Hard water and soap scum can be kept at bay by using a sponge or towel soaked with lemon juice. The acidic lemon juice breaks down the dingy grey build up of soap scum/hard water stains. For build up you can use a commercial product designed for hard water stain removal, it will be a more aggressive acidic cleaner. Or a home remedy is to use cream of tarter and hydrogen peroxide to make a paste allow to dry and buff and rinse clean.
Potassium bitartrate (cream of tarter) can be mixed with an acidic liquid such as lemon juice or white vinegar to make a paste-like cleaning agent for metals such as brass, aluminum or copper, or with water for other cleaning applications such as removing light stains from porcelain.
The much easier solution is to clean the hard water/soap scum frequently so you don’t have a big tough job of scrubbing.
If your bathroom mirror fogs up after the shower or bath is used, turn your hairdryer on low setting and direct it at the mirror. The blowing air will quickly clear the fog without leaving smears or streaks.
The number one method to keep cloth furniture clean is prevention. Avoid having dirty or potentially have leather couches in the family room and the nicer cloth furniture in the living room. That being said here are a few things to do the keep and clean cloth upholstery.
Vacuum regularly using a dusting attachment (the attachment with brushes) this helps loosen dust and dirt making the cleaning and any future spills much easier. Be sure the vacuum under the cushions as well (you will find loose change), but crumbs always work their way under the cushions.
Uphostery Cleaning
If you have a stain which needs removing use a general purpose spot cleaner and clean by following the package instructions, it is always better to tamp or blot stains, rubbing damages fibres and sets stains. Here is a recipe for a good home made spotter for cloth upholstery.
Mix ¼ cup of laundry soap with warm water if you use a mixer or a whisk you can mix to a froth and use the foam as your spotter. Apply with a clean cloth or sponge, tamp or blot the stain as the stain breaks down into the foam remove with a kitchen scraper. Rinse by using cool water and blotting with a dry white towel. Always test a small area on and unseen spot on the upholstery first to be sure there are no adverse affects.
If you have a fresh stain always blot with a clean white towel first to absorb as much of the spill before having to put out the cleaning supplies. Often immediate blotting with remove much if not all of the spill.
Many people don’t attach much time to planning or setting up a cleaning schedule for themselves. Here are some advantages to setting up a regular cleaning schedule for yourself or your family.
-         You will always keep up with your cleaning so you won’t be overwhelmed with cleaning tasks.
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Your home will be an overall healthier environment.
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â You will have extra time for larger tasks if you always keep up with the basics.
-         You don’t have to worry about dusty shelves if you see them, because you know it will be taken care on the scheduled time etc.
-         Cleaning is very easy if it is done often, the dirt never builds up to the point where it is difficult to clean. Just be sure to have all the needed janitorial supplies on hand!
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Most surfaces and or objects last longer if they are clean.
Cleaning your ceiling is frequently overlooked; with dead bugs and cobwebs, and other debris can your ceiling be a not so nice focal point as people enter your home.
Cleaning Your Ceiling
If you are lucky and have an un-textured ceiling, then cleaning will be much easier. You will be able to use a flat hard floor mop or doodle bug to clean your ceiling. Be sure to vacuum up cobwebs and dust before attempting any wet cleaning. A general purpose cleaner and water will be fine but use very little soap and be sure to really wring out your flat mop or doodle bug. Using safety glasses is best to prevent water/soap from dripping on you. But you should be using your handle in a 45 degree angle so drips fall away from you. If you are above carpet a drop cloth is advisable.
If your ceiling is low enough you will not need a step stool or ladder, but if you have vaulted ceilings you may need to acquire one. If you use a ladder, be sure to perform this task with a trusted friend at the base of the ladder for safety’s sake. Choose the direction in which you will clean so that you avoid missing spots. When cleaning, press rather firmly against the ceiling to ensure that you are effectively cleaning the area. Once you have finished a small portion of the ceiling, rinse the mop in clean water or use very little soap. The less soap residue the better it is. Follow these steps for the remainder of the ceiling and let dry.
If you have a textured ceiling then vacuuming with a dusting attachment maybe your only option, spot cleaning can even be a challenge depending on how loose the texture is, you can try dry methods of cleaning like brushing with a soft brush or if it is the type of textured ceiling that isn’t too loose a soot sponge can be effective as well. A soot sponge is a hard rubbery sponge which can be found at any janitorial supply store and is effect way to clean delicate surfaces, as the dirt transfers to the sponge you just clean the sponge and continue. In my case when I moved into my 20 year old house the ceiling were visibly yellowing and the best course of action was to pant the entire ceiling. So cleaning your ceiling can be a challenge depending on the type of ceiling and how dirty it is.
Most modern cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural cleaning product formulations that were passed down through the generations because the chemistry was right. Going back to the original natural ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work, don’t pollute and save you money. Most are found in your kitchen cupboards. With a little effort and time and you can not only save money you can also easily transform your home into a non-toxic and healthy haven. Here are some links to posts of natural cleaning products you can make easily at home.
Compare house cleaning companies located in Albuquerque, NM. We’ve done the research for you, comparing reviews, BBB ratings and the history of each company.
Factors to Consider when choosing a house cleaning service
There are a number of house cleaning companies in Albuquerque, NM, as well as individuals who’ve made housekeeping a career. The best way to find a reliable housekeeper or house cleaning service is to ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Word-of-mouth is the best advertising tool and the best research tool. Many businesses offer discounts for referrals, too.
Other factors to consider is what kind of service you’re looking for. Do you want on-going, regular cleaning? Do you need a one-time deep cleaning? Do you need someone to clean hard to reach places or things you can’t do yourself? Are you a landlord needing a rental property cleaned? The type of service you’re looking for will determine the type of business or person that best suits your needs.
Businesses: House Cleaning Albuquerque, NM
Check out some of these popular (and Better Business Bureau [BBB] accredited) house cleaning businesses. Prices vary depending on your home’s specific needs and size. Contact a specific company for a quote.
Cleaning Authority: Earns an A+ from the BBB, with 0 complaints filed. The company has been in business since 2003. Contact them at 505-344-9889.
Mini Maid of Albuquerque: Earns an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, having only one complaint filed since its BBB accreditation in 1983. The complaint was regarding service and was resolved by Mini Maid. Contact Mini Maid at 505-881-9233.
Over the Rainbow Cleaning: Specializes in cleaning movie sets, film locations and studios, but also performs house cleaning services. Not BBB accredited, but comes highly rated.
Green Cleaning: Also comes highly rated, although not BBB accredited. Specializes in green cleaning, as the name says. Contact Green Cleaning at 505-358-2417.
Here are Tools & Chemicals you need for have a clean computer CPU casing.
Soft cloth, Computer cleaning fluid, compressed air, safety glasses, pre-treated computer wipes, vacuum cleaner, and special cleaning attachments.
Technique:
It is best to store the CPU off the floor, on a solid surface to minimize dust and permit proper cooling (carpet will not allow for airflow beneath unit). Vacuum all cooling slots. Do not use compressed air on these openings, as it moves large amounts of dust inside the CPU, which is akin to pouring fine sand into the processor. Conversely, if you are trying to kill your computer, this, water, and blunt impacts are the quickest methods.
Keeping the vents clean maximizes airflow for cooling, which is very important for the longevity of the CPU. Processor failures are most commonly associated with the expansion and contraction of connections and components. By keeping the overall operating temperature low, the extremes between operating and shut down temperatures is reduced, lowering the magnitude of the cycles, and increasing life span. Wipe down the casing with a soft cloth dampened with a specialized computer cleaning fluid or plain water. Never spray any cleaner directly onto your office equipment. Always spray the cloth and wipe the equipment.
Clean Computer
If you feel you need to remove the casing and clean inside, use compressed air only. Take care to direct the air out and away from the casing so you don’t drive the dust deeper into cracks and crevices. A slightly errant brush, cloth, or vacuum can cause permanent damage, and without even touching the boards, a zap of static electricity can destroy a processor. Check your warranty before taking any office equipment apart. If you remove the cover for the casing you can wipe down the inside of the casing before closing the and securing CPU etc. These are some basics for having a clean computer.
Professional carpet cleaning is the most misunderstood of the professional cleaning industries. Often referred to as steam cleaning, professional carpet cleaning has evolved of the years and there are five methods being used today to professionally clean carpets. Steam cleaning is not a good way to describe any of the commonly used methods for cleaning carpets today.
There are many reasons for professional carpet cleaning, one it will increase the life of your carpets to have them cleaned regularly. The dirt embedded in the carpets rub together to prematurely wear out the carpet fibres. The appearance is better with clean carpets; health is improved with less soil and or dust in the home etc.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
Hot Water Extraction
The method commonly referred to as steam cleaning is better referred to as Hot water Extraction. This is where you apply a pre-spray and use agitation and a hot water rinse to remove the soap and soil. The agitation can come in the form of a machine applying pressure with brushes or simply using the wand which vacuums up the hot water sprayed on to the carpets to rinse out the pre-spray. There are different chemical requirements depending on whether or not the carpet is a synthetic or natural carpet fiber.
Extraction is by far the most important step in this process. Since the hot-water extraction method uses much more water than other methods like bonnet or shampoo cleaning, proper extraction and air flow are critical to avoid drying issues. Drying time may also be decreased by extra use of fans, air conditioning, and/or outdoor ventilation.
Older surfaces, such as double jute-backed carpets and loose rugs with natural foundation yarns, could shrink after a wet treatment. Newer carpets, such as with synthetic backing and foundation yarns, do not shrink, and they smooth easily. The variety in carpet types and situations make a good argument to always use a professional carpet cleaner who has been trained and certified.
Wet-cleaning systems naturally require drying time, which has led to customer fears and concerns about very slow drying, the risk of discoloration returning during drying, and odors, bacteria, fungi, molds, and mildews. Balancing the need for rapid drying (attributable to lower flow rate through the cleaning jets of a spray system) and the need to remove the most soil (attributable to higher flow rate) is a key technique that must be mastered by carpet-cleaning technicians.
Dry compound
A 98% biodegradable cleaning compound may be spread evenly over carpet and brushed or scrubbed in. For small areas, a household hand brush can work such a compound into carpet pile; dirt and grime is attracted to the compound, which is then vacuumed off, leaving carpet immediately clean and dry. For commercial applications, a specially designed cylindrical counter-rotating brushing system is used, without a vacuum cleaner. Machine scrubbing is more typical, in that hand scrubbing generally cleans only the top third of carpet.
Encapsulation
In the 1990s, new polymers began literally encapsulating (crystallizing) soil particles into dry residues on contact, in a process now regarded by the industry as a growing, up-and-coming technology working like “tiny sponges”, the deep-cleaning compound crystals dissolve and absorb dirt prior to its removal from the carpet. Cleaning solution is applied by rotary machine, brush applicator, or compression sprayer. Dry residue can be vacuumed immediately, either separately or from a built-in unit of the cleaning-system machine. According to ICS Cleaning Specialist, evidence suggests encapsulation improves carpet appearance, compared to other systems; and it is favorable in terms of high-traffic needs, operator training, equipment expense, and lack of wet residue. Encapsulation also avoids the drying time of carpet shampoos, making the carpet immediately available for use.
The use of encapsulation to create a crystalline residue that can be immediately vacuumed (as opposed to the dry powder residue of wet cleaning systems, which generally requires an additional day before vacuuming).
Bonnet
After a pre-spray is applied onto the surface as mist, a round buffer or “bonnet” scrubs the mixture with rotating motion. This industry machine resembles a floor buffer, with an absorbent spin pad that attracts soil and is rinsed or replaced repeatedly. The bonnet method is not strictly dry-cleaning and involves significant drying time, and usually only addresses the top third of carpet, making it a quick solution rather than a deep cleaning of dirt or odor as considered suitable for valuable carpet. To reduce pile distortion, the absorbent p ad should be kept well-lubricated with cleaning solution.
When there is a large amount of foreign material below the carpet backing, extraction with a wet process may be needed. The spin-bonnet method may not be as capable of sanitizing carpet fibers due to the lack of hot water, but a post-cleaning application of an antimicrobial agent is used to make up for this. Compared to steam cleaning, the small amounts of water required with spin-bonnet carpet cleaning favor water-conservation considerations.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
Shampoo
Wet shampoo cleaning with rotary machines, followed by thorough wet vacuuming, was widespread until about the 1970s, but industry perception of shampoo cleaning changed with the advent of encapsulations. Hot-water extraction, also regarded as preferable, had not been introduced either. Wet shampoos were once formulated from coconut oil soaps] wet shampoo residues can be foamy or sticky, and steam cleaning often reveals dirt un-extracted by shampoos. Since no rinse is performed, the powerful residue can continue to collect dirt after cleaning. This method is not commonly used today by professional carpet cleaners.
There are many factors to consider when cleaning and maintaining your carpets in most cases carpet cleaning is not a do it yourself type job and there are many good reasons to proceed with a professional carpet cleaning when you are looking to get your carpets cleaned.
Your hardwood floor is installed. There is no flooring that looks as comfortable or luxurious as a beautiful hardwood floor. How do you care for and clean Hardwood flooring? It is an investment you certainly want to protect. Most major stores will have hardwood floor basics for equipment and supplies for cleaning hardwood floors. You may find some specialty pieces of equipment at flooring stores.
Floor mats are essential when it comes to cleaning hardwood floors. Tiny particles, like dirt, can act like sandpaper and scratch your wood. A floor mat at each entryway and having family members and guests to wipe their feet, the majority of dirt and grime will remain on the mat. Having a good mat before and after you go in your home goes a long way to trap the dirt before you enter the house. Try and use over sized mats where you can and regularly sweep or vacuum them as well. Also put a floor mat or rug in any area where water could be splashed like near the kitchen sink. This will hinder any possible water damage.
Note that rubber-backed or non-ventilated floor mats or rugs can damage your floor. Instead use floor mats or rugs made especially for hardwood floors or use hardwood floor pads under the mat. It is pretty important to keep under the mats clean as well a build up of dirt and the movement of the mat will cause damage to the floors.
Cleaning Hardwood Floors
The more frequently you clean the easier it is to keep your hardwood floors clean, and the better care you take, the longer your floor will maintain its original beauty. Step one is to purchase a high quality broom so that you can sweep your floor regularly of dirt, dust and other particles.
Second step is a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar, to get in between the boards and other hard to reach areas. Be sure your vacuum tool is always in good repair and the brushes are good, once they wear you don’t want the actual tool to start scratching the hardwood floors.
Deeper cleaning techniques vary depending on the installation and finish of your hardwood floor. For Finish in Place hardwood floors, using an 8x14 terrycloth mop with a rotating head that makes cleaning corners, under cabinets and along base boards as simple. In any case always use very little water this is why standard mops not recommended to clean hardwood floors. A flat hardwood floor mop leaves little space for water and is always best.
Professional cleaning products recommended by your flooring retailer can be used to remove tough stains and spills without dulling the finish of your wood floor. Makers of Pre-finished floors recommend their own specific products for routine maintenance. Check with your retailer for details.
Do and Don’ts
Don’t wax a wood floor with a urethane finish
Do use cleaners that won’t leave a film or residue
Don’t use ammonia cleaners or oil soaps on a wood floor they’ll dull the finish and affect your ability to recoat later.
Do use a professional hardwood floor cleaner to remove occasional scuffs and heel marks (just spray some cleaner on a cloth and rub the stained area lightly)
Don’t wet mop or use excessive water to clean your floor (wood naturally expands when it’s wet and can cause your floor to crack or splinter).
Do clean sticky spots with a damp towel or sponge
Do minimize water exposure and clean spills immediately
If and when your hardwood floor begins to look like it belongs beneath the feet of gold miners in an old western saloon, it’s time to consider screening and re-coating.
Screening is the process used to abrade or grind down your floors polyurethane finish. Next, fresh coats of urethane are applied. The result is a rejuvenated floor that looks as good as the day it was installed!
If the damage to your hardwood floor is severe, then you may require sanding and refinishing. This process involves sanding your floor down to the bare wood and refinishing it. Only go to this effort if screening and re-coating doesn’t solve your problem. Replacement boards may be available so you don’t have to refinish the entire area. Be sure to go pro whenever you have work done on your hardwood floors!
Final Thoughts
All hardwood floors fade or change shades over time. Like our own skin, woods exposure to sunlight may greatly increase this process and cause permanent damage.
Window treatments are recommended to shade your floors from the suns harsh rays. We also recommend rotating area rugs and furniture regularly, allowing wood floors to age evenly from UV exposure.
To avoid permanent marks and scratches, it’s a good idea to cover furniture and table legs with flannel protectors. Be careful when moving heavy objects across your floor to avoid scuffing.
Ladies your stiletto heels may be fashionable, but what’s not in fashion (or covered by your warranty) are the dents and scratches they cause to wood floors. I had a friend who held a big dinner party after installing new hardwood floors only to wake up to hundreds of little dents in his brand new (and now not so perfect) hardwood floors. So have a dinner party but keep it casual, nothing fancy. Likewise, trim your pets nails regularly and keep any and all other sharp objects don’t walk with scissors is a good rule always) away from your floors.
Follow these basic tips for clean hardwood floors that stand the test of time for years to come.
