Home Management

Archive for March, 2011

These can provide the most comfortable and warm of coverings, but need not be really expensive. You may avoid cleaning problems later by choosing carpet with care. Consider, first of all, how much you intend to spend, and how much traffic there is in the room high heels, children and pets can all be damaging to carpets!

Types of fibres

Wool: The traditional carpet fiber, now frequently blended with nylon to improve wear, and reduce cost. Wool resists dirt and stains very well.

Acrylic: An easy care fiber, tough and durable. Unlike many man-made fibers, it does not cause problems with static.

Modacrylic: A flame retardant fiber and it is usually used in a blend with other fibers, e.g. wool, which is naturally flame retardant.

Nylon: Very hard wearing but does not retain a good appearance. There are often problems with build-up of static which attracts dirt. There are carpets with antistatic finishes e.g. celon. Nylon can be easily cleaned.

Viscose: Resists damage from rubbing by chairs, shoes, etc. and has a good pile. It is anti-static and easy to clean but not suitable for heavy wear.

Polypropylene: A relatively new development, used for cheaper carpets such as cords. The pile tends to flatten and there are few colors. It cleans easily, and is a good choice for the bathroom as it is waterproof.

Polyester: Often used in carpets, is hard wearing and soft to touch.
Cotton: More usually used for bathroom and bedroom rugs. It is absorbent and machine washable.

To wash, use a mild soap or a commercial cleaner designed for this task, and two pails of water, one for washing and one for rinsing. Wash the walls from the bottom up this is to avoid any water running down on the dry surface. This creates streaks which are very difficult to remove. With a well-wrung cloth or sponge, clean a small area no more than 1 meter square, using a circular motion and overlapping the edges of each section you have cleaned. Rinse the area with clean water, dry and continue to the next section until the wall is finished. Remember to change the water in both buckets often. Do not use scouring powder on walls or ceilings as it can damage the paint. The exception to this is if they are extremely dirty and must be repainted. A little cream cleanser will usually remove scuff marks, and some marks can be removed with a rubber. Whitewashed and distempered walls cannot be washed but must be redone. To clean glossy enamel paint use a cloth wrung out in hot water or hot water to which you have added 5 ml washing soda for every 4.5 liters of water, rub gently. Using anything else may dull the finish or leave a film.

Wallpaper

You should always test to see if your wallpaper is washable by applying your washing solution to a small washing solution to a small inconspicuous place before doing the whole wall. If the test is successful, continue to wash using the same method as for painted walls, remembering not to over wet the paper to avoid soaking the paper off the wall, and to pat not rub, the surface dry. For thin papers use only clear warm water with no soap or cleaning agent. Few papers are really washable so you may have to resort to a type of dry cleaner. You can use commercial cleaning dough; wipe the wallpaper with this, turning it so that a clean surface is always in use. Overlap your strokes and be careful that the wall doesn’t streak.

Windows: If windows are very dirty, use a solution of methylated spirits and a little warm water, applied with chamois leather and rinsed off. There are many proprietary glass cleaners out there. After using one of these, polish the glass with a soft cloth to remove smears.
Mirrors/glass-framed pictures: Use the same solution of warm water and methylated spirits or a window cleaning preparation. Never rub dirty glass with a dry cloth or it may mark.

Blinds: Venetian blinds should be cleaned with warm water with detergent and a sponge. Wear rubber gloves to protect hands. You can use a special pronged brush for the slats. Treated fabric blinds should be wiped with warm water and detergent. Do not soak. Delicate lacey blinds should be washed, with care, with warm water.

Walls and Ceilings: before you begin cleaning, remove all objects hanging on the walls – mirrors, pictures, etc. and take down curtains or tie them up so that they are away from the walls. Also move the furniture to the middle of the room and cover it. Using a wall brush or a cloth covered broom, begin to dust the walls from the bottom up, clearing away all cobwebs and threads of dust as you go then dust the ceiling.

Do not overload the fridge with food as this prevents circulation of air. Cover all food to prevent food smells from circulating and penetrating other foods. Never leave the door open as this will cause the motor to work overtime this building up more frost. It is always better to defrost regularly. Speed up the process with a bowl of hot water. Never leave the door closed when the refrigerator is switched off – it will smell dreadful and mould may grow. Don’t use disinfectant. A solution of soda and water will deodorize the interior. Apply on a soft cloth, and rinse with clear water. Never use harsh abrasives on a refrigerator interior. Inspect the refrigerator regularly for forgotten dishes of food. Do not put away bottles or jars with drips on them – these will make jars and shelves sticky. Clean shelves, cans and any containers regularly with warm water and detergent. Clean floor with liquid floor cleaner. Regularly wash out cake, biscuit and other storage tins or boxes. Try to keep a check on date-stamping and move older cans, packets, etc. to the front of the shelves, for using first.

Kitchen floors

Kitchen floors collect dirt very quickly. Gaps between units and appliances can harbor germs from scraps of dropped food. Pastry, vegetable peelings, coffee beans, breadcrumbs can all find their way on to the floor, so regular sweeping is necessary followed by a wash with a squeezy mop and a suitable cleaner.

Kitchen units

These need regular wiping as working tops and doors get stained and finger marked. Do not use harsh abrasives on plastic or paintwork as these will scratch the surface and attract more dirt. Use scouring creams or disinfectant\cleaners. A half yearly turnout of cupboards can be very rewarding. You will be surprised to find things you thought you had used. Cupboards containing small equipment also benefit from a regular turn-out to check that things have not rusted through being stored while damp. Make sure that shelves are dried before replacing their contents.