip runs from $20 to $50 per sample.

           You can also hire a certified professional to test your home, which will cost more.

4. Ditch pesticides

Pesticide kill roaches, mice, ants, and lawn pests. But overexposure and chronic small exposures may put children at risk of a range of health problems, including asthma, learning disabilities, and problems with brain development

           

            You can learn about non-chemical, commonsense ways of reducing indoor and    lawn/garden pests -- a concept called Integrated Pest Management. Look for the EPA's on-line booklet: "Citizen's Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety."

5. Be careful with plastic bottles and canned foods.

The safety of bisphenol A, a chemical found in polycarbonate plastics, is still being debated. These plastics are used in some water bottles and baby bottles. One study found that adults with high levels of BPA in their urine were more likely to have a history of heart disease or diabetes, compared to people with low levels of BPA.

What can you do to limit exposure to BPA?

•          Look for safer water or baby bottles -- either tempered glass bottles or plastic bottles made of cloudy plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene    (recycling symbols 1, 2 or 5) are generally safe. Avoid those marked with a "7" or "PC.".
•        Don't microwave plastic food containers, heat can break down plastic fibers.
•          Don't microwave with cling wraps. Put food in a glass or ceramic dish and then    cover with waxed paper or paper towels.
•          Eat fewer canned foods.
•          Use glass and ceramic containers to store or microwave foods.

6. Filter your tap water.

            A simple pitcher-type water filter may be all you need for very drinkable water, Baker advises. There are also filters that attach to a faucet or to the plumbing           system. Consumer Reports has published a review of 27 water filters.

7. Temper the Teflon.

If you've got pots and pans with Teflon coating -- or other nonstick cookware – make sure you use them wisely. Perfluorinated (PFCs) chemicals are used to make these nonstick coatings, and the chemicals can accumulate in the body. 

            If you can’t do without your nonstick cookware – or if it’s too expensive to            replace right away -- then follow safe cooking practices. Don’t preheat pans on     high, and use the lowest temperature you can to cook food.

8. Wash your hands.

"Hand-washing may be boring, but it's really key to keeping stuff on a child's hands from getting into their mouths," says Lunder.

            Another tip: Skip antibacterial soap, because some researchers believe that the     quest for hyper-cleanliness may have led to weakened immune systems, and            possibly to more cases of asthma and allergies. It’s also been speculated that    these products may contribute to bacteria-resistant "super germs."

            In fact, new research has also shown that triclosan -- the main ingredient in            antibacterial soap, deodorants, toothpaste, mouthwash, cosmetics, fabrics and     plastic kitchenware -- has the potential to affect sex hormones and interfere with       the nervous system.

9. Use non-toxic cleaning products.

The conventional cleaning supplies under your sink -- with their "warning" and "poison" labels -- contain a potent mix of chemicals.

            "If you've ever mopped with ammonia, you know how your lungs constrict," says Lunder. "These chemicals have a very powerful effect on kids with asthma. You're polluting the indoor air when you don't need to." When washed down the drain, they also pollute rivers and lakes.

            Look for "green" cleaners that don't contain chlorine or ammonia. Choose ones     that say "petroleum-free," "biodegradable," or "phosphate-free."

            Or make a cleaner yourself.

                                                            Home-brew suggestions:

·         Use vinegar instead of bleach, baking soda to scrub your tiles, and hydrogen peroxide to remove stains.
·         Vinegar also removes grease and soap buildup.
·         Need a window cleaner? Try diluted lemon juice or vinegar. Use borax to inhibit mold growth, boost the cleaning power of soap or detergent, remove stains -- even kill cockroaches, when sugar is mixed in.

10. Eat organic, eat healthy.

When you eat organic food, you ingest fewer pesticides. You’re also helping protect the environment.

To view this information and the article in its entirety, go to http://www.webmd.com/health-ehome-9/how-to-make-your-house-safer

Living a healthy life takes extra thought. Think carefully about your next meal, the way you clean up messes in your home and the chemicals you use in your yard. There are some amazing alternatives to chemicals that will harm us if we just stop and think before we act.

October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Go Pink all Year!

   I started this company because I felt I had a ‘calling’. I continue to get callings that convince me even further that I was meant to be here, doing what I do here with Domestic Touch. I am truly dedicated to service as well as educate the public on the hazards of using chemicals to clean our homes.

   My sister Diane had a  mastectomy due to breast cancer and continues to battle the ongoing effects of the disease and the cure. Recently my cousin Denise was diagnosed with breast cancer is recovering from a mastectomy and about to begin her journey to recovery as well.

   I have in the past, donated to Susan G Komen as well as the American Cancer Society. However, I am in the first year of my business and not yet making a profit so that I can continue to donate. Instead,  I will be offering our services at a highly discounted rate to all victims of this disease for an unlimited time in hopes that this will serve as my contribution to the fight as well as a tribute to my family members suffering the consequences of breast cancer.

Please donate what you can, do what you can do and help who you can help to fight this horrible disease.

End of summer cleanout special offer

Hello to all of our loyal customers!

Thank you for your continued support during our first year of business. The summer is quickly coming to an end and school will be starting before we know it. After all the parties, picnics and cook outs, your refrigerator needs a break from Sticky watermelon, lemonade, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and of course the constant opening and closing of the refrigerator on warm days and rainy days when the kids are home or you are on Stay-cation. 

Schedule a full house cleaning (3 hours or more) Between August 26th and September 12th and we will clean out your refrigerator and freezer with our natural products for FREE!

Let us do the dirty work, Naturally!

Call for your appointment
804 303 9570

 

Learning every day!

Click on the link below to view our video

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We are growing and learning with each passing day! I recently changed my cleaning solutions. I was very happy with my recipes however, I learned that while they definitely sanitize and disinfect, there are other more efficient and effective. I am now using a product that is made from stabilized peroxide and citrus oils. This product is safe enough to spray in a face without worry!. Not that we want to do that but, it does happen. The product is mixed at different strengths according to where they are to be used. One mixture disinfects at the level a hospital would use and the other sanitizes at the level that schools use.This product is EPA approved. Please review our video and feel free to call us if you have any questions.

I recently came across a website with the following important and possible life saving information. I copied and pasted a portion of it here for you to read. Domestic Touch has changed it's formulas. We are now using a concentrated product that is all natural, biodegradable, disinfectant and sanitizer that is a peroxide base. This product is being used more and more in schools as well as hospitals. The awareness of dangerous house hold cleaners is being raised to levels that we believe will someday change EPA standards. 
Domestic Touch is proud to be a part of this responsible lifestyle that we happily share with our clients!

It's time to start being responsible for the air you breathe.

Common Household Cleaners Are Toxic and Deadly

• Commercial cleaners contain toxic substances like phenol, formaldehyde, phosphates, ammonia, chlorine bleach, arsenic, naphthalene, hydrochloric acid, paradichlorbenzene, lye, phosphoric acid, and sulfuric acid, just to name a few. When breathed in, these substances can irritate the entire respiratory system. The chemicals are then leached into your blood stream leaving traces in other organs including your heart. Petroleum based cleaners are directly absorbed into the skin. The long term effects of these chemicals are not good. Some are carcinogens (cancer causing).
• Some of these cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making the air inside of your home toxic. In fact, studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Exposure Assessment Methodology (TEAM) found the levels of about 12 common organic pollutants to be two to five times higher inside your home than outside. Even worse, these contaminants may persist indoors long after using a product. The Cancer Prevention Coalition lists hundreds of toxic and deadly chemicals that are in household cleaners. Here is another informative test by an independent company: Cleaning Chemicals and Their Impact on Indoor Environments and Health.
• We can’t assume that products are safe just because they are widely available and for sale. Cigarettes are sold and yet we know the effects they have on the body. They are proven cancer causers. The New York Times has reported several times about the fact that the US allows the sale of toxic and dangerous products that other countries prohibit. Here is just one such article where formaldehyde laden wood was sold in the US: US Rules Allows the Sale of Products Other Countries Ban.
• Just because something is labeled as natural does not mean that it is safe. Let me remind you that arsenic is a naturally occurring substance and yet, it kills. There is no law or set of guidelines to instruct companies as to how they can or can’t label products with use of the word “natural”. Don’t let that word persuade you at all. It means nothing on a commercial product.

Mixing Chlorine Bleach is Dangerous

A major downfall of commercial cleaners, especially chlorine bleach, is that when mixed with common organic matter such as urine, it produces hazardous gasses that can cause lung disease and even slow death. Most people I know use bleach to clean toilets. Isn’t that where urine resides? If bleach is accidentally mixed with dish soap will produce mustard gas. When it mixes with other organic substances in laundry, food, blood, or other bodily fluids it produces chloroform which is a known carcinogen. I have removed every bit of bleach from our home and will forbid it from ever returning. I was shocked to find all of this information while doing research. What angers me more is that hydrogen peroxide and essential oils naturally kill bacteria and viruses so bleach is not needed and yet it is still readily used. The makers of Clorox bleach have proven it for us. They now sell hydrogen peroxide and have listed all test results here: Clorox Professional Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner. AND *upddated* to say Reuters.com reported that the new line of cleaners were voted BEST all around in October 2012. Here is an excerpt:

“Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners are a revolutionary new line of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered products that harness the unique power of hydrogen peroxide to eliminate bacteria and viruses that are of highest concern to commercial facilities in as fast as 30 seconds,” said Lynda Lurie, marketing manager, Clorox Professional Products Company.  “It’s an honor to be recognized by ISSA and the cleaning industry, as this award reinforces our commitment to drive step-change product innovation to further meet the needs of the commercial cleaning market.”

Introduced in March 2012, Clorox® Hydrogen Peroxide Disinfecting Cleaners contain plant-based surfactants, no harsh fumes, no volatile organic compounds, no added fragrances or dyes, and harness the unique power of hydrogen peroxide to kill more problematic germs than the leading competitive products.[1]  SOURCE

Everyday moms and grandmas have known this for years. Next there will be a full line of vinegar and/or castile soap related products by these big companies. Mark my words.

Chemicals From Household Cleaners Get Into Water Supply and Atmosphere

When we use toxic household cleaners they usually end up going down the drain. Either we wash the chemicals out, flush them, or rinse them in the sink or tub. All of these ways result in the deadly chemicals getting into streams, bayous, rivers, and other water sources and it results in contaminating aquatic life. Have you ever wondered why there are higher instances of cancer along water sources? We eat the food that comes from these water sources after we have drenched them in dozens of toxic chemicals that we disposed of. Not to mention the fact that this same water gets seeped into the ground to contaminate vegetation and rises to pollute the air.

         

Are you ready for us?

“For the home owners who have never used a house cleaning service or

had a maid service at some point. There is a difference

in what we do and here is why.” Kim Koda President/Owner

There are several things you need to do prior to your cleaning. We clean and disinfect every surface that is available to us. If we spend our time picking up personal items and clearing counters, the benefit of our visit will be lost.

1. Bedrooms and Playrooms

All toys, books, clothing and shoes must be picked up prior to your appointment.

We will not remove or clean human or animal waste. If your carpets are in need of cleaning or are unsanitary, we reserve the right to refuse the use of our vacuums on them

2. Kitchens

All food items (cereal boxes, cans etc) must be removed from all counters prior to your appointment. If you have dirty dishes in the sink, we will load them into a dishwasher that is ready for them.

3. Bathrooms

All personal items (shampoo bottles, razors, soap etc) need to be contained for easy removal in order to access counters, toilets, bath tub, showers and shelves. Towels will be placed in hampers or laundry room.

4. Living rooms, Den, Dining room

 All personal items left out (books, magazines, glasses, toys etc) will be placed in laundry basket that you will supply. The more items you leave around, the more time it will take to clean your home.

5. Office space

We do not move any of your work in or around your office space. We will clean key boards and computers only if they are turned off.  

Let us do the dirty work ~ Naturally!

I Creep, do you?

My Confession!

In my ongoing quest to be the best cleaning company in Richmond, I have a confession to make. I do not come up with all the customer pleasing methods such as being on time, courteous behavior from myself and my staff, thorough and consistent every visit, hiring only the most polite and well groomed staff on my own. I am a very moral and fair person and so, I have to give credit where credit is due.  I confess; I have read and will continue to read customer complaints about my competitors. The bad reviews on other cleaning companies are my classroom. The proof is in the pudding as we say. Of course I do realize I will have some complaints from some folks that are never happy unless they are critiquing someone. However, if we do happen to get negative feedback, I welcome the advice and love to listen and learn what not to ever do again! My customer’s suggestions or complaints fire me up to be even better than the best! Please do take the time to write about your bad experiences with other cleaning companies (please, no names) and of course leave your feedback on Domestic Touch as well here on my blog. Also, if you are pleased with our work, shout it out, we love braggers!

 

Till next time, have a healthy, happy and clean day!

Kim

Promotional Gift!

Be a part of our first of many promotions!

I have had many requests to purchase my cleaning solution for the ‘in between’ cleaning times on counters and bathrooms. I am not set up (yet) to sell my product but, I will give it away to the first 10 people to book an appointment for a non-promotional cleaning (Living Social coupon, gift certificate or discount excluded)! You will receive a free 24oz bottle of my homemade cleaning solution. You may choose between Jasmine or Lemon. Retail value is $16.00.

Comment with name and location in this blog and email me your address, telephone number and dates you would like for your cleaning to qualify.

Watch for our monthly promotions every 15th of the month!

Have a clean and healthy Day!

Kim

A place for everything?

“The trouble with, "A place for everything and everything in its place" is that there's always more everything than places.”

― Robert Brault

 If you find that there is always more everything than places, then, it’s time to get to work. With the change of the seasons I always sense a desire to throw out the old to make room for the new.  I have found the most efficient way to start a deep spring cleaning is to make hard decisions…and three piles.

1. Keep

2. Give away

3. Toss

 Ask yourself the following questions about items that are in the way of your vacuum cleaner; Have I used it worn it or admired it over the last year? Has it been replaced by a newer model? Is it in disrepair? Could someone less fortunate use it?

 Once you have your 3 piles, take them off to their final resting place ASAP. Whether it is the local good will, the garage for the sale or an area waiting for pick up, out of site is the surest way to keep your commitments. The longer this stuff is within your reach, the greater the chance your ‘keep’ pile will grow!

Living a natural and healthy lifestyle is an investment in your future.

 Reducing clutter and eliminating chemicals from your life will extend and enrich your life as well as those around you and help to create a stress free life. Do it for you and do it for all who we share this earth with.

 Go to http://www.charitynavigator.org/ to decide where you will donate your unwanted or un-needed items. There are some organizations that will come to you for your unwanted items, big or small.

Plan a garage sale with your neighbors or family. Not only can you make some extra cash, you are helping out people in your community who cannot afford the everyday items that we take for granted.

Call us at Domestic Touch. We are the experts on deep cleaning, naturally and will put the final touch on your de-cluttering project! Scheduling weekly, biweekly or monthly cleaning days will help motivate you to stay organized.

Wishing you all a healthy and happy spring!

Kim Koda

President/Owner

Domestic Touch

804 303 9570