Spring is finally here: flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and everything just feels better. Spring is "out with the old, and in with the new." And spring is also time for spring cleaning.
Here are a few tips as you spring clean your home:
CARPET
Move your furniture so that you can vacuum under it. Wipe down your baseboards and crevice vacuum while the furniture is moved. Do not drag heavy furniture across the carpet; Berber carpet could snag and run; the heat and friction generated by the dragging of the heavy pieces can burnish the tips of all carpet fibers, leaving a permanent mark.
The warranties on most carpets require the carpet to be professionally steam cleaned (hot water extraction) every 18 months. Many people do this in the spring to rid the home of all the winter grime that has been tracked in. Make sure you are choosing a reputable carpet cleaner and save the receipt. If you ever have to file a warranty claim, the manufacturer will require proof of regular professional cleanings.
TIP: When you need to spot clean your carpet, first call the manufacturer of your carpet or the Carpet and Rug Institute to find out the appropriate product to use. Mohawk Industries 800-266-4295 Shaw Industries 800-441-7429Beaulieu 800-918-6483 Carpet and Rug Institute 706-278-3176
Many cleaning products can set in the stain, or worse, damage the carpet. You will find that if you have a relatively new carpet most stains come up with just plain water.
Check your exterior door mats and replace as needed.
Also check for any wrinkles, buckles or ripples in your installed carpet. Call to have the carpet restretched as soon as you begin to notice any ripples.
TIP: Filtration soil is the dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways, or under doors. Changing the filters regularly on you HVAC system and using vacuums with good filtration systems can help prevent this problem.
RUGS
Have your area rugs professionally cleaned, either at your home or at the cleaner's facility. If you are having your rugs cleaned at your home, be sure they are moved onto your driveway, garage or deck for the cleaning so the floor underneath is not damaged.
GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
It is time to seal the granite. First, clean your countertop thoroughly using a neutral cleaner. Never clean with any product containing acid, lemon, or bleach. Acids, even a light solution of vinegar and water, will eventually etch and damage the natural stone. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface. Now apply the stone sealer. Stone sealers will need to be reapplied as soon as you notice water no longer stands (beads up) on the surface.
TIP: While dish soap will not hurt your granite, repeated and excessive use of soap will cause build-up and dull the shine. Also, don't use bathroom, tub and tile, or window and mirror cleaners. The powders and even the "soft" creams contain abrasives that will scratch and dull the surfaces. Use only cleaners made specifically for granite and stone.
