Month: April 2020

2020-04-13T09:01:00

(BPT) – Since the beginning of time, the experience of sitting around a fire has provided a retreat from the busyness of everyday life. A moment where the chaos of everything going on disappears and time stands still. Screens are put down, conversation flows and lasting memories are made. We all wish we could experience more of these moments, but starting a fire takes time, keeping it going requires effort and smelling like smoke isn’t pleasant.

“At TIKI, we redefined the fire experience with our innovative new Fire Pit and Wood Pack,” said Andrew Harmeling, TIKI Brand Product Manager. “Everyone just wants to get to the experience of being around a wood fire faster and easier. The process is a huge hassle and we were able to make it super simple.”

Three main features set the TIKI Brand Fire Pit and Wood Pack apart from the rest:

1. Lights Instantly, 5 Minutes to Full Flame: You don’t have to wait around for the perfect flame or even know how to build a fire. The TIKI Brand Wood Pack is made with real wood that lights instantly with one match, giving you a full fire in under five minutes and burns for approximately 30 minutes. The Wood Pack provides all the warmth of a real wood fire without the hassle. You can add another Wood Pack or even add traditional firewood to the Fire Pit to keep the night going. Wood Packs are sold separately and are available online with free shipping here: https://www.tikibrand.com/wood-pack-4-pack.
2. Low Smoke with Less Ash and Less Waste: No one likes smelling like a fire after it’s over. The TIKI Brand Fire Pit was designed with an internal airflow system engineered to provide low smoke and less ash, meaning no more dodging smoke or starting late-night laundry. A removable ash pan means easy clean-up.
3. Fire Without the Fuss: The TIKI Brand Fire Pit can be delivered directly to your doorstep with free shipping and has a simple two-piece assembly. Each fire pit includes one Wood Pack and a cover, so you have everything you need to instantly unwind in the backyard with the perfect flame.

The TIKI Brand Fire Pit and Wood Packs are available for purchase on the TIKI Brand website. Visit https://www.tikibrand.com/tiki-fire-pit for more information.

2020-04-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – In the face of a global pandemic, financial anxiety is an everyday reality. Concerns surrounding personal finances, businesses shutting down and market volatility have us navigating new waters, experiencing more acutely than ever before how our financial lives are intertwined with our mental health. Amanda Clayman, financial therapist and Prudential’s financial wellness advocate, works with people to better understand the emotional connection we have with money.

According to Clayman, financial stress, while it may be inevitable in these times, does not have to control our lives. Even in the midst of this crisis, we can practice good financial and mental health and grow in our ability to maintain calm.

How to ease your mind and overcome financial distress

Clayman offers the below tips on how to ease your mind and overcome your financial distress during the days of COVID-19.

• Allow yourself to feel a sense of loss: These big market changes may throw a wrench in the vision you had for retirement or your 401K. This is a scary realization, and a sad one. It is natural to have an emotional response, so let those feelings come and acknowledge them as they do. By not bottling up those sensations you are better able to say goodbye to your former plans and move forward. Additionally, looking your feelings in the face and comparing them to the reality of the situation provides valuable perspective that is key in the healing process.
• Embrace uncertainty as part of the plan: Concentrate on the here and now, and don’t think too far ahead. It is common to try to manage anxiety by making a plan, but that’s going to be challenging when the future feels so uncertain. Try telling yourself, “I’m going to make the best plan I can based on what I know now. Then I’m going to trust that I will figure out problems as they arise and ask for help when I need it.”
• Let go of what you can’t control: It is not worth the mental energy and distress to put pressure on yourself for what is out of your hands. Unproductive thoughts will put you on a never-ending cycle of “I have to figure it out, I have to figure it out.” That kind of spiraling activity just runs down your batteries.
• Be intentional, not impulsive: Anxiety floods your mind with fearful thoughts of worst-case scenarios, tricking you into believing immediate action is necessary to fix the problem. It may feel like you are making progress initially, but these are not emotionally grounded decisions and can lead to costly mistakes. What you need is space for perspective, to differentiate between internal feelings and external reality. Try stepping away from the computer or going for a walk before making big moves. Remind yourself that you are safe right here, right now.
• Don’t be a hero: You don’t have to bear this weight alone. You may feel as if providing financial security is all up to you, especially if you’re a caretaker or your kids moved home to ride out the pandemic. But this is not an individual problem, it’s a collective one we can face together. So reach out — take care of each other and ask to be taken care of in return. In addition to sharing your feelings with family and friends, be in touch with creditors, landlords and service providers about your concerns. They may be able to offer a payment holiday, partial payment or interest-only payment.

Explore new types of self-care

One of the most important lessons in combating any anxiety is to remember that you will not feel this way forever. In the meantime, let’s use these moments to explore new forms of emotional and financial self-care. With thoughtful reflection, we can foster a relationship with money that promotes mental health in even the most challenging circumstances.

2020-04-13T08:01:00

(BPT) – Arthritis joint pain is a daily reality for millions of people in the United States. For some, this pain is temporary due to an injury, but for others, it can be a persistent and even debilitating symptom of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States¹. About one in four adults report experiencing severe joint pain related to arthritis, and nearly half of adults with arthritis experience persistent pain².

Whether your arthritis pain is temporary or ongoing, it’s important to take steps to alleviate discomfort. We may not realize how much joy comes from the simplest everyday movements, until pain gets in the way. Here are four simple tips that may help lessen your arthritis joint pain so you can feel better and keep moving.

1. Use hot and cold therapy

Applying hot and cold compresses to your joints can help provide some much-needed relief. When joints feel stiff, use heat to help them relax and feel more agile. A morning bath or shower can make a world of difference for stiff joints after sleeping. For joint pain that involves swelling and inflammation, look to incorporate cold therapy into your routine. For instance, if your knee is sore and looks puffy, apply a cold compress or bag of frozen veggies wrapped in a towel.

2. Move your body

If you have arthritis symptoms, including wrist, hand or knee pain, the idea of getting up and exercising may seem counterintuitive. However, thoughtfully moving your body helps increase blood flow to joints and stretches muscles and ligaments, which can provide some relief. Regular movement helps increase flexibility while also building muscle, which is important for the health of the joints.

3. Use over-the-counter medicines

If you want an alternative to taking pills to manage pain, there is now an effective topical arthritis pain relief solution available without a prescription. The FDA recently approved Voltaren Arthritis Pain as the first and only full prescription-strength topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) gel available over the counter for the treatment of arthritis pain in adults in the hand, wrist, elbow, foot, ankle or knee. Visit www.voltarengel.com/what-is-voltaren/ now to preorder Voltaren Arthritis Pain (available nationwide next month). If you order now through May 12, 100% of profits from pre-order will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to provide virtual care and connection for their patient community*. Additionally, for every donation made to the Arthritis Foundation between May 13 and May 31 in support of its goal to provide virtual care and connection to their patient community and mission, Voltaren will match up to $100,000.

4. Add glucosamine and omega-3s to your diet

Fish oil has been studied for dozens of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, according to the Arthritis Foundation³. You can get the omega-3s by taking a high-quality fish oil supplement. Look for fish oil options with at least 30% EPA and DHA (both types of omega-3s). According to the Arthritis Foundation, taking up to 2.6 grams EPA/DHA twice a day may help relieve osteoarthritis pain.

If arthritis joint pain is a part of your life, try these simple strategies at home to help movement so you can live a full, healthy life.

*GSK Consumer Healthcare will donate 100% of the net profits with a maximum of $100,000 from the pre-order of Voltaren Arthritis Pain.

1. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
2. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/pain/index.htm
3. https://arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/supplement-and-herb-guide-for-arthritis-symptoms

2020-04-09T23:01:00

(BPT) – Between wind and airborne debris outside and dry, dusty air inside, any time of the year can be rough on the eyes. Fortunately, there are steps you can take both at home and on the go to find relief for your dry, irritated eyes.

What causes you to have eye dryness?

If you’re experiencing consistent or increasing discomfort, especially if the solutions below do not provide relief, make an appointment with your eye doctor. Common causes for dry, irritated eyes include:

• Environmental factors — Dry air, inside or out
• Allergies — Reactions to plants, pollen, dust or animal dander
• Contact lenses — Your lens cleaning and lubricating products could add to your irritation
• Age — Getting older means producing fewer tears
• Computer use — Or any activity where you focus your eyes for long periods
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — Affects especially post-menopausal women
• LASIK surgery — Some patients experience dry eyes

Some people may experience multiple causes. Seeing your eye doctor is always best to find appropriate treatment options.

To improve how your eyes feel at home, work or play, try the following:

1. Use a humidifier

If you can keep more moisture in the air both at home and in your office, night and day, you may notice an improvement in how your eyes are feeling. Dry air is one of the biggest culprits in causing eye discomfort.

2. Blink frequently

Blinking throughout the day usually helps to keep your eyes sufficiently moisturized, so make it a point to blink regularly, especially if you work at a computer all day. Set a timer on your phone or computer as a reminder to close your eyes gently a few times in a row, more often, to help keep your eyes from getting too dried out as you stare at the screen.

3. Wear sunglasses outdoors

Whether you participate in outdoor sports or just take occasional walks outside, make sure to put on sunglasses to help protect your eyes. Wrap-around sunglasses frames are especially effective at helping to reduce exposure to drying winds as well as the harsh glare of the sun.

4. Avoid rubbing

While it may feel good temporarily, rubbing can irritate your eyes in the long run. Try to avoid the temptation to rub your eyes when they feel itchy or uncomfortable. Instead, reach for artificial tears or eye drops to help provide relief from these symptoms.

5. Try artificial tears

To relieve eye discomfort, use lubricating eye drops to help care for and protect your eyes. For over-the-counter artificial tears to help improve symptoms of eye dryness, with a low incidence of blurring with each use, you can choose from Allergan’s family of REFRESH^® RELIEVA^™ lubricant eye drops to treat dry, irritated eyes: REFRESH^® RELIEVA^™, REFRESH^® RELIEVA^™ PF preservative-free multidose or REFRESH^® RELIEVA^™ FOR CONTACTS.

“As eye dryness varies for each patient, I’m excited to have three artificial tear treatment options, since we know one size doesn’t fit all for patients,” said Milton Hom, OD. “Different patients have different needs and REFRESH^® RELIEVA^™ provides diversity to satisfy more patients. With its low-blur formula and HydroCell technology, REFRESH^® RELIEVA^™ will be my preferred artificial tear.”

For more information about the most effective products to relieve your symptoms, visit Refreshbrand.com/.

2020-04-09T12:27:00

(BPT) – What happens when you turn on the shower? In the typical North American home, cold water comes pouring out. Because this is a shock to the body, most people make it a habit to run the shower for a few minutes before getting in.

Meanwhile, you might do something else as the water warms. In fact, there are probably times you have gotten distracted and forgotten about your shower. Whether it’s for a few minutes or much longer, this is a lot of potable water just running down the drain.

Fortunately, there is a growing home improvement trend that eliminates this problem: hot water recirculation using tankless water heater systems. The NRCR Residential Condensing Tankless Water Heater from Noritz uses a built-in pump to keep hot water close to even the farthest outlet in the home, minimizing the wait and, therefore, the waste of unused potable water down the drain.

Why does it take so long to get hot water?

A typical American home wastes thousands of gallons of perfectly usable water down the drain annually due to lengthy wait times at hot-water outlets in the bath and kitchen. This experience is common when showering and bathing as well as when you turn on faucets.

This happens because when you use warm water, the remaining water in the pipes does not return to the water heater for reheating. Instead, it stays in the pipes and eventually turns cold. This chilly water needs to be pushed out and is what you feel before new hot water from the water heater is delivered when you turn the knob.

Why doesn’t this happen at hotels?

This same experience doesn’t typically happen in hotels, where you enjoy hot water near instantaneously. That’s because commercial properties like hotels know that many people want to use hot water at similar times and expect this convenience, so they have a special pump constantly run with a dedicated circulation line of water connected to each room. That puts hot water right where it’s needed at all times. Also, in a hotel, the distance between the furthest shower and the hot-water source is so great, the wait and the consequent waste and cost would be enormous.

So what’s the solution for residential properties? More homeowners desire this convenience and are installing a hot-water recirculation system, which allows you to enjoy the convenience of hot water on demand while also reducing your water footprint, helping save money on utility bills.

The many benefits of hot water recirculation

Today’s homeowner often has a high desire for comfort while being mindful of the environment, which makes it no surprise that hot-water recirculation is a growing home improvement trend.

Whether you want to replace your entire water heating system with a modern tankless option or add a crossover valve that retrofits to your existing system, Noritz’s new NRCR tankless solution offers several options for different plumbing configurations. As a result, hot water is always available in whatever part of the house you need it.

Some homes have a pre-built pipe loop that is ready to add a pump to work in conjunction with your water heater. If your home doesn’t have this dedicated return line, you can install a crossover valve at the furthest fixture of your home and take advantage of the NRCR crossover mode.

Alternatively, homeowners who decide to replace their systems with tankless options will enjoy even more convenience and benefits. With tankless systems like the NRCR, the hot-water circulation pump is fully integrated into the tankless water heater. This technology operates only when there is demand to bring hot water to you, which saves even more energy.

What’s more, these systems are more affordable than ever. Federal tax credits combined with possible rebates from local or state governments can drive the price down significantly.

Smart technology for a smart home

In addition to providing on-demand hot water and reducing water waste, the NRCR technology learns how and when you use hot water. The new learning mode records habits over time based on your daily use and will turn on the recirculation pump only when you need it, meaning your system is efficient as well as convenient. You can also set your own schedule to your lifestyle needs if you choose.

If you’re done with the unpleasant stream of cold water every time you want to shower, consider tankless hot-water recirculation systems that also reduce water waste. With a 15-year warranty and a money-saving Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 0.97, you’ll feel confident about investing in your home. Learn more at www.noritz.com/nrcr.

2020-04-09T15:27:00

(BPT) – Nothing transforms a home quite like a fresh coat of paint. In fact, painting your own house is one of the smartest and easiest DIY upgrades a homeowner can accomplish, especially as they find themselves spending more time at home. With 71% of homeowners undertaking improvement or renovation projects that include paint, according to an iProperty Management Study, here are surefire tips to ensure you are painting like a pro.

1. Clean your canvas – Paint adheres better to a smooth, clean surface. While living room walls may only need a dry dusting, kitchens and bathrooms, where dirt, grease, oil or mildew can build up, need extra attention. Wash surfaces with soap and water, rinse well and allow to dry completely. For bathrooms, remove mold and mildew by applying a solution of one part bleach to three parts water and allow the solution to sit for 20 minutes. Then scrub mold and mildew with a soft-bristle brush, rinse the surface and allow it to dry. Be sure to wear safety glasses and rubber gloves when working with this bleach and water solution. For surfaces that are particularly grimy, spray with Rust-Oleum^® Original Krud Kutter Cleaner & Degreaser, wipe off with a clean cloth and allow to dry.

2. Ensure a smooth surface – Now that the surface is dry, smooth down any uneven or rough surfaces with a bit of fine-grit sandpaper. Another pro tip is to shine a bright light at a low angle across the surface to spot any problem areas. After you have sanded or scraped the area, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow to dry.

3. Don’t forget the details – Anyone can paint over a wide, smooth surface, but it’s the attention to detail around windows and doors that truly gives a job that professional look. Start by removing any loose or cracked caulking from windows, doors and trim, and apply a fresh bead of sealant for a smooth, sealed surface. DAP ALEX FLEX™ Premium Molding & Trim Sealant is paintable in just 30 minutes, saving time and resulting in a seamless, more professional finish. Next, use painter’s tape to protect windowsills, molding, baseboards, door hinges and the ceiling perimeter, taking your time to ensure that all areas are properly covered.

4. Fill in imperfections – Now it’s time to tackle the main surface. Cracks, holes and dents will mar the finished project, so apply spackling to fill in these areas. Open a container of pre-mixed spackling compound and apply a small amount over the damage with a flexible putty knife. Spread the compound over the hole or crack in a smooth, downward motion. Overfill slightly and sand smooth using fine-grit sandpaper. Need to tackle a larger drywall repair? Reach for DAP^® FAST DRY Premium Spackling. This professional-grade spackling compound is uniquely formulated to provide strength and durability while drying fast. Depending on the size of the repair, it can be painted in as little as 15 minutes.

5. Paint with precision – Make the job go easier and faster by having a variety of brushes and rollers on hand. Rollers are great for covering large, wide surfaces, but for a professional look around edges and corners, you’ll need smaller brushes for the right amount of detailed work. Allow the first coat of paint to completely dry, and then apply a second coat to ensure smooth, even coverage. Once the second coat is dry, carefully pull up any painter’s tape and voila! Your space is transformed!

For more information on DAP products for your next DIY project, visit DAP.com.

2020-04-09T13:01:00

(BPT) – In the calm air of Hodgenville, Ky., there’s a spirit of generosity. Whether it’s fixing a flat tire or borrowing a cup of sugar, the people of Hodgenville work to help out when they can. Brandan Roten feels this is a defining characteristic of the town he calls home. That’s why it was an easy decision to join the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), a 100-year-old patriotic volunteer service organization. Turns out it was also a decision that would make Kentucky history.

Roten became the first male ALA member in all of Kentucky, a momentous membership that wouldn’t have been possible until recently. Since September 2019, American Legion Auxiliary membership eligibility has been extended to include male spouses of U.S. veterans and servicemembers.

It was an essential edit to the membership rules, considering the ever-evolving face of the military. By 2045, the share of female veterans is expected to double to 18%, according to “5 Facts about U.S. Veterans,” by Kristen Bialik, at www.pewresearch.org. Allowing men to join this organization in support of their spouses was the right thing to do, but it would also prove an adjustment for the new members.

“It was nerve-wracking to join an organization that was known for being all women,” Roten admitted, “but I support my wife and everything she’s done for the military. This was an opportunity for me to bring in new ideas and be a part of something, and the good work goes beyond gender.”

Roten’s wife, Ashley, was a food inspector in the military for six years. Their marriage helped him see the variety of skills that people can bring to the table in service of the military. “My wife helped me understand the different roles you can take in the military and how every job is important,” Roten said. Since joining the ALA, Roten’s entire family has become involved in assisting at events and programs, including his kids. And his role in the organization has grown too.

In late February, Roten was named vice president of his ALA unit, an opportunity to help chart the future of the legacy organization that he found so exciting. In fact, he’s already planning some events to try and get young people interested in the ALA in hopes of strengthening it for years to come.

Since the ALA changed its eligibility requirements, men from across the country have started joining their local units and helping out. Most male ALA members don’t know any other men who are a part of this organization. Roten is hoping to change that.

“I want people to feel free to sit in and see what we’re about. You’ll meet so many wonderful people. You may have passed them on the street and never really known where they’re coming from,” Roten said. With Hodgenville’s culture of helping, he’s optimistic about what the future holds for the American Legion Auxiliary.

For more information on how to volunteer, join and donate, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

2020-04-09T14:03:00

(BPT) – Families across the country are spending more time at home, which means home cooking has taken on new meaning. Using foods in your pantry and freezer to create meals everyone will love might seem challenging, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be cooking wholesome dishes to please all palates.

Keep in mind, the foundation of a satisfying meal is a versatile protein. Beef is not only an excellent source of protein, it’s nutrient-rich and can be cooked in a variety of ways for meals, snacks and even desserts. The experts at Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. and the Beef Checkoff share some tips and tricks for using beef in your home cooking to save money and time while creating delicious foods for your family.

Tip 1: Store beef safely

Refrigerate or freeze beef as soon as possible after purchasing. Ground beef is a popular option for families, and can safely be stored in the refrigerator for one to two days before cooking or freezing. Once in the freezer, ground beef can be stored for three to four months before quality is impacted.

Steaks and roasts can safely be stored in the refrigerator for three to five days before cooking or freezing. Once in the freezer, steaks and roasts can be stored for four to 12 months before quality is impacted. For longer storage, remove beef from original packaging and place into freezer bags or similar air-tight packaging to remove as much air as possible.

Tip 2: Batch cook and meal prep

The best way to defrost beef is in the refrigerator, never at room temperature, so account for 12 to 24 hours to defrost ground beef and steaks, more for larger pieces of meat such as roasts. After defrosting, wash hands well in hot, soapy water before and after handling raw meat and other fresh foods.

Now you can meal prep and plan by batch cooking your beef. For example, when you batch cook shredded beef, you cook a roast in the slow cooker on the weekend or start of the week and then shred so you have delicious shredded beef ready all week long. Remember, refrigerate leftovers within two hours after cooking in a single container or portioned sizes.

You can also batch cook steak by grilling to medium rare (145 degrees F) to medium (160 F) doneness. Once finished, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute, then place in your preferred air-tight container for tasty steak at the ready. If you plan to freeze any portion of prepared beef, repackage into the right-size portion for upcoming meals and place in the freezer.

Tip 3: Use beef as a substitute

Beef can be a tasty substitute in place of other popular proteins in family favorite dishes. Love Peking Duck? In this recipe for Peking Chuck, Top Chef finalist Joe Sasto replaces the duck with a chuck roast for a unique Asian-inspired beef meal. Craving calamari? Chicago chef and Food Network regular Lamar Moore replaces the surf with turf in Cowlamari. Does your family adore fried chicken? Enjoy Korean Fried Beef (KFB) by acclaimed NYC chef Esther Choi, a tasty take on this classic dish with a beefy Korean twist.

Tip 4: Make cooking educational

When spending more time at home with your family, cooking can be a great way to bond. What’s more, it’s an educational experience that incorporates elements of math, chemistry, home economics and more. Select a recipe to try together and give each family member an age-appropriate task to do. From measuring and mixing to chopping and sautéing, there’s something for everyone.

For an even more educational experience, check out BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for a full collection of cooking lessons. With detailed instructions and tips for a dozen different cooking methods, from grilling to pressure cooking, these cooking lessons are a great resource for all levels of home chefs and are a wonderful way to teach the family new skills in the kitchen.

Tip 5: Pair with pantry staples

Whether shredded, ground, chopped or another option, it’s simple to pair beef with pantry staples to make a meal your family will enjoy any day of the week. From tacos to sauces to salads and more, get creative with what you have on hand. Featuring common pantry staples, use this recipe for inspiration. It’s quick, easy and sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

Chuckwagon Beef & Pasta Skillet

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)
1 small green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 cup chopped onion
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1-1/4 cup unsalted beef broth
1 cup dry mini-wagon wheel pasta or similar shape
1/2 cup unsalted ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup finely shredded reduced-fat cheddar or colby cheese

Directions:

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, bell pepper and onion; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

2. Stir in broth, pasta, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder and onion powder; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low; cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until pasta is almost tender. Uncover; cook 3 to 5 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Garnish with cheese.

2020-04-09T08:43:00

(BPT) – As you’re spending more time at home, you’re probably looking for the best ways to keep your living environment clean, safe and healthy. Where do you start? What kinds of tools or products work best for sanitizing? Fortunately, achieving and maintaining a cleaner, more germ-free home is within your grasp.

Here are some tips for eliminating as many potentially harmful viruses or bacteria in your home as possible, along with strategies for tackling these jobs.

Start with a walk-through

Take a tour of your home, imagining everyone going about their day. What items and surfaces do you touch? You’ve probably thought of doorknobs, but that’s just a start:

• Handrails, banisters
• Refrigerator, freezer door handles
• Cupboard/drawer knobs
• Faucets
• Light switches
• Kitchen appliances, including microwaves
• Kettle, coffee pot handles
• Remote controls, keys
• Phones
• Kitchen counters, stovetops
• And more

The items and areas you and your family use and handle frequently should be cleaned every day — or even more often, especially when members of your household need to go out into the world and return home.

One highly effective strategy for cleaning and sanitizing small areas — including doorknobs — is using steam heat. Heat from the vapor molecules kills viruses and bacteria, plus other pathogens like mold, fleas, flea eggs and dust mites. The result? A sanitized, deodorized and hypoallergenic surface.

How do you clean with steam?

The Reliable Pronto 100CH is a great tool to get you started. It’s a handheld steam cleaner that uses the power of steam at temperatures from 302-320 degrees Fahrenheit to kill germs and bacteria without harsh chemicals — just water. With this easy-to-use cleaner you can tackle small jobs, and its attachments help you sanitize even hard-to-wash areas including fabrics, bedding and mattresses. You can use it on everything from car door handles and bathroom grout to stovetops and refrigerator doors.

Steam cleaning the most frequently touched surfaces in your home often can give you peace of mind, knowing that you’re helping to reduce your family’s risk of illness.

For electronic gadgets including phones, computers and tablets that can’t be cleaned using water for risk of damaging them, check manufacturers’ websites for instructions on safely sanitizing these items to protect your health.

Create a clean foundation

Don’t forget to look down when you’re considering what needs cleaning. Especially when people come and go from the house, cleaning the floor regularly is crucial for a safer, healthier home. Viruses and bacteria can live on shoes for days, and you’re tracking them all over your home every time you walk around.

Steam cleaning floors is also a very effective approach to reducing germs throughout your home. Whether you have wood floors or other types of flooring, using steam is much safer for your entire family than harsh, potentially toxic chemicals you would be breathing in for days after they’re applied. Steam cleaning your floors helps maintain a healthy home that’s safe for kids and pets.

Try the Reliable Steamboy 300CU Steam Mop, which won Good Housekeeping’s “Best Overall Steam Mop” in 2019. All you need to add is water for a deep, sanitized and chemical-free clean. The Steam Mop includes a triangle swivel head to easily clean corners, along with a scrub brush you can use for grout.

Using this tool kills 99% of germs and bacteria in an environmentally friendly way — even avoiding the plastic waste you would have generated using bottles of chemical cleaners.

Be thorough

For a complete clean, you may want to consider equipment you can use on a wide variety of surfaces, to safely sanitize every room of the house. The Brio 225CC Home Steam Cleaning System offers the best of both worlds — you can use it to steam clean everything from the floors to the windows, plus fabrics and more. It comes with a 17-piece accessory kit with attachments to tackle any area of the house.

Using high-pressure steam to sanitize your whole house lets you breathe easier, knowing you’re using the most effective, chemical-free sanitizing technique available to help keep everyone safer and healthier.

To learn more about steam cleaning your home, visit ReliableCorporation.com.