• Synthetic carpet could not be kept looking clean for longer – even the smallest stains are easily visible;

• Synthetic carpet is hard to sanitise – that type of carpet is known to accumulate dust, dirt and allergens. Even regular cleaning will not remove the germs completely. Anything on the carpet, whether that is wheels or shoes could be lodged in it. Frequent vacuuming could reduce that bad effect but will not eliminate it at all. In that situation, the best you could do is seek help from the professional carpet cleaners;

• Old, natural area rugs are quite easier to maintain than the synthetic ones – wool carpets could be rolled up and tossed out by one person only. The synthetic rugs have to be torn out and discarded;

• Natural carpets are safe for the environment – natural carpets which are made of 100% raw materials emit no harsh chemicals during its manufacturing process;

• Synthetic carpets are bad for your health – some of the chemicals which were used in making those rugs include ethylbenzene, which is a cause of eye irritation; azulene, which is a reason of headaches and some other substances, which could cause nausea, asthma and nervous system disorders;

• Synthetic carpets are bad for the environment – not only those carpets but even carpet pads, cushions would be a bad decision for your home as well;

• Tile and wood floors are easier to disinfect – nail polish remover, nail polish, wine stains, paint, pet stains, the examples could be many, but they all have one thing in common: they make the carpet useless and ugly. If you live in a house rental, you should think about your possible moving out and post tenancy cleaning as well. By replacing carpets with natural rugs and wood floors, when you need to add some warmth, you will make the right choice.

In the end, you all know that everything natural is preferable. So, natural carpets are more stylish than the synthetic ones – they are more various and more beautiful, aren’t they?

]]> http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/are-there-carpets-that-specialists-dont-recommend-for-anything-in-the-world/feed/ 0 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/how-to-remove-soy-sauce-from-your-carpet/ http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/how-to-remove-soy-sauce-from-your-carpet/#comments Thu, 17 Jul 2014 08:11:31 +0000 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/?p=530 Sauces are the best spices for any kind of meals – salads, potatoes, rice and whatever you think off except for the carpets. You must have ever survived a nasty sauce carpet stain and you know very well how difficult it is to get rid of. Though, there is no place for panic even if this happens once again. If you know the right method, you can easily remove almost any kind of spot from your favourite home rug. This time we would like to teach you how to remove soy sauce from your carpet:

• First of all, act immediately. The more seconds and minutes you postpone – whether due to your panic or to you carelessness – the worse the dirtiness becomes. Grab the following cleansing solutions and begin washing right away!
• What you will need: your most frequently used dishwashing detergent, lukewarm water, a clean cloth – better a white one – and a sponge.
• Prepare a mixture of 2-3 drops of the detergent and two cups of lukewarm water. Get the cloth and begin blotting. Since the cloth is white, you will easily see if the soy sauce is getting absorbed inside the textile.
• Proceed with the sponge and with a bit more lukewarm water till the stain is gone.
• There is a big chance for you not to get rid of the soy stain entirely with this method. You can try one more additional procedure to ensure full carpet disinfection.
• Try with the most reliable and efficient cleansing solution for domestic cleaning at all – the ammonia. Apply one tablespoon of baking soda and pour half a cup of lukewarm water and repeat the blotting and sponging procedure once again.
• Make sure the carpet is dry and if you need to, use some hair drier.
• If the soy stain is not removed with these sanitising methods, contact your local expert carpet cleaners. They will definitely help you by applying more reliable and drastic detergents.

Be extra cautious for your rugs if they are natural, because soy sauce may absorb too quickly inside their fibres and the stain may appear forever!

]]> http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/how-to-remove-soy-sauce-from-your-carpet/feed/ 0 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/the-bathroom-from-boring-to-amazing/ http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/the-bathroom-from-boring-to-amazing/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2014 08:51:56 +0000 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/?p=510 Your bathroom is one of the first things you see when you wake up. Are you bored to see again and again white sterile tiles? And how about this boundless mirror and all this whiteness and lack of personality? Where to start and how to give it a personal vibe? Let’s check a couple of ideas!

• Make a plan – decide what exactly you want and what you can have – measure the space and enlist all the things you want to fit in it.

• Test the project – before you start taking downwalls and tiles, go to specialist and get advice and project. This will help you prepare for the expenses and the time when you will need to use another “intimate space”.

• Check if you will need to make something more than just cosmetic changes. Sometimes it turns out that you need to change also a couple of pipes and drains.

• Choose tiles and wallpapers fitting your idea – pink, blue, green or bold red and black. The options are infinite. You can play with the variety and with the arrangements – shapes and forms can be put together no matter what tiles you have chosen.

• Middle stage – the process that transfers you from rough work to creatingisthe after builders cleaning. Be sure all the glue and cement are dry, all the dust and pieces are cleaned and all the surfaces are spotless. You have two possibilities here – do it alone or get someone to do it for you.

• Choose The Mirror with capital M – it should be not only big and beautiful, but also well lit. You may choose wall mirror or cabinets with mirror doors. It may have a frame or not. If you want to turn it into masterpiece you can put picture frame to outline it.

• The light in the spotlight – no matter if you choose to put one or many lights, the bathroom should be well lit. You shave or put your make up there so you should be able to see clear the tiniest details.

• Colour on the floor – put a rug in the same colour as the towels, but different from the walls or the cabinets.

• Add artwork – according to your taste and style – sculpture, picture, even a poster. Anything to give you positive push when you get through the door.

Bathroom is rarely cheap and fast project so do the pre-work and be sure the consequences will be long term. Wish you luck!

1. If you have any items that should not be in the car, toss them into the small bin. Then, throw the garbage in the bag. Spray the cup holders with some glass cleaner and leave them for a while;
2. Use the wipes to sanitise the dashboard, inside door pockets, center console, gearshift and the steering wheel. Spritz air-conditioner in the air vents;
3. Disinfect the leather seats with some wipes. The upholstered seats, however, must be vacuumed later;
4. Use the paper towels for wiping the cup holders out. Then do the same with the buttons, switches on the dashboard and the flat-head screwdriver;
5. Put some glass cleanser (or vinegar) on the paper towels and wipe the windows. We bet you’re familiar with that task because of your domestic cleaning. Although, don’t forget to disinfect the sunroof, windshield and rear window;
6. Remember that floor mats should be removed. In order to dislodge any dirt you must whack them against each other;
7. On the driveway, you have to vacuum the floor mats using the bare hose of the hand vac. That way you will reach maximum power. It’s not necessary to attach a tool. To be able to hit every spot (almost like the cleaning professionals) shift the front seats forward and back, when vacuuming the seat upholstery.
8. And the last step is to replace the mats and return the seats to the original positions. Open the car doors so you will let some fresh air to blow through.

Embrace your favourite energy-saving gadgets at home and start spending your money for more entertaining and nicer things and goods:

• LG 9-Cycle Ultra Capacity Steam Washer. Besides the low usage of electricity, this super cute red washing machine will definitely become your favourite interior decor. Also, the gadget is designed not to waste too much water, which is a good sign for a real green appliance of first class.

• Kitchenaid Architect Series II Bottom-Mount Refrigerator. Start cooling off your food products smarter! This fridge might reduce your electricity bill with up to 15 per cent, which is a great opportunity, isn’t it? The extra money might be even used for professional carpet sanitising you have always wanted to afford.

• Kitchenaid Counter-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator – another awesome alternative to save some money, while having your food stored finely and your meals kept for longer. The device is tiny and luxurious, but besides its amazing look, it has also a super organiser for clever food storage.

• Single-Drawer Dishwasher System. This home gadget is suitable for a single person or for a couple without kids. You might be already guessing that it will save you money from both – electricity and water consumption. It might be a little bit costly, but the investment is really worth it.

• GE Profile Built-in Dishwasher. This wonderful futuristic home helper does not clean your dirty dinner dishes, but everything you can guess – from small doormats to your real leather wallet or even your kid’s hats and football T-shirts. Why not using the dishwasher for so many house cleaning chores, if it allows it?

So, have you found your own personal favourite energy-saving home appliance? If we did not mention it, do not hesitate to write us back with your suggestions.

1) Grass:

• Washables: make a paste by some water and an enzyme detergent. Leave it in a warm place for about 30 minutes. If there are any remaining stains, prepare a solution of one part white vinegar and ammonia and two parts water. Take an eyedropper to place it on the spot;

• Nonwashables: a good decision is a combination solvent. Leave it for 15 minutes. If there are still any stains remained, then you may use an eyedropper once again and put the same solution we have already described above. After that rinse with some cold water.

2) Chocolate Ice Cream:

• Washables: You’d better treat the stain with a solution, prepared from two cups of water and a tablespoon of an enzyme detergent. Leave it for 20 minutes, then rinse;

• Nonwashables: Apply some rubbing alcohol and let it for 10 minutes. Combine a mild detergent and water to remove any residues. In case you’ve somehow damaged your sofa or chair, you will need some more time for upholstery cleaning (or probably some professional help);

3) Mud:

• Washables: Let the mud dry and after that brush it off as much as possible. Use a gentle cleaning detergent and some water. Start rubbing to form suds and rinse. The next step to take is bleach any remaining spot with the mixture of one part water and one part white vinegar;

• Nonwashables: In case the care label says dry clean only, you should let dry. After that brush off thoroughly. Take an eyedropper and start applying a solution prepared from 1 tablespoon of liquid dishwashing cleaning agent and 1 cup water. Then rinse with some cold water.

4) Barbecue sauce:

• Washables:  Put some glycerin on the stain and after that rinse with cool water. Apply a combination solvent and let it dry for 15 minutes. Finish with an ordinary wash cycle. If the spot is on your carpet, we think the best decision is steam carpet cleaning;

• Nonwashables: You can use glycerin again. Apply it on the spot and rinse with cold water. Treat with a mild detergent and a little bit of water. Then you must rub gently in order to form suds. Rinse with cold water.

• Outdoor trash cans. Of course, you will never forget to empty them. However, a good sanitising from the inside and from the outside could be good for your trash can to stay fresh and not that nasty smelling. Grab some rubber gloves and polish them finely with your favourite green remedy.

• All the light switches. As you probably guess, these items attract most of the bacteria around you. It is due to the fact that the switches are so frequently touch by different dirty hands. Disinfect them with white vinegar.

• Door handles and knobs. The situation here is similar to the light switches. Wash the door handles and knobs, too. You can even use the same homemade recipe for a cleanser – few drops dishwashing product, two tablespoons of green tea tree oil and lukewarm water.

• Windows from the outside. Of course, this might sound too dangerous for you. Though, you can always find the number of the last post tenancy cleaners who helped you. Call them, because they will definitely have an offer for your windows, too.

• Porch lights. The lighter the outside environment will be, the hotter your summer parties will become. Keep in mind this! Besides, why do you need lighting system if it does not bring enough light due to its big layer of dirtiness?

• Under the patio furniture. Just like the regular cleaning rules say it – wash the sofa and under sofa, too – you will have to gather the leaves and all the garbage under the bench and the garden pieces of furniture.

As you see the cleaning work at the outdoors isn’t that much. Though, if you do it, the fun will be more!

]]> http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/things-we-miss-in-outdoor-cleaning/feed/ 0 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/cleaning-tips-for-mattress-protectors/ http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/cleaning-tips-for-mattress-protectors/#comments Mon, 26 May 2014 11:46:08 +0000 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/?p=436 The perfect hygiene of your bedroom chambers is very important. There is no need to remind you that bed bugs may infect you with disease and allergies. In order to avoid all of these the proper care for the bed and the mattresses becomes an essential and agenda task in your household maintenance. See our tips for this chore right now:

• Sheets are not enough to protect your mattress. As a matter of fact this is not their function. Sheets are made to bring you more comfort, but other items bring more protection for the mattresses – the protectors. Get protectors for your bed and feel more confident about your nice sleep and good health.

• Though, only getting the protectors or installing them over the mattress is not enough. Some comprehensive treatment is also necessary, so you will be able to preserve the bedroom hygiene in the condition you want.

• If you use professional cleaning services, ask the regular house cleaners to include the protector sanitising as an ordinary chore during their visitations.

• If you count only on your own cleansing efforts and tidying up abilities, disinfect the mattress protectors by putting them in the laundry. Do not worry – nothing is going to happen to them. Most of these protectors can be washed in 40 Degrees and the best thing about them is that they dry in a flash of second.

• This sounds better and easier that sanitising the entire mattress doesn’t it? Probably, you know how hard it is to wash, wipe and then dry it. Everyone, who has ever performed an end of lease cleaning, knows that mattress restoration is a huge and harsh job! Why doing this to yourself, when you can cover it with protectors that are easy to be maintained?

• Last, but not least, do not forget to vacuum the mattress protectors once in a while, too. This is an extra protection against bacteria.

Mattress protectors – sounds practical and convenient, doesn’t it?

See our specially gathered tips and pick up a nice rug that will suit your maintenance habits, as well!

• If you are a prudent housekeeper that never misses a chance to dust or brush the upholstery, you may get any carpet you like. Even if it is white or natural one, you may not worry that it will ruin quickly.
• On the other side, if you are a complete dummy in household maintenance, a stylish or hand-knotted carpet isn’t the best idea. Though, if you really fall in love into a particular rug, consider to protect it with some mats or Scotchgard Protector. Thus, it will survive for at least one year.
• There are lots of people, who remember about carpet sanitising only during the seasonal home refreshment. If you are one of those people, skip the light patterns. You can still acquire a nice natural rug – for instance, 100% woollen one – and be extra cautious not to damage it during the rest of the time.
• If you leave on rent and you purchase a carpet as an investment that will additionally become your landlord’s property, be attentive in your choice, too. During the tenancy cleaning you are supposed to put the carpet into its primary reputable condition.
• Avoid having a natural carpet in case you are used to apply only toxic detergents. They will destroy the delicate fibres immediately.