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October 2018

Oct 18
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What to Know Before Cleaning Upholstery

By Furniture Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning

cleaning upholsteryCleaning furniture is a delicate process. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help furniture last longer, but improper techniques can cause furniture to smell like mildew or leave stains on the fabric surface. Review these important tips before cleaning any of your upholstery.

Determine the Material

It is important to know exactly what kind of material you are dealing with before attempting to clean your furniture. If it is wood, you need a cleaner made for wooden furniture, and you can simply wipe down the hard surface. Furniture with a fabric covering is a little bit more difficult. Some fabrics can take a stain remover or a cleaner, while others say to vacuum only. It is a good idea to read the tag on the furniture before attempting to remove a stain or dirt and follow the instructions on the tag to avoid damage to the upholstery.

Vacuum the Surface

To start, vacuum the surface of the furniture. Remove any pet hair, surface dirt, or other debris. Remove cushions and vacuum underneath where crumbs and dirt accumulate fastest. By using the attachments on the vacuum, you can get down into the crevices and closer to the surface, effectively removing contaminants. For an even deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda on the surface of the fabric and let it sit for up to an hour. The baking soda will help absorb any odors in the fabric. When time is up, simply vacuum it up and enjoy the fresh smell.

Remove Stains

To remove stains, you can either opt for a commercial stain remover or make your own. Homemade cleaners are typically better for the environment and for your wallet. Try these homemade cleaners for best results:

  • For fabric stains, mix together 1 tablespoon dish soap, ¼ cup of vinegar, and ¾ cup of warm water. For synthetic fabrics, increase to ½ cup of vinegar and 1 cup of warm water. Spray the stain and rub with a clean cloth. Use a second clean cloth with plain water to remove any traces of the cleaning solution. Allow to dry or blot with a towel.
  • For leather furniture, use a mixture of 1/2 cup olive oil and ¼ cup vinegar. Spray on leather with a spray bottle and wipe with a clean cloth.

For tough stains, it is best to call in the experts. Proper cleaning and maintenance of your furniture will allow you and your family to enjoy your investment for years to come. Professional Surface Restoration offers free estimates with no obligation. Contact us or call (419) 705-8693 to set up an appointment.

Oct 06
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Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Dos and Don’ts

By Natural Stone Cleaning

natural stone flooringNatural stone floors are a beautiful addition to your home’s interior. Stone is a natural flooring option that uses no dangerous chemicals, but it needs a little extra TLC to stay beautiful. Let’s look at some dos and don’ts for natural stone floor cleaning.

Prevention Goes a Long Way

Prevention is the key to reducing long-term damage. By reducing the amount of dirt and any spills on the surface of the tile, you can keep your floors looking beautiful for their whole life. Remember to always:

  • Remove dirt and sand from the surface of your natural stone floor to avoid scratches.
  • Clean up spills as soon as possible to avoid the liquid leeching into the surface of the stone. Liquids such as lemon juice, cola, and orange juice can cause permanent damage to the stone’s surface if not cleaned up immediately.
  • Use non-slip rugs near entryways to keep dirt from tracking through the house. Stone floors are also slippery when wet.

One of the best methods to protect your natural stone floors is to have them sealed properly. Be sure to choose the proper sealant, and use as directed, or have it professionally done. Having your floors sealed can prevent spills from soaking in and staining or damaging the floors.

Natural Stone Floor Cleaning Tips

Sweep your stone floors daily to remove dirt and grime. You can also vacuum up the dirt and dust for best results. Keeping the dirt off the tiles will slow deterioration of the stone’s surface. Some stone experts believe you should mop stone floors with clear water daily to remove day-to-day build-up.

If using cleaners, they should be designed for stone care. You can also use a solution made of vegetable soap and water. Follow up daily care with regular deep cleanings. Homes with children and pets will require more frequent deep cleanings of the stone.

Don’ts for Stone Floors

While stone floors are fairly durable, there are a few don’ts you need to observe. By avoiding these few things, you’ll be able to keep your stone floors looking beautiful far longer.

  • Don’t use lemon juice, vinegar, or other cleaners containing acids. They will damage the stone’s surface.
  • Don’t use commercial cleaners unless they say specifically they are safe for marble or stone surfaces.
  • Don’t use a vacuum cleaner with worn or missing wheels. They will scratch the surface of your floor.

With a little prevention and daily care, your stone floors will be around for a long time. They will add warmth and beauty to the interior of your home for generations to come. If you are looking for a new flooring option, consider adding stone floors to your home.

For questions about  natural stone cleaning, call Professional Surface Restoration at (419) 705-8693 today.

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