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Tide to Design First Laundry Detergent for Space, To Begin Stain Removal Testing on International Space Station in 2022

The Procter & Gamble laundry brand partners with NASA in a Space Act Agreement to explore how to efficiently clean astronauts’ clothing in resource-constrained environments, including the Artemis Moon missions and future Mars missions.

(Graphic: Business Wire)


Tide® has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA to help in the development of laundry detergent solutions and technology development in space. Under the agreement, NASA may test and study Tide cleaning solutions in space. The study could have potential on-planet implications like innovative solutions for resource and environmental challenges on Earth. Aligning with Tide’s decade-long sustainability commitment, Ambition 2030, Tide will strive to bring off-planet learnings back to everyday consumer products.


Currently, astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) wear clothing several times before replacing it with a new set. Clothing is delivered to the station through resupply shipment opportunities. The limited cargo capacity makes the practice of replenishing the clothing supply challenging for deep space missions, such as Artemis Moon missions and a crewed roundtrip Mars mission. Without a laundry solution, 160 pounds of clothing per crew member per year are launched to the ISS. Human roundtrip missions to Mars could be two to three years in length.


Major challenges for off-Earth laundering include ingredient safety and compatibility with NASA life support systems, and the limited amount of water available per wash load and the requirement that the wash water is purified back to drinking-quality water. To combat these challenges, Tide has developed a fully degradable detergent, specifically designed for use in space to solve malodor, cleanliness and stain removal problems for washable items used during deep space missions, while being suitable for use in a closed-loop water system.


Onboard a 2022 cargo launch to the space station, “Mission PGTide” (P&G Telescience Investigation of Detergent Experiments), teams will test the stability of cleaning ingredients under microgravity conditions and exposure to the radiation levels experienced in space in partnership with the ISS U.S. National Laboratory and SEOPS. In addition, the stain removal ingredients and performance will be tested on board the ISS through experiments with Tide To Go Wipes and Tide To Go Pens.


"The ISS National Lab is excited to work with the P&G team once again as they push the limits of their research and development onboard the orbiting laboratory,” said Dr. Michael Roberts, Acting Chief Scientist for the ISS National Lab. “Through private-sector utilization of the space station, companies like P&G can conduct investigations in ways not possible on Earth to develop new consumer products, enhance existing products, and better understand processes that further business models both on the ground and in low Earth orbit. We look forward to this first investigation of Tide in Space and hope that many more will soon follow."


In addition to testing onboard the ISS National Lab, NASA, and Tide researchers may study how an innovative combined washing and drying unit utilizing the special-formulated detergent could potentially be integrated into planetary habitats that may be used for the Artemis Moon and Mars missions under low-gravity surface conditions. There are also a unique set of challenges that present themselves for a crewed Mars mission. Future missions to and from Mars expect to span multiple years, and these long-duration flights will require laundry solutions designed for extreme space-based environments and varying gravity conditions.


“This partnership was created to rethink cleaning solutions – forcing us to rethink innovations for resource-constrained and challenging environments like the ISS, deep space, and even the future of our home planet,” said Aga Orlik, Senior Vice President, P&G North America Fabric Care. “We are eager to apply our learnings from our partnerships with NASA and the ISS National Lab to Tide on Earth, developing a low-resource-use laundry solution for everyday use while meeting consumer demand for more sustainable products.”


The news of Tide’s space exploration to innovate low-impact laundry solutions comes on the heels of Tide’s Ambition 2030 commitments, announced earlier this spring. Included among Tide’s Ambition commitments were actionable goals to find resource efficiencies in energy, water, and waste across the laundry lifecycle – from manufacturing and packaging to consumer use phase and end of life – to reduce the environmental impact of a load of laundry while increasing the impact of clean clothes.


“Humanity has reached a pivotal point where on one hand, we’re on the exciting cusp of space colonization, and on the other, facing a critical period where action must be taken now to save the planet we all call home,” said Orlik. “The collaboration with NASA and the ISS National Lab is particularly exciting because it allows us to push the bounds of resource efficiency to its absolute limit, uncovering learnings with practical applications for both the future of laundry in space and here on Earth.”


To check out more information on Tide’s overarching sustainability ambitions, please see here.














How to Reinvent Your Bedroom with the Right Bedspreads

If you're tired of your current bedroom decor, it's time to start thinking about how to make a change. Consider a different approach - one that will save you money and improve the quality of your decor at the same time. One excellent option is bedspreads.

Classy and comfortable bedspreads offer a considerable number of options for style, color, pattern, fabric type, and so many other aspects that affect the look of your bedroom.

You can now get high-quality bedspreads at low prices in trusted online stores like The BedSpread Shop. To help you find the best bedspread for your bedroom, here are some things you should consider.

Pick Up a Bedspread with Some Texture to It
The texture of the bedspread is an aesthetic element that can make a room. If you would like to change the feel of your current space or if you are looking for a new one, then it is crucial to think about what type of texture would fit your home.

Choose Simple Patterns
Try using a simple bedspread that shows off your prints or a simple rug that matches the rest of your decor. If simplicity appeals to you, you might want to try prints. But if your style is more about using colors and textiles in creative ways, prints will fall short.

When choosing a pattern, it helps to know what color scheme you are going for and the number of repeats you will need in different areas of your room.

Different Styles of Bedspreads

Classic Danish
It's a plain sheet with a pattern of lines and squares. It is usually used on a bed with top and bottom sheet but can also be used alone.

Egyptian
A pattern of alternating triangles, circles, and straight lines is often spoked to make a chair shape. This design is popular in ancient Egypt and many other parts of the world because it represents life, stability, authority, and power.

Geometric
Shapes are arranged in symmetric patterns such as squares or rectangles (as long as there is an infinite number of these shapes) to create either octagons or circles at each corner.

Choose a Bedspread That Compliments the Rest of the Room

Just like you do for a living, your bedspread should reflect your personality. First, you must decide what kind of atmosphere you want to create in the bedroom and then pick out a design that matches that desire.

For example, if you have a farm-to-cottage type of room, then a floral-patterned bedspread would be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you do not like anything too much in your bedroom, something simple like black and white is recommended.

Be Sure Your Bedding Is Washable
The general rule is that your bedspread should be washable, but what does that mean, and how can you be sure?

Check the label on the product. For example, if it says, "Machine washable," then your bedspread is safe to be washed by a washing machine.

If it says, "Hand washes in cold water," you'll need to take care of it by hand.

If it says, "Dry clean only," probably go with a different option.

In the End
Now, you are all set to move to an open online shop like The BedSpread Shop, to buy awesome bedspreads.

5 Dirtiest Spots in Your Home and How To Clean Them

Germumus in your hard-to-wash home items might be hiding in plain sight.

We are spending more time indoors now than ever, and as we retreat to our sanctuary, it is vital to keep our indoor environment clean and hygienic all day long. However, germs have mastered the art of hiding in some areas—and they are usually not the easiest to clean! This includes our hard-to-wash fabrics which are always vulnerable to deep-seated germs and viruses we call Germumus, or germs, bacteria, and pathogens that appear invisible, but are already stealthily living in our hard-to-wash items.

When was the last time you cleaned your couch? Six months ago? Last year? Never? Bring on the power tools! Here are some ways to keep them clean and what you can do in between washes to keep common trouble spots around the house germ-free.




Couches and Sofas: We all love being couch potatoes but lounging on a dirty sofa is a no-no. Did you know that the average sofa has 12 times more bacteria than your toilet seat? As they can easily trap dirt, allergens, and bacteria in their soft fibers, experts recommend having them professionally cleaned every 6 months. At home, you can use a hand vacuum to clean debris and dirt from the sofa’s surface. Be sure not to forget the crevices where dirt can accumulate!

Curtains: Cleaning your curtains might be included in your low-priority tasks but they actually accumulate a lot more grime than meets the eye. Just like the couches, curtains can also trap dust and dirt. Schedule to wash your curtains twice or more a year with cool or lukewarm water and mild detergent.

Bed Sheets: Ideally, you should change your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week as they can have a buildup of oils, dirt, and sweat from daily use. Compared to the average toilet seat, a one-week-old bed sheet contains 29,000 more bacteria. To clean, check the care label and wash with the hottest water temperature setting indicated.





Carpets: Dirty carpets not only look bad but they're also full of pollutants and grime. Experts recommend having them cleaned by a professional at least once a year or every quarter if you have pets or kids. If you can’t schedule a pro, use a sponge or soft-bristle brush and work a cleaning solution into a lather.

Area rugs: Unless your area rug is extremely delicate, cleaning your area rug is something you can easily take on yourself. High-traffic area rugs should be cleaned at least every 3 months to not only extend the life of your rugs but also to make sure dirt is regularly removed. Thoroughly vacuum the rug on both sides or take the smaller rugs outdoors and shake them off as much as you can.

Other Hard-to-Wash Fabrics: Any area of your home with high traffic and surfaces that get touched a lot is basically a germ bank. This includes your bags, shoes, pet bed, and even office chairs! You can clean them by vacuuming to remove loose dirt or running the covers through the washing machine (if possible) using the warmest appropriate water setting.

Regular laundering of fabrics and cleaning soft surfaces with soap and water will go a long way. But if you’re grossed out by all of the germs and bacteria that might be lurking in your home, you’re probably wondering what you can do in between washes to make sure these germ-laden spots are cleaned every day. Unfortunately, you cannot simply shake and pound out deep-seated Germumus. It helps, sure, but it’s definitely not enough.

As told by our experts, bacteria and viruses grow exponentially in these hard-to-wash fabrics and ordinary punas, pagpag, or vacuuming is not enough to remove them. “We come in contact with bacteria and viruses every day and millions of these linger on fabric items such as mattresses, sofas, rugs, and curtains, and the like,” said Prof. Joel C. Cornista, current President of the Philippine Society for Microbiology, Inc. “Dusting or vacuuming every few weeks may be helpful but bacteria and viruses can still grow in these items in between your general cleaning days. Exposure to these bacteria and viruses may lead to infections and trigger allergies, and so it will be wise to degerm these items daily.

  

Fortunately, you need not worry anymore! The NEW Downy Antibac Fabric Spray is your quick and easy solution for the germumus in your hard-to-wash fabrics. It penetrates deep into fabrics to remove 99.9% of germs and eliminate odors, making our homes germ-free and smelling fresh instantly! Use this on your bed and mattresses, sofas, curtains, and even on your shoes and bags!

         
Photo Credit: Megan Young (left) and Ricci Rivero (right)



Using the Downy Antibac Fabric Spray is so easy that anyone at home can do their part in eliminating germumus. Complete your cleaning routine with the Downy Antibac Fabric Spray that gets rid of the dust and bacteria left behind after dusting and vacuuming. Simply turn the spray cap on, position your hard-to-wash fabric 20-30 cm away from the spray, and spray until the fabric is wet. Let it air dry after so you can fully experience the 99.9% Antibac freshness!

Level up your cleaning game by including the Downy Antibac Fabric Spray in your daily cleaning routine to ensure your home smells fresh and is safe from germumus all day, every day! Together, #LetUsSprayAndProtect with #DownyAntibacFabricSpray!

A Variety of Fun and Healthy Snacks for the Kids


It is never too early to get your kids eating healthy. Of course, that is easier said than done for a generation of children weaned on fast-food and chicheria. But that’s not to say you should just give up. On the contrary, you should strive all the more to introduce your bundles of joy to healthy treats! One of the secrets to doing that is by getting creative with the snacks you give your kids, so they can enjoy snack time and get nutritional benefits at the same time.

Lucky you then because Gullón is now in local shores, and it is here to help you! One of Europe’s leading biscuit manufacturers, Gullón is renowned for its crackling tasty treats, from its choco-flavored Dibus Sharkies crackers to its savory fish-shaped Mini-Fish biscuits. Gullón’s crackers also have nutritive value as a serving of it will give your kids 6 grams of protein and 2.3 grams of fiber. Protein, of course, is vital to your kids’ growth and development. Fiber, on the other hand, is essential in ensuring a healthy digestive system. Gullón products also contain mono-unsaturated fats, which help increase good cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol.


Getting Creative
While your kids are sure to enjoy eating Gullón crackers as they are, they are guaranteed to love snack time even more if you mix things up and serve Gullón in different ways. Here are some ideas:

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, make sure you are serving your kids something tasty but healthy, like a cereal upgraded with a serving of Dibus Sharkies. Let a handful of Sharkies swim in a bowl of cold fresh milk and you can level things up even more by adding mini slices of fruits such as apples and strawberries. The result is a mouthwatering treat rich in vitamins and minerals that your kids will surely love. 

Aside from milk, chocolate is the best match for biscuits, like Gullón’s Mini Fish. Drizzle some syrupy melted chocolate on a plate of Mini Fish and watch your kids devour every piece with utmost delight! Where possible, try dark chocolate as it can give your kids essential trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper.

Cinnamon’s taste is an eclectic mix of sweet and spicy with a citrusy touch, and it is guaranteed to tickle your kids’ discerning taste buds. Just sprinkle cinnamon powder on a serving of Gullón Mini Mix and see your kids’ taste palate expand—all while getting traces of calcium, vitamin A, and potassium from the cinnamon.

Another creative way of serving crackers, this time Mini Crackers, is by pairing it with a fancy yet healthy spread. Avocado is a superfood, and it goes well with bread and biscuits. So, make your kids a Gullón mini cracker sandwich with avocado as a filling. This combo will help give your kids plenty of vitamins C, E, K; magnesium and potassium; and B vitamins.

Of course, there are plenty of other ways to serve Gullón biscuits, with the only limit being your own imagination. The suggestions above are a good start; the rest is up to you. Gullón crackers & Dibus Sharkies are distributed in the Philippines by Dygen Food Ventures Inc., a subsidiary of Dyna Drug Corporation and available at goodwill.market.

How To Keep Your House Clean And Have Furry Pets At The Same Time



One of the most common questions asked is 'how important is location when buying a home.' Location is the most important factor in real estate. For starters, people must consider what they need from the place they’ll be living in. A lot of people prioritize the location of where they will stay.


Pets and cleanliness are two words that don’t seem to match. If you’ve taken care of a furry friend before — be it a dog, cat, rabbit, or hamster — you know how hard it is to keep your home clean. What’s more, it can also cause your whole house to have a foul smell.

This shouldn’t shoo you away from taking care of furry pets, though. There’s a unique art of keeping your house clean while having a pet at the same time.

Get a vacuum cleaner
Even if your pet doesn’t have long fur, they can shed a lot! Add specks of dirt from their paws, and your home can easily get dirty. That’s why it’s essential to have a vacuum cleaner. This way, you can reach every nook and cranny where fur and dirt can build up.

Of course, it’s better if you can purchase an automatic vacuum cleaner. However, a manual one can do. You simply have to be more consistent with cleaning to keep your house clean.

Schedule pedicure from time to time
Your furry friend needs to get their nails trimmed too! Often, it’s one of the most neglected hygiene routines from owners. As long as you see their nails are long, schedule a pedicure time. If you don’t know how to cut them, consult your veterinarian.

Keeping their nails short can prevent them from unnecessary shedding due to excessive scratching. Plus, it also prevents scratches and mars on your flooring!

Keep the cleaning materials nearby
Whenever you see a mess, clean them immediately to avoid it from leaving a permanent mark. That’s why you always need to keep cleaning materials nearby. As a pro tip, keep them in a place that your pet won’t reach. But, this can be a bit harder if you have cats!

Cleaning tools can vary depending on your needs. Feel free to customize your cleaning kit according to your liking. As a starter, include wipes, gloves, rugs, among others.

Train your pets
There’s no other easier way to keep your home clean than to train your pets! Of course, this is easier than done. It involves plenty of time and patience for them to learn where to do their business and where to eat.

It’s also effective to walk and play with your pets! This way, you create a bond with each other, which can help you teach them better. In Bellavita, you have plenty of space where you can walk and bond with your furry friends.

Location is key to where you belong. The majority of our decisions when it comes to where we are located come from accessibility. “Am I closer to work?” “What mall am I close to?” “Where is the closest supermarket so I can do the groceries?” Homeowners need not worry as the BellaVita community encapsulates everything that a homeowner needs by taking essentials accessibility into mind.

Some projects are nearby the main roads for easy access to the city. All the essential establishments such as workplaces, public markets, schools, churches, and hospitals are just one jeepney or tricycle ride away.

Not only does BellaVita boast of its strategic location, but the communities are also nestled within lush greeneries thus undeniably providing you with good quality of air.


BellaVita Sakto Gusto mo, Sakto Sa’yo! For more inquiries about BellaVita homes and locations, visit BellaVita, or send a message through Facebook.