What We Can Expect From The Holidays This Year

 

It’s hard to believe that this year is almost over, but it certainly was a strange one. Of course, the holidays are still on their way and they’re going to be very different. However, we can still make the best of everything. Here’s what you can expect and what kind of changes will affect your schedule for the rest of the year.

More Online Shopping

While online shopping has been popular for quite a long time now, there will most likely be a huge increase in buying online gifts this year. To prepare for this, make sure you write down a list of everyone’s wishes and keep an eye on the package’s tracking details as it comes through. Also, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to order so that it comes in by the time you need it to.

Smaller Gatherings

It’s difficult to think that we may not be able to get together with everyone this year, but it’s for the best that we stay in smaller groups. Luckily, technology is here to bring us together while apart. Consider coordinating some video calls with family and friends, where you can play games or cook at the same time. It’s a fun way to get into the jolly spirit!

Busy Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are always busy around this time, but this year we need to be a bit more cautious of this. Remember to keep your distance and try to plan your shopping around hours that have less customers in the supermarket. Create a clear list of items you need and try to get everything in just one trip. Or, you can even opt for grocery delivery if you feel more comfortable staying inside. 

Staying Inside More

With extreme temperatures coming soon, most people will probably want to stay inside around this time. This means that you’ll need to make sure your home is running the way it needs to be in order to keep everyone warm. Insulation is important for keeping the cold air from leaking in. GreenPro Cleaning & Restoration will evaluate the current insulation; if it can continue to be used we will tell you. It’s also important that you get your heating system cleaned before having to run it all day this winter, in order to save energy and stay healthy.


We’ll be indoors a lot this holiday season, so keeping everything clean and warm can be difficult to manage. Luckily, you can bring in some professionals to help. Contact GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration to take care of your ducts, attics, crawl spaces, and insulation needs.

Common Home Superstitions

 

When it comes to superstitions, there’s something for everything and everyone. Not many people know this, but there are a few common home superstitions that have been passed around for years and years. For all you curious homeowners out there, here are some of the most popular stories and what they bring. 

Opening An Umbrella Inside

This is one of the oldest standing superstitions in western culture we have. Even at a young age, children are told to never open their umbrellas indoors. The idea comes from stories dating back to ancient times, where it is said that the spirits or guardians protecting your home will be deeply offended if you open your umbrella indoors, since you are implying that their protection from the rain isn’t enough. Wherever the story comes from, just make sure they are only used outdoors! 

Don’t Clean At Night

This isn’t as well known, but it’s recommended that you never clean at night. The story goes that you are essentially sweeping away your good luck, leaving only bad luck to remain. Not only that, but how can you clean properly if you can’t really see? Seems like a win-win to leaving the dusting to the daytime anyways! 

Holiday Cheers With Water

In many cultures, it’s seen as very bad luck to cheers with just water in your cup. And with the holidays coming up, you’ll want to remember this one. It’s said to be an omen that wishes bad luck not only on you, but to whoever you clinked glasses with. It can even foretell some kind of unfortunate event having to do with water or drowning, so be careful this season!

Do Not Place Hats on Your Bed

This superstition isn’t often heard of, but it’s one that gets a good amount of homeowners nervous. It’s said that if you place your hat on your bed at the end of the day, you are allowing evil spirits to spill out and disrupt your sleep-- or worse. It stems from the shock you can get when touching a knitted hat in a dry and warm environment, since people didn’t understand static electricity back in the day!


With all these superstitions to worry about, how will you keep your home well maintained? Well, at GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration, we can help you with attic and crawl space cleaning, insulation, and protection. If you suspect that there may be a problem in your home or building, call us to schedule your indoor evaluation at 631-940-8100.

How Likely Is Winter Water Damage?

 

It’s not often you think of water damage happening in the winter, given that we get so much rain in spring and summer. But, it’s more likely than you may think. With snow storms and freezing nights, homes might be more prone to having to deal with winter water damage. Keep a lookout for these signs and how it may occur. 

Frozen Pipes

So often frozen pipes occur when people have no water flow in their plumbing. If too much ice builds up, the pipes can break easily. If water starts the flow again, it will slip right through those breaks and flood different areas of your home if you don’t spot it right away. It’s suggested that you insulate those pipes, keep the cabinet door open, or use a slow drip in your bath to ease water out gently.

Ice Dams

This occurs when one side of your roof is warmer than the other. In the case of a snow shower or water freezing overhead, one side will melt faster than the other. The water then slips down to the cooler side and freezes there, which will cause the water to pool into the shingles of your roof and bring damage to your attic. This often happens if there is excess warmth in your attic caused by poor insulation. 

Results After Snow

Then, the most common issue most homeowners will see, is the after effects of snow melting. It drips down your gutters, windows, and roofing. If too much water seeps into one area, this could become a weak point and be the starting center for water damage. It’s best to keep a careful watch on your home if snow melts very quickly after a storm.


Cleaning and taking care of your home after a water damage mishap can be difficult to deal with, and it is often best to bring in some professionals to help. Contact GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration to take care of your ducts, attics, crawl spaces, and water damage needs.

Foods You Didn't Know Could Use As Cleaning Products

 

When it comes to cleaning around the house, running out of supplies to clean with can be a drag. However, you don’t need to stop everything you’re doing to make a trip to the grocery store just yet. Did you know that there are a few common household food items that could double as cleaning products? Take a look in your fridge or cabinet to see if you have any of these things to help you finish your chores:

Baking Soda

While this one is probably the most well known, not many people think to just up and use this right away. Mix this ingredient with warm water and it can help soak off any residue or gunk you have in any area of your home. It’s very natural and can be used on surfaces such as stainless steel and silverware. Make sure to let it sit first before wiping it off!

Lemons

Lemons can actually be a fairly strong cleaning product. The acidity in them is antibacterial and antiseptic. It can act as a natural bleaching agent! And you need not only use the edible part of the lemon, as the rind’s oils help leave surfaces shiny and pristine. Also, don't forget that fresh citrus smell is a great deodorizer too.

Salt

Bet you didn’t know you could use salt as a natural cleaner. It works in two ways, one being a way to absorb any potential stain. Since it soaks up water easily, you can use it on any area that liquid has just been spilled on. Secondly, it's a very good scrubbing agent that you can use to give products or appliances a good cleaning. You can’t go wrong with a strong scrub.



Cleaning and taking care of your home can be a lot of work for one person, and it is often best to bring in some professionals to help. Contact GreenPro Cleaning and Restoration to take care of your ducts, attics, crawl spaces, and water damage needs.