Cleaning Tips

Your living room sofa was a significant investment in your home, so it makes sense to want to take proper care of it. By responding to spills and accidents promptly and regularly giving your furniture a deep cleaning, you can keep your sofas in tip-top shape.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming, the most important aspect of sofa cleaning, should be done once a week. To do this, remove all cushions and use an extension to vacuum surfaces and hard-to-reach places. Dust any non-upholstered parts of the sofa.

Stains

For stain removal, first look at the bottom of your sofa to see if there are any cleaning instructions. If there are no specific instructions, create a cleaning solution out of warm water and laundry detergent. For especially rough stains, use vinegar. Start by blotting the area with the cleaning solution of your choice. Follow up by dabbling area with water, which should draw out the soil. Allow to air dry.

Always consider the fabric before purchasing any special cleaning solution. For butter stains, which are common from the popcorn lovers in the family, consider a dry cleaning solvent. Ink stains, oddly enough, can be remedied by blotting the stain with a cloth treated with hairspray. For coffee stains, mix 1 teaspoon of laundry detergent into one cup of warm water and blot the stain with a cloth that has been dipped into this solution.

Deep Clean

Rent a shampooer from your local home improvement or grocery store to give your couch a deep clean. Be sure that the cleaning solution you purchase is appropriate for your surface. Be sure you clean the machine before and after use.

Pet Hair

Using a special hair removal glove is an effective way to remove pet hair from the sofa. Adhesive companies also sell special removal devices including “fur fighters” and lint rollers that are designed in pet hair removal. A handy home remedy is to dampen a squeegee mop and drag across cushions; the hair will come off on the mop.

Other Considerations

Cleaning your sofa can extend its life.

For leather sofas, use a damp cloth or leather cleaner.

Consider wood treatment that may be needed for your sofa accents.

Source: www.enlightenme.com

Glass cleaning is a necessary task for any homeowner with windows in his or her home. If you have many windows or several large windows in your home, you may want to contact a professional for glass cleaning services, as an improper cleaning technique can exacerbate the problem and make your windows appear dull and lusterless. Typically, you should clean your windows twice a year to ensure they remain as clean as possible, as doing so can make your home brighter and more inviting to others.
When it comes to glass cleaning, you generally have two options: cleaning your windows yourself or hiring a professional glass cleaner to clean them for you.
Eliminating Streaks

The best way to ensure the windows in your home sparkle is to eliminate streaks, which occur when cleaning solution remains on windows and dries. To find streaks, wipe one side of your window vertically and the other side horizontally, as this allows you to see the side with the streaks. To eliminate the streaks, rewash the window and be sure to dry the window more thoroughly with a squeegee.

Washing Windows
For most windows, you should use a bucket of warm water with a few drops of dish detergent. If you use chemical cleansers rather than soap or mild detergent, protect any surrounding wood, since chemicals can damage the wood and its finish. Be sure to clean your windows when it is cloudy outside, as a sunny day can introduce spots, streaks, and a grungy film because the window can dry too soon.

Drying Windows
You should avoid using newspaper or paper towels for drying your windows, as these materials typically spread the dirt around the window rather than removing it and can dull the shine considerably. Instead, use a squeegee to dry it from top to bottom to avoid drips and wipe the squeegee with a dry chamois after every stroke.

Hiring a Professional for Glass Cleaning
For large glass cleaning jobs, you should contact a professional window cleaner, as professionals have the equipment and experience necessary to achieve the cleanest and most brilliant-looking windows possible. In addition, hiring a professional to clean your windows allows you to focus on other things, since cleaning your home’s windows can take several hours. A professional window cleaner may also have access to industrial-strength cleaners, which can expedite the process and produce a brilliant shine you may not otherwise be able to achieve.

When the windows in your home need cleaning, you have two options: do it yourself or hire a professional. If you decide to clean your own windows, you should know the appropriate techniques and have the proper tools and materials to complete the job efficiently. Otherwise, for larger glass cleaning jobs, you should hire a professional, as he or she has years of experience and industrial-strength equipment that can yield excellent results.
Source: www.enlightenme.com