Vacuuming might be the chore that most people do daily, but it isn’t always enough.
Vacuming can leave dust, lint and other debris on surfaces, which leads to discoloration or deterioration over time.
Cleaning technicians may also misuse vacuum cleaners, which can damage the machine. This is why proper maintenance is so important for the vacuum’s longevity and functionality.
Carpets & Rugs
A single pass from a vacuum cleaner stirs up dirt and dust particles. Then they get sucked up, but only as far as the vacuum bag allows, and technicians recommend the hot water extraction method. Afterward, the particles are expulsed back into the air, and they can re-dissolve on carpets, where they remain until the next vacuuming. Regular vacuuming is the best way to keep your carpets clean, but it’s important to do it right. Use a machine with a HEPA filter (like those from Shark, Dyson, or BISSELL) to trap as many dirt and dust particles as possible and prevent them from redepositing on the floor and other surfaces in your home.
If you have area rugs, make sure to vacuum the floor beneath them at least twice a week and flip them to rotate them so that they are getting cleaned on both sides. Also, consider investing in a good quality rug protector. This will help to prolong the life of your rugs and keep them from becoming soiled by everyday spills, pet accidents, and other common household events.
When it comes to wall-to-wall carpet, it’s important to schedule regular deep cleanings with a professional carpet cleaner at least once a year. This will ensure that embedded dirt, stains, and pet dander are removed before they cause permanent damage to the fibers, which can affect their color and texture. It’s also a great way to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty and extend the life of your carpet.
When you’re performing regular vacuuming, make sure to take your time and work in an overlapping pattern. This will give the vacuum cleaner a better chance of dislodging dirt, and it will be less likely to cause damage to your carpets or rugs. Also, consider using a vacuuming tool with a rotating brush attachment to break up and loosen stuck-on dirt and debris.
If you have a stain, it’s always a good idea to apply a pre-treatment product before vacuuming. This will help to break up the stain and make it easier for the vacuum to remove it. Then, spot treat the stain with a commercial or homemade cleaning solution — such as one made from hydrogen peroxide and dish soap – according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors add a beautiful, timeless aesthetic to any home. But these sought-after flooring options aren’t immune to a buildup of dirt and grime over time, especially if your family includes kids or pets. Regular sweeping and vacuuming can prevent surface scratches, but deeper grime requires more attention to remove. A monthly deep cleaning can help restore the luster of your hardwood floors, making them look nearly as good as new.
Aside from sweeping, damp mopping is the best way to keep your wood floor clean. Use a mild cleaner and a microfiber mop to avoid scratching your hardwood, and only apply a small amount of water. Using too much water could damage the flooring, warping and causing it to buckle or cup. Make sure to wring out the mop regularly, as standing water can cause damage and mold.
You can also protect your hardwood floors by placing doormats at entryways, placing area rugs in high-traffic areas, and controlling humidity. These preventative measures can reduce the frequency of deep cleans, extending their life and protecting your investment.
Unlike other types of flooring, like vinyl, linoleum, and carpeted surfaces, wood can easily absorb moisture, which leads to swelling and warping. While swollen or warped hardwood floors can be costly to replace, they’re easy to prevent with the right maintenance routine. In addition to sweeping and vacuuming, it’s important to damp mop your hardwood floors at least once a week. This will remove daily accumulations of dirt and grit that can scratch your floor’s surface, and it will minimize the risk of water damage.
Tile & Grout
Grout is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of your tile floor. It’s not just for looks, grout closes the gaps between tiles to prevent moisture from seeping into the underlying floor and cause rot or mold. It also provides a stylish, finished look to your tile work.
It’s typically a powdered mix of cement, limestone and color pigment with sand added (sometimes referred to as cement-based sand-set grout). It is mixed with water and applied after the tile is set. Grout gives your walls, floors and other tiling a great finish and keeps dirt from getting in between or under the tiles.
There are a few different types of grout to choose from, so it’s important to select the right one for your project. Standard or cement-based grout contains sand to help prevent cracking, and it’s available in a range of colors to compliment your tile. Sanded grout is best for wider grout lines as it’s more durable, but if you have narrow spaces, unsanded grout will be more effective.
When it comes to choosing the color of your grout, consider how it will affect the overall design of your room. Darker colors may hide stains and look cleaner, but they can also be harder to maintain. Lighter colors, on the other hand, can show stains more easily and require more upkeep to keep them clean.
Before you apply your new grout, it’s important to prep the surface and remove any loose or peeling tiles. Mask off any areas you don’t want covered in grout and vacuum between the tiles to remove any remaining debris or dust. Once your surfaces are clean, use a sponge with just enough water to be lubricated and lightly wipe away any excess adhesive from the surfaces of your tiles.
After you’ve removed all the excess, smooth your grout with a rubber grout float to get a nice even finish. Be sure to be gentle, and try to work in a diagonal direction so you don’t create any divots. Once your grout is dry, your room is complete!
Upholstery
Whether it’s your bed or sofa, upholstered furniture adds a nice softness to a room. However, it can also hide dirt and allergens under the surface – a place where your vacuum or regular cleaners won’t reach. And if that dirt and dust accumulates, it can cause fabric damage over time.
The best way to protect your upholstered items is to regularly vacuum with an upholstery attachment and respond immediately to spills by blotting (not rubbing) the area. Periodic deep cleaning is also a good idea. When you do clean your upholstered pieces, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to avoid shrinkage or watermarks.
Regular maintenance of upholstered furniture includes removing cushions and pillows to wash them in the washing machine, checking for any tears or damage before re-covering them, and using furniture sliders underneath beds and large pieces. It’s also a good idea to break out your vacuum’s crevice tool and get in all those hard-to-reach places around baseboards and corners.
Vacuuming is great, but when it comes to protecting your upholstered pieces, nothing beats a professional deep cleaning service. The most important thing to remember when hiring a professional is that they should have experience with your specific type of upholstery and use specialized cleaning solutions.
If your upholstered furniture has a lot of stains, it’s a good idea to have them pre-treated with a stain preventative. This will help make it easier to remove the stain during the cleaning process and will extend the lifespan of your upholstered furniture.
If you’ve ever had your carpets professionally cleaned, then you know that a deep cleaning of your home is just as important as keeping up with the weekly vacuuming. Deep cleaning removes bacteria, odor and dirt that normal surfaces and ordinary household cleaners can’t get to. It’s a way to give your home a fresher, more vibrant look and feel. Plus, it makes you a little happier when you walk into a clean home. Definitely worth it!
