Moving Days Dirty Little Secrets Revealed!
Aside from packing, removing stubborn stains and odors is one of the least pleasant chores to do as you prepare for moving day, but these helpful hints should make it a little easier.
Note: Before using any of the following tips, be sure to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to test for colorfastness.
Everyday household items can work wonders on many common messes. Use a pencil eraser to remove scuff-marks from woodwork. A hot iron on a low setting and a piece of absorbent cloth can remove wax from hard surfaces and curtains. Press firmly on the cloth with the iron until the wax starts to loosen. Repeat, turning or replacing the cloth as needed. Remove crayon marks from walls by gently rubbing toothpaste on the stain.
Did you know that toothpaste can remove ink and crayon from hard surfaces? Let the toothpaste sit for an hour or so for stubborn stains and then rub gently with a soft cloth.
The most important thing to remember when washing walls is to start at the bottom, to avoid streaks. For textured walls, a nylon sock wont leave lint behind. Always test for colorfastness before applying cleaners. Paint spatters can be removed from most woodwork by gently rubbing them with brass cleaner. Lime scale, dried toothpaste and soap scum can be treated with an oxygen-based cleaning powder. These Oxi type cleaners can be found in almost any supermarket. Follow the directions on the package.-
Baking soda is your best friend when it comes to clearing out musty odors. Sprinkle on carpets, and place open boxes in cupboards and refrigerators. Leave the baking soda on carpets for an hour or two before vacuuming, or overnight for tougher odors. Activated charcoal will work just as well. Shake a couple of drops of vanilla oil or extract onto a handkerchief and let sit to impart a pleasant fragrance.
Be careful when cleaning areas that have already been treated with a different cleaner, because some mixtures can react with one another and cause staining. Caution: never mix cleaning products”some may contain ammonia or bleach, which when combined can create deadly fumes.