At Cleaner Cleaner, we’ve partnered with numerous Airbnb hosts in London, providing specialist cleaning services from emergency stain removal and deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery to end-of-tenancy cleans for a total property reset. Several colleagues on our team have extensive experience with Airbnb cleaning, and today, we’re sharing their ultimate step-by-step guide. You will also find clever tricks to streamline the process, save time, and ensure a consistently high standard.

Read also: The Ultimate Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

Ensure the batteries in the remote controls are working.

Getting Started: Inventory, Restock, and Tidy Up

Before you even begin with your Airbnb cleaning routine, focus on these crucial preliminary tasks. Start by checking the inventory to ensure all amenities work (e.g., batteries in remotes, functioning lights). Then, restock all necessary guest supplies, including dishwasher tablets, soaps, shampoos, coffee, tea, and any other provided items – doing this early simplifies the collection of empty containers and highlights what needs replacement. Follow with a general tidy-up: gather misplaced items and put them away, collect mugs from around the property, wipe down surfaces to remove crumbs, and empty all bins to prevent smells. Finally, if a dishwasher is available, load it with any dirty dishes so it can operate while you clean.

Check also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

Don’t forget to dust fans and air conditioner filters, as they trap a lot of dirt.

Conquering the Dry Cleaning Tasks

Once you’ve tidied up, the next step in your Airbnb cleaning should be the tasks that don’t require water. Our experience shows it’s best to begin your Airbnb cleaning routine with tasks that don’t involve water.

Tackle Outdoor Areas

Think of it like this: start from the outside and work your way inwards to avoid dragging outdoor grime inside. Sweep the patio, balcony, or any other external spaces.

Strip the Beds

The very first indoor task should be stripping all the beds and collecting the used towels. Bed linens and towels accumulate significant hair and lint during use. Leaving this until later risks spreading that debris onto already-cleaned surfaces, making the place look dusty. Getting this done early also allows you to start the laundry (if you’re doing it on-site) sooner.

Read also: The Only Cleaning Routine You Need to Keep Your Foldable Guest Bed Nice and Fresh

Dry Surface Cleaning 

Dry dust light fixtures, including chandeliers, and remove cobwebs lurking in corners. Give the remaining shelves, bedside tables, coffee tables, and TV units a once-over with a dry duster or microfibre cloth.

Make thorough vacuuming the backbone of your Airbnb cleaning routine.

Vacuum Every Nook and Cranny

Get your vacuum cleaner ready to tackle all carpets, hard floors, and rugs. For a thorough Airbnb cleaning, make it a point to vacuum every centimetre of the property, working from top to bottom. Don’t just focus on the floors; vacuum soft furniture and surfaces like shelves, bedside tables, coffee tables, and TV units. Unlike dusting, vacuuming removes hair, lint, and dust instead of pushing it around. The bathroom floor is another area that greatly benefits from thorough vacuuming, so it should become an essential step in your Airbnb cleaning routine. Vacuuming is crucial for removing loose hair and is particularly effective for properties near beaches, preventing sand from being dragged further into the property and potentially clogging drains.

Check also: What Are the Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair Off of Furniture and Carpets

Make the Beds and Lay Out Fresh Towels

Once the dry cleaning tasks are finished, it’s time to prepare for your next guests by making the beds with freshly laundered sheets and pillowcases and arranging clean towels in the bathrooms. Completing these tasks before you begin wet cleaning is a wise step, as it minimises the risk of stray lint from the clean laundry settling onto surfaces that will later be cleaned with water and polishing products.

It’s often not worth running the dishwasher for only a couple of teacups left behind.

Tackling the Wet Cleaning Tasks

Continue with the tasks that involve water and cleaning products. This is also the time to tend to any greenery on the property and water any indoor plants. If any spills occur, they can be easily cleaned up before the floors are polished. After that, you can continue with the heavy-duty cleaning chores.

Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Sofa Stain Removal

Pre-Treat the Bathroom 

Guests rightly expect a sparkling clean bathroom, regardless of the length of their stay. Pre-treating the bathroom and toilet is the easiest and most efficient way to complete this chore. Even short stays can lead to a build-up of water stains, toothpaste marks, soap scum, limescale (a common issue with London’s hard water), and general grime. So, to combat this issue, wet all bathroom and toilet surfaces, including fixtures, shower screens and curtains. Apply appropriate cleaning products and allow them to soak while you tackle other tasks. This step gives the products time to work their magic on stubborn stains.

Tackle the Dishes and Kitchen Mess

Even if your previous guests have been tidy, it’s common to find a few stray items needing attention. If there are only a handful of dishes, it’s often more efficient to wash them by hand. This is also the ideal time to refresh the kitchen appliances, including cleaning the fridge and wiping down the microwave, coffee machine, juicer (if you have one), cooktops, and oven, as you can deal with any cleaning-related splashes during the final floor cleaning.

Quickly wiping the windows and glass doors can make your Airbnb look sparkling clean.

Bring the Surfaces to a Shine

It’s best to clean from top to bottom to ensure you don’t undo your hard work. Grab your microfibre cloths, water spray, polishing spray, and glass cleaner and systematically work through each room, dusting and polishing all surfaces, including light switches, worktops, shelves, and cabinets, essentially every horizontal surface. Following this, wipe down all windows and glass surfaces to achieve a streak-free finish.

Wash and Polish the Floors 

With all the higher surfaces gleaming, it’s time to clean the floors in your Airbnb. To do this strategically, fill your bucket with floor cleaner and wash the floors, starting with the room furthest from the bathroom and progressing towards it. This ensures no footprints are left on the cleaned surfaces, as the bathroom will be the last area you tackle.

 Check also: Carpet vs. Wood Flooring for Your Rental

Guests always appreciate immaculately clean bathrooms in their Airbnb.

Scrub, Rinse and Shine the Bathroom

While the floors are drying, turn your attention to the bathroom, where the cleaning products have worked their magic. Thoroughly scrub the tiles, the toilet bowl (both inside and out), the sink, and all the bathroom fixtures. Once everything is washed, rinse away all traces of the cleaning products and then dry every surface meticulously with a clean cloth. For the final touch, polish the taps, showerheads, and other metal fixtures to achieve a sparkling finish. Leaving the bathroom until last ensures that water splashed while cleaning other areas doesn’t re-soil this space. Before leaving the now pristine bathroom, take a moment to dry your shoes or wipe them on a cloth to avoid leaving any footprints, and finally, put away your cleaning caddy.

The Finishing Touches: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Beyond the core Airbnb cleaning tasks, there are a few final touches that can significantly enhance the guest experience. A light spritz of water-based deodorising spray can create a welcoming atmosphere without leaving a heavy, lingering chemical smell. Furthermore, leaving a small welcome note for your guests can add a personal and thoughtful touch. Finally, we strongly recommend taking a quick video walk-through of the entire unit once cleaning is complete, as this can prove invaluable in the event of any false damage claims or cleaning disputes.

Using professional laundry services for your Airbnb ensures consistently high-quality results leading to better reviews and saving you time.

Dealing with Laundry: The Big Question

When it comes to leaving a positive impression, impeccably clean and hygienic linens go a long way in ensuring guest satisfaction. That’s why addressing the often-discussed topic of laundry for your short-term rental property is so important. While there isn’t a specific national law mandating professional laundry services for Airbnb hosts in the UK, it’s a point worth careful consideration.

The Convenience of Professional Laundry 

Services will wash, dry, fold, and even iron your linens and towels to a consistently high standard. Professional laundry saves you significant time and effort, especially when dealing with quick turnovers.

Guidelines for Washing at Home 

If you choose to wash linens and towels yourself, ensure you adhere to basic health and safety standards. This means washing at a high enough temperature (typically at least 60°C) to kill germs and ensuring everything is thoroughly cleaned and hygienic between guests.

Larger Operations and Certifications

If you manage multiple properties or your accommodation is classified as “serviced accommodation,” health inspectors may expect a higher standard, potentially including using commercial laundry services. Additionally, achieving quality certifications (like VisitEngland’s Gold Award) often requires professionally laundered linens.

Our Recommendation

For a standard Airbnb in London, washing at home is acceptable, provided you are meticulous with hot washes, remove all visible stains, and ensure everything smells fresh and is properly dried. However, for larger-scale operations or those aiming for specific certifications, professional laundry services are highly recommended for consistent quality and time efficiency.

A nice decoration, like this easy-to-clean mini LED marquee, adds a cosy final touch for guests.

Bonus Tips for an Even Smoother Routine

Consider these additional tips to ensure a swift and efficient Airbnb cleaning of your property.

Ditch the Carpets (If Possible)

Consider removing carpets if you currently have them or avoiding installing them if you have a choice. Carpets can be a nightmare to keep clean with quick guest turnovers, and they aren’t always the most hygienic option in a short-term rental setting. Hard floors are generally easier to clean and maintain between guests.

Read also: Designing for Elegance and Endurance in Luxury Communal Spaces

Waterproof Mattress Protectors Are Your Best Friend

Always use water-resistant mattress covers on all your beds. This simple step will safeguard your mattresses from spills and accidents, keeping them clean and hygienic. Plus, you’ll never have the inconvenience and downtime of waiting for a mattress to dry after an incident.

Leave No Trace: Maintaining Hygiene During Cleaning

Always tie back your hair, even if it’s short, and consider wearing long sleeves or trousers if you have more body hair to avoid leaving any behind. A set of dedicated cleaning clothes, like an old tracksuit and t-shirt, is also a good practice, especially if you have pets. Having dedicated work shoes for cleaning is essential – never use your regular outdoor shoes. If you manage multiple properties, carry your work shoes with you. While hospital shoe covers are an option in a pinch, be aware they can be slippery.

Tools and Tips to Improve Your Efficiency

Investing in a cleaning caddy will streamline your work by keeping all your products and tools organised and easily portable. Another irreplaceable tool for your London Airbnb is the mighty lint roller—it’s invaluable for removing hair and lint from bed sheets, sofa cushions, and curtains. Last but not least, set timers for specific tasks to help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked. Put on some music or a podcast to make cleaning more enjoyable.

Implementing these tips and creating a consistent routine is key to sparkling clean accommodation, a smoother workload, happier guests, and glowing reviews. If you’d like to take the hassle out of deep cleaning tasks like sofa cleaning, carpet cleaning, or tackling stubborn stains, remember that Cleaner Cleaner London offers specialist services to help keep your Airbnb in top condition. Happy hosting!

Our comprehensive guide covers the unique considerations for professional deep carpet cleaning in London during the colder months. We explore the challenges of winter conditions and review practical strategies for ensuring thorough drying. Our experienced carpet cleaners have also put together some valuable tips for maintaining a healthy indoor environment during the cold and humid London winter.

Read also: How to Clean the 3 Most Common Types of Carpets

Stains happen unexpectedly. Don’t ignore them! For large or stubborn stains, professional carpet cleaning of the entire carpet may be necessary.

Why Winter Carpet Cleaning May Be Necessary

Despite the inherent challenges, there are several compelling reasons to consider deep carpet cleaning during the winter months:

• Spills and accidents: Winter often increases indoor activity, leading to a higher likelihood of spills, food messes, and pet accidents. Prompt, professional cleaning can prevent stains from setting and damage from occurring.
• Spending more time indoors: In cold weather, we tend to spend more time inside the house. This increases foot traffic inside and can lead to a faster accumulation of dust, dirt, and allergens in our carpets.
• Health concerns: Winter months often coincide with an increase in respiratory illnesses. Carpets can harbour dust mites, allergens, and other pollutants that aggravate allergies and respiratory problems. Regular cleaning significantly improves the indoor air quality and creates a healthier living environment for all family members, especially those with sensitivities.
• Holiday season: Winter holidays lead to more foot traffic inside our homes, which increases the potential for spills and stains. A professional carpet cleaning after the festivities can restore your carpet’s fibres to their original condition and prepare your home for the new year.

Humid London weather presents unique challenges for deep carpet cleaning, especially in winter.

The Challenges of Winter Carpet Cleaning

While maintaining your carpet clean in winter is essential, the season presents a few particular challenges that you must address to ensure successful results:

• Slower drying times: Low temperatures and increased humidity levels significantly slow down the drying process. This can lead to prolonged dampness, creating an ideal environment for mould growth and musty odours.
• Health risks: In addition to mould growth, carpets’ moisture provides perfect conditions for developing bacteria and can even attract pests like moths, which thrive in damp conditions.
• Reduced ventilation: Cold weather often requires that windows and doors remain closed, which limits natural ventilation and prevents moisture from escaping carpets.
• Increased use of heating: Relying heavily on heating systems can complicate the drying process. While heating can help evaporate moisture, it may also raise indoor humidity levels without proper ventilation.
• Potential for damage: If carpets remain damp for extended periods, the fibres can be damaged, including shrinkage, warping, and discolouration.

Check also: 7 Ideas for Dealing with Mould at Home

Hiring a carpet care expert is always a sure bet against mold, stains, and dirt. However, there are a few other things you can do to ensure perfect results for your winter carpet cleaning.

Strategies for Successful Winter Carpet Cleaning

To overcome these challenges and ensure successful winter carpet cleaning, consider the following strategies:

Optimise the Use of Heating

Use your home’s heating system strategically. Turn on the heat before and during the carpet cleaning to warm the air and accelerate drying. However, ensure adequate ventilation to prevent excessive humidity buildup.

Ensure Proper Airflow

Open windows and doors whenever possible, even for short periods, to allow maximum airflow and moisture escape. Utilise fans to circulate air and expedite the drying process.

Minimise water usage

Opt for cleaning techniques that minimise water usage, such as the hot water extraction method or dry carpet cleaning.

Put Your Dehumidifier to Work

Dehumidifiers significantly reduce the humidity in your home, creating a more favourable environment for carpet drying.

Request Powerful Carpet Cleaning Machines

When selecting a professional carpet cleaning company, it’s crucial to inquire about their equipment. Ensure they utilise advanced machines with powerful suction to extract as much moisture as possible. Excessively wet carpets can lead to prolonged drying times, increased risk of mould, and potential damage to the carpet fibres. If the company’s standard machines lack sufficient suction, they should offer specialised drying equipment, such as high-powered air movers.

Avoid Rental Carpet Cleaning Equipment

It’s essential to avoid using rental carpet cleaning machines like Rug Doctor, especially in winter. These machines often over-saturate carpets due to their high water usage and limited suction power. Domestic carpet cleaners typically lack the power and specialised solutions necessary for effective and thorough professional cleaning.

Prepare the Carpet Before Cleaning

Thoroughly vacuum your carpets before the professional cleaning to remove loose dirt, debris, and pet hair. This step will not only improve the effectiveness of the cleaning but also reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the carpets.

By addressing the unique challenges of winter carpet cleaning, you can create a more comfortable and enjoyable living space for you and your family.

Read also: Which Carpet Cleaning Method is the Best?

A clean carpet is a crucial step towards improving indoor air quality this winter, but there are a few other things you can do as well.

Maintaining a Healthy Indoor Environment

In addition to using professional cleaning services, you can take several measures to maintain a cleaner carpet and healthier indoor environment during the winter months:

• Regular vacuuming: Vacuuming your floorings at least twice a week is crucial to remove dust, dirt, and allergens from carpets.
• Air filtration: Utilise air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mould spores.
• Proper ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation throughout your home by regularly opening windows and doors, even for short periods.
• Control humidity: Use dehumidifiers to maintain optimal humidity levels in your place, reducing the risk of mould growth and other moisture-related issues.
• Wear clean shoes indoors: Encourage family members and guests to take off their outdoor shoes before entering the house to minimise the tracking of dirt, mud, and other contaminants onto carpets.
• Dust regularly: Dusting surfaces frequently helps to prevent dust from settling on carpets.
• Minimise the use of chemical products: Be mindful when using chemical products on carpets, such as stain protection sprays. Many contain potentially harmful chemicals like PFOS, which can harm human health and the environment. Consider natural alternatives or professional stain protection applications for high-traffic areas or expensive carpets.
• Choose natural cleaning products: Opt for natural and non-toxic cleaning products and eco-friendly cleaning techniques for your home whenever possible.
• Clean your rugs more often: While cleaning wall-to-wall carpets is challenging, maintaining area rugs is significantly easier. Inspect and clean area rugs to prevent the buildup of dirt and allergens.
• Consider Flooring Alternatives:
  • Hardwood, cork, or laminate flooring can be easier to clean and maintain than carpets.
  • However, it’s important to note that dust on hard floors is more readily airborne, potentially triggering respiratory issues for some individuals.
  • With carpets, dust remains trapped within the fibres, minimising its impact on indoor air quality.
  • Regardless of your flooring choice, regular and thorough cleaning is essential to maintain a healthy indoor environment and minimise the accumulation of dust and allergens.

Check also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Combining these additional measures with regular professional carpet cleaning can significantly improve indoor air quality. Remember, a clean home contributes to your well-being.

Don’t hesitate to call us for expert carpet cleaning and stain removal, even in winter! We use low-moisture cleaning methods and advanced products to ensure your carpets are pristine.

Call Us If You Need Expert Carpet Care This Winter

Winter can make maintaining a clean and healthy home challenging, especially regarding carpet care. However, careful planning allows you to clean the carpet successfully during the colder months. For the best results, consider hiring a reputable professional carpet cleaning company experienced in winter cleaning. If you are in London, don’t hesitate to call us to request a free quote and book our professional carpet cleaning service any time of the year!

Plastic blinds are notorious dust collectors, but regular wiping can significantly reduce the amount of dust circulating in your home. Image by freepik

Combating Summer Dust and Dirt

Warmer weather means open windows, inviting dust and other airborne particles indoors. Regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter is essential, targeting high-traffic areas, carpets, rugs, and furniture edges. Curtains and blinds are dust magnets, so it’s a good idea to include them in your regular cleaning schedule. Use your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment to remove dust from curtains and the small nozzle to clean blinds, regardless of whether they are textile, plastic, or wooden. If you have an air conditioner, regularly clean its filter to prevent airflow obstruction and potential damage to the unit.

You might also like: Are Robotic Vacuum Cleaners Worth It

If you (and your pet) enjoy outdoor activities in summer, our tips will help prevent tracking dirt and grime onto your carpets and furniture.

Dealing with Dirt from Outdoor Adventures

Even if you don’t have a mudroom, it is wise to designate a space near your home’s entrance where you remove dirty clothes and shoes to contain mud and dirt. Use washable doormats for pets and wipe down your shoes after outdoor adventures. Keep a towel by the door to clean muddy paws before your pets enter the house. Vacuuming regularly during the summer is essential to prevent dirt buildup and keep indoor air quality healthy. If dirt gets tracked inside, consider deep cleaning your carpets to avoid damage to the fibres and lengthen the lifespan of your floors. 

Check also: 6 Proven Ways to Keep Your Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Sweat stains can quickly ruin your bedding, so following our laundry and mattress cleaning tips is essential.

Managing Summer Sweat and Odours

Increase ventilation, wash bedding frequently, and consider using mattress refreshing sprays. Summertime increases sweat and sebum buildup on bedding. Unless you have a thermoregulating mattress pad, you should wash your sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers in hot water (at least 55°C or 130°F) weekly to eliminate sweat and prevent bacteria growth. If your mattress is double-sided, flip it to the summer side for cooler sleep and less sweating. Consider professional mattress cleaning for the winter side to tackle stains, odours, allergens, and dust mites. 

Read also: 6 Questions About Your Mattress Answered By a Professional Cleaner

Increased sweating can also become an issue for the upholstery too. To prevent your sofa from looking shabby and worn out, consider using a throw cover during the hottest months – the sebum and sweat will remain on the washable covers instead of the furniture fabrics.

Check also: 4 Ways to Restore and Maintain the Sofa Upholstery

Deep clean carpets and furniture to keep pests away. Cleaning your pet’s bed more often during summer also minimises the risk of infestations. Image by wirestock on Freepik

Keeping Summer Pests at Bay

During the summer, as we become more active, so do insects. Seal up your home’s entry points, install window screens, and use repellents to deter insects. Research targeted solutions for specific pest issues to prevent infestations. Regular deep cleaning of carpets, upholstery, and mattresses helps eliminate hiding spots for pests and their eggs. Professional deep cleaning removes deeply embedded dirt, preventing bacteria buildup that attracts pests. The hot water extraction carpet and furniture cleaning procedures effectively kill dust mites and allergens.

Check also: Summer Cleaning Tips for a Healthy & Pest-Free Home

Brushing your pet will help minimise pet hair on your sofa, and it’s also a wonderful bonding experience. Image by freepik

Summer Shedding and Furry Friends

Regularly brush your pets as shedding increases in summer. Keep a lint roller at hand for quick furniture touch-ups. For stubborn fur, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Deep carpet cleaning effectively removes embedded fur from heavily fur-laden carpets. Also, you can check some of our professional tips on dealing with pet hair on upholstery and carpets.

Disinfect your bathroom with bleach while wearing gloves to protect your hands and prevent the spread of mould spores throughout your home.

Combating Mould and Mildew

Summer brings up humidity levels, which increases the risk of mould growth. Maintain low humidity levels and ensure good ventilation to prevent your home from becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Ideally, the humidity levels in your home should be around 30- 50%. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Run bathroom fans during showers and leave doors open when you don’t use the area to allow proper airflow. 

Read also: 7 Ways to Deal with Mould at Home

To sanitise the bathroom, clean the surfaces like mirrors, tiles, and cabinets with vinegar and water. If you suspect there’s already mould growth, opt for the heavy artillery and get a bathroom cleaner containing bleach or bleach and water solution. Use silica gel packets or chalk in wardrobes to absorb moisture. Avoid leaving spills unattended, and fix any leaks, as even small amounts of standing water can result in mould growth.

When you book a professional cleaning in summer you can enjoy stain-free, sanitised carpets and upholstery, ready to use the same day!

Carpet and Furniture Cleaning is a Summer Essential

Summer is the perfect time to clean your carpets, furniture, and mattresses thoroughly. The warmer temperatures and improved ventilation help speed up the drying process. Another advantage of summer is that you can leave removable upholstery and furniture covers, as well as small area rugs, to dry outside in the sun. UV rays effectively kill bacteria and mould spores and help sanitise the fabrics. Essentially, deep cleaning furnishings in summer is an investment in your winter comfort.

Check also: 9 Questions About Stain Protecting Your Carpets and Upholstery

The Benefits of Booking Professional Cleaning Service This Summer

Professional services provide specialised deep cleaning techniques, expertise, and equipment to remove stubborn stains and restore your home’s appearance. Hiring cleaners saves time and effort, contributing to a healthier living space.

At Cleaner Cleaner, we offer professional carpet, upholstery, and mattress cleaning services. Our experienced team uses advanced methods and high-quality products for exceptional results. Contact us for a free quote and experience the difference professional cleaning can make.

We hope these tips help you enjoy a fresh, clean, and healthy home this summer.

Read also: How to Clean a Wool Rug

Oriental rugs require specific care, even for a task as simple as dusting and vacuuming.

How to Remove Dust and Dirt from Your Oriental Rug?

Whether you own a vintage Persian rug or a contemporary Turkish kilim, keeping them free from dirt and dust is important. Trapped dirt can cause permanent damage to the natural fibres of these handmade pieces and, over time, make your carpet look dingy and grimy. So, here are some tips that can help you keep your Oriental rug dust and dirt-free:

• Vacuum regularly: We recommend hoovering your Oriental rug at least once a week, even more often if it’s placed in a high-traffic area. Regular vacuuming is necessary for every carpet, but this is especially important for Oriental rugs. 
• Move the vacuum in the direction of the fibres: Run the vacuum head slowly toward the rug’s nap (the direction in which the fibres lie). 
• Clean the rug’s fringe: When cleaning an Oriental carpet, paying particular attention to the fringe tassels is essential. These tassels are the most delicate part of the rug and can quickly become undone, torn, or worn out. Over time, this can cause the rug’s knots to pull away and unravel. If you want to vacuum the fringe of your Oriental rug, it’s best to use the upholstery brush attachment. This attachment is gentle and won’t suck or pull the tassels as hard as the floor head attachment, which can cause damage to the tassels.
• Avoid using the retractable brush on the vacuum head: These attachments are usually coarse, and running them over the carpet can damage the fibres. When vacuuming, use only the floor head.
• Get a soft-bristle brush: If there is some debris ingrained in the pile, use a soft bristle brush to loosen it before vacuuming your rug.
• Clean the back of the rug: Flip the carpet over to expose its backside and vacuum it. You can also use a brush to loosen the dirt on the back.
• Beating vs. Vacuuming: If you have a powerful vacuum cleaner and are concerned that it might pull and warp the fibres of your carpet, you can try the old-school method of cleaning your rug. Remove the carpet from the floor and take it outside. Then, shake and beat it gently to remove dirt and dust manually. This method is especially recommended for braided or hand-hooked rugs rather than flat weave types.

Check also: How to Choose the Best Rug for Your Living Room

If your space receives a lot of direct sunlight during the day, the colours of your Oriental rug will fade faster.

How to Preserve the Colours of Your Oriental Rug?

The beautiful colours of handmade carpets often originate from natural and plant-based dyes. For instance, ancient Persian rugs were dyed using dried, ground madder root for reds, cochineal for reds (although this was less common), indigo for blues, weld for yellow, sequential dyeing in indigo and weld for green, walnut husks for brown and camel, and other vegetal substances for other colours. Even today, many Oriental rugs are still dyed with natural materials. Compared to chemical dyes, natural dyes give the wool a shine that is hard to surpass. Moreover, the natural dyestuffs are harmless and are becoming popular again. However, these dyes are less stable than contemporary fabric dyes, so you must take certain steps to prevent the colours from fading.

You might also like: How to clean the 3 most common types of carpets

• Keep away from direct sunlight:
  • Natural dyes, such as those found in oriental rugs, are susceptible to fading when exposed to direct sunlight. UV rays take out red colours first, as well as other strong saturated colours.
  • Keep your oriental rug away from windows to prevent colour fading.
  • Consider using thick drapes to shield the rug from sunlight exposure.
• Rotate Regularly:
  • Rotate your oriental rug periodically to ensure even wear and prevent colours from fading unevenly.
• Get UV Blocking Window Film:
  • Covering windows with UV-blocking film provides another layer of protection against UV rays, which are a primary cause of discolouration in oriental rugs.
  • The film effectively blocks harmful UV rays while still allowing natural light into the room, preserving the rug’s vibrancy and longevity.

Read also: How to Care for a Synthetic Rug

Natural dyes give your Oriental rug luscious hues but are unstable, so stain cleaning is better left to a professional.

How to Remove a Stain From Your Oriental Rug?

Accidents happen, but when you spill something into your Moroccan, Persian, or Tabriz rug, we don’t recommend trying to remove the stain yourself. There are a few reasons why DIY spot treatment is a bad idea for Oriental rugs:

• People tend to oversoak their rugs during DIY cleanings; however, natural fibres absorb a lot of water, leading to warping or shrinkage of the carpet when it gets dry.
• Soaking the carpet may also cause colour bleeding.
• If you fail to dry the carpet properly, this can lead to deterioration of the fibres and mildew.
• Store-bought stain removal products often contain ingredients that can cause colour bleeding; for example, alkaline cleaning products dissolve unstable natural dyes.
• Soap leaves a residue that attracts more dirt if not well-rinsed.

Still, if you DO have to spill something, here’s what to do before the cleaner arrives: 

• Carefully scrape off any solid bits with a spoon without rubbing the carpet, as this can push the dirt deeper into the fibres.
• Blot up excess liquid immediately with a clean, white absorbent cloth. You can also use thick paper towels.
• Never rub, as this can spread the stain.
• Schedule stain removal and deep cleaning service with an experienced carpet cleaner.

You might also like: What Are the Best Ways to Remove Pet Hair Off of Furniture and Carpets   

Remember:

• • If you DO decide to use stain removal products, always test it on an inconspicuous area of the rug before applying it to the entire surface.
  • Never use harsh chemicals, bleach, or steam cleaners on any handmade rug.
  • Consult a professional rug cleaner if you’re unsure about any cleaning method.

Check also: Stain Removal Is a Matter of Chemical Reactions

Handmade wollen and silk rugs are an ideal source of food for pests’ larvae.

How to Protect Your Oriental Rug From Pests?

Oriental rugs, particularly those made of wool and silk, can be prone to pest infestations. These types of fibres are rich in protein, making them an excellent food source for carpet beetles and carpet moths. Both species are widespread pests and can cause significant damage to rugs, carpets, kilims, and other natural fibre furnishings. They typically lay their eggs in dark, hard-to-reach corners of the house, such as behind furniture. Once the larvae hatch, they begin consuming any natural textile items nearby. Unfortunately, it’s often too late when you spot them, and the damage is done. Once Oriental rugs have been damaged, they lose their value even if repaired by professionals. Here are some tips to follow to protect your valuable Oriental carpet:

• Vacuum regularly around the house to prevent infestations. 
• Every now and then, check hard-to-reach spaces and the furniture around to clean and inspect for larvae.
• Store items susceptible to pest infestation, such as food, woollens, and furs, in insect-proof containers.

Read also: Things You Can Do to Keep Your Carpets Clean

A rug care specialist can help you prolong your Oriental carpet’s life and turn it into a family heirloom.

Deep Cleaning Your Oriental Rug

Oriental rugs need deep cleaning to maintain their value. We recommend professional carpet cleaning at least once every two years, more frequently if the rug is placed in a high-traffic area. Certified rug cleaners have the expertise and equipment to handle deep cleaning, stain removal, and fringe care, ensuring your carpet retains its vibrancy. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need deep cleaning or stain removal for your Oriental rug. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure your treasured Persian, Moroccan, or Tabriz rug continues to bring you joy for years.

But before you jump into cleaning and maintenance tips, getting familiar with this art piece’s origin and design is crucial. Knowing the materials used for making Camaleonda sofas also gives you a great insight into how to care for them to prolong their life.

Read our guide on another iconic furniture piece: How to Care for Your Designer Togo Sofa

Camaleonda in light grey chenille. Picture by B&B Italia.

Camaleonda sofa – History, Design & Materials

Conceived by architect Mario Bellini in 1970 for B&B Italia, the Camaleonda sofa symbolises 1970s design innovation. Its enduring popularity is rooted in a distinctive modular design featuring plush cushions connected by rings and carabiners, offering structural stability and easy rearrangement. The sofa’s adaptability is evident in its ability to seamlessly fit into diverse interior styles, from minimalist to eclectic, thanks to its low, deep-seated profile. Discontinued in the late ’70s, the Camaleonda reemerged in 2020, reintroduced to captivate a new generation of design lovers with its remarkable silhouette and functional versatility. This legendary piece remains a timeless and personalised addition to any living space, echoing its historical roots and contemporary appeal.

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Archive image of the original design. Courtesy of B&B Italia.

Satisfying continuity in form and function

Apart from a few minimal adjustments to respond to 21st-century safety and environmental codes, the contemporary version’s design is the same. Sofas made after 2020 contain either recycled or recyclable materials assembled in layers and can be easily separated once the seating reaches the end of its life — from recycled PET to stainless steel, brass and solid beech wood. With the company’s vast array of textiles and leather, you can customise the outer fabrications to suit any interior.

Check also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

Both the seventies design and today’s version comprise rounded modules of fabric-covered polyurethane, cleverly connected with a simple system of carabiners, rings and cables to be unhooked and recombined at will. That is why Camaleonda is an endlessly customisable piece of furniture. Even now, over 40 years after its conception, this iconic Bellini sofa still looks more modern and futuristic than most present-day furniture.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Photography by Kelly Marshall for Architectural Digest.

Camaleonda upholstery fabrics and materials

The original Camaleonda was finished with high-quality Italian fabrics and materials. Still, you need to remember that if you have a vintage piece from the 70s, it is very likely that the modules have been reupholstered at least once. Fortunately, in most cases, the materials used to restore the iconic sofa are equal in quality and beauty to the original upholstery. However, if you’re looking for a vintage Camaleonda, it’s a good idea to ask what type of fabric it’s finished with – this information will help you take better care of this luxury piece of furniture.

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As for the contemporary versions of this classic sofa they come in a great variety of upholstery fabrics and materials:

• Bouclè – you can choose from a few varieties of this sophisticated and timeless fabric in an incredible array of colours and structures. Boucles are fabric blends, meaning they are composed of a few different natural, synthetic and man-made fibres such as cotton, wool, linen, viscose, acrylic and polyester.
• Canvas – you can get your Camaleonda finished in a few types of beautiful, prime-quality canvas fabrics in a wide variety of colours. Most canvas upholstery fabrics offered by B&B Italia are blends with high natural thread content. They are combined with synthetic and man-made fibres to highlight and fortify the natural materials. However, if you want all-natural upholstery for your Camaleonda, check out the beautiful Bellano made from 100% cotton.
• Chenille – this beautiful, textured fabric easily highlights the voluptuous silhouette of the Camaleonda modules. B&B Italia offers three types of chenille fabrics: 2 blends and one made of 100% polyester with a high recycled material content.
• Cloth – you can dress your Camaleonda in one of the few types of cloth B&B Italia offers. All of them are high-quality wool and wool-blended fabrics that instantly elevate the gracious design of the sofa. 
• Jacquard – you can choose between a few types of these distinctive fabrics in a great range of colours. All jacquards offered by B&B Italia are well-balanced natural and synthetic blended fibres with excellent colour fastness ratings. This is why they are often chosen for open spaces with a lot of light due to this quality.
• Rattier – this is a beautiful tight-woven fabric that comes in various colours and materials. All types of B&B Italia’s rattier are blended textiles, except for Aramis, which is 100% polyester. The combinations vary from all-natural to well-balanced combinations of natural and synthetic fibres. Rattier is an exquisite fabric with an excellent colour fastness rating that fits the luxurious Camaleonda sofas like a glove.
• Satin – if you want satin upholstery for your Camaleonda, you will be delighted to choose from several beautiful colours. Adria, the B&B Italia’s satin fabric is a wonderful blend of viscose, linen, cotton, acrylic and other fibres.
• Velvet – velvet’s timeless elegance and lusciousness make it a desirable upholstery material. If you want this sophisticated look for your Camaleonda, you can choose between a few types of velvet – from all-natural and all-synthetic fabrics to a well-balanced blend that compliments every module of your gorgeous piece. 
• Leather: you can dress the modules of your sofa in a few types of prime-quality leather. The company offers bull, young steer and cowhide leathers in an astounding variety of colours that will make your Camaleonda stand out in every space you place it.

Check also: How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Camaleonda in olive green chenille. Picture by B&B Italia.

How to Clean & Maintain Your Camaleonda Sofa?

Enjoying the beauty and comfort of your Chamaleonda means being constant in your sofa care routine. Following our tips, you can keep this Italian design art piece in perfect condition and prolong its life.

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Vacuum the sofa regularly to remove dust and dirt. Use a soft brush attachment to avoid damaging the fabric. Weekly vacuuming should also include the areas around and under the furniture.
• If you have a leather Camaleonda, you can remove dirt and dust with a soft microfibre towel. It’s also a good idea to condition the leather at least once every three months to keep it supple and prevent cracking.
• Check the sofa regularly for loose seams or tears. Repair any damage promptly.
• If you have to clean stains and spills from your Camaleonda sofa, remove as much dirt as possible using a clean white towel. Make sure to blot the area gently, and whatever you do, don’t scrub the stain to avoid spreading it. After finishing this step, we strongly recommend calling a certified upholstery care specialist. Most textile materials used to dress this luxurious furniture are elaborate blends, and DIY stain removal can do more harm than good.  
• Certified sofa cleaners are also your best bet against heavily soiled luxurious furnishings; this iconic modular furniture is no exception. If you need to restore the condition of your Camaleonda sofa, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have years of experience caring for luxurious Italian sofas, returning their as-new look.

Read also: Things you didn’t know about leather furniture, and how to clean it

Stella McCartney has also chosen Camaleonda as part of the interior of her flagship store on London’s Bond Street.

Protection

• Most upholstery fabrics used for the contemporary version of Camaleonda have excellent colour fastness ratings. Still, it is wiser to avoid placing it in direct sunlight to minimise the risk of fading. 
• If you have pets, keep them away from your Camaleonda to prevent scratches and stains.
• If you live in a humid area, consider using a dehumidifier in the room to help prevent mould and mildew growth.
• Some sources claim that the polyurethane body of Camaleonda sofas can be damaged by heat. This can’t be further from the truth, as this polymer is a thermosetting material that does not melt. 
• However, it’s still wise to keep the design piece further from heaters and fireplaces because while the polyurethane foam inside the sofa might not melt, some types of upholstery can be damaged by high temperatures.
• Acetone can damage the materials forming the sofa’s body – polyurethane and polyethene. When concentrated, the chemical can melt these polymers almost immediately. But even in its diluted form, acetone can cause irreversible damage to your sofa cushions. Acetone is commonly found in nail polish, paint thinner, furniture polish, and shoe polish, so avoid using these products near the sofa.

Check also: 6 Ways to Keep Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Round

Original Camaleonda in bold orange colour. Photo courtesy of Via Antica

Additional tips for taking care of a vintage Camaleonda sofa:

• Be careful not to overload the sofa. The modular design of the Camaleonda sofa makes it easy to create a variety of different seating configurations. Still, it is wise to avoid putting too much weight on a single module.
• Avoid harsh chemicals on the sofa, which could damage the fabric or leather.
• If you need to move the sofa, lift it carefully. Do not drag it across the floor, as this could damage its legs or frame.

Read also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

The Camaleonda sofa transcends the boundaries of mere furniture; it is a symbol of design innovation, versatility, and enduring elegance. The use of durable materials and meticulous craftsmanship also make this iconic sofa an investment in quality. With proper care, you can keep your Camaleonda looking and performing its best for many years.

Fat and dirt don’t stand a chance against the high temperatures produced by the appliance.

How does a self-cleaning oven work

A self-cleaning oven gets the cavity spotless without using a drop of chemical cleaners — and without much effort. When you hit the program button on your range, it starts a cycle that produces a scorching temperature of around 500 °C. The heat burns off all the food spills and grease stains, leaving you with a small amount of fine ash on the bottom of the appliance that you can remove easily with a quick sponge wipe. The pyrolytic cleaning cycle can last from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the model and brand of the oven.

Read also: The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean a Heavily Soiled Oven

Benefits of using the self-cleaning program

• No need for chemical cleaners: When cleaning a regular oven, you often need strong cleaning products, especially if the appliance is very dirty. To be able to cut through all the fat and scorched food spills, these cleaners usually contain a number of toxic ingredients that are dangerous for you and the environment. 
• No need for protective gear: The self-cleaning oven cycle eliminates all the dirt in the appliance’s cavity using nothing but heat. Therefore, you don’t have to wear the bulky rubber gloves, uncomfortable safety glasses or face masks you usually wear when cleaning the oven manually with heavy-duty cleaning products.  
• Labour-saving: This oven function cuts down your cleaning efforts tremendously. You simply run the program instead of bending, scrubbing, scraping, or doing other activities requiring a lot of elbow grease.
• Time-saving: Even though the pyrolytic cleaningcycle can take a few hours, you can do something more enjoyable with your time.
• Cost consideration: You may pay a bit extra for the self-cleaning feature, but using it pays back over time. With a regular oven, you spend hundreds of pounds on cleaning products, scouring pads, gloves and other tools and supplies. And although the self-cleaning cycle does use a lot of electricity, it’s a trade-off for the time and effort you save.

Oven Mate’s cleaning kit is among the products approved by VEA* for safe use in self-cleaning ovens.

Is it okay to use cleaners in a self-cleaning oven?

Self-cleaning ovens’ walls are coated with porcelain enamel called pyrolytic ground coat enamel or vitreous enamel. The material endures the extremely high temperature the appliance produces to incinerate dirt and food residues and turn them into ash. And while this coating is heat and acid-resistant, it can be scratched and damaged if you use harsh chemicals or abrasive products and scouring pads. 

• Nowadays, you can find oven cleaners designed especially for self-cleaning ovens. However, before you buy or try any products, remember that it’s best to check the list of formally approved products by relevant authorities like the VEA – The Vitreous Enamel Association in the UK. 
• Still, using a solution of water and mild dishwashing liquid is safe if you need to wipe up a grease stain in your oven after cooking. Also, you should never apply any household cleaners during the pyrolytic cleaning cycle to prevent damage to the enamel.

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Don’t forget to remove the oven racks prior to running the cleaning program.

How to Use the Self-Cleaning Cycle of Your Oven

Suppose you are using the feature for the first time. In that case, it’s best to check the owner manual provided by the oven’s manufacturer. However, there are a few general steps to follow when running the self-cleaning cycle:

1. Prepare the oven – before using the self-cleaning feature, remove the racks unless noted otherwise by the manufacturer. Also, it’s better to remove any large chunks of food residues to minimise the smoke and fumes during the pyrolytic cleaning cycle. If the food is baked onto the bottom of the oven, you can use a non-scratching scraper to loosen the bits and remove as much of it as possible.
2. Lock the door – most of the new models lock automatically before the cycle begins. Still, to be safe, double-check if the door is locked before running the program.
3. Ensure proper ventilation – turn on the extractor hood or leave the windows open. Allowing good ventilation in the room will help lower the heat and remove unpleasant odours emitted by the oven.
4. Run the program – push the button to start the self-cleaning and leave the room.
5. Wipe down the cavity – wait until your oven is completely cooled down, and then wipe the ashy residues inside with a damp sponge.

Turn on the extractor hood to deal with the fumes and odours during the self-cleaning.

Read also: The Ultimate Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist

Safety tips for using a self-cleaning oven

The Internet is filled with horror stories from people claiming that using the self-cleaning feature broke their oven. You can read about melted elements, burnt fuses, burst oven lights, fried controllers and relays, etc. However, all these problems can occur with regular ovens too, so don’t let the horror stories scare you. Moreover, your oven’s warranty should cover the repair cost of any accident that happens during the self-cleaning cycle. Still, you should take some specific precautions to use the feature safely. 

Allow proper ventilation 

During the self-cleaning cycle, the oven can emit smoke and unpleasant odours. Despite the stubbornly circulating rumours, these are not from the toxic gas carbon monoxide. However, the fumes are quite unpleasant and can set off the smoke detectors. Open the kitchen windows and leave the cooker hood running during pyrolytic cleaning cycle to ensure the area is well-ventilated.

Leave the room

While you can’t suffocate from the smoke your oven produces during self-cleaning, it is still unpleasant and can irritate your airways. That is why it’s best for you and your kids to stay away from the room while the self-cleaning cycle is running. Not to mention that the oven exterior too gets quite hot, and small children can get burned if they touch it.

Keep your pets away

Pets, especially birds, are more vulnerable to smoke. Some specialists say certain tropical birds can suffocate from the fumes emitted during self-cleaning. This never happened to us or any of our clients, but to be safe, make sure your pets are out of the room. After all, if the smoke’s unpleasant for you, it sure is for them too. 

Don’t leave anything on top 

Make sure to remove dishes, food containers, food, lids etc., from the stovetop. Although only the oven’s cavity is heated, the exterior gets very hot too. Anything left on top can melt and catch fire. 

Empty the warming drawer

You should also empty the drawer underneath the oven and remove any pans, baking sheets, baking paper or no paper or linen you keep inside. 

Clear out the oven cavity

Before you hit the self-clean button, you should remove everything from inside the oven, including the racks, unless they are documented as self-cleaning. The high temperature (up to 500 °C) can damage the oven racks’ metallic coating, making them more difficult to slide in and out. 

Double-check if the door is locked

Every self-cleaning oven has locks on the doors for the users’ protection. The door should stay locked during the pyrolytic cleaning cycle until the appliance cools down completely. Most ranges nowadays have an automatic lock function. However, before running the program, you should always check if the door is locked properly.

Check also: How Often Should You Clean Your Fridge?

There are a few clear signs your oven needs cleaning.

How often to use the self-cleaning cycle

To prevent getting your oven too dirty, we recommend using the pyrolytic cleaning cycle at least once every six months. However, as with all other types of ranges, your oven cleaning routine depends on how you use the appliance. If you notice any of the following signs, then it’s time to run the self-cleaning cycle of your oven:

• You can’t see through the oven door because of grease or food stains.
• There are crusty and scorched food residues on the bottom of the oven.
• You can smell a greasy or burnt odour when using the oven.
• There’s smoke or fumes when you preheat the oven.
• Change of how the food tastes, especially in baked goods like cookies, bread or cakes.

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Consider using oven liner when baking cheesy and bubbly dishes like this one to prevent the fast re-soiling of your oven.

How to maintain the cleanliness of your oven between self-cleaning cycles

Think of the self-clean oven cycle as deep cleaning of your appliance. You would want to run it every few months to maintain the range’s cavity in good condition. However, as with regular ovens, it’s best to adopt a few everyday cleaning habits that reduce the need to run the self-cleaning program too often.

• Wipe spills, overflows and splashes as soon as possible to prevent big patches of baked-on food and grease build-ups inside the oven cavity. Wait until your oven has cooled down almost completely, spray some warm water over the dirt and wipe using a soft sponge. If you’re afraid the water won’t cut it, add a few drops of mild dish soap to dilute the dirt. 
• Some foods are more prone to dripping. We recommend using pans and baking trays for all the dishes you slide into your cooker, including lazy foods like frozen pizza and pie. Washing your cookware is easier and more cost-effective than deep-cleaning the oven every month. 
• Get a non-stick oven liner and place it on the bottom of the cavity. These inexpensive oven sheets catch unwanted spills and drip from messier dishes like bubbly cheesy casseroles. 
• Unless your oven racks are documented as self-cleanable, you must pop them out and clean them separately. The best way to make them sparkly clean is to soak them in warm, sudsy water and scrub off the dirt or use a specialised rack cleaning kit. Oven Pride and Oven Mate do the job quite nicely, but you can try any other brand you prefer. Whether you soak them or use a kit, in the end, you should rinse the racks well and allow them to dry completely before sliding them back into place.
• Occasionally, streaks of evaporated cooking liquid might appear on the exterior of the oven door. This is a problem that the self-cleaning cycle can’t handle. So, whenever you notice dirt on the door, spray it with warm water to loosen the stain, then use glass cleaner to polish the spot.

*Please note that we are not affiliated with any products or brands mentioned in this article. We only recommend them as a reference for products that, in our opinion, work well.

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Maintaining you mattress clean will help you sleep better!

Mattress Cleaning Q&A With Cleaner Cleaner Professionals

Our clients always ask us the same 6 questions when they hire us for mattress cleaning. We decided to post them here along with our answers so you get all the facts straight and have everything you need to know about mattress cleaning and maintenance in one place. Here we go!

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Q: What Are the Top 5 Things That Build-up on My Mattress, and How Does It Happen?

A: Hair, skin flakes, dust, sweat and body grease are the most usual culprits for dirty mattresses. Body grease and sweat penetrate the bedding sheets and get into the mattress. 

Check also: How to Remove Grease Stains From Upholstery Fabrics

Q: Is There Anything I Can Do to Prevent Dirt Build-ups?

A: Although we are a professional cleaning company, the first advice we have for you has nothing to do with cleaning, but with the room temperature. Keep the temperature in your bedroom relatively cool at night. This will help you sleep better and sweat less thus your bed will be cleaner. Second, change the bedding sheets regularly – once every week. The amount of sweat and body grease transferring to your mattress will be significantly lower. Last but not least, vacuum the mattress thoroughly at least once a month, ideally using a mattress vacuum. A regular vacuum cleaner will do if you don’t have one, especially if you have an attachment for upholstery.

Read also: How to Keep Your Furniture and Carpets Clean All Year Long

Q: How Can I Get Rid of These Build-up Stains?

A: Most tips on the internet include using a steam cleaner. However, domestic steam cleaners will only set the stains deeper and won’t solve your problem. The best you can do to remove sweat and body grease stains is to hire a professional cleaning company. They will perform the hot water extraction procedure, also referred to as steam cleaning. The professional method ensures deep cleaning and sanitisation, provided the cleaners are experienced and use an appropriate cleaning solution.

Read also: How to Care for Your Mattress at Home

A typical example of sweat and body grease staining on a mattress (left) and after professional cleaning (right).

Q: How Often I Should Clean My Mattress, and What Are the Best Ways to Do It?

A: As we mentioned before, vacuuming your mattress once a month is a must. Another thing you can do to keep the mattress in good condition is to turn it over once a month, if it is double-sided, of course. Investing in a mattress topper is also an excellent way to prevent hair, dust and dirt from getting onto the mattress. Choose a topper that’s not too thick and can be popped in the washing machine whenever it needs cleaning. That will reduce the need for hiring professionals to clean your mattress and save you money. Still, aim to book professional mattress cleaning at least twice a year for a healthier bedding.

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Q: What Are the Mattress Stains That Require Professional Cleaning?

A: We are most often being called out to deal with stains from urine, blood, coffee, tea, and red wine. None of these can be removed by an inexperienced person using domestic stain removal products. Actually, stains that people attempted to clean before calling us are almost impossible to remove. In these cases, the initial dirt was treated with one and usually more products, which created a reaction, resulting in a complex substance set into the fibres.  

Read also: Mattress Cleaning With Caution And Diligence

Q: What Mattress Fabric Should I Choose For Easy Cleaning and Maintenance?

A: The fabric of many mattresses nowadays is made of viscose, but we don’t recommend this fabric at all! This man-made fibre comes from the pulp of the eucalyptus tree. It looks like satin, but it is virtually impossible to fully remove once stained. We would recommend getting a mattress covered with cotton fabric – it is easier to remove stains from cotton, and this natural fibre is more breathable and provides you with better sleep.

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How to “Freshen Up” Your Mattress at Home

First off, we are going to show you how to “freshen up” your mattress at home. We recommend that you complete this process every 2 or 3 months. This procedure is to help get rid of bacteria, grime, and dust that is lodged into the fibres of your mattress. Your mattress will be completely refreshed and deodorised after completing these few steps. But first, here is a list of things to equip yourself with:

• Hoover;
• Bicarbonate of soda and/or cornstarch;
• Essential oils (optional).

Check also: The Future of Sleep: Innovative Mattress Pads Are Revolutionising Our Rest 

Now that you have gathered your tools, here are our tips on how to freshen up your mattress:

1. First thing first, vacuum the top side of your mattress (we will worry about the underside later).
2. Now, get your dry compound (soda bicarb and/or cornstarch) and sprinkle a generous amount over the surface of your mattress. Leave this a good hour or so (the longer, the better). This is to give the dry compound time to absorb all of the nasties that have buried themselves into the fibres.
3. Last but not least, hoover again. Make sure you get up all of the dry compounds so as there are no unpleasant crumbs left in your bed. You may also add 10-20 drops of your favourite essential oils to add a pleasant fragrance. Lavender is a great option for a good night’s sleep.

Read also: 6 Questions About Your Mattress You Always Wanted to Ask a Professional Cleaner

How to Care for Your Mattress at Home

Now it is time to look at the general care for your mattress. Seeing as we spend so much time in our beds, it is no wonder that they have the potential to become something like an amusement park for bacteria and germs. Our team of professional mattress cleaners has put together a list of weekly and monthly chores to incorporate into your routine to guarantee this does not happen.

Check also: Mattress Cleaning With Caution And Diligence

What Tasks to Add to Your Cleaning Routine:

1. Changing the bedclothes regularly. This is an important one as people sweat a lot during the night, shed dead skin cells, among other things that produce other bodily fluids. We advise this be done at least once a week and at least twice a week if you have pets or children.
2. Vacuuming the mattress. Despite our constant changing of the sheets, dirt still accumulates under the sheets. If left for too long, dust and grime will work itself into the fibres of the mattress, making the chore of cleaning much harder. Our professionals advise a monthly mattress hoovering for best results.
3. Flipping your mattress is another thing you should do every now and then. Once every 6 months should do the trick. This helps prevent one side deteriorating from being ignored by everyone but dust and dirt.
4. Another thing we think is important to mention as there is a lot of misinformation on the subject – if you notice a stain or blemish on your bed, do NOT attempt to tackle it on your own. Most products available on the shelf contain high pH levels and end up adding to the problem instead of helping. For one, you can not rinse out the solution properly without soaking the mattress and eventually causing damage. Stain-removal specialists tend to have access to products that you won’t find on the shelf. They also usually have special equipment to help deal with the issue.

Read also: The Only Cleaning Routine You Need to Keep Your Foldable Guest Bed Nice and Fresh

That is it for our frequent chores. Not so bad when you think about it. If you manage to keep on top of these things, you will help guarantee your mattress lives to its maximum potential.

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What is Velvet?

To know how to care for a velvet sofa the right way, you are going to need to know what the material is. It used to be made from tufted silk, which is quite a costly textile. Unlike other fabrics, this one is not a flat-woven textile. It requires more materials and is woven in two thicknesses. The complicated process gives the fabric its signature softness, which is where the term “soft as velvet” came from.

Read also: How to Care for Your Iconic Camaleonda Sofa?

Nowadays, other than the classic silk velvet, there is a multitude of other synthetic or natural materials that can be used to make velvet. Some of the more budget-friendly ones it can be made from are:

• Cotton;
• Polyester (often a cotton+polyester blend);
• Viscose
• Wool;
• Linen;
• Mohair.

Check also: How to Care for Your Togo Sofa 

Pure silk velvet has become harder to find in modern days. Even if you do come across real velvet, it is expensive to buy. Now, it is more commonly made from viscose, also known as art silk. Nevertheless, if you do find yourself buying a velvet sofa, no matter the kind, you are going to need to know the best way to go about cleaning it. So, first things first, check the label of your velvet sofa and check:

• Materials it is made from;
• Care instructions;
• Cleaning instructions.

Natural fibre velvet is going to be far more delicate than synthetic velvet. If your velvet sofa is made from synthetic materials, you can steam clean it with no problem at home, as synthetic velvet is more durable and less prone to creasing, fading, and damage than natural fibre velvet. If the velvet is made from natural materials, we advise you to call in professional upholstery cleaners to get the job done.

Read also: How to Choose Upholstery Fabric for Easy Care of Your Furniture

How to Care for a Velvet Sofa the Right Way

Although velvet is classified as a delicate fabric, it is actually quite durable when cared for correctly. That is why it is of the utmost importance to learn how to care for a velvet sofa the right way. The best thing about velvet is that it is like a fine wine, it only gets better with the years.

Care of velvet furniture is actually quite simple. The way to go about it is to incorporate the tasks tied to its care into your regular routine. We advise you to add a few light chores to your weekly cleaning list:

1. When you are vacuuming the floor or carpet in your lounge, quickly swap the attachment fitting for an upholstery cleaner and get rid of any dust, crumbs, fluff, and whatever else off your velvet sofa.
2. Get a velvet brush for your sofa. You must first figure out which way the velvet fibres are woven. Brush your couch following that direction.
3. While you are completing one of the two tasks mentioned above, you may come across creases, unnatural lines, or even old stains that you have missed. This is the occasion when you should get out your upholstery steam cleaner. However, if you are unsure of the fibres that make up your velvet settee, or you know they are made from natural materials, you may want to consider hiring professional cleaners. They will clean your sofa using a dry cleaning method that won’t cause any damage to your beautiful furniture.

Check also: 4 Ways to Restore the Look of Your Sofa

How to Remove a Stain from a Velvet Sofa

It is practically impossible to go through life without staining something you should not have. If you have pets, kids, or just a messy member in the family, it is going to happen sooner rather than later. So, when the inevitable comes to pass, you need to be prepared.

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

The number 1 rule when it comes to stains – catch them on time. If they have time to dry and set into the velvet fabric, it can become near impossible to remove them. Here are our stain removal experts‘ tips on how to tackle a fresh stain:

1. The first thing to get done when a fresh spill has landed on your couch is to grab a few paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Place it on the stain delicately. Do not rub or dab, as this could further push it deeper into the fibres of your settee. Leave it for 5-10 minutes to soak up as much as possible.
2. Now you should prepare a solution for your velvet sofa. We suggest you get a nice deep bowl ready. Pour 100ml of lemon juice into the bowl and add a tablespoon of soda bicarbonate. The mixture will fizz, creating foam and bubbles on the top. Dip a cloth into the foam part of the solution and apply to the stain.
3. The other option for creating a solution is to pour 50ml of water into a cup or bowl and add a few drops of washing up liquid. Stir with fast motions to make a foam and use only the bubbly foam to clean the velvet upholstery.
4. Whichever mixture you decide to use, blot the stain gently using a white cleaning cloth. Keep blotting until it is no longer visible.
5. Now leave the upholstery to air and dry. After it has dried out completely, use a vacuum to clean the surface to make it look smooth and make sure the spot blends in with the rest of the velvet sofa.

Check also: Designing for Elegance and Endurance: Material Must-Haves for Luxury Communal Spaces

A Few Tips From the Professionals

1. When placing your velvet sofa in your living space, choose a spot where direct sunlight can not reach it.
2. If you have children or pets, it may be worth considering placing a protective cover over your velvet settee to avoid damage and scuffing.
3. Your velvet sofa may or may not have cushions. If it does, fluff them regularly.
4. Always read the upholstery labels before attempting any cleaning process on your velvet couch.
5. In the event that you discover an old stain on your sofa, either deal with it using a steam cleaner, or contact professional cleaners.
6. If ever in doubt, contact professional upholstery cleaners. You don’t want to cause unnecessary damage to your luxurious furniture.

Read also: How to Choose a Comfortable Sofa That Will Last You For Years

Stain removal is a science that requires expertise and attention to detail

During our 12 years providing professional stain removal solutions at Cleaner Cleaner, we have come across many incidents in which people have mistakenly used over-the-counter products to remove a stain. Recently, we were contacted by a customer who had tried to clean a pet urine stain from their friend’s viscose carpet using such a product, which had completely ruined the rug. The customer was confused about why the household stain removal product had worked on her puppy’s stains on her carpet but had produced such disastrous results with her friend’s expensive designer rug. 

In this case, we helped the customer to perform a test by instructing her to extract a single fibre from her carpet and dip it is a glass of water. The fibre floated on the water’s surface, indicating that it was polypropylene. Polypropylene is the only fibre that does not sink, and it is virtually bulletproof and easily cleaned, unlike more delicate fibres that require more specialised care. Despite the promises of products in the cleaning aisle, there isn’t a single solution that can tackle all stains on any carpet or rug. 

Before you try and tackle a stain yourself, you need to know the fibre type and its properties. In the case of the rug, viscose is a material that does not tolerate extremes in pH and the product she applied was highly alkaline. As a result, the solution coupled with the ferocious scrubbing had destroyed the rug beyond repair. This case just illustrates the importance of seeking out expertise in this area. 

Check also: How to Prevent Carpets Stains When Painting and Decorating the House

What should I do when I suddenly have to deal with a stain?

If a stain has just happened in your home, don’t panic! It’s better to leave a stain overnight than to start attempting a home removal with the aid of YouTube. It is important, however, to treat the stain as soon as possible to ease the removal process. At Cleaner Cleaner, we’re always happy to offer customers free advice about what steps to take next or to assess the item thoroughly ourselves. You can also contact the item’s manufacturer for specific advice. If you’ve already tried to clean the stain and it’s not improved or worsened, it’s even more crucial to reach out to an experienced specialist. In the meantime, we recommend removing any solid matter and blotting fresh stains with clean, white towels or napkins. 

Read also: 9 Things You Need to Know About Stain Protection for Carpets and Upholstery

Important information to know about these common stains

Coffee stain

You might think that all coffee stains are the same, but the temperature is a major factor. Hot coffee will penetrate deeper into the fibre and set whereas a cold coffee stain might come out easier. The colour of the coffee also makes a difference: white coffee contains milk and, as a result, the protein in the milk needs to be tackled first before the tannins in the coffee itself.

Red wine

Many people think that white wine will neutralise a red wine stain, but this is false. Red wine stain removal is tricky and ideally requires a professional. It is best not to do anything to the stain yourself as the more it is disturbed, the deeper the stain goes.

Nail varnish

This is a particularly tricky stain and, despite the temptation, you should never use nail varnish remover as this will dissolve the adhesive that keeps the fibres attached to the carpet base.

Blood

As this is a bodily fluid, it’s imperative to wear gloves. Viruses can survive in dried blood for up to 7 days. You should only use cold water with no scrubbing, but a home removal might leave a watermark.

Check also: How to Remove Blood Stains From Carpets and Upholstery

Urine stain

Urine stain removal is another very tricky case, but the first step is always to rinse out the stain as the area has to be completely sanitised. A professional should usually be able to deliver a satisfactory stain removal just from this first process as long as it is done quickly. 

A separate service is necessary if discolouration continues after the area has dried out in order to lift the colour residue. Urine is highly acidic but becomes highly alkaline when it comes into contact with fibres and these pH extremes can affect the original colour, particularly on wool carpets. At Cleaner Cleaner, we use an advanced stain removal process to test an area of the furnishing to see how it reacts to treatment before fully removing the urine stain. If done promptly, no colour loss should occur beneath. 

If the colour loss has happened, we also offer a third service to restore the missing colour and ensure it blends into the original fabric.

Read also:How to Remove Urine Stains From Your Carpet and Get Rid of the Urine Smell

Can Cleaner Cleaner guarantee a stain will be removed?

We are a fully certified fibre care specialist and we have over a decade of experience in successfully removing a wide variety of stains when they have been left untouched. We can also assess and pursue treatment when a home removal has been attempted with domestic products, but we cannot guarantee that every stain will be removed in this case. 

Contact us today for more advice about stain cleaning and our wide range of restorative services.