Wed, 16 May 2012 22:38:05 -0800WeeblyMon, 30 Apr 2012 14:28:29 -0800http://elegantcleaning.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/5-spring-cleaning-tips.html

With spring in full bloom, now is a great time to tackle those cleaning projects you have been putting off. Whether you plan to finally clean out the attic or just want to spruce up the bathroom before company arrives, here are some tried and true tips we use at Elegant Cleaning Services.

1. Plan Ahead / Allow Enough Time for the Project

All cleaning projects are not created equal. Some require specific equipment, such as carpet cleaning, that may take time to acquire and set-up.

Some projects, such as attic cleaning, are better performed first thing in the morning while the space is cool.

While clean windows show off their sparkle in direct sunlight, a cloudy day is a better day for cleaning them.

Projects that are not routine for you can take longer than you expect. Reduce your stress by planning extra time into your schedule to complete your project.

2. PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
Your safety comes first when cleaning! Invest in a pair of chemical resistant gloves, especially for cleaning your oven or shower. Don't be fooled by a cleaning agent'st "green" designation. Just because it is easy on the environment does not mean it won't burn through your skin. Gloves, goggles and dust masks should be worn when needed during your cleaning tasks.

Allow for proper ventilation when using harsh chemicals such as bleach or oven cleaner. And never, never, NEVER mix any cleaning chemicals, the results can be deadly.

FYI, bleach and ammonia products should be kept FAR away from each other as they create a deadly gas when mixed.

3. Allow Cleaning Chemicals to Work
Read the instructions of your cleaning products. Oven cleaners can require up to an hour to work. Bathroom tile cleaners may need 15 or 20 minutes of dwell time to loosen soap scum. Bleach needs at least 10 minutes to disinfect hard surfaces. You will see better results and the work will be easier when you allow the chemicals to do the work for you.

4. Use the Right Product for the Job
Pick and choose your cleaning supplies based on the job you are doing. If you want your bathroom mirror to really shine, then use a glass cleaner, not an all purpose cleaner. An all purpose cleaner will leave streaks and smear marks all over a mirror. Similarly, a bath tub with a serious ring problem or lime deposit will cleaner easier and quicker with a product specifically designed for that type of cleaning.

5. Work from top-to-bottomWhen it comes to cleaning, use gravity to your advantage. For instance, dust high ledges and ceiling fans, allowing the dust to settle, before cleaning counters and table tops. Vacuuming is done last after the dust has reached the floor.

In the same manner, wash shower ceilings and wall before cleaning the basin. ]]>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:52:38 -0800http://elegantcleaning.weebly.com/1/post/2012/04/cleaning-with-white-vinegar.htmlWhite vinegar is good for more than salad dressing. Use it as an environmentally friendly cleaner all around your home. It's acidic nature makes it perfect for removing stains and clearing the air of foul odors. Here are some ways to make your home spring fresh.

All Purpose Cleaner
Mix 2 parts clear water with 1 part white vinegar and 2 drops of liquid dishwash, according to Reader's Digest. Use in a spray bottle to clean counter tops, walls and other hard surfaces. 

Clean The Inside of a Drip or Keurig Coffee Maker
Lime deposits from your tap water can clog the inside of your coffee machine. Vinegar will dissolve the mineral obstruction to allow the machine to work properly and make better tasting coffee.

Drip Coffee Maker
Heinz recommends running a coffee making cycle with vinegar instead of water, (with out coffee grinds) through your coffee maker followed by two cycles with clean water as a rinse.

Keurig Coffee Maker
The folks at Keurig say to pour 48 oz. of white vinegar into the water reservoir of your coffee brewer. Without a K-Cup in the machine, run several coffee making cycles until the "Add Water" light illuminates, don't forget to put a cup under the spout. With power on, allow the machine to sit for four (4) hours. Rinse the water reservoir and fill with clean water. Run several cycles without a K-Cup until the "Add Water" light illuminates to rinse the vinegar from inside the machine.

Carpet Cleaning Solution
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. Pour into spray bottles for use as a spotter for spills and messes. For pet stains, use straight vinegar.For all carpet cleaning stains, first blot up spill (if fresh) with clean white towels. Then, apply a small amount of vinegar solution with a spray bottle. Gently agitate with a brush. Then blot up with clean dry towels.

Eyeglass Cleaner
Use straight vinegar on a soft cloth to remove spots and fingerprints from eyeglass lenses.
]]>Mon, 27 Feb 2012 11:45:10 -0800http://elegantcleaning.weebly.com/1/post/2012/02/post-title-click-and-type-to-edit.htmlDoes Fabric Protector Really Work? 
The simply answer is, YES!
We get this question a lot; and with good reason.

For years, salesmen both in retail stores and even those who work for other cleaning companies, have over promised the ability of fabric protectors creating a mythical, miracle product that does not exist.

First, let's answer the basic question. Does fabric protector really work? YES! Applying fabric is a smart idea to keep your carpet and upholstery looking its best after it has been cleaned.However, there a limitations to what it can and cannot do. No matter which brand we are talking about, such as 3M's Scothguard, DuPont's Stainmaster or even a generic brand, fabric protectors are designed to slow the soiling process, by making spills easier to clean up and vacuuming more efficient.

Some salespeople make fabric protector sound like a magical application that will keep the carpet looking brand new for years to come.

In reality, fabric protector does a great job at keeping spills from sinking into the fibers of carpet and upholstery. For instance, if you spill a glass of juice on a carpet with fabric protector, you have several minutes to grab a towel and blot up the spill before it penetrates deep into the fiber.

Now, suppose on your way to get a towel the phone rings. You answer it and spend the next half-hour catching up with your college roommate. By the time you hang up the phone, the spill has soaked into the fiber.

It has happened more than once that our technicians have walked into a home to find a carpet heavily soiled with spills that no one has ever blotted or tried to clean. The homeowner reassures our technician that cleaning the carpet should be a breeze because the homeowner bought the fabric protector from the carpet store. Unfortunately, the homeowner is often disappointed to learn that many of the spots have set into the fabric because the spills were never blotted from the fabric when they were fresh.  

Remember, fabric protector is a great product and performs well at keeping carpet and upholstery clean. The key is to know the limitations of the product and to clean up spills as quickly as possible. ]]>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:35:16 -0800http://elegantcleaning.weebly.com/1/post/2012/01/benefits-of-professional-carpet-and-upholstery-cleaning1.htmlWhile the obvious reason to have your carpets and upholstery cleaned is the overall appearance, there are more benefits than you may realize.

• Remove pests from your fabric.  There are countless little critters that make their home in textiles. While these little buggers, such as dust mites, do not harm people, their presence often triggers watery eyes and sneezing episodes. Regular cleaning changes the pH of the carpet's environment, making the living conditions less desirable for the tiny pests.
• Allergen Removal. Homes with carpets have been shown to have better air quality because the carpet acts like a filter capturing dust, pollen and other allergens. However, like any filter, the carpet needs to be cleaned to remove the pollutant build up. 
• Prohibits mold growth. Mold is a major concern of carpet owners. The good news is that if your carpet is made of a synthetic fiber, such as nylon, then mold is unlikely to grow on the fibers. However, mold can (and will) grow on organic matter trapped between the fibers. Your best defense against mold growing in your carpet is to plan on regular cleanings. 

]]>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:16:53 -0800http://elegantcleaning.weebly.com/1/post/2012/01/how-often-should-carpets-be-professionally-cleaned.htmlHow Often Should Carpets be Professionally Cleaned?
This is the second most common question our customers ask us when we finish a job (the number one question is: how long will it take the carpet to dry.)Carpets should be cleaned at least once a year. However, in many cases, two to four times a year may be necessary. Here are the guidelines from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

• Light Soil: Rooms that are used infrequently, such as spare bedrooms, or homes that have very little traffic, can be cleaned every 12 to 18 months.
  
• Normal Soil: Such as homes families with children but no pets should be cleaned every six to 12 months.
  
• Heavy Soil: Families with children and pets should have the traffic areas cleaned every three to six months with a deep cleaning once a year.
  
• Extreme Conditions: Multiple pets, children and smoking in the home may require quarterly (every three month) cleaning of traffic areas with a deep cleaning every six months. 
  

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