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Cleaning Carpets Again and Daily Links

by Flexo on October 28, 2008

in Consumer

Four months ago, I purchased a Hoover SteamVac and used the device to clean the carpets in my apartment. I was impressed then. In order to prepare for some company this coming weekend, I cleaned the carpets again this past weekend.

The results were just as great. I have a cat, and even though you normally can’t see how cat hair settles into the carpet, it’s amazing — and frankly somewhat disgusting — to see what comes up when you use a powerful cleaner. But rest assured, the carpet throughout the apartment is now quite clean.

Here are some links from around the web.

Million Dollar Journey shares the details about the new Canadian tax-free savings accounts launching for our northern neighbors in January 2009.

Before buying something, anything, Lazy Man and Money asks himself five questions. If he can answer all questions to his satisfaction, he will follow through with the purchase.

Stop Buying Crap has listed Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine’s best online discount brokers.

Jim from Blueprint for Financial Prosperity has assembled 50 financial skills every person needs to know, whether or not the skill is used.

Planning a vacation outside the United States? Consider traveling to where the dollar is strong to get the most bang for your U.S. buck. I wouldn’t refuse a two-month vacation in Bali. Thanks to My Two Dollars for sharing this information.

Enter here to win a free copy of Quicken Premier 2009.

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Purchased a Hoover SteamVac to Deep Clean My Carpets

by Flexo on June 23, 2008

in Consumer

When I first moved into my apartment a year ago, my carpets looked brand new. Even though I vacuum regularly, months of shoe and sneaker traffic, feline hairballs, and who knows what else has diminished the look of the most lived-in portion of the dwelling. In my old apartment, I didn’t care much for the state of the carpets, but here, I’d like the place to be more presentable to guests.

My first attempt was with Carbona 2 in 1 Oxy-Powered Carpet Cleaner, a bottle of cleaner with a brush for treating and cleaning soiled areas. With the hairballs (and accompanying regurgitated dry cat food) being my primary concern, this product performed adequately at best. I was considering hiring professionals, but this would be an expensive proposition.

Hoover SteamVacSomehow, I found myself chatting with a co-worker the other day. She has a large and messy dog, a black Labrador I believe. This co-worker — let’s call her Mary — is a former single homeowner who has downsized to an apartment for the past year and is planning to begin looking for a new house, but in no rush. Mary swears that the Hoover SteamVac will perform just as good as any professional service and will cost much less.

I’ve decided to put that claim to the test. Amazon.com is selling the Hoover F5912900 TurboPower 5200 SteamVac Carpet Cleaner for about $150 but I was able to beat that price in person at the local Bed Bath & Beyond. The product has great reviews online and this may be the first time I’m looking forward to cleaning.

My girlfriend and I assembled the device on Sunday, but I’m waiting for the next opportunity for its first use. I will need to set aside time for the cleaning plus six hours for the carpets to dry. This is apparently a short period of time compared to the time required by other cleaners.

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