It's Not Just About Looks!

 

Calling all Pierce County parents and pet owners! 🐶👶

Did you know your carpet acts like a giant air filter, trapping pet dander, dust mites, pollen, and bacteria? For homes with kids and pets, this means professional carpet cleaning is not just about looks—it's about creating a healthier environment.

Here's how we help:

✅ Eliminate Allergens: We use powerful equipment to extract deep-seated allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies.

✅ Remove Odors & Stains: Say goodbye to pet accidents and juice spills! Our specialized solutions break down tough stains and odors at the source.

✅ Improve Air Quality: A cleaner carpet means cleaner air for your family to breathe.

✅ Extend Carpet Life: Regular professional cleaning prevents wear and tear caused by embedded dirt and grit, saving you money in the long run.

Don't let your carpets tell the story of every spill and paw print. Let us restore them to their fresh, clean state!

📞 Get a free quote for your home! 

253-845-8883

Living Green in the 253

 

Living Green in the 253: Easy Sustainable Living Tips for Pierce County Residents

Hello to our Pierce County neighbors! No doubt we all appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. Let's do our part to protect it by embracing sustainable living. It doesn't have to be complicated – small changes can make a big difference. Here are some eco-friendly practices and waste-reducing tips perfect for life here in the 253:

Reducing Waste:

1. Embrace Reusables: Ditch single-use items! Carry reusable shopping bags (remember those plastic bag bans!), water bottles, coffee cups, and even food containers. Keep a set in your car for impromptu trips to the Tacoma Farmers Market or your favorite local coffee shop.

2. Say Yes to Recycling Right: Pierce County has a great recycling program. Familiarize yourself with what can and cannot be recycled in your curbside bins (paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum, and cans). Rinse containers and avoid plastic bags in your recycling! Check your local waste management website for specific guidelines in your area.

3. Compost Your Food Scraps and Yard Waste: Instead of sending organic materials to the landfill, start a backyard compost bin or utilize your city's yard waste collection program. This enriches your garden soil and reduces methane emissions.

4. Buy in Bulk (When Possible): Reduce packaging waste by purchasing pantry staples like grains, nuts, and dried fruit from bulk bins at local co-ops or stores. Bring your own containers!

5. Repair, Repurpose, Reuse: Before tossing something, consider if it can be repaired, repurposed for a different use, or donated to a local charity or thrift store. Think twice before buying new!

Eco-Friendly Practices:

6. Conserve Water: Be mindful of your water usage. Take shorter showers, fix leaky faucets, and consider installing water-efficient fixtures in your home and garden. Western Washington might be known for rain, but conserving our resources is still vital.

7. Save Energy at Home: Unplug electronics when not in use (they can still draw power!), switch to LED light bulbs, and adjust your thermostat a few degrees to reduce heating and cooling needs. Consider weatherizing your home to improve energy efficiency.

8. Support Local and Sustainable: When shopping for food, choose locally sourced and in-season produce from Pierce County farmers' markets or local farms. This reduces transportation emissions and supports our community. Look for products with eco-friendly certifications.

9. Opt for Sustainable Transportation: Walk, bike, carpool, or utilize public transportation (like Pierce Transit) whenever possible to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider electric vehicles or hybrids when it's time for a new car.

10. Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals. Opt for natural and biodegradable alternatives.

Living sustainably in Pierce County is about making conscious choices that benefit our environment and our community. Even implementing a few of these tips can make a positive impact. 

Let's work together to keep our corner of Washington beautiful for generations to come!

www.pfeifferscleaning.com

Creating Calm

 

Conquer the Chaos: Creating Calm With Home Organization

Life can get busy! Between work, family, and enjoying the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it's easy for our homes to become a little…overstuffed. If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter and dreaming of a more serene living space, you're not alone. Home organization and decluttering are fantastic ways to regain control and create a more peaceful environment.

Where do you even begin? It might seem daunting, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable steps is key. Start with one area – a drawer, a closet, or even just a corner of a room. The KonMari method, with its focus on keeping only items that "spark joy," can be a powerful tool. Ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love this? If the answer is no to both, it might be time to let it go.

As you declutter, think about creating functional systems for the items you keep. Invest in storage solutions like bins, baskets, and shelving to keep things tidy and accessible. Label everything clearly so you know exactly where things belong. The goal is to make putting things away just as easy as taking them out.

Beyond the visual clutter, let's not forget about the unseen grime that can accumulate in our homes, especially when you have the constant traffic of pets and kiddos. Even with regular vacuuming, carpets can get looking ...blah. This brings us to a crucial tip for maintaining a truly clean and healthy home: schedule regular professional carpet cleaning.

Think of it as a deep clean for your floors. Professional carpet cleaners have the equipment and expertise to extract deeply embedded dirt and allergens that your vacuum simply can't reach. This not only improves the appearance of your carpets but also contributes to better indoor air quality for you and your family. It's best to aim for a professional cleaning at least once or twice a year, and more frequently if you have pets or high-traffic areas.

Taking the time to organize and declutter your home can have a significant positive impact on your well-being. Paired with the benefit of professionally cleaned carpets, you can create a truly clean, comfortable, and calming sanctuary. So, take that first step, tackle that overflowing drawer, and breathe easier in your beautifully organized and refreshed home!

www.pfeifferscleaning.com

Make a Splash (Safely)! - Boating Safety Tips for Your Canine Crewmate

Summer is here, and for many of us, that means hitting the water! And what's better than a day on the boat? A day on the boat with your best furry friend by your side! But before you cast off with your canine companion, it's crucial to prioritize their safety. Boating introduces unique challenges for dogs, so a little preparation goes a long way.

Here are essential tips to ensure your dog has a fun and safe time on the water:

1. Life Jackets Aren't Just for Humans!

This is, without a doubt, the most important piece of safety gear for your dog on a boat. Even if your dog is an Olympic-level swimmer, a life jacket is non-negotiable. Why?

• Visibility: Brightly colored vests make it easier to spot your dog if they go overboard.

• Buoyancy: It helps them stay afloat, conserving energy, especially if they get tired, disoriented, or injured.

• Easy Retrieval: Most dog life vests come with a sturdy handle on the back, allowing you to easily lift your dog back into the boat.

Pro-Tip: Ensure the life jacket fits snugly but comfortably. Test it in shallow water before your first trip to make sure it keeps their head above water and allows for free movement.

2. Acclimation is Key

Don't just throw your dog onto a moving boat and expect them to love it. Dogs need time to adjust to new environments and sensations.

• Start on Land: Introduce your dog to the boat while it's docked. Let them explore, get used to the sounds, and the potentially uneven footing.

• Short Trips First: Begin with very short excursions on calm water. Observe their behavior closely. If they seem stressed or seasick, head back to shore and try again another day.

• Designate a Safe Spot: Create a comfortable, shaded, and non-slip area on the boat where your dog can retreat and feel secure. This should be away from engine parts or other hazards.

3. Hydration and Sun Protection are Paramount

Dogs can overheat and dehydrate quickly on the water, especially with the sun reflecting off the surface.

• Freshwater is a Must: Bring plenty of fresh drinking water and a non-tip bowl. Encourage your dog to drink regularly throughout the day. Never let them drink saltwater or lake water, as it can cause stomach upset and dehydration.

• Seek Shade: Ensure there's ample shade available for your dog. Consider a Bimini top or a designated shaded area where they can escape the sun's rays.

• Doggie Sunscreen: Dogs with short hair or light-colored fur are susceptible to sunburn, particularly on their ears and nose. Consult your vet about a pet-safe sunscreen.

4. Practice Essential Commands

Basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" are incredibly valuable on a boat. They can help you manage your dog's movements, prevent them from jumping overboard, and ensure they stay out of dangerous areas. A leash is also a good idea, especially in busy marinas or when the boat is underway.

5. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Anything can happen on the water, so being prepared for the unexpected is crucial.

• Pet First-Aid Kit: Pack a kit specifically for your dog, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any necessary medications (e.g., for motion sickness, if prescribed by your vet).

• Rescue Plan: Discuss with everyone on board what to do if your dog falls into the water. Ideally, stop the boat immediately, use the life jacket handle to pull them in, or use a net or boat hook if they're out of reach.

• Watch for Seasickness: Symptoms can include drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and anxiety. If your dog gets seasick, talk to your vet about preventative measures.

6. Consider Their Bathroom Needs

Depending on the length of your trip, your dog will need bathroom breaks.

• Shoreline Stops: Plan for regular stops on land so your dog can relieve themselves. Always bring poop bags!

• On-Board Solutions: For longer journeys, consider a designated potty area on the boat, such as a patch of artificial turf or puppy pads. This may require some training.

Boating with your dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, creating lasting memories. By taking these safety precautions, you can ensure your furry first mate has a safe, comfortable, and happy time on the water!

4 Steps to Keep Leather Furniture Looking Like NEW!

While you may get your upholstered furniture cleaned every year, those leather pieces in your home often get overlooked. How can you keep your leather furniture looking great?

1- Leather furniture should be placed out of direct sunlight to prevent drying out, cracking, and color loss. 

2- Dust and vacuum the furniture regularly. 

3- Always wipe up spills with a clean cloth as soon as possible.

4- Once or twice a year, have leather furniture cleaned, conditioned, and protected. 
These steps are very important. Leather conditioner will help to keep the leather soft and flexible- essential in keeping your furniture looking and feeling like new! The protectant will assist in repelling staining and soiling as well. 

If you have smaller sized leather furniture like a chair or an ottoman, you can also clean and condition your pieces at home. We recommend using a Leather Protect & Cleaner Kit. This one comes with a soft cleaner and protector cream. 

A very important thing to keep in mind is that this cleaning kit is for Aniline and Pigmented leather ONLY.  NEVER use on Nubuck or Suede. It's best to leave the cleaning of those to a professional. (Call for a quote 253-845-8883)


These 4 steps will help you get the most from your investment and allow you to enjoy it for many years.
www.pfeifferscleaning.com

Leaving Your Pet Home

When planning a trip, it may be a consideration to take your pet with you. But often, this is stressful for you and your pet and logistically may be near to impossible. If you decide to leave your pet at home while you are gone, you have several alternatives: a kennel, a family member or friend who can look after your pet, or a pet sitter. 

If you choose to board your pet in a kennel, be sure to get references and inspect the facilities first. You can get recommendations from your veterinarian or a local shelter. Find out whether your state requires inspections and whether your selected kennel has passed an inspection and meets mandated standards. Your pet should be able to accept basic commands and should be well socialized around other people and pets to be a good candidate for a kennel. He should also be current on vaccinations. If you are planning a long trip, a short stay at the kennel a week or two ahead of time can help your pet get used to the environment. This will also let you know if your pet has any problems with being away from home. 

If you choose to drop your pet off at a family member's or friend's home, you should also take some of these same basic precautions. If the home has small children, spend some time beforehand playing with your pet and the kids. This will give them both a chance to learn how to properly interact with each other. You can bring your pet's bedding, bowls, and toys along as well. You will also need to make sure that any existing pets in the home get along well with your pet. 

If you are hiring a pet sitter, get references and interview the candidate beforehand. A pet sitter is a great option for pets that are elderly, need special care, or are timid. If you are going to be gone during the holidays, be sure to make reservations with your pet sitter early, as these are traditionally very busy times of the year. Leave clear instructions regarding the care of your pet, along with emergency contact information, and a way to contact you. You should have the pet sitter come over for an hour or two before your planned trip to get acquainted with your home, the location of pet supplies, and to spend some time getting to know your pet. 

Whichever option you choose, you should feel free to leave and enjoy yourself without having to worry about the care of your pet. By planning ahead and giving your pet a chance to get used to the change in daily routine, you should have a smooth process for you and your pet. 

www.pfeifferscleaning.com

Making Your Home Safe for Your Pets

Most homes with children know to keep hazardous chemicals, cleaners, and medication out of the reach of children, but these precautions should also be taken in homes with pets. There are many household items that can be dangerous for pets if ingested. These are a few of the things to look for in your home.

- Lawn and garden pesticides
- Flea and tick products
- Insecticidal aerosols
- Shampoos
- Cleaning products
- Rat and mouse poison
- Tobacco products
- Aspirin and other pain relievers
- Garbage

How do you properly protect your pets from these hazards? Do not leave containers with these types of items where your curious pet can find them. Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, including the outside of the container. Lids should be tightly closed and stored out of reach. Garbage cans should be covered tightly and secured to prevent tipping.

If you have sprayed your lawn with chemicals, do not let your pet on the grass until the recommended drying period has passed. If your pet does come in contact with the chemicals, wash his or her feet with mild soap and water. 

Pets should also not be allowed in vegetable or flower gardens or in compost piles. Some plants are toxic to animals if nibbled on. Compost piles can contain bacterial toxins that are harmful to animals. 

Rat and mouse poison can be harmful or even deadly if a cat ingests the dying or dead rodent. Take care when using these types of poisons to ensure that your cat does not consume a poisoned rat or mouse.