Water and a mild soap can be used to clean wrought iron, steel frames, and aluminum furniture as well. If the metal isn't rust resistant, naval jelly or paste wax can be used to protect it from corroding.
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture Part 2- Wood
Wooden furniture that is coated with an outdoor finish can be cleaned with soapy water. You will want to make sure that all the soap is thoroughly rinsed off when you are done. 💦
How to Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture Part 1-Wicker
Even though most outdoor fabrics are quite durable, they still require regular maintenance to prevent hastened deterioration. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned with soap and water. It is best not to use abrasive cleaning agents as this can damage the furniture. Since there are so many types of outdoor furniture, we will address specific cleaning recommendations one material at a time in the next series of posts. It’s important to keep in mind these are just suggestions and you should always read the tags on your furniture pieces prior to cleaning and test in a non-conspicuous spot.
🔹 Part 1: Wicker: Wicker furniture can be cleaned quite easily. Simply remove the cushions and spray it down with a hose. If it is still dirty it can be washed using a sponge, a mild soap, and cold water. It is best to store the cushions inside during the winter months and keep the frames covered.
How to Get Sunscreen Out of Your Carpet
Summertime means warmer weather and the need for lots of sunscreen! If your sunscreen application goes awry with some product ending up on the carpet, here are a few tips to keep in mind when cleaning it up:
1. Use a dull knife or a spoon to remove as much of the sunscreen from the carpet as possible. Don't try to wipe it up because that could cause it to embed deeper into the carpet fibers.
2. Use the HomePro spotter we provided at the time of your last cleaning to spot clean the area. Make sure to read the directions on the bottle first and spot test in an inconspicuous area. If you don’t have one of our spotters, let us know and we’d be happy to set you up with one.
3. Use a dry white rag to blot the wet area and remove any excess dampness.
4. Let the carpet air dry. You can put a fan in front of the treated area to expedite the drying process. The key thing to keep in mind with spills of all kinds is to clean it up as quickly as possible.
If you need any additional help, give us a call. Our expert technicians would be delighted to lend a hand!
What Will Help My Carpet Dry Faster?
Here are a few helpful tips to expedite the drying process of your carpet after it has been cleaned:
1. Open windows to let air in. The more air, the better. 💨
2. Turn on ceiling fans to facilitate air movement throughout the house.
3. Stay off the carpet as much as possible while it is drying. This is especially important for the first 4 hours after the cleaning.
If you have any questions, let us know. We are here to help!
Why Hiring an Inexpensive Cleaner Isn't Less Expensive in the Long Run
It can be tempting to go with the most economical cleaning service when moving out with the idea that it doesn't really matter since you're moving out anyway. However, while that can work out, it can oftentimes cost you much more in the long run. Here are a few reasons why hiring a reputable company pays off:
1. They'll do a good job. A reputable company will do a more thorough job when cleaning, which is important because the better the carpet cleans up, the more you avoid potentially having to pay to have it cleaned again or to replace it. An inexperienced cleaner doesn't have the expertise to remove tough spots, which you likely won't find out until it's too late. The cost to hire someone else to come out to "fix" the carpet far exceeds the amount you would have paid to have hired someone who would have done the job right.
2. They'll actually show up. There's nothing more frustrating than booking a service that doesn't keep their scheduled appointments. A cleaner that shows up late, or not at all, can leave you in a bind. This can be especially problematic during the summer as other cleaners will be booked out and unable to take on a last minute cleaning.
3. They'll be up front about their pricing. "Discount" carpet cleaners offer a cleaning service that is the caliber of what you're paying. They make their money upselling things that are standard with what other cleaning companies would offer as part of their normal cleaning process. A reputable company is straight forward about the costs for the service they provide .
4. They'll guarantee their work. If there's a spot that comes back or an area that could use a touch up, they'll come back to take care of it. This can save you big time and can offer you peace of mind knowing you're in good hands. 👍
If you're ready to book a move out cleaning, let us know. We are here to help! 📱
Carpet Cleaning Myth: Home Carpet Cleaning Machines Offer a Similar Cleaning Ability When Compared with a Professional Carpet Cleaning
Fact: Home carpet cleaning machines can be helpful when properly used but they tend to saturate the carpet with water and are not powerful enough to extract the water and other cleaning products back out of the carpet. This can leave the carpet wet for days, which can make it vulnerable to mold and mildew. Residue left in the carpet can cause it to age at a faster pace, leaving it with a dingy appearance and a tendency to re-soil quickly. Professional cleanings from truck mounted units utilizing hot water extraction ("steam cleaning") by experienced cleaning experts are able to deliver a level of clean that can't even compare to DIY machines and your carpet will be dry in a matter of hours, not days. If you're ready to experience the difference a professional cleaning can make, let us know. We can help!
Carpet Cleaning Myth: It's Bad for Carpets to Get Wet
Fact: This is true if you’re referring to a water damage or intrusion. However, if you’re using it as a reason not to have your carpet professionally cleaned, it couldn’t be farther from the truth. Most carpet manufacturers require annual professional cleanings using hot water extraction (most often referred to as “steam cleaning”) to maintain the carpet warranty. Unlike dry cleaning and other cleaning methods that just clean the surface of the carpet, steam cleaning is effective at removing odor causing bacteria, spots, and other unwanted things from your carpet while leaving them virtually residue-free (which is safer for your family and pets).
