FAQ

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks from the experts at Core Cleaning! 

The best way to remove a carpet stain is with a teaspoon?

Using either a stain remover or if you don’t have any, mix cold water and vinegar;  using the teaspoon scrape the stain toward the middle and blot as you go! 

Need stain remover or want someone to tackle that stain for you? Give us a shout! We’d be happy to help!  

Having a few cloths, a spray bottle with your gentle cleaner and a few room specific items makes cleaning quicker and easier.  Having all the tools you need for a quick tidy up under each sink or on each level of your home is so motivating!

Need help? Custom cleaning caddy’s are available, contact us for details!  

Feeling overwhelmed with all of the cleaning needs in your home? 

Tackle 1-2 tasks each day!  Then you’ll stay on top of everything and not feel overwhemed! 

Need help?  contact us to create a cleaning plan for your home!  

Lemony Fresh way to naturally clean out your microwave!

  • To a microwave safe bowl add equal parts water and vinegar (about 1 cup of each)  
  • Slice 1 lemon and add lemon slices to the bowl
  • Microwave on high for 5 minutes
  • Wipe down the inside of your microwave with a damp cloth

Extra tip! Save that lemony water and use a cloth or soft sponge to wipe down other kitchen surfaces! 

Always use cold water when spot cleaning as hot water may set the stain! 

That’s right, you can help keep the air you breath a little cleaner by having the following plants in your home.  

Aloe (Aloe vera): Helps clear formaldehyde and benzene

Spider Plant: Battles benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene (a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries).

Gerbera Daisy: This flowering plant is effective at removing trichloroethylene, which you may bring home with your dry cleaning. It’s also good for filtering out the benzene that comes with inks.

Snake Plant: Best for filtering out formaldehyde.

Golden Pothos: Another wonderful plant for undertaking formaldehyde.

Cleaning window coverings, drapery and blinds is usually a task that no one wants to do.  Did you know it’s recommended that if you live in a home with allergy sufferers you should clean your drapes or curtains every 3-6 months, otherwise at least every 6-12months.  

There are a few different ways to clean your drapes.  If in-between deep cleans you can simply use the Norwex Dusting Mitt to remove dust and pet hair, just go over them from top to bottom.  If your drapes need a deep clean you can wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with lukewarm or cold water and a little bit of mild detergent.  Once washed, hanging them to dry is best but you can also put them in the dryer on a low heat or delicate cycle.  Curtains that are made of silk or other delicate fabrics should either be handwashed or professionally cleaned. 

While those curtains are in the wash why not have Core Cleaning come in and wash your windows for you!   

For cleaning blinds, the best solution is to use the Norwex Enviro Cloth.  Use it dry for light dusting or dampen it for more caked on dust and dirt.  The best part?  It’s reusable!  If not over soiled it can be rinsed and hang to dry or throw in with your regular laundry!  

 

Blotting is the key!

Use an old towel, fold it several times and blot up as much as possible, refold and blot again until most is removed.  Add a little cold water and keep blotting.  Then, mix 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply it to the stain, let it dry and then vacuum up the paste.

If stain remains, call us for a bottle of stain remover, or to book your carpet cleaning!

Cleaning outdoor furniture!  

Your outdoor furniture, chairs, tables and loungers can be come quite dirty, either from bein gout in the elements or even being stored away all winter.  They can become caked with dirt, grease and cobwebs. 

What’s the best way to clean them up?  A baking soda solution!  Mix 1 cup of baking soda added to some warm water.  Using sponge or cloth (something non-abrasive), wipe it on the furniture aand then rinse it off thoroughly.  You can make as little or as much as you like! 

And the best part?  It’s eco-friendly, so you don’t need to worry about the solution dripping into the ground or pets or children wandering around while you clean! 

1. Cold water and Liquid soap – Mix 1 cup warm water and 1/2 teaspoon mild liquid soap. Apply a small amount and blot by pressing a clean towel into the carpet and lift. Repeat until the stain is removed. Don’t rub the stain. Once the stain has been removed, you should rinse the area with a solution of a few teaspoons of white vinegar to one cup water and blot.
 
2. Club soda – removes red wine stains.
 
3. Ice cubes – to harden gum and candle wax, then scrape off.
 
4. Baking soda, corn starch or corn meal – Sprinkle greasy stains. Let stand overnight, then vacuum.

Easily remove pet hair with a rubber kitchen glove!  

Put on the rubber glove and run your hand across the furniture in one direction.  The pet hair should collect as you run your hand along and ball up.  You can just pick it up and throw it out!  Good luck! 

Do you know what you’re traveling with?    

Cupholders, dashboards, seats and steering wheels can harbour many different types of bacteria in you car!  

Be prepared with these essential items to keep your car clean!  

The 3-in-1 Car Mitt removes dust, dirt and grime without scratching delicate surfaces!   

On-the-go Mini Enviro Cloths are perfect for spills, cleaning or dusting!  Use them wet or dry in the car! 

The Utility Brush and All Purpose Cleaner is perfect for scouring away grime from hard to reach spots! 

Best way to get rid fruit flies.     

1. Fill a microwave-safe bowl with apple cider vinegar and a few drops of dish soap

2. Microwave the bowl  for a few seconds so the mixture becomes aromatic

3. Leave the bowl out uncovered on the counter or where you get fruit flies

The soap in the bowl reduces the surface tension, so any fruit fly that lands on the surface will sink and drown.   

This is a cautionary tale!

Should you undergo any contruction around your hardwood flooring and discover afterwards that your floor is covered in construction dust.  Before you mop it up or apply any cleaners please call the professionals at Core Cleaning.  

Construction dust once wet can harden so it’s impossible to remove.  If this happens, your only solution is to stain the dust the same colour as your floors.  Don’t let this happen to you! 

Dryer vents should be cleaned at least once per year.

You may have clogged vents if you notice your dryer is very hot to the touch while running, clothes are coming out damp after a full cycle or you notice a burning smell when the dryer is running.

Clogged dryer vents can become a fire hazard, can increase your hydro bills and decrease the longevity of the appliance. Here are some steps for cleaning your dryer at home:

  • Disconnect the dryer
  • Vaccuum out the vent
  • Brush out the vent
  • Reconnect the dryer

Read our article on why it’s important to clean out your dryer vents regularly here.

Want the professionals to handle the cleaning for you? Contact me today and our technicians can clean the vents for you

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