Tips to Avoid Losing Your Keys

Losing your keys can be a huge hassle, not to mention a drain on your valuable time. The frustration of having to replace lost or stolen keys can easily be avoided with just a few simple steps and precautions.

Find a home for your keys

One of the reasons stuff tends to get lost is that it doesn’t have a dedicated home. To prevent losing your keys or your purse, designate a special spot where you’ll put them each day when you arrive home. It could be a bowl on the counter or a hook by the door. By getting into this habit, you’ll know exactly where to look for the item when you need it. Other members of your household will also get into the habit of utilizing this dedicated space and should they happen upon the object outside of its normal place in your home, they’ll return it. Organization zones are a super-simple but extremely effective way to keep track of everyday objects. Source: RD

Leave spare keys with someone you trust 

If you tend to lose track of your keys on a consistent basis, you may want to leave an extra set of keys with a friend or neighbor as a precaution. Only leave the extra set with someone you trust and someone you can get in touch with easily if you do lose your set of keys.

• Some people put a spare set of keys in a hidden area outside of their home, such as under a potted plant or above the door landing. Try to store the spare set in a spot that is hard to access to ensure they are difficult to find, as you do not want a stranger to be able to open your door. Source: WikiHow

Make it easier for you to find your keys

If you carry just a few keys instead of a big set, they can be more difficult to find, especially when they settle into the crevices of the couch or your office chair. Make it easier on yourself by supersizing your keys with a colorful and fuzzy pom-pom or a decorative key chain. Not only will your keys be more visible, but they’ll also add a dash of pizzazz to your morning routine. Source: BobVila

Hopefully, by following these tips you can avoid the headache and wasted time associated with losing your keys. And if you find yourself in a bind, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to help out!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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How To Deal with Yellowing Grout?

Are you tired of dingy, yellowing grout in your kitchen or bathroom? If so, you’re not alone. Dirt and grease can build up on grout lines over time and cause them to discolor. Thankfully, there are easy and quick ways to clean and restore the original color of your grout!

Use appropriate cleaning supplies

Unfortunately, many things can cause your lovely white grout to become discolored. More often than not, it’s your use of harsh, abrasive cleansers that turn your white grout yellow. 

Try to avoid ingredients like bleach to prevent yellowing. Research the cleaners you’re using and be sure you’re using ones that are safe for your specific material and grout. You can also try a diluted vinegar and water solution for a gentle clean. 

Another thing to keep in mind: Be sure you’re using clean supplies. Rinse out your sponges, swap out your mop water often, and use a fresh rag every once in a while to prevent dirt buildup.

Note: If the discoloration is brown or black rather than yellow or pink, that could signify that you have a mold or mildew problem, which can be hazardous to your health. In that case, you’ll need to get a bit more aggressive, focusing on killing the organisms first before worrying about the color of your grout. Source: Angi

Mix vinegar and warm water

If you know your grout has been sealed but it has accumulated heavy dirt or mild stains, turn to vinegar, that trusty old household staple. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half solution of vinegar and warm water. Spray the mixture on the grout, let it stand for 5 minutes, then scrub the surface with a stiff brush. Avoid using vinegar on unsealed grout.

Make a baking soda paste

Cleaning grout with baking soda will bring even more power to the party. Here’s what to do: Cover grout lines with a paste of baking soda and water, then spray on the vinegar solution listed above (remember, only apply vinegar if the grout has been sealed). Once the mixture stops foaming, scrub with a brush, rinse with plain water, and wipe dry. If the grout is unsealed or needs resealing, apply just the baking soda solution and scrub carefully. Source: BobVila

Consider grout renewal

And when the above doesn’t work to remove the stains, there’s one more thing you can do short of replacing the entire grout: grout renewal. There are retail products to consider that add a layer of color and protection against future staining and can extend the life of your grout for quite a few years. Source: TheSpruce

If you’re tired of looking at discolored grout lines, we can help! We know the quickest and easiest ways to clean your grout and make it look like new. Contact us today for more information.

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Carpet Allergies: All You Need To Know

Do you find yourself sneezing, coughing, and feeling generally unwell more often when indoors than out? If the answer is yes, then you may want to take a closer look at the carpets in your home! Carpets have long been known for trapping dust, dander, and other allergens. While regular cleaning can do wonders for reducing these irritants, it’s not always enough—especially if you have an older carpet that is well past its prime. In this blog post, we will examine why dirty carpets might be causing your symptoms and explore ways to keep them clean and allergen-free so that everyone in your family can breathe easy.

Watch out for these symptoms

The most common signs of a believed allergic reaction to carpet are headache, skin rash and upper respiratory discomfort. Individuals also have reported problems such as cough, fatigue and breathing problems. There has been no evidence that specifically supports an allergy to carpet, but some people believe that it is possible. With new carpet, this is thought to be the result of breathing 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PC), a chemical that is often used in the production of floor coverings. A reaction to an older carpet usually develops because of things such as mold, mites or dust trapped in its fibers, not because of the carpet itself.

An allergic reaction to carpet that has recently been installed typically does not last long. The low emission 4-PC chemical fumes usually dissipate within a few days. Some people are sensitive to the smell of the fumes, but others might not notice it at all. The severity of the reaction can vary depending on the materials used as well. Often, the padding and other accessories for installation will also emit fumes. Source: TheHealthBoard

Reduce chemical fumes

• Time your installation: If you’re building a home or renovating a room, consider waiting to install your carpet until other room finishes are complete. VOCs from paint and other building products can accumulate in your carpet and later become airborne.
• Air it out: Once you’ve installed your carpet, allow the room to air out for at least 72 hours. Open the windows or run an air filter in the room. Source: VeryWellHealth

Follow these tips

• Vacuum at least once a week, with a vacuum that has a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filters remove and trap allergens, so they don’t get recirculated back into the air. Make sure to get a vacuum that is HEPA-certified and not HEPA-like.
• If you have a pet, make sure your vacuum is also designed to pick up pet hair.
• Reduce the humidity in your home so dust mites and mold cannot proliferate.
• Steam clean your carpets several times a year, preferably monthly. Make sure there is enough circulating air to let them dry completely. Source: Healthline

Deep cleaning is recommended for best results. If you don’t have the time or the tools to do it yourself, give us a call! You can count on us to handle it.

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Types of Security Lighting

It’s time to add a little extra security to your home this winter! Whether you’re seeking added peace of mind or just looking for ways to keep the outside well-lit during snowy nights, security lighting is an excellent way of doing both. Here are some options to choose from:

Motion-sensing

Motion-activated lights turn on when they sense activity in the area and often catch those with bad intentions off guard. When a bright light turns on unexpectedly, someone might second-guess approaching your home. Motion-sensor lights also alert you that someone is on your property and allow you to spot them easily.

You can adjust motion-sensor lights to ignore the movement of small animals, such as dogs, cats, or squirrels. If you opt for motion-sensor lights, find a set that covers the radius you need. You can hard-wire motion-detector lights or install battery-operated ones. Source: Angi

Floodlights
Floodlights are useful for outdoor security because of their broad beam and high-intensity illumination. These lights are meant to literally “flood” an area with light. They’re an excellent choice for large yards and fields. They also provide superbright illumination in areas like garages or sheds where you may need some extra light after the sun sets.

Spotlights
Almost the opposite of floodlights, spotlights project a narrow, focused beam of light directly onto one area. Most of the spotlights on our list have multiple heads so that you can shine a narrow beam in various directions at once. Spotlights are a good choice to help light up a door or pathway for safe passage (and entry) after the sun sets. Source: Safewise

HID

HID stands for high-intensity discharge which is exactly what it does. An HID emits a strong light incomparable to that of other exterior lighting types. HID security lights can cover a larger area and are ideal for parking lots, sport stadiums, and other large residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Source: DoItYourself

Looking for advice on which type of security light is right for you based on your budget and needs? Give us a call! We’ll be glad to assist you.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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How To Deal with Moist Carpet

It’s difficult to deal with a moist carpet that never seems to dry! Unfortunately, this issue tends to arise from time to time and causes homeowners many headaches. But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! In today’s post, we’ll discuss some practical solutions for dealing with moist carpets.

How to detect moisture in the carpet

A moist carpet isn’t always easy to spot like it is the case with identifying a burst pipe. The carpet might seem dry on the surface, meaning you will never know if the moisture has been soaking the inner fibers for long.

You are likely to experience these signs if you don’t check the corners of your home that might cause flooding. One of the common signs of a moist carpet is smelling a foul odor from the affected area. After noticing this, you should act right away. The foul smell can leave your home stinking if the affected area is not treated.

What are the effects of ignoring carpet moisture for too long?

Cleaning and vacuuming your carpet regularly might not fix the problem. If this is the case, it shows that the moisture has seeped through the carpet’s inner fibers and affected its stability. As time goes by, you might notice some discoloration in some parts of your carpet.

Letting wet carpets go for a long time without attending to them can cause significant damage not only to the carpet but also to the subfloor and padding. Mildew and mold can grow, resulting in a wide range of problems.

Mold spores can be very toxic to both animals and humans. This means they could cause infections that affect your health. They also affect the air conditioner in your home, triggering allergic reactions. Source: DoItYourself

How to dry the carpet?

Rodriguez-Zaba says water damage professionals use pro-grade water extraction machines that thoroughly remove water from carpet. But if there isn’t too much water, she recommends renting a large wet-dry vacuum from a local hardware or home improvement store. If you go this DIY route:

1. Read the vacuum instruction manual to ensure you have the right filters and accessories in place for vacuuming up liquids.
2. Once you’ve extracted as much water as possible, lift the carpet and remove the wet padding beneath. “You will need to tear out the wet pad as it will not dry once soaked,” she says.
3. Replace the soaked pad.
4. Run a dehumidifier in the room. If possible, open windows to speed up the drying process. Running fans creates air currents, which also aids drying. Be patient as this process can take several days, Rodriguez-Zaba cautions. Source: FamilyHandyman

When to call a professional

If you’ve followed this step-by-step process and are still dealing with carpet smells or wet spots on the carpeting, you should call a professional carpet cleaning company right away. They will examine your flooring to determine whether or not you could salvage the carpeting with a hot water steam cleaning or if you need to just replace it entirely. Source: Hunker

We hope you found today’s post helpful! If you’re still struggling with a moist carpet, give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you out. In the meantime, make sure to check our website for more tips and advice!

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Mortise Locks: Everything You Need To Know

Mortise locks are versatile locking systems that provide high levels of security and strength without sacrificing style. Learn more about this handy piece of hardware below and see if it may be just what you need.

What is a mortise lock?
Mortise locks are powerful locks and are widely used for commercial doors, entry glass doors, and apartment doors. A mortise lock generally consists of intricate hardware mounted in the door and is held in place by a set screw and utilizes a cam to actuate the locking hardware. Source: TheConstructor

How does it work?

A mortise lock fits into a door itself, as opposed to the door knob and lock or cylindrical lock, which is installed through a hole drilled into the door. A mortise lock requires a section of the door to be skillfully gouged out with a router. Then the lock knob and hardware is installed into this section.

The second part of the design is the bolt chamber, which is also fitted into the structure, but this is installed inside the door frame. The lock uses a strike plate, face plate and lock assembly (door knob, dead bolt and handle) just like other door handles. Source: HomeSteady

Advantages of using mortise lock

Difficult to open

Since mortise locks are fitted inside the door itself, intruders will have a very difficult time forcing it open. The mortise lock system is cut into the door’s edge and only the faceplate is seen when the door is ajar. This type of lock also comprises different notches and levers that makes it very difficult to pick. Choose a mortise lock that has at least five to six lock levers or a cylinder lock which is virtually impossible to open or pick without the key.

Available in various sizes

Availability of mortise locks means a variety of locks to use for different needs. It is important when replacing an old mortise lock to get the same dimensions to avoid making new holes for the lock body.

Dual locking system

Mortise locks may be locked on both the inside and the outside making it good if locking doors from the outside is one necessity you need for your doors. Source: DoItYourself

If you have any questions about mortise locks or would like help choosing the right one for your property, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We would be happy to assist you!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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