I’m a cleaning expert – my DIY trick to remove common stains from furniture
NOW that spring cleaning season has officially arrived, there’s never been a better time to learn how to get rid of common stains from furniture.
People typically start tidying up in March to get their homes in order after the doom and gloom of winter weather.
But it can seem overwhelming when you have no idea where to begin or what cleaning solutions work best.
It can also feel a little daunting when you start to think about all the cleaning products you’ll need to pick up – and how much they cost.
Luckily, experts have revealed that a thorough spring clean doesn’t have to break the bank.
In a bid to help, they have revealed that there are plenty of clever, cost-effective ways to spruce up your home while keeping costs low.
Melissa Denham, furniture expert at Hammonds Fitted Furniture, has shared her top tips for tackling stains on wooden furniture.
While glass, mirrors and other surfaces are always high on the cleaning list, Melissa says that it’s important not to overlook your wooden furniture.
This is because food and drink spills can leave their mark – but the cleaning pro has said that there’s a simple DIY polish you can whip up that works better to restore shine than any chemical.
All you need is some olive oil, essential oil and white vinegar.
Melissa says: “When it comes to cleaning wooden furniture, avoid harsh chemicals or too much water.
“Use a small amount of product, slightly damp, to prevent staining the wood.
“A good wood polish can help smooth out minor scratches – simply let it sit for a few minutes, then buff in circular motions with a microfiber cloth.
“Creating your own wood polish is easy – just mix half a cup of olive oil, half a cup of white vinegar, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil.
“The oil leaves your furniture looking shiny and new, while the vinegar ensures it’s spotless.
“I recommend orange essential oil – it keeps the wood from drying out and gives your home a fresh, citrusy aroma. Game changer!”
Melissa also revealed that she has a simple and affordable DIY solution for cleaning the sofa.
And it works wonders for getting stains out whilst leaving it smelling fresh – which will be needed after most of us spend more time entertaining at home over winter.
Melissa says: “A DIY solution for fabric sofas is to gently clean with warm water and mild detergent.
“Dab with a damp cloth and follow up with a dry one.
“However, it’s important to ensure to allow cushions to dry fully before use.
CLEAN CARPETS
ANOTHER cleaning expert has sared their tips on how to keep your carpets clean and mud-free on rainy days as we head into spring.
Springtime means muddy shoes and unpredictable weather, which can quickly take a toll on your carpets.
In a bid to help, cleaning expert Sarah Dempsey from MyJobQuote, working with tombola, shares her go-to method for tackling stubborn stains.
She says: “If you get mud on your carpet, it’s best to let it dry first and vacuum it up.
“Trying to remove wet mud will only make the stain worse.
“Make a solution with warm water and detergent.
“Using a clean cloth dab the stain until all of the mud is removed.
“Let the area dry naturally and vacuum again.”
“Spilled something? Don’t rub! Instead, gently dab the stain with a damp cloth to absorb the liquid before applying a stain remover. ”
But she stressed that it’s important to check what products are safe to use before scrubbing it with anything.
She added: “Before cleaning, check your sofa’s care label to ensure you’re using the right method for the material.
“For leather sofas, frequent wiping with a damp microfiber cloth should keep them clean.
“For deep cleaning, use products designed for leather.
“It’s crucial to avoid anything with antibacterial or bleach, as this can result in damage to the leather’s finish!”