Beware of Dirty Patio Furniture!


As winter fades and the days grow longer, you might step outside and realize your once beautiful patio furniture looks a little worse. Winter can be brutal on outdoor furniture—metal, wood, plastic, or fabric. But don't worry—spring is the perfect time to bring your patio set back to life. As professional cleaning experts, we're here to tell you just how bad it can get and, more importantly, how to restore it to its former glory.
The winter damage report

1. Mold, mildew, and algae growth
   Mold and mildew are almost guaranteed if your furniture sits outside in damp conditions. Fabric cushions and umbrella covers are especially prone to mildew, while plastic and wooden surfaces can develop green algae that make them slippery and unsightly.
   
2. Rust and corrosion
   Metal furniture doesn't stand a chance against months of moisture. Rust forms when water and oxygen react with iron or steel, weakening the furniture's integrity.
   
3. Fading and cracking
   Freezing temperatures and constant moisture can cause wood to crack and split, while plastic furniture may become brittle. UV exposure, even in winter, can fade cushions and painted surfaces.
   
4. Dirt and grime buildup
   Leaves, pollen, and general dirt settle into every crevice over the winter, making furniture look dull and uninviting. Dust and moisture can still exist even if you cover your patio set.
   

The spring fix
Now that we've covered the bad news, here's the good news—you can save your outdoor furniture with a thorough spring cleaning. Remove any loose debris by wiping surfaces or using a leaf blower. Then start deep cleaning based on the material.

• Metal furniture: Use warm water and mild dish soap to remove dirt and grime. For rust spots, lightly sand the area and apply a rust-resistant primer before repainting.
  
• Wood furniture: Clean with a soft brush and a mix of water and white vinegar to remove mold. Avoid pressure washing, as it can damage the wood fibers.
  
• Plastic or resin furniture: A simple baking soda paste can help remove stains.
  
• Cushions and fabrics: It is best to leave this to the pros.
  

A little spring cleaning can go a long way in reviving your outdoor space, making it fresh and inviting just in time for warmer days. But when you need expert help, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Stubborn Soap Scum!


We all know that daily bathing is essential for good health and hygiene. And with bathing comes the task of keeping the shower clean from “soap scum.”


Soap scum? What’s that? While not a scientific term, soap scum is the cloudy film that accumulates on shower surfaces, building up from the combination of soap fats, minerals in water, body oils, and dirt. Over time, this buildup hardens, becoming increasingly difficult to remove and potentially becoming a source for mold to grow.


Addressing stubborn shower scum promptly is essential for maintaining a clean and hygienic bathroom. Simply scrubbing it like a typical dirty surface won’t work.


To remove soap scum, you can purchase a cleaning product specifically for showers and baths, but if you are a do-it-yourself addict, you can create your own with one cup of white vinegar, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of dish detergent.


Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake the bottle so it is all mixed up. In a wet shower or bath, spray the solution all over the affected areas, let it sit for several minutes, and spray it again. Scrub the surface with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth (if you choose something abrasive, be very careful not to scratch the surface).


Rinse and inspect… and if there is any remaining soap scum, there is a second round of treatment to consider.


Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the areas that need more work. Spray the same solution over the baking soda. It should fizz a bit. Allow it to sit a few minutes, and sprinkle and spray again if the fizz was significant. Rinse thoroughly, allow to dry, and inspect. You should see great results from these efforts.


Another way to reduce soap scum is to have a quality water softener installed in your home. Softer water cleans better and addresses the underlying cause of most issues in baths and showers: Hard water. Hard water contains high concentrations of minerals, which react with soap and thus forms soap scum faster.


With or without a water softening system, if you focus on regular maintenance and prompt cleaning, you will keep soap scum at bay and avoid the need for extensive cleaning.


The time will come when you need a professional cleaning service to help with tough tasks. Do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Winter Invasions!


Winter brings charm and unwelcome guests: Dirt, sludge, and grime. Between snowy boots, dripping umbrellas, and road salt, your home doesn’t take long to look and feel messy. Thankfully, a few simple strategies can keep the muck at bay and help your home spring in great shape.


The winter-ready entry


The entryway is your first defense against winter mess—place heavy-duty doormats outside and inside your door to catch dirt and moisture before they get in. Consider adding a shoe rack or boot tray to keep footwear organized and contained. Encourage family members and guests to remove their shoes at the door.


Create a cleaning kit


Keep a dedicated winter cleaning kit near your entryway for quick touch-ups. Include items like a small broom and dustpan, a microfiber mop, and a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner. A quick wipe-down of muddy areas as they happen can prevent dirt from spreading.


Protect your floors


Floor protection is key during the winter months. Use washable rugs in high-traffic areas and hallway runners to prevent dirt from reaching your floors. For more delicate flooring, consider laying down protective plastic mats or area rugs that are easy to clean.


Keep pets in check


Pets can track in their fair share of dirt and snow. Wipe their paws with a towel or pet-safe paw cleaner before letting them inside. Keep a mat or towel by the door for extra messy days to catch any lingering moisture.


Regular maintenance


Vacuuming and mopping more frequently during winter is essential to staying ahead of the grime. Focus on entryways, mudrooms, and other high-traffic areas. Don’t forget to check for hidden salt or dirt that might damage your floors over time.


Prepare for spring


Start thinking ahead by decluttering and organizing areas prone to winter buildup. A little prep now will make the spring cleaning season much more manageable. With a few thoughtful measures, you can keep your home clean and welcoming throughout the winter months and be ready to embrace the fresh start of spring without a hassle.


But sometimes, the cleaning tasks you need to complete can be overwhelming. There is help for you when those times occur. Contact your favorite cleaning company for specialized tasks like carpet and furniture cleaning. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Weak Vacuum Cleaners!


Keeping your vacuum cleaner in shape is essential for maintaining a home, ensuring your carpet lasts longer, and enhancing the effectiveness of your cleaning routine.


As time passes, your vacuum accumulates dust, debris, and blockages that can hinder its suction power and overall performance, making cleaning an inefficient task for you as a homeowner. A powerful vacuum can quickly become a weak vacuum if not correctly maintained.


The bag


Regularly checking and emptying the vacuum bag or canister is essential to maintaining your vacuum cleaner’s suction power. Aim to do this when it's no more than two-thirds full to ensure smooth airflow and prevent strain on the motor.


The filters


Vacuum filters are crucial for capturing particles and maintaining air quality. Clogged filters can decrease suction power and airflow. Refer to your vacuum’s manual for cleaning or replacing the filters. Rinsing filters with water, replacing them after drying, and replacing non-washable HEPA filters as required are essential to maintain the vacuum cleaner's efficiency.


The flow


When your vacuum cleaner is not working well and seems to be struggling to pick up dirt and debris, it might be due to blockages that are not easily visible. Inspect the hose and brush head for clogs caused by items like coins or hair clumps that can obstruct the airflow in your vacuum cleaner system. Carefully removing these obstacles will help restore its suction power and ensure it continues to operate smoothly.


Clean your vacuum's brushes and rollers to remove dirt from the carpet. Trim any hair or string caught in the brush roll to maintain your vacuum's performance and longevity.


The belts


Vacuum belts rotate the brush; if they wear out or become loose over time, this can affect the vacuum's performance. Check them for any signs of damage or wear. Replacing a worn belt is a cost-effective way to improve the vacuum's performance and avoid potentially more significant problems.


Although you must vacuum regularly, more than vacuuming is needed to keep your home clean and healthy. Scheduling a professional deep cleaning of surfaces, such as carpet, furniture, tile grout, and others, is essential. The pros have specialized equipment, cleaning products, and experience, and are trained in advanced cleaning procedures. Do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Garbage Disposal Smells!


Garbage disposals are convenient for breaking down food waste, but unpleasant odors can build up over time if not appropriately maintained.


Homeowners, just like you, should be aware that food particles, grease, and bacteria can accumulate inside the disposal, leading to unwanted smells that can spread throughout the kitchen.


Why the smell?


Food scraps, grease, and organic debris that pass through the disposal can get trapped on the sides and in the crevices of the unit. Over time, these particles decompose, allowing bacteria and mold to develop, which results in foul odors. Furthermore, leftover grease and fat can harden, creating a coating on the blades and walls that is difficult to remove.


Nasty indeed.


Here is how to keep your disposal in good working odor without off-gassing malodors that will run you out of the kitchen.


Run the disposal

One of the easiest ways to prevent smells is to run the garbage disposal frequently, even when there is no food waste. This practice helps clear away any particles that may have settled and keeps the blades clean.


Clean with natural solutions

Regular cleaning is vital in keeping odors at bay. Pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the disposal to break down any buildup. Let the solution sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with hot water. Additionally, grinding up citrus peels, like lemon or orange, can help naturally deodorize the unit while cleaning the blades.


Deep clean the blades

If odors persist, it may be necessary to clean the blades. Ice cubes and coarse salt can be added to the disposal and ground together to dislodge stuck food particles. The ice and salt's abrasive action scrapes away the buildup.


Avoid certain foods

Avoid putting fibrous materials (such as celery and corn husks) or starchy foods (like pasta and potato peels) into the disposal to minimize odors and clogs. These items can get caught in the blades or cause blockages, contributing to foul smells.


Following these simple steps, homeowners can keep their garbage disposals fresh, clean, and odor-free. Regular maintenance eliminates bad smells and prolongs the disposal's life.


And when you need extra help with some specialized cleaning tasks, such as carpet cleaning, tile and grout maintenance, furniture care, or others … do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company today. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Beware of Ring Around the Collar!


For anyone who wears dress shirts regularly, one of the biggest frustrations is dealing with ring around the collar. Many assume that removing this stubborn stain is nearly impossible, but it’s quite manageable with the proper techniques.


Here are a few tried-and-true methods that not only help you remove ring around the collar but can also prevent it from returning.


1. Shampoo Treatment


A simple and effective way to tackle ring around the collar is by using shampoo. The oils and grime accumulating on collars resemble what builds up in your hair, which shampoo is designed to remove. Before tossing your shirt in the hamper, apply a small amount of shampoo directly onto the stain. Allow it to sit until laundry day. When you wash the shirt as usual, the shampoo has worked its magic, making the stain easier to remove. This is an excellent option for tackling dirt buildup without requiring specialized products.


2. Pretreatments


Another highly effective solution is using a cleaner made specifically for pre-treating laundry. You can see several options at your favorite department store. These powerful cleaning products work wonders on stubborn stains like ring around the collar. Spray the affected area, let it sit for a few minutes, and then launder the shirt. These products are usually bleach-free, making it safe for most fabrics. You may need to repeat the process two or three times for tougher, set-in stains.


3. Oxygen


Oxygen-boosting agents are another excellent option for removing the ring around the collar. Oxygen boosters are a type of color-safe bleach. To use, spray the collar with the mixed oxygen treatment, allow to dwell for a few minutes, and then wash as usual. After washing, if you still see any residue, repeat the process until the collar is clean.


4. Prevention


Preventing ring around the collar is easier than you think. Good hygiene and regular showering is essential. Because of this simple fact, you see more ring around the color with children than adults, as kids are more active and may not shower as often.


With these methods, removing and preventing a ring around the collar is a task everyone can handle. Using these tips is easy and efficient.


And when you have specialty cleaning tasks you can’t handle alone, do the right thing and call your favorite cleaning company. They can handle carpet, floors, and more. After all, it pays to call a pro!