Category: Cleaning Tips

It is essential to clean our surroundings to be clean from dirt and germs. Cleaning of stairs is one way to ensure everywhere in your surroundings is clean. And a clean surrounding takes care of your health even more in these crucial times. The coronavirus can be anywhere, and stairs and railings are some of the public places where it is easier to contract the virus.

Cleaning of stairs should not only be done when the dirt is evident; regular cleaning of stairs should be routine for healthy living. Stairs are made of different materials like concrete, wood, and so on, and these different materials require other cleaning methods.

To make the cleaning more efficient, you would need to mop the stairs after dusting or sweeping. Some of the ways to clean the different types of stairs would be analyzed below. Continue reading to learn more about the kind of stairs peculiar to you.

How to Clean Wood/Hardwood Stairs?

Wood stairs are a common type of stairs because of their longevity. Wooden stairs add a unique class to homes, primarily when they are properly maintained. Wooden stairs are straightforward to clean; you only need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: First thing you should do is remove all items that can disturb the cleaning process, like children’s toys, bags, etc. Then you sweep the stairs with a broom. The sweeping should start from the top to the floor and ensure you stand on a side while cleaning so the dirt doesn’t stick to your feet.

Step 2: After sweeping, the first thing you should do before taking another action is to check what type of sealant is on your wooden stage. Then get a cleaner that is suitable for your finished wood.

Step 3: You should mix your cleaner in warm water and make sure the water is not much because too much water might cause your stairs to swell. Use a microfiber mop or a terry cloth to wipe the stairs with your cleaning solution. The microfiber mop would attract the smallest dirt particles.

Step 4: After mopping the stairs from the top to the floor, allow the wood to dry. And the next step is to polish the wood; polishing the wood does not necessarily have to be done every time you clean the stairs. The best way to apply the polish is with a microfiber Terry cloth and start from the top to the floor.

How to Mop Exterior Metal Stairs?

Metal Stairs are the obvious best choice for outdoor stairs. And the maintenance is not as much as wooden stairs. The steps to clean metal stairs are below

Step 1: The first thing you need to do when you want to clean metal stairs is to get a microfiber cloth to dust the grim. This process should be done correctly for the result to be adequate.

Step 2: After dusting off the grim with a microfiber cloth, the next step is to get a liquid metal cleaner. Mix the metal cleaner in a bucket with warm water and use it to mop the stairs down. This process is to ensure that every rust is washed off.

Step 3: After mopping the stairs with the mixed liquid solution, you should get a pressure cleaner. Use the pressure cleaner to hose down the stairs, and the shine would be back.

How to Clean Spiral Metal Staircase?

Cleaning spiral metal staircases is similar to cleaning other metal stairs. There are three steps to cleaning spiral metal staircases.

Step 1: The most crucial cleaning process when dealing with any metal stairs is dusting. It would help if you brushed your metal stairs regularly so that too much rust wouldn’t accumulate on the iron.

Step 2: After dusting, you should get a liquid metal cleaner and mop the stairs with a cleaner and water mixture.

It is also essential to clean the metal with a cleaner at least once every two weeks. Also, stay away from cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals.

Step 3: After mopping the mop with the cleaning solution, you should check if there are any more rusts; if any, you can use a metal scraper to get rid of them. When you’re sure of no more rusts, you should paint the stairs with a protective coating. You should also apply the primer first before applying the paint if the primer is not mixed in color already.

How to Clean Outside Wood Stairs?

Cleaning outdoor wooden stairs is similar to cleaning indoor wooden stairs except for a few differences. The steps to cleaning outdoor wooden stairs are as follows:

Step 1: The first thing you need to do is sweep the stairs from the top to the floor.

Step 2: The next step is to use a mop to wash the dirt on the wood because it is an outdoor stair, and the cleaning has to be more thorough. It would help if you used a kitchen cleaning liquid.

Step 3: After mopping the stairs with the cleaning solution, you should use a pressure cleaner to rinse it off. Then use a dry cloth to dry it and allow it to dry for 2 to 3 days.

But if there are algae on the stairs, you shouldn’t use a pressure cleaner as it can destroy the wood. It would help if you used a small knife to scrape the algae off the wood. Then use oxygen bleach mixed in warm water to clean the surface and allow it to dry. Then scrub it with a brush before rinsing it.

Step 4: After the wood is dried naturally, the next step is to add sealant on the stairs to protect it. Outdoor wooden stairs should be sealed at least once a year to keep them in good form.

How to Clean the Stairs with Rugs/Carpets on?

Some stairs have carpets or rugs on them, and this does not make the cleaning any more stressful except that after sweeping the stairs with a broom.

Step 1: After sweeping the stairs, you should use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the carpet from top to bottom. Use the attachment to move from the top downwards. Vacuum each step from left to right.

Step 2: After vacuuming the carpet/rug, you need to apply carpet cleaner. You can use a portable carpet cleaning machine the same way you used the vacuum cleaner. But if you’re using your hands to scrub, you should not use much cleaning solution so your carpet would dry off in time.

Step 3: Allow the carpets to dry; it would take around 30 minutes to dry when hand washed. When the rug is dry, begin to mop the stairs with a mixture of wood cleaning solution and warm water.

Step 4: After mopping the stairs, clean with a dry cloth and allow it to dry naturally before polishing the stairs. And then you can spread the carpet on the stairs again.

Tips on Mopping Stairs for Effective Cleaning

There are some general tips you should note when mopping stairs generally to make the cleaning complete. Steam mops are one of the best mops to clean stairs, but you should always consider if the material of your stairs can withstand the steam so you won’t damage the stairs. Some of the other tips are as follows:

• Clean the sticky handrail

The handrail of any stairs is usually one of the dirtiest parts of the stairs. You should clean the bar thoroughly with a mixture of water and cleaning solution.

• Look the corners

Microfiber cloths are recommended when cleaning stairs because there are always some corners on the stairs that mops might not reach but holding a microfiber cloth would make it easier to clean every corner.

• Remove scuffs and wears

It is also essential to remove scuffs and wear them on the stairs before cleaning because the dirt you would be cleaning from the stairs might damage the clothes. The best thing is to remove clothes and other properties before starting the cleaning.

• Protect the wood

Wooden stairs require a higher level of caution when cleaning than metal stairs. You need to protect the wood; that is why it is recommended to seal the wood regularly. And also, when using liquid solutions, you should make the fluid adequate and not too much as the water might weaken the wood.

Conclusion

You should do the cleaning of your stairs regularly, but it still relies on some other maintenance like checking the safety of the stairs regularly, especially for metal stairs.

It goes hand in hand; when the stairs are clean and sound, it will serve the purpose properly. It would help if you also were careful because different types of stairs require other cleaning methods, and using the wrong way might lead to improper work or damage to my stairs material.

Pets are wonderful companions, and that is why more and more people are getting pets. Dogs are agreed to be the most adorable of them all, but they can be messy at times. Every pet owner should know how to get the dog or cat pee from the carpet.

Dogs are used to peeing on any surface in the house, especially when you start house training them. Therefore, you should know the best carpet cleaning solution for pet pees to make your home look and smell fresh.

Why Does Dog Pee Stinks?

Dog pee comprises ammonia, bacteria, hormones, and uric acids; the ammonia in the urine gets stronger over time. This makes it into methanethiol which is a gas that makes the smell of a dog’s urine distinctive. Because of ammonia in the urine, it is not recommended to use ammonia-based cleaning products to clean the pee stains because it would worsen the situation.

Because of how dog urine smells so bad, you have to clean it as soon as possible to become a permanent smell. And the longer it stays without cleaning, the harder it gets to get rid of.

What Cleaners are Safe to Use?

When the dog first urinates on the carpet, the pH scale is on 5 or 6, which puts it on the acid side of the plate, and it is easier to clean at that time, but as soon as it stays on the surface for up to 10 minutes, the pH scale moves between 10 and 12, and this is on the high side of the plate which makes it alkaline.

The best thing to do is clean the urine immediately you detect it because the ammonia smell in the urine is terrible for the lungs. There are three main approaches to cleaning pet urine from carpets. The three approaches are:

1. Disinfectants:Using disinfectants is the safest way to use them because the disinfectant would kill the bacteria.
2. Bio Enzymes: Using Bio Enzymes is the most effective method because it is fast and very effective. Bio Enzymes are live bacterias that would make the bacterias from the urine die. This process can be done by professionals only because the bio Enzymes must be at 72 degrees to be effective. It would help if you considered putting plastic over the spots to keep them moist. And it also does not work on a surface where disinfectant is applied because the disinfectants kill the bio Enzymes.
3. Oxygenation:Oxygenation means using fresh air to kill the wrong scent, but this method takes more time than the other methods. This is not a reliable method to clean carpets off urine stains and odors.

How To Make Home Made Cleaners

Aside from the professional methods, you can also make some homemade cleaning solutions to clean the dog’s scent and spots.

First, you need to mix ammonia into warm water.

Then you dip a white cloth into the solution and use it to blot the spot until the stain is not visible.

Then you mix two spoons of white vinegar into a cup of warm water.

Then use the solution to blot the stained area, then dry the carpet with hair dryers or towels.

To see more homemade cleaners.

How to Clean Dog Urine from Carpets Naturally

The present world is one where everybody is doing away from organic substances, and this might cause you to want to clean your dog urine stains and odors naturally. It is effortless to clean the stain naturally. The things you need to clean the dog urine are:

• Paper towels
• Vinegar
• Baking Soda
• Vacuum Cleaner

The vinegar is a natural stain removing substance, and the baking soda would help get rid of the smell.

You can make a vinegar stain removing solution in a bottle to make it easier to use when needed.

Step 1: To clean a stained spot on the carpet, you need paper towels to blot the stained area till it’s dry. Change the paper towel and continue blotting till the stain is dry.

Step 2: Then, you should spray the vinegar solution on the surface till it’s wet, then scrub with a soft brush. The vinegar solution would neutralize the ammonia and clean the urine.

Step 3: After that, you should put baking soda on the surface while still wet with the vinegar solution. The baking soda might take a while to dry, sometimes a day or two.

Step 4: After that, you should use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the carpet. Cleaning the rug would take away all the stain and the baking soda out of the wig.

If the dog pee is on a spot or different spots on the carpet, you need first to clean the place or spots because cleaning the carpet without cleaning the sites first allows the areas to be still visible.

What Should You Do When You Find Dog Pee on Floors?

When your dog pees on the floor, you are expected to clean it. It would help if you considered the following when cleaning dog pee stains on the floor.

Act Fast

The best way to clean dog pee from the floor is to clean it immediately and fast because delaying the cleaning would make some residues of the stain not come off after cleaning, and it would make the odor linger around for a longer time.

Also, not cleaning fast might make them see that spot as it’s the favorite peeing spot.

Use Steam Cleaner

Immediately you find out that your dog peed on the floor, you should get a fresh towel and use it to soak up the urine. Change the towels repeatedly till the urine is dry.

Then put the vinegar solution on the ground and use a sponge to rub it for 5 to 10 minutes. After that, wipe it with a dry towel. After that, you can apply a steam cleaner for pets to steam wash the floor to kill the odor.

Refreshen the Floors

To freshen the floor, you should add baking soda before steam cleaning. The alternative way to freshen the floors is by using natural enzyme-based cleaning products to soak the stain.

How to Remove Dog Odor?

Many dog owners have sacrificed their pets because they could not manage the dog odor in the house. However, there are different ways to get rid of dog smell in the house.

A popular method that many people follow is by using cleaners. You shouldn’t use products like ammonia or vinegar when trying to get rid of dog odor because these products would make the smell worse to bear. That is why it is better to buy pet odor cleaners from stores.

Also, you can get rid of dog odors by steam cleaning the floor if the floor is the type you can use a steam cleaner on. Steam cleaners would need you to add a cleaning solution to the cleaner according to instructions. The steam cleaner would use the steam from the machine to clean the house and smell the smoke.

You can also get rid of the dog smell by using machine-washable items. This process is done by adding baking soda to the regular detergent and using the solution to wash the blankets with a machine. You can only use the machine wash method on materials that machines can clean to get the odors out.

How to Prevent Dog Stains on Carpets

Once you have successfully gotten rid of all the dog stains and odors from the house, the best thing is to ensure the dog does not pee in that particular place ever again, and you can do this by making the area unattractive to the dog. Doing this would save you the stress of cleaning dog urine too frequently.

One important thing is to clean the place immediately the dog pees because the longer the dog sees the pee at that place, the more it will know the place is the right place.

Also, try to recognize why the dog picked that particular place and change the location of whatever motivated it to another area of your choice. This would make the dog see the new place as where it is supposed to use.

Lastly, visit a veterinarian to help you rule out sicknesses that could cause the dog to pee anywhere.

Conclusion

Even after training your dog, you need to know how to clean dog pee stains and odors because sometimes accidents happen. And there are different ways to clean, depending on your preference; you can make homemade cleaners with baking soda and vinegar if you do not like chemical cleaners. And you can also get cleaners from stores.

It is essential to use a cleaning solution on the surface immediately after the pee is discovered to disinfect the place faster.

The cleanliness of our homes and various surfaces around us is very important. While cleaning, there are certain dirt, stains, dust mites, mildew, and bacteria, among others, that may not come out easily when cleaning.

Using a steam mop to clean your home can be tricky if you are a beginner. Therefore, we have decided to give you an insight into how to use a steam mop to clean various surfaces in your home. But do you really know how to use a steam mop?

How Does a Steam Mop Clean?

Before we get to use a steam mop, we’d better know how does it work.

When a steam mop is connected to a power source, it heats the water inside the tank for up to around 248 degrees Fahrenheit, which is around 120 degrees Celsius.

Some steam mops may have lower temperatures, while others may have more than 120 degrees Celsius. Generally, a steam mop will heat the water in the tank to a temperature of above 100 degrees Celsius. Most dirt, bacteria, and stains, even the stubborn stains, cannot survive in a steam of over 100 degrees Celsius.

The steam mop features steam jets that release the hot vapor to moisture the microfiber pad. After moistening the microfiber pad, the steam then soaks the ground or the place where the dirt or stubborn stain is.

Since the temperature is more than 100 degrees Celsius, the dirt, stubborn stain, bacteria, or dust mites will be weakened and easily come off, leaving the surface spotlessly clean.

Click here to check the benefits of using a steam mop.

Where Can I Use Steam Mop on?

Steam mops are generally used in various applications at home. Additionally, steam mops may come with accessories included for use in easy cleaning of multiple surfaces and hard-to-reach areas during purchase. You can use a steam cleaner on:

• floor

A steam cleaner can be used to clean and remove the hard, stubborn dirt and stains from the floors of your home. You have to check the floor of your home to ensure the steam cleaner does not damage it since different steam cleaners are designed for different floor types.

A steam cleaner will heat the water inside the reservoir to a temperature above 100 degrees Celsius, killing germs and removing the stubborn stains and dirt with ease.

• Carpets

Carpets are among the places in the house that can get dirty easily and have allergens that may be harmful to your health. You can use a steam cleaner to easily remove stubborn stains and dust mites by attaching a carpet glider to it.

The carpet glider will glide across your carpet’s surface, killing and getting rid of the dust mites and stubborn stains with ease.

• Cars and others

A steam cleaner comes with extra attachments like a squeegee and flat scrapper that you can use to clean your car windows. Additionally, you can use a steam cleaner to remove oil spills and build up around your car’s engine.

You can use the appropriate included accessories to get rid of loose dirt and debris plus other dirt from various surfaces of your vehicle.

Besides what has been mentioned, the steam mop can be also used on glass, sheets, stairs, furniture, stovetop, dishwasher, windows, and car mat, and even clothes.

How to Use Shark Steam Mop to Clean Floor?

(You can take shark steam as an example to instruct users how to use a steam mop on floors. And how about Bissell steam mop? Vax steam mop? Are they have commons in cleaning? Or are there differences in using different brands of a steam mop?)

If you want to use a Shark steam mop to clean the floor in your home, you start by:

Step 1: Start by sweeping or vacuuming your floor to get rid of loose dirt and other particles that may be there.

Step 2: Get your steam mop ready and fill the reservoir with water.

Step 3: Turn on your steam cleaner and let the water heat up for around 30 seconds, depending on the capacity of the tank and the heating power.

Step 4: Pump the handle to make the microfiber pad or the cleaning cloth dampened. Select the cleaning mode depending on nature or the dirt and stains on your floor.

Step 5: Move the steam cleaner back and forth across the surfaces of your floor until the stubborn stains and dirt come out. This will leave your floor clean and germ-free.

Step 6: When you are done cleaning, you should unplug the steam mop from the power source and let the attachment like the microfiber pad or the cloth cool off to prevent you from getting it before dismantling it from the unit for easy storage.

Bissel steam mop, Vax steam mop, and shark steam mop all use power to heat the water in the tank before releasing a hot steam vapor for cleaning and removing stubborn stains and dirt. They come with extra accessories for cleaning various surfaces.

The only difference between the steam mops is their technologies, such as the TwinTank technology in Vax steam mop, steam blaster technology in Shark steam mops. Generally, you can use the same method or process to steam clean the floors in your home.

How to Use a Steam Mop on Carpet?

• Clean stains on the carpet

in order to remove stains on the carpet in your room, you will need to:

Step 1: Clear your room. Since most steam cleaners are operated by pushing and pulling them, having many things in the room will reduce your cleaning pace.

Step 2: Vacuum the carpet. When vacuuming, you will be able to get rid of loose dust particles, pet hair, crumbs, and other things that can be sucked. It would be best if you vacuumed at least two times. The first and the second should be totally from different directions.

Step 3: Treat the spots with stubborn stains before you start vacuuming.

Step 4:Get your steam cleaner ready.

Move the steam move across the carpet from one corner to another in straight lines. When you are done, you should allow the carpet to dry up.

• Clean dog hairs on the carpet

Step 1:  Vacuuming or using a microfiber mop to remove the fur from the carpet. However, there are 2-in-1 steam mops that will vacuum and steam clean simultaneously since they can suck up the dog hair and steam clean at the same time because of the technologies used in the construction.

Step 2: Get your steam cleaner ready.

Step 3: Move the steam mop across the carpet from one end to the other. The steam will get beneath your carpet fibers and remove the toughest dog hairs with ease.

Step 4: Leave your carpet to dry up.

Click here to see how to clean a smelly carpet?

Click here to see the best steam mop for pets.

How to Use a 2 in 1 Steam mop?

A 2-in-1 steam cleaner can be used to steam clean both the floor and hard-to-reach areas like your windows, ceilings, and many more. A handheld steamer is always lightweight for you to carry comfortably while cleaning hard-to-reach places.

Step 1: Fill the tank with water.

Step 2: Connect it to the power source. Switch on the power source and turn on the handheld steamer if it does not begin to heat automatically.

Step 3: After heating, connect the accessory for the intended purpose. e.g., squeegee to clean your windows, grout tool to remove grout from bathroom and kitchen walls, and flat scraper to steam clean your car windows, plus many more depending on the place and the right attachment.

Step 4: Point the attached accessory towards the place or item you want to steam clean.

Step 5: Steam the area until the stubborn dirt comes out.

You can easily remove and attach different accessories included cleaning different places. Additionally, there are attachments that you can use to steam clean multiple places. For example, Squeegee you can use in both house and car windows.

FAQs:

Can you use a steam mop on wood floors?

There are sealed and unsealed wood floors. You can use a steam mop on sealed wood floors since the floors can withstand the moisture and heat and will not get damaged.

However, a steam mop is not recommended for use on unsealed wood floors. The unsealed wood floor is always vulnerable, and it can easily get damaged by moisture.

How often do you use a steam mop to clean floors?

The frequency at which you use a steam mop to clean floors in your home depends on you. It is optional. Steaming your floor will depend on how long it takes for your floor to be dirty.

You may steam daily or even once a week. If you are alone without children and pets, you may take time before steaming. However, if you have pets and kids around, you may have to steam often to ensure the dirt and germs that may be harmful are eliminated as much as possible.

Conclusion

When you are equipped with the above information, cleaning various surfaces in your home using different attachments with the steam cleaner will be easy.

You will have a hassle-free experience cleaning your home using a steam clean when you know how to use a steam mop using the information illustrated above.

Dogs are one of the friendliest animals. Keeping them in your home will keep you entertained and secure. However, the four-legged animals have fur that is irritating, especially when the fur is left on your carpet, furniture and other surfaces.

For you to ensure the various surfaces in your home are free from dog hair, you will need multiple types of mop for effective cleaning. Using the mops to remove dog hair from various surfaces in your home can be challenging.

Therefore, we have decided to give an insight on how to get dog hair out of the carpet in your home.

What Types of Mop Are Able to Clean Dog Hair Effectively?

Using a suitable mop improves the cleaning effectiveness. Keep reading to find out what mop are able to clean dog hair effectively.

Microfiber mop

this mop is equipped with features such as high-quality pads that generate static that will help in attracting your dog’s hair onto it for easy cleaning.

Additionally, they have rotating heads that can rotate for up to 360° for easy cleaning. Microfiber mops also have various head sizes that you can choose from depending on the size of your carpet for fast cleaning and maximum coverage.

Further, they are adjustable; hence you can easily adjust the height for a comfortable cleaning depending on your height. Most of the pads in microfiber mops are reusable; hence you can use them for extended periods.

Steam mop

the mops are always lightweight, which will ensure you have an easy time maneuvering around the furniture when removing dog hair out of your carpet.

Additionally, steam cleaners also heat up within a short duration due to high power ratings. With fast heating, you will be able to remove dog hair and other dirt from your carpet easily.

During purchase, steam mops come with added accessories that you can use to remove dog hair from a hard-to-reach area like under the furniture.

Moreover, the amply sized tanks carry enough water that can be steam for easy and fast removal of dog hair and dirt from your carpet.

Vacuum

vacuum mops have strong suction power that will help in removing microscopic allergens and dog hair out of your carpet.

Additionally, some vacuum cleaners have specialized nozzles designed to attract dogs’ hair from the carpet. They are lightweight for easy maneuverability while cleaning and removing dog hair out of the carpet.

Further, they have effective filters and dust cups that help to trap and collecting dog hair from the carpet. Special accessories are always included for easy removal of tough stains and hair from the carpet.

Squeegee

they feature rubber or silicone bristles that will attract dog hair for easy removal from the carpet.

Additionally, some have adjustable handles for comfortable use by individuals of different heights. For easy reach and maneuverability in hard-to-reach areas like under the furniture, some squeegees are angled.

How to Get Dog Hair out of Carpet/ Rug/Bed?

Here are guides remove the dog hair out of the carpet:

Using a squeegee

Take a squeegee with a long handle and move it back and forth across the surfaces, i.e., carpet, rug or bed.

While moving the squeegee back and forth, the attached rubber will loosen the embedded dog hair on the various surfaces. After that, pick up the clamps of dog hair or fur that have accumulated. Repeat the process until you remove all the dog hair from the surface.

Check out the Squeegee for dog hair here.

Using a microfiber mop

Microfiber mops have high-quality pads that generate static that will help in attracting your dog’s hair onto it. You take the microfiber mop and move it across the surface of your carpet, rug or bed.

While moving the mop across the surfaces from one end to the other, the dog hair will automatically attract microfiber mop pads.

Click to see more dust mop for pet hair.

Using a steam cleaner

You will need a microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner to remove the loose dirt or dog hair from the surfaces of your rug, carpet or bed. After removing the loose dog hair using a vacuum or microfiber mop, you get your steam mop ready.

Then you move it across the rug, bed or carpet from one end to the other. The hot vapor from the steam mop will get beneath your rug, bed or carpet and get rid of the toughest dog hair with ease.

Accessories such as the carpet glider will glide across the rug, carpet or bed, removing stubborn dog hairs and other tough stains with ease.

How to Remove Dog Hair from Furniture?

Method 1: Take a dry squeegee. Move the squeegee back and forth over the surface of your furniture. Doing this continuously will lead to the dog hair loosening and coming out.

Method 2: Additionally, you follow by taking a microfiber mop or a vacuum cleaner.Moving the microfiber mop across the surfaces of your furniture will lead to the loose dog hair on the surface coming out and get attracted to the high-quality pads.

Method 3: You can also use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the loose dog hair from the surfaces of furniture by moving it across from one end to the other.

Method 4: After using a squeegee, a microfiber mop, or a vacuum cleaner, certain dog hair may be stubborn and will not come out easily. You will need a steam cleaner to remove them.

Start by getting your steam mop ready and filling the reservoir with water. A steam cleaner will heat the water into steam to a temperature of around 120 °C.

Most stubborn dog hair, stains and germs will come out easily when a hot vapor of over 100degrees Celsius is brought upon them.

Moving the steam mop across the surface of your furniture from one end to the other back and forth will lead to the stubborn dog hair coming out with ease, leaving the furniture clean.

How to Clean the Dog Fur on Curtains/Sheets?

Sometimes the dog hair always sticks on curtains and sheets, check out the effective method to deal with it.

Regular cleaning

In order to clean dog fur from your curtains and sheets, you will need a handheld vacuum cleaner and a steam cleaner, preferably a steam mop.
You may need a squeegee to move it across the surface of your curtains or sheets to loosen the dog fur.
After loosening the dog fur, you will take the handheld vacuum cleaner and move it across the surface of the curtains and sheets from one end to the other. It will be able to suck up the loose hair from your sheets and curtains.

Still can’t get off it?

Since there may be stubborn dog hair remaining beneath the curtains and sheets, you will need a handheld steam cleaner.

You will add water to the steam mops tank and heat it to a temperature of over 100 °C. Then you follow by moving the handheld steam cleaner across the surface of your curtains and sheets. The stubborn dog fur will come out with ease leaving them clean and neat.

How to Reduce Dog hair on Car Mats?

Check out the video to see how to get dog hair out of car seat

Method 1: You can use a squeegee to reduce dog hair on your car mats. Start by dampening your car mats, take the squeegee and squeeze it across your car mat surface. The dog hair will come out easily.

Method 2: Use a vacuum cleaner. Take the vacuum cleaner and move it across the car mat. It will suck up the loose dog hair from the car mat, leading to reduced dog fur.

Method 3: Microfiber mop. Microfiber mop features heavy-duty pads that will generate static. The static will attract the dog hair to the pads in the microfiber mop. This will lead to the reduction of dog fur from your car mats.

Method 4: You can also brush your dog daily. Bath the dog. Brushing the dog or bathing it will lead to the removal of dead hair from its body. Removal of dead hair from your dog will reduce dog hair from your car mats.

How to Reduce Dog Hair Shedding?

Reducing dog hair shedding is probably the easiest way to keep the couch, curtain, and bed clean.

Ensure your dog is hydrated

When your dog drinks enough water, its hair shedding will reduce. Inadequate water in your dog will cause its skin to be dry.

Your dog will have skin irritation with dry skin, leading to weak hair follicles and its hair shedding unnecessarily.

Give your dog an Omega-3 supplement.

Giving your dog a healthy and balanced diet will help reduce its shedding of hair. Omega-3 is known to improve dog skins. Giving your dog an Omega-3 supplement will minimize excessive shedding.

Bathing your dog regularly with a proper shampoo

When you bathe your dog regularly with a proper shampoo, the old and dead hair on its body will loosen and be removed.

Additionally, bathing your dog will keep your dogs’ skin and hair in optimal condition. With your dogs’ skin in optimal condition, its hair will not shed easily.

Using a proper shampoo to bathe your dog will also reduce the chances of skin condition that may lead to its skin drying out and increased shedding of hair.

Brush your dog regularly

Brushing your dog regularly is one of the most effective and simplest ways to reduce your dog hair shedding. While brushing, you will be removing dead fur from your dog before it drops off.

FAQs

1. How do I stop my dog’s hair from sticking to the carpet?

You can stop your dog hair from sticking to your carpet by vacuuming regularly. When you vacuum regularly, the chances of dog hair getting stuck or getting deep into your carpet fibers are reduced. Additionally, you can reduce your dog hair shedding by giving it a balanced diet, keeping it hydrated, bathing it daily and even brushing it. Reduced shedding of dog fur will lessen the hair sticking on your carpet.

2. How do you get pet hair out of carpet without a vacuum?

You can use a microfiber mop with high-quality pads that generate static that will help attract your dog’s hair. After the lost dog fur has been drawn to the microfiber mop pads, you remove it and steam clean.

3. Will a carpet cleaner remove dog hair?

Yes, a carpet cleaner will remove dog hair. There is equipment such as vacuum mop, squeegee, microfiber mop, steam mop and others that when you use, all the dog hair on your carpet will be removed completely.

Conclusion

Having proper knowledge in time on how you can get dog hair from the surfaces in your home is essential. With the above information, you will have a hassle-free experience removing dog hair from the carpet and other surfaces in your home.

Read more to see the best mops for pet hair.

Continue reading “How to Get Dog Hair out of Carpet/ Rug/Bed?” →

Dust mite is a tiny insect that is nearly invisible by naked, and they feed on human dead skin for survival. These insects can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and allergic reaction when your skin comes into contact with their enzymatic feces.

Dust mites in our homes are primarily found in beddings especially the mattress. Human beddings provide a direct source of food and favorable condition for their survival and multiplication.

However, when they are not controlled, they become a threat to humans, especially those who are allergic to allergens. Below is detailed information about dust mites and how to manage them before your bed becomes your nightmare.

Why Are There Mites on Your Mattress

Dust mites like invading and inhabiting your mattress because it provides the best niche and factors for their survival. It would be wrong to think that they are brought by dust because it does not provide a conducive environment for their survival. These factors includes the following:

• Sheds dead skin

Dust mites commonly feed off of dead skin cells/flakes. Hence, you will likely find them in our beddings, especially on the mattress where the dead cells sheds on.

• Perspiration

Mites do not drink water, but they need water for digestion. Instead, they hydrate their body through our sweat. How does dust mite hydrate their skin from sweat?

The skin cell membrane of a dust mite is highly hygroscopic, which makes them survive even if the humidity is low. Thus, when they come into contact with skin, that little sweat on your skin would be absorbed by the dust mite cell membrane, thereby providing sufficient moisture for digestion.

• Warm and Humidity Condition

Mites do thrive and multiply well in warm and high humid conditions. Since outdoor and dust conditions are not favorable for them to thrive and multiply, you will likely find them in our homes because of warmth and high humidity. Besides, sweating and breathing also provide an excellent humid and warm condition for them to thrive well.

• Pet Hair

Our pets also contribute dust mites infestation on the mattress because their hair also carries dead skin, fibers, and pollen grains which triggers dust mites. Hence, they made their way to mattress by sharing with them the same bed.

Why Are Dust Mites A Problem?

Dust mite may not seem harmful to humans, but their allergens can cause mild to severe health problems if they are not adequately controlled. Below are some of the issues caused by dust mites:

They cause an allergic reaction, especially to those who are allergic to allergens. Hence, leading to allergic rhinitis which mainly exhibit the following symptoms: running nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

They excrete enzyme feces which causes skin discomfort, and irritation thereby causing the skin to look unhealthy and dehydrated.

In severe cases, it may cause an asthma attack, and the person may likely show the following symptoms: chest congestion, persistent sneezing, and coughing.

When they heavily infest on the mattress, they will also on infest the human body. Infestation of dust mites on humans is dangerous because they will lay eggs and feed on humans thereby causing scabies and chigger.

Hence, your skin becomes itchy with red rashes and pimples. Chigger and scabies are brought by dust mite bite during their larval stage of growth and development.

How Do You Get out Dust Mites in Mattress?

Dust mites are invisible and tiny, which makes them very difficult to kill. However, there is a lot of option or methods that you can employ to help you get rid of dust mites in Mattress. These includes:

• Use Dehumidifier

Dust mite mostly thrives well in a humid condition of about 80%, but below 50% makes it unfavorable for their survival. Therefore, reducing the humidity by almost 50% or below 35% will significantly help kill them.

The best tool you can use for this purpose is a dehumidifier. However, it does not remove the dust mite feces. These feces are responsible for allergic reactions.

To prevent that, you need to wash your beddings and mattress cover to remove the wastes and kill all the dust mites that might be alive.

• Steam mop

Use a steam mop to vacuum the mattress and remove dust mites in your bed. It would be best if you vacuumed your mattress, bedroom, and other rooms to get rid of them completely.

You should do vacuum cleaning once every week until you get rid of them completely. However, while using this method, you should wear a mask to prevent an allergic reaction from the dust mite allergens.

• Wash the beddings

Always ensure you wash the beddings weekly in hot water that is above 54.5-degrees Celsius to kill dust mite. Hot water destroys dust mite skin membrane making it less active to absorb humidity.

Besides, if you do not want to use hot water, you can use cold water with commercial detergents that contain essential oils. Non-washable beddings should be frozen overnight to kill them.

• Use Dust-mite bedding cover.

Using allergen-impermeable bedding covers will significantly help to get rid of dust mites in your mattress. Dust mite bedding cover kills dust mite by cutting the source of their food and also prevents dust mite from infesting into your mattress.

How to Kill Dust Mite in Pillow?

Dust mites are microscopic and are invisible, making them difficult to see with your naked eye. However, if you are allergic, you can quickly notice their presence since you will start experiencing symptoms brought by the allergens from dust mite enzymes.

These symptoms include; skin irritation, cough, nasal congestion, watery eyes, and many more. However, those who are not allergic or with skin sensitivity issues, can use allergy skin tests, but it adds expense. The allergy skin test is practical because they show an allergic reaction on your skin even if your skin is not highly sensitive.

After realizing their presence in or on the pillow, you should take an immediate precaution to kill them. And the best way is to deep clean the pillow, which you can do through the following methods:

Remove the pillow cover to separate it from cushion/sponge, pre-treat with enzyme stain remover or peroxide ammonia to kill the allergens.

Then soak them in hot water for 15 minutes. The ideal and effective water temperature to kill the dust mite and remove the allergens is about 55-degrees Celsius.

You may deep clean your pillow in the washing machine at 55-degrees Celsius on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent for about 10-20 minutes. However, before using the washer to kill dust mites with their larvae, pre-treat the pillows to kill the allergens.

How to Remove Bed Bug Stains from Mattress?

The bed bug feces and blood from human leaves behind the dark patches and spots on your mattress. Therefore, the best way to deal with bed bug stains is to adhere to the following tips. They include:

Step 1: Since these stains are organic, use warm water or cold water immediately to loosen the organic matter and wipe clean with wet rug to remove the stains.

Step 2: Use an enzyme-based stain remover to pre-treat the mattress by spraying directly on the spot and allow it to settle for about 20-30 minutes. Then use a clean and wet rug to wipe clean the surface. However, if the stain is stubborn, apply a solution of peroxide and ammonia directly on the stain.

Step 3: Air dry your mattress under the shade, use hand soap to spot clean with a wet rug. After that, pre-treat with a solution of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide for about 15-20 minutes until the stain is gone.

Step 4: For light stains, you can remove dust mite using mild soap and spot clean with cold water. But ensure it does not spread.

Can You Get Rid of Dust Mite with Baking Soda?

Yes. Baking soda can be used as an antiseptic or disinfectant; hence, it effectively kills dust mites.

Step 1: Take a cup of pure baking soda and mix it with a few drops of essential oil like tree oil, rosemary oil, or Eucalyptus oil.

Step 2: Then sprinkle the solution on the mattress and let it sit for about 15-30 minutes, and vacuum it all off using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner.

Step 3: Using a vacuum cleaner helps to pick up every dust mite and prevent them from spreading further. However, it would help if you took precautions when using baking powder because of safety concerns.

Step 4: You should wear goggles and protective gloves to prevent baking powder from coming into contact with your skin and eyes since it causes irritation and itchiness.

Besides using baking Soda, you may also use Raw Apple Cider Vinegar by applying directly to the mattress and your beddings to kill the dust mites and the allergens.

How to Prevent Dust Mite and Bed Bugs?

It is our responsibility to prevent Bed bugs and dust mites earlier before they heavily infest your home. The only possible way to do that is to take earlier precautions and measures to combat their infestation in our homes. They include:

Method 1: Remove dust and clean the entire house frequently to remove dust, pet hairs, pollen grains, and dead skin flakes. For cleaning purposes, you may use a steam mop because the hot steam produced is efficient in killing germs and dehydrating the skin cell membrane of bed bugs and dust mites.

Method 2: Continuously regulate the temperature between 20-25-degrees Celsius or below that range which is an extreme temperature that does not favor their survival and multiplication.

Method 3: Your home should be well ventilated, especially if you are living in dry climatic conditions. This will help to reduce the humidity making the environment not suitable for their survival.

Method 4: Or you may use a dehumidifier to control the humidity below 35% to help get rid of Dust Mites.

Method 5: Always clean your pets and their houses frequently to kill the dust mite and bed bugs and their eggs and larvae hiding in the fur or on skin. Besides, it would help if you also keep your pets out of the bedroom.

Method 6: Wash the curtains, walls, and vacuum the upholsteries weekly to kill dust mites and bed bugs with their eggs and larvae hidden in the fabric.

Method 7: Sprinkle silica rock powder on the furniture, mattress, beddings, walls and the crevices, carpets, curtains, or anywhere you think they reside to kill them with their larvae instantly. You should use it frequently until you are sure of the conclusion.

Method8: Employ essential oil by spraying on areas they reside. Essential oils are natural and effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and fungus and are also disinfectants that can kill dust mites and bed bugs.

Conclusion

Dust mites do not only infest dusty or dirty places or homes. But they are also capable of invading hygienic places so long as the condition in the room favors their survival. Therefore, you should take extreme precautions and measures to prevent dust mite infestation.

To get rid of dust mites, I would recommend using Steam mop frequently for general cleaning purposes at home to vacuum the floor, carpet, window, mattress, furniture, and many more.

Microfiber mop is one of the best, convenient and reliable mop that you can use to clean every type of floor. From wet to dry mop, cleaning microparticles and all kind of particles. And microfiber mop will be your best option to consider for these purposes.

However, for a microfiber mop to fit all-purpose cleaning and efficiently clean your home, it is significant to understand how to use it.

Besides, this article will elaborate on using microfiber for a diverse situation that other types of the map cannot deliver efficiently to your satisfaction. Below is a guide on how to use a microfiber mop.

How to Use a Microfiber Mop for Dry Dust Mopping?

Before you wet mop any surface, it is advisable to dry mop the cover for the best result. Hence, I recommend you use a microfiber mop for dry dust mopping.

Microfiber mop has a dry mop pad that you can fix on the head for dry dust mopping. The dry mop pad works in a unique way that you can use it to remove all sorts of particles by dry dust mopping.

The fibers of the dry mop pad create a static energy that makes it magnetic to trap micro-particles, pet hair, dust, and spills on the floor.

Besides that, the fibers are tiny enough to trap the dust and dirt, thereby leaving nothing behind to clean. But before you directly start swiveling the head of the mop on the floor. This is how you handle dry dust mopping with the microfiber mop:

Step 1: Place the dust mop on the floor and place the frame and handle onto the dry dust pad. When placing the frame, ensure it is centered directly on the pad. The pad should also overlap the edge by an inch in all dimensions.

Step 2: Start systemically mopping the floor with the same end of the mop while moving.

Step 3: While mopping, ensure you move forward by walking backward and working the mop side to side.

Step 4: Move the mop side to side by twisting the handle to turn the mop. The purpose of moving the mop side to side is to maintain the edge you started mopping with and prevent the dust, dirt, and other particles from falling back to the ground.

Step 5: After you are done with dry mopping, lift the mop and cautiously remove or separate the mop from the frame to remove dirt and other debris. This should be gently to avoid the trapped particles inside the mop from falling onto the surface.

Step 6: For efficient dust cleaning, remove the dry mop pad and use a damp, wet mop pad to pick up any debris left behind.

How Should You Use a Microfiber Mop for Wet Mopping?

After dry mopping, there are tough stains, pet messes, footprints, spills, sticky and mud on the floor that cannot be removed by simply dry mopping the surface.

For that purpose, it would be best to wet mop the surface to clean your floor, and the best solution is to employ a microfiber mop. Using microfiber for wet mopping is a simple task by just soaking in a little water and rinsing it.

You can use the damp mop with either mild or non-bleaching cleaning agents or without because the microfiber pad is designed to kill 99% of germs on the floor.

However, when wetting the pad, you should be careful enough. Soaking the pad with too little water will reduce its efficacy. Also, it would help if you did not wet it with too much water because the pad will be saturated. It makes the fibers not hold and pick dirt efficiently.

The best microfiber mop recommended you use for wet mopping is O cedar microfiber Flip mop.

O cedar flip mob features an ultra-dense chenille mop head and double-sided microfiber pad, which helps deliver double-action cleaning power. Meaning you can flip the mop head for dry dust mopping and flip on the other side for wet mopping.

Click here to see more best microfiber mops.

Guide on How to Wet Mop Using Microfiber Mop

Since you want to achieve the best result, like a polished surface after dust drying, mopping ensures you shake off all the dust and particles in the fiber to avoid messing with the floor. Then carry onwards with the tips below:

Step 1: Flipped the unused side of the pad of the O cedar flip mop and wet it with water either in the sink, under the faucet, or you can use the improved microfiber mop bucket.

Step 2: After wetting the pad, roll it up and wring it out by hand. However, you should not over-wring it or saturate it with excess water. Instead, wring it to make it damp enough.

Step 3: Start systemically mopping the floor with the same end of the mop while moving backward and working the mop side to side. The purpose of mopping backward is to avoid leaving your footprints and dirt behind. However, while wet mopping, use the instruction {number 4 and 5} on dust-dry mopping for flexibility and convenience.

Step 4: Whenever you feel that the mop is dirty and inconducive for wet mopping, soak and rinse the pad to make it clean and proceed to clean the floor.

Step 5: When finished with wet mopping, rinse and clean the O cedar dual action microfiber pad with warm water or washing machine on warm.

Step 6: Air-dry it or use a low dryer heat setting to dry the pad.

What to Do to Care Your Microfiber Mop?

Now you know how to clean with a microfiber mop, but how would you care for the microfiber mop? Since microfiber mop is expensive, you should adopt a way to care for them to last longer and reduce the expenses of frequently replacing them. And for that purpose, you may use the following tips:

After mopping, remove the mop pad from the head and shake it off to remove the debris in the fibers.

If large debris or residues are left behind after cleaning, use a brush to remove them or break them up to washed out properly.

Soak and wash the microfiber mop warm with a mild detergent that can either be powder or a solution. Besides, you may also machine wash, but before tossing it into the washer.

Step 1: First, you need to soak it. While in the washer, the temperature should not be above 40-degrees Farenheight, and the speed setting should be regular/normal.

Step 2: Do not use fabric softener or microfiber cloth because they clog the pores of the mop pad, which interferes with its ability to trap micro particles and dust debris.

Step 3: Wash the pads separately and do not wash with cotton and non-synthetic materials or towels because they release many stray strands capable of clogging the fibers.

Step 4: For heavy soil that is stuck in the fiber {mud}, high solvent detergent would be efficient for cleaning purposes.

Step 5: After rinsing or removing it from the washer, air dries the mop pad {s}. If you intend to use the dryer to dry it, it would be significant to maintain the lowest temperature to avoid damaging the pad.

Step 6: Store it in a dry and clean cabinet in the kitchen, bathroom, or closet if you like. The reason for keeping it in a sterile cabinet is that microfiber pads generate static energy, which will make it trap any particles within the contact.

How to Clean Microfiber Mop Pad?

Follow the instructions below to clean the microfiber pad:

• Remove the microfiber pad from the head and shake it off to remove the dust and debris trapped in the fiber.• If there are large debris sticking in the fiber, use a soft brush or an old comb to break them.• Soak the pad in hot water before washing it. When washing, use mild detergent and wash it separately with your towels, cotton and non-synthetic fabrics.• Before let under running water to remove all the dirt and debris, then thoroughly rinse it.

  • Air dry on the clothing line and, if best, under the shade to make it last longer. If you intend to use a dryer, set it on low heat.

  • Then store in a clean and dry place like the cabinet or tight bag.

Click here to see more about how to clean a mop.

Conclusion

For a Microfiber mop to last longer, you must understand how to use, care for, and clean it. The best way to make it last longer is to employ the tips mentioned above in every section.

Besides, the significance of adhering to the instruction would save you the cost of frequently replacing the pads and also helps to deliver satisfying outcomes when moping. These cleaning and caring instructions are recommendable for either commercial or home microfiber pads.

Cleaning the mop head is also a necessary step, which effectively prevents odor or germ after use. Well, probably many people have recognized it but do not know to remove and replace a mop head.

In this article, you will learn how to remove different types of mop heads and learn how to install a new one.

How to Take Off Sponge Mop Head?

A sponge mop head is used to make the floor neat and dry water surfaces. It is simple to use and dry, absorbs water readily, can be washed, has a replaceable sponge, and is used anywhere. Here we take Yocada Mop’s head as an example.

How to remove the sponge mop head?

Step 1: To remove a sponge mop head, turn your mop upside down, locate the nuts and loosen them at their edges.

Step 2: When the nuts are screwed off properly, it takes the mop head off.

How to install a new sponge mop head?

To install a new sponge head, focus on the groove (long, narrow bodice) and put the iron clamp on the sponge head into the hollow. After entering the trough, hold firmly and insert nuts in their proper places.

Firmly screwing them helps keep the head in place and prevents looseheads, making cleaning inadequate and ineffective.

These procedures can also be used for other sponge mops, not necessarily the Yocada mop head.

How to Remove Flat Mop Head?

How to remove the flat mop head

Here we take Limban flat mop head as an example.

The flat mop head should be held firmly close to the wringer collar, a white piece used to wring out the mop head.

Step 1: First, raise the wringer collar at a distance from the mop head with one hand and grasp.

Step 2: Then, remove the mop head off the end of the mop handle with the hand, not in use.

Step 3: After that, let go of the wringer collar.

How to install a new flat mop head?

Replacing the mop head is not necessary. Instead, the microfiber pad will be taken off the mop head and removed from its hook and loop closures.

Then, the new head is fixed with ease.

Flat mops cleaning pads can be washed. The above tips work well with other flat mop heads.

Tips and Tricks on Changing Spin Mop Head

The spin mop keeps the home neat by destroying dirt from the pad as the mop is rinsed. It has a curved, circular, and swivel microfiber mop-head style that cleans every nook and cranny. The degree of its wetness is controlled by using the bucket for rinsing and drying.

How to remove the spin mop head?

Take Vileda mop as an example to see how to remove Vileda’s spin mop head.

Removing the mop head should be done gently by placing your feet on the mop head while pulling the mop away from you.

Ensure that the mop is placed in the appropriate direction to prevent the disk attachment joint from bending as the mop is pulled.

How to install a new spin mop head?

When installing a new spin mop head, align the four red pins on the mop head with the inner four black notches on the pole.

Be sure to pair the upper disc and cloth disc then, turn them together until you hear a ‘click’ sound. This sound shows that the mop head is fixed correctly.

The Vileda is a type of spin mop head, but there are many others. Other spin mop heads are also applicable to these steps.

Why Should You Change the Mop Heads?

(1). Bacteria accumulatio

A mop head used over a long time will contain about eight million bacteria/ 100 square cm, billions of bacteria on the floor to be spread and multiplied if careless. Hence, it would be best to change it regularly depending on its area of use (hospitals, toilets, etc.).

(2). Cleaning fluid contamination

Mop head discoloration may likely be a sign of contamination. It reduces the quality of mop fibers and may be due to inappropriate cleaning of mop heads.

(3). Worn out fibers

For microfiber and dust mop heads, amongst others that appear like old toothbrush bristles or have missing spots, it is clear proof that the mops are damaged and less effective.

In addition, ‘wear and tear’ and rule of use (15-30 washings for cotton and about 500 washings for microfiber heads) are reasons to replace mop heads.

Notes on Removing the Mop Head

Mop heads vary in size, shape, texture, and use accordingly.

Removing these heads depend on their type and should be done carefully.

Purchase high-quality mop heads for effective cleaning results and store them in dry places in case of emergencies.

The reasons to change mop heads have been addressed in this article and should be followed duly.

Keeping old, worn out, and discolored mop heads is not only unhygienic but poses threats to our health.

Regular manual/machine washing with proper mop head detergent after use, wringing out, and air drying is necessary to maintain your mops.

Conclusion

Cleaning a mop head is necessary, and you can wash it with your head, which requires a replacement. You can also wash it in a washing machine. If you are interested in how to clean a mop head, check out another page.

Bamboo flooring is a floor type gotten from the bamboo plant. It has been used as an alternative flooring type recently because it has similar physical qualities to natural hardwoods. Manufacturers of bamboo attribute its durability, strength, resistance to moisture and insects, and eco safety.

However, it is essential to apply caution when handling bamboo floors. Because of their similarities to hardwood floors have the same features, including natural shine, but they can be scratched easily.

We’ve put together this article to guide you in cleaning and maintaining your bamboo flooring. Delve in to learn more.

What Mops Are Safe for Cleaning Bamboo Floors?  

Bamboo floors are flooring types made from bamboo. They are famous for their strength, durability, and ease of maintenance.

However, it is crucial to know how to take care of your bamboo floors because it makes the flooring last longer. Therefore, the choice of a good mop for cleaning bamboo floors is as important as cleaning the floors.

The best kind of mops for cleaning bamboo floors is dust mop, spray mop, and spin mop. They get wet and remove dirt easily.

Avoid using steam mops on your bamboo floor. The reason is that steam from the mops absorbs excessive moisture, thus resulting in swelling. It can also distort the floor.

How to Clean and Disinfect Dark Bamboo Floors?

Cleaning your bamboo floor should often be done, especially in areas that people frequent.

Wipe off the floor as soon as you notice any dirt. Materials and equipment needed for this are a soft bristle broom, mop bucket, vacuum, microfiber mop, dry towel, hardwood floor cleaner, vinegar, and sponge or rag.

Follow these steps to clean and polish your floors.

For regular cleaning:

Clean your bamboo regularly is necessary to keep your bamboo floors in a good condition, and shine your bamboo floor is also important. Check the following steps for regular clenaing:

• Ensure you sweep and dust your floor regularly to get rid of dust, pet hair, and dirt. Use a microfiber mop or brush and a bamboo cleaner that’s pH neutral to clean the floor.
• Dampen the mop inside the solution and wring till it is slightly damp—mop in a circular pattern toward the grain. Use a soft towel to clean the floor if you notice wet spots.
• You can clean your floor using water, but ensure you wring out the mop of excess water, so it doesn’t warp or distend your floor.
• Don’t clean your bamboo floor with a steam mop because the heat can enter the base and damage it.
• Wipe off spills with an absorbent cloth once you see them.
• Don’t use products that will leave residue on your bamboo floors. Don’t use products like wax, oil, abrasive or acidic products.

For spot cleaning:

If you have pets, you may need to know how to clean dog urine from bamboo flooring. Or you may have troubles in removing dark water stains from bamboo flooring. Follow these steps:

• Get a mixture of white vinegar, about ¼ cup using a quarter of cold water, and any good cleaner for the hardwood floor.
• Dip a damp rag inside or sponge in the water and vinegar solution, then squeeze it to eliminate excess liquid.
• If your kitchen or bathroom has bamboo flooring, it is advisable to put a rug around the counters where you may experience spills. However, ensure you use a breathable material for the floor, and it shouldn’t have a rubber backing so it won’t damage your bamboo.

Clean the floor regularly. Accumulation of dirt and debris can affect your bamboo floor.

If the grime or dirt is left on the floor and stepped upon, it may result in dents and scratches, damaging the floor surface and bamboo floor finish.

Make it a habit to clean your bamboo floors, so dirt does not stick to them.

Click here to see more about how to mop floors.

What Things Must You Know to Avoid Damage?

As much as cleaning your bamboo floor is essential, there are certain things you should know to make your floor last longer and prevent damage. They include:

• Use doormats at entrances, so it captures dust and moisture.
• Request that friends, family, and other visitors remove their footwear before stepping on your bamboo floor. Don’t place footwear on the bamboo floor instead of a garage, porch, or other storage areas.
• Apply furniture protector pads at the bottom of heavy objects, so they don’t leave any scratches or marks on the floor.
• Don’t drag sharp or heavy objects across your bamboo floor or slide them because it can result in dents and scratches. Ensure you lift the things and put them down gently.
• Avoid using ammonia or ammonia-based cleaners on your bamboo floor. It may discolor the floors and damage the finishing.

Is Regular Floor Cleaner Safe for Bamboo Floors?

Generally, floor cleaners used for cleaning hardwood floors can also serve bamboo floors.

It is recommended to use PH-neutral floor cleaners that won’t cause any damage to your bamboo floors. Some floor cleaners are available in concentrated solutions that require you to dilute them before using them.

Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use the cleaner.

Use distilled water to cut the floor cleaner. Floor cleaners are safe on bamboo floors.

No special cleaner is required, but they should be neutral. Avoid acid-based cleaning agents and ammonia.

How to Care for and Maintain Bamboo Floors?

Caring for your bamboo floor is necessary, which prolongs its life and prevents it from damaging.

Fixing scratches

How to get rid of scratches on bamboo floor? It is often difficult to see scratches on bamboo floors easily. Scratches cause the floors to be messy and reduce their shine.

However, you can take care of your bamboo floors by repairing the scratches yourself, and you’ll marvel at how easy it is. You don’t need a professional to achieve this.

What you need is damp paper towels, foam brush, masking tape, sandpaper with fine grits, polyurethane, and surface filler.

• Wipe the floor with damp paper to clean the scratches
• Leave the floor to be dry and clean with a white paper towel.
• Mask the affected area with masking tape. Ensure you mask correctly so the unscratched place is safe.
• Put a small amount of wood putty and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Rub off excess with a damp paper towel and leave to dry
• Use sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface.
• Remove the take in the affected area. Apply polyurethane sealer on the scratches and surroundings. Leave the surface to dry before you walk in.

Climate and temperature control

Humid climates are suitable for bamboo floors because bamboo experiences humidity all year.

Therefore, it’s most unlikely to experience issues with your bamboo flooring during humid weather.

Likewise, you won’t have to worry about maintaining your bamboo floors during the low season because it is most favorable.

FAQ

Should I wax my bamboo floors?

Bamboo floors scuff easily. Therefore it is essential to clean off marks once they are formed to avoid them expanding. Don’t use wax on your bamboo floors.

Although wax is used to prevent scrape marks, bamboo floors are wax resistant, so they won’t sink in or create the desired smooth finish.

Conclusion

Now you know to clean bamboo floors, so here’s a little reminder. Bamboo floors are easy to clean and maintain, and the best way is by eliminating the dirt once you notice it.

Ensure you use a soft broom or rag to clean scuffs and stains, and place doormats, so visitors don’t come in with shoes. We hope this article was helpful. Enjoy your shiny bamboo flooring and make the most of your cleaning experience.

A smelly and dirty carpet is unpleasant both to the eyes and nose as it makes the place uncomfortable and unhygienic. Often, we can not tell what causes the bad smell. But, be rest assured, dirty rugs can be made neat and fresh by rug experts.

Although, there are times when rug services leave the carpets worse than when given to them. This article will address the why’s and what’s in regards to your rugs.

Why Does Your Carpet Smell Bad?

What Deodorize Cleaner Freshens Carpet and How to Apply?

Baking Soda:

It is a natural product with various purposes that is safe for all, affordable, non-irritable, and surprisingly an odor neutralizer.

Did you know? It removes strong smells like smoke and urine and is a dry absorber. The materials needed for this agent are; a box of baking soda, a carpet vacuum cleaner, and a sieve.

Application:

Sieve a significant amount of soda on the smelly spot overnight and clean with the vacuum cleaner/broom. If the smell persists, rerun the procedures.

Vodka:

The cheap, plain vodka dismisses stain excellently. It is used to remove terrible stench and color. The depth of stain determines the amount of vodka used.

Application:

For minor stains, dip a soft cloth in vodka and tap gently on the stain for a minute. Continue till stain and stench disappear. Deep stains require a large amount of vodka on stain for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, pat it out with a towel or cloth and complete it with a carpet vacuum cleaner.

Carpet Shampoo:

Expert carpet cleaners use it. It is available, simple to use, with dos and don’ts. It is capable of doing many things and can remove most stains. Carpet shampoo reduces risks of mold, is quite expensive but effective.

Application:

The shampoo is dispersed and vacuumed religiously.

Essential Oils:

These are major carpet deodorants with pleasant, welcoming carpet fragrance, for example, lavender, lemon, and peppermint. They are healthy and non-toxic although, short-term. It is mixed with borax or soda for a better lasting effect. Materials needed; drops of essential oils, soft cloth, baking soda, borax, carpet vacuum cleaner, and dried herbs.

Application:

About 15 to 20 drops of your preferred oil are added to a cup of baking soda or borax with a teaspoon of your finely crushed choice herb (not compulsory). The mixture is then applied moderately on the carpet and rubbed off with a moist cloth. Powder remains are removed with the vacuum cleaner.

Detergent:

Naturally, the first option that comes to mind is using detergents to clean carpets which is correct. Detergent contains hydrogen peroxide, a powerful stench and stain dissolved. A carpet vacuum cleaner, detergent, and soft material are used.

Application:

Dampen the area with warm water to unfasten carpet fibers and stains. With the soft cloth, remove hard materials. Use a hard brush to apply a detergent on the stain, fix cleaner to wet/dry, vacuum up and down until stain and water are off.

How to Avoid a Bad Smell on a Carpet?

• Clean dog urine/spill instantly:

Dog urine has a strong smell, and it is absorbed by the underlay over time and gives off a foul stench when it is dispersed without instant cleaning, which is due to the presence of mold. To avoid this, it is vacuumed instantly to dry moisture.

• Basic cleaning:

The carpet should be preserved by vacuuming or steaming regularly (at least once every month) and taken to an expert once a year for proper cleaning to improve hygiene and prevent smell.

However, in some with kids or pets family, it should be vacuumed about four times every week and to an expert thrice in a year. In addition, water pipes should be repaired, and the floor monitored.

Finally, for humid regions, snowy weather, and pipe leaks, the floor should be vacuumed or steamed instantly to prevent mold and moisture.

Click here to check more steam mops.

• Keep good ventilation:

Windows should be kept open to allow cross-ventilation, which keeps the room aerated and lowers odor yet, it can’t be kept open always due to dust.

Therefore, using a fans/HVAC system is an effective means to circulate air. Also, using a dehumidifier or air purifier helps remove dust, dirt, mold substances, and odor caused by pets. Indoor moisture is also reduced by it.

Conclusion

Carpets beautify the home and should be adequately maintained to keep its appearance and avoid discomfort due to its ease of absorbing moisture, making the home inhabitable by its smell.

Keeping carpets neat and in good shape is tedious but highly achievable by dedicating your time and money. First, of course, the right products, quantity, and non-toxic ingredients should be noted.

In cases where the underlay and carpet fibers are destroyed and cannot be preserved with expert vacuuming, a new carpet should be purchased to maintain the neatness and hygiene of the home.

Spills and stains are unavoidable. They can be quite frustrating to eliminate, but with homemade floor cleaner, you can successfully get rid of them.

Regardless of the stain type or dirt, there are homemade cleaning agents that can erase any mess. Here’s a guide for producing homemade floor cleaners.

How to Make a Homemade Cleaner for Your Floors?

Do you want to make cleaners for your floors? Below are some of the ingredients, tools, and steps to take in producing these cleaners.

Ingredients

• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup alcohol
• 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1/8 tsp dish soap
• 5 -10 drops of essential oil or lemon juice (optional)

For a stronger solution, use 1 cup of water instead. If you want to produce the cleaning agent in large quantities, increase the amount of ingredients.

Tools

• Spray bottle
• Container
• Measuring cups and spoons

Procedures

1. Mix all the ingredients in a container and shake gently for even distribution.
2. Spray a given floor area and wipe clean.
3. Store the remaining content in the spray bottle and keep away from heat as it’s highly flammable.

Functions of these ingredients include the following:

• Water acts as a mixing agent for ingredients. It also loosens dirt.
• White vinegar helps in disinfection.
• Alcohol acts as a disinfectant and helps in the cleaning of floors.
• Liquid dish soap reduces dirt by breaking the bonds between grimes and floors.
• Essential oils have a sweet-smelling fragrance which reduces the smell of vinegar and alcohol. Some of these oils include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint and others.

Safety Tips when Making Cleaning Solution at Home

Cleaning agents can be harmful if not handled with care. Below are safety precautions to take when making these cleaning solutions.

• Read labels to ensure you’re using the cleaning product as instructed. The label indicates surfaces to apply the product on, the quantity to use, and the duration it will take to be effective.
• Ensure you don’t mix products as it can be quite dangerous. Use the cleaner according to the directions stated on the label.
• Use cleaning products with caution and store safely, keeping them out of reach of children and pets.
• Use home cleaners in mild quantity.
• Ensure you discard your cleaner in the right way.

Can Homemade Floor Cleaner Tackle with Tough Stains?

Yes, homemade floor cleaners can eliminate tough stains on surfaces. For beverage stains on surfaces, clean with hydrogen peroxide.

Immerse a cleaning cloth into the cleaning agent and apply it on the affected area.

You can use bleach to remove blood stains. Adopting the 1:10 method, add a cup of bleach to ten cups of water and stir vigorously.

Add the solution to the smeared area and wipe clean. If you want to remove gum or wax stains, rub ice cubes on the specific region and allow it to stay for a while before using a stick to remove the hard substance.

Clean the area with solvent. Wash with water and allow to dry.

Eliminate permanent markers or stains with hydrogen peroxide.

Other Places Floor Cleaner Can Be Used on

Homemade cleaners made from distilled water, vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, dish soap, and essential oil act as all-purpose cleaning agents.

These cleaners can be used on surfaces like glass, cabinets, countertops, stainless steel, porcelain, walls, acrylic, among others. In cleaning carpets, you’ll have to use carpet cleaners.

Some natural carpet cleaners include powdered cleaning solutions made from baking powder, corn starch, bay leaves, and potpourri.

It’s not ideal to spray floor cleaner on mirrors or kitchen ventilators as it can leave streaks on them.

Conclusion

Now you’re well-acquainted with how to make homemade floor cleaner. Besides that, you’ve glean tips on how to handle cleaning products, clean tough stains, and surfaces. Guess you’ve learned some valuable tips. Are you making your cleaning agent soon? Do let us know in the comment box. Don’t hoard this knowledge! Share with your loved ones.