General Everyday Use Cleaning Tips........

Everyday Cleaning Tips

If spot is wet, blot it, don’t rub. Rubbing spreads the soil.
If spot is dry, loosen soil and vacuum away prior to moistening it.
Always rinse cleaned area thoroughly. If not removed, cleaning products may cause the cleaned area to attract soil.
When taking out stains, always use a white cloth.
Always pre-test the surface to be cleaned.
Apply cleaning solution to an inconspicuous area of the same matter If after five minutes the materials colour transfers to towel, try another product.
When using any cleaner, dilute according to directions. A mixture that is too potent may cause damage.More is not always better.
Carpet shampoo is good to have on hand and is available at most hardware stores.
A mild mineral spirit solution is useful for many household cleaning applications.
Clean spots and stains immediately you will have a much better chance of removing them.
Remove lime buildup with lemon juice and vinegar
Remove chewing gum by rubbing an ice cube until the gum becomes stiff, and then remove.
Use hairspray to remove ball point ink, and be sure to rinse the area thoroughly afterwards.
Clean urine spots quickly with dish detergent and water.
To remove latex paint from carpet or upholstery, soak with dish detergent diluted with 20 parts water. Agitate; blot; rinse; blot.
For wax on carpet or upholstery, set a clean absorbent cloth over the wax and hold a hot iron on it.Remove the cloth, taking the wax with it. (Be careful not to leave the iron on too long).

Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets.
Discard exposed open food packages.The food is probably contaminated.
Do not attempt to use ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.A short circuit could result.
Wipe leaves of houseplants clean to remove smoke residue.
Tape cheesecloth over intake and exit hot air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.Damp cheesecloth is better.
Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire.
Keep hands clean.Soot on hands can impregnate upholstery, walls, and woodwork causing more damage.
Cover carpet traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent more soiling.
If electricity is off, clean out freezer and refrigerator, and leave doors propped open or place charcoal in unit.
Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
Change air filters on forced hot air furnaces.

Wash any egg residue from building exterior.
Do not use household cleaners fabrics or carpet without consulting with your professional cleaner.
Remove any debris, food, etc., from carpets or interior walls.Scrape or blot carpets or furniture – Do Not Rub.
Vacuum glass particles from carpet and upholstery, but do not walk in bare feet in area of glass residue.
Save any information as to type of liquid that was spread over surfaces.
Make a list of all damage.
Do not attempt to remove chemicals, i.e. ink, paint, etc.
Do not operate damaged electrical appliances.
Do not throw away miscellaneous damaged wood chips, etc.They might be helpful for repair.

Use as many dehumidifiers as available. (temperature must be above 60°)
If damage is during heating season leave heat on; if in summer, use air conditioner if available.
Do not use household vacuum to remove water.
Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Lift draperies off carpet and hang on drapery rod via looping through a coat hanger.
Open furniture drawers, closet doors, or luggage to enhance drying.
Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
Punch holes in sagging ceilings to allow water to drain.