Preparing for moving day is more than just packing; theres all that cleaning to do too! Here are some tricks to help make the process go more smoothly.
Note: Before using any of the following tips, be sure to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to test for colorfastness.
Some of the most common scuffs and stains can be removed with everyday household items. Scuffmarks on wood can be removed with a pencil eraser. You can remove wax from carpets, floors or curtains by using an absorbent cloth and a hot iron on a low setting"the wax should stick to the cloth and peel away easily.
Toothpaste is great for removing ink and crayon from hard surfaces. Buff gently with a soft cloth, or apply the paste and let it sit for about an hour for really tough stains.
When washing textured walls, use a nylon sock to avoid leaving lint behind. Apply any cleaning solution (after youve tested for colorfastness) in small patches. You can remove unwanted paint from most woodwork by gently scouring with brass cleaner"not too hard though, or you'll scratch the wood. Soap scum, dried toothpaste and lime scale will come off with a liberal application of an oxygen-based cleaning powder, which can be found in most supermarkets. Always wash walls from the bottom up to prevent streaking.
Now, what to do about those unpleasant odors lurking in the basement and other enclosed areas? Two words: baking soda! Place an open box in the fridge or cupboards, or sprinkle a thick layer on carpeting and along baseboards. You should notice an improvement after 24 hours. Activated charcoal, or a few drops of vanilla extract on a piece of cloth can also do the trick.
Finally, never mix cleaning products"many contain ammonia or bleach, and when combined the fumes are deadly. Care should be taken when cleaning any area that has been previously treated with a different solution, because not only are some mixtures deadly, but others can react with one another and cause staining.
Note: Before using any of the following tips, be sure to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to test for colorfastness.
Some of the most common scuffs and stains can be removed with everyday household items. Scuffmarks on wood can be removed with a pencil eraser. You can remove wax from carpets, floors or curtains by using an absorbent cloth and a hot iron on a low setting"the wax should stick to the cloth and peel away easily.
Toothpaste is great for removing ink and crayon from hard surfaces. Buff gently with a soft cloth, or apply the paste and let it sit for about an hour for really tough stains.
When washing textured walls, use a nylon sock to avoid leaving lint behind. Apply any cleaning solution (after youve tested for colorfastness) in small patches. You can remove unwanted paint from most woodwork by gently scouring with brass cleaner"not too hard though, or you'll scratch the wood. Soap scum, dried toothpaste and lime scale will come off with a liberal application of an oxygen-based cleaning powder, which can be found in most supermarkets. Always wash walls from the bottom up to prevent streaking.
Now, what to do about those unpleasant odors lurking in the basement and other enclosed areas? Two words: baking soda! Place an open box in the fridge or cupboards, or sprinkle a thick layer on carpeting and along baseboards. You should notice an improvement after 24 hours. Activated charcoal, or a few drops of vanilla extract on a piece of cloth can also do the trick.
Finally, never mix cleaning products"many contain ammonia or bleach, and when combined the fumes are deadly. Care should be taken when cleaning any area that has been previously treated with a different solution, because not only are some mixtures deadly, but others can react with one another and cause staining.
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