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.
Caution: before trying any of the methods listed below, do a spot test on fabrics and porous surfaces to check 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.
Did you know that toothpaste can remove ink and crayon from hard surfaces? Let the toothpaste sit for an hour or so for stubborn stains and then rub gently with a soft cloth.
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. If you’re washing textured walls, use a nylon sock to prevent leaving lint behind. Always wash walls from the bottom up to avoid streaking. Apply any cleaning solution (after youve tested for colorfastness) in small patches.
Moldy or damp smells can be removed from just about anywhere with baking soda. Simply apply to the smelly area (or leave a box open in a cupboard or fridge) and the smell should be greatly reduced or gone within 24 hours. You can also use activated charcoal, or a few drops of vanilla extract on a piece of cloth.
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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