• 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/ingredients-to-avoid-in-commercial-carpet-cleansers/ http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/ingredients-to-avoid-in-commercial-carpet-cleansers/#comments Fri, 11 Jul 2014 07:00:26 +0000 http://housecleaning-london.co.uk/blog/?p=517 Wondering why the web and the TV shows are full of stories and tips connected with the eco-friendly house cleaning movement? Well, this is not some kind of propaganda, but a real warning. There are lots of harmful effects that an ordinary household cleanser may cause you. So, better be aware and do not overdo with them. See now the ingredients to avoid in commercial carpet cleansers and make the first steps in your green household maintenance:

• Phthalates. You may not see them as particular ingredients on the label, but in case you fragrance function in your universal carpet cleanser, bear in mind that it might have of them. They are known as the classical endocrine disruptors.

• Perchloroethylene or “PERC”. They are frequently added to the dry carpet solvents. Being a high neurotoxin, it can cause you dizziness and loss of coordination. Always ask your steam carpet cleaners if they add such a detergent in their regular procedures.

• Triclosan. This chemical substance is highly appreciated in the disinfecting production. It might kill pests and beetles in your carpet, but it can affect your kid’s child or even your own dog or cat.

• 2-Butoxyethanol. You will find it not only on the carpet treatment shelves, but inside the ingredients of almost each universal all-purpose detergent. That is the most dangerous feature of this harmless toxin. It is almost anywhere and even some professional house cleaners use it for sanitising. The problems that it can cause are pulmonary edema and kidney damage.

• Sodium hydroxide. The products for greasy carpet stain eliminating are full of it. Also, some kitchen cleansing products and mostly oven detergents may contain it. The healthy risk that the sodium hydroxide hides is bad burning of skin, rashes and eye irritation.

• Formaldehyde. It is a suspected carcinogen, which is usually found in all carpet spray products.

• Diethylene glycol. Experts claim that it damages the nervous system and shop assistants say that the toxin is usually found in spray carpet detergents, as well as in some of dry rug solvents.

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.

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?

• It is very important to be careful with the crystal, while keeping it fresh and clean. It is better to avoid unknown or non-tested detergents. Improvising with solutions and techniques you have never tried on crystal objects is definitely not the best idea.

• Most of the crystal objects made of crystal are fragile and with hard-to-reach elements. Make a special tool for them by putting a long stick with a brushing fibre together. Always wash your hands before sanitising since your sticky fingers may leave some bad fingerprints.

• As for the regular home cleaning procedures that involve crystal elements, use a mixture of lukewarm water and few drops of liquid dish washing soap. Rub gently with a clean cloth and grab the sponge soaked in white vinegar if there are large stains or old grime.

• Rinse as many times as you can. The more you do it, the more blasting and shining becomes the crystal. Also, when you dry the item, do not press too hard, but better blot with toilet paper at first, and then wrap in a towel. Make sure the towel is not very fluffy since the crystal surface will attract the tiny hairs.

• You can always ask the professionals from House Cleaning London Ltd. if it is a good idea to clean large crystal items by your own. Also, the cleaning teams from this company will be pleased to help you in this chore without even let you sweat!

Crystal items at home are definitely those classical and fascinating parts of the interior that make it quite exquisite. Keep them safe and wash them occasionally to preserve this luxurious air in your domestic atmosphere.

If you want to make your utensils shiny, beautiful and looking like brand new, try these wonderful recipes:

• The great power of vinegar

Maybe you already know that vinegar is the best environmentally – friendly cleaning solution that can help you with a lot of cleaning issues, including cleaning of your spotty and dull cutlery. Just dip a soft kitchen towel in a bowl full of vinegar. It is not necessary to soak the cloth in the vinegar or dilute it with water. Polish your spotty knives and forks with circular motions and without having any worries that you will damage their surface.

• Baking soda – another universal cleaning solution

If you cannot depend on professional domestic cleaners to clean your spotty knives and forks, bring back the sparkle of your utensils on your own. Soak them in hot water and then add a spoon of baking soda which is a great help in removing different kind of stubborn stains. Leave your cutlery to soak in the liquid for a few (not more than 10-15) minutes and then rinse. Dry immediately with a soft, clean cloth and circular motions. And voila – your spotty knives and forks shine like a mirror again.

• Polish using olive oil or lemon juice

Probably you are aware of the fact that when you move out from your apartment you should pay really great attention to the end of rental cleaning. Spotty knives are part of it too. Dampen a soft cloth in olive oil or lemon juice – both are perfect solutions for polishing your landlord’s stainless steel or silver knives and forks. Moreover olive oil will protect them longer from tarnishing, so he will enjoy them sparkle longer.

Whichever of the recipes you choose, your cutlery will shine again and make your life a bit brighter.

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.

Here below, you will find out how to maintain and clean your refrigerator in an eco-friendly way:

• Don’t forget to check the status of the food you store there. Rotting foods, fruits and vegetables could contaminate other products. In addition, bad smells are spread inside.
• Never put hot items in your refrigerator. Thus you increase the internal temperature of the appliance and greater energy consumption is required. Bacteria may appear while the gadget tries to restore the proper temperature.
• Don’t leave the door of the fridge open for too long.
• Meat products must be carefully packed in order to avoid contact with other food products.
• Include in your one time cleaning checklist sanitising of the entire appliance. The thorough procedure comprises unplugging the cable, unfreezing the gadget, removing and wiping all shelves and containers. Thus, you will prolong the lifespan of the refrigerator.
• Actually, it’s not bad to clean the fridge fortnightly in order to prevent any micro-organisms and bacteria to grow.
• When it comes to eco-friendly sanitising, you can use very simple ingredients while cleaning the gadget. For instance, white vinegar is a perfect cleanser, because of its antibacterial influence. Mix one volume of white vinegar to a volume of hot water and damp wipe with a clean sponge inside your kitchen appliance. Rinsing is not needed, as a thin layer of the mixture prevents deposits and microbes. While disinfecting the fridge, don’t forget the fridge door seals either. You are used to perform spring home cleaning, correct? This is the perfect moment to combine the comprehensive purge with deep fridge sanitising.
• Bad and repulsive odours? Lemon and bread soda remove efficiently unpleasant smells. You can put some in a small cup and leave it in the fridge, thus the odours will be absorbed. The cup must be replaced once a month. It’s easy, green and affordable, right?

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