How to Clean and Polish Marble Floors

Demand for marble cleaning products has increased as the amount of people opting for marble floors has also increased. The truth is, marble cleaning and polishing kits are expensive and ultimately unnecessary. You can achieve the same look using a damp cloth or mop and some tin oxide. Marble will always add value to your home in both visual appeal and in financial worth.

If you do use marble polishing products be sure to read the label and follow the instructions exactly.

Never use acid products to clean marble tiles. The calcium carbonate, which marble is composed of, will be destroyed by the acid. The acid will find its way under the highly buffed polish or finish and will spoil the surface. Soaps, even mild detergents, are also not suggested. If you’re not using a proper marble cleaner, use warm water only.


To clean and polish marble floors:

1. Start by sweeping away the excess dirt using a soft bristle broom.
2. Wet the entire marble surface with clean water.
3. Sprinkle tin oxide over the whole wet area. Tin oxide is the home ingredient found in marble polishing kits. You can find tin oxide at any hardware store for a cheaper price.
4. Using a soft rag or cloth, rub the marble floor forcefully in a circular motion until you can see improvements.
5. Use a wet rag to wipe the surface down and then repeat using a dry, soft cloth.
6. Apply marble flooring sealer


Dave’s Tip:

For heavily damaged, soiled areas call a professional marble restoration service.


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How to clean venetian blinds

Venetian blinds are an expensive purchase so it is important to keep them well cleaned and maintained. They are a great feature to your windows, and block a lot of light out. Venetian blinds collect dust very easily and require very regular dusting. It is also important to thoroughly clean your blinds every four to five months to prevent the build up of grime and dust which will spoil the look of your venetian blinds.

To thoroughly clean your venetian blinds follow these steps:

1. Remove blinds from the window via user guide or following the method you used to install them.
2. Place them in your bathtub
3. Fill the bath three quarters of the way or until the water covers the blinds.
4. Add 3 and a half litres of white vinegar to the water and mix it around with your hands.
5. Let the blinds soak in the water and vinegar until the dirt has completely disintegrated. The vinegar works by corroding the filth on the blinds without damaging them. Stir the water every so often to loosen the surface dirt.
6. Empty the blinds and rinse the water from the bathtub. Then use cold water to rinse the blinds. If possible, use a shower attachment to rinse.
7. Allow blinds to dry. You can air dry them during the summer or pat them dry with a soft clean towel in the winter.
8. Once dry, place them back on as usual. Remember to dust them regularly.

Dave’s Tip:

For really dirty blinds it may be necessary to wash with a soft broom on a hard clean concrete surface with a mild degreaser.


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How to clean a flat screen TV

In terms of home entertainment, it is hard to go past a flat screen television. Everyone wants the perfect picture when viewing a TV program or DVD. Like all other things found in the home, your TV easily picks up dust and finger marks. Don’t spoil the perfect picture by having a child’s hand print in your way. It is important to keep your flat screen clean to avoid damage and possible warranty problems. The good news is cleaning grime, dust and fingerprints of your TV is not a difficult task.


Follow Dave’s easy steps to cleaning a flat screen TV:


1. Firstly, do not bring out chemicals or cleaning products when cleaning TVs as this will damage the screen.
2. Disconnect the TV from its power source before beginning the clean. As well as being a safe method, having the TV off will make the dust, grime, smudges and dirty marks easier to see and therefore remove
3. Dust the TV with a soft feather duster.
4. Next, use Luke warm water or a screen specific cleaning solution. Sometimes when you purchase your flat screen TV you will be given a cleaning solution for the screen. These solutions are fine to use and are labeled safe usually with the words safe for LCD screen or Laptop Screen.
5. Using a soft microfiber cloth dampen it with Luke warm water or the above mentioned cleaning solution.
6. Gently wipe the screen in a smooth method with the cloth. Do not rub, scrub or use hard pressure when wiping because this may damage the screen.
7. Maintain your TV cleanliness by regularly dusting the Screen and TV. Like most appliances, without regular dusting, excessive dust may cause this electronic device damage.

Dave’s Tip

It is always best to clean the screen with a soft feather duster first so that you don’t then rub any residual grit over the screen.


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How to clean pet hair from furniture

Pets are great companions in the family home and are generally great company to have around. Unfortunately, their fur can provide a frustrating problem when trying to remove it from the furniture. Of course, the easiest strategy to avoid this problem is to train your pets not to sit on the furniture.


However, if this is almost impossible, at least we can show you a great step by step way to removing pet hair from your furniture:



1. Use your hands to remove any clumps of hair that you can see.

2. Using the hose attachment of your vacuum cleaner, vacuum as much pet hair off the furniture as possible.

3. In this step you can use one of two options. First option is using a large, lint roller or other tape product. Or, lightly wet a rubber glove and run your hand over the furniture or use a dryer sheet to lift the fur.

4. In both options, brush in downward strokes in a rolling motion to gather all the fur up in one motion.

Dave’s Tip:


Use the sole of the runner, the rubber sole will cause the pet hair to ball and lift.


Residential Cleaners

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How to clean a fridge

It is important to thoroughly clean out your fridge every 6 months to ensure it stays odour free and remains hygienic. There is nothing worse than opening the fridge and being confronted with an awful smell, especially when you’re hungry! 

Follow these step by step instructions to achieve a clean fridge:

1.       Start by removing the entire fridge’s contents. It is much easier to clean the fridge without having to work around its contents.

2.       Throw out any food that is out of date, mouldy or passed its prime.

3.       Wipe out any food scraps or crumbs.

4.       Remove the trays of the fridge that you are able to. This will make scrubbing them much easier and allow better access into the fridge.

5.       Wipe both sides of the trays removed using a mild dish soap. Allow to dry by standing on the dish rack or on newspapers or paper towels.

6.       Before replacing the trays, wipe the inside of the refrigerator using a clean cloth soaked in warm, soapy water.

7.       Rinse this area with a clean cloth and warm water.

8.       Clean the door of the fridge. Again, remove any trays you can and don’t forget to clean behind the areas you have removed.

9.       Take out the vegetable and salad holders and clean these in the sink with detergent and warm water. Wipe dry with a tea towel before replacing back in the fridge.

10.   Dry the fridge.

11.   Replace all the trays and compartments back inside the fridge.

12.   Place all the food back into the fridge. Make sure all bottles and items are clean before putting them back. A messy bottle or sticky jar may undo all your hard work.

13.   Wash the outside of the fridge including the gasket (rubber around the door) with warm water and soap. Wipe dry with a tea towel.

14.   To prevent odours from lingering and minimizing store an open packet of bicarbonate soda in your fridge.

rubber gloves image by AGphotographer fro

Dave’s Tip:

Scuffs and stains in the fridge can be removed by using non-abrasive tooth-paste, also grease spills will succumb to a little lemon juice and water.

Residential Cleaning Melbourne

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How to clean a microwave

Microwaves can be rather messy. Especially when the food you were heating happens to explode and send food everywhere. Fortunately, there is a really easy method to cleaning your microwave.


To clean a microwave:

1. Remove excess crumbs from the microwaves interior using a dry cloth.

2. Fill a microwave-safe container with 1-2 cups of water.

3. Place the container in the microwave and heat it for about 2-3 minutes to boil - The steamy residue will loosen the food particles in the microwave.

4. Since the bowl will be hot, use extreme caution and carefully remove the tray from the microwave. There may be some excess hot water sitting on the tray.

5. With a clean, damp cloth, wipe down the interior of the microwave and the tray separately.


Dave’s Tip:

Never use cleaning chemicals when cleaning the microwave.


Cleaning Services Melbourne

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How to clean the pink build up from tile grout

Have you ever wondered why your tiles often have a build up of pink mould when they are not cleaned regularly? This pink colour is the result of antimicrobial product reacting with soap scum. 

To clean the pink stains off tiles:

1. Apply a crème cleanser such as Jiff or a mild dilution of Domestos
2. Spray on affected areas
3.  Leave to soak for ten minutes
4. Rub and scrub vigorously
5. Rinse off with clean water
6. Repeat if necessary
7. Dry off with a warm towel.

Dave’s Tip:

If you are planning on using Exit Mould or other similar product make sure you completely dry the area before applying the product. Also, do not use too much bleach on grout as it can turn yellow.

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How to clean the shower floor

Shower floors are tough to keep clean especially in large families. Unless they are cleaned regularly, the build up of scum and mould will quickly appear spoiling the overall appearance if your bathroom downwards. Bathrooms should be kept clean to promote cleanliness all over the house. As with all major cleaning chores in your home, regular, daily maintenance can help you avoid the hard, deeper cleaning.

To clean the shower floor:

1.       Pre spray the shower floor with a light bleach or bleach based product.

2.       Let it soak for at least ten minutes.

3.       Use a sponge scourer with some jiff or an equivalent cream cleanser.

4.       Rub vigorously.

5.       Apply extra attention to the corners in a square shaped shower base as these generally have a bigger build up of soap scum

6.       Rinse off with the shower water and a bucket if needed.

7.       Repeat if necessary.

Dave’s Tip:

Do not skip over step two! Always allow the product to sit for at least ten minutes before working on it. This will allow the product to soak into the scum and begin breaking down the mould. It will make your job easier as less elbow grease will be required to get the tough stains out.

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How to clean leather

Here are some tips on how to clean leather. First you need to identify which type of leather is to be cleaned. There are two types of leather you may find in your household. One is unfinished leather such as work boots and saddles and the other is finished leather such as furniture, luggage and clothing. Finished leather has had a protective layer applied to it so it requires less care.  

Cleaning leather can be a risky process, especially if you are not sure how to do it. Always test a small part of the leather you are cleaning before beginning the full process.

To clean finished leather:

1.       Use a small amount of moisturizing soap on a damp cloth and bring it to a lather before applying to the leather. An example of a moisturizing soap is Dove.

2.       Bring the damp cloth to the leather trying to keep as much water off the leather as possible.

3.       Using a fresh, damp cloth, wipe away the lather. Never rinse the leather in water.

4.       Finish by polishing the leather with a dry towel. Also, where possible, treat the leather using a leather conditioner after it is completely dry.

To clean unfinished leather:

1.       With a damp cloth, rub saddle soap directly into the leather working the soap into a light lather.

2.       Wipe away the lather with a clean, fresh cloth.

3.       Allow to air dry

4.       Lightly spread a leather preservative, such as mink oil, on the leather to finish and give a polished look.

Dave’s Tip:

Before cleaning, whether it be finished or unfinished leather, it is important to test in an inconspicuous place.  If water marks appear sometimes the only solution is to wipe a damp cloth over the entire item.

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How to remove filmy residue from ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiling is a very popular choice to use as flooring in both bathrooms and kitchens. Ceramic tiles are very attractive when they are clean, however they often can accumulate a layer of film, soap scum or tough grit if they are not regularly cleaned.  This murky layer will dull the appearance of the ceramic making it look aged and unappealing and the attractiveness of the ceramic tiles can be easily lost. To restore your ceramic tiles and bring your kitchen or bathroom back to that brand-new feeling, follow these easy steps:

1.       Use only gentle cleaners during this process and soft clothes or sponges as ceramic tiles are easily scratched or become dull from abrasive cleaning products. Even when trying to get rid of the grit from in between the tiles, be careful not to scratch the tiles.

2.       Spray an all-purpose cleaner such as spray & wipe, which is non-abrasive, directly onto the ceramic tiles, a dash of Domestos in a bucket of water i.e. 2 capfulls is also ok.

3.       Leave for ten minutes as it soaks into the film.

4.       Gently wipe away the film by using a sponge or soft cloth.

5.       Repeat if necessary

6.       If the film stays then try and use a mild abrasive cleaner, such as Domestos at the rate of 3 capfulls to a bucket. Leave to soak and then wipe away with your sponge of cloth.

7.       Rinse the floor with water thoroughly to make sure all household cleaning products are removed from the tiles, as any remaining residue may appear on the tiles over time.

8.       Wipe the floor down to dry with a towel.

Dave’s Tip:

Avoid using heavy amounts of bleach as it will yellow grout if left for too long.

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How to clean cobwebs

Cobwebs are a nuisance to clean, and are very common both on the inside and outside of your house. Since they stick to about anything they touch, you may find them sticking to other walls or trees if you don’t pull them down correctly.

However, all the trouble of cobwebs can be eliminated if you have the right cobweb duster.

If you don’t have a duster specifically for cobwebs, a microfiber duster will do or even stretching an old stocking over the head of a broom can take the cobwebs away.

To clean cobwebs:

To remove cobwebs from smooth surfaces:

1.       Use a microfiber duster.

2.       You may find it easier to use when the duster is wet, if the manufacturer says it can be wet.

3.       Remove all hanging ends to stop them returning quickly.

To remove cobwebs from textured surfaces:

1.       Use your vacuum hose as a cobweb remover as sometimes the cobweb remover can smear the walls.

2.       Remove all hanging ends to stop them returning quickly.

To remove cobwebs from exterior surfaces:

1.       Spray cobwebs from the garden hose on variable pressure on exterior surfaces such as windows, shrubbery, stucco and vinyl siding

2.       In the outside areas such as garages, sheds, carports, pergolas and outside decking, suck the corner cobwebs by using a vacuum since they are generally deeper and harder to clean out.

3.       Remove all hanging ends to stop them returning quickly.

Remember, cobwebs are made from spiders, to avoid spider bites try avoid direct contact with the webs.

Dave’s Tip:

Wipe cobweb broom or duster on the carpet to remove excess cobwebs from the cobweb broom. Vacuum the excess off the carpet.

House Cleaning Melbourne

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How to clean a stainless steel surface

Stainless steel must be maintained more often than most people understand to keep it in good condition. Although called “stainless” it can in fact stain, corrode and discolour without proper attention. Grime accumulates easily on the surface of stainless steel resulting in maximum corrosion. It is also easily scratched and marked without the right cleaning method.  

Although the cost of stainless steel is often high, with the correct management the achievement of long life and good performance is easy. The frequency and cost of cleaning stainless steel is lower than for many other materials and this will out-weigh the cost of purchase.

Cleaning stainless steel if often a simple process but it can depend on what type of mark or stain needs removal.

Here are a few specific ways to clean stainless steel:

1.       Routine clean: Washing with soap or a mild detergent and warm water followed by a clean water rinse is usually quite sufficient. For an even better appearance, finish by wiping dry the cleaned surface to give it a shiny touch. 

2.       Discolouring and Stubborn Stains: Use a cleansing cream, such as Jiff, as the detergent. Use a fibre brush or rag. Rinse well with clean, warm water and dry completely afterwards.

3.       Fingerprints: Use warm water with soap or some type of organic solvent. Rinse with water and dry well to give a polished finish.

4.       Grease/Oil Marks: Use an organic solvent (such as methylated spirits). Use a rag or sponge to clean with elbow grease. Rinse well with clean water and wipe thoroughly. Dry. Repeat if necessary.

5.       Rust and Corrosion: Use plenty of water and a touch of nitric acid. Leave to soak on rust for 30minutes to 1 hour and then wash off with more water. Use the general cleaning method afterwards with soap, water and detergent. Dry off to finish.
Note: Use gloves while using acid and be extremely careful. Add the acid to the water to combine, and be sure to flush all excess down a treated waste system. Do not spill acid over other areas and be really thorough with rinsing.

6.       Deposits from Hard Water: Use a mixture of water and vinegar. Soak solution and then use a brush to clean. Rinse well with clean water.

7.       Scratches on a Polished Finishing: Slight scratches - use a nylon pads. Polish with pads or cloths with iron-free abrasives for deeper scratches. After this, clean as a routine clean with soap, detergent and warm water.

Dave’s Tip:

Do not use ordinary steel wool because iron specks can become fixed in stainless steel and cause further surface issues. Scotch-Brite scouring pads, and stainless steel specific pads, are satisfactory.

Stainless Steel Surface Cleaning

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How to clean your carpets, why carpet dry cleaning is better:

Your carpets and furnishings are the third largest investment after your car and house so it makes sense to maintain and prolong this investment. Sometimes we don’t realise how much traffic, feet, pets, and parties roll over our carpet and furnishings each year. Vacuuming your carpet regularly will help maintain your carpet, but nothing beats a professional clean.

Many people wonder why dry cleaning is better than steam cleaning.

The top four reasons why dry cleaning is better than steam cleaning are as follows:

1.       Dry cleaning leaves your carpet smelling fresh and homely. Steam cleaning tends to leave a wet dog smell behind.

2.       Your carpets are guaranteed not to shrink or stretch, one of the main problems involved in steam cleaning.

3.       After dry cleaning your carpets will not be soggy

4.       When steam cleaning, if the carpet is not dried properly (which is often the case), it will lead to bacterial or fungal growth on the carpet.

The best way to clean your carpet is through a professional dry cleaner.

Dry cleaning involves four steps:

1.       Pre-vacuum and pre-treat stains.

2.       Apply a cleaning solvent to the remainder of the carpet.

3.       Dry clean the carpet, regularly changing the cleaning pads.

4.       Rake the carpet and repeat process if necessary.

The best part about dry cleaning is there is no drying time whatsoever. Your carpets are ready to walk on. This makes dry cleaning ideal for families.

Daves tip:  

Don’t steam clean because it often removes the lanolin which is the natural protection in the carpet and wool.

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How to clean your sink and make it super shiny

Your sink is an important part of your home and keeping it nice, clean and shiny can help improve the look of your kitchen.

1.       Wash the sink with a dishwashing detergent of some sort.

2.       Leave the sink damp.

3.       Apply a cream cleanser, such as Jiff, lightly using a sponge scourer or a Teflon coated sponge.

4.       Rub vigorously.

5.       Rinse clean.

Dave’s Tip:

An old toothbrush can be handy for cleaning around the plug hole with a bit of jiff on it.

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How to clean a range hood

There are 2 ways to clean a range hood. One takes time and is tedious. The other is Dave’s way. Simple and quick, you will never clean your range hood another way again.

How to clean a range hood the hard way:

1.       Remove the filter from the range hood.

2.       Place the filter and the fan filter in boiling water in a bucket or some other decent sized container. The water should completely cover the filter.

3.       Put on rubber gloves as you will be using sodium triphosphate as a detergent. (Note: Detergents containing phosphorus which contribute together with other sources of phosphorus to the over-fertilization of many fresh waters and other negative environmental effects)

4.       Add sodium triphosphate to the water and mix. Let this soak for 1 hour.

5.       After soaking for one hour, take out the fan and filter and remove the grease and dirt from each by scrubbing hard using a stiff brush.

6.       Use your cleaning cloth and rags to wash the range hood thoroughly.

7.       Rinse and dry the fan filter and parts and place back in the range hood.

How to clean a range hood the easy way:

1.       Remove the filter and the fan from the range hood.

2.       Place them in the dishwasher.

3.       Run the dishwasher on a pot scrub cycle.

4.       Place the filter and fan parts back in the range hood when the cycle is finished.

Dave’s tip:

Every so often run the dishwasher on a higher pressure than eco-save, like a pot-scrub or super wash, to flush out the componentry and the pipes of scaly residue.

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How to clean windows like a professional

Windows are supposed to be transparent. Nobody wants to see dirt and fingerprints instead of the view outside. Clean windows will make all the difference to a clean house. Especially when the sun is shining through in summer. So it is time to get motivated!

To clean your windows like a professional follow Dave’s easy steps:

1.       Remove any windscreens if cleaning outside windows, or place a towel underneath if cleaning inside.

2.       Take away any cobwebs you see with an old cloth or broom.

3.       Remove any excess dirt using the garden hose if outside, or use a duster or old cloth if inside. Clean one window at a time to avoid water stains.

4.       When cleaning windows the best combination of solution to use is Morning Fresh, or another good quality detergent, and a dash of toilet bowl cleaner. (See Dave’s Tip below)

5.       Soak a sponge in this solution and thoroughly clean the window frames.

6.       Clean the window with a sponge dipped in the cleaning solution. Make sure the glass is thoroughly wiped. For best results, use a rubber squeegee/ (blade). Begin by cleaning the right upper corner. Then start on the upper-left side of the window working your way down in an s-shaped rhythm until you reaching the bottom corner on the right side.

7.       With every stroke you make with your blade or cloth it is important to dry it off afterwards. This will prevent visible streaks appearing on your window after the clean.

8.       Finally, dry the window frames using an old cloth or a chamois.

Dave’s Tip:

The toilet bowl cleaner is normally full of optical brighteners which make things look brighter to the eye. So your windows look cleaner and brighter.

Window Cleaning Services

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How to clean soap scum off a shower screen

Having trouble seeing through your shower glass because of scum and dirt? Embarrassed when guests step into your bathroom? Shower screens are a hassle to keep clean, but with a few simple steps it is easy to make it clean and keep it clean!

To Clean Soap Scum off a Shower Screen;

1.      Spray your shower screen all over with a cleaning solution, preferably a bathroom cleaner with low bleach. This starts the clean by wetting and softening the soap scum on your shower glass.

2.      Then apply some cream cleanser (Jiff) to a wet sponge scourer, on the dark green scourer side.

3.      Next, scrub the glass using plenty of elbow grease.

4.      Finally, rinse.

5.      Repeat process if necessary and rinse again.

6.      The final step and the secret to a clean shower screen is to dry off the shower with a microfiber glass cloth or squeegee.

Dave’s Tip:

·         Be careful using too much bleach on grout as heavy bleach can turn white grout a yellow colour.

Cleaning Services Melbourne

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