CLEANING TIPS

 

With the amount of household cleaners on today's market your head might end up spinning round and round like Chucky from the movie, but out of frustration.  It is best to choose a cleaner that not only cleans but disinfects and deodorizes. 

Of course, there are a few things around your home that work and are a lot cheaper to use:

• AMMONIA:  Mix 2 tablespoons of ammonia  in 1 quart of water, or for a stronger solution  use 1 cup of ammonia per quart of water.

• VINEGAR: For a mild solution mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar in 1 quart of warm water. For a stronger solution  use 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup baking soda per 1 gallon of warm water.

• BAKING SODA: Baking soda can be used inn many ways such as scouring cabinets and ovens, it cuts grease  and is an good deodorizer.  (place a box in the fridge)

DO NOT mix cleaning agents!   Mixing certain agents can produce  chlorine gas  that can be fatal if large quantities are breathed!!!!!

Be sure to follow any safety precautions when using any type of cleaning material.

Do you still use Venetian blinds?  It can be a real chore to wash them.  If you dust them at regular intervals you can postpone this aggravating operation.  Wipe the slats by using a wash cloth, or you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean them.

To wash plastic or metal blinds at the window you should first dust them.  Have 2 pails of water on hand (one with ammonia in the water (see above) and one with clear water.)

Extend Blinds fully with slats horizontal.  Starting at top wipe each slat with a sudsy sponge, rinsing immediately with clear water.

You can also remove them  and wash in the bathtub or take outside.  Remember, scrub and rinse one slat at a time. 

CARPET CLEANING

Dirt wears carpet fibers and unfortunately our houses aren't equipped with automatic carpet cleaners.  So, it is suggested that you clean the carpet on a regular basis.

When selecting a cleaning product be sure to read the product label carefully to make certain it is suitable for your carpet.  It is best to try it first on  a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the rest of the carpet.  Try to work on a clear dry day and open windows for ventilation.  It is best to remove furniture from room before starting the cleaning process.

Start by vacuuming thoroughly then pre-treat heavily soiled areas with the cleaning agent.  For lightly soiled carpets a  spray foam cleaner may work, applying evenly, allowing to dry and then vacuuming well.

More soiled carpets will require a home style carpet shampooer which can be rented at many stores.  Follow manufacturers instructions. A small amount of  vinegar or baking soda in the water will deodorize the carpet. 

***  While carpet is still damp rake it with a grass rake.  This will fluff the fibers and keep them from drying matted. ***

OVEN CLEANING

Many ovens now have self cleaning functions.  If yours is in this category follow the manufacturers instructions.

• The easiest way to keep a oven clean is to wipe up spills as they occur.

• Regularly wash the surface.

• To clear burnt on grease from an electric oven pour one cup of ammonia into a glass or ceramic bowl and leave in cool oven overnight,  In the morning, (using rubber gloves) wipe the oven clean with a solution of 1 cup of ammonia in a pail of water.

STAIN REMOVAL

Always  follow all fabric care directions and test any cleaning agent on a hidden part of the fabric before applying.  On washable fabrics Enzyme pre-wash products are effective for the treatment  of protein stains such as meat juices, milk, eggs, blood, and grass.  A chlorine bleach can also be used  to remove  the last traces of a stain from white and colorfast washable materials.

Any stain should be tended to as quick as possible.  Flood a non-greasy stain with water to prevent it from setting, sprinkle a greasy stain with a absorbent substance such as cornstarch or talc.  Let sit for 10 minutes, brush away and use one of the below listed methods.

• MILDEW:  To tackle persistent mildew on ceramic tile or concrete, scrub with a mixture of  1 cup chlorine bleach in a gallon of water.  Rinse and allow to dry.  Scrub painted surfaces  with one cup ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar, and 1/4 cup  baking soda per gallon of water.  Ventilate area and wear rubber gloves when using either solution.

• Grass:  Sponge stain with a non-oily nail polish remover then flush with cleaning solvent and dry naturally.  Sponge with water, apply a few drops each of  spotter solution and vinegar. Flush with water and allow to dry.

• Ink: (except for red (may not work on computer inks)).  Spray stain with alcohol based hair spray then scrub lightly with a solution of  dish washing detergent, one tablespoon ammonia, and one quart warm water. Rinse and repeat process until stain is gone.  Allow to dry naturally.

• Red ink, Urine, Sweat:  Soak in a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent, one tablespoon of ammonia and a quart of warm water, rinse, sponge with alcohol and re-rinse, allow to dry.

• Coffee, Tea, Alcoholic Beverages, Fruit Juices or Soft Drinks :  DO NOT use soap on a fruit stain!  if the fabric is washable, soak it in a solution of 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 quart water.  Rinse well.  If the fabric s non washable, sponge stain with water  and apply a few drops of wet spotter and vinegar.  Blot with a cloth dampened with the wet spotter plus vinegar and flush with water.

• Vomit or Blood:  If fabric is washable soak the stain for 30  minutes in a solution containing  1 quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent, and one teaspoon ammonia.  Rinse well.  If fabric is non-washable, sponge  with water and apply  a few drops each of  wet spotter solution and ammonia  then flush with water.