Many cleaning jobs require different and sometimes unorthodox cleaning methods. Questions such as, how do I get chewing gum out of my carpet or what should I use to remove grease from my leather sofa. The last thing you want to do is grab an aggressive cleaning product and start scrubbing. This will likely ruin the surface. Instead check out our tips for how to safely clean some of the more delicate household surfaces without ruining them.

Goo Gone works well when trying to
remove chewing gum from carpeting

Q What's a good way to prevent or get rid of hard-water stains on stainless steel?

White vinegar is a mild acid that's good at removing residue from hard-water deposits on teakettles, faucets, shower heads, and coffeemakers. For coffeemakers, add a cup of white vinegar and run it through a regular hot water cycle. You can also unscrew a grungy shower head and soak it in vinegar.

Q How do you get the ring out of the toilet bowl?

What to do Use a cleaner with some abrasive muscle to attack rust and stains. We like Ajax or Comet. It's cheap, and in our tests of toilet bowl cleaners, it beats out the liquid cleaners. Also remember to clean your bowl more often to keep stains from building up.

Q How do I clean delicate surfaces like brass faucets?

Never use a harsh cleaning agent like Ajax or Comet, and never use the abrasive side of a sponge. Even if it is a no scratch sponge! These delicate surfaces will easily scratch if not treated with care. Only use the sponge side with water, then dry the surface immediately with a quality paper towel. If that doesn't do the trick, you can use a very mild cleaner. We recommend a tiny bit of Soft Scrub if necessary.

Q How do I clean a leather sofa?

 If you are simply cleaning every day type of soiling, just use a clean damp rag, rubbing in a circular motion, turning the rag as needed. Then use a fresh rag to dry the leather. Once this is complete you can use a small amount of leather conditioner to replenish the natural oils in the leather.

Q What if my leather sofa has an ink or grease stain?

If you have an Ink stain, spray a little hair spray on a clean soft cotton rag and gently rub the area. Once the stain is gone, use leather conditioner to replenish the natural oils in the leather. If you are dealing with a grease stain, talcum powder and corn starch are said to work to fight grease in particular. Don't rub it into the grease, however. Instead let it sit on top of the stain for a good four hours. Then you can wipe it away. Your leather sofa should be grease-free with his method.

Q How do I remove scuff marks from hard surface floors?

The key here is to act quickly. Certain floors like wood, or granite are very porous and can be quite delicate. As soon as you notice a scuff mark, you should use a sponge with a tiny bit of mild detergent like Soft Scrub and some warm water to rub the scuff mark from side to side until the scuff disappears from site. Then use a clean sponge with only water to rinse the area, then dry with a quality paper towel. Anything more abrasive will likely damage your floor.

Q What's the best way to clean dark stains like grape juice on light carpet?

 What to do for wine or grape juice, first blot with water, then blot with a solution made from 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent mixed with a cup of warm water. If that doesn't work, dabbing on some 3 percent hydrogen peroxide from the drugstore may lift it. (Just be sure it's a fresh bottle.) If that fails, call in a professional cleaner.

Q How do I remove chewing gum from carpet?

We suggest you use Goo Gone. First pull out as much gum as you can, then use a hair dryer to heat what remains. Apply the Goo Gone and work it into the gum to break it up. You can then pick it out a piece at a time. Just repeat the process until you remove all the gum. Remember to thoroughly rinse the spot afterwards using clean water and blot with a white cotton cloth repeatedly. Then dry the area as quickly as you can. If there is any stain left deep down in the carpet, from dyes in the gum, fast-drying will prevent it from wicking back up to the surface. If you can't remove the chewing gum from the carpet using this method, don't worry. Certified Mold Removal Professionals can get it out. Just give us a call and ask for our carpet cleaning division.