How to Handle Chocolate Stains on Clothes, Upholstery and Carpets

Festive occasions and day-to-day events can cause chocolate stains on your costly clothes, furniture & upholstery, or carpets.

Chocolate stain is not an easy customer! It’s called a combination stain. With a variety of ingredients such as proteins, sugar, fats and oil, and tannins, chocolates easily get absorbed into clothe fabrics and become very difficult to remove. If not handled properly, these stubborn stains can spoil your upholstery, clothes and carpets.

Chocolate Stains on Clothing

For clothes with ‘dry wash only’ labels, never attempt to try DIY tips to clean chocolate stains - you’ll have to call a professional cleaning company to do the stain removal in such cases.  

Use the following chocolate stain removal method on washable clothes:

Put the cloth in a polythene bag and place it inside the fridge for 20 minutes. The polythene or plastic bag is used to avoid the cloth getting stained by other substances in the refrigerator. Once the cloth is cold enough, take it out and gently scrape away maximum amount of the chocolate stain with a scraping tool or steel ruler. Wipe as much of the excess chocolate as you can, but always make sure that you’re not pushing the stain deeper into the fibres.  

Next, apply some dishwashing detergent on the chocolate stain and wait for 10 minutes. Now put the cloth in the washing machine and run a normal washing cycle. You may repeat the process two or three times till all the traces of chocolate is removed.

Chocolate Stains on Furniture & Upholstery

Using a small plastic spoon, you can scrape off any sticking chocolate flakes from the upholstery.

Take a container and add 2 cups of water. Mix it with one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing powder. Dip a clean cloth in the detergent liquid you just made. Use this dampened cloth to slowly remove the chocolate stain on the upholstery or furniture starting from the outer edge of the stain. Repeat the dampening of the stain and removal processes till the stain is removed fully.

Next, dip a cloth piece in clean water and then use it to sponge the stain affected area. And finally dry the area by wiping with a dry cloth. 

If the stain is very tough, you may also try putting 2-3 drops of a dry-cleaning solvent directly onto the stained area. After a few minutes, blot the affected area using a dry cloth several times to see that the stain has been fully removed. 

Chocolate Stains on Carpets

If your carpet is stained from a bar of chocolate, it can be termed as dry stain because there is not much liquid involved. In this situation, we can first vacuum the stained area to remove maximum amount of chocolate. But while vacuuming, ensure not to use the beater brush on your carpet because it may grind the stain into your carpet. Instead, use the upholstery attachment to the vacuum cleaner and just make use of the suction of the vacuum to pick up loose chocolate specks and bits.

However, if the stain is caused by wet chocolate, never use the vacuum method.

Next step is to use a towel dipped in cold water to sponge and blot the stain, starting from the outside of the stain and moving towards its centre area. And finally, use a laundry detergent and repeat the sponge and blot processes to completely remove all traces of chocolate stain from your carpet.

So, the chocolate stain removal from the carpet, furniture & upholstery or your clothes is not that crazy difficult to deal with. It can be done in simple easy steps. And let there be Easter, Christmas or any other party time, you can have the last laugh as you know how to remove the chocolate stains now!

The Benefit of Calling Experienced Home Cleaning Professionals

Use effective, naturally-derived, non-toxic home cleaning products as much as possible for home cleaning. The house cleaning charges vary from $15 to $25 per hour in Australia/New Zealand. However, never believe the cheap home cleaning services as they may compromise on quality.

Do you find it difficult to clean your house and the premises because of busy work schedule? Don’t worry; we have many years of experience in dedicated house cleaning in New Zealand and Australia, and can help you out. Book a home cleaning task online today or call us now on 0800 000 907 for a free quote.

DIF Tips to Clean Thermal Backed Curtains in Your Home

We all have faced problems associated with mould in our homes when there were lapses in our home cleaning and maintenance practices.  You might have noticed that mould attacks more during winter and rainy seasons. Mould is irritating and smelly and can cause serious health and respiratory problems for you and your family members.

If you happen to see mould build-up on your window curtains, don’t panic; we can show you how to remove it using simple home remedies. However, if you have allergies, asthma or related respiratory illnesses, never forget to wear a mask while cleaning mould affected curtains. If your health issues are complicated, we recommend calling professional house cleaners to remove the mould.

When You Can Clean the Curtain in a Washing Machine

You can use a delicate washing cycle in the washing machine if both your curtain and its thermal linings are fabric material. Add some soap powder or liquid soap into the warm water in the washing machine. When the soap fully dissolves, put your curtain in the washing machine and make a normal wash cycle without letting the machine to spin. Once the washing cycle is over, fill the laundry tub with water and rinse well.

Now take out the curtain and hang it straight on the clothesline, don’t fold. Don’t use clothespins to hang curtains, always use the curtain hooks. You should double check to ensure that the thermal lines are not touching each other. If there was more dirt in the first curtain piece you washed, then you’ll have to drain the washing machine and refill with fresh water. Otherwise use same water for two or three curtains till the water gets dirty.

When the Curtain Needs to Be Hand-washed for Mould Removal

Remember, if you use washing machine to clean your curtains which are thermally backed/patterned thermal fabric, be cautious, you could spoil the show and damage your curtains beyond repair. If you act carelessly, the thermal lining in the curtains can get stuck together and damage it. If you try to untangle the linings, they’ll just peel off. 

So, use the following cleaning methods to safeguard your curtain:

First vacuum the curtains, or try shaking the curtains to remove dust, dirt, and loose mould spores. You may use this opportunity to give the windows also a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth and plain water after you have removed the curtains. Ensure to wash the hooks, strings and other attachments before fitting the curtains back.

Condition 1

If you notice that the mould has affected only the base and corners of the curtain, then do the following.  Mix half a cup of white vinegar with one cup of warm water and pour it into a spray bottle. Mix well and spray the cleaning liquid on the traces of mould. Wait for 20 minutes and wipe the area with a plain cloth to remove the mould.

Condition 2

If mould is spotted at many areas of the curtain, get it hand washed perfectly. Put the curtain in a bathtub with water and 1 cup of vinegar. Wash it carefully without spoiling the thermal lines. If the wet thermal material (coating) starts to stick to itself, then it’s difficult to save your costly curtain.

Now, take out the curtain from the bathtub and hang it to dry in a straight position without folding. You may also spread it flat over a clothes horse. The drying should be done in a well ventilated area, and on a sunny breezy day, it’ll be quick to dry without getting damaged.   

Prevention is Better than Cure

Even after washing properly, you may find mild traces of mould stain in the curtain as it’s not possible to completely wash away the whole mould presence. However, you can be rest assured that the washing will ensure the mould spores are dead and won’t grow any further. Again, consider the saying that prevention is better than cure. Make sure that your windows don’t suffer from condensation and that the conditions for mould growth are always avoided.

Call professional house cleaners for weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or occasional home cleaning to get everything done efficiently and thoroughly. This will prevent cleaning issues such as mould and mildew, stains etc.

Some DIY User Guidelines for Your Kitchen and Home Appliances

Timely care on home appliances can save you costly maintenance issues later on. Let us look into simple care and DIY procedures that you’ll have to observe on a regular basis regarding all your home appliances, including fridge, washing machine, microwave, dishwasher etc.

Fridge and Freezers

Occasionally clean the door seals to remove dirt and mildew- this will ensure proper air sealing. Brittle or damaged seals will cause leaking of cool air. The result is more energy consumption and higher power bill! 

Check door seals for dirt & damage, and replace them if there are cracks, warps and damaged sections.  This will save power and enhance cooling performance. You can check the condition of a seal by closing the fridge door on a small piece of paper. If there is firm grip on the paper, the seal is working fine; otherwise it’s time to replace it.

How to Use Fridge and Freezer Cost-Effectively

If you are going away for vacation or other long breaks, don’t forget to switch off your fridge. Also remember to empty the fridge and thoroughly clean the fridge and freezer. Let its doors remain open to avoid moisture build up. If you have a second fridge for cool drinks, turn it off when not needed.

Ensure that the children are not spoiling your fridge. Its doors should not be opened frequently and kept opened for longer periods. This is to avoid leaking out of cool air otherwise your fridge will work for longer duration and consume more power.

Keep the fridge in a well ventilated space away from heat or direct sunlight. Don’t overfill your refrigerator; allow sufficient space for easy flow of cold air.

Microwaves, Oven/Stoves

Microwave should be cleaned after every use. There should not be any traces of food particles inside the oven. Salty spills can enter cracks and cause rusting, which will cost you dearly as repair may not be economical. Keep the door seal area clean and check the oven for damage as this can cause microwave leakage.

Check oven/stoves: Always refer manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your oven and hob. Check the hinges and door seals of oven/stoves for dirt and grease build up.

Dishwashers

Use the manufacturer’s instructions to clean out the dishwasher filter and the seals on a regular basis. Run a damp cloth over the seals to clean the dirt.

Try to use the dishwasher when it’s full in order to save electricity and water.

Take out the dishwasher filter assembly and wash the internal filter under a running tap with the help of a plastic brush to remove the dirt. And for the bigger trap filter, just rinse it under hot water.

Dehumidifiers & Heaters

If you are using dehumidifier, ensure that its filter is cleaned from time to time. First dry out the filter and then use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean it.

When using room heaters follow safety instructions given in the care and maintenance manual. Keep heaters away from curtains or furniture to avoid fire incidents.   

Washing Machines

Ensure that you’re using the recommended detergent in correct quantity for the type of clothes you are using. Electrical problems may occur if excess foam is generated due to overuse of detergent.

Have a periodical check on the water fill hoses of the washing machine- there can be wear, damage, corroded fittings and leaks. If you find these signs on the hoses, immediately replace them to avoid further damage. 

Clothe Dryers

Check that there is no lint build-up as it may cause fire. Also keep it a point to clear the lint filter after each load so things will improve and it’ll take less time to dry the clothes.

Make sure that all the home appliances are well secured against toppling over in case of an earthquake. If you inspect them regularly and read the user manuals while attempting any repair or adjustment, you’ll not only prolong their life period, but improve their energy-efficient quality also. These maintenance practice notes are issued by the customer care team at Select HomeCleaning — your first choice in dependable & affordable award winning home cleaning services in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington & Christchurch.

Things to Remember Before Hiring a Home Cleaning Service

House cleaning may be a burdensome business for you. If you are an average house hold dealing with family, work and other routines, cleaning your home properly is a challenge and it is sure you sooner avoid it.

As there are many house cleaning service companies cropping up globally ready to do the cleaning work, it may be an overwhelming task for you to choose and hire an appropriate house cleaning service at an affordable cost. However, with good understanding and simple thumb rules you can pick up the best option.

What should you know about a home cleaning service? What are the things to be considered before hiring a cleaning service? Given below are the tips to be taken for consideration when appointing a home cleaning service in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington & Christchurch.

Interview about their potential cleaning service: When hiring a big company, ask whether they will depute the same person consistently on all the days, or do they depute them in rotation. There are pros and cons in both the ways.    

Check whether the Home Cleaning Company is insured and licensed: Will they do the replacement for the breakages done by them. Or will they take the responsibility in repairing it? If the service personnel get wounded or hurt who has to take care of it? Select Home Cleaning guarantees you the peace of mind, and safeguards your possessions with their police checked, highly reliable honest home cleaners servicing Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton,Wellington, Christchurch etc.

Define the scope: Fix the duration of the cleaning service, whether weekly, bi-monthly or one time cleaning. Mention the areas to be cleaned, such as top shelf, furniture, lampshades, refrigerator, under cushions, windows and doors casements, dog-snot, mode of kitchen floor washing,  mop or hands, dusting the base board etc.

Verify that the pricing is free of any hidden costs: Before hiring, get the confirmation that there are no other hidden costs involved in this service. Select Home Cleaning is a dependable and affordable home cleaning service that can do it with utmost care. 

Get details about the cleaning products: Get clarify whether they clean using swiffer on the furniture or use spray and wipe the dust. Some people do not like to spray anything on the furnishings. Vinegar may be excellent cleaner, but it may spoil the marble floor. Select Home Cleaning uses appropriate environment friendly cleaning products for perfect cleaning.

Discuss with them and get the details of the number of home cleaners coming to your home: Instead of having a single person to do it all the whole day, you can have more number of persons to complete it within a short duration. 

Decide your presence at home when they are cleaning: Most of the companies give their arrival time frame and you have to block that time to be at home. However, you can also consider giving the key to the service if you are not at home during their service time.

Do not be afraid to give the instructions to the hiring service. It may seem uncomfortable initially, but you have to guide them on the areas important to you.  Be firm and clear what you need to be done. Treat them with courteous, respect and this relationship will be of great benefit to you. Select Home Cleaning is the first choice for you to have affordable, reliable award winning perfect home cleaning services. Call us for your free quote now: 0800 000 907.

Apartment Cleaning Services for Busy Professionals

Many people find it hard to keep their apartments clean and free from dust and germs. The task can be time-consuming and difficult, especially when you have a tight schedule. You may be out for work for a long interval. In such cases, it is prudent to hire professional apartment cleaning services to do the task for you.

Benefits of an Apartment Cleaning Services Company

When you opt for an apartment cleaning company to clean your home, you get many benefits. Before you choose the cleaner, it is important for you to check the credentials of the company and ask them how their service can benefit you. The duties of the apartment cleaning professionals depend upon the size of your apartment, the terms and conditions of the contract both of you enter into and the cleaning company you hire. You will find that most apartment cleaning companies have different kinds of services to provide you. The duties of the apartment home cleaners include taking out the garbage, washing and drying the dishes, cleaning the refrigerator and, dusting and cleaning all the rooms in your apartment thoroughly. The routine or schedule of cleaning your apartment depends upon your specific needs. You can simply contact the cleaners as you deem fit.

Only hire reputed apartment cleaning services in Tauranga, Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland

Finding an apartment cleaning service near your home is not a difficult task. You can check online resources or look up in local business directories for home cleaning services. Before you hire the first provider, it is very important for you to check the nature of the services they give you. At this point of time, you should have a very good knowledge of the different kinds of services offered by different kinds of companies.

You should also make a list of the services you need. This will help you in a large manner to shop compare the rates. Visit their website and check customer testimonials and track records. Companies that give you very cheap rates should not be opted for. If you are out of the apartment, you surely do not want the wrong people to be around. Check for competitive rates and police verification certificates. This will ensure that the people who come in to do the apartment cleaning will be background checked and skilled. Moreover, they will maintain the confidentiality and privacy of your home and not leak it out to others. This is something very important and you should not miss it out.

Select Home Cleaning- Much trusted professional apartment cleaning services

Select Home Cleaning is a well known apartment and home cleaning company in New Zealand.  It provides house cleaning and commercial cleaning services to the residents of Tauranga, Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland. The professionals working here are very friendly and they ensure that your apartment is thoroughly cleaned even when you are not around. All the professionals working at Select Home Cleaning are security checks cleared and so you can be at ease while they work in your apartment. They use modern equipment and cleaning materials and are well experienced too. The professionals are friendly and care for your apartment in the same way like you do. Contact them today on 0800 000 907 and ensure having a clean apartment always!