How to Steam Clean Rugs

Posted on February 1, 2012 by admin

Cleaning rugs is a truly tricky task. Purchasing commercial floor shampoos can cost people a lot of money. The same thing also goes for buying steam-cleaning machines. Of course, it is highly important to keep your rugs clean in order to prevent the buildup of dust, dirt and odor. One of the proven methods against dirty rugs is steam cleaning. Help yourself have neat-looking and well-maintained rugs by knowing how to steam clean rugs.

Materials Needed

A moderately easy project, the process of steam-cleaning rugs usually requires a number of important materials. At some point, you will need a couple of towels, soap and brush. In addition, prepare a large bowl, warm water and vacuum cleaner. Once you have gathered these important items, you can immediately proceed with these easy-to-follow steps.

Steps

Prepare the rug for cleaning. Get a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner and then use it to scrub out debris and remove dirt from the rug. Try to concentrate on areas that you need to clean. This step is important especially in removing particles found at the surface, which will leave you with ground-in soil to work on. Pour warm water into the bowl. Bring in a bar of soap as well. In addition, get a plastic brush for scrubbing purposes.

Place the brush, soap and warm water next to the dirty rug. Be sure that the water is warm enough to produce more foam for better cleaning. Hold the brush on one hand and then rub it on the soap. After that, dip the brush in warm water. Repeat these steps continuously until it forms a thick wet soapy coating. When choosing the right kind of soap, select something inexpensive because it is enough to get the job done.

Scrub the soapy brush right onto the dirty rug. It is important to scrub the dirty parts well in order to remove stubborn dirt and unsightly stains effectively. Use a clean bath towel over the scrubbed area. Apply some pressure on the towel, which you can easily do either by pushing it by hand or by stepping on it with your feet. This will make deep-seated dirt come off the rug and onto the towel. The transfer of dirt into the towel is easily recognized.

Repeat the towel-stamping and soap-scrubbing method until the whole rug is clean. To rinse the rug, scrub with warm water and then dry with the second piece of towel. When there is no more dirt coming off the towel, it means that the rug is completely clean. Let it dry completely before using. This step may take a number of hours or even overnight.

How to Clean Brick

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

Primarily made from ceramic materials, bricks are widely used for pavements, houses and buildings. Many people find them suitable for construction because of their innumerable good qualities. These include satisfactory porosity, high melting point and impressive thermal shock resistance. More importantly, they provide buildings a uniquely beautiful appearance. Despite these advantages, they are more likely to acquire stains and dirt. To solve these problems, it is important to know how to clean brick.

Materials Needed

This particular task can be classified as moderate in terms of difficulty level. The materials for cleaning outdoor bricks are somewhat different from the items necessary for maintaining indoor bricks. To clean outdoor bricks, you need the appropriate cleaning solution, broom and rubber gloves. Likewise, you must also have a garden hose, preferably one that has an attachable spray nozzle. For indoor bricks, prepare a bucket of water, rubber gloves as well as a stiff wire brush. Additionally, get some newspapers and a cleaning solution.

Steps

Before cleaning, wear a pair of gloves for hand protection. In case you are about to clean a brick fireplace, use newspapers to cover the surrounding floors. If the bricks need little cleaning, get a broom and then use it to remove loose dirt and dust. Moisten the bricks with water and then gently scrub them. Rinse and wipe them dry afterwards. Be sure to clean all of the bricks without leaving anything behind.

In case the bricks require moderate cleaning, you may need to exert a little more effort. Get the broom and then remove loose dust and dirt. Soon after, moisten the bricks with water and then slowly apply the right cleaning solution. Scrub each block until the entire wall or flooring is clean. Once the bricks are clean, rinse them carefully until there are no more traces of the cleaning solution.

Before treating stains, you must remove debris, dust and dirt from the surface first. Purchase a special stain treatment solution, preferably one that is designed specifically for use in bricks. Slowly apply the solution right onto the stains and then rinse thoroughly.

Additional Tips and Other Helpful Information

When the bricks are maintained regularly, there is really no need to conduct heavy cleaning. Instead, light and regular cleaning is necessary to have stain-free, neat looking and beautiful bricks. In addition to the procedures mentioned above, it is good to clean such materials using a special cleaning solution comprised of ¼-cup baking soda, ½-cup vinegar and a cup of ammonia. Add these ingredients in a bucket filled with hot water. Apply this special cleaning solution and be able to enjoy beautiful bricks.

How to Clean Plastic Surfaces

Posted on January 30, 2012 by admin

With the invention of plastic comes a whole variety of usable materials and equipment. One particularly useful way to apply our technology on plastic is to use this material as a protective surface. So today, we have plastic coverings for a variety of surfaces which includes our counter tops. One interesting thing about plastic surfaces is that it is usually very easy to clean. Cleaning plastic surfaces will require the usual cleansers and cleaning implements you normally would use.

Required Cleaning Implements

Here are the things you’ll need in cleaning plastic surfaces. You’ll need a spray kitchen cleaner, a mild detergent, and a sponge. Take note that when you use these cleansers be careful not to scratch the surface so as to keep the plastic smooth with a glossy finish.

Other stuff that you will need will include a bucket, water, a vegetable brush, and a mild glass cleaner. To wipe things clean when you’re done, you’ll need soft cloths and soft paper towels.

Cleaning Plastic Surfaces

Mix a small amount of mild detergent in a bucket of water. If in case your sink is not in use and the area you’re cleaning is right by it then mix the detergent in your sink. A bucket, obviously, will allow you to move around in case the plastic surface you’re cleaning is in another nearby area.

Soak a soft cloth in the detergent solution you just made and use it to wipe dirt and grime. This is basically the sum of the process of cleaning plastic surfaces. If you’re lucky and the dirt isn’t that bad, this will be all that you will be doing and then you rinse off the detergent.

When cleaning plastic surfaces, work your way through from the top to bottom. Use a kitchen cleaner and spray the area as an added help. Now, you’ll definitely encounter tough areas that will require added work. Use a sponge for the stubborn dirt that just won’t come off. A little warning though is that even if you’re using a sponge, be careful not to apply too much pressure as that will also damage the plastic surface.

Some plastic surfaces are textured so using a sponge won’t help that much. This is where your soft vegetable brush comes into play. As always, brush gently to avoid scratch marks on the surface you’re cleaning. A good tip is to always brush or scrub in a circular motion.

Finish

Here are the last steps in cleaning plastic surfaces. Using a soft clean cloth, wipe away any remaining cleansers on the surface. Rinse areas where the solution remains with a clean moistened cloth. Dry the entire surface with a soft cloth and buff it using a soft paper towel. To take care of the streaks, spray the surface with a mild glass cleaner and wipe it away with a clean cloth.

How to Clean Antique Bronze

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

There are many ways for cleaning antique bronze. The method will depend on the amount of dirt that has built up.

Removing Dust

For dust, you can use any piece of clean cloth. If the dust is extensive, try a vacuum cleaner. Use a nozzle connector with the brush. This should get rid of a lot of the dust. For dust in crevices and deep parts, you can use a toothbrush.

Removing Grime

Get a small bowl and mix water and soap in it. Use distilled water and mild soap. Dip a piece of cloth and wipe off the dirt. You may need to repeat this process to get rid of all the grime. If you are cleaning antique bronze, look at the crack areas. A lot of the grime gets stuck there.

Removing Corrosion

Grime and deteriorated oils will lead to corrosion. Apply solvent on the area. After it dissipates, wipe away any dust left. Damp cloth can also be used to get rid of the dirt.

Cleaning with Polishes

There are many polishing materials you can use. These are usually mixed with mineral spirits. Follow all the instructions before using them. Do not apply this technique on copper antiques. This will discolor copper and cause permanent damage.

When cleaning antique bronze with polishing, use mild abrasives. Avoid those that have hydrochloric and / or sulfur acid.

Scrapers

Be careful when using scrapers. These can eliminate a lot of grime, but it can also damage the antique. Use this method with caution. It’s best if you try this technique first with another piece before trying it on the antique. Do not use this technique if you’re not sure how to do it.

Using Salt and Vinegar

Get the following ingredients:

Container for the bronze antique
Cloth
Stove
Salt, vinegar, and flour
Chamois leather

Instructions

Combine a teaspoon of flour, vinegar and salt. When the paste has formed, put it over the affected area. Apply it uniformly. Wash it with warm water. Dry it off with chamois cloth or leather.

A variation of this method for cleaning antique bronze is to boil water on the stove. Put the bronze there for a few minutes. Take it off and wipe it with wet cloth with soap. Gently remove all the stains and marks you see.

Tips and Warnings

There are several commercially available polishes in stores. Be careful when using these items. Incorrect usage will make the bronze look too shiny and artificial.

Your goal should be to remove the dirt and restore its original color. Do not make any attempt to add to its luster. This may affect the value of the item.

If the dirt won’t come off, consider taking it to an expert. Do not use any excessive amounts of polishing; this will ruin the product and make it harder to clean and restore later on.

Using the wrong methods of cleaning antique bronze will lead to further deterioration and corrosion. But if you use the right processes, restoring the antique to its former glory will be attainable.

How to Clean Seashells

Posted on January 28, 2012 by admin

Polishing seashells is not an option for collectors since it will reduce its value. Polishing them will require the grinding of the shell’s outermost layer. Not only does this reduce the value of the shells but also, the process is quite messy. A better alternative to polishing is cleaning the seashells. You will only need some mineral oil and a bit of patience in order to do this. Cleaning, and not polishing your shells will bring out its natural beauty.

Cleaning Implements

Here are the things you will require to clean your seashells.

dishwashing liquid
liquid bleach
mineral oil
soft rags
silicone lubricants
bowls
soft toothbrushes
buckets
WD-40

Steps to Clean Sea Shells

The first step is to wash your seas shells using a garden hose. If you do not have space to do this or if you do not have a garden hose, you could also wash the shells in your kitchen sink. When you wash you shells, be sure to remove anything that still remains inside them. It will eventually smell if you forget to do so.

Thoroughly Clean the Insides

Use the following steps to thoroughly clean seashells and ensure that nothing is left of its former inhabitants.

Use a container / bucket to immerse the entire shells. Fill half the container with water and the other half with the liquid household bleach. Soak your seashells in this solution for about 24 hours. This will help remove anything that is left inside the shells.

Finishing Touches

Once all the dirt and other substances have been removed from the shell’s insides, rinse your shells thoroughly using running water. Using an old soft toothbrush, gently scrub the shells as you rinse. Use mild dishwashing soap to ensure that the shell is completely clean.

Once you have rinsed the shells thoroughly, allow them to dry. When they have dried out completely, apply mineral oil all over the shells using a soft rag. Let the shell soak the mineral oil for a few hours. After this, wipe off any excess oil on the surface of your seashells and enjoy its natural beauty.

Tips on How to Clean Sea Shells

Keep the following tips also in mind while cleaning your seashells.

Take note that not all shells will require polishing since they maybe blessed with a natural shine.
Never use vegetable oil on your seashells. You may use silicone spray or WD-40 on your shells instead of mineral oil. If you do use these, take note that you do not need to wipe the shells after spraying.