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By using maplemaids.com you will find services from companies that handle small or big commercial and home improvement jobs ranging from home cleaning, maid services, Janitor Services for office cleaning, complete housekeeping, carpet cleaning, total home cleaning including outside, upholstery care, gutter cleaning, snow removal, minor and major repairs, plumbing, heating and cooling, painting and much more. We are your one stop home/office cleaning and general improvement center.

If we don't service your area we have compiled a network of maid services along with other home and office care contractors selected to provide you with an outstanding house cleaning services including home projects as well as office cleaning and industrial cleaning which includes Bank cleaning, Mall cleaning, School cleaning, Restaurant cleaning Church cleaning, Retail Store cleaning, Airport cleaning, Medical Facility cleaning and New construction cleaning, Move in / Move out.

Take time to search our websites and you will discover that we go an extra mile to simplify your life, for instance the following services you use from time to time are handy throughout our websites: Home cleaning maids, Carpet cleaning technicians, Floor care technicians, Pressure washing crew, Interior and Exterior Painters, Window cleaning specialists, Gutter cleaning crew, party helpers, Errand services, and much more. Greensboro NC, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Greensboro maids

Areas serviced

Virginia, VA: Alexandria, Manassas, Prince William, Reston, Herndon, Vienna, Mclean, Woodbridge, Oakton, Great falls, Annadale, Falls church, Fairfax station, Fairfax city, Centreville, Springfield, Burke, Tysons corner, Stafford County, fredricksburg, Dumfries, Gainesville, Bristow, Haymarket, Woodbridge, Manassas, Dale city, Quantico, Pentagon, Alexandria, Crystal City, North Springfield, West Springfield, North Arlington, South Arlington. (more areas added from time to time)

Washington DC - NW, NE, SE, SW, Hillcrest, Lorgan circle, Dupont Circle, Lorgan Circle, Mt Pleasant, Friendship Heights, Adams Morgan, Potomac Heights, Cleveland Park, Columbia Height, Georgetown,

Maryland, MD: Prince George's County -Adelphi, Glenn Dale, Greenbelt, Hyattsville,Landover, Langley Park, Laurel,Mitchellville, New Carrollton, Bethesda, Brentwood, Upper Marlboro, Beltsville, Berwyn Heights, Bladensburg, Silver Spring, Bowie, Brentwood, Cheverly, Clinton, College Park, Rockville, District Heights, Montgomery County Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Derwood, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Glen Echo, Kensington, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Bethesda, Wheaton, Rockville etc.Triad Cleaning Services

North Carolina: RALEIGH, RALEIGH North Carolina, NC: Archdale, Asheboro, Burlington, Graham, Greensboro, Haw River, High Point, Kernersville, Lexington, Mcleansville, Reidsville, Siler City,Thomasville, Whitsett, Winston-Salem, Yanceyville, NE Burlington, NW Burlington,Triangle Area: Durham, Raleigh, Raleigh hills, NC, Greensboro Heights, Serving the entire Triad area, Alamance, Browns Summit, Burlington, Climax, Colfax, Elon, Gibsonville, Graham, Greensboro, High Point, Jamestown, Julian, Kernersville, Liberty, Mc Leansville, Oak Ridge, Pleasant Garden, Randleman, Sedalia, Sophia, Stokesdale, Summerfield, Trinity, Whitsett.

Philadelphia PA: West Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Center City, North Philadelphia, Northwest Philadelphia, The Northeast, Southwest Philadelphia.

Alamance Area: Burlington, Graham, Mebane apartment cleaning, apartment New York, NY: Brooklyn New York, Queens New York, New York New York, Manhattan New York, Bronx New York, Island or Staten Island, NYC (coming soon)

Baltimore County: Aberdeen, Abingdon, Baldwin, Baltimore, Bel Air, Belcamp, Benson, Brooklyn, Butler, Catonsville, Churchville, Cockeysville, Crofton, Curtis Bay, Dundalk, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Essex, Fallston, Garrison, Glen Arm, Glenelg, Glyndon, Gambrills, Gunpowder, Gwynn Oak, Hagerstown, Havre de Grace, Hunt Valley, Odenton, La Plata,Towson,White Marsh, Baltimore (MAPLE MAIDS Baltimore, MD) BALTIMORE MAIDS, BALTIMORE HOUSE CLEANING, BALTIMORE MD

Howard County

Annapolis Junction, Clarksville, Columbia, Cooksville, Daniels, Dayton, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Fulton, Glenelg, Glenwood, Highland, Ilchester, Jessup, Laurel, Lisbon, Oella, Savage, Scaggsville, Simpsonville, West Friend (MAPLE MAIDS Howard County, MD)

Services Nationwide:

We work hard to assist you in getting services in other states, please click here for services in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, State, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Canada, AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MH, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VI, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Services in all major USA cities and Canada Cities:

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Helpful cleaning resources

Cleaning Terms

Cleanliness

Cleanliness is the absence of dirt, including dust, stains and bad smells. In more recent times, since the germ theory of disease, it has also come to mean an absence of germs and other hazardous materials. A recent shift has now taken place to recognise that ‘dirt’ may play a useful role in our immune systems. This shift in thinking can be traced back to 1989, when David Strachan put forth the ‘hygiene hypothesis’ in the British Medicine Journal. Strachan looked at the records of 17,000 British children and found that the greater number of older siblings they had, the less likely they were to come down with hay fever—a disease which, despite its name, is far more common in the city than the country. Strachan wondered if the older children were bringing home more viral infections to their younger siblings, priming their immune systems so they could better tolerate pollen. The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ has now been liked with asthma, allergies, intestinal diseases including Crohns disease, childhood leukaemia and atopic dermatitis and the list is growing It can apply to humans, animals, clothing, eating utensils, plates, pans, cups, etc., food, other movable objects, floors, windows, walls, toilets, etc. Maids, cleaning services, maids in and at, maids, company

Purposes of cleanliness include health, beauty, absence of offensive odor, avoidance of shame, and to avoid the spreading of dirt and contaminants to oneself and others. In the case of glass objects such as windows or windshields, the purpose can also be transparency.

Washing is one way of achieving cleanliness, usually with water and often some kind of soap or detergent.

Housekeeper

A housekeeper is an individual responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the interior of a residence. The term is almost exclusively applied to females; males are generally referred to as housecleaners, head of household staff, or, under the old British Commonwealth system as houseboys (regardless of age). House Cleaning

A housekeeper is a person responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of (usually residential) premises.

* Housekeeper (industrial)–responsible for the cleaning of institutional premises

* Housekeeper (servant)—responsible for the maintenance of the interior of a residence

* Housekeeper (hotel)—‘housekeeping’ is the usual term for the department that supervises the maids responsible for cleaning the rooms of a hotel or motel.

Head housekeeper is the term given to the supervisor of housekeeping staff, except in a great house where the supervisor (usually female) is simply called the housekeeper.

Maid -A maidservant or in current usage maid is a female employed in domestic service. Once part of an elaborate hierarchy in great houses, today the maid may be the only domestic worker that middle and even upper-income households can afford. In the Western world, comparatively few households can afford live-in domestic help, usually compromising on periodic cleaners. In less developed nations, fewer educated women and limited opportunities for working women ensures a labour source for domestic work.

Maids perform typical domestic chores such as cooking, ironing, washing, cleaning the house, grocery shopping, walking the family dog, and taking care of children. In some countries, maids take on the role of a nurse in taking care of the elderly and people with disabilities. Maids are often expected to work at least fifteen hours per day. Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill, Graham, Morrisville, Cary, Durham and Chapel Hill, Graham, Morrisville, house cleaning company, home cleaning company, baltimore, baltimore md, cary

Types of maid

In hierarchical order, the types of maids in a large household are:

* Head House Parlour-maid (or Head Housemaid, Head Parlour-maid)

* House Parlour-maids (or simply housemaid) (Under House Parlour-maid, if there is only one)

* Chambermaids (also known as housemaids)

* Nursery maids

* Kitchen maids, also Between maid (Hall girl in the US)

* Scullery maids maids maid

* Lady's maid - Outside of the normal hierarchy, the lady's maid was a senior servant who reported directly to the lady of the house, rather than to the housekeeper or butler.

Domestic worker housekeeping company, house keeping companies

A domestic worker, or simply domestic, is a servant who works within their employer's household.

In large households, there can be a large number of domestic workers doing different jobs, often as part of an elaborate hierarchy. While this type of social arrangement is all but obsolete in developed countries, it can perform a useful social role in less-developed countries in distributing income. Nevertheless such elaborate hierarchies, if based around a class or caste system, can perpetuate divisions and restrict social mobility.

A butler is a senior domestic worker, whose duties traditionally included handling the wines of the household and some management of the other servants. Female domestic workers are often called maids. maids, homecleaning, housecleaning, services, housecleaning

Domestic workers perform typical domestic chores such as cooking, ironing, washing, cleaning the house, buying foods and drinks, accompanying the female head of the household for grocery shopping, taking the family dog for a walk, and taking care of the children. In some countries, maids replace the role of a nurse in taking care of the elderly and people with disabilities. Maids often are expected to work at least fifteen hours per day.

Household chore

A household chore is a specific piece of work required to be done as a duty or for a specific fee, related to or used in the running of a household.

Household chores normally include: cooking, setting the table and washing dishes; cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, dusting and mopping ; picking up clothes to the washer and laundry; ironing; lift and carry things, putting things away; child and elder care; garden and animal care; outdoor chores, paying bills

Nanny

A nanny is defined as "a child's nurse". The traditional nanny was a servant in a large household and reported directly to the lady of the house. Nannies were always female and this remained the case through the 20th Century. This role currently stands firmly as a sector of early childhood education.

The nanny in a great house ran her own tiny domain, supported by at least one nursery maid. Because of their role in child care, they were somewhat more indulged than junior servants. Nannies may have remained in the employ of the same aristocratic family for years, looking after successive generations of children. North Carolina

Today, although many families employ part-time babysitters, fulltime nannies in the classic sense can only be afforded by upper-middle to upper class families. A nanny may perform tasks such as:

* Providing childcare during the hours agreed upon with the employing family

* Supporting the physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual development of children

* Protecting children from harm and ensuring that they have a safe environment

* Preparing appetizing and nutritionally-balanced meals and snacks

* Maintaining good communication with the parents, informing them of each child's development and concerns

* Maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of the house as affected by the children

Typically women in the 20 to 30 age bracket take up employment as nannies. Nannies typically earn low salaries. Sometimes the employer require their nanny/nannies to wear a uniform. This happened often earlier during the 20th century, but since the 1980s many nannies instead can wear clothes that are comfortable for their work.

Famous fictional nannies include:

* Mary Poppins

* Fran Fine, played by Fran Drescher in The Nanny

* The BBC television drama series, Nanny, starred Wendy Craig in the title role, and ran from 1981 to 1983

* Phoebe Figalily in the US sitcom Nanny and the Professor which starred Juliet Mills and Richard Long.

* Nanny on Muppet Babies

* Nanny in The Nanny Diaries.

The word "nanny" normally connotes a woman (originating from a pet name for a grandmother or for a female carer), but male nannies do exist, though they often use a different name (childminder for example, or more recently manny) for the job.

A governess, in contrast to a nanny, concentrates on teaching and training children.

Janitor

A janitor or caretaker (Chiefly Brit.) is a person who takes care of a building, such as a school, office building, or apartment block. They are responsible primarily for cleaning, and often (though not always) some maintenance and security.

The title is derived from the Latin word ianitor meaning "doorkeeper" (See also superintendent). A female janitor is called a janitrix. A typical title given to janitors as a term of higher respect is custodian. Janitors have also come up with a number of alternative and sometimes humorous job titles, including:

* Custodial technichian

* Sanitation supervisor

Occupational Tasks

Typical janitorial work often consists of the following tasks:

* Cleaning bathrooms

o Sinks

o Toilets

o Urinals

* Cleaning Floors

* Emptying trash

Sometimes can do after construction or post construction cleaning

Median Salaries per Employer Type

* School – US$ 22,200

* Hospital – US$ 24,000

* Non-profit organization – US$ 16,280

* Federal government – US$ 30,000

* College/University – US$ 29,000

Handyperson

The terms handyperson, handywoman, or handyman, describe someone competent in a variety of small skills or inventive or ingenious in repair or maintenance work; somebody who earns money by the experience and skill to perform a variety of small jobs and/or odd jobs in and around your home. Asheboro nc, Asheboro maid services, winston salem maid services, Asheboro

Some handypersons have more skills than others and perform more than just a variety of small jobs and odd jobs. A good handyperson is skillful, dexterous, practical, clever, able, competent, and proficient in whatever it is he is doing. Some handypersons are licensed and insured, some are not. There are different laws for different states and it is not always required. When looking for a handyperson for odd jobs, more than anything, you want to make sure that you have someone you can trust, who does dependable work, and you are comfortable with. Handypersons are often found through organized services.

Vacuum cleaner

A vacuum cleaner is a device that uses an air pump to create a partial vacuum to suck up dust and dirt, usually from carpeted floors. Most homes with carpeted floors in developed countries possess a domestic vacuum cleaner for cleaning. The dirt is collected by a filtering system or a cyclone for later disposal.

Several general configurations for vacuum cleaners have emerged: house cleaning, maids, maid, services, cleaning, home

* Upright vacuum cleaners have the pump mounted directly above the suction intake, with the bag mounted on the handle, which rises to about waist height. Upright designs usually employ mechanical beaters, often rotating brushes, to help disturb dust to be vacuumed up; these beaters are usually driven by a belt attached to the vacuum motor.

* Canister (or cylinder) designs have the motor and bag in a separate canister unit (usually mounted on wheels) connected to the vacuum head by a flexible hose. Although upright units have been tested as more effective (mainly because of the beaters), the lighter, more manoeuverable heads of canister models are popular. Some upmarket canister models have "power heads", which contain the same sort of mechanical beaters as in uprght units, although such beaters are driven by a separate electric motor.

* Back-pack vacs are commonly used for commercial cleaning: they allow the user to move rapidly about a large area. They are essentially canister vacuum cleaners, except that straps are used to carry the canister unit on the user's back.

* Built-in or central vacuum cleaners move the suction motor and bag to a central location in the building and provide vacuum inlets at strategic places throughout the building: only the hose and pickup head need be carried from room to room; and the hose is commonly 8 m (25 ft) long, allowing a large range of movement without changing vacuum inlets. Plastic piping connects the vacuum outlets to the central unit. The vacuum head may either be unpowered or have beaters operated by an electric motor or air-driven motor. The dirt bag in a central vacuum system is usually so large that emptying or changing needs to be done less often, perhaps once per year. maids

* Robotic vacuum cleaners move autonomously, usually in a mostly chaotic pattern ('random bounce'). Some come back to a docking station to charge their batteries, and a few are able to empty their dust containers into the dock as well.

* Small hand-held vacuum cleaners, either battery-operated or electric, are also popular for cleaning up smaller spills.

Most vacuum cleaners are supplied with attachments that allow them to reach otherwise inaccessible places and to be used for cleaning such surfaces as upholstery. Wet vacs can be used to clean up liquid spills. Shop vacs commonly can accommodate both wet and dry soilage; some are also equipped with a switch for reversing the flow of suction, a useful function.

Denominations Used: $ 10.00, 20.00, 30.00, 40.00, 50.00, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 300, plus free

Deep cleaning of carpets

Carpet can also be dry-cleaned using dry solvents (not recommended for entire rooms), dry foam or absorbant granuals; bonnet cleaned or steam/hot water extraction cleaned.The correct method should be determined following testing of the fibres either by a simple burn or chemical test. Also the type of construction should be noted, how well the carpet is fitted, the condition of not only the carpet but the underlay too. In some cases dyes can bleed. In such circumstances the carpet may only be dry cleanable. This is especially true with natural fibers such as wool, cotton, jute, sea grass, coir, and sisal. Dry cleaning methods are often insufficient to properly clean a carpet and need to be done before the carpet becomes too soiled. Dry cleaning methods should not be considered "deep" cleaning. Greensboro, Asheboro, Asheboro maids, winston-salem cleaning services, Asheboro maid services

Hot water extraction, performed by a reputable technician who has been trained to a recognised standard, will produce excellent results. Sadly, cleaning attempts made by under-trained and unknowledgeable "professionals" is all too common and often leads to poor quality cleaning, or rapid resoiling.

When hiring a carpet cleaner it is necessary to be wary of carpet cleaning technicians bait the consumer with a low-price coupon then pressuring them to buy extra services not originally bargained for, or not even needed.

Today's carpets have qualities that carpets of 20 years ago (especially pre-1987) did not. Therefore it is necessary that carpets be cleaned with the proper method(s), temperature, pH, clear- or ph-balancing rinse, and other factors which vary according to the fiber type, backing system, yarn type & style, bleeding risk, and any special circumstances the customer may have (e.g. chemical sensitivities, elderly, young children, etc.).

Because of these factors and others (too many to list), an untrained person, "professional" or DIY'er, may cause more harm than good when cleaning a carpet.

The best protection for the consumer is to consider that, when hiring a professional firm (in any field), that company should charge professional rates so that it can ensure continuing training, buy and maintain modern tools of the profession, pay for proper licensing, bonding and insurance, and pay its employees respectable wages and benefits, etc.

A general contractor is an organization or individual that contracts with another organization or individual (the owner) for the construction of a building, road or other facility. A general contractor is defined as such if it is the signatory as the builder of the prime construction contract for the project. A general contractor is responsible for the means and methods to be used in the construction of the project in accordance with the contract documents. Said contract documents usually include the contract agreement including budget, the general and special conditions and the plans and specification of the project that are prepared by a design professional. A general contractor usually is responsible for the supplying of all material, labor equipment and services necessary for the construction of the project. To do this it is common for the general contractor to subcontract part of the work to other persons and companies that specialize in these types of work. These are called subcontractors.

General contractors conducting work for government agencies are typically referred to as prime contractors. The responsibilities of a prime contractors working under a contract are essentially identical to those outline above. In many cases, prime contractors will delegate portions of the contract work to subcontractors.

When asking for residential services:

A residential area is a type of land use where the predominant use is housing. In areas that are zoned residential, buildings may include single family housing, multiple family housing such as (apartments, duplexes, townhomes (or similar configurations), condominiums) or mobile homes. Zoning for residential use may permit some services or work opportunities or may totally exclude business and industry. It may permit high density land use or only permit low density uses. Residential zoning usually includes a smaller FAR (floor to area ratio) than business, commercial or industrial/manufacturing zoning.

In certain situations residential areas may consist of quite large tracts of land which have no services whatsoever requiring a trip to town in order to fulfill basic needs. Because of the large distances involved most of these numerous trips involve using a motor vehicle. In the case of a land development the pattern of development is usually set forth in the restrictive covenants contained in the deeds to the properties in the development, but may also result from or be reinforced by zoning. Restrictive covenants are not easily changed as the agreement of all property owners (many of whom may not live in the area) may need to be obtained to effect a change.

Value your home and keep it clean

A home is a place where a person or family lives, perhaps spends much of their time, or where a person is comfortable being. While a house (or other residential dwelling) is often referred to as a home, the concept of "home" is broader than a physical dwelling. Home is often a place of refuge and safety, where worldly cares fade and the things and people that one loves becomes the focus. Many people think of home in terms of where they grew up, or a time rather than a place.

The word "home" is also used for various residential institutions which aspire to create a home-like atmosphere, such as a retirement home, a nursing home, a 'group home' (an orphanage for children or a retirement home for adults), a foster home, etc.

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Since it can be said that humans are generally creatures of habit, the state of a person's home has been known to physiologically influence their behavior, emotions, and overall mental health. For example, in the introduction to the film Patch Adams, the concept of "home" is compared to the human need for peaceful sanctuary and the absence of it thus leading to restlessness. Such restlessness, as can be seen by that particular case, may lead to depression and, ultimately, to a loss of sanity.

Popular sayings

There are a number of popular sayings concerning home, many attempting (and/or struggling) to give it a clear definition, including the following:

* "Home follows the family."

* "Home is where the heart is."

* "Home is where the hearth is."

* "Home is where you make it"

* "Love makes a house a home."

* "There's no place like home"

* "You can't go home again.

* "An Englishman's home is his castle."

* "Everybody wants to go home."

* "Make yourself at home."

* "Home is where the hurt is.

* "Home Sweet Home."

* "Charity begins at Home"

* "A home is in all hearts"

* "sweet home alabama"

Maple Maids Link Resources:

The Cleaning Service Directory - http://www.house-cleaning-services.com/

Maryland Info - http://www.marylandinfo.com/Real_Estate_and_Home/Cleaning_Services/more3.html

Superpages.com - http://yellowpages.superpages.com

Yahoo Local - http://local.yahoo.com

Google Local - http://www.google.com/lochp?hl

MSN - Cleaning Services

Yahoo - Cleaning Services

Google - Cleaning Services

Craigslist - http://newyork.craigslist.org/hss/

Cleaning - http://www.cleaning.com/

STAIN REMOVAL GUIDE - How To

Beer - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Blood - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

(CLEANING INGREDIENTS MUST BE COLD)

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) to a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Butter - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

Candle Wax - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Remove with heated iron into absorbent paper towel or napkin.

2. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

3. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

Candy (sugar) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Catsup - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Cheese - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half- cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one with the neutral detergent.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Chewing Gum - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

Chocolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Coffee - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Cola drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

Cosmetics - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Crayon - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Catsup - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Earth (dirt)- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one with the detergent.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Egg (raw)- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Excrement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Fruit and Juices - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Rinse with white household vinegar. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Furniture polish- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Glue - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Gravy- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Hand lotion - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Ice cream - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4.Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Ink (ballpoint) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backing or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Iodine, Merthiolate - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

4. Repeat step one. Blot.

5. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Marble Stain Removal - Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with the chemical recommended to dissolve that stain; or mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and depth of the stain. Plastic wrap, held in place by masking tape, can be put over the poultice to keep it damp; otherwise it will have to be redampened with the chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use; mix a second batch if another application is needed

Marking Ink Pen - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Milk - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one. Blot.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Nail Polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Apply nail polish remover (acetone). Blot.

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Oil Stains

Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours.

To remove: Scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, then rinse and wipe dry. If these alkaline solutions don't remove all the oil, you can try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or with home dry cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not leave on too long.

Organic Stains

Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks.

Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drop of ammonia.

Paint, Latex - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Paint, Oil-Base Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.

Removing Blue Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Blue, green or other unusual colored stains, can be caused in old, badly worn bathtubs andsinks, from cleansers not rinsed off thoroughly. When harsh abrasives (such as most scouring powders) are used regularly on these porcelain enamel surfaces, over several years they wear down the smooth surface, leaving it rough.

Dyes used to encapsulate the cleaning particles in scouring powders or other colored cleansers can get into the crevices of such worn surfaces, and if not rinsed off, and allowed to stay and harden for days, can be almost impossible to remove. A strong chlorine bleach solution may lighten the stain, but will also further dull or discolor the porcelain surface. So one may have to live with the stain.

Removing Rust/Iron Stains on Bathroom Fixtures:

Rust stains come from iron in the water supply, which can only be permanently remove through installation of an iron filter. Occasionally iron is dissolved from rusting water pipes or mains by corrosive water. Iron stains can be removed by a weak acid solution, usually oxalic acid which is highly toxic and must be handled with care. Never use chlorine bleach as this sets the iron stain.

Fresh iron stains on plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs and chrome will generally yield to treatment with heavy duty cleaning compounds containing large proportions of trisodium phosphate. Apply cleaner with damp cloth, pad or sponge. Rub discolored surface until stain is removed. Rinse. Wipe dry and polish.

Heavy, stubborn rust stains can often be removed by oxalic acid stain remover compounds such as Zud or a tri-chloro-melanine compound such as Barkeepers Friend. Follow directions carefully.

For rust stains already set on bathroom or kitchen plumbing fixtures, dissolve oxalic acid crystals in hot water and add enough whiting or talc to make a soft paste. Apply this poultice to stain and let dry before removing. Rinse and polish.Use with care-it is poisonous.

Rubber Cement- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Rust- Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

Use Whink or Zud or other Rust Remover. Follow directions on package.

Shoe polish - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

4. OR Seek the help of a professional carpet cleaner.

Soft Drinks - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clear water. Blot.

Soy Sauce - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half-cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Tar (asphalt) - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Sponge with a small amount of dry-cleaning solvent. Blot. (Use small amounts to prevent any possible damage to sizings, backings, or stuffing materials. Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, or carbon tetrachloride).

2. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

3. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Tea - Stain Removal on Carpet and Upholstery

1. Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent (a mild detergent containing no alkalies or bleaches) with a cup of luke-warm water. Blot.

2. Mix one-third cup of white household vinegar with two-thirds cup of water. Blot.

3. Repeat step one.

4. Sponge with clean water. Blot.

Terrazzo Floors - Stain Removal

Caution: Follow directions carefully when you use chemicals to remove stains. Always "remove the stain remover" as soon as its job has been done. Remember many of these substances are on the "Not recommended list" for general floor care, but must be used if the stain is to be removed.

Try the following methods for these common stains. Try the first method listed first, and go to the second only if this doesn't work. For unknown stains or heavy staining, consult a professional.