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!