What to Declutter from your Closet by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

No matter how big they are, closets never seem to have enough storage space. Whether yours is overflowing with clothes you never wear or packed with miscellaneous storage items, a quick refresh can help streamline your closet storage and make room for the things you actually wear. Start by clearing out these 11 items, including out-of-season attire and space-consuming accessories. Once they’re out of the closet, you can either store them elsewhere in your home (such as in the basement or an entryway closet) or get rid of them altogether. Take just a few minutes to relocate or toss these items now to make your closet feel more spacious and organized. (Trust us, you’re not going to miss them.) Clunky hangers can occupy valuable closet space, so don’t hold on to more than you need. Designate a hanger for all of the items you like to hang, then ditch the rest. (You might also consider replacing bulky plastic hangers with a more space-saving design.) If you buy something new, make it a rule to get rid of one item before hanging the new one. Warm, waterproof boots are essential when winter weather hits, but in July, your bulky boots are taking up precious storage space. The same is true for your sundresses and strappy sandals in December. Stash out-of-season items in the basement, attic, or spare room, or under your bed rather than the closet, and switch out items as the weather changes. Whether you wear all black, prefer skirts to pants, or have a thing for sparkles, you probably know your own style by now. Rid your closet of items that don’t match your personal brand. As a bonus, maintaining a distinct style can make it easier to get ready in the morning since everything you own already goes together. Coat closets exist for a reason. House bulky parkas, umbrellas, and outdoor accessories like hats and scarves in your entryway or an extra closet outside the bedroom. This will not only free up space in your clothes closet, but also stop dirt, salt, water, and other debris from tracking into your sleep space. Whether it was a gift or clearance rack steal that was impossible to pass up, we all have those items we never wear. Purge any clothing item that is too big, too small, stained, or threadbare. As a general rule, if you haven’t worn an item in a year, it’s time for it to go. Instead of storing luggage in your closet, stash it under your bed or in the basement or attic. Before you pack it away, however, take advantage of the empty space inside and use that suitcase to store out-of-season items or extra linens. Clear hats, scarves, and mittens out of your closet and store them by the door instead. A small basket or the drawer of an entryway console table works well for storing outdoor accessories in a convenient spot. Then you can bundle up right before you head out the door. Pretty jewelry can double as art if it’s displayed correctly. Keep necklaces on a tree and rings in a decorative dish, but keep them out of your closet. Closet space is typically tight, so you might knock valuables over when pulling out a dress or grabbing a bin from the top shelf. Storing jewelry on a vanity is a much safer (and more easily accessible) option for small accessories.   Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Your Guide to Flooring by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Hardwood lasts longer than other flooring options and can be refinished several times (solid hardwoods can be refinished an unlimited number of times) — or even restained to change their appearance. Today’s polyurethane finishes allow installation in kitchens and half baths, as long as you take precautions to minimize water spills. Engineered woods are considered more stable for kitchen and bath applications. Wood flooring is available in strips, planks, and parquet squares. Unfinished flooring gives you almost unlimited color stain options. The drawback: Unfinished flooring must be sanded and finished after installation, which typically requires the expertise of a professional and puts the room out of service for several days. Prefinished flooring features a factory-applied finish that remodelers sometimes favor because it eliminates sawdust and finish vapors, and the room can be used within 24 hours after installation. The color options for prefinished flooring are not as varied as for unfinished flooring. Solid or engineered flooring consists of two or more layers of wood, similar to plywood. The top layer consists of a hardwood veneer, while the lower layers are typically softwood. Unlike engineered wood flooring, the most familiar wood flooring is comprised of solid one-piece boards. Most solid flooring is unfinished, while most engineered flooring is prefinished. Clay-base ceramic tile is suitable for use anywhere you want a durable, low-maintenance floor. This is especially true of moisture-prone, heavy-traffic areas such as bathrooms, mudrooms, entryways, and kitchens. Ceramic tiles come in almost unlimited colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes. Ceramic tile falls into four basic categories: quarry tile, paver tile, patio tile, and glazed tile. The body of a tile, sometimes called the bisque or biscuit, is produced to meet a specific need or use. Although thickness is one gauge of strength, the composition of the tile and the temperature and duration of firing also determine its strength. A reputable tile dealer can help you match the body and glaze to your installation requirements. In most cases, the more expensive the stone tile, the more fragile. The finish on stone tiles must be carefully chosen and matched to the anticipated wear. For example, a highly polished marble will dull on the floor in a beach house. For that reason, you might want to limit highly polished tiles to areas where soft footwear is generally worn, such as in the master bathroom. In most other areas, a matte-look honed finish is preferred. Stone tiles are sliced out of boulders into a variety of sizes and shapes. Not all stones are suitable for use as a flooring material. Some, such as granite, are practically indestructible. Others may contain soft spots, fissures, and other imperfections that diminish performance. Some stone tiles can warp from exposure to water or moisture. These may have to be installed with an epoxy adhesive and grout. Colored grout can pose a danger to some stone tiles: It can stain the tiles permanently. The color and appearance of a single stone tile won’t represent the entire batch required to surface a floor — even if all the tiles were cut off the same block of stone. Vinyl floor coverings are durable and suitable for any room in the house. You’ll find vinyl available as sheets or tiles in two categories. Rotogravure vinyl features a knobby texture as well as pattern and color printed on the finish side only. This knobby texture can be difficult to clean. Inlaid vinyl features pattern and color through the thickness of the material. It’s typically much more durable than rotogravure vinyl and will look good and last for many years. Sheet vinyl is a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, entryways, hallways, and rec rooms. It comes in many patterns and styles. Vinyl tiles can be used in many of the same applications; however, dirt-collecting seams can make a vinyl tile floor difficult to keep clean. And the same joints can allow liquid spills to filter between tiles, loosen them, and damage the subfloor. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

How to Clean your Cell Phone by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Harmful germs and bacteria can live on the surface of your phone and tablet for days. Use these cleaning methods to disinfect your electronic devices. Your phone is one of the filthiest items you touch all day. The device goes with you everywhere: to work, the grocery store, the gym, and even (admittedly) the bathroom. Along the way, it picks up germs from everything you’ve touched, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. By some estimates, your phone is 10 times dirtier than most toilet seats. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of London, nearly every phone contains bacteria. Additionally, of the 390 phones tested, one out of six tested positive for E. coli, a potentially illness-causing bacteria that comes from fecal matter. That’s not great news for a device that frequently touches (or comes close to) your hands, mouth, and ears. Viruses such as the flu can survive and potentially infect others for up to 48 hours after being left behind on a surface. Research shows that viruses transfer easily between the surface of your phone and your fingers, and viruses such as the flu can survive and potentially infect others for up to 48 hours after being left behind on a surface. And for infection-causing germs like Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant bacteria, that life span is even longer, with the bacteria surviving for weeks. Ready to give your mobile device a good scrubbing? These are some of the best products and procedures for keeping your cell phone, tablet, and accessories germ-free. Follow these steps on how to clean your phone and protect yourself from viruses. Before you clean any high-tech product, turn it off completely and unplug cables. This will minimize damage if any liquid should get on the device. It’s also a good idea to remove the case or cover and, if possible, take out your phone’s battery. The screen is perhaps the dirtiest part of a phone or tablet, especially those with touch screens. To wipe away fingerprints, smudges, and bacteria from the screen, use a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth (paper towels and even the softest tissues can cause scratches). If necessary, lightly dampen the cloth with water. Avoid using any cleaners with alcohol or ammonia on a touch screen, as these can damage the oleophobic coating that helps guard against fingerprint smudges. To disinfect your phone or tablet, wipe it down with alcohol- and ammonia-free disinfectant wipes, taking care not to let any of the liquid seep into the ports or mic areas. Another option for cleaning your phone from potential viruses : Purchase a gadget cleaners that uses UV light to sanitize your device. Some versions even charge your phone at the same time. Use light pressure when wiping the screen to avoid scratches. Older phones with plastic screens can easily scratch. Some newer smartphones and tablets have a coating that repels oils from your skin, and rubbing the finish too hard will wear it away quickly. If your device has a glass front and back, you’ll need to clean both sides with the same care. If you’re not sure of your phone’s construction, check the manufacturer’s guide or ask your mobile service provider. If your screen is cracked, take extra care while cleaning. Wiping it at all can cause the cracks to spread, and using a damp cloth can cause water damage. It may be best to skip cleaning the phone screen until you are able to replace it. It’s fine to use a small amount of water on the metal and plastic parts of your cell phone’s exterior, but be careful to not let any liquid get into the ports. Dip your microfiber cloth or a cotton swab in water and clean the shell, including the camera lens and inside the battery cover, if possible. Window cleaners, ammonia, or other household chemicals are too harsh, so choose disinfectant wipes derived from natural ingredients to sanitize your phone. Wipe up excess moisture with a dry microfiber cloth or let everything air dry. Never use a hairdryer to speed up the process as the heat could warp your device. Don’t forget to also occasionally clean the charger, headphones, keyboard, stylus, and other accessories you frequently handle. You can use computer-cleaning wipes to remove debris and disinfect any of these products. For a DIY option, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently run it over all areas of the accessories. Don’t use compressed air to blast away dirt because the force can cause damage. To loosen stubborn dirt from ports, connectors, or under keys, use a dry paintbrush instead. Learning how to clean a phone case is another smart way to protect yourself from illness. If you keep your phone or tablet in a case, it’s important to also keep the case clean. For a plastic case, use rubbing alcohol or an all-purpose disinfectant on cotton swabs to wipe both the outside and inside. Many silicone, rubber, or plastic phone cases can also be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you have a leather case, use a leather cleaner according to the manufacturer’s directions. Fabric cases that cannot be thrown in the laundry machine are nearly impossible to clean and the most likely to harbor bacteria; avoid them if possible. Allow your phone, case, and components to dry completely before reassembling the pieces and turning it back on. Your phone or tablet is now clean and ready to use! Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Easy-to-Install Bidet Attachments – No more TP by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

These cleansing toilet seats and attachments can be easily installed in less than an hour, and they start at just $35. You might recognize bidets as that unfamiliar bathroom fixture you had to navigate once on a trip abroad. Already popular in restrooms around the world, bidets are now making their way into American households, too. In the past month, in particular, Google searches for “bidet” spiked 80% as toilet paper becomes increasingly hard to find. These special plumbing fixtures offer a solution, using a targeted stream of water to clean your backside after you go, reducing the need to wipe with toilet paper. In the United States, you can now find bidet seats and hand-sprayers that attach to your water supply to turn a traditional toilet into a bidet. With no need for toilet paper, bidets can make your trip to the bathroom a more pleasant experience. “We believe washing with water provides a far higher level of hygiene that you cannot get with wiping alone,” says Daniel Lalley, communications director for Brondell, a bidet manufacturer. But the benefits go beyond hygiene. Bidets also cut down toilet paper consumption, which is good for your wallet and the environment. With a basic bidet, you’ll still need to use a small amount of toilet paper to dry off after use, but others include a warm air dryer feature that eliminates the need to wipe altogether. Bidets come with a wide variety of features, but the key difference is between mechanical and electrical types. Usually the less expensive option, mechanical bidets use water pressure to create a stream at the temperature of your plumbing. Electrical bidets offer a more customized experience with additional functions such as instant water heating, water pressure controls, and heated seats. If you’re ready to trade your traditional bathroom experience for a toilet-paper-free alternative, check out our picks for the best bidet options, including seats and attachments. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.  

Organizing you Garage by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

Garage organization presents some unique challenges: how to pull together cars with toys, tools, sporting equipment, beach chairs and cleaning supplies? In one space? Luckily, 3 professional organizers Mary Hoff (Lotus Organizing & Design), Donna Jumper (JumpStart Organizing) and Lisa Mark (The Time Butler Professional Organizers) are on board to help guide us through the 5 steps of the organization process. Every household stores things in their garage they shouldn’t. “Usually there is just too much of everything and it becomes a dumping ground for all kinds of things,” says Jumper. So if you’ve accumulated massive amounts of clutter, you are not alone. And take heart, chances are your garage has nothing on what these pros have seen while organizing client’s garages: dead and live animals, spoiled food, photographs ruined by moisture, termite-infested furniture that never made it to the dump—the list goes on and on. Before you dive into the organization process, you’ve got to have the right tools in place. Gather the following supplies:

• Heavy-duty trash bags
• Strong vacuum like a shop vac or a broom
• Catch-all basket for odds and ends

Do a basic cleaning and give the floor a good once over with a broom or shop vac. Also, look out for:

• Nails and other small items on the floor
• Oil or chemical stains
• Cobwebs
• Any evidence of furry or winged creatures that may have taken up residence in your home

As you are cleaning, you can begin the decluttering process by tossing anything you know right off the bat (and yes, our organizers have found both live and dead bats in garages) in the trash. This way you don’t have to deal with it during the decluttering/decision-making phase of what to toss and keep. As with any organizing project, you need to declutter before you can organize, and that means dividing items into familiar categories:

• Toss
• Keep
• Donate
• Trash

Ideally, Jumper advises clients to pull everything out of the space. “Putting everything out on the driveway and sorting into zones helps homeowners actually see how many of one item they may have. How many items are broken, outgrown or not used,” she says, “people generally are amazed how many items were actually stuffed into the garage.” Sometimes there is not enough space to pull everything out onto the driveway, and in these cases, Lisa Mark works with clients to divide and conquer: “We often divide the garage into multiple organizing zones and organize each zone completely before moving on to the next.” “You can organize a garage a bit at a time or even a wall at a time,” says Hoff. In other words: choose a corner of the garage to start with, or choose a type of item (beach, sports, small tools, etc.) and declutter slowly. Not sure whether to keep, toss, trash or donate an item? Jumper asks her clients the old stand-by question: “When was the last time you actually used this?” Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Where the Germs are in Your House by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

In the ongoing battle between you and household germs, you may think germs have the advantage. Unlike you, they can be just about everywhere at once. And when it comes down to hand-to-hand combat, you may be too rushed or tired or just have better things to do. They don’t.Yet keeping household germs at bay helps keep colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses from spreading. This on-the-go cleaning guide can help you get the upper hand with germs by focusing your efforts on the places where they lurk the most.

Where the Germs Are

As a rule of thumb, any area of your home with high traffic and surfaces that get touched a lot is a germ bank. Not all germs are harmful. But where there are germ strongholds, the conditions are favorable for disease-causing viruses or bacteria to lurk. One study found the kitchen sink had more bacteria than the toilet or garbage can. The only bathroom hot spot in the study’s top 10 was the toothbrush holder. Why? Toothbrush holders are often near the toilet, and flushing sends a fine spray of mist onto them. Plus, it’s easy to forget about them if you’re focused on cleaning the toilet and more obvious germ hot spots.

Getting Started: What You Need to Kill Germs

Cleaning with soap and hot water removes dirt and grime and gets rid of some germs. It’s usually enough for many surfaces. But you may want to disinfect areas that are home to a lot of germs. A cleaner-disinfectant can be good for speed-cleaning because it combines the two steps. You can use it for most kitchen countertops and bathroom surfaces. Clean areas with sticky spills and dirt with soap and water. Then disinfect. To make a cheap, effective disinfectant, mix up to 3 teaspoons of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Never pair bleach with ammonia or vinegar. Apply it and leave on for 3 to 5 minutes. Rinse and let air-dry to save time. Or dry with a clean towel. Always wear gloves and open some windows when you use products with bleach. If you’re using store-bought disinfectants, try not to breathe in the chemicals. Also remember to wipe down areas afterward with water or let cleaned areas, such as countertops, fully dry before you prepare food on them. White vinegar or hydrogen peroxide are effective homemade cleaners. But never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar. And if you use hydrogen peroxide, test it first on an unseen surface to make sure it doesn’t discolor or fade it. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

How to Safely Clean and Sanitize Your Electronics by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

7 Common Kitchen Items That Are Crawling With Germs (And It’s Not Just the Sponge) by Joe Szabo, Scottsdale Real Estate Team

The sponge and the sink are obvious culprits, but other everyday kitchen objects can harbor germs that cause foodborne illnesses — or worse.When researchers from NSF International, a non-profit public health and safety organization, asked 20 families to swab 14 different kitchen items they found some surprising items were contaminated with various combinations of foodborne illness-causing germs such as E. Coli, Salmonella, Listeria and mold and yeast. This is a health hazard that’s common in households across the country. 21 percent of cases of foodborne illness are actually due to food consumed in private homes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some of the worst germ breeding grounds that are actually dirtier than a toilet seat!

Be honest: when was the last time you cleaned the knife block, if ever?

De-gunk it: Remove the knives, then turn the block upside down to shake out crumbs. (You can also use a can of compressed air, like a computer keyboard cleaner.) Wash the block in hot soapy water and get in the slots with a small brush, like the kind designed to clean baby bottle nipples. To sanitize, soak the block in a mixture of one gallon of lukewarm tap water and 1 tablespoon of 5.25 percent household bleach, or just fill the knife slots with the mixture. Let it sit for one minute, then rinse thoroughly with clean tap water and place upside down to dry. Avoid germ buildup by washing knives and letting them dry completely before you put them back in the block. Another place that holds a lot of germs, your phone screen. Here is how dirty it actually is.

Salmonella, Listeria, and yeast and mold are partying it up in here with your cukes and carrots, and a dirty drawer could contaminate new clean veggies you put in there, Lisa Yakas, a microbiologist and senior project manager at NSF, told CBSNews.com. De-gunk it: As with the veggie drawer, you need to remove the whole thing and wash it with soap and water.

It’s not surprising that the home of raw meat would host Salmonella, E. Coli, yeast and mold, but ask yourself: How often do you give it a proper cleaning?

De-gunk it: NSF recommends that once a month, you remove the drawer from the fridge and wash the bin with warm water and a mild detergent. You can get rid of odors with a baking soda solution (about 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 quart of water). Let everything dry thoroughly. Watch out for these scary germs that could be lurking on your clothes right now. Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award-winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.