Tag Archive for: Tips and tricks

How ServiceMaster Clean Devon left a happy client wowed after a deep cleaning of a vacant property. 

Preparing a vacant property for the next occupant can sometimes require more than a straightforward cleaning.

If a previous resident has left unwanted contents and potential health hazards, a specialist approach is needed, and that’s where ServiceMaster Clean can help.

Take a look at this recent case study to find out more.


What was the client’s need?

ServiceMaster Clean Devon was appointed by a housing association to deep clean in multiple occupations (HMO) in the Torbay area.

The previous residents had left the home unfit for habitation with dangerous drug paraphernalia throughout the property.


What we did to help

Over two days, a team of two completed the following:

  • Needle sweep to remove all old used needles and sharps. This included extracting sharps from the pipe work in the sinks, which had been placed down the plug holes.
  • A deep cleaning of all surfaces, including internal windows, woodwork, doors, walls and radiators, to remove dust, grime and bodily fluids.
  • A deep cleaning of all kitchen and bathroom areas to leave hygienic and ready for decoration works.
  • Hard floor cleaning to the bathroom areas using a strong alkaline floor cleaning solution and a rotary scrubber to lift all ingrained dirt and staining. The dirt was then extracted with steam extraction equipment to leave the floor clean and hygienic.
  • Carpet cleaning with a heavy-duty carpet shampoo to clean the carpets in all the bedrooms, hallways, stairs and lounges. The carpets were left fresh, hygienic, and with all foul smells removed, ready for the carpet fitters to remove them without the risk of contamination to themselves.

Before and After

The client’s response?

Following the deep clean, we received the following feedback from the client:

“My first impression of the clean was ‘Wow!'”

“We can’t believe the transformation. As always, your technicians have done an amazing job here, and I am more than pleased with the results. The other cleaning company was cheaper, but I knew I would get the right results with you!”


Contact us

If you need help with deep cleaning or preparing a void property to relet, don’t hesitate to call our ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or, nationwide book or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business to see how we can help you today.

How ServiceMaster Clean can help with your exterior cleaning for commercial properties. 

Finally, the winter is over, and we’re heading into spring!

Now that brighter and hopefully drier days are ahead, it’s the perfect time to refresh your property’s exterior.

A build-up of dirt, moss and weeds over the winter can affect the visual appearance of your property and create slip hazards on walkways.

However, all of this can be fixed with an external spring clean, and ServiceMaster Clean Devon can take care of this for you.

Their experts have compiled a list of how their exterior cleaning services can help maintain your premises, improve their appearance, and reduce walkway slip hazards.


Pressure washing

Our high-grade pressure washing equipment uses a combination of appropriate pressure and heat to clean external surfaces.

Pressure washing can remove dirt, unsightly marks, moss, algae, and chewing gum without scratching or scarring the surface.

It can be used to clean and rejuvenate the following:

  • Masonry
  • Soffits
  • Facias
  • Walkways
  • Paving
  • Fire escapes
  • Decking and patios

After cleaning, all surface dirt will have been removed, leaving the building looking fresh and slippery surfaces eradicated.


Gutter cleaning

During the winter, dirt, leaves, and moss build up in gutters and cause blockages that can lead to overflow and water damage. Our high-level gutter vac combined with pressure washing will clear all detritus from your gutters, allowing drainage water to flow freely and preventing potential property damage.


Window cleaning

Our reach-and-wash window cleaning system with purified water gives us access to windows from the ground. This system ensures sparkling windows with minimal disturbance to your staff and visitors.


Contact us

If you require external property cleaning services listed above, don’t hesitate to call our ServiceMaster Clean Devon team on 01803 200 278 or email office@smcdevon.co.uk.

Or, nationwide book or find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business to see how we can help you today.

How to manage the cleaning of high-traffic areas in a commercial property. 

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in high-traffic areas such as entrances, hallways, and common areas can be challenging.

These areas are prone to dirty quickly due to the volume of people occupying or passing through the space.

Here are some tips to help you keep these busy areas clean from the experts at ServiceMaster Clean.


Use door mats

Entranceways are usually the busiest place in a building where dirt can easily track in from outside.

Place durable entrance mats inside and outside of entrances to trap dirt and moisture before they enter the building.

Regularly clean and maintain these mats to ensure their effectiveness.


Frequent cleaning schedule

Establish a regular cleaning schedule for high-traffic areas.

These areas should be cleaned more frequently than others to maintain cleanliness throughout the day.


Spot cleaning

Implement spot cleaning throughout the day to address spills, stains and messes as soon as they occur.

Prompt attention to these issues can prevent them from becoming more challenging to clean later.


Choose the right cleaning products

Select cleaning products specifically formulated for high-traffic areas and capable of effectively removing dirt, grease and germs.

Consider using disinfectants to sanitise frequently touched surfaces.


Floor care

High-traffic areas often experience heavy wear and tear on floors.

Use appropriate cleaning techniques, such as vacuuming, sweeping and mopping, to keep floors clean and safe.

Consider applying floor sealants or finishes to protect against scratches and stains.


Air quality control

High-traffic areas can also impact indoor air quality.

Consider using air purifiers and ventilation systems to remove airborne pollutants and improve air circulation.

Regularly replace HVAC filters to prevent the build-up of dust and allergens.


Focus on touchpoints

Pay close attention to frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, elevator buttons and door handles.

These areas can harbour a high concentration of germs, so they should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.


Train staff

Ensure your cleaning staff receive proper training on cleaning techniques, product usage and safety protocols for high-traffic areas.

Please encourage them to communicate any cleaning challenges or maintenance issues they encounter.


Monitor and adjust

Regularly assess the cleanliness of high-traffic areas and adjust your cleaning practice as necessary.

Look for areas that require additional attention or modifications to your cleaning routine.


Need help with your commercial cleaning?

By implementing these cleaning tips, you can effectively maintain cleanliness and hygiene in high-traffic areas, creating a safer and more pleasant environment for your employees, customers and visitors.

If you’re looking for a professional commercial floor cleaning company, please get in touch to see how we can help.

We’ve provided commercial floor cleaning for over 60 years, combining the latest cleaning techniques and equipment with highly-trained teams.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business to learn more.

How well do you know your cleaning products?

Maintaining a clean, safe, and hygienic workspace is essential to keeping your employees safe, happy, and productive.

However, effective cleaning requires using the right cleaning products which are appropriate for the task.

With so many different types available, it can be confusing to know which to use, so here’s a guide to commercial cleaning products from the experts at ServiceMaster Clean.


Understanding cleaning product categories

In general, most cleaning products can be grouped into the following categories.

Depending on your type of workplace, you’ll probably require several different types.

  • Surface cleaners:
    • Purpose – for general cleaning of surfaces like desks, countertops and appliances.
    • Products – multi-surface cleaners, antibacterial sprays.
  • Floor cleaners:
    • Purpose – designed for different floor types, including hardwood, tile and carpet.
    • Products – floor cleaners, carpet shampoos, floor polishes.
  • Bathroom cleaners:
    • Purpose – for cleaning bathroom surfaces like tiles, sinks and toilets.
    • Products – toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, tile and grout cleaners.
  • Kitchen cleaners:
    • Purpose – formulated for grease and food residue removal in kitchen areas.
    • Products – degreasers, oven cleaners.
  • Disinfectants:
    • Purpose – kill bacteria, viruses and germs to maintain a hygienic environment.
    • Products – disinfectant sprays, bleach, wipes.
  • Specialised cleaners:
    • Purpose – target specific surfaces or materials like glass, stainless steel or electronics.
    • Products – glass cleaners, stainless steel cleaners.
  • Green cleaning products:
    • Purpose – environmentally friendly alternatives with minimal ecological impact.
    • Products – eco-friendly cleaners, biodegradable solutions.

Choosing the right cleaning products

When deciding which cleaners to use, consider the following:

  • Assess the surface – different surfaces require specific cleaning agents. Ensure compatibility.
  • Safety precautions – follow guidelines on the product labels for proper usage and safety measures. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and masks.
  • Product reviews – research and read reviews to identify effective and reliable products.

Things to think about

Other considerations when it comes to cleaning products include the following:

  • Check that the right product is being used for the task.
  • Ensure your cleaning staff receive appropriate training before using cleaning chemicals and products.
  • Store all cleaning products according to the product specification’s guidelines.
  • Provide washing facilities and spillage clean-up kits near where any cleaning substances may be used in case of accidents.
  • Keep storage areas well-ventilated.

If you’re unsure which product to use for a particular cleaning task, consult a professional.

For the right cleaner for every task, trust ServiceMaster Clean SpotHero to remove any manner of stains and spills from carpet and upholstery.


Need professional cleaning? 

Some stains are too stubborn and seem impossible to remove yourself.

If you have any concerns regarding your carpets and upholstery, call the professionals.

For help from your local experts, find your local ServiceMaster Clean today.

How to remedy a greasy mess on your upholstery.

Has your child spilt a plate of oily food on the sofa?

Or maybe you accidentally grabbed the seat while working on your car, leaving a greasy handprint.

It happens. What happens? Stains!

The upholstery experts at ServiceMaster Clean have got you covered.

Our experts have put together a few DIY solutions for removing grease stains from upholstery so you can see results like the one below:

grease removal


Removing Grease Stains from Upholstery

There are a few steps that we would recommend for removing grease stains from your upholstery, and here they are for you:

  1. Remove any solid materials from the area
  2. Blot the affected area with a clean, dry cloth
  3. Gently remove as much of the grease and excess moisture as possible
  4. Refer to the fabric care label of the stained upholstery item for recommended cleaning practices

A few codes on your upholstery labels or manufacturer paperwork will inform you how to clean your upholstery.

  • (W) – Upholstery should be cleaned with a water-based agent
  • (S) – Upholstery should be cleaned with a solvent-based dry cleaning agent
  • (S/W) – Upholstery can be cleaned with either a dry solvent or a water-based agent

Help! I don’t have a label!

No need to panic!

You can still attempt to clean the grease stain using the below DIY method, but you should test this on an inconspicuous area of your upholstery.

The second option is to call ServiceMaster Clean for professional upholstery cleaning services and recommendations.


The DIY Method for Removing Grease

Once you’ve removed any solids and blotted the grease and excess moisture from the stain, it’s time to start a treatment.

  • Sprinkle the stain with baking soda to absorb the last of the excess moisture (allow the baking soda to set for about 15 minutes)
  • Vacuum away the remainder of the baking soda.
  • For S code, use a dry-cleaning solvent to lift the stain (follow the manufacturing instructions on how to apply it)
  • If the care label has a W code, apply a homemade stain solution of one cup of water and two teaspoons of plain liquid dishwashing detergent designed to cut grease.
  • If S/W is the code that appears, use either of the techniques above.
  • When using a wet cleansing solution, gently blot the solution over the stain using a clean cloth.
  • Rinse the cloth out and repeat until the stain begins to lighten.
  • To avoid saturating the upholstery or the cushion underneath, blot with a dry, clean cloth after each application of the cleaning solution.

Or, if you don’t have a chemistry degree, you can cut the DIY substances and use the tried and tested ServiceMaster Clean SpotHero to eliminate stains in a flash.


Need professional upholstery cleaning? 

Some stains are too stubborn and seem impossible to remove yourself.

If you have any concerns regarding your upholstery, call the professionals.

For help from your local upholstery cleaning experts, find your local ServiceMaster Clean today.

For more tips and advice, check out our Facebook page.

How to make sure your Halloween party is scarily good.

Halloween is coming.

It’s the perfect holiday for people who love sweets and chocolate, dressing up, and being a big kid.

Whether you’re planning a ghostly gathering for kids or grown-ups, some Halloween essentials can’t be missed.

Here are our tips on preparing the perfect Halloween monster bash.

  1. Make it age-appropriate

No matter your guest demographic, ensure it is appropriate for the age of your guests.

For example, some scarier decorations might be too intense for young kids.

If your guests are all adults, you’re probably safe to go all out with the fright factor, but the last thing you want from a fun kid’s party is to upset them!

  1. Avoid hard-to-clean substances

In our experience, some spooky substances are an absolute monster to remove from surfaces and furnishings.

While they are essentials for many, substances like fake blood, silly string, and the makeup from Halloween costume sets can easily stain carpets, curtains, and upholstery and are notoriously difficult to remove without professional assistance.

If any spillages or issues with these substances occur, your local ServiceMaster Clean technicians will remove them in a flash with their specialist expertise and high-quality equipment.

  1. Set the scene with some monstrous media

Prepare for your guests and set the mood for a fun and festive time with a combo of themed media.

Make a playlist of your favourite songs to get you in the spooky spirit.

Some hits like Thriller and the Monster Mash will surely get guests feeling Halloween-y.

And if you don’t have time to make your own, check out our Halloween playlist that’s sure to have your party jumping with fright.

You could also play classic Halloween films in the background for extra ambience.

For horror fans, you could play one of the many Halloween or Scream films, Friday the 13th or The Exorcist.

For a less frightening time, try some appropriate films for a younger audience, like The Corpse Bride, Wendall and Wilde, The Addams Family, or Beetlejuice.

  1. Plan ahead

Your gathering doesn’t need to be a massive expense.

Throwing a memorable, sustainable, but inexpensive party merely requires a little forward-thinking.

The only strangers turning up on your doorstep should be trick-or-treaters.

Establish a “ghouls list” and get an exact headcount for the evening by specifying whether or not people should bring plus 1s.

When you invite your guests, set an RSVP date.

If you host guests often, you can also use decorations that can be used more than once.

You can source a lot of cheap and inexpensive decorations from discount stores.

Halloween is meant to be scary, but one thing you shouldn’t be afraid of is asking for help.

Ask your guests to help out by bringing beverages or their favourite (possibly themed) dish.

This might save you valuable prep time ahead of your party.

You can also plan fun activities like games or a prize for the best costume.

  1. Clear away the cobwebs

While giant spider webs are appropriate for Halloween, you don’t want to invite guests into a messy home.

With the potential dangers of a dirty carpet, don’t miss a trick by treating yourself to professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services from ServiceMaster Clean.

As experts in cleaning for over 60 years, we use the best tools, people and equipment to ensure your carpets and furnishing are so clean it’s almost scary!

In the event of any unwanted spills or stains, we’ll be there to help with the clean-up.

Contact Us

To see how we can help you maintain a clean home, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business for a free, no-obligation quotation on a range of bespoke cleaning services.

Why buy a wool carpet?

There is a lot of choice involved in buying a carpet, as there are so many different types.

The most common synthetic fibres used in carpet manufacturing are:

  1. Nylon
  2. Polyester
  3. Polypropylene (olefin)
  4. TriextaA

When up against these big hitters, how does the humble wool carpet compare?

This week at ServiceMaster Clean, we’re looking at the benefits of wool carpets, from sustainability to safety, to show how, with a wool carpet, there’s sheerly something for everyone.

Maintenance and appearance

Strap in because these are the big ones.

When you’ve invested in a brand-spanking new carpet, you want to know that it can withstand everything that everyday living will throw at it, whether muddy footprints or dog wee!

Therefore, any prospective carpet buyer needs to ask some essential questions, including:

  • Will the carpet lose its texture, thickness or colour gradual loss of colour?
  • Will it retain spots and damage?

On this front, wool carpets are fantastic.

They are infamous for their long-lasting good appearance, which comes from their ability to respond excellently to dry and wet cleaning.

They are resistant to soiling, which means they retain their colour brilliantly.

The only maintenance and appearance issue that wool carpets face is staining.

However, this is only if the stains are allowed to seep into the fabric.

If spills and stains are handled promptly by carpet cleaning professionals, you shouldn’t have any issues.

On the other hand, synthetic fibres initially respond well to cleaning but may worsen in cleaning ability over time as the fibres become damaged.

Sustainability

Wool carpets are more sustainable since regular shearing is essential to caring for sheep.

Each year, there is a fresh supply of natural wool for the carpet industry.

Wool is also biodegradable and recyclable and won’t clog up a landfill site for decades or centuries.

So, if one of your primary concerns is living sustainably, a wool carpet is a brilliant addition to your home.

Safety

Wool carpets may also be considered for their safety compared to other options.

They are naturally flame retardant and have a higher ignition point than synthetic carpets.

With a wool carpet, you don’t have to worry about dropping matches or other fire hazards in the same way, as they won’t send your home up in smoke.

Insulation and breathability

Wool carpets are also natural insulators, which is a benefit during the cost of living crisis.

Wool also naturally absorbs humidity and serves as a natural filter, releasing heat when the atmosphere becomes dry and improving air quality by trapping and removing airborne allergens.

How ServiceMaster Clean can help your wool carpet

At ServiceMaster Clean, many of our branches, such as Leicester and Kingston Upon Thames, are accredited by WoolSafe:

“Established in 1991, the WoolSafe Certification Mark is widely recognised in many parts of the world as the standard for excellence and safety of carpet care chemicals.”

At ServiceMaster Clean, we use the best tools and products to clean and maintain your wool carpets.

Need your carpet cleaning?

No matter your carpet fibre profile, carpet cleaning can be a laborious chore.

But with the right tools and expertise, it doesn’t have to be.

If you’d like to discuss the specific products we use to clean wool carpets, contact your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business and schedule your free, no-obligation quotation or book online in select locations today.

Tips for taking care of your upholstered furniture.

Are you cleaning your upholstery? You should be.

Upholstered furniture needs as much care and attention as your carpets.

When facing the cost of living crisis, buying or cleaning used or existing furniture is much cheaper than buying new.

Not only will this preserve the colours and textures, but it will also help to remove stains and smells.

Especially if you have pets.

This is because prolonged exposure to the pollutants they leave behind can degrade upholstery.

But how do you even go about cleaning your upholstery? And what do you do if you stain an upholstered item?

ServiceMaster Clean has the answers.

How to clean your upholstery

For at-home upholstery cleaning, remove cushions and use a nozzle attachment on your vacuum for to hard-to-reach areas.

Ensure you beat the upholstery to loosen the dust and to get it all.

Once you’ve done this, plump up your seat cushions.

You should also be rotating your seat cushions often. But why?

Simple: Plumping and rotating help your cushions keep their shape and avoid premature wear.

Make sure you’re also airing out your furniture. Opening a window to allow fresh air to circulate eliminates the need for chemical air fresheners.

We understand that you probably want a room that gets good light.

However, do try to avoid any upholstered furniture in direct sunlight.

The reason for this is that it will degrade the quality of the materials over time.

What to do if you stain your upholstery

Nightmare! You’ve spilt hot coffee on your upholstery and left a massive mark right in the middle of it.

Don’t panic. Think ServiceMaster Clean.

Your upholstery is delicate, but there are anti-stain treatments that are highly effective with the proper application.

We use a special fabric protector that gives fantastic resistance to spills.

This makes it easy to deal with any future stains quickly and effectively.

Our fabric protector also contains a unique additive that kills viruses and bacteria.

Trust ServiceMaster Clean

With budgets tight, consider buying or cleaning older furniture rather than buying new.

We have stayed the UK’s number one cleaning brand for 60 years.

So, join those nationwide that trust ServiceMaster Clean to maintain their furniture.

Learn more about how we can help you refresh your upholstery. Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business today.

And you can now take the magic of a ServiceMaster clean home with ServiceMaster Clean Spot Hero.

All the reliability of our specialist cleaner – in a handy-to-use bottle – for just £7.99!

Whether you’re the proud parent of one tail-wagging, four-legged friend or a whole pack of them, it’s not uncommon for dog owners to notice a distinct odour inside their homes. And once you smell it, you’re not likely to forget it.

Beyond the pungent smell of housebreaking training accidents, lingering dog odours usually smell like mouldy wool, and the stench can easily settle in carpets, upholstered furniture and fabric curtains around your home. Even if you regularly groom your dog and maintain a healthy diet, these smells can continue to build up each time your pooch comes in from outside, whether you’re returning from a hot summer run or a wet and muddy winter walk.

Luckily, getting dog smells out of your carpet takes just a few easy steps and one common household cleaner. Learn the simple technique straight from the experts at ServiceMaster Clean

Getting Dog Smells Out of Carpet and Upholstery

If you prefer a specific pet odour neutralizer, follow the instructions on the packaging to avoid damaging your carpets. Avoid cleaners with ammonia or vinegar, since the strong scents could attract your pets back to the area you’re trying to clean.

If you can’t find a cleaning product you like, follow the steps below to quickly absorb pet smells from your carpet using an item you likely already have in your pantry – baking soda!

Safety Tip: Large amounts of baking soda can be toxic to pets, causing illness, muscle spasms and even heart failure. Keep your dogs away from any area while you are treating it with baking soda.

  1. Close off the area you are cleaning from your pet.
  2. Liberally sprinkle baking soda over the soiled or smelly carpet. Depending on the surface area, you may need to grab more than one box.
  3. Let the baking soda sit overnight so it absorbs as much of the odour as possible.
  4. In the morning, vacuum your carpets.
  5. Once you have thoroughly vacuumed the area, you may allow your pet back in the area.

If a pet odour neutraliser or our baking soda technique doesn’t completely remove the odour, you can rent a carpet cleaning machine to finish the job. Avoid steam cleaners, however, since high heat could set smells and stains permanently.

Another option to get tough stains or dog odours out of your carpets is to call the experts at ServiceMaster Clean. We have the right products, advanced technologies, and over 55 years of cleaning experience to take care of all your carpet cleaning needs. Check out our residential carpet cleaning services and reach out for more information today.

Santa manages to squeeze down all of our chimneys and neatly place all of our Christmas presents under the tree without leaving a trace each year, but how does he do it? 

We spoke to the jolly happy soul himself to see what’s on his Christmas list of cleaning essentials.

Santa said: “Visiting so many homes all around the world can be dirty work, so Mrs Claus and ServiceMaster Clean have taught me a thing or two about removing stains should the need arise!”

Soot

Climbing down everyone’s chimneys on Christmas Eve can leave me covered in soot, so I have to be careful not to leave sooty footprints on your living room carpet! Obviously, I need to make sure these are gone by the time you wake up, so I always make sure that the elves put my vacuum cleaner on the sleigh.

Rubbing the soot can make the marks worse, so I like to use the nozzle attachment on my vacuum cleaner and clear away as much as possible. Of course, I use a little Christmas magic to ensure the sound of the vacuum doesn’t wake everyone up!

Wine

It’s wonderful when children leave mince pies, cookies and drinks for me to enjoy whilst I’m delivering their presents, but after a few glasses of wine, I can get a little clumsy! If I accidentally knock over a glass of wine, I act quickly to stop it staining.

I absorb as much of the wine as I can with paper towels and dab the stain and never rub it as this can make everything worse! I then dampen the spillage with a little water and absorb it with paper towels once again, this process is repeated until the mark has gone.

Milk

Some homes prefer to leave a glass of milk for me to enjoy which is a little easier to clean than wine! Again, I dab the mark with a paper towel and use a little water to flush the milk out. I dab this with a clean cloth or tea towel and more paper towels.

It’s important to remove as much water as possible to avoid that sour milk smell! If milk leaves a foul scent, I sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda over the area before vacuuming away.

Carrots

Many children leave carrots for my reindeer to enjoy, but I bet that most children have no idea that reindeer are such messy eaters! I often have to clean up their carrot stains using a blunt knife (for the bits) and a small amount of stain remover suitable for the material. I dab this on to the marks with a soft cloth, repeating until the orange stains have gone!

Mince Pies

I’m rather partial to the odd mince pie on Christmas Eve, but they can be so crumbly! I find the sticky mixture quite difficult to remove, especially if it lands on the carpet.

I’ll scrape away as much of the excess mincemeat as I can with a blunt knife, making sure that I check the manufacturer instructions to find the best method to clean the carpet.

ServiceMaster Clean says I should keep the stain as dry as possible when cleaning, so I apply a small amount of white vinegar to a clean cloth and gently dab the area. Next, I add a teaspoonful of washing powder to a mug of warm water, and again gently dab the solution on to the mark using a sponge and allow this to sit for at least three minutes before dabbing once again with a dry cloth. If the stain is still present, I’ll dab it again with the white vinegar followed by more of the soapy solution, then I rinse it lightly with cool water and leave to dry naturally.

If I can’t remove a stain, I’ll call on my professional carpet and upholstery cleaning friends at ServiceMaster Clean! You can find your local office here.

Proper hand hygiene is the number one way to reduce the risk of infection and it’s important to wash your hands frequently and properly, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

hand wash

Here is the proper way to wash your hands as recommended by NHS:

How to Wash Your Hands Correctly

  1. Wash your hands under warm running water
  2. Apply soap and rub palms together to ensure complete coverage
  3. Spread the soap over the back of your hands
  4. Make sure the soap gets in between each of your fingers
  5. Grip the fingers on each hand, ensuring you cover each finger with soap
  6. Rub both thumbs into a clenched fist
  7. Press fingertips into the palm of each hand
  8. Rub your knuckles on the opposite palm
  9. Dry thoroughly with a disposable paper towel

Other Tips on Hand Washing

Your hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds, of which you can keep track of by singing Happy Birthday twice.

An acceptable alternative to hand washing is to use an alcohol-based sanitiser, with at least 60%. When possible, use wash your hands using the above method as this is more effective against viruses.

Here is a graphic we put together to show you the different stages of the above method:

Download Handwashing Graphic Here

 

“Rain, rain go away, come back another day” or not at all! – we live in the UK, unfortunately, on average it rains 133 days of the year. Rain can be a complete nightmare, especially for pet owners and young kids about with mud traipsed across the house.

Most of you have probably looked at your carpets and panicked, then started to aggressively rub the fresh mud, in a desperate attempt to clean it up as quickly! Well, that will usually make things worse!

Mud Cleaning Methods

If you’re looking for a few methods on how to clean mud from your carpet, well you’re in luck, read below!

Mud Cleaning Method #1: Washing Up Liquid

  1. Pick up all of the large mud clumps from the carpet. (We would advise using protective gloves throughout the cleaning process)
  2. Apply a mixture of baking powder and salt to the mud stain. Allow the mixture to sit for a couple of hours to soak up all of the moisture from the stain. Then, vacuum away the mixture
  3. Mix a tablespoon of washing up liquid with two mugs of warm water and saturate the stain with the solution., using a clean cloth
  4. Blot the excess liquid using a good absorbent paper towel
  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the mud stain is removed
  6. Sponge the carpet with cold water and blot away, again with a paper towel
  7. Let it air dry.

Mud Cleaning Method #2: Vinegar

You won’t need as long for this method, in fact, probably only about 15 minutes.

  1. Add half a cup of vinegar, add about a tablespoon of washing up liquid and mix
  2. Using a brush, gently rub the solution onto the mud stain
  3. Rinse the area with cold water using either a clean cloth or sponge
  4. Repeat the process until the stain has gone
  5. Once the stain has been removed, dry the carpet with a clean towel.

Mud Cleaning Method #3: Shop brought stain remover

These homemade attempts may fail you and if they do just buy a commercial stain remover. They’re all usually quite simple to use, usually all you have to do is spray the product on the stained area and allow it to sit. You will find information about the amount of time the product needs to sit in order for it to work, on the care label.

After you’ve waited for the stain remover to sit for the specified amount of time, you then need to wipe the carpet clean (we would recommend using a sponge to rub the stained area).

Mud Cleaning Method #4: Get the professionals in

If you don’t have the time to be kneeling on the floor blotting away at the stain or don’t have the products to do so, you can always call a professional carpet cleaner like ServiceMaster Clean to remove the stain for you.

Find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean and contact them today for any of carpet or upholstery cleaning needs.

You probably change your sheets weekly, but how often do you clean your mattress? Don’t worry if you say never, you’re probably with the higher statistic of people that don’t, however, you should do this at least two to four times a year.

You may be thinking “Ugh that’s another cleaning task to do at home”, but there is no need to worry, it’s really not that difficult. Take a look at the following cleaning basics.

Mattress Cleaning

Before we delve into cleaning instructions, there are few things about why your mattress needs to be cleaned that you need to know.

Look at your sheets next time you change your bed and see how dirty they are, there’s probably lots of grit, crumbs and sweat stains on them. Additionally, ourselves and our pets are always shedding old skin cells and hair.

All of what is on the sheets can also find itself onto the mattress itself. Another bad habit is snacking in bed, there’s no telling what’s getting onto your sheets and mattress, which is why it’s important to clean it two to four times a year, if not more.

mattress cleaning

How to Clean the Mattress

Cleaning your mattress is much simpler than you’d think, first things first, strip the bed, wash your sheets and mattress protector (if you have one).

Here are two cleaning options you can choose from:

Option #1

The first is vacuuming your mattress using an attachment.

  • Run the vacuum attachment across the top
  • Get down into cracks and crevices
  • Vacuum along the sides

Option #2

The second option is steam cleaning, the kind of clean we would recommend and we would also suggest this clean is completed by professionals like ourselves.

A steam clean provides a more effective clean because of the use of water vapour to clean. We’ll always complete a spot test to check if it can be cleaned this way before proceeding.

You should also consider flipping your mattress over about twice a year unless it’s new. If this is the case, you’ll need to flip it more often for the first six months, see the manufacturer’s instructions for recommendations.

Both options will effectively remove any bed bugs and bacteria that may have accumulated on your mattress, however, the steam cleaning would be the most effective option.

 

If you’re interested in having your mattress cleaned by a professional housekeeper, ServiceMaster Clean can take care of that for you. ServiceMaster Clean also offer Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, Floor Cleaning and many more services, just contact us today to find out more.

All-day long your floors are walked on, if you have young kids, crawled on they’re walked on, crawled on, and sometimes you may spill something on them.

Dirt and grime will find it’s way into your house no matter what so we’ve put together a few tips that will help keep your floors always looking clean.

Have a Dormant Doormat

Every doorway should have a doormat welcoming visitors and their feet!

While they add that all-important welcoming feeling to your doorway, they, of course, serve an important role – cleaning yours and your visitor’s shoes before walking inside. If you have small children, encourage them as much as possible to use the doormat as they’re usually the messy ones!

A Shoes off straight away Rule

Implementing a ‘shoes off straight away’ rule in your home is one of the easiest ways to keep any floor clean, especially your carpets. If your shoes are particularly dirty from your daily gardening chores or walks in the rain, etc, take them off just before walking in. Clean them as soon as you can over a plastic bag and dispose of responsibly.

Always Have a Little Vacuum Handy

Spills are inevitable, especially in a home with little ones about, so the trick is to clean them up as fast as possible. Especially if it’s a dry spill, like a bit of cereal or dirt from outside, you want to get these up quickly so that family or visitors can’t step in it and make it harder to clean up.

If a dry spill does occur get your little handheld vacuum out and clean it up straight away!

Get your Floors Professionally Cleaned

We would recommend getting your carpets cleaned professionally every 6-12 months and your hard floors refinished at least every 3 years.

If you need your floors cleaned find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean and get in contact with them.

The following tips will only make your home look 10 years younger and not yourselves, unfortunately, that’s another story about botox.

When sofas, carpets and curtains start to look old and worn the temptation is usually to replace them, however, we would say a good clean can make your furniture look 10 years younger!

Make your home 1- years younger

Top Tips to Keeping Your Furniture Looking 10 years younger

Here are our top tips to slow down the ageing process for your carpets, upholstery and carpets.

  1. Lightly vacuum sofas and curtains once a week, and use a soft brush to pre-brush if very dusty.
  2. Regularly turn cushions on your upholstery to prevent excessive soiling and uneven wearing of the fabric
  3. Smooth out any creases in cushions to prevent them from becoming permanent, causing early wear and an untidy feel to your upholstery.
  4. If you have a pet and allow them to use a sofa you can use a lint remover to get rid of any pet hair.
    – Like dirt, pet hair will cause your sofa and carpet to wear quicker if it’s left.
  5. The same as our skin, too much sun for your curtains is a bad thing, as well as carpets and upholstery, causing them to fade over time.
    – To avoid this and protect your fabrics from the damaging effects of sunlight, pull the curtains or blinds whenever possible and move pieces of furniture out of direct sunlight to a different side of the room.
  6. Trim any loose threads on your fabrics, never pull them as this will result in further damage.

How can ServiceMaster Clean assist?

New curtains, upholstery and carpets can be expensive, so making sure they’re looking their best and keeping them clean for as long as possible, will not only make you feel better but will be kind to your bank balance.

  1. Have your carpets, upholstery and curtains cleaned at least every 12-18 months.
    – If any dirt, dust or soil is left to buildup on your fabrics, this can cause irreparable damage to the fibres, dull the colours and accelerate the wear.
  2. If you do happen to buy any new furniture, you may want to consider having a protective treatment applied.
    – Modern treatments, like the ones our technicians use, will help repel stains and spills and give your curtains, carpets and sofas a much longer life.

If you’re unsure about cleaning any of your fabrics then give your local ServiceMaster Clean a call, find your nearest here.

 

You may be interested in reading one of our other blog posts – How To Remove Grease From Your Upholstery

If you’re planning on selling your house and moving home or selling your house to travel the world, ensuring your home is spotless will impress prospective buyers.

Do I need my carpets cleaned if I’m moving home?

With moving home being the third most stressful life event, the last thing you want to think about is the cleanliness of your carpets.

Potential buyers will subconsciously look at your carpets and if they think they’re dirty, chances are they will most probably look elsewhere.

Getting a professional cleaning company to clean your carpets will ensure the successful elimination of any bacteria and dirt within the carpet fibres.

Another good thing about getting the professionals in before moving home is that it’s cheaper to clean the carpet than to buy a new one!

Is there much point in cleaning my upholstery before moving home?

The straight answer is yes, and the reasons being clean upholstery will make your home smell fresher, therefore being more appealing to prospective buyers.

Upholstery is one of the main culprits for airborne allergens in your home and having these cleaned professionally will eliminate any odour coming from your those items of furniture.

This is a similar thing with your curtains, as they can produce a stale smelling air if they’re not cleaned regularly.

Why should I use a professional cleaning service?

Having your carpets and upholstery cleaned by a professional cleaning company like ServiceMaster Clean can really help when moving home, here are a few reasons how;

  • Your home will look and feel new to prospective buyers
  • A clean home can increase the value
  • A cleaner home will reduce stress levels, and when you’re moving out that is essential

 

If you’re moving home and need any cleaning services, find your local ServiceMaster Clean and give them a call.

The average person will spend one-third of their lives in their bedroom, either sleeping or watching Netflix in bed.

This blog may not be for the faint-hearted, as we are about to delve into the gruesome side of what lurks in your bedroom.

bedroom

Fact #1

Your carpet can contain up to 4,000 times more bacteria than your toilet!

Bleurgh! Sounds horrible, doesn’t it?

Don’t worry with regular vacuuming and a yearly carpet clean, you’ll drastically reduce the number of bacteria and amount dust on the carpet.

Fact #2

The average person produces around 118 litres of sweat in bed every year!

That is a lot of sweat!

A warm room is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause illness and foul odour.

Getting your mattress cleaned professionally at least twice a year and cleaning your bedding at least once a week will reduce the number of bacteria.

Fact #3

Your mobile phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat.

Your phone is basically a mobile bacteria factory!

Cleaning your phone is a simple daily task, literally, all you need to do is give it a clean with an alcohol wipe.

Fact #4

According to experts, an eight-year-old mattress contains more than 4kg of dead skin cells.

That is a revolting amount of dead skin cells!

As stated previously in fact #2, cleaning your mattress twice a year professionally will make your bedroom a healthier place in general.

Fact #5

Pets are likely to carry infection into your bedroom.

We all love our pets dearly, but the risk of them passing over an infection in the bedroom is very high.

If your pets do sleep in your bedroom, make sure you clean your bedding at least twice a week.

We would recommend that your pet didn’t sleep on your bed and had their own bed in another room.

Contact Us

We are always here with tips and tricks about keeping your home clean! If you need any of your carpets or upholstery professionally then give us a call today.

To find your local ServiceMaster Clean click here.

In the UK we are the second biggest consumer of chewing gum in the world! Statistics suggest that we consume around 120 to 130 sticks per year! (Telegraph) That’s a lot of chewing gum!

So that means a lot of chewing gum being dropped on your carpet! Here are a few tried and tested tips to get this sticky substance off the carpet.

chewing gum

Removal methods

It is best to consult your carpet care guide before attempting any kind of cleaning. Only because certain carpets react in different ways to certain materials and products.

Hairdryer method

Gentleman make sure you ask permission from your female companion, as they may wonder where their hairdryer has gone. Even if they haven’t touched it they will still blame you!

  • Step 1– Hold the hairdryer around 20cm from the carpet to heat the area, be careful not to scorch your carpet
  • Step 2– The gum will soften from the heat, pull at the gum with some tweezers or a gloved hand
  • Step 3– Repeat step 2 until all gum is removed, repeat step when if necessary

Be careful with this method not to scorch your carpet, especially if your carpet is made of polypropylene as this may cause your carpet to melt. Again, make sure you are referring to your carpet care guide

Ice cube method

I don’t mean go and get the well-known rapper Ice Cube to come and remove it for you, this is literally as it says, using ice cubes!

  • Step 1– Find a plastic bag and fill it with ice from your freezer
  • Step 2 – Place the bag of ice onto the chewing gum and leave to freeze. This can take up to 15 minutes, so make yourself a cup of tea
  • Step 3 – Use a blunt knife to scrape off the gum, repeat until gum is removed, and dispose of the chewing gum responsibly

Residue removal

Now that the chewing gum has been removed from the carpet, you may find that there is some residue remaining.

There are two different products that work best in removing the residue and they are… drum roll……. peanut butter & WD40.

Here are the steps needed to remove the residue:

  • Step 1 – Apply the peanut butter or WD40 onto the area and work the product in with your fingers (before applying, check your care instructions)
  • Step 2 – Without administering too much force, pull lightly on the carpet fibres with a cloth. You can also carefully scrape the fibres with tweezers

You then need to remove your selected carpet cleaner after all residue has been removed.

  • Step 1– Add a small bit of washing up liquid to some warm water and blot with a cloth until the area is clean
  • Step 2 – Blot with a dry cloth, or towel to remove any excess moisture

 

If you’re not sure in regards to cleaning up chewing gum from your carpet, call your local ServiceMaster Clean to come and clean this up for you professionally.

To find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean click here.