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.
Make sure to do a spot test to check for colorfastness before using any of the following methods on larger or exposed areas.
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.
Toothpaste isn’t just great for cleaning teeth; you can also use it to remove stubborn ink, crayon, or scuff stains from virtually any surface. Just rub it lightly with a non-abrasive cloth, or, for tough stains, leave to sit for up to one hour before scrubbing gently.
The most important thing to remember when washing walls is to start at the bottom, to avoid streaks. For textured walls, a nylon sock wont leave lint behind. Always test for colorfastness before applying cleaners. Paint spatters can be removed from most woodwork by gently rubbing them with brass cleaner. Lime scale, dried toothpaste and soap scum can be treated with an oxygen-based cleaning powder. These Oxi type cleaners can be found in almost any supermarket. Follow the directions on the package.-
Baking soda is your best friend when it comes to clearing out musty odors. Sprinkle on carpets, and place open boxes in cupboards and refrigerators. Leave the baking soda on carpets for an hour or two before vacuuming, or overnight for tougher odors. Activated charcoal will work just as well. Shake a couple of drops of vanilla oil or extract onto a handkerchief and let sit to impart a pleasant fragrance.
Very important: Do not mix any cleaning solutions or other chemicals with one another; serious injury can occur. Bleach and ammonia in particular must never be combined, as the mixture creates fumes that can be deadly. Also use caution when going back over areas that have already been cleaned; the use of different chemicals, in addition to being potentially dangerous, can also cause staining.
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