
Cleaning Tips!
Stop Carpet Static
Does your carpet hold enough static electricity to power New York City? Are you constantly getting shocked when someone touches you? If so, pour one part fabric softener into a spray bottle with three parts water. Spray your carpet with this mixture and static and shock should disappear. Good riddance!
Swedish Finish Wood
Swedish finish wood floors can be identified by their bright, shiny appearance. Most wood floors in homes constructed in the last 25 years or so have a Swedish Finish. Use vinegar and water on this floor. Do NOT use Murphy’s oil soap, as it leaves a streaky residue. Due to the finish, the floor is easily streaked, and any puddles will dry as spots. Dry the floor after mopping.
Old Wood
This floor type is usually found in older homes or buildings. These floors are generally worn in appearance, and the surface is porous and holds a lot of dirt. Unless the client requests otherwise, use vinegar and water or Murphy’s oil soap on this type of flooring. Use a minimum amount of water when mopping. Make sure your mop is not soaking wet. Do not set a wet bucket directly on the floor as it may leave a ring. Always wipe it dry.
Tile or Linoleum
Use vinegar and water or disinfectant on this floor. Spots can be scrubbed out with your hand brush or with an abrasive sponge. Cleaning may also be done by hand with glass cleaner.
Pergo & Bamboo
Use vinegar and water or disinfectant on this floor. Use a minimal amount of water to avoid damaging the surface. Make sure you dry immediately.
Stone, Terrazzo, Granite or Marble
Vinegar or other acid base cleaners will DESTROY stone, permanently etching the surface. Marble, Stone, or Terrazzo must be cleaned with plain water or water mixed with a small amount of disinfectant. Stone shows water spots easily, so always dry it thoroughly after it has been mopped.
Baking Soda
Baking soda on a damp sponge removes grease easily from stove, back splash etc.
Also works great for carpet deodorizing, just sprinkle onto carpet before going to bed and vacuum in the morning.
Baking Soda can be used for many jobs around the house, scrubbing sinks, bath tub, stove, refrigerator and laundry. It leaves everything smelling nice and cleans just as good as any cleanser without scratching enamel.
Also for keeping pipes clean under the sink - pour about one quarter cup of baking soda down the drain with about 1 cup of vinegar, this makes a chemical reaction, then pour some hot water down the drain. And Presto clean drains!
Baking soda or Borax is also good for getting rid of unwanted insects, just sprinkle around cabinets and cupboards and other places the insects might run.
If you burn a saucepan put in some baking soda and regular dish soap whilst it is still hot and allow to soak. Create a paste and let sit, then scrub.
​
To minimize odors in your fridge, remove top from box of baking soda and place it on one of the shelves. From time to time stir contents
Microwave
Put half & half white vinegar & water in a small bow, & let it boil for few min. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
​
Homemade cleaning recipes
Basic All Purpose Cleaner
This makes about 2 cups of formula, and it works great at cleaning dirt and grime.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda or washing soda
2 teaspoons borax
1/2 teaspoon liquid soap or detergent
2 cups hot water
​
New tips wil be added frequently...