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You are here: Home > Prime Natural Cleaning Products
> Help with Specific Cleaning Problems! |
Help with Specific Cleaning Problems!
General Cleaning Tips
Do you have an insect problem in your home? ORANGE MAGIC works as an insect killer and repellant. Simply apply ORANGE MAGIC to any areas you know to be infected with insects and watch your pest problem disappear!
Sanitize cutting boards and utensils with OXY-MÁXIMA Stain Remover & Deodorizer. Dissolve 1-2 ounces in a sink full of hot water and immerse cutting boards and utensils; allow to soak 20 minutes or longer, then wash with dishwashing liquid, rinse, and dry. Alternatively, make an oxygen bleach paste by adding hot water to 1 ounce of OXY-MÁXIMA and apply to equipment; allow to remain on surface(s) for 20 minutes, then rinse and wash as usual.
Pour unused or remaining OXY-MÁXIMA Oxygen Bleach solution down drains and garbage disposals to clean and deodorize them.
Soak yellowed and stained table linens, aprons and towels in OXY-MÁXIMA Oxygen Bleach solution to whiten them and remove organic stains.
Remove coffee, tea and organic food stains from mugs, cups, carafes, coffee and tea pots or other dishes by mixing a small amount of OXY-MÁXIMA with hot water and allowing dishes to soak for several minutes. Gentle scrubbing may be required for stubborn stains. Wash and dry as usual.
Remove food stains and odors from dishcloths, towels, aprons, napkins, tablecloths, and other linens by pre-soaking in an OXY-MÁXIMA solution. Note: pre-treat grease stains on fabrics with ORANGE MAGIC Degreaser first, then launder as usual.
Remove grease from sinks, counters, stove tops, grills, and other kitchen or household surfaces with ORANGE MAGIC Concentrated Multi-Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser. Dilute according to directions, apply and rinse or wipe. ORANGE MAGIC leaves kitchen smelling like fresh oranges.
Clean, Polish and protect wood furniture, paneling, cabinets, doors, tables, chairs, stools, bowls, knife handles, vinyl and more with our natural WOOD FURNITURE CLEANER & POLISH. Soy and orange oil base conditions wood while leaving natural citrus scent.
Remove calcium deposits from tea kettles and coffee makers, faucets and fixtures with MINERAL-O-MAGIC Hard Water Deposit and Surface Rust Remover. Without overpowering noxious odors and harmful chemicals, this product can safely be used in the smallest enclosed spaces to remove deposits in the kitchen or bath. In the absence of harsh chemicals, scrubbing and additional applications may be required.
Clean all mirrors and glass, including stained or leaded-glass and treated types with our natural GLASS & SURFACE CLEANER. Spray onto surface and wipe with clean dry lint-free cloth, paper towel, or crumpled newspaper. This product does not contain ammonia or alcohol, so is safe for coated or treated glass. It can be used on appliances and counters for light-duty cleaning.
Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Loose Soils
Loose soil can usually be removed with a vacuum cleaner or manual extraction. Loose soil, whether on the surface of the pile or concentrated on the backing can be relatively easy to remove by mechanical action and vacuuming.
Sticky Soils
Sticky soil is a different situation and sometimes a dilemma. Sticky substances cling to the pile and are often dried out and hardened on the pile and driven into the backing where they dry or solidify. Water soluble soils can be removed with carpet cleaning shampoo. Solvent pre-spotters are sometimes used to remove items like tar, gum, paint and cosmetics. The problem with solvent pre-spotters and micro-emulsions which contain solvents is that they may affect the carpet dyes and protective coatings. The carpet/upholstery manufacturer's cleaning procedures and recommendations should always be consulted and followed. Anytime a new carpet is installed, pieces or remnants should be saved for testing for possible chemical damage prior to cleaning. If remnants are not available, it is advisable to test an unknown product to insure dye stability in a corner, in a closet or under a desk where it will not be seen if color change occurs.
Stain Removal
Stain removal is another dilemma in carpet /upholstery cleaning. Stains from coffee, tea, wine, juices, and many foods and organic materials are removable with OXY-MÁXIMA . Stains from inks, pigments, tar, paint, shoe or furniture polish, crayons, lipstick and gum will require a solvent cleaner or dry cleaning fluid. Stains from urine or excrements can be effectively removed with OXY-MÁXIMA . Vomit is particularly difficult because of stomach acid which may cause damage to the carpet. Re-dying may be necessary.
Removal of Odors and Bacteria
Odor is another difficult problem. Bacteria and sometimes mold and mildew are generally the source of odor in carpets. Each of these are living organisms that thrive in moist environments. Once excess moisture is removed, the smell may decline or even vanish. This does not mean that the problem is eliminated. These organisms leave spores and sometimes encapsulated offspring behind ready to spring to life again whenever adequate moisture and nutrients are present. Pet odors are mostly from dander, territorial marking, urine and feces. Application of OXY-MÁXIMA will eliminate most problems. Anti-microbial products may be necessary to disinfect and kill all living bacteria. Success in removing urine odors from carpeting requires three things; remove urinary salts, kill the bacteria and eliminate the moisture. This is not as easy as it might seem. Because urinary salt crystals can penetrate deep into carpet fiber and backing, it is difficult to break down and remove all of the crystal build-up. If all the urinary salt crystals are not removed the bacteria will return and whenever moisture is present, the bacteria will thrive and the odor will return. Existing bacteria can be killed, but houses cannot be kept germ free and new bacteria will return.
USE IN CARPET CLEANERS AND SHAMPOOERS
OXY-MÁXIMA can be used as a booster with carpet shampoo to increase cleaning power and stain removal.
CARPET STAIN REMOVAL
May be used for stain removal or as a pre-treatment before general cleaning of carpets:
1. Dissolve 1/2 ounce of OXY-MÁXIMA in a quart of warm water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray solution onto stain until wet.
3. Leave standing for 20 to 30 minutes. Repeat spraying if any drying occurs.
4. Blot with cotton or paper toweling.
5. Dry and lightly brush cleaned area.
6. Unused solution can be poured down the drain. (In fact, solution will help to clean and deodorize your drain). Solution cannot be saved for more than 12 hours.
UPHOLSTERY STAIN REMOVAL
Dissolve 2 to 3 ounces of OXY-MÁXIMA per gallon of warm water (1/2 ounce per quart of water), spray on stain, scrub and allow at least 20 minutes contact time, (re-spray to keep damp), wipe with damp cloth and dry with hair dryer.
Exterior Surface Cleaning
Get rid of mold, mildew and organic stains from siding, wood shingles, roofing and exterior surfaces with OXY-MÁXIMA oxygen bleach Stain Remover & Deodorizer.
What Is Mildew?
Mildew is a living organism, a fungus, which is normally observed as a black or dull gray deposit on exterior and interior surfaces. Mildew does not grow directly on a surface but on the accumulation of dust and other organic materials that settle on it. In addition to a food source, warmth, moisture, and a shady location all encourage the growth of mildew. The most common types of mildew are black or gray but some are green or even red in color. Mildew is a surface problem that can occur on siding, shingles, decks, patios, roofing materials, stucco, driveways and even concrete. Normally it does not affect the strength or other important properties of exterior surfaces. It just looks bad.
How To Test For Mildew
Many times mildew looks like dirty spots and is hard to visually identify. An easy way to test to see if it is present is to dab a drop or two of a fresh bleach solution. We would recommend using an oxygen bleach solution (1 tsp. dissolved in a pint of hot water) or 3% hydrogen peroxide, but you can use chlorine bleach as well). Mildew will usually bleach out in a minute ot two. Dark areas that do not bleach are probably dirt.
Other Common Exterior Stains
These can generally include tannins from leaves, algae, mold, animal and bird droppings, organic matter, food, grease and oil.
Traditional Methods For Removing Exterior Organic Stains vs. Using OXY-MÁXIMA Oxygen Bleach
Traditional methods many times involve the use of harsh toxic chemicals and acids like chlorine bleach, TSP (trisodium phosphate) or oxalic acid. Care must be taken not to spill these materials as they can harm you, your pets, plants, clothing or other sensitive materials. Pressure washers are also used because they are fast and can easily reach inaccessible areas like pitched roofs or second floors. However, they can also erode sensitive wood shingles, wood decks or other exterior surfaces.
OXY-MÁXIMA uses the power of oxygen to clean and remove organic stains. It provides a truly safe alternative to traditional exterior cleaning methods as it will oxidize and get rid of any organic stain but not harm plants or animals in any way.
How Much OXY-MÁXIMA Should I Use?
A pound of OXY-MÁXIMA will clean 100 to 200 square feet of surface. Factors affecting coverage are temperature, substrate, surface porosity, degree and type of stain. For example: leaf tannin stains are normally very easy to clean but mildew imbedded into roofing shingles may require one or two applications to get rid of.
Instructions for Use
1. Remove any loose soil or dirt if possible.
2. Wet the surface with water.
3. Prepare cleaning solution by dissolving 6-8 ounces of OXY-MÁXIMA per gallon of hot water*.
4. Allow 5 minutes for OXY-MÁXIMA to dissolve and become “cleaning active”.
5. Apply “cleaning active” solution with a mop, roller, sponge or rag. A pump sprayer or a positive displacement applicator is good for applying solution to vertical or pitched surfaces like stairs, roofs, siding, railings or fences. Note: Pressure washers and garden hose attachment sprayers are not normally recommended as they will tend to over dilute the cleaning solution during use. If you have any questions about application and cleaning methods please contact us.
6. Any type of scrubbing or other mechanical cleaning action will aid stain removal. We recommend using a stiff bristle brush or broom to help to loosen organic matter from surface. Obviously, this is not always possible.
7. Wait 15–20 minutes after application then rinse area thoroughly with water.
8. Repeat as necessary, especially for really heavily stained areas.
Solution can remain “cleaning active” for up to 6 hours but will be most effective when used soon after mixing.
Avoid cleaning in excessive temperatures or in direct sunlight as the cleaning solution will dry out and not remain active.
*Use moderate agitation. Addition of a few drops of dishwashing liquid, TSP substitute (sodium metasilicate - one ounce per 5 gallons of cleaning solution) or other similar detergents will help the cleaning solution wet the surface better.
Do not store in a sealed container as the “cleaning active” solution will give off oxygen and may cause the container to leak.
What Is The Best Way To Protect Exterior Surfaces After Cleaning?
Cleaning exterior surfaces once or twice a year is a good start. Though the best way to protect surfaces like wood decks, wood shingles and roofing is to remove the things that cause the stains or encourage organism growth that is not always possible or practical. Another way to protect these surfaces is to use a paint, stain or sealer. Quality products that contain mildewcides, water repellants and ultra-violet protection provide the best performance.
Roof Cleaning With OXY-MÁXIMA
Roofs can be cleaned using the general procedure described previously. Because of the porosity of some types of shingles (e.g. asphalt) and the fact that it is not always convenient to scrub the shingles, roofs can take longer to clean and may need more than one application especially if the roof is heavily stained.
To retard the growth of algae, moss, mildew, etc. after your roof has been cleaned you can purchase products that contain copper, tin, polymeric coatings, organic herbicides or biostats. These products can be toxic so be careful when using them. Probably the most environmentally safe method is introduction of copper stripping under shingles at the top or apex of the roof. The copper slowly dissolves in rain water and keeps any organic materials from growing.
A Word On Pressure Washer Use
While power washers can make it easier to clean inaccessible and/or pitched areas on roofs care must be taken when using them. Too high of a pressure can damage roof shingles. Also washers that blend water with the cleaning solution can dilute it too much to do any effective cleaning. In general, using a pressure washer to rinse the roof after the cleaning solution has been applied and had a chance to work is the best situation.
Linen Cleaning
Cleaning Linens with OXY-MÁXIMA Stain Remover and Deodorizer
Although we are NOT linen preservation experts, we hear from our customers that OXY-MÁXIMA oxygen bleach is very effective in removing stains without damaging the linen fibers.
What Is OXY-MÁXIMA?
OXY-MÁXIMA is sodium percarbonate, a solid form of hydrogen peroxide bonded with natural soda ash. It is activated by water where it releases oxygen which provides cleaning and effective stain removal.
Why Use OXY-MÁXIMA?
Almost as important as the decision to use cloth diapers or other natural fiber garments should be the decision of what you use to clean them. Please consider the following --
DETERGENTS:
Many commercial products do clean effectively but will leave behind unwanted fragrances and other residues. Many collectors have experienced the fact that on heavily stained items detergent alone may not always work well.
CHLORINE BLEACH:
Chlorine bleach will break down natural fiber, cause fading and discoloration. Chlorine bleach can produce small amounts of dioxin which is a well known carcinogen. Also chlorine bleach tends to cover up stains instead of totally removing them.
BORAX:
Borax is a natural mineral often recommended as a whitening agent for cottons. While effective to some degree, Borax is not a true bleaching agent and is very limited in effectiveness on really tough stains.
OXY-MÁXIMA:
OXY-MÁXIMA is the versatile oxygen based bleach. It is color safe, fabric safe, user safe, and is an excellent deodorizer. OXY-MÁXIMA is safe at all temperatures, on all washable fabrics (except silk or wool), and all colors in soft or hard water, and is compatible with household detergents and cleaners. OXY-MÁXIMA will not hurt people, plants, children or animals. It is biodegradable leaving no harmful residues on the article cleaned or in the environment. OXY-MÁXIMA will remove the toughest organic stains and unlike chlorine bleach, which can merely cover up a stain, OXY-MÁXIMA attacks and breaks down stains to totally remove them from the garment. It also sanitizes the fabric.
Instructions For Use:
To remove stains combine 2 oz OXY-MÁXIMA per gallon (3.78 Liters) of water. Soak item overnight; launder as usual. If uncertain of the item's colorfastness, test first on an inconspicuous area.
Wood Cleaning
Clean and Restore your Wood Deck with OXY-MÁXIMA Oxygen Bleach.
Why do Natural Wood Decks Need Care, Cleaning and Maintenance?
• Decks are an expensive investment and need to be maintained.
• Most people wash their car or boat, and occasionally the lawn furniture, but forget to clean and protect their wood deck.
• Your deck will look newer and last much longer with proper care and maintenance.
• Dangerous conditions caused by slippery or worn boards from mold and mildew,
rotting, splintering and corrosion of nails need to be prevented.
• Your wood deck surface needs to be cleaned before it is resealed. Surface debris must be removed to restore the wood cellulose to its original look.
Why Use OXY-MÁXIMA To Clean Your Deck?
• OXY-MÁXIMA refurbishes the wood to its natural color and helps prepare the wood for a sealer. It works by deep cleaning wood deck surface.
• OXY-MÁXIMA removes the sun faded layers of wood from the deck surface along with
mold, mildew, organic matter and old sealer.
• OXY-MÁXIMA will not harm your plants, flowers, grass or other vegetation.
• OXY-MÁXIMA won’t harm your clothes or your skin, your pets or your family.
• It is safe for the environment and very safe to use unlike oxalic acid or chlorine
bleach type products.
• OXY-MÁXIMA is safe and easy to use and it really is effective in cleaning your deck!
How Much OXY-MÁXIMA Should I Use?
A Pound of OXY-MÁXIMA will clean 150 to 300 square feet of deck surface. Dirty horizontal deck surfaces sometimes need a second quick cleaning. Each lineal foot of average railing has 4 square feet of surface area. The average deck - 15x15 - requires a minimum of 1-2 lbs. of OXY-MÁXIMA.
Instructions for Use:
1. Remove any loose soil or dirt.
2. Wet the deck with water.
3. Pre-treat oil and grease stains with a hot water solution of dish soap or ORANGE MAGIC Cleaner & Degreaser.
4. Prepare Deck Cleaning solution by dissolving 6-8 ounces of OXY-MÁXIMA in a gallon of hot water*. Allow 5 minutes for OXY-MÁXIMA to dissolve and become “cleaning active”.
5. Apply “cleaning active” solution to deck with a mop, roller, sponge or rag. A pump
sprayer or spray bottle is good for applying solution to railings or other vertical surfaces.
6. Wait 10 –15 minutes after application then scrub with stiff bristle brush or broom.
7. Rinse with water.
Repeat as necessary, especially for really worn or stained decks.
Solution will remain “cleaning active” for up to 8 hours but will be most effective when used soon after mixing.
Do not store in a sealed container as the “cleaning active” solution will give off oxygen and may cause the container to leak.
* Addition of a few drops of dishwashing liquid or other similar detergents will help the cleaning solution wet the surface better.
How Often Should a Deck Be Cleaned?
Generally, every 1-3 years will suffice depending upon the frequency and type of use. The true answer is a combination of: the type of wood the deck is made of, the treatments and protectants applied to the wood, humidity, weather, UV exposure, the amount of particulate and dirt on the wood, and general usage. These factors will dictate the need to clean and reseal.
Should You Apply A Deck Finish Or Sealer After Cleaning?
Yes, most definitely! High quality products that contain mildewcides, water repellants and ultra-violet protection provide the best performance and give longer life to your deck. Not sealing your deck after cleaning it is one of the worst things you can do.
What is OXY-MÁXIMA?
OXY-MÁXIMA is sodium percarbonate, a solid form of hydrogen peroxide bonded with natural soda ash. It is activated by water where it releases oxygen which provides cleaning and stain removal.
Why use OXY-MÁXIMA?
OXY-MÁXIMA is the versatile oxygen bleach for those who care about the safety of their family and their planet. It is color safe, fabric safe, user safe, environmentally safe, and it is an excellent deodorizer.
Unlike chlorine bleach, which can merely cover up a stain, OXY-MÁXIMA attacks and breaks down organic stains to totally remove them from the surface.
OXY-MÁXIMA is:
* Non-toxic
* Performs in hard or soft water
* Environmentally safe
* No harmful by-products upon decomposition
* Compatible with other household cleaners |
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