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Keeping your home clean and well-maintained is an
on-going task, but there is usually
extra work to be done when you first move into your home and when you are
getting ready to sell. I've found some cleaning methods that go beyond the
soap-and-water clean-up -- beginning with techniques to remove stubborn
stains from your carpet. If you are planning a move to the Rockford Illinois
area, or if you are thinking of selling your home and want to know how to
get started, please give me a call at 815-381-6850.
Carpet Cleaning --
Removing Wax, Tar, Grease, Chewing Gum
Scrape as much of the substance off with a spoon. Apply dry-cleaning liquid
to the stain. Freeze chewing gum stains with ice cubes, then scrape.
Carpet Cleaning -- Pet
Stains
Mix one teaspoon mild dishwashing liquid with one cup warm water. Dip a
towel in the solution and dab at the stain from the outside in. Rinse with
fresh water and blot dry. Next, dab the stain with a mixture of a third of
a cup white vinegar and two-thirds of a cup water and blot dry. Let dry
for 24 hours and sprinkle with baking soda. Let set for a few hours and
vacuum.
Carpet Cleaning --
Cigarette Burns
Cut off ends of burnt carpet pile. Apply a dish detergent and vinegar
solution in warm water to the area.
Carpet Cleaning --
Fruit Juice Stains
For a Wet Stain: sponge with warm water. Then apply a detergent and
vinegar solution to the site. sponge with clean water.
For a Dry Stain: Apply a detergent and vinegar solution to the site, then
sponge with clean water.
Carpet Cleaning -- Ink
Permanent ink is permanent, but you may be able to minimize a fresh stain
with warm water. Apply denatured alcohol to ball-point ink.
Carpet Cleaning --
Paint
For Oil Based Paint: Clean with Turpentine.
For Water Based Paint: Clean with warm water.
Carpet Cleaning --
Lipstick
Apply dry cleaning liquid to the area, followed by a dish detergent and
vinegar solution. Finally, rinse with a diluted ammonia solution.
Carpet Cleaning --
Other Wet Stains
Sponge area with a dry cloth. Scrape any hard substances with a spoon.
Apply dry cleaning liquid, then a detergent and vinegar solution.
You may also want to try cleaning the stubborn spots from clothing,
carpet or upholstery with club soda or lemon juice.
Marble
Marble is being used in
more and more homes. Marble is not a stone, but
consists of petrified sea shells (calcium carbonate).
Marble can be dissolved easily with a mild acid. Orange
juice, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice are high in
citric acid and vinegar contains acetic acid --all can
etch marble. Alcohol found in hair spray, adult drinks,
perfumes, and cologne can dissolve marble. Some
types of marble are denser than others and not all react
to acid attack. Ironically, to clean marble the experts
say to use a mild acid in combination with a mild
abrasive, such as salt crystals. Slice an orange,
grapefruit, or lemon in half, dip it in a plate of
salt and rub it onto the marble. Then flood the area
with fresh water to rinse. Pat dry with a soft towel.
Ceramic
and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile covered in mineral deposits
and soap scum can be effectively cleaned with pure lemon
oil (any brand -- not lemonade juice but lemon oil from
the skin of the lemon). Never use abrasive scouring
powder on tile. Use a nylon scrubbing pad soaked in the
oil to get the surface clean. The more buildup, the more
scrubbing will be required.
Polished
Metal
Faucets, shower heads, etc. should never be scrubbed
with an abrasive. Even nylon scrubbing pads can scratch
a polished metal surface. Instead, try soaking a rag or
towel in pure vinegar. Gently wring out the excess
liquid and lay it over the affected surface. Keep the
rag wet by covering it with plastic wrap to prevent
evaporation. It may take one to eight hours, but then a
gentle wipe should make the lime deposits disappear.
Mildew
Both chlorine bleach and
alcohol work well on mildew. If these chemicals don't
work then you might have algae growing, not mildew. To
get rid of algae you will need an algaecide (a pesticide
for algae) which you should be able to find where
swimming pool supplies are available. To remove mildew
mix 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent and 1 quart
liquid chlorine bleach into 3 quarts warm water. Add the
bleach to the water first, then the detergent. This is a
relatively mild formula but you will want to wear gloves
and eye protection and make sure that there is plenty of
ventilation. Put this thoroughly blended formula into a
spray bottle or pump sprayer and soak the affected area.
Continue to re-spray the area, keeping it wet until the
black mildew turns white. Then, rinse with clean water
and pat dry with a towel.
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[ Home Page ]This site contains links to
other real estate related internet sites. These links are
selected on the basis of ease-of-use and helpful content for
owning, buying, or selling a home, and no information,
product, or service has been endorsed or approved by us.
Rockford home source information is provided as a service to
help you better understand issues related to the process of
buying or selling real estate, especially in the Rockford
Illinois area. The accuracy of content is not guaranteed,
nor is it intended to replace the advice of an attorney,
financial advisor, lender, home inspection service, building
contractor or other real estate professional. Privacy
Statement: We are dedicated to protecting your privacy and
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your information for this purpose. We use your information
only to help us provide the real estate services you
request. Bill Marek is a residential real estate agent
with Dickerson & Nieman Realtorsin
the Rockford area of Northern Illinois, and, as a REALTOR©, is a member
of the National Association of Realtors©, Illinois
Association of Realtors©, and Rockford Area Association of
Realtors©. |
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Tile and Grout
Wash tile and grout with two tablespoons of chlorine bleach in one quart
of water and dry thoroughly. For another method, a whitening chemical that
does a good job on grout is hydrogen peroxide. A 3% solution can be poured
right onto the affected area and the cleaning-foaming action can make easy
work of the cleaning job. To recondition the grout, apply several coats
of lemon oil, letting it dry for an hour between coats. Clean tile grout
regularly to avoid dirt sinking deep into grout's pores.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel sinks and appliances are beautiful, but can spot easily.
Baking soda is great for general cleaning, but for stubborn spots, try a
cloth with rubbing alcohol. A little lighter fluid should take care of
rust. Don't use a metal scrubbing pad on stainless steel.
Copper and Brass
These are both very soft metals that easily oxidize (tarnish). Being soft,
they polish to a high sheen. Slightly tarnished copper or brass can be
cleaned with any number of household ingredients, such as plain ketchup or
a paste made from table salt and vinegar. Just wipe on, then wipe off.
There are many commercial metal polishes available for tougher cleaning
jobs.
Windows and Screens
Sparkling windows make a house look really clean. Wash them down with
rubbing alcohol and follow with a wash of two tablespoons vinegar and
one-quart water. For streak-free windows
in half the time, take a tip from the pros and use a high-quality scrubber
and squeegee. To finish the job, wash screens with the scrubber and soapy
water, rinse, and let dry.
Shower Doors
For stubborn soap scum, a few quick swipes with a used dryer sheet on a
wet door should do the trick. Follow by washing down the doors with a
solution of half a cup vinegar, a quarter cup baking soda, and a cup of
ammonia in a gallon of warm water. Squeegee dirt and residual scum away.
Note: It's always safest to try new methods on a small area first to
see how they react to the material being cleaned.
"Helping you to make the right decision when buying or selling
a home"
by email:
by phone:
815-381-6850
by fax:
815-381-1109
by mail:
Bill Marek
Dickerson & Nieman, Realtors
6277 E. Riverside Blvd.
Rockford, IL 61114
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