Ideas for Rugs: From Cleaning to Saving.

Rugs are a great piece of decoration. They can give an elegant and colorful appearance to every room. And, as any other implement in your house, it needs care, cleaning and (sometimes) emergency actions to save their beauty.

Rugs are an essential part of any home décor, adding warmth, texture, and style to your living spaces. However, over time, rugs can accumulate dirt, dust, and stains, making them look dull and lifeless. Regular vacuuming can only do so much; deep cleaning is often necessary to restore your rugs to their former glory.

Rug care is determined by size, construction, and material. However, the first step to have is to limit how much dirt gets into the rug and then to procure a frequent cleaning process.

Let’s vacuum!

As with any carpet, if the rug covers a larger area, vacuum it regularly. If a rug is reversible, vacuum both sides. This removes grit and grime that can wear out your rug prematurely. Take care to not vacuum the fringe of your rug.

Remember that sometimes, vacuums leave pet hair behind. You can use a stiff brush to remove the hair, brushing in the direction of the nap of the rug.

Take it out

If the rug is small enough, you can take it outside and shake it or beat it vigorously to remove dirt and grit. This is recommended for large rugs as well, because the dust that collects in them may contribute to health problems—particularly asthma.

Cleaning according to your rug’s type

• Woven or braided rugs

  • Check rugs for stitching breaks before and after cleaning.
  • Check labels to determine whether small braided rugs are washable.
  • If they are, place them in a zippered pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle, rinsing thoroughly. Tumble dry on a low setting.
  • Place large braided rugs on a vinyl or concrete floor or place an old blanket beneath them.
  • Sponge commercial carpet-cleaning foam over the surface and rub it in according to the product directions. Finish by rinsing or vacuuming. Dry thoroughly before replacing the rug on the floor.

• Oriental rugs, handmade, hand-knotted or antique

  • Vacuum a new Oriental rug as you would carpet and wool area rugs.
  • Use special care with delicate vintage or antique rugs.
  • Protect them from the vacuum by placing a piece of nylon screen over the rug and weighting it down with books or bricks.
  • Vacuum over the screen.
  • Have these rugs professionally cleaned once a year?

• Coir, sisal, rush, and grass rugs

  • Vacuum frequently, removing the rug occasionally to vacuum the floor, as well.
  • Many of these rugs are reversible; if so, flip them every time you vacuum for even wear.
  • To clean stains or discolorations on a room-size natural-fiber rug, leave it in place.
  • Protect the floor beneath it with a plastic drop cloth and towel.
  • Scrub the stains with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. Rinse with clear water.
  • Place a towel over the wet area.
  • Blot the cleaned spot as dry as possible.
  • Use a portable fan or hair dryer to speed drying.
  • Move small rugs to a protected table or counter to clean. Water weakens the fibers, so work quickly and dry thoroughly to extend the life of these rugs.

• Fur, sheepskin, and hair-on hides

  • Shake unscented talcum powder on fur, sheepskin, and hair on hide rugs and leave for several hours.
  • Brush the talcum powder through the hair, then shake it out. Repeat this process several times, depending on the length of the fur.
  • To clean the back of such a rug, use a clean cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm soapy water. Wipe off any dirt or spills.
  • Rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water and allow it to dry completely before putting it back in place.

Emergency actions: stains removal

There are a lot of causes for stains, and we can provide some emergency actions to remove them:

• Alcohol and soft drinks: Use a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent, 1 quart of warm water, and 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar. Apply to the stain, rinse, then blot dry.
• Coffee or tea: Using the detergent mix above, apply to stain, rinse, and blot. If a stain remains, use a commercial spot carpet cleaner.
• Fat-based stains: For foods such as butter, margarine, or gravy, use a dry-solvent spot carpet cleaner.
• Gum: Peel off what you can, then put ice cubes in a plastic bag and harden the gum, scraping the gum off with a spoon or dull knife. Vacuum and use a dry-solvent spot cleaner if needed.
• Melted wax: Use the same treatment as gum, hardening it with ice cubes in a plastic bag and scraping. Dampen a clean white cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and blot to remove any remaining wax.
• Paint: For acrylic and latex paint, while the stain is still wet, spot-clean with the detergent solution. If color remains, dab it with rubbing alcohol. For oil-based paint, sponge with odorless mineral spirits, being careful not to soak through to the backing.
• Tomato sauce: Sponge with cool water, dab with detergent solution, or a citrus-oxygen cleaner. Rinse with a solution of 1 cup white vinegar and 2 cups of water and blot until dry.
• Urine, feces, and vomit: Apply detergent solution or a citrus-oxygen cleaner, rinse, and blot until dry.

Extra tips

• Foot traffic, sun, and other factors used to wear the fabric of your rugs. Turn them once or twice a year to even out the wear.
• Some natural fiber rugs are constructed in squares that are sewn together. Buy a few extra squares or a smaller size of the same rug. If a rug square becomes irrevocably stained, clip the threads that hold it in place and replace it with a new square. Hand-stitch it in place with heavy-duty carpet threads.

Why Professional Rug Cleaning Matters

Rug cleaning is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about maintaining a healthy home environment. Dust mites, allergens, and other contaminants can get trapped in rug fibers, posing a risk to those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Professional rug cleaning effectively removes these harmful particles, creating a cleaner and healthier indoor environment.

Do you know any other way of cleaning rugs that we haven’t covered? Please let us know!

At BA House Cleaning, we realize that cleaning can be a stressful process especially when you have your hands full with what feels like a million other things. An investment in a professional cleaning service is truly worth it. Freeing up yourself from cleaning so that you can focus on your life and/or business is money well spent, every time.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find the time and energy to keep your home clean. That’s where professional cleaning services like BA House Cleaning come in. We offer a variety of cleaning services to meet your needs, from general cleaning and deep cleaning to move-in/move-out cleaning and window cleaning.

Benefits of Using a Professional Cleaning Service There are many benefits to using a professional cleaning service. Here are just a few:

• Frees up your time: You can spend your free time doing the things you enjoy instead of cleaning your home.
• Improves your health: A clean home can help to reduce the spread of germs and allergens.
• Increases your property value: A clean home can make your property more appealing to potential buyers.
• Reduces stress: A clean home can help you to feel more relaxed and at ease.

Why Choose BA House Cleaning?

When you choose BA House Cleaning, you can be confident that you are getting the best possible service. We are a team of experienced and professional cleaners who are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest quality of service. We are also fully insured and bonded.

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should choose BA House Cleaning:

• We are experienced: We have been in business for over 10 years and have a proven track record of success.
• We are reliable: We will show up on time and complete our work to your satisfaction.
• We are affordable: We offer competitive rates and flexible scheduling.
• We are eco-friendly: We use green cleaning products whenever possible.
• We are customer-focused: We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service.

Dealing with Real Estate?

Then it’s the Perfect Time to opt for a Professional Cleaning Service

Increasingly, everyone from realtors to home sellers and buyers is seeing the benefits of having their homes professionally cleaned, and it is easy to understand why. A professional cleaning service like BA House Cleaning knows what it takes to not just clean a home, but to make it look very presentable as well.

Stress Can Impair the Decision-Making Process

Any step that you can take to reduce your stress levels is a savvy move. Why? High-stress levels will impact your life and your job performance in ways both large and small. Stress can sneak up on you and impact your life and your health without you even realizing it.

Stress can impair decision making which is, of course, the last thing you need when you are dealing with real estate. The bottom line is that for most people buying or selling a home marks one of the largest financial transactions that they will ever make, period.

If you are buying or selling, you need to focus on the real estate process and not get distracted by stressful factors outside of your area of expertise. Our experienced team has the right tools and an established system for handling all kinds of homes.

What you see around your house that you find stressful or problematic will likely just be quite normal to us! After all, cleaning is what we do for a living! But it isn’t what you do for a living. As a result, our team won’t experience the kind of stress that you are likely to feel about issues like dust, dirt, and mold. For us, it’s just “another day at the office.”

Stress Can Lead to Medical Problems

It is difficult to overstate how important it is to avoid stress. Medical science has firmly established that stress can literally shorten our lives and even damage our brains, increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. Stress triggers stress hormones which, in turn, produce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is at the heart and core of a range of diseases including cancer. In short, any steps you can take to reduce your stress levels are well worth it. If you are like most people, you probably don’t like cleaning. Why not let us do the job for you?

Keeping your home clean and free of grime can feel like a constant battle. No matter how often you clean, dirt and grime always seem to find a way to creep back in and take over your space. But fear not, with a few simple tips and the help of a professional cleaning service like BA House Cleaning, you can fight the grime and keep your home looking and feeling fresh.

Furniture, watch straps, any place, or utensils can become a victim of dirt and grime. Grime masks the true beauty of everything you own, and, even when frequent cleaning can avoid the “Fight the Grime” battle, sometimes you need fiercer actions to eliminate it.

General Process

A simple process works on almost every surface: apply a small quantity of regular white toothpaste to the area you want to clean, and take a soft brush a rub. Keep in mind the surface you want to clean, will it scratch? If so, rub only with your fingers.

Wipe the toothpaste with a dampened cloth.

If the grime remains, mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply it as before: rubbing it on the surface you want to clean. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely.

Specific Surfaces

Even when the mentioned process works very well, sometimes we have special places we need to clean with special care.

Let’s start in the kitchen. Everything in it, especially the walls, gets a layer of cooking grease plus steam plus dust. That’s an awful combination and trying to get rid of it with regular water and soap can be unnecessarily difficult. Instead, wash the surface with white vinegar. Use a sponge to apply the vinegar and another wet sponge to rinse. Let it dry.

Say goodbye to the days of endless cleaning and hello to a sparkling, fresh-smelling home with BA House Cleaning.

We’re a team of experienced and dedicated cleaners who are passionate about transforming homes into havens of comfort and joy. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains, dust bunnies that have taken up residence, or a kitchen that looks like it’s been ravaged by a culinary tornado, we’re here to save the day.

With BA House Cleaning, you can expect:

• Thorough and meticulous cleaning: We’ll tackle every nook and cranny of your home, leaving no surface untouched.

• Eco-friendly practices: We care about the environment, so we use green cleaning products that are tough on dirt but gentle on the planet.

• Flexible scheduling: We’ll fit our cleaning services into your busy life, whether you need weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning.

• A team you can trust: Our cleaners are background-checked, insured, and bonded, so you can feel confident knowing your home is in good hands.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose BA House Cleaning:

• Sparkling countertops and appliances: We’ll banish those stubborn grease stains and grime buildup, leaving your kitchen looking and smelling its best.

• Dust-free surfaces: Say goodbye to those pesky dust bunnies that seem to multiply overnight. We’ll leave your home sparkling clean from top to bottom.

• Gleaming floors: Whether it’s hardwood, tile, or carpet, we’ll get your floors sparkling and banish those dirt tracks.

• Freshly scented bathrooms: We’ll eliminate those unpleasant odors and leave your bathroom smelling fresh and inviting.

Still in the kitchen, we’ve already covered how to do a deep clean in your microwave, however, here’s a fast tip: take a glass bowl, fill it up to half with equal parts vinegar and water, and put it inside the microwave. Set the time for the water to boil. Then, remove the hot bowl. All the grime inside will be softened; all you’ve to do is to clean it with a paper towel.
The kitchen garbage bin is one of the most overlooked utensils, and, because of its purpose, one of the filthiest occupants of your kitchen. Use some gloves and wash it in your bathtub. Scrub the surface with dish detergent and a nylon bristle brush. Rinse and dry with paper towels.

Now that we are in the bathroom, you might want to know how to eliminate soap residue and hard water spots in showers and on shower doors. White vinegar is your battle partner: apply it onto your shower walls and door with a sponge, rinse with clear water, and let it dry or dry it with paper towels.

Vinegar is also your ally against a dirty toilet, it will also deodorize it. Pour one cup of vinegar into the bowl and let sit overnight. Then, scrub the surface with a brush, and there you have it! All cleanliness.

Don’t let the grime and clutter control your life. Contact BA House Cleaning today and let us take care of the cleaning, so you can focus on enjoying your life.

Welcome to BA House Cleaning, your trusted service provider for all your cleaning needs. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to clean a bathtub. A clean and sparkling bathtub is not only visually appealing but also promotes good hygiene. With our expert tips and tricks, you’ll be able to maintain a clean bathtub effortlessly.

Clean a Bathtub: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin the cleaning process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s a list of items you’ll need:

• Rubber gloves
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Dish soap
• Microfiber cloth
• Soft-bristle brush
• Old toothbrush
• Spray bottle

Step 2: Remove Debris and Pre-Treat Stains

Start by removing any debris, such as hair or soap scum, from the bathtub. Use a soft-bristle brush or your hands to collect the debris and dispose of it properly. Next, pre-treat any stubborn stains using a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it sit for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Clean the Bathtub Surface

Fill a spray bottle with equal parts of vinegar and water. Spray the solution onto the bathtub surface, focusing on the stained areas. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that effectively removes soap scum and mineral deposits. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes to allow it to break down the grime.

Step 4: Scrub and Rinse

After the solution has had time to work its magic, use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to scrub the bathtub surface. Apply gentle pressure and work in circular motions to loosen the dirt and stains. For hard-to-reach corners and crevices, an old toothbrush can come in handy.

Once you’ve scrubbed the entire bathtub, rinse it thoroughly with warm water. Make sure to remove all traces of cleaning solution and residue.

Step 5: Address Tough Stains

If you encounter any tough stains that are resistant to regular cleaning methods, try using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stain and spray vinegar over it. The mixture will create a foaming reaction that helps lift stubborn stains. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing as usual.

Step 6: Dry and Shine

After rinsing, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the bathtub. This will help prevent water spots and keep the surface looking shiny. Wipe down all the surfaces, including the fixtures and handles.

Maintaining a Clean Bathtub

To keep your bathtub looking clean and fresh, it’s important to establish a regular cleaning routine. Here are some additional tips to help you maintain a sparkling bathtub:

Wipe down the bathtub after each use to remove soap residue and prevent the build-up of grime.

Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners that can damage the bathtub surface. Stick to gentle and non-toxic cleaning products.

Regularly inspect and clean the drains to prevent clogs and unpleasant odors.

Consider using a bathtub mat or non-slip strips to prevent accidents and protect the surface from scratches.

There are at least 7 key ingredients you can use to clean your bathtub

(and yes, we’re including a popular beverage):

• Baking Soda: The amazing baking soda helping us again. For dirt and grease removal, apply a paste of 2 parts baking soda and 1 part hydrogen peroxide (this can be bought in pharmacies). Let the paste set for 30 minutes. Scrub with enthusiasm and rinse well.
• Coke:  Yes, use Coke Cola as a bathtub cleaner. This is perfect for water stains. Pour the cola directly on the area and wipe it with a rag. You can also unclog hair and debris in your pipes when you pour it down them.
• Cream of Tartar: Mix cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide in a small, shallow cup or dish. Remember that you’re creating a paste, so drip slowly the hydrogen peroxide on the cream. Apply to any stain your bathtub has and let it dry. Remove the paste with a cloth and rinse it.
• Oven Cleaner: This is for hardcore stains and only for white bathtubs. Spray the stains with oven cleaner and let it sit for two hours. Rinse thoroughly.
• Salt: This is a dedicated solution for the yellow spots. Mix up a solution of salt and turpentine in equal parts. Remember to use rubber gloves. Use the mix over the discoloration and then rinse.
• Shampoo: Well, yes, the closest cleaning ingredient for your bathtub. This is especially useful over soap scum, just apply it over the scum and scrub it with a cloth. Rinse it clean!
• Vinegar: The best friend of baking soda. This is the best way to shine back your porcelain bathtub. Use with vinegar in a cloth and scrub your bathtub then rinse with cold water. If there are stains that are really hard to remove, pour in 3 cups of white vinegar under running hot tap water. Fill the tub up over the stains and allow it to soak. Four hours should be enough. Drain the water and scrub off the stains.

These ingredients are easy to find and very effective. Do you know any other ingredient useful for maintaining a clean bathtub? Let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: How often should I clean my bathtub?

It is recommended to clean your bathtub at least once a week to prevent the build-up of grime and soap scum. However, the frequency may vary depending on usage and personal preference.

FAQ 2: Can I use bleach to clean my bathtub?

While bleach can be effective in removing stains, it is not recommended for regular bathtub cleaning. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage the bathtub surface and may pose health risks if not used properly.

FAQ 3: How do I remove mold and mildew from my bathtub?

To remove mold and mildew, mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the affected areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, scrub the mold or mildew with a brush and rinse thoroughly.

FAQ 4: Can I use a magic eraser to clean my bathtub?

Magic erasers can be effective in removing stains and scuff marks from bathtubs. However, be cautious when using them on delicate surfaces, as they can cause abrasions or remove the finish.

FAQ 5: What should I do if my bathtub has hard water stains?

If your bathtub has hard water stains, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove them. Apply the paste to the stained areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub and rinse.

FAQ 6: How can I prevent my bathtub from becoming slippery?

To prevent slips and falls in the bathtub, consider using a non-slip mat or adhesive strips. These provide traction and reduce the risk of accidents.

Conclusion

A clean bathtub not only enhances the overall appearance of your bathroom but also ensures a hygienic environment. By following the step-by-step guide provided by BA House Cleaning, you can easily maintain a sparkling bathtub. Remember to establish a regular cleaning routine and use gentle cleaning products to preserve the bathtub’s surface. For any stubborn stains or professional cleaning needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to BA House Cleaning for expert assistance.

Bitter coffee?

Clean your coffee maker for a fresher, delicious taste!

Sometimes we forget to clean the most useful kitchen utensils. This is (usually) the coffee maker’s destiny. If your morning coffee starts to taste bitter, or if you find strange bits of an unknown origin inside of it (coffee sediments), it’s time to clean it!

Doing this attains multiple benefits: your coffee will taste fresher, hard water spots from the carafe will be removed and stains will be a forgotten story. It will also remove mineral buildup and clean out the coffee oils that get left behind and turn rancid.

What You Need?

• Water
• White vinegar (enough to fill up half your carafe)
• Hot soapy water
• Sponge
• Damp dish towel
• Dry dish towel

How to clean your coffee maker?

• Empty and rinse the carafe and dump out any coffee grounds left in the filter—actually, you must do this regularly for better maintenance.
• Fill the water chamber to its full capacity with equal parts white vinegar and water. You can use the carafe to measure equal parts of each.
• Start a brew cycle. Midway through the brew cycle, turn off the coffee maker and let it sit for an hour.
• After an hour, turn on the coffee maker and let the brew cycle finish.
• After the brew cycle has been completed, pour out the vinegar-water solution and fill the water chamber with fresh water (no vinegar). Run a whole new brew cycle just with the water. Repeat two more times, allowing your coffee maker to cool slightly between brews.
• Wipe down the exterior of your coffee maker, and wash the carafe and filter basket in hot, soapy water.
• Reassemble and brew a great cup of coffee!

Extra Tips!

Dhow’s writer, Donna Porter, offers some tips for better maintenance of your coffee maker:

• Put a glass marble in the water chamber to attract mineral deposits from hard water. Wash it once a week.
• Instead of a pitcher, you can use the sprayer from your sink to fill the coffee maker without spilling!
• Does your pot have hard-to-reach areas? Use a wooden chopstick with a paper towel to get in there.
• Use a baby bottle brush inside for stubborn stains.
• You can put ice cubes and a little water in a pot and swirl them around, for harder stains put some table salt in a pot and swirl it around for a few minutes, and then rinse.
• Heat a toothbrush by the bristles enough that you can bend it to a 90° angle. This makes a perfect brush for cleaning the filter basket.
• Never use the coffee pot to pour water into the reservoir. This will transfer oils and impurities from the pot, and eventually give the coffee a nasty taste. Instead, use a pitcher that is reserved for water only.
• For tough stains, scrub the pot using a paper towel or a clean (not soapy) dish towel. Rinse thoroughly.
• Never wash the coffee pot with soap. This will bind with the oils deposited by the coffee and will leave a taste behind. Do not wash in the dishwasher for the same reason.

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