st annes

October 22 2018

remove stains from Halloween

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Trick or treat!

How to remove stains from Halloween :

So it’s that time of year again, when we all done costumes for office parties and our children are ready to go trick-or-treating. The tradition in the UK for All Hallows’ Eve may not be as strong and as celebrated as our American friends, yet when the celebrations are over and normal services resume to start November, you’re left with all the mess to clean up. Here are some tips on how to remove stains from Halloween.

Pumpkin stains:

If you’re partial to a few sculpted pumpkins around the office, you’re probably aware of the nasty stains they can cause. A common mistake is leaving them out for too long. Until they start to get mouldy, or placing them in areas where they are easily knocked over. Either way you’re going to end up with a stain so you’ll need to be prepared to clean it up. The polyphenolic pigments in pumpkin, which give it the all familiar bright orange exterior, are also responsible for producing very stubborn fabric stains. Unfortunately there is no magic solution once a stain has been embedded in carpet or any other fabric. However, a combination of stain pre-treatment, soap-free laundry detergent, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol should do the trick. Remember, as with any fabric stain, always test a small area first and if successful, carry it out across the whole stain.

Eggs :

The act of egging is prominent in the form of protest, so it’s not surprising that it’s the bane of many people’s lives when it comes to Halloween, when children are determined to throw them at any surface they’ll stick to. They may seem harmless, but when left to dry they can actually corrode paint surfaces and can continue to cause damage when being cleaned.

To best way to remove egg that is still wet, is to get a pressure washer. However, when dry, the better approach would be warm water. And in the spirit of environmental cleaning – one part vinegar and a little bit of washing up liquid will give great results without the use of powerful chemicals. Always remember to remove shells so they don’t scratch any surfaces and be careful to loosen the egg before scrubbing away to avoid further damage to paint and facades.

Foam:

It may not be the type to leave a stain, but on certain surfaces and left too long. You don’t want to be left with any surprises. Grab a power washer or an abrasive sponge along with some environmentally-friendly multipurpose cleaner.

Fake Blood :

If you find any fake blood that you’ve used from any Halloween outfit, don’t worry. Simply rub alcohol will remove any dye from fabrics as well as hard surfaces.

Chocolate stains:

If you find any chocolate stains left on your sofa or furniture then start by scraping it off the fabric with a dull knife or plastic spoon. Use 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent mixed with 2 cups of cold water to gently wash the area. Change out your cleaning cloth as it becomes dirty. It can take quite a while to finally remove the stain. As a last resort, test dry-cleaning solvent on a hidden area of the sofa.

We hope these tips on how to remove stains from Halloween, will help you get back to a clean home and in the condition it was in, leaving you with a treat!.

If you require further help or enquiries regarding any of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have via:

E: contact@stanneshousekeeping.com

P: 020 3397 7495 | 0800 999 3397

October 8 2018

How to clean your washing machine

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Do you need tips on how to clean your washing machine? A household appliance that we rely on to clean our clothes may need to get cleaned as well from time to time. Below are the tips on what you need to know on

How to clean your washing machine:

It’s good practice to leave the door open for a few minutes after removing a clean load to let the interior fully dry. This will help to get rid of the musky smell and keep it smelling fresh and cleaner. It’s also worthwhile giving the door and inside a quick wipe down with a cloth from time to time, particularly if you notice condensation or the first signs of mould. Washing machine mechanics also recommend leaving the soap tray pulled out to let it air-dry in-between washes. This can also prevent mold from accumulating. However, even with the best of intentions, over time, bacteria, mildew, and soap scum will build up and clog pipes and parts. This prevents your machine from running as efficiently as it could and can cause more serious problems further down the line.

Deep-clean a washing machine:

A good deep clean every once in a while will keep your washing machine running smoothly and happily for a long time to come. We reckon it’s definitely worth preventing problems with your washing machine because an out-of-action appliance means you’ll be spending a lot of time – and money – at your local launderette. The good news is, giving your washing machine a deep clean can be done using everyday products and doesn’t take long to do.

You will need:

2 cups of vinegar
1/4 cup bicarbonate of soda
1/4 cup water
A sponge scourer

Mix the bicarb with the water in a bowl, and pop the solution in the detergent tray. Pour the vinegar directly into the drum and set the machine on its highest water temperature setting. When the cycle is finished, use the scourer to wipe around the opening of the machine. This will help remove any stubborn stains or residue. The drum of your washing machine is where germs tend to hide in the nooks and crannies. So even running an empty wash from time to time will also help.

If the detergent tray is particularly caked, you can remove it and soak it in hot soapy water before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Don’t forget to clean the drawer cavity too. It’ll be spotless in mere minutes and your clothes will feel fresher instantly.

The filter:

the washing machine filter is usually located along the lower edge of the machine, behind a hinged cover. Check your user manual if unsure. Carefully free the emergency drain tube and place a bowl or pan on the floor below it. Unplug and allow any trapped water to drain off. Replace the plug, remove the bowl and lay a towel on the floor. Carefully unscrew or release the filter cover. Any trapped debris should run out with the trapped water, but check inside the cavity to be sure. Wipe around with a cloth, clean any components and replace the cover. Check again that you have replaced the cover properly to prevent any accidental leaks.

For a final sparkle, wipe the drum, outside the machine and around the seal of the door with a microfiber cloth soaked in a little vinegar. For best results, it’s worthwhile cleaning your washing machine every 2-3 months.

If you require further help or enquires regarding any of our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have via:

E: contact@stanneshousekeeping.com

P: 020 3397 7495 | 0800 999 3397