The Role of Upholstery Cleaning and Air Duct Cleaning in Home Health

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You know the importance of cleaning your home. A clean home is a healthy home, which means a home that will protect your family. Cleaning your home, however, is not just about taking a vacuum to the carpet once a week or washing the hard surfaces with a multipurpose cleaner. If you really want to keep your home clean and promote the ongoing health of your family, it is crucial that you look beyond these surfaces and consider the areas of your home that may be out of sight, but still make a major impact on the health and cleanliness of your family’s space.

When thinking about the areas of the home that are the most dangerous in terms of holding unseen contaminants, you may immediately think about the kitchen or the bathroom. What may surprise you is that the source of the most pollution and potentially health-threatening contaminants is actually the air ducts and upholstery. These two components of your home are used nearly constantly, but are often overlooked in terms of thorough cleaning. Both can hold on to bacteria, mold and fungi as well as pet hair and dander. These factors can cause serious allergic reactions as well as irritate the respiratory systems of those prone to colds and other breathing difficulties. With an occasional thorough upholstery and air duct cleaning residents are able to enjoy greater health and vitality in and out of their homes.

It is important to first realize that you don’t need to invest in upholstery and duct cleaning frequently. Unlike other elements of home cleaning, well-maintained upholstery only needs to be cleaned approximately once every six months. This, of course, is if there is no serious damage or soiling during those months, such as smoke damage or staining.

Ducts need to be cleaned even less often than upholstery. Once your duct system has been thoroughly cleaned and protective measures have been taken to prevent the ducts from getting as dirty as they had been, the system should remain clean and high-functioning for many years. This, of course, relies entirely on the contaminants that may be present in your home and that will impact the air duct system. Some homes may need deep cleanings more often. For the most part, however, the only attention that air ducts will need to get in between major air duct cleaning services is the application of special sanitizing solution to help control the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi, and periodic checks to make sure the entire system is in good functioning condition.

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Source by Julia Spence-McCoy

DIY Tips to Clean Electric Fuel Pump Filter

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Fuel pump filter is a small, yet one of the critical components of your car. The purpose of having a fuel pump filter in a vehicle is to stop impurities from reaching the car’s engine. If the fuel pump filter is dirty and clogged, the engine will have starting problems and the engine stops intermittently while running. So, it is important to keep it clean.

Now that you know what is fuel pump filter and importance of keeping it clean, you are all set to get started on cleaning it. But wait, do you know the process and order by which the filter has to be cleaned? If the answer is no, then the following section of the article gives you the step-by-step procedure on how to clean electric fuel pump filter by yourself.

DIY tips to clean

Locate fuel pump in the fuel tank

First, you need to figure out where exactly is the fuel pump filter is located in your vehicle. Usually electric filters are either located inside or close to the tank or at the back of the car – it depends on the manufacturer and model of the car.

Disconnect battery first

This is very important, first you need to disconnect the battery before you start the cleaning procedure because as it is an electric pump, any small spark can ignite the fuel.

Block the fuel pipes to avoid fuel gushing

As you have disconnected the battery, you need to stop fuel from gushing out of the disconnected fuel pipes. For blocking the fuel pipes you can either insert an old pencil, thin cocks or rubber bungs or something that is handy and can fit your fuel pipes.

Remove and clean all filters with petrol

Make sure all filters are cleaned by washing them with fresh petrol. Always use fresh petrol when cleaning the filters. Properly clean the filters; make sure there is no dirt or other contaminants.

Clean inside of the filter with clean rag

Now that you have washed the filters with petrol, don’t leave the filters drenched in petrol. Get a clean lint-free rag and wipe off the inside of the pump.

Check sealing gaskets

When cleaning the filters, check for the sealing gaskets and make sure they are in a good condition. If they are not in a good condition, replace them. Damaged gaskets would result in fuel leakage during its functioning.

Fix it back

Once you are done with the cleaning of filters, fix them back to their original position with the screws provided. Make sure you don’t over tighten the screws of the cover.

You can plan the cleaning of the filters according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule provided in the owner’s manual.

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Source by Stephens H Robertson

Air Duct Cleaning and Four Other Ways to Improve Air Quality in Your Home

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Poor indoor air quality is a serious problem that plagues businesses, office buildings, and homes. Depending on what elements are present, it can significantly impact the health of those present. Fatigue, headaches, irritated eyes, and trouble concentrating are all common problems associated with poor air quality.

The good news is that this is a relatively easy problem to solve. Air duct cleaning, provided by certified professionals, and other small steps you can take yourself, can significantly improve conditions. Try these five things in your home and you’ll breathe easier knowing you’ve done something good for your family.

1) Schedule an air duct cleaning service.

A building’s ventilation system is one of the culprits when it comes to harboring mold. Your home’s HVAC system coils through your entire house, recirculating air from room to room multiple times a day. You can see the potential for spreading mold particles. Visible mold can build up in vents and ducts, and when you hire a professional air duct cleaning service, the entire system will be thoroughly cleaned. Some individuals can even feel the effects of a cleaning service immediately upon its completion.

2) Keep floors clean.

One of the biggest entrants for germs into a home is through our feet. Keep mats at every entrance and encourage family members and guests to wipe their feet or take off their shoes upon arrival. Vacuum and mop floors regularly to keep germs from spreading and to keep bacteria from multiplying. Vacuums that feature a HEPA filter are a good way of ensuring that nearly all particles are trapped by the filter instead of shooting back out of the vacuum and into your home.

3) Prohibit smoking in or near your home.

Second-hand smoke hurts everyone. It can find its way into the home through open windows and doors, so make sure any visitors who smoke do so far from your home when visiting.

4) Control moisture levels.

Mold and mildew love moisture. If you see either growing in your home, consider contracting a professional to check humidity levels. By using a dehumidifier you can bring levels down to the recommended level and keep mold and mildew at bay. Make sure dryer vents send all moisture out of the home and always use an exhaust fan in the kitchen when steam is present.

5) Avoid artificial fragrances.

Many common household cleaning supplies contain sky-high amounts of chemicals. Avoid heavily fragranced options whenever possible and be sure to keep your house well ventilated when using any type of chemical. Experts suggest keeping potted plants in the house to absorb harmful chemical pollutants that may be present.

Every homeowner has the ability to improve air quality at their home. While some steps require the services of a professional, such as having air duct cleaning done, others can be implemented simply by being mindful of cleaning habits and purchases.

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Source by Antoinette Ayana

Top 10 DSLR Cameras

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Are you looking for a new digital SLR camera? Perhaps you are confused on which one to get because there are so many to choose from and they all have different features. The question is which one is the best? The answer depends on what you are looking for and perhaps you prefer one brand over another, but the following is a list of the top 10 digital SLRs under $500.

1. Canon Digital Rebel XSi has 12.2 megapixels which will ensure that you can print a poster-size picture and it will have great quality. It has a 3 inch LCD monitor, DIGIC III image processor; EOS integrated cleaning system, comes with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards.

2. Nikon D90 DX has 12.3 megapixels, with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, 3 inch super-density 920,000 dot color LCD, and Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to 11-area autofocus performance.

3. Nikon D60 has 10.2 megapixels with AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G vibration reduction lens, 2.5 inch LCD screen, and Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow control to prevent your camera’s performance from being affected by dust.

4. Canon EOS 50D with 15.1 megapixels, 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens, Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode, and new DIGIC 4 image processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction.

5. Nikon D80 has 10.2 megapixels, with 18-35mm AF-S DX zoom-Nikkor lens, and will produce quality poster-size photos with great color and clarity.

6. Canon EOS 40D has 10.0 megapixels, EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM standard zoom lens, 3 inch LCD monitor, and 6.5 frame-per-second continuous shooting.

7. Nikon D300 DX has 12.3 megapixels, 3 inch Live View LCD screen, 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED-IF Nikkor zoom lens, self-cleaning sensor unit, a new 51-point auto focus system, and in burst mode shoots 100 shots at full 12.3 megapixel resolution.

8. Olympus Evolt E-510 has 10 megapixels, 2.5 inch Live View HyperCrystal LCD display, Mechanical Image Stabilization with Supersonic Wave Drive technology, lightweight design, includes 14-42 f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko lenses, and stores images on CF, Micro Drive, or xD picture cards.

9. Nikon D700 has 12.1 megapixels, wide sensitivity range, high-speed performance, EXPEED image processing, scene recognition system, and has the Nikon Control System which allows you to create the exact picture you have envisioned by making specific selections and adjustments to image sharpening, tone, and brightness.

10. Canon Rebel XS has 10.1 megapixels, with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, DIGIC III image processor, 7-point wide-area autofocus, and 3 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate.

Of course these are just a few of the great digital SLRs you can find, but this list contains many of the top brands. A few of the top brands for digital cameras include Kodak, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony. No matter what you are looking for in a camera you can find it and many brands with the current technology are very good.

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Source by Scott Miscall

Should You Buy the Dyson DC17 Vacuum Cleaner?

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The Dyson DC17 Animal vacuum cleaner has many positive consumer comments and ratings. It is one of the most highly consumer-rated Dyson vacuums on the market today. It is a bit heavy and considered somewhat ugly by some but it excels in most other areas.

The DC17 uses Dyson’s Level 3 Root Cyclone technology to remove dirt from the air stream. This approach adds an extra cyclonic stage between the outer and inner cyclones and is able to remove particles as small as 0.5 microns in diameter from the air. Most vacuum cleaner reviews verify this system as being a powerful advancement in vacuum cleaner technology. The Dyson DC17 has a 12 amp motor, a 0.63 gallon canister capacity, 220 air watts of suction, and includes a HEPA filtration system which prevents small particulate matter from being circulated back into the room. With a 35 foot cord and a 17 foot extendable hose, there are few places in the average household this vacuum cleaner cannot access.

The DC17 easily tucks away in a closet and like most uprights it does not take up much closet space. Unlike several other Dyson uprights this vacuum does not use the ball approach to locomotion and it is a fixed wheel machine. The cleaning head also has a low profile making cleaning under furniture less of a chore. The DC17 features a wand and hose system for cleaning shelves and stairs, plus a special attachment for vacuuming up pet hair.

Not Great Looking

When looking through customer reviews for this model, from Home Depot, Target, Viewpoints, and others, negative comments primarily address the vacuum’s “ugliness” and several reviewers comment on the “ghastly” color of the Dyson DC17. However most consumers appear to be very pleased with the performance of their “beast”, “purple monster”, “juggernaut”, or whatever they choose to call it.

On the Heavy Side

If you are in the market for a super light vacuum the Dyson DC17 may not be a suitable choice if 21 pounds seems a bit much to carry up and down the stairs. A number of consumers consider this on the heavy side while some feel the weight is not much of an issue. Vacuum reviews in general cite few other features of this model that appear to warrant complaints.

Price Range

The price of the Dyson DC17 Animal falls in the range of about $400 to $550, with the best deals often found in the big box discount stores. If one is on the lookout for a sale or a retailer’s coupon, the DC17 can often become even more affordable. Dyson products are generally considered to be rather pricey but given the suction power and ease of use of the DC17, the price does not seem to be out of line.

If the Dyson DC17 Animal vacuum is within your price range and you don’t think its look and color will scare the children, this may be one of the better choices for an upright vacuum.

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Source by Emily Choulasco

Pros & Cons of UV Hoods

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Taking steps to be more environmentally friendly has become important to more Americans in recent years, and the green movement has reached nearly every industry.

But when it comes to commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, more environmentally friendly options aren’t ideal for every commercial kitchen, and in some cases they aren’t yet cost effective.

When manufacturers of ultraviolet hood systems touted environmental friendliness, cost effectiveness and reduced cleaning costs, he decided to research the issue further.

UV hood systems have been used in Europe since 1998 and in the U.S. since 2000.

UV Systems- How They Work

Oils and greases used in restaurant cooking processes collect over time in traditional kitchen exhaust fans, hoods and ducts. When these parts of the hood system aren’t cleaned on a regular basis, these cooking materials pose a fire hazard.

UV hood system manufacturers claim that their systems provide a cost-effective, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cleaning methods because they are equipped with a series of removable grease-particulate extractors, Carter stated in his article.

Other benefits of the UV hood systems:

o No special installation costs or requirements.

o Equipped with self-monitoring capability for fan operation and lamps.

o Does not require wash down.

o Uses less than 300 watts of light for every seven feet of hood.

o Identical maintenance requirements to standard baffle filter hoods, and the filters can be cleaned in a dishwasher when needed.

o Grease is prevented from collecting in ductwork, which helps keep the duct system and exhaust fan clean.

Myths Busted

But for some of these claims, the field realities are different. Commercial hood comapnies believe that routine maintenance costs are more expensive.

UV hood systems require less maintenance than traditional hood systems, according to manufacturers. Where traditional hood systems may need cleaning four times each year, UV systems can be cleaned twice a year. However, the cleaning and maintenance they require is more involved and technical than that of its traditional counterparts. UV systems require servicing by technicians who have been specially trained by the UV hood manufacturers. These technicians must possess specific knowledge on how to arm and disarm the system and how to dismantle and clean the extractors filtering system.

They also disagrees with manufacturer claims that maintenance of these systems is more economical.

They have spoken with manufacturer reps and to the best of their knowledge, the maintenance costs of these systems can be as much as four times the cost of maintaining traditional hood systems.

And although the manufacturers recommend UV hood systems for widespread applications, they aren’t for everyone.

Hood cleaning companies don’t think they would be recommending the right thing to their customer if they said that they were a viable option for everyone because of the costs involved after installation. In my opinion, the product is good, but people should do their homework prior to purchasing the system.

-end-

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Source by Massoud Farazandeh

Why Can’t Someone Build a Tunnel Boat Washing System Drive-Thru?

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Over the years, before retirement I was involved in the vehicle cleaning business – as the business grew bigger and bigger, we found other things to wash. By the time I retired, our franchisees which had operated in 23 states washing trucks, locomotives, concrete, aircraft, buses, police cars, postal vehicles, new car lots, houses, windows, and even boats on the water at the marina. It’s actually hard to clean the boats on the water at the marina we did it from a pontoon boat platform. Now then I’d like to talk about this for second if I might.

You see, when you are on a boat and you are trying to clean another boat, you are brushing the sides, but each time you do a brushstroke and put any pressure on the hull of the other boat, you are pushing yourself away from the boat you’re trying to clean. That makes it extremely difficult. Now you can brush up and down, but then you end up rushing into the water, and bringing up lots of algae on the brush. To say the least it’s very difficult, but I don’t believe it has to be, and let me tell you why.

Also by the time I retired, we had put in detail shops, truck washes, and even fixed site car washes, yes the business grew quite large. Interestingly enough, it seems to me that it would be possible to build a boat washing machine which was more like a car wash. And here’s how it would work. The boat hull would come into a semi enclosure, although it would allow for sailboat masts, to poke through the center of the building. Then the walls or sides of the boat wash would slowly move inwards towards the hull of the boat to adjust to its exact size.

As the boat moved through, it would be cleaned by brushes underneath, and on the sides, while the top of the boat would get a fresh water rinse, after the workers battened down the hatches of course. It seems that such a system could exist, it would be quite easy to wash boats, and they would line up to get washed, just as they do with the car wash. It’s not that this system would be that difficult to build; the question is would the industry accept it, and would the engineering to build such a device, and install it be worth the time, energy, and the capital costs.

Now then, I’ve been to marinas in every single state in the continental US which borders the ocean, and a good many marinas at the largest lakes in the United States as well. Indeed, I think this can work. Please consider all this.

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Source by Lance Winslow

Regularly Scan the Registry With the Registry Cleaner to Have Error Free Registry

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There are different factors that make the registry clog up and it becomes increasingly difficult for the operating system to access the key values and retrieve them to run the system.

In such a situation we experience different problems with the PC like,

  • Unusually slower start up.
  • Longer response time.
  • Slower performance.
  • Automatic restarts.
  • System 32 errors.
  • Windows explorer errors

With these problems frequently happening, it becomes impossible to work with the PC and the only effective solution to get rid of these problems is to fix the errors with a registry cleaning software.

How the registry cleaner optimizes PC performance?

The software scans the system to detect the errors in the registry keys. It removes the outdated entries that are no more being used by the system, fragmented keys that are left after installation or uninstallations of software, embedded keys that are created by the malware programs. By removing these unwanted entries from the system database the software trims the size of the system log and makes it easier for the operating system to access the values in the system database that surely improves the performance of the computer.

How to get a window registry cleaner?

There are many websites from where you can download a pc cleaning tool. The only thing that you have to ensure is that it is compatible with the version of Windows that you are using. It is important because each version of Windows uses different methods for maintaining the system database. Therefore, you have to download the software that is compatible with the version of the Windows you are having. For example, when you are having Windows XP, then you have to get a software that is made to work with Windows XP and only then you will get the full utility of the software.

Why do we need to take a registry cleaner trial?

To make sure that the software you have downloaded is working fine and you can manage the software effectively, it is better to take a cleaner trial. Most of the software that you need to buy from the vendor come with a trial period when you can test the software by using it. Only if you are satisfied with the performance of the software, you will buy that product otherwise you will try different software to clean the registry.

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Source by Arvind Singh

The Importance of Cleaning & Sanitation of Air Handling for Food Hygiene Compliance

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Food manufacturers, processors and packers are required to comply with an assortment of food safety standards and regulations. From microbiological hygiene to cross contamination and allergen control. Not only do these standards and regulations address the end food product themselves, but also the processes and facilities that are a part of the operation. Although they can sometimes appear as a hindrance, standards and regulations are essential for ensuring that food manufacturing and production operates within in a clean, safe and hygienic environment.

The whole food industry is centred around perishable products that can at some stage be effected negatively by bacteria. In the manufacturing and processing of food products there are plenty of opportunities for various airborne particles to be emitted to the indoor environment through the air handling system and duct work.

Sources of airborne contamination include:

  • Raw materials
  • Cooking and processing of food products
  • Allergens
  • Dust
  • Packaging
  • People
  • Poorly designed, cleaned or maintained air handling systems
  • Machinery, computers and equipment.

Airborne contamination control and removal of airborne bacteria should be considered in an overall plan to improve indoor air quality. The indoor air quality in a food manufacturing or food processing facility must meet certain requirements that are outlined in food hygiene audits and inspections.

Airborne Contamination Removal Methods

It is essential that a manufacturing facility provides adequate ventilation or control equipment to reduce odours and vapours in areas where they may contaminate the production process. This includes steam and VOC’s.

It is recommended that the positioning of air vents, fans and extraction units is effective for air hygiene management and the locations are determined to ensure that the potential for airborne contamination is minimised. Care also needs to be taken to ensure that the air is moving from high to low care areas or from low to higher dust loading areas.

Properly designed air handling systems control airborne particulates and odours, therefore minimising the risks to products from airborne contamination by infectious pathogens. Pathogens such as Salmonella and Listeria, toxigenic pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and finally spoilage microorganisms such as yeast, moulds, Pseudomonas and lactic acid bacteria.

More Than Just Hygiene

Not only do air handling systems help to reduce the cross contamination caused by these airborne impurities, but they also important to ensure efficient air filtration and distribution. Effective air filtration and distribution helps to remove the heat imposed by the processes and people within a food factory. They also provide sufficient fresh air, prevent the ingress of airborne contamination and avoid regions of stagnant air.

Manufacturers can sometimes overlook the temperature within their production environments. Food manufacturing facilities that operate at temperatures below 13OC could be damaging their production. Evidence shows that it is prejudicial to food safety to ensure that the air distribution maintains a steady temperature above 13OC, unless there are specific outlined requirements. A clean and efficiently operating air handling system can ensure effective air mapping and have the ability to control temperatures across an entire facility.

A Breeding Ground for Bacteria

However, no matter how well a ventilation system works, grease and other extracted products will build up in the ducting and air handling units of an extraction system. As a result, dust and bacteria will accumulate in the air ducts and air handling systems. These contaminants are pulled into the HVAC system and re-circulated up to 10 times per day, on average. Over time, this re-circulation causes a build-up of contaminants in the duct work, these then become a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.

The build-up of dust, dirt and grease in air ducts can result in significant health & safety issues due to potential fire hazards and poor performance.

Reduced effectiveness of an extraction system, can impact on equipment service life. Furthermore, it has the potential for more serious problems later down the line.

The Importance of Cleaning

Air system hygiene is controlled by regular cleaning (and disinfection) to prevent the build-up of dust, product or condensate that may provide a focus for microbial growth. Without regular cleaning, air will pass through the polluted duct carrying bacteria onto or around the food process areas. Comprehensive duct work cleaning and cleanliness surveys also highlight the conditions of the ducting and help to manage any necessary repairs that could go unnoticed.

It’s Not My Job!

It is the duty of the building owner or facilities manager to ensure the maintenance and cleanliness of the duct work and air handling systems. They also need to be able to provide suitable maintenance and sanitation records to support audit compliance.

A Wealth of Benefits

As well as minimising airborne contamination and reducing health and safety risks, cleaning can yield significant long-term energy savings. When an HVAC system is not maintained and clean, it has to work harder. Research shows that dirty coils and blowers in commercial buildings can cut efficiency by as much as 40%. Consequently, when a system is running efficiently, less energy is used and that saves you money.

With lower potential for contamination, improved efficiency, and fewer health and safety risks, it is safe to say that there are a wealth of benefits that unfold from ensuring the cleanliness of your duct work and air handling systems.

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Source by Rebecca Savage

Lint Brush Review – Lint Wizard Pro

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The Lint Wizard Pro roller style lint remover has been around since 2007 and has been one of the best received lint brushes on the market due to its excellent cleaning abilities and low cost.

This unique lint roller consists of a state of the art fabric surface that seems to catch all lint and hair particles it comes into contact with, plus it has a rotating handle function, that when twisted opens up a hidden compartment that has been collecting all the lint or hair that has been picking up. To empty the device you simply rotate the handle until the collection compartment is open, then turn the unit upside down and all the collected material empties out.

The Pros

The Lint Wizard Pro did a fantastic job at picking up all the lint, dust and pet hair when I tested it and its self-cleaning system was so easy to use compared to other lint brushes I have tested. The fact this roller style brush uses special fabric to catch all particles makes it a real cost saver when compared to standard roller lint brushes that have adhesive tapes that constantly need refilling. A comparison would be I used 15 adhesive sheets on a standard lint roller to clean my sofa, compared to the Lint Wizard that did just as good a job and quicker, but with no extra cost. The cost is also a real plus with this device at around $15-$20.

The Cons

The only real downside to the Lint Wizard Pro is that its construction is somewhat on the fragile side, so you have to use it fairly gentle. I have heard a number of reports that bits have popped off the lint roller at different times which is not a good advert for the product.

Conclusion

For the quality of lint or pet hair removal you get with the Lint Wizard Pro, plus the price of the device its hard to beat. Using this lint roller on cat hair in particular it did an amazing job and I for one have been converted to this very handy and useful lint remover.

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Source by Kelly Nickless