Stains are a part and parcel of life. No matter how careful you are, your home will eventually accumulate some amount of stains on the carpets, walls, furniture, appliances, etc., and that’s okay. All you need is a way to tackle them. From red wines on the couch to grease splatters in the kitchen, each type of stain represents a unique cleaning challenge. If you’re living in a rental, cleaning up these stains becomes crucial, as during the move-out cleaning, the rental will face a very meticulous inspection from the landlord or property manager.
This article will provide the reader with a guide to effective stain removal solutions that will help clean every corner of the home in a spotless manner. Whether you’re dealing with ink stains on fabrics, hard water stains on bathroom fixtures or food spills on benchtops, this article will arm you with everything you need to know to get them out. By following the tips below, you can ensure that your rental looks presentable for the End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne inspection. Read on to find out more!
1. Removing Stains from Carpets
Carpets often bear the brunt of spills and foot traffic, making them one of the most stain-prone areas of the home. The key to removing common stains like coffee, wine or pet accidents is to act quickly and prevent the stain from setting in. Blot the affected area with a clean cloth and absorb the excess liquid.
For water-soluble stains, a mixture of warm water and mild-dish soap works well and for tough stains like red wine or ink, a solution of white vinegar and baking soda will help in lifting the stain. For deep-set stains or stubborn marks, consider using the services of a professional carpet cleaner to restore the carpets to their original condition. Steam cleaning is another great option that you can try out.
2. Cleaning Walls and Painted Surfaces
Walls can accumulate a lot of fingerprints, smudges, crayon marks, scuffs and food splashes, especially in high-traffic areas. To clean painted walls, you need to start by using a damp microfiber cloth that has been slightly dipped in a mild cleaning solution and then use this to wipe the walls. For tougher stains, make a paste of baking soda and water to help lift away the grime without damaging the paint. You should avoid using harsh chemicals as they, too, might cause discolouration.
For grease stains in the kitchen, a mixture of white vinegar and warm water can help with breaking down the oil. Apart from this, magic erasers are also quite helpful in removing stubborn marks without requiring you to put in some serious elbow grease. If you’re preparing for meticulous end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, ensure all walls are stain-free to avoid acquiring deductions to your bond.
3. Tackling Furniture Stains
Upholstered or wooden furniture are very prone to spills and dust accumulation. If your fabric-based furniture has gotten a stain, blot the spill immediately and use a fabric cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water to clean the area thoroughly. In case of ink stains, use rubbing alcohol. But before you use any of these solutions on your furniture, always test it out on a small, inconspicuous spot first to check whether it does more damage than good.
For wooden furniture, you need to take a different approach. For watermarks, use a mixture of baking soda and water or a small amount of mayonnaise to help lift off the stain. For deeper, more ingrained stains, a solution of vinegar and lie oil can help restore the shine while removing the marks. Regular dusting and polishing will also help maintain the longevity of wooden furniture.
4. Kitchen Stains and Grease Removal
The kitchen is one of the hardest areas to keep spot-free as a result of the frequent cooking and food preparations that take place in it. Grease splatters on benchtops, cabinets and stovetops are quite common and can be difficult to remove if left untreated. A simple solution of dish soap and warm water can be used for this as this can cut through grease very effectively, and for tougher stains, using a solution of baking soda and vinegar will prove useful.
Stainless steel appliances often show a lot of fingerprints and water stains, so to clean them, wipe them down properly with a mixture of vinegar and water or use a specialised stainless steel cleaner to maintain their shine. Regular cleaning will prevent the grime from building up and make deep cleaning easier.
5. Removing Bathroom Stains
Due to the nature of their use, bathrooms are prone to accumulating water stains, soap scum and mould, all of which make the space look unclean. To remove hard water stains from the taps and shower screens, you need to use a cleaning solution made of vinegar and water, which needs to be applied using a damp cloth. In the case of soap scum that refuses to budge, make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and apply this directly onto that region.
Mould and mildew thrive in the moist environments of the bathroom, especially in the grout lines and the corners. To eliminate this, use a solution of bleach and water to kill the mould and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the space. Most expert End of Ease Cleaning Melbourne services recommend that, once you’ve got the space free from these pesky things, maintain proper ventilation to reduce the moisture build-up in the bathroom and prevent future growth.
6. Dealing with Clothing and Fabric Stains
Stains on clothing and linen need prompt attention in order to prevent permanent damage. Common stains like coffee, sweat, ink, etc., can be treated with household items like lemon juice, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, but in the case of greasy stains, using dish soap is an effective pre-treatment before washing the entire fabric.
Always check the fabric label before using any stain removal method. For delicate fabrics like silk, wool, etc., it's better to hand them over to professional cleaners, as they are the safest option. When dealing with stubborn stains, soak the fabric in a mixture of detergent and warm water before washing to help break down the stain further, making the stain-lifting process much easier.
Remove Stains from Everywhere in Your House
Wrapping Up
Removing stains from different parts of your home does not have to be a daunting task. With the right cleaning techniques and products in hand, you'll be able to maintain a home that is clean, organised and, most importantly, spot-free. Try these tips and tricks out today, and take the first steps to a cleaner home. Happy Cleaning!