Home cleaning services can handle a lot of different tasks to keep your house sanitized. They often use high-performing cleaning products to tackle a variety of surfaces and nooks.
Many commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your family and the environment. Using natural cleaning solutions is an effective alternative and helps reduce waste.
Washing Soda
Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash laundry powder, is a highly alkaline cleaner that can tackle tough stains, build-up, and smells. It is an eco-friendly substitute for a wide range of chemical cleaning products and can be used in several different ways to clean surfaces throughout the home.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and washing soda are similar in many ways but have distinct differences that can affect their cleaning power. Baking soda has a lower pH level and is not as powerful as washing soda. Washing soda, however, has a higher pH level and is therefore more effective in some situations.
To make your washing soda, simply spread a thin layer of baking soda in a shallow dish and bake it at a low temperature for about 30 minutes. The heat will convert the baking soda into washing soda, which you can store in an airtight container for future use.
Use washing soda to clean heavily soiled pots and pans, as it is effective at dissolving grease, soap scum, and limescale. Add a sprinkle to a damp sponge and rub over the surface to remove stubborn food deposits and stains. Rinse and dry. Washing soda can also be used to clean and deodorize sinks, bathtubs, showers, and plastic surfaces such as trashcans, tablecloths, and patio furniture. To remove stinky garbage can odors, soak a sponge with 1/2 cup of washing soda dissolved in a gallon of water, scrub, and rinse.
Carpet Cleaner
A carpet cleaner removes embedded dirt and revives the appearance of your floors. It uses a variety of techniques, including high-temperature steam to loosen dirt and a cleaning solution to dissolve grime. Some models include a spot-stain remover and odor eliminator to treat and eliminate spills, stains, and odors. Some are designed for use on all types of carpet, while others have specialized attachments for stairs and upholstery.
Choose the right carpet cleaner by first understanding your personal cleaning goals. Whether you want to achieve deep sanitization, remove stubborn stains, or simply maintain the overall cleanliness of your surfaces, clarifying these goals will help you determine the type of equipment and cleaning solutions that will best suit your needs.
Before using any carpet cleaner, read the manufacturer’s instructions. These will provide important information about the recommended ratio of water to cleaning solution, water temperature, and other variables that can affect both the machine and the surface being cleaned. You will also want to know if the product you are using is safe for your surface and, if necessary, for the surrounding areas.
Vacuum the carpet to remove as much loose dirt as possible before using a cleaner. Then, follow the manufacturer’s directions to set up the machine and add your chosen cleaning solution. If your machine has a separate tank for clean and dirty water, be sure to fill it with the correct ratio of water and cleaner.
Carpet Deodorizer
Carpets are soft, and comfortable and can make a room feel cozy, but they can also trap odors in their fibers. These odors can be caused by spills, pets, or lingering funky smells from smoking. Many homeowners find natural DIY cleaning solutions on Pinterest or commercial deodorizers in the cleaning aisle that claim to remove foul odors from their carpets. However, most of these products only mask the odors rather than eliminate them.
Most carpet deodorizers come in powder, spray, or shampoo form and may have different fragrances, antibacterial properties, or specific directions for your type of carpet (read the label carefully). Powdered deodorizers are usually the least effective because they just sit on top of your carpet, momentarily masking the odor before being vacuumed up. They can also contain very fine particles that get sucked up into your vacuum cleaner and wear down the motor and other parts.
The best home deodorizer for carpet is baking soda, either alone or in combination with borax and essential oils, to kill any molds or mildew that have started to grow in the carpet. Simply sprinkle on the baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up to leave your carpet smelling fresh and clean again. Baking soda can also be used to deodorize upholstery, car seats, and other areas that don’t need a deep clean but still need to be sanitized and deodorized.