Don’t be afraid — cleaning a refrigerator (and keeping it clean) isn’t a herculean task if you follow these tips:

1. Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup baking soda. Pour into a spray bottle, or use from a bowl with a sponge. This no-rinse formula is a degreaser that prevents mold and mildew. Wipe down the entire refrigerator with this solution, including the drawers and shelves.
2. To prevent grease and odor buildup on top of the refrigerator after you’ve cleaned it, just buff some paste wax into the surface.
3. Use toothpaste to remove tough stains. It contains a gentle abrasive and has a pleasant odor.
4. To get those dust bunnies out from under the refrigerator, remove the grill and run a yardstick covered with a pair of pantyhose underneath. Also check the pan of water under the unit, since it can hold unpleasant-smelling water.
5. To combat household odors, fill a clean old sock with activated charcoal from an aquarium store, tie a knot in the top and place it in the back of the refrigerator. This will last a month or two, depending on the size of your refrigerator and how heavily you use it.
6. For a faster fix for odors, sprinkle vanilla extract on some cotton balls, place in a shallow dish and put in the refrigerator. Orange extract also works.
7. Eliminate lingering odors in your vegetable bins by putting a crumpled piece of a brown paper grocery bag inside and leaving it for 48 hours. The paper will absorb the odor.
8. Check for adequate tightness of the insulating seam around the door by placing a lighted flashlight inside the refrigerator and closing the door. Turn off the lights in the room (this should be done at night) and see if any light escapes from the seams. This will help you pinpoint any leaks.
9. If you don’t keep your refrigerator full, fill a large bottle (at least a gallon) with water and leave it in the refrigerator. It helps keep the refrigerator cool and running efficiently.
10. Keep your refrigerator at 37 degrees.

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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

It might seem strange to worry about how to clean your dishwasher. After all, it’s an appliance with a job of washing dishes. But these handy machines need routine cleaning just like your other kitchen appliances. That’s because the door attracts fingerprints every time you load it with dirty dishes, and the interior (especially the corners and crevices) accumulates residue comprised of food particles, grease, and soap scum. Not only do these deposits look bad, they eventually begin to make your dishwasher stink because of bacteria that thrives in warm, moist, and dark places. Cleaning your dishwasher doesn’t take much and doesn’t need to be done very often. In fact, monthly cleaning can keep your dishwasher looking like new and running well.

Step 1: Clean the Door

Step 2: Clean the Tub

Step 3: Clean the Accessories and Parts

Step 4: Clean the Filter

Step 5: Tackle Rust Stains

Step 6: Eliminate Hard Water and Mineral Buildup

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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

Dishwasher designs continue to improve as manufacturers offer an ever-growing selection of dependable energy-efficient machines at every price point. Review dishwasher features and buying tips before purchasing a new model for your kitchen. Whether standing idle or in operation, dishwashers serve a kitchen well. They rinse, clean, and dry plates and glasses, but also provide a handy cache for stashing dirty dishes and cookware when food prep or a party is underway.

Quarantining yourself at home means staying at home and avoiding contact with others if you have developed, or been exposed to, an infectious disease, until the infectious period of the illness is over, or until you know that you have not contracted an illness to which you have been exposed. Quarantine helps to slow the spread of infection across a population. These coping tips are listed as a guide only. More disease-specific details will be provided by your doctor. You may be asked to stay at home until at least seven days after the onset of symptoms or after you were first exposed to someone with the disease. Your doctor will tell you exactly when your quarantine can safely end. Have a home quarantine plan in place You will find it easier to cope with quarantine if you are prepared for its possibility. Practical suggestions for every household include: Anticipate at least seven to 10 days in isolation at home. Try to have a two-week supply of non-perishable food items in the pantry. Stock long-life alternatives to perishable food items, such as powdered and milk, shelf-stable fruit, and frozen vegetables. Have a supply of disposable tissues, antibacterial wipes, and latex gloves. Check that your first aid kit includes a thermometer and pain meds (to reduce fever). Make sure you have enough of any prescription and non-prescription medication you need to last a couple of weeks. Talk with friends and relatives who don’t live with you about supporting each other if one household has to be quarantined. For example, agree to drop groceries or other supplies at the front door. Family quarantine at home If a family member has an infection and everyone in the household is quarantined, suggestions include: All family members should stay home. Do not allow any visitors. Only one adult should look after the sick person. It is best if the carer is not pregnant because a pregnant woman is at increased risk of complications from many infections. Try to keep the sick person away from other members of the household. For example, they should stay in their bedroom with the door closed, and they should not share a bedroom. If the sick person needs to share a common area with other people, they should try to stay three feet or more from other people to reduce the spread of illness, and wear a facemask. Arrange for the sick person to have exclusive use of one bathroom (if your house has more than one bathroom). Keep the sick person’s items separate from everyone else’s. For example, don’t share towels or eating utensils, or store toothbrushes in the same holder. Use disinfectant to clean items touched by the sick person, such as bedside tables and bathroom surfaces. 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

As a pet owner, it’s important to be aware of factors that could create or become health concerns for your pet and then take steps to ensure they’re not in danger. With summer comes all sorts of hazards for dogs and cats, from an increase in the possibility of coming into contact with parasites to poisonous plants and problems associated with heat, just to name a few. Whether you leave your dogs outside all day while you’re at work or even for just a few hours at a time, it’s critical that you provide them with shade throughout the day. If you don’t have any trees, and for whatever reason, you can’t build a DIY sunshade, consider purchasing a portable lanai of sorts.    Puppywalk Green Breezy Ultra If you take a quick visual stroll around Amazon, you can find a few examples of shade-bearing devices with dogs in mind. One of them is called the Puppywalk Green Breezy Ultra, and it’s perfect for creating a cool shady place for dogs. Made from sturdy weather-resistant canvas, the elevated bed or hammock keeps your pet off the ground away from fleas and ticks, while allowing for circulating airflow, and the canvas awning overhead shields them from the sun’s harsh rays. The fabric is quick drying and can be washed easily with a garden hose. At only 24 lbs., it measures 48 x 39 x 39 inches and is strong enough to hold dogs weighing up to 100 lbs. (There’s one bad review for this  product on Amazon here, but the product in so unique, I still thought it  and the next item worthy of highlighting.)   K&H Manufacturing Pet Cot Canopy Another choice along the same lines comes from K&H Manufacturing. Their Pet Cot Canopies follow the same principal as Kittywalk’s, but in this case they more closely resemble a dome tent, and you have to buy the cot and dome separately. You can choose between sizes small, medium and large for both, and the cots are said to hold dogs up to 150 lbs. The domes generally run under $20, but the cots vary considerably. When purchased together, though, depending on the size of the cot, they can still be cheaper than the Kittywalk shade beds, but I can’t attest to equal or lesser quality.   Quik Shade Outdoor Instant Pet Shade with Elevated Mesh Bed Here’s another choice in elevated beds with a sunscreen. Quik Shade’s covered bed is said to have a sturdy frame that locks into place, ensuring your dog can’t collapse it when jumping on it. The bed is mesh, for even more airflow, and it comes in four different colors. It comes in three sizes and even includes a carrying case, if you want to take it with you camping or out of town. 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

Pool lights are a trend that’s been sweeping the U.S and Europe for quite some time and it’s easy to see why. Adding lights to your pool not only makes it more attractive and has the benefit of giving you the ability to see in low light conditions but it also has a number of other benefits that can prove useful to the pool owner. Some of the benefits of these light include enhancing and defining architectural elements, extending the use of the pool for you and your family into the evening hours, creating a bubble of light that can make the pool area and surrounding yard safer to use, can be used as a mood enhancing element and enhance water effects such as spas and waterfalls. Because these lights have become popular, they now come in a variety of different forms. There are underwater led lights and floating pool lights. There are types of lighting that hang over the pool and there are spotlight lamps which only light up a particular portion of the swimming area. Of course, the more variety you have in pool lighting, the harder it can be to choose a model that fits your needs and your budget. Which is why I’ve decided to write this guide. It will detail the best options you have when it comes to lighting for your pool and will tell you how to find a model that will make you happy every time you go out to swim.

Floating Pool Lights & Underwater Pool Lights

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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

Rising temperatures mean pool time! But before your pool area and home is filled with damp towels, use these tips to keep the area clear so you enjoy your swim! Can’t find your kids’ goggles in the sea of floats and noodles surrounding your pool? Having trouble distinguishing the clean towels from the dirty ones? Here are some tips for keeping all your flip flops, towels, pool accessories, and ducks in a row (that is, organized) this summer.

1. Hang a wine rack for clean towels.

It’s easy to find, easy to use, and frankly, a colorful addition to your backyard décor with all your different beach towel designs on display. Yes, consider using a wine rack as a holder for clean, rolled-up towels. You won’t regret it.

2. Utilize a coat rack for wet towels.

And speaking of towels, find an old waterproof coat rack or make one yourself out of PVC pipes to hold all those dripping-wet towels. Just make sure you put it in a spot that provides easy access and cover from any random rain showers (that is, if you want the towels to dry out and stay dry).

3. Use a pallet for noodle storage.

Want to take advantage of one of the hottest trends lately? Consider repurposing a wooden pallet as prime pool storage real estate. Simply sand it (if necessary) and paint it whatever color you decide. Then, prop it up or attach it against a wall, and store all of those pesky pool noodles out of the way. Want to take your storage up a notch? Add hooks for towels and swimsuits, as well as baskets for flip flops and additional pool-necessity storage.

4. Hang dollar-store baskets along the fence for accessories.

When it comes to pool storage ideas, you can’t go wrong with cheap baskets from the local dollar store. They can provide storage for pool toys, storage for all those small accessories or any other type of swimming pool storage you can think of. All you have to do is hang them from the fence, and voila, easy access!

5. Contain your floats in a cargo net.

If you have a large, blank wall close to your pool, then you have the perfect place for pool float storage. Just gather some outdoor-grade hooks with the non-damaging adhesive on the back, place them along the wall and hook the cargo net on each of the hooks. Then you’re all set to add those floats (which, by the way, could also double as a unique and colorful backyard decoration). Be sure to space the hooks out enough to ensure easy retrieval of your floats when you’re ready to use them, though.

6. Create a floating toy box.

For a creative twist on outdoor pool toy storage, consider cutting up a pool noodle and attaching the pieces around one of those cheap, dollar-store laundry baskets. That way, the basket can float in the water with you — making play time and toy cleanup a breeze! Bonus Tip: Use this same concept with a solid, waterproof basket to store snacks, drinks or anything else that you’d like to keep within arms’ reach of you while you’re swimming. 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.        

To add interest to your book collection, alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically. One of the best ideas for decorating bookcases is to use decor as bookends. Bold-color accessories and picture frames make great bookends and help the decor stand out on shelves.  Mod decor shelves call for a sparse look, so group together a small set of books that are all of fairly uniform size. Accessorize with streamlined vases and metallic decor, leaving lots of open space on shelves to let the accessories shine through. Give the whole shelving unit a pop with a smart-color backdrop. To give office bookshelves an organized feel, gather a wide variety of collectibles. Place your chosen items between books, creating loose symmetry. If you have a picture frame or square shape in one shelf, mirror it with a collectible of a similar shape and size on the opposite side. In a wall of bookshelves such as this, it’s important to scatter books here and there to punctuate the look. Carry your onto your bookshelf to give the room a sense of unity. Here, accessories on the shelves match the light blue of a nearby throw pillow. conceal items like toys and movies that you may not want out in the open. Bookshelves do double duty as storage space for books and display space for accessories. Learn how to decorate bookshelves so they are both fully functional and pleasing to the eye. For picture-perfect bookcase decorating, resist the urge to pack in accessories on every shelf. Keep a clean look by choosing a one-color or tone-on-tone scheme for vases and figurines, and make sure to mix up shapes. Every so often, step back to assess the overall balance of your arrangement. Place items off-center, or try larger or smaller ones until you like what you see. To add interest to your book collection, alternate stacking books horizontally and vertically. One of the best ideas for decorating bookcases is to use decor as bookends. Bold-color accessories and picture frames make great bookends and help the decor stand out on shelves. Mod decor shelves call for a sparse look, so group together a small set of books that are all of fairly uniform size. Accessorize with streamlined vases and metallic decor, leaving lots of open space on shelves to let the accessories shine through. Give the whole shelving unit a pop with a smart-color backdrop. To give office bookshelves an organized feel, gather a wide variety of collectibles. Place your chosen items between books, creating loose symmetry. If you have a picture frame or square shape in one shelf, mirror it with a collectible of a similar shape and size on the opposite side. In a wall of bookshelves such as this, it’s important to scatter books here and there to punctuate the look. Don’t forget the power of bookends when decorating bookcases! Use heavy, sturdy decor as a bookend to keep shelves neat and organized. Bookends especially come in handy for paperbacks and slimmer books, which are less likely to stay upright. 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

We all worry about the pollution and air quality we face outdoors, but have you ever considered that indoor air quality may be an equally big concern? Did you know that indoor air quality can be from two to five times worse that outdoor air quality? Or that the EPA has ranked indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental concerns we face? How about that 50% of illnesses are either caused or aggravated by poor indoor air quality? These numbers are  especially disturbing considering that most of us spend around ninety percent of our time indoors between home, school and work. Pollution comes from many sources- cigarette smoke, gas combustion, insulation, paint, pesticides, mold, and even cleaning products. Surfaces Dust bunnies are far from innocent, unsightly annoyances. They are home to all the chemical pollutants and germs from lawns, streets, and anywhere else you venture that you track into your home. In addition to the chemicals, the dust in your home contains other pet dander and allergens. When you move around your home, you move all of it—dust and chemicals alike — into the air you breathe. What Can You Do? Instead of simply sweeping or dusting, vacuum and/or mop your surfaces—remember, dust gathers on more than just your floors. To combat the dust on your floors specifically, placemats at all entrances to your home. They’ll reduce the amount of dirt, pesticides, and other pollutants being tracked into your home. Humidity During the summer, the humidity can be inescapable. What you may not realize is that humidity is a factor all year long. Maintaining a healthy level of humidity is critical for maintaining a healthy level of indoor air quality—dust mites and mold thrive in moist conditions. When you keep your home’s humidity level between 30 and 50 percent, you greatly reduce the risk of mites, molds, and other allergens sharing your home. Options? Firstly, you can make sure that there are no significant leaks in any of your homes plumbing, or in your ceilings, walls, or floors. In addition to ensuring your home is leak-free, another way to combat humidity is, of course, with a dehumidifier. This can help you control your home’s humidity level and protect your family from the dangers of mold and allergens. For more information on dehumidifiers, click here. Chemical Pollutants Chemical pollutants don’t just come from pesticides and factories. Many things you use every day—e.g.  perfume, hairspray, candles, gas stoves, bleach—can cause poor air quality, especially when used in enclosed spaces. Cigarette smoke is another major source of indoor air pollution, as cigarettes contain over 4000 chemicals. Even secondhand smoke can cause serious respiratory and internal health problems in children and adults alike. Fresh Air It’s important to keep fresh air in the house, no matter how cool it is outside. Most HVAC systems do not automatically bring fresh air in, so remember to crack a window or invest in filtration systems. Try to never use any chemical household products in spaces without ventilation. For instance, if you’re cleaning the bathroom, if you can’t open a window, at least turn on the fan.  It’s also a good idea to keep your home a smoke-free zone, to avoid all of the chemical pollutants cigarette smoke (first and second hand) produce altogether. In addition to fresh air, an air purifier can vastly improve your home’s air quality by absorbing many of the airborne allergens, chemicals, and dust mites. For more information on air filtration systems, click here. Poor Ventilation Sometimes you can’t avoid air pollutants—such as those that come from your HVAC system, dryer, fridge, or any other large appliance. Fortunately, most of these have elaborate venting systems that absorb most, if not all of the potential air pollutants. Unfortunately, these systems are not without fault. Any vent, after a while, produces up more junk than its ability to catch. This is true for both ducts and filters. Dirty ducts and vents provide a breeding ground for a variety of microbial growth such as mold and bacteria. Vacuum Once again, a vacuum is your friend. You can use a vacuum to suck up a lot of the dirt, debris, and dust that builds in and around your appliances before it blows out into the air. Also, remember to change all filters regularly. You can also schedule to have your ducts cleaned. This doesn’t need to be done very often, but if you haven’t had it done since you’ve been in your home, it’s a good idea to check into 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.

Because of the current pandemic, an increasing number of residents are now concerned about their home’s air quality. The reality is, we are now spending more time indoors and are aware of new dangers. The air we are breathing inside our homes must also be conducive to keeping us healthy. If you are seeking an air purification system that can destroy airborne contaminants like mold, bacteria, allergens, and viruses, then it’s worth investing in a UV-based solution. What Exactly is UV Air Purification? UV air treatment uses a highly concentrated ultraviolet (UV) light to kill a wide array of indoor air pollutants. These types of UV systems can provide further protection against airborne dust, microorganisms, and other unpleasant particles. UV-V light systems can greatly reduce other pollutants like allergens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). What Kinds of Pollutants Can UV Kill? Fortunately, ultraviolet light is highly effective for several types of microorganisms. These include mold, fungi, mildew, bacteria, and even viruses. UV light works by breaking down the molecular bonds in their DNA that holds them together –boom! This process will either kill them outright or render them unable to reproduce and spread., This means it will prevent them from infecting your home. Can You Explain How These Systems Work? A UV system is quite simple and works in conjunction with your existing HVAC system. One of our skilled installers will mount the UV lights inside of your ductwork near the main unit. Once installed, the air circulating through the ducts will pass through the UV rays destroying the pollutants. What Kinds of Pollutants Can UV Kill? Fortunately, ultraviolet light is highly effective for several types of microorganisms. These include mold, fungi, mildew, bacteria, and even viruses. UV light works by breaking down the molecular bonds in their DNA that holds them together –boom! This process will either kill them outright or render them unable to reproduce and spread., This means it will prevent them from infecting your home. Can You Explain How These Systems Work? A UV system is quite simple and works in conjunction with your existing HVAC system. A skilled installer will mount the UV lights inside of your ductwork near the main unit. Once installed, the air circulating through the ducts will pass through the UV rays destroying the pollutants. 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, info@ScottsdaleRealEstateTeam.com 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.