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.

Carpet Dry Cleaning Melbourne

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