When it comes to household cleaners, there are many different brands, recipes, and recommendations. So how do you know which cleaners are good to use for your home? Southside Chem-Dry is here to help answer this common question in this blog post!
Here are a few staples to keep in your home cleaning kit, as well as our recommendations for where they should and shouldn’t be used. We’re the expert carpet cleaners in Virginia Beach, VA and we know a thing or two about keeping your home clean!
DIY or Homemade Cleaners
DIY or homemade cleaners are popular among people looking for affordable, more natural cleaning solutions. They’re typically made with a combination of water, lemon or vinegar, and their acidic nature makes them effective at breaking down grease, soap scum, and hard water stains.
These types of cleaners are generally safe to use on tile, tubs, and showers but can dull the appearance of natural stone like limestone, marble, or granite. Homemade cleaners also shouldn’t be used on knives, wood, or grout since they can eat away at these finishes.
All-Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleaners normally come in either a liquid or powder form and can be diluted with water if needed. All-purpose cleaners work well on countertops, tile, appliances, and linoleum or laminate floors.
Be cautious when using all-purpose cleaners on steel appliances as they often leave behind streaks. Instead, try a specialty stainless cleaner. Also, avoid using all-purpose cleaners on hardwood floors. And for tougher areas with mildew, mold, or stains, try a stronger specialty cleaner rather than an all-purpose formula.
Specialty Cleaners
There are many cleaners that are specifically designed to be applied to certain surfaces—like bathrooms, kitchens, glass, stainless steel, and hardwood floors. The chemical makeup of specialty cleaners is made to target things like hard water, mineral build-up, and dust in a way that’s safe for certain surfaces.
There are also specialty cleaners available for carpet and upholstery that should be used with caution and limited amounts of moisture. Professional upholstery and carpet cleaners in Virginia Beach, VA will be able to offer the right recommendations for you.
Abrasive Cleaners
Abrasive cleaners have a gritty texture and come in either powder or liquid form or as scrubbing pads. They contain small minerals that put in extra elbow grease for you on stubborn areas like utensils, pans, tile floors, ovens, stove burner pans, and bathtubs. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on metal surfaces or other areas that can be corroded or scratched!
Acrylic & Glass Cleaners
To avoid scratches or streaks on glass surfaces, always dust the surface with a damp or microfiber cloth first. Next, try a mixture of 2 tablespoons ammonia for every 1 quart of water, or a specialty glass cleaner.
Chlorine Bleach
Bleach is a very strong and powerful cleaning solution but it should be used with caution. It is designed to remove mildew and brighten surfaces on areas like toilet bowls and tubs, but not on porous grout, wood, or metal surfaces that can be corroded. Keep in mind that bleach simply hides mold by whitening it rather than eliminating it, so you’ll want to use a specialty cleaner on moldy areas.
Professional Carpet Cleaning in Virginia Beach, VA
Southside Chem-Dry can clean a variety of surfaces in your home like the carpet, upholstery, area rugs, tile, and grout with routine cleanings. As your choice VA Beach carpet cleaners, we make sure your home is cleaner and healthier!