Think disinfectant sprays actually kill germs? Read this.

think-disinfectant-sprays-actually-kill-germs-read-this

Today’s powerful disinfectant spray cleaners do a good job of killing germs, but only if you use them properly. Which most of us don’t. If you’re anything like me, you give your desk, counters and other surfaces a quick mist of sanitizing solution and wipe. Turns out that method doesn’t actually accomplish anything. Read on to find out how to actually kill germs on surfaces.  Continue reading

Only One State Hasn’t Had a Flu Outbreak. Let’s All Move There.

The latest CDC flu map shows people are sniffling and aching and hacking up lungs all over the United States. But one state has gotten off scott-free this flu season: Hawaii.

flu-map-cdc

They’ve only had “sporadic” flu activity in The Aloha State.  How bitter would you’d be if you were one of the few people to get the flu in a Hawaii? I am pretty I would rage at the cosmic injustice.

Just in case you can’t decamp to Hawaii for a few weeks, here’s how to prevent the flu during the height of the season: Continue reading

How to Prevent Frozen Car Locks

how-to-prevent-frozen-car-locks-and-unfreeze-frozen-locks

Winter is just around the corner. For many of us, it’s really just a matter of weeks until the day we go to get in our cars, just to find the car locks frozen. We have some tips on what to do when that happens. But before we get to that, we’re going to tell you how to prevent frozen car locks in the first place.

Use Hilco spray lubricant to stop car locks from freezing.

Spray lubricants are your secret weapon against frozen car locks. That’s because lube displace moisture. In other words, it prevents water from collecting and freezing in your locks.

We recommend Hilco Lubricant in this case because it is specifically made for displacing moisture on mechanical equipment. Unlike WD-40, You can use it as often as you need to without worrying about it degrading your lock tumblers over time.

Hilco LCI808752 Review: “One of the best products I have used.”
Rating 5 stars (5 / 5 stars) by Kent

This is one of the best products I have used. We have used it on hurricane shutters, guns, doors, and other open metals. When we used it on our hurricane shutters it did not gum-up in the hot sticky weather. Now for my guns it is the best cleaner I have ever used, because it has a nice odor and it is perfect product to use after I clean my weapons. I stopped using W40 over using Hilco lube and would not use another product for my metal products.

Hilco Lube Aerosol (17 oz. can)

Spray the lube outside and inside the lock. The easiest way to get spray lubricant inside a car lock is to spray your key, insert it into the lock and turn it slowly. Do that a couple times to ensure the inside of the lock is completely lubed. You should also spray Hilco around the frame of your car door to prevent it from freezing as well.

How to unfreeze car locks.

So, if you are reading this post after the whole “ounce of prevention” ship has sailed, don’t fret. We can help you unfreeze your car lock.

  1. Try heating the key with a lighter or matches (this is probably the only time in life it pays to be a smoker). Most car keys have plastic heads, so you don’t want to get them too hot. Just warm enough to melt ice. After you heat your key, insert it in the lock and try turning, gently. You don’t want to try to force the key because it might break, and suddenly, your problem just got a whole lot bigger.
  2. If that doesn’t work, break out the HILCO Lube. Spray lubricant will melt ice. Eventually. It’s a little slow going, but at this point in the process, you’re probably already late anyway. Just coat your car key, insert it in the lock and wiggle gently until it turns.What’s that you say? You didn’t take our advice and pick up a can of HILCO back in November? Vaseline or other household petroleum jelly will (slowly, slowly) melt ice and do in a pinch.

Once you unfreeze your car lock, do yourself a favor and go to the nearest gas station and buy a can of de-icer to keep in the car. And make sure you lube every time you use deicer. In fact, lube all your locks with Hilco spray lubricant to protect against ice and damage. Better yet, lube any metal that’s going to be exposed to the elements. It cleans, it lubricates and it prevent erosion.

Update:

Reader Nancy makes a VERY good point:

Why do people tell you to keep de-icer in your car? If you need de-icer, having it in your car isn’t going to help! It needs to be OUTSIDE of the car so you can get IN the car. Keep a can at work and one in the garage or utility room.

Great tip, Nancy!

Source: PHS Locksmiths, AccuWeather, Gizmodo

How to Remove Sharpie® Permanent Marker Stains from anything.

Sharpie Markers are permanent on practically any surface. Usually, that’s what we love about them. But a Sharpie is a disaster waiting to happen in the wrong hands.One frustrated dad developed a pretty effective marker stain remover after his 3-year old daughter got hold of a Sharpie and went wild on the walls. We’ve talked before about toothpaste’s effectiveness at removing dry erase marker stains.Turns out if you add a little baking soda to the mix, you can get rid of stubborn permanent marker stains on almost any substance.Toothpaste and baking soda are both mildly abrasive, so what you’re really doing is gently buffing away the permanent marker stain. It’s safe to use on most surfaces because it’s so mild and won’t lead to discoloration. Sharpie Markers
Sharpie® Fine Tip Permanent Markers

 Related

How to remove ink stains from leather. 5 Ways to Use Your Sharpie®  Marker
Sharpie Permanant Marker Stain Removal Guide: how to remove ink stains from leather.Shari from OnTimeSupplies.com passes on a mom-tested tip on removing Sharpie marker stains from leather. 5 Ways to Use Your Sharpie® Fine Tip Permanent Marker SAN30001Office Ink shows you 5 new ways to us your Sharpie markers.

Got a tip for getting rid of stubborn stains? Share your tips in the comments. Source: Lifehacker

Best Filing System: Smead® Manila End Tab Folders SMD24110 on a shelf.

best-filing-system-smead-manila-end-tab-folders-smd24110-on-a-shelf

If you are setting up a new filing system, or frustrated with your current system, consider setting up an open shelf filing system. The biggest benefit: file shelves take up a lot less space than traditional file cabinets — like half as much space.  If you’ve got a lot of files and only a little space, open file shelves and end tab file folders are the way to go. Continue reading

Decorate your cubicle to keep from burning out at work.

decorate-office-cubicle-to-avoid-burnout

Feel tired just thinking about going to work in your cubicle?  New research  from the University of Michigan suggests that it’s not just you. They found that the complete lack of privacy associated with working in the modern cubicle farm leads to feeling of emotional exhaustion and burnout.

Luckily, the same researchers found a simple fix — decorating your office cubicle:

Individuals may consciously or subconsciously take comfort from the items with which they surround themselves at work, and these items may help employees to maintain emotional energy in the face of the stresses that come from their work.

It’s kind of sweet when you think about it. A picture of your family on your desk provides the emotional fortification you need to get through the stresses of the day. Plus, adding a few personal touches helps you take ownership of your work area. The lack of privacy is easier to bear when the place feels like your own.

Need a little inspiration for decorating your office cubicle? The book Cubicle Chic provides a wealth of inspirations, as does Pinterest. I have to admit though, most of the ideas seem a little…ambitious. Besides, will your boss really let you turn your cubicle into a Tiki Bar? Luckily, the Michigan team suggests that it won’t take much to reap the mental health benefits of a personalized office cubicle. Try adding a poster, a pretty calendar and framed photos. Maybe an office plant.

Got an awesome cubicle or work space? Share your pictures on the On Time Supplies Facebook page and inspire us all!

Sources: Pacific Standard Magazine, Wired

How to remove water stains & more from leather office chairs

how-to-remove-water-stains-leather-office-chairs

One of the [many] cool things about leather chairs is that they are naturally stain resistant. Most of time, you can simply wipe off spills and stains. However, getting rid of a stubborn stain, such as an ink or water stain, without marring the leather can be tricky. Office Ink shows you 9 ways to clean a leather office chair.

9 Ways to Clean Leather Office Chairs

Apply these cleansers to a soft microfiber cloth, not the chair itself. The goal is to treat the stain with as little moisture as possible.

  1. Wood Furniture Polish, such as classic Lemon Pledge
  2. 1 part lemon juice, 1 part cream of tartar
  3. 1 part water, 1 part white vinegar
  4. alcohol- and ammonia-free wipes, such as Endust® Screen Cleaning Wipes
  5. Mayo
  6. Suntan Oil (that one is Office Ink tested!)
  7. Baby Soap
  8. Facial Wash
  9. Rubbing alcohol (a little on a cotton ball, and only after all else fails!)

Vacuum or thoroughly dust your leather office chair before you try any of these methods. You want your chair dust free before you start to eliminate the risk of scratches. In fact, you should wave the old hose attachment over your leather office chair regularly to remove the dust and debris that dulls and scratches leather finishes.

Sources: How to Clean Stuff, Martha Stewart, DIY Network, WikiHow