With so many objects around the home and numerous cleaning products from which to choose, it can be difficult to match object with product. Simple solutions are often the best, and, if you are unsure of how to tackle the cleaning of a specific item or the removal of a difficult stain without causing more damage, the following are some tips that could save you a great deal of time, effort and money.
Antiques
Cleaning antiques must he done with the greatest of care, even damaging the patina can drastically reduce the value of an antique object.
- Furniture: a damp, soft cloth with a little liquid soap should be sufficient to remove grubby marks from furniture. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth and use natural beeswax to polish, then buff softly to a shine.
- Pictures: dust the frames of pictures with a feather duster, or use a soft make-up brush on elaborate gilded frames. You can clean old, but not particularly valuable, paintings with a special picture cleaner (available from artists’ suppliers), always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not wish to clean a painting yourself, take it to a qualified restorer.
Appliances
Wipe the door fronts and sides of appliances with a cloth dipped in hot water and detergent, and wrung out until it is just damp. Move appliances easily to clean underneath and behind them by rubbing a little liquid soap in front of their feet before pulling.
Baths
- Acrylic: never use scourers on acrylic or glass-fiber baths, a sponge and a gentle spray cleaner should be all that are required. Rinse thoroughly.
- Enameled: avoid using acid based cleaners on enameled baths because these gradually etch into the surface. Use a cellulose sponge and liquid detergent to clean off tidemarks. Turpentine or white spirit (paint thinner) rubbed on with a soft cloth will remove stubborn marks. Use a lime scale remover around the bases of the taps (faucets) to breakdown hard-water deposits.
Blinds and shades
Remove roller type blinds and shades from their fixings and unroll them before washing with hot water and detergent. Use a soft brush on stubborn marks, if necessary. Rinse well with clean water, and leave to dry thoroughly before replacing. Clean slatted blinds with a special U-shaped duster brush, or wear cotton gloves to grip and wipe along each slat. Always work from the top to the bottom to avoid dust settling on the cleaned slats beneath.
CLEANING ESSENTIALS
Keep the following items to hand.
- Dusting cloths made from discarded cotton T-shirts or clothes.
- Cleaning and polishing cloths in thick, absorbent knitted cotton fabrics.
- Household gloves to protect your hands from chemicals, thin disposable gloves for delicate cleaning jobs and cotton gloves for dusting.
- A dustpan and 2 brushes a hard brush for carpets and a soft brush for sweeping up dust from hard floors.
- A mop and bucket.
- A long-handled broom.
- Wire-wool and lightweight scouring pads, old toothbrushes and a nail brush for reaching awkward areas.
- Cleaning products: spray cleaners for bathroom and kitchen surfaces that do not require rinsing; heavy cleaning liquids to remove grease and burned-on foods; cream cleaners with a light scouring action; bleach.
- A lemon dipped in salt is an effective brass cleaner, but rinse thoroughly after use.
Brass and copper
Wash lacquered brass in warm, soapy water, then rinse it and buff dry. Un-lacquered brass should be cleaned with a proprietary brand of brass and copper polish, use an old tooth brush to reach fine derailing. A cut lemon dipped in salt is effective on very dirty areas. Always wash the brass afterwards in hot, soapy water. Try a silicone car wax (marble-polishing powder) to maintain the shiny finish on brass.
Bronze
The characteristic patina on bronze should not be cleaned and scrubbed away. Remove surface marks with pure turpentine applied with a soft cloth. Alternatively, wash in warm, soapy water and buff up with a soft cloth.
Cane furniture
Most cane and wicker furniture has a lacquered finish, and only requires occasional buffing with a soft cloth and furniture polish. Clean ground in dirt on cane furniture with fine wool dipped in a washing soda solution a[rattail of soda to a bucket of warm water), or use a soft brush and warm, soapy water. Place old newspapers under the piece to be cleaned to catch drips. Wipe over with a clean, damp cloth and allow the cane to dry away from direct heat.
Carpets
Before shampooing a carpet, vacuum it thoroughly to remove grit, dust and crumbs. Move the furniture out of the room or stack it at one end. Choose a day when you can open the windows to let the carpets dry naturally. Use a special carpet shampoo and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have an electrical carpet cleaner of your own, you will be able to hire (rent) one fairly cheaply from DIY stores and some electrical suppliers.
Always check first that the color will not run by rubbing an unobtrusive area with shampoo solution. Start at the corner of the room furthest from the door and work back across the room to avoid treading on the damp area. Cover an area of approximately 1 square yd at a time, drawing the brush head of the cleaner towards you in strips across the area until no more water is drawn back into the head. Allow the carpet to dry thoroughly before replacing furniture.
Ceilings
Cooking smoke can make ceilings dirty over time. Cover the furniture and carpet with old sheets or decorator’s cloths (drop cloths) and brush away any loose cobwebs or dust first. Dip a clean floor mop (preferably one with a foam head) in warm water mixed with a little detergent, squeeze out as much excess water as possible before working your way across the ceiling in a back and forth movement. Change the water as soon as it begins to look murky. Finish with clean water and leave to dry. Never allow water near light fittings (fixtures) or switches, use a damp cloth instead.
Use a make-up brush and soapy water to clean delicate china ornaments.
Chimneys
It is usually recommended to call in a professional to clean the flue and chimney, but you can hire (rent) or buy chimney rods if you prefer to do the job yourself. Before starting, ensure that all the furniture and carpets are covered and that the windows and doors in the room are shut.
You should have a vacuum cleaner ready and old newspapers laid around the fireplace. Wear old clothes, shoes, rubber gloves and a protective face mask. Follow the directions given with the rods, and, as the soot starts to drop, be ready to vacuum it up quickly. When leaving the room, remove your shoes to avoid the risk of treading soot into other rooms. Remove and wash the brush head on the vacuum cleaner.
China
Immerse china ornaments in warm, soapy water; and use an old shaving or make-up brush to work into awkward crevices. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Clean china candlesticks that are covered in wax by immersing them in hot water to melt the wax, then clean them in soapy water. To clean china plant pots with watermarks, place them in a bowl and apply neat lime scale remover to the marks. Leave for half an hour or until the lime scale dissolves, then rinse and dry.
Chopping boards
After use, place chopping boards in the sink and carefully pour boiling water over them. Use a scrubbing brush, disinfectant and soapy water to clean it thoroughly. Rinse and allow it to dry naturally. Do not soak wooden boards as they may warp. You should replace a chopping board that is heavily worn, as cuts and cracks can allow harmful bacteria to multiply.
Computers
Always unplug a computer before cleaning it. Vacuum regularly using the soft-brush attachment, and turn the keyboard over and tap it lightly to dislodge any crumbs or dust. Use a cotton bud (swab) dipped in methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) to clean individual keys. Finally, wiping a little diluted fabric conditioner over the computer with a damp cloth will help to reduce the static.
Cookers
Before cleaning, always switch off the power supply to an electric cooker. A self-cleaning oven can use up a lot of power when burning off food residues; it helps to line the bottom of the oven with heavy-duty tin foil which you can throw away once dirty. A watery paste of bicarbonate of soda and water, allowed to dry on the oven floor, will absorb grease spatters and is easy to wipe out after cooking.
You can deal with a heavily soiled oven easily with proprietary brands of oven cleaners. Many contain sodium hydroxide which can cause serious harm, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear gloves and goggles to protective yourself and make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated.
Always give the bob (burners) a quick wipe over after every use, in order to prevent foods from solidifying on the surfaces. Remove burnt on foods with an abrasive cream cleaner, or with a scourer and hot water with a few drops of ammonia added. Remove the ring trims and wipe underneath them. Do not wipe over a ceramic glass hob with a dishcloth, as food particles will cause staining once the heat is switched on. Instead, use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner. Be sure to cleanup any acidic spillages such as fruit, vinegar, or sauces and sugar from the bob immediately, as they will pit the surface, otherwise leave the cleaning until the cooker has cooled.
Cooking pans
- Aluminum: clean using a paste made from equal parts of baking powder, cream of tartar, washing powder and vinegar. Use a cellulose scourer to bring the surface to a shine, then rinse thoroughly. Leave the juice of a lemon diluted in 0.751/1 pint of water in pans overnight to remove water marks.
- Enameled: do not use scourers on vitreous enameled pans, instead, remove stains by soaking in a weak solution of bleach, and scrub dirt around handles with in old toothbrush and detergent.
Crystal stemware
High temperatures in a dishwasher will gradually weaken lead crystal, so wash this carefully in hand hot water using a mild liquid detergent. Use a soft dishcloth to wipe the rims, but do not try to force it into narrow-necked vases or decanters. Crevices in cut crystal can be cleaned with an old toothbrush and soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before polishing with a glass cloth.
You can clean the inside of a decanter by swishing around a handful of rice grains mixed with some detergent and warm water. Diluted lime scale remover will also tackle the white film found in vases. A handful of rice and a warm detergent solution will clean marks from inside decanters or narrow-necked vases.
Curtains and drapes
Close the curtains or drapes to spread out the gathers, then vacuum from the top down to the bottom. Gathered valances and pelmets should also be vacuumed regularly. When removing curtains and valances for cleaning, make sure that you know which side each should hang from by marking the linings with a small letter `1′ in waterproof ink at the top left and It’ at the top right. Remove the hooks and keep them in a safe place. Flatten out the heading tapes for even cleaning.
Curtain tracks and poles
Dust and grime can settle on cracks and poles, preventing the smooth opening of curtains, so dust regularly with a soft cloth and wipe clean with a damp cloth and a few drops of liquid detergent. Wipe with clean water and allow to dry. Rub silicone wipes along the surfaces of tracks and poles for smooth, gliding curtains.
Cutlery (Flatware)
Wash rinse and dry cutlery (flatware) as soon as possible after using it in order to prevent food from becoming dried on, or salt and acidic foods from staining the finish. Only place dishwasher proof cutlery in the dishwasher; silver, bronze and bone-handled cutlery should always be washed by hand. Never leave bone-handled cutlery to soak, as this will cause the handles to work loose overtime. Buff cutlery with a soft, clean cloth before putting away.
If you have several items of silver or silver-plated cutlery to clean, line the bottom of a plastic bowl with tin foil and place the cutlery on top. Add a handful of washing soda and cover with boiling water. The electro-chemical reaction will remove the tarnish. Rinse and dry the cutlery before storing away.
Double glazing
Wear stout gloves before removing secondary double glazing for cleaning. Chamois leathers give professional results, but avoid using them with detergents. Use a solution of methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) or white-wine vinegar in tepid water. Particularly dirty windows can be cleaned using a solution of 120 in I/4 fl02/1/2 cup each of ammonia and white-wine vinegar mixed into a bucker of water. Scrunched-up newspapers are also excellent for adding a clean to windows, dip them in the solution and use instead of a chamois leather.
Drains
Fish out any debris caught in the cover of a drain and place it in a plastic bag before throwing away. Regularly rinse down drains with a household bleach or disinfectant. If scum has solidified around the drain, pour some near ammonia onto it and leave for a couple of minutes, then carefully pour boiling water down it to flush.
Extractor fans
Switch off an electric extractor fan before removing the cover to clean the vents. Wipe the plastic cover with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. Unscrew a non-electric, plastic window fan from its mountings and soak in warm, soapy water to remove dust and grit, the rinse and allow to dry.
Fireplaces
- Brick: cleaning out a fire grate can create a lot of dust, so damp down the ashes first using either a plant spray gun or some used, damp coffee grounds. Rub soot deposits on brick fire racks and surrounds with a wire brush. Use neat malt vinegar to scrub the bricks and rinse with clean water.
- Cast-iron: when cool, dampen the ashes and vacuum away dust and soot from the hearth and surround. Use a grate blackener or high temperature stove paint to burnish and protect the metal. Do not wipe a tiled surround while it is hot, as water can cause the surface of the tiles to craze.
- Stone: scrub a stone fireplace with a solution of 1 part bleach to 8 parts tepid water. Rinse with clean water and pat dry with absorbent cloths. Once dry, apply a clear brick and stone sealant for protection from further staining.
Floors
- Brick and stone: sweep and wash with warm water and a mild detergent. Red brick can be brightened and polished with ‘Cardinal Red’ brick polish (all-purpose powdered cleanser).
- Floorboards: vacuum out dirt from the gaps between floorboards before cleaning or polishing. Wipe over unvarnished boards with is damp cloth and leave them to dry before polishing with a wax floor polish. Buff varnished boards with is non-slip polish. Remove the extractor and allow it soak in a detergent solution to release the dirt gently then use a soft brush to clean the grooves.
- Linoleum: start by removing obvious marks by scrubbing with a gentle cellulose scourer and soap. An abrasive cream cleaner applied with a cloth will also work well. Use a clamp mop and soapy water to clean the linoleum thoroughly then rinse.
- Marble: avoid using any abrasive cleaner or applicator on marble. Mop the floor with warm water and a mild detergent, using a blunt knife to lift any stuck on dirt. The surface can be polished with a silicone wax.
- Slate: wash regularly with soap and detergent and rinse thoroughly. Restore the shine of slate by wiping a little milk over the surface.
- Vinyl: grimy vinyl will clean up more easily if you mop a proprietary brand of floor cleaner over the floor and allow it to soak for 10 minutes before cleaning.
Remove a build up of solvent-based polish by using medium grade wire wool and white spirit (paint thinner).Use an ordinary floor cleaner with a little ammonia added to remove emulsion polish, then mop over. Always sweep or vacuum the floor before cleaning.
To remove thick grime under a cooker by first softening the patch using a sponge dipped in hot water. Leave for 5 minutes, then use an old wallpaper stripping blade wrapped in a cloth to prise off the grime.
Freezers
A freezer needs to be de-frosted regularly. Start by removing all the food, packing it tightly in cold boxes or cardboard boxes lined with a thick layer of newspaper. Turn off the freezer and take out all the trays to be washed. Use a plastic spatula to prise off loose pieces of ice in the freezer, but do nor hack at them as you may damage the freezer lining irreparably. Use a toothbrush dipped in warm, soapy water to reach into the seals, then rinse and wipe dry. If the ice is thick, direct the warm heat from a hairdryer on to it to speed the melting, keeping a plastic bowl to hand to catch the water. Wipe the inside of the freezer with a clean cloth, replace the shelves and re-pack the food.
Furniture
For homemade furniture cleaner, mix 2 parts white wine vinegar, 2 parts turpentine and 2 parts paraffin with 1part methylated spirits (paint thinner)in an old jar. Apply the solution to furniture with an old cloth and polish off straight away.
Some polishes clean and shine at the same time, and are most suited to varnished finishes. With old or valuable items, it is best to wipe them over with a barely damp cloth dipped in lukewarm water and a mild detergent to remove sticky marks, before polishing with a proprietary wax polish.
- French polish: wipe off greasy and sticky marks with a damp cloth and wipe dry immediately.
- Oiled wood: clean with a cloth moistened with turpentine.
- Painted finishes: clean painted pieces of furniture with a soft cloth wrung out in warm, soapy water. Use clean water to wipe off any residue and leave to dry away from direct heat.
- Varnished and sealed woods: treat as for painted finishes.
- Waxed wood: wipe with a cloth wrung out in warm, soapy water. Wash down any heavily marked pieces and rub particularly bad patches with a cellulose sponge scourer. Remember always to follow the wood grain. Rinse and wipe with clean, absorbent cloths to remove all traces of water.
Glass
Add a water softener when washing everyday glass in a dishwasher. Clean delicate and cut glass by hand.
Grout
Revive the grouting between tiles using a little bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) mixed to a paste with bleach. Apply the paste with a toothbrush and leave for a few minutes. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Scrape out heavy soap deposits with a blunt knife to aid the action of the paste. Kitchen grease builds up quickly. Scrape it from the grouting around tiles using a blunt knife.
REMOVING DENTS
Remove dents in wood furniture by placing a thick, damp cloth over the area, then placing the tip of a hot iron immediately over the dent. The steam will penetrate and swell the compacted wood, which can then be re-polished afterwards.
- Iron: wipe over the bars and finials using a cloth wrung out in warm water and detergent. Wipe over with clean water and polish with a soft cloth.
- Upholstered: use a proprietary brand of dry-clean foam, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wood: wipe in the direction of the grain with Warne water and detergent, or use a combined cleaner/polish spray. Carefully lift all the items from a display cabinet so that you can give it a thorough clean before replacing the ornaments.
Irons
Clean the casing when the iron is cool. The sole plate is best cleaned while hot. Use a proprietary brand of iron cleaner or bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), rubbed over with a damp cloth. Or rub the iron over a damp towel
Jewelry
Wrap delicate filigree jewelry in fine cotton muslin (cheesecloth) and dip it into a proprietary brand of jewelry cleaning solution. Otherwise, warm water with a few drops of ammonia, applied with a soft make-up brush, will remove dirt.
Most gemstones are fairly resilient but their settings may be delicate, so treat these with care. Use an old toothbrush and a liquid jewelry cleaner to reach behind the settings, or dip them in the solution. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
Lampshades
Brush or vacuum off dust, then ‘spot clean’ using dry clean foam. Use the soft-brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner for pleated shades. Use a duster with an extending handle to reach high lampshades and cobwebs.
Light bulbs
First switch off the electricity if the light is turned on, and allow the bulb to cool before removing it. Wear cotton gloves to remove. A cotton bud (swab) dipped in methylated spirits (denaturedalcohol) will remove fly marks. Remove a fluorescent tube from its fixing and wipe along the length using a cloth wrung out in soapy water and detergent. A cloth dipped in white spirit (paint thinner) will remove a greasy film on the tube. Dry thoroughly.
Marble
Avoid scratching the surface of marble with abrasive scourers, as this can lead to ingrained staining. Remove stains by dabbing neat lemon juice or white wine vinegar on the mark. This will also etch the surface, so be sure to wash off the lemon juice or vinegar after a couple of minutes. 15 m1/1 tbsp of Borax mixed with 0.75 Ill pt of water will also clean a marble surface, but always rinse before buffing dry with a soft cloth.
Mats and rugs
Clean bath mats in the washing machine and hang them up to dryad vacuum other mats and rugs regularly to remove grit and dirt that can damage the pile. Take them outside occasionally, throw over the washing line or a garden sear and beat with a broom. Turn the rug every fortnight to ensure that all areas receive even wear. Valuable rugs should be cleaned professionally, otherwise clean as described for carpets.
Mattresses
Clean marks on mattresses using a special ‘dry-clean’ foam (available from department attires and supermarkets).Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the aerosol. Do not use water and detergent to clean a mattress, as it will only spread the mark.
Microwave ovens
Keep cleaning to a minimum by covering foods to prevent spatters from baking hard on to walls of the oven. Turn off the power at the wall before cleaning a microwave oven. Wipe it over with a damp cloth wrung out in warm, soapy water and detergent. A bowl of water brought to the boil inside the microwave will soften any tough pieces. Wipe the inside of the oven occasionally with a special disinfectant that will not taint foods. Leave the door ajar so that the oven can dry naturally.
Mirrors and mirror tiles
A soft cloth moistened with methylated spirits (denatured alcohol) will remove most marks from a mirror even hairspray. Prevent a mirror from misting over ill a steamy bathroom by rubbing a little washing-up liquid over it and polishing with a clean cloth. Wipe a little washing up liquid over a bathroom mirror to prevent misting.
Patio furniture
At the end of the summer, clean and cover all patio wit nitrite before the icy weather sets in.
- Wrought-iron furniture: wash this down with a solution of warm water and detergent to remove tree sap and bird droppings. Allow to dry and either polish with a silicone wax or touch up chipped paintwork with a rust inhibiting paint to prevent it from deteriorating over the winter.
- Wood: wipe over wooden furniture and apply a good wax to unsealed wood, or varnish any areas that look worn.
- Plastic and plastic-coated wire furniture: clean this with a window and conservatory cleaner, or wash it down with a solution of warm water and detergent. Rinse and dry. Do not use abrasives on the furniture remove any scuffs using, a cloth moistened with methylated spirits (denatured alcohol).
Pewter
Clean old or valuable pewter gently in a solution of warm water and washing up liquid, then rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Clean new pewter with a non-abrasive metal polish.
Refrigerators
You should sort out the fridge regularly and throw away any old and out of date foods. Pack all other items in a cold box. Switch off the power and remove all shelves and trays. Wash these in warm water and detergent, rinse and leave to dry. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator with a damp cloth wrung out in a solution of warm water and detergent, risen rinse and dry. Use a nailbrush dipped in warm, soapy water to reach into the grooves of the seal, then rinse and dry. Replace the shelves and food only when the refrigerator is completely dry. A nail or washing brush is excellent for cleaning out the seals on a refrigerator.
Refrigerator Seals
Rubber refrigerator seals need to be in good condition. Check that the seals on your fridge are in good working order by closing the door on is sheer of paper. If you can pull it out easily, either the seal needs replacing or the hinges need adjusting.
Shower curtain
Put a nylon shower curtain in with the normal wash when putting a load through the machine, the biological action of the detergent will remove soap build up and mould spots. For other finishes, wash by hand in a solution of warm water and detergent, then rinse and allow to drip dry.
Shower head
Remove the shower head and immerse it in a dish of lime scale remover or white wine vinegar to clear deposits. An old toothbrush will clear blocked holes and debris from behind the plate.
Silver
Use a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner, silver is a soft metal and easily damaged, and silver plate can be worn away to expose the base metal by constant cleaning. Embossed, engraved or raised decoration can accumulate dirt and polish. A badger-bristle shaving brush or soft artist’s paint brush dipped in polish is useful for reaching difficult areas. See cutlery (flatware) for cleaning silver cutlery.
Sinks
Tip a little neat disinfectant down the outlet and overflow once a week and leave overnight to work.
- Vitreous-enamel: remove discoloration using a weak solution of bleach. Clean regularly with a liquid detergent to remove grease.
- Stainless-steel: wipe a damp cloth dipped in a little lime scale remover to clean white patches from a sink, drainer and taps (faucets). Rub with bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) mixed with a little water to make the sink gleam. Tough marks can be removed with a cellulose scourer and cleaning cream. Rinse and wipe dry.
- Check with an expert before attempting to clean a valuable silver antique in case you damage it.
- Store silver in a dry place, wrapped in sheets of black or acid-free tissue to prevent tarnishing.
- Silver cleaning fluids will stain a stainless steel sink or cutlery. If contact occurs, wash immediately with water.
Taps (Faucets)
Wash taps (faucets) using a bathroom cream cleaner, then rinse and buff with a soft cloth. Remove dirt at the bases and behind the taps by brushing with an old toothbrush dipped in cleaner, and break down lime scale deposits around the spouts of taps by filling a small plastic bag with dissolved water softener. Tie the bag around the spout so that it sits in the water solution. Leave overnight, then remove the bag and brush away any remaining scale. An old toothbrush is excellent for cleaning behind taps (faucets).
Telephones
Wipe over telephones regularly using a damp cloth and soapy water. Do not allow any water near the dialing keys or handset. Wipe the handset using some cotton wool (absorbent cotton) dipped in a dilute solution of disinfectant. A cotton bud (swab) dipped in methylated spirits (paint thinner) will clean the dialing pad.
Televisions
Switch off the power at the wall and pull the television forward slightly to vacuum all the surfaces. Wipe over the screen with a few drops of glass cleaner on a soft cloth and polish off immediately. Anti-static wipes are useful for reducing a build-up of dust.
Tiles
- Ceramic floor tiles: sweep the floor thoroughly, then wash the tiles with a mop and warm, soapy water. Rinse but do not polish. Clean the grout between the tiles with a scrubbing brush dipped in soapy water.
- Ceramic wall tiles: remove soap deposits with a liquid bathroom cleaner and a cellulose scourer. Dirty grout around the tiles is usually inured of a problem when soap and lime scale buildup in the ridges. In this case, use a blunt knife to work your way gently along the grout to remove the worst of the grime. Finish with a nail brush dipped in an abrasive cream cleaner, rinse well and wipe with a soft cloth.
Toilets
A quick ‘flush and brush’ with a little bleach or disinfectant at night should keep most toilets sparkling. Use a lime scale remover on water marks and leave it to work for a little while before flushing it away. Wipe the seat regularly with disinfectant and use an old tooth brush to clean around the seat hinges.
Vases
Cracks in china vases can discolor after a time. Apply a little dilute bleach on a cotton bud (swab) to the crack and leave it to work for 10 -15 minutes before rinsing and drying. Remove water marks with lime scale remover. Clean the inside of a narrow-necked glass vase by swishing a mixture of rice, warm water and detergent around.
Upholstery
Remove pet hairs and fluff with a length of sticky tape wrapped around your hand.
- Fabric: vacuum fabric-covered upholstery thoroughly, then clean off spots and marks before cleaning the whole piece of furniture. Use a foam upholstery shampoo and follow the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. Always test a small patch on a hidden area first to see if the dyes are fast. If not, call in professional cleaners. Regularly vacuum upholstery to keep it looking fresh.
- ‘Spot-clean’ dirty marks on a sofa and chairs with a dry-foam cleaner. To clean loose covers, remove them and follow the directions on the care-guide label inside. If there are no instructions, clean the covers on a low-temperature program and dry them away from any direct source of heat.
- Leather: before cleaning, check whether the leather is washable by putting a small drop of water on an unobtrusive area. If it remains on the surface you can clean it, if it sinks in and darkens the leather you must only dust and give it an occasional wipe with a damp cloth. Soap flakes dissolved in warm water will clean washable leather. Do not over wet the upholstery. Keep leather supple by ‘feeding’ it regularly with a leather cream.
Wall coverings
Read the care label supplied with the roll of wallpaper and its cleaning instructions. If the label is lost, try a small test patch (behind the door is a good place) and sponge the wall paper with a little warm water and liquid detergent. If the color does not smudge and the surface does not blister, continue around the room, working from the bottom of the walls to the top. Rinse with clean water by starting from the top of the walls and working to the bottom to prevent streaks appearing. Remove grease splashes by covering the patch with a paper towel and then a warm iron. The warmth will draw the grease into the paper.
Walls
On painted walls, clean obvious marks first by gently rubbing with a damp cloth and a cream cleaner. Use warm, soapy water and work from the bottom of the walls to the top. Change the water regularly in order to prevent streaks from appearing. Use a long handled sponge head mop to reach and clean the tops of walls. Rinse from the top to the bottom, and finish by cleaning the skirting (baseboards).
Window frames
Use a fungicidal wash to deal with mildew and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning.
- Painted and varnished: these should only require an occasional wipe over with a damp cloth wrung out in soapy water. Use a combined cleaner/polish spray to bring them to a shine.
- Aluminium: Rub with a paste of Borax and water. Rinse and buff dry.
CLEANING LEATHER UPHOLSTERY
Try a suede-and-leather shoe cleaner for small areas. A water-repellent suede-and-leather shoe spray can protect the leather always test the area first in a hidden place.