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Sunday, July 14, 2013
Learning every day!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
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!
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.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
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!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
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
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Promotional Gift!
Be a part of our first of many promotions!
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
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
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
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?
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.
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
Friday, May 3, 2013
What is your definition of clean?
Mothers Day is next week. We have Gift Certificates!
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Look for our deal on Living Social this month!
Clean can be a very subjective declaration. To some folks,
clean means lack of clutter and to others, no visible dirt. To me, clean means
spotless everywhere that can be seen or not. When I clean, I move everything
that is not bolted down, wipe all sides, under the item and over it and then
return it to the original place. Many of my customers only want this type of cleaning
every 3-6 months and that is fine. Every other week we will do a surface
cleaning which is basically all most people do in their homes. Domestic Touch
home cleaners are trained to do the best job they can within the constraints of
the clients time request using nothing but the natural products I hand mix and have
researched to be most effective in cleaning and disinfecting. A first cleaning
may take twice the amount of time a surface cleaning would but the investment
really pays off. If you take care of your home and maintain deep cleanliness, it
will always feel new and retain resale value.
The most obvious advantage of scheduling a cleaning every week
or other week or every month, is to keep your household motivated to organize
their personal items so that your common areas will always be ready to receive guests
at a moments notice.
I am happy to share my research and knowledge I have gained
over the past several years with others. Knowing there are options to toxic
substances used to clean and disinfect your home is invaluable to your family’s
heath. Baby and pets can now crawl on your floors and not get toxic residue in
their little bodies. Because you choose to use natural products to clean your
home, you are most assuredly guarding your family against the effects of hazardous
household chemicals. This is certainly worth scrubbing a little harder. Whether
we clean your home or you switch to natural cleaners and do it yourself, the
outcome is the same. We are invested and passionate about helping you maintain your
health. Let us do the dirty work, naturally.
Wishing you and yours a clean and happy day!
Kim
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
It's your choice...who will you choose?
It’s time to start asking serious questions about what is really in all
these miracle, anti scrubbing, disinfecting, germ killing, bug ridding, long
lasting household products.
Yesterday, I talked about how fed up I was with corporate America. Today, we will look inside of these companies products. We need to understand just why they want 'robots' in the office or in their factories. They clearly want workers that don't dare ask questions for fear of being demoted, ridiculed, chastised or fired for lack of production because they asked WTH! Most all of these people shut up and put up for the paycheck that may or may just barely support their families. We buy the products because of what I call advertisement brainwashing. Listed below are some of the many great sites sending this potentially life saving message.
Natural cleaning alternatives
Baking Soda - cleans, deodorizes, softens water,
scours.
Soap - unscented soap in liquid form, flakes, powders or
bars is biodegradable and will clean just about anything. Avoid using soaps
which contain petroleum distillates.
Lemon - one of the strongest food-acids, effective against
most household bacteria.
Tea Tree Oil is another disinfectant that is an essential oil. It has been shown to fight not just bacteria but various fungi and viruses, too. Tea tree oil is commonly used on bacterial and fungal health conditions such as acne, blisters, warts and insect bites.
White Vinegar - cuts grease, removes mildew, odors, some
stains and wax build-up.
Washing Soda - or SAL Soda is sodium carbonate decahydrate,
a mineral. Washing soda cuts grease, removes stains, softens water, cleans wall,
tiles, sinks and tubs. Use care, as washing soda can irritate mucous membranes.
Do not use on aluminum.
Isopropyl
Alcohol - is an excellent disinfectant. (It
has been suggested to replace this with ethanol or 100 proof alcohol in solution
with water. There is some indication that isopropyl alcohol buildup contributes
to illness in the body. See http://drclark.ch/g)
Cornstarch - can be used to clean windows,
polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs.
Citrus oils - cleans paint brushes, oil and grease, some
stains.
Yesterday, I talked about how fed up I was with corporate America. Today, we will look inside of these companies products. We need to understand just why they want 'robots' in the office or in their factories. They clearly want workers that don't dare ask questions for fear of being demoted, ridiculed, chastised or fired for lack of production because they asked WTH! Most all of these people shut up and put up for the paycheck that may or may just barely support their families. We buy the products because of what I call advertisement brainwashing. Listed below are some of the many great sites sending this potentially life saving message.
It’s your choice;
the fat cats or you and your loved ones. Who will you choose?
Go Green with us!
Let Domestic Touch do the dirty
work...NATURALLY!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Happy ending!
Once upon a time, I
got sick and tired of working in a world where I was not able or allowed to
fully use my talents. Now that I think about it, using your talents in
corporate America is a big no-no, unless you are on the top rung and even they need to conform. We must comform...NOT! As a bottom
rung corporate worker for some years, I guess I forgot just what my talents
were. We all have God given talents, you
know?
It all started by mistake. On the way back from visiting my fiancé,
Kip in Raleigh for a week, I had all the radio stations keyed in to my favorite
music. As I got closer to Richmond, I didn’t feel like reprogramming so, I put
in a Mary Chapin Carpenter CD. Later that week on my way home from shopping, I
got tired of Mary and switched back to the radio. The radio was set to what is
a Christian music station here, 90.5 Positive Per. The music was sweet,
slightly familiar and very clear so, I kept it on.
When the music was over, a man started to speak about end
times. Revelations…this is when I said “oh, a Christian station, I could use
some encouraging words.” I left it on
and took the long way home.
Six months prior I was laid off from a job that I felt was
so cathartic, rewarding and encouraging. I worked for a company that was
dedicated to ‘rescuing’ high school drop outs from many states. I was working remotely
for a rep in Michigan, making her appointments
by pre-selling our innovative program to school superintendents, principals,
guidance counselors and basically anyone in the public school system that would
listen to my plea. Yes, my ‘plea’, you see, I was a drop out myself years ago.
I got my GED at 36 and went on to college. I went back to school to study horticulture
technology several years ago. I was just about 6 credits from my degree when I
got a call from my friend who worked for this startup company and wanted me to
apply for a position as well. I finished my semester and went right to work for
them. I also organized and coordinated trade shows and conventions which to me
was a fun and creative way to escape the slamming phones and dead ends of cold
calling.
The man on the Christian radio spoke with such grace and eloquence
that I hung on his every word. The story he told was about our judgment day and
what God wants and expects from all of us. God is not going to stand in judgment
of our good or bad life here on earth, he said. “We all make our choices to be
in heaven or hell right here on earth. Nope, God is going to have us stand
before him asking a very simple question. Did you use your talents I gave you
or did you waste them?” Whoa! Use my talents? Waste my talents? I never had a
choice really…I was a single mother for so many years; I got use to towing the line
for other companies that would pay me a steady wage. That was the very moment that Domestic Touch was
born! I recall going home to Kip and telling him the story and what I had planned.
I called my son and told him as well. I was so excited, for days I think I told
everyone and continue still!
Kip is the one that put the whole thing in prospective for
me, creating my website with the help of his daughter, Breanna and financial
plan. It was Kip that suggested the idea to hire the best workers possible and
simply manage the company using my talents! I have been eating and living a
natural and fairly organic lifestyle for many years now. So, naturally I have
created my own natural products for cleaning and disinfecting my own home. I
have worked hard for many start ups and am no stranger to the many details that
come with marketing, advertising, hiring, managing and branding one.
My ‘revelation’ has now turned into a reality. Domestic
Touch uses all natural ingredients for cleaning and disinfecting homes. I have
a crew of contractors that have been meticulously chosen, screened for criminal
backgrounds and trained to clean using the natural way. We are licensed,
registered, bonded, insured and reliable. Many of the people that will clean
your home with Domestic Touch are professionals who are tired of using
chemicals. They all have their stories about chemical burns on their hands and
even in their nostrils! Frightening and unnecessary health hazards are easily
avoided when you put thought to living and cleaning naturally.
Go green with us! Call Domestic touch at 804 303 9570 for a
free estimate. Whether you want a deep cleaning every few months or a weekly,
bi-weekly or monthly surface cleaning; we do it…Naturally!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
There are some things we just won’t try like, crossing the street without looking both ways or walking alone down a dark alley at three a.m.?
Why, because we have all become commercially brainwashed by the ‘cleaning’ products that claim there is no need to scrub or scour…really? One squeeze or spray gets rid of all the dirt, grease and bacteria…really?
As a Horticulture technology major, I understand all there is to know about the chemicals we live with on a daily basis. Oh, about those long stemmed roses we all swoon over? 1/4 of the chemicals used to fight pesticides on these beauties are listed as extremely and or "highly" toxic by the World Health Organization. So what happens when we use products that contain rose hips that are not organic? Or how about the ingredients in Lysol? The active ingredient in many of the Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride. This ingredient is highly toxic to fish, very highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, moderately toxic to birds, and slightly toxic ("safe") to mammals.
I am sure by now you are all shaking your heads because, “who would eat roses or drink Lysol? That’s right but, where do you think the water from your floor washing bucket ends up? The roses? How many children, dogs and cats in your household are walking on those floors, touching those faucets, walls and appliances before putting their feet or hands in their mouths?
As a Horticulture technology major, I understand all there is to know about the chemicals we live with on a daily basis. Oh, about those long stemmed roses we all swoon over? 1/4 of the chemicals used to fight pesticides on these beauties are listed as extremely and or "highly" toxic by the World Health Organization. So what happens when we use products that contain rose hips that are not organic? Or how about the ingredients in Lysol? The active ingredient in many of the Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride. This ingredient is highly toxic to fish, very highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates, moderately toxic to birds, and slightly toxic ("safe") to mammals.
I am sure by now you are all shaking your heads because, “who would eat roses or drink Lysol? That’s right but, where do you think the water from your floor washing bucket ends up? The roses? How many children, dogs and cats in your household are walking on those floors, touching those faucets, walls and appliances before putting their feet or hands in their mouths?
God has given us all talents and He wants us to use those talents he gave us.
I will tell you one thing, I AM using my talents! I am also sharing them with you!
Domestic Touch uses all natural biodegradable products
to clean and disinfect your entire home.
No mops and pails are needed
We use a steam cleaner that is safe
for all types of flooring, wood
tile, laminate, linoleum, cork, bamboo
Call us at 804 303 9570, visit our website at www.domestictouch.comfor more information or email us at kim@domestictouch.comto schedule your first home cleaning estimate. All NAPW members will get a 15% discount on the first cleaning. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Respectfully,
Kim Koda, President
Domestic Touch
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