As we head into the most wonderful time of year we see an influx of joy, smiles, laughter and… messes! Seriously, though! Beautifully scented candles drip wax, candy-covered hands touch everything, pine sap covers the floor, red wine splashes its way onto light carpet/rugs/upholstery, an influx of cookie crumbs magically appears in strange places, and so much more! But not to worry, though the holidays are messy, there are ways to combat the mess!
Holidays Are Messy — Tips to Clean it Up
Before we dive in, it is important that you always test a SMALL discrete area before applying any of the methods listed below. Fabrics and surfaces are not always the same, so they will react differently to various methods.
These are only suggestions and Topaz Cleaning & Restoration can not be held responsible for any damage. Again, always test in a hidden area.
Red Wine
Now, we tackled how to remove red wine stains in a previous blog!
Candle Wax
To remove candle wax that has made its way onto rugs, carpet, and/or upholstery, dampen a cloth (make sure it is free from lint) and place the cloth over the wax spill. Then place an iron, set to medium heat, onto the cloth. The wax will soon adhere to the damp cloth, and voila.
Pine Sap
Whether the sap has made it onto the carpet, tile, a rug, or even hardwood floor, both hand sanitizer or vinegar can help remove it!
Hard Candy
When removing hard candy that has adhered itself to your carpet or furniture, start by applying a bag of ice! Once it is super cold, take a butter knife, and begin to pry it away from the surface.
When removing hard candy that has adhered itself to your carpet or furniture, start by applying a bag of ice! Once it is super cold, take a butter knife, and begin to pry it away from the surface.
Excess Crumbs
glitter from wrapping paper, sprinkles, pine needles, and whatever other odd things accumulate on your floors during the holidays, can often be taken care of with a vacuum! BUT before you go attacking your house with your vacuum do the following:
- Empty your vacuum before you start. (It’s a good idea to do this every time, but it is really good to do this before you clean up after the holiday!!)
- Be sure the rollers can spin! (This will require you to look at the bottom of your vacuum and remove anything that is preventing the rollers from spinning. If you have a seam ripper, use it! If not, scissors will work, too… just be careful not to cut yourself!)
- Make sure your vacuum is set to the ideal height for the surface you are preparing to clean.
- Take your time! The mess didn’t happen overnight, so do not expect to clean a months-worth of mess in a few minutes!
- Vacuum in a criss-cross motion
Mud
Though it doesn’t snow (often) here in Central Texas, it does get wet! And when it does, we have a tendency to track mud throughout the house! Now it may be tempting to clean this right away, we strongly suggest letting the mud dry! Once it dries it will be easy to vacuum. Otherwise, you may risk rubbing the mud deeper into the carpet.
Final Thoughts
Holidays are messy, but they are also super fun! So as the mess starts to accumulate this holiday season, take comfort in knowing that you now have a few tools to help combat the mess! Lastly, ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON!
