How To Remove Pesky Red Wine Stains From Carpets

The following article How To Remove Pesky Red Wine Stains From Carpets was originally seen on: Refresh Tile and Grout Service

Accidents happen. You may be hosting a small party or dinner for your family, and someone spills red wine on your clean carpet. Red wine is hard to get out of clothing, but it is much more difficult to get out of a carpet. To remove red wine stains, you will need to make a cleaning paste using baking soda. You need to blot the stain and be careful not to rub it. Try to get as much of the wine off with paper towels before trying any of the methods mentioned below.

When the guests are gone, there are some steps that must be taken right away. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove.

How to Remove Red Wine From Carpets

1. Immediately blot the stain. Use a white cloth to remove as much wine as possible.
2. Add some water to the area that is stained. Put the water over the stain and continue to blot it. The water will help dilute the colour. Only pour a small amount of water at a time on the stain. When your cloth gets too wet, change it for a dry one. Continue blotting until no more wine is coming up.
3. Make DIY carpet cleaning paste using baking soda. Use a 3 to one ratio when mixing baking soda with water. Put the paste on the stained area. Allow it to dry completely. Vacuum up the dry paste.
4. After using the baking soda mixture, use a carpet stain cleaner. Follow the instructions that it comes with. Most will want you to wait until they are dry to then vacuum them up.

Stain Removal Tips

Be sure to test the stain removal products before using them on your carpet. This way you can check how they work.

If you have a white carpet, you can mix clean dishwashing liquid with hydrogen peroxide instead of using a store bought stain remover. Sponge the mixture on, blot it, and rinse the area well. Do not use this on coloured carpets. It can cause damage to the colouring. This will make the carpet look worse.

If you are in the middle of a party and do not want to freak out about the stain, after blotting it, sprinkle salt on the stain. The salt will absorb the wine and can be vacuumed up later. Afterwards, follow the steps that have been mentioned above. You will need to use these methods to make sure the stain comes out and the carpet is cleaned. You should do this as soon as the guests leave.

If you did not notice the wine stain until it was already dried, it can be more difficult to remove. Cover the affected area with hot water and apply a pretreatment stain removal product. Apply your favourite carpet cleaning product and then allow it to sit for two to 10 hours.

If none of these methods are working, you may need to call a professional carpet washer. They have industrial strength products that can get the red wine stains out and allow the carpet to look great once again.

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Cleaning A Tile Floor: Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

The following post Cleaning A Tile Floor: Mistakes & How To Avoid Them was first seen on: http://www.refreshcarpetclean.com

Bleach and Ammonia Based Cleaners

Do not use bleach cleaners on your tile floor. There are plenty of better cleaners that are milder and will get the floor clean. Bleach and ammonia products will discolour the grout. This will happen slowly, but it will be noticeable over time. Try an all purpose cleaner and use as suggested by the manufacturer. This is much gentler on the floor, and they will still become cleaned.

Scrubbing the Tile and the Grout

Do not scrub with steel wool, scrubbing powders, or other scrubbing materials. Your tile has a special finish on it that can be damaged by these scrubbing products. A soft scrubbing cloth, as well as mops can do the job. They can remove the dirt without removing the finish on the tile.

Spills

Do not leave spills on the floor for a long period of time. The same stains that can affect clothing will affect your tile floor. Stains that are oil based, tomato stains, and strains from drinks can ruin the floor so be sure to clean them up quickly. Do not allow them to sit for more than a few minutes at the most.

Furniture and the Floor

Tile can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but it can crack or chip with enough force. Use furniture protectors on the bottom of the tables and chairs. When moving furniture across the tile floor be as careful as possible. Potted plants need protectors on the underside of them as well.

Vacuum Beater Bar

Do not use this on the tile floor. It can scratch the surface. Many vacuums can turn off the beater bars and have special settings for cleaning tile floors.

Sweeping and Mopping

Dirt can ruin the tile floor. Floors need to be swept and cleaned often, so they do not get damaged. A light sweeping or a light mopping daily can extend the life of the tile floor.

 

Sealing

Tile surface that will be around water are going to have to be caulked. Inspect the caulk every so often to make sure it does not begin to peel. Proper sealing will be able to protect the floor from wear and tear. It will also help keep the tile and the grout from becoming stained. Be sure to read the instructions on the sealing products. Do some research to find the sealer that you need for your floor.

Oil Based Cleaners and Glazed Tile

If you have tile that has been glazed, you may have noticed that it can become slippery. Do not use oil based cleaners on tile that is glazed or tile that has a shiny appearance. This can make it even more slippery.

Door Mats

Many people bring dirt into their home on their feet. Be sure that there is a door mat outside of the entrance way of the home and inside each entrance point of the home. This will trap most of the dirt so that it does not even reach the tile floor.

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How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Carpet Cleaning Scams

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Carpet Cleaning Scams was first seen on: http://refreshcarpetclean.com

As sure as you are that the sun rises every day, you can be sure that there will always be a carpet cleaning scam. People fall for them all the time. Here is how you can avoid becoming a victim of a bait and switch carpet cleaning scam.

How carpet cleaning scams work

Before you learn how to prevent yourself from falling for these cons, you need to know how they work. Bait and switch scams usually work in two stages. They bait you with the low prices, and once you hire their services, they switch to higher ones making you pay more.

First, a cleaning company advertises that they can clean a roomful of carpet for an unbelievably low price. You sign up for it and ask them to clean your carpet. When they come, they tell you that the price quoted was exclusive of the cleaning chemicals. So, you have no choice but to pay for the chemicals since someone showed up. At the end of the whole process, you end up paying hundreds of dollars for the service.

Another scam is where a cleaning company advertises that they can clean a set number of rooms at a very small fee. Again, you contact them and hire their services. Once they start, you find out that a closet, hallway, and foyer also count as rooms. After they finish, you find that you have paid more than you had budgeted for.

These scams mainly target seniors who are drawn by someone who promises good deals and high-pressure tactics.
However, you can know a legitimate company from the appearance.

Professional carpet cleaning technicians will arrive at your residence in a company vehicle. They may also have a business card, are well groomed, and in some cases are uniformed.

If the person or people come in an unbranded van, are not well groomed, and their appearance makes you uneasy, you should think twice as you could be the next victim.

How to avoid being a bait and switch victim

The surest way you can avoid being a victim is by asking some questions before you hire the cleaning company. Do not limit yourself to one company. Instead, call several companies and if one cannot answer or their answers are not satisfactory, move to the next one.

Always second guess a deal that sounds too good as it might not be true.

You can ask the following questions:

1. Are you certified to carry out carpet cleaning? Where did you get your certification from? If it was the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration then they are good.

2. How long have you been in business? The more experience they have, the better.

3. Do you have a reference list I can call to confirm your services?

4. Do you have a drug free policy in your company? Businesses that do not have drug policies pose a risk to you, and your loved ones when they come.

5. Are you licensed and insured? If so, can you provide proof?

6. What are the steps included in the cleaning process you use?

7. Are your cleaning solutions eco-friendly and safe for my family, pets, and earth?

8. How long will the cleaned carpet take to dry?

9. Do you offer free, no-obligation, on site written consultations as part of your service?

10. Do you have a written or money back guarantee or satisfaction guarantee?

If the company answers all these questions satisfactorily, you are in the clear. However, just to be safe, you can also check the reputation of the firm with the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org. You can also check at the consumer affairs department at many different provincial and federal offices.

Once you have checked all these and hired the cleaning company, you should pay with a major credit card. It would make it easy to dispute the bill if the work was not to your standards. Paying cash is an option but not advisable since most cleaning companies are reluctant to come back after you have paid the bill.

If you don't believe that carpet cleaning scams actually exist, check out this informative news article:

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Simple Tips For Removing Loose Dirt & Grass From Carpets

The article Simple Tips For Removing Loose Dirt & Grass From Carpets was originally published on: Refresh Carpet Clean LLC

Mud and dirt are not uncommon in a household, especially in homes with children. Children may enter the home with the same shoes they wore to gym class or their sports practice. Do not let their messy habits ruin your carpet. Here are some tips to remove dirt and grass stains from your precious carpet.

You are going to need to remove as much of the loose dirt or mud from the surface of the carpet as you can. Do not wipe the dirt with too much force. Too much pressure can push the mud deep into the carpet. Use a broom to sweep up the dirt. Be gentle, so it does not sink into the carpet.

If there is a small spot of dirt, use a spot cleaner on the more minor stains. They are effective at removing dirt. Just blot the stain with this cleaner. Use a rag that is a neutral colour, so it will not leave behind a stain. A paper towel that does not have printed designs will also work well. Once blotted allow the cleaner to set in. They will need time to break down the dirt. Do not combine spot cleaners with other cleaning products.

Grass stains are more of a challenge to remove. You may have read online that a mixture of laundry detergent and a cleaner that is ammonia based will remove the grass stain. Do not use this method! It will leave a larger mess to deal with than what you started with. Laundry detergent is for clothing, not grass stains. You should try and use the same methods as you used for cleaning dirt from the carpet. If the stain does not go away, you may want to call a professional carpet cleaner. They have the tools and the experience needed to remove tough stains, and they will not damage the carpet in the process. They can remove stubborn stains that most people cannot.

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Professional Upholstrey Cleaning: How Much Does It Cost?

Professional Upholstrey Cleaning: How Much Does It Cost? was originally seen on: Refresh Rug Cleaning

On average homeowners spend around $158 on professional upholstery cleaners. Since most services are provided on a per-piece basis, the costs largely depend on the number of pieces you are having cleaned. Pricing also takes into consideration the size of furniture and material composition because larger materials require special care. Professionals will review special cleaning instructions so as not to damage your furniture, and it often helps if you are aware of these instructions too. Be mindful of the fact that reclining items are typically more expensive because of the complexity of moving the seat around to get underneath it. Therefore, they usually have an additional charge.

Professional Couch Cleaning Costs

Average costs for sofa cleaning range between $50 and $200 depending on size. Larger couches will be more expensive to clean because of the timing factor. Special materials like suede and leather will also cost more because of the tools and solutions required. Fragile cleaning processes are involved with special chemicals, so the costs are higher. Be sure to consult a cleaning service with regards to what they charge for; you want to check if their rates are hourly or based on item numbers. You also want to ask about accessory charges. A typical quote will include: Time and materials, expected equipment costs, labor and transportation costs. Check rates with several different companies to get the best rate and consult with the chosen service before starting, to ensure there are no surprise charges when you get the bill.

Clean Furniture Project Cost

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How and When to Clean?

Dust and stains love couches forcing them to require cleaning on a semi-regular basis. This helps to prevent fibres from breaking down and the formation of holes that will need patching up. Depending on the type of furniture, cleaning does not have to be expensive, and you can do a lot of upkeep yourself to limit the need for frequent professional services. You can wash any removable covers in the laundry every six months or so. Vacuum and wipe down permanent covers or leather to remove surface dust and dirt. Any deeply embedded stains will need stringer supplies or professional work.

Cleaning Fabric Upholstery

Couches and love seats seem to get the most use, so they need to be cleaned more frequently to prevent holes and damage. You can help by vacuuming crevices and surfaces regularly and clean removable covers if you have them. Be sure to care for any wood detailing with a specialized wood cleaner. Call the manufacturer, if your furniture is under warranty to get the recommended timing and supplies for your item. They will be aware of what will work best for the material you have. Be sure to always check the tags for cleaning codes because these will inform you and any professional how to clean the item.

Code W: these are man made fabrics that can be cleaned with water based solutions (polyester, nylon, acetate)
Code S: organic fabrics that require solvent based products (cotton, rayon, linen, silk, wool)
Code W/S: a mixture of man made and organic that can use either water-based or solvent solutions.
Code X: fabric that must be professionally cleaned. You can vacuum and brush it down but will need to hire cleaning services and cannot use solutions.

Spot Cleaning

If you carefully spot clean your furniture regularly, you can avoid getting a professional. You will, however, risk the stains expanding and settling into the fabric permanently. Spot cleaning is only effective when done immediately after a spill. The following steps are the best for removing stains after a spill:

• First, test a small area to make sure nothing happens to the fabric before proceeding.
• Use a small amount of solution and with a cloth blot the stain, making sure you use a new section of the cloth each time.
• Let the material dry completely.
• Using a brush or vacuum, you can restore the natural texture of the fabric in the event it gets stiff from being wet.

Cleaning leather and vinyl

Leather and vinyl are delicate materials that usually require special tools and cleaners. Leather always requires special attention with particular solutions and careful application. Always look at the tag to make sure you are not using a substance that will irreversibly damage the material. With leather material, you can use saddle soap or leather cleaner with a damp cloth when you need to treat stains.

Always condition the leather occasionally to keep it shiny. To clean leather, you want to dilute any leather cleaner with warm water and apply lightly. If you use saddle soap apply with warm water and a damp rag and be careful not to soak the leather. Treat any stains with blotting and do not ever scrub. For vinyl furniture, special cleaners were created to keep it in top condition. If you are not able to get these, then baking soda and a rag also works in a pinch. You can follow this up with dish washing soap to get a full and safe clean. Never use oil because this makes vinyl very rough and hard and the damage is costly to replace.

Cleaning older furniture

Antiques require special cleaning because modern cleaning solutions may damage some of the finishes or lacquer. The older finishes are delicate and may solutions today are abrasive and contain harsh chemicals that will damage it more than oil and dirt build-up. The most common antique surfaces are wood and lacquer, but there are helpful tips to make cleaning them a little easier.

Wood: Lightly dust wooden surfaces with a damp cloth or slightly soapy water to remove dust.

Lacquer: Oils can break down lacquer so only use a water and mild soap solution. Sometimes the lacquer can still disappear, and you will have to have it re-applied. This can happen naturally and not as result of your cleaning, it just happens.

When it comes to antiques, it is advised not to use self-cleaning gilded gold or silver because this can damage the delicate surfaces. You can also use naphtha to remove oil and wax build-up from antiques but only use outdoors and with gloves. Never use steel wool because it easily scratches furniture and removes finishes.

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Simple Upholstery Cleaning Tips For Everyday Homeowners

Simple Upholstery Cleaning Tips For Everyday Homeowners was originally seen on: Refresh Rug Cleaning Blog

Everyone enjoys the look and feel of upholstered furniture, but cleaning it is another story. Dirt and filth like to cling to upholstery making it look unpleasant and less alluring. The natural bright colours can become dull and dingy, and clouds of dust float up each time you sit down. Not thoughts that you want when you are trying to sit and relax.

It is difficult to keep dirt away from upholstered furniture, and ends up being a task that becomes many people’s worst nightmare. Even when care is taken not to spill anything on the couch or chairs, dirt and dust will always settle there. There is no need to get rid of your expensive couch because there are a few tested and approved ways that effectively clean your furniture. These upholstery cleaning tips below can be utilized by just about anyone in any home.

1. The type of fabric:

Cleaning processes vary according to fabric type. The upholstery of a common store chair will be different than that of an antique heirloom. If you are not sure what type of fabric has been used, it is advised to check with the manufacturer to discuss cleaning methods.

Most pieces of furniture do come with letters on them to decode the cleaning methods required. A ‘W’ usually means water based cleaning products have to be used. An ‘S’ coding requires cleaning by a professional only. When ‘WS’ codes are used, then you have a choice to clean it yourself or use a professional. A code of ‘X” is important because it means you can only use vacuums and no detergents or solvents.

2. Vacuum before cleaning:

The best thing to do before any cleaning is to vacuum, this moves a large portion of settled dirt and dust. When dirt is left to settle over long periods of time, it can damage the material once it gets wet. Most vacuums have upholstery attachments to make it easy to reach all the crevices in your furniture.

3. Time is of the essence:

When it comes to fresh spills, time is critical. Before letting a spill spread and soak into the fabric, it should be dealt with as soon as possible. If left unattended, it will be harder to clean. Use a cloth to blot at the surface of the spill which will help to keep the spill under control and easier to clean. It is important to remember never to scrub the cloth as this could damage the material and push the liquid further in.

4. Seek professional help:

Many people simply do not have the time or skills to appropriately clean upholstery. There is a lot of information to know; extensive selections of available solvents and cleaners combined with the number of possible fabrics make it hard for the average person know how to clean. The best solution is to avoid the headache and potential damage to your furniture and consult a professional upholstery cleaning company for advice or to just do the job for you.

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Steam Cleaning Or Chemical Cleaning: What Is The Best Option For My Carpet?

The blog post Steam Cleaning Or Chemical Cleaning: What Is The Best Option For My Carpet? was originally seen on: Refresh Tile and Grout Service

Cleaning your carpet is a tough job. You can choose to either steam clean your carpets or chemical clean your carpets. Considering what choice to make between these two options can raise many questions. The first question you will immediately ponder is, which option will be best regarding safety for my family and pets, while also providing the best quality clean? There are important details of both types of cleaning to keep in mind as you decide which is the best option for your home or office.

First, let's cover steam cleaning. Steam cleaning might seem like the safest way to clean your carpets while also giving a nice and deep clean, but you might also worry that it isn't as effective in killing bacteria as chemical cleaning. However, don't be fooled; steam cleaning still makes use of chemicals! When steam cleaning, the machines will spray some chemical cleaner and then use the steam to make it come full circle. A wet vacuum will then suck up the rest of the water on your floor. However, the good news is, the steam from the hot water in the machine is stronger than you think.

Not only will the hot, steamy water kill bacteria along with the chemicals, but it will also help dissipate bits of the remaining chemicals on your carpet. This leaves it very unlikely that there will be enough of the chemical left on your carpet to initiate concern for anyone's health. However, if there is someone in your house that has serious allergies to most chemicals in cleaners, you can request the cleaning company to use a less toxic option that will assure that no severe allergic reactions are caused. With this in mind, steam is probably the choice you want to make if you or someone in your home has allergies that could have life threatening reactions induced since the cleaning company can probably give you a better alternative.

There is a drawback to steam cleaning though; you will most likely be waiting for a very long time. The process of preparation for steam cleaning takes much longer than chemical cleaning since the machine has to be filled up with the hot water and the chemical cleaner. Then once the carpet is cleaned, you have to stay off the carpet for at least a day before it is dry enough to walk on. If there are no allergy issues in your household, and you want to take the quicker route to cleaning your carpet, steam cleaning is probably not the way to go.

Now, as you can imagine, chemical cleaning is a much faster process, considering it is a form of dry cleaning. After being cleaned chemically, carpets are usually ready to be used almost immediately. Chemical cleaning uses the chemical directly, so it's possible that provides more of an opportunity to destroy excess bacteria. But also because there is no rinsing involved, there will be more excess of the chemical on your carpet. Extremely tough to clean stains can be a serious problem for your carpet if you want to use steam cleaning, though. Chemical cleaning, being more direct, is a lot stronger when it comes to that. If you are worried about the chemical used, contact the chemical cleaning company you plan to hire for the job and ask what the components of the compound are and what they recommend concerning what the effects could be for you and the others in your home.

To sum it up, there is no 100% correct answer for how to clean your carpet. Every living situation is different, and the concerns of every person are different. If you have pets, small children or people with allergies that could turn severe results living in your home, you will want to go with steam cleaning. If none of those are a concern and you want to give your carpet a serious bacteria killing wash that is also the fastest option if you are pressed for time, then go with chemical cleaning.

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Simple Tips To Get Rid Of Pet Odours In Carpets

The following blog post Simple Tips To Get Rid Of Pet Odours In Carpets is available on: http://refreshcarpetclean.com

We love our pets. Our carpets, not so much. Not only do carpets attract and hold in urine and other smells, over time they start to mimic the natural doggy odour. We love the feel of carpet under our feet, soft and cozy, but the appeal starts to disappear when it starts to smell. There are thankfully several ways to help remove pet odours from your floors so they can continually smell fresh.

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Vacuum regularly

Not only can vacuuming keep allergens to a minimum, but it prevents dirt getting ground into the carpet creating permanent stains. Removing dirt, and pet hair and dander as quickly as possible prevents the buildup of debris and smells. It also helps to remove any parasites or fleas that hitched a ride into your home, keeping your pets healthy. Ideally, homes that have pets need to be vacuumed daily, but busy lives don’t always allow for this. At least three times a week will work as a backup plan.

Vacuum the right way

The task of vacuuming needs to be done often and correctly to be effective. Suction is stronger as you pull backwards, so it is best to pull more slowly when going in that direction. Move across the carpet in parallel straight lines from one side to the other. Once you are completed in one direction, move to the adjacent wall and repeat the process coming the other way. Then to ensure it is truly clean and fresh, work your way around the room while in front of each wall.

Use the right vacuum

Cheaper models do not have the good quality seals and filters so will not hold dirt and allergens effectively. It is worth investing in a HEPA filter to make sure you catch even the smallest particles. Odor-causing bacteria will also get captured rather than just sent floating around the room. Make sure you change bags regularly and get new filters when needed.

Change the filter

Vacuum system filters need to be changed monthly to maintain a smooth running system. Since air continuously circulates through your home, hair dander and dirt can move through central heating systems and end up in air ducts to finding their way back to the rooms. By changing filters regularly, you can capture and remove the particles to ensure fresh smelling living areas.

Invest in professional steam cleaning

Hot water extraction is ideal for removing stains and settled debris. Done annually, steam cleaning can ensure your carpets do not harbor any odours, hairs or leftover accidents. It also helps to extend the life of your carpet, so it is worth investing in even on a semi-annual basis.

Treat stains right away

Pets have accidents and can get sick, so stains are common. The best thing you can do for your carpets is to use professional carpet cleaning methods. Clean up any solid substances and then remove any liquid stains. Take your time with the blotting to remove as much of the stain as you can. Then apply baking soda, vinegar or enzymatic cleaners to get rid of any residual proteins and eliminate odours.

Freshen with baking soda

Sprinkle baking soda at least once a week to maintain freshness. Vacuum first to remove dirt and dander then sprinkle all over to remove residual grease or odours. You can use a soft-bristled brush to gently work it into the carpet and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Ideally, you want to add the baking soda before you go out for the day, so it has ample time to absorb odours. Vacuum again but go slowly and empty the bin regularly. For an extra fresh scent, you can mix baby powder to the baking soda.

Pre-treat carpets

Special powders that eliminate odors can be purchased from stores. They work similarly to baking soda when sprinkled over the carpet, absorbing odors. The main difference is that these powders leave more noticeable scents behind like lavender or wildflowers and they are also more expensive than baking soda.

Essential oils

Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of any essential oil you like the smell of. Spray a thin mist over your carpet and allow it to settle. The best time to do this is after vacuuming, and you will have a fresh scent until the next time. You can also use cinnamon with baking soda as a way to freshen before and after you vacuum.

Brush animals often

Pets shed constantly, and their hair will get all over the house and carpets. Over time it builds up and can leave their odour behind. By spending five minutes a day brushing your dog or cat, you can reduce the amount of free hairs. This keeps your pets happy and healthy and your floors odour free. You also will not have to change your vacuum bag as often.

Wipe dirty paws

After outdoor adventures, your pets like to bring in the dirt and mud, which stain the carpet. The best approach to prevent this is to have a large floor mat by the doors, both inside and out to catch dirt and mud as they come and go.

Use a black light

If you have access to one, black lights can help to detect stains hiding from your eyes. Even if you have previously cleaned up an accident, residues can stay behind. These deeper stains are below the surface and can create quite an unpleasant odour with time. Find them with a black light and use peroxide, vinegar, baking soda or enzymatic cleaners to treat the areas.

Keep your cat happy

While a dog will pee anywhere, cats like to be more discreet and go behind furniture. It may take forever to find the stain, if ever. Cats prefer their litter boxes, so if this is kept clean, they will have no reason to find a new bathroom. If timing is a concern, invest in an automatic pan which does most of the work for you.

Borax and essential oils

Grab some Borax from the laundry and mix with roughly 24 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix thoroughly to remove any lumps and sprinkle around the carpet. After sitting for 10 minutes, vacuum it away and you will have a fresh and clean floor.

Vinegar for odours

Instead of water in your steam cleaner, use vinegar. This will neutralize smells and leave the carpet looking brighter. Once done, be sure to rinse the machine well by running warm water all the way through it. You can also fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water in a 50:50 ratio. Spray in the air and allow it to settle. As the vinegar evaporates, it neutralizes odours. It does not however have the most pleasant smell, so perhaps following with an air freshener will be more to your liking.

Febreze and air fresheners

Easy to use, air fresheners add a delightful smell to a room and neutralize odours. Spray it on your way out the door, so it can eliminate odours before you return. While these are great for daily use, they do not compare to the deep cleaning of regular vacuuming and professional services.

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