Cleaning Couches

Right now is a great time to get those pesky stains out of your couch, especially with the holiday season so near. Wouldn’t want your mother-in-law making snide comments, would you?

As a good first step, vacuum off cushions or use a brush to dislodge dirt.

For red wine spills, grab a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. Blot up as much as you possibly can with a paper towel and then mix in a teaspoon of your favorite dish soap with another cup of hydrogen peroxide. Blot the mix, then blot again with a dry towel. This method also works wonders on carpet, clothing and other fabrics as well. Wine-o’s rejoice!

For coffee stains, mix an egg yolk with luke-warm water and rub on the spot. Pat dry and vacuum the rest away.

For other stains caused by life (i.e. children, cats, dogs, husbands, etc.), make your own whipped detergent. Create a froth using half dish detergent, half water, and then use a whisk to mix it all together. Using a rag, rub the froth into the spot and then rinse away with water.

You can also use shampoo to wash away stains and yucky scents from upholstery. Still can’t get the stain out? Try steam cleaning the spot first to help lift stains before treating with detergents.

Do you have any other stain removing tips to share?

Winter Garage Checklist

It’s so easy to let your garage get out of control. After all, you went through the whole thing during spring cleaning (right?), so why tackle it again before next spring? Here’s just a few things we recommend taking care of now.

Store summer vehicles like sports cars, ATVs, and motorcycles (even the kid’s mini RVs – don’t you wish you had one when you were little? Anyway…). Now is also a great time to have them serviced—then they’ll be ready for you to take them out on the road when the weather is nice again.

Pull out the winter equipment, as much as it may pain you. Make sure your snow blowers are serviced and working properly, and grab some tanks of gasoline so you’re ready. Rochester weather is unpredictable, so be prepared.  Make sure shovels are useable, too. Loose handles might need some glue, or replaced entirely.

Have a generator? Test it out now before you need it. Did we mention buying extra gasoline?

Organize. Organize. Organize. You’ll thank yourself later. Clean off spring yard tools and box up toys before the cold comes. Storing yard tools in a big bucket of sand will help eliminate rust (and the need to replace them when spring comes).

Garage Cleanup

They tend to become a catch-all in our homes for our miscellaneous items. No, not the basement, we’re talking about the garage. Does your garage need an overhaul? Here are some tips to help you reclaim your garage space and restore functionality.

1. Set aside time. It’s hard to find time for daunting tasks (especially those that likely contain dirt and bugs). If you can find a weekend to dedicate to the task, you’ll thank yourself in the weeks and months to come. Aim for a dry weekend and allow yourself the garage space and driveway to sort all of your items.

2. Group and label. Sorting in the following categories will help you see what can be stored elsewhere in your home: recycling, sports, automotive, seasonal décor, gardening gear, tools, and other equipment.

3. Dump or donate. If you haven’t used it in a year (discounting holiday items), you probably don’t need it taking up space in your home or your garage. Unsalvageable items can find a new home in a dumpster, while surplus items can be donated to a charity. Give AMVETS a call if you have a load ready to be picked up, or research other charitable organizations in need.

4. Determine a layout. Designate areas in your garage for certain functions. One area should be devoted to recreation, another to lawn maintenance, perhaps another for tools. Seasonal items stored in bins should be stored above everyday items on shelves so they are visible yet out of the way.

5. Storage storage storage. Invest in shelving and containers that allow you to label and see the contents within. Oftentimes, we purchase new items to replace those we think we’ve lost or misplaced. Being able to see your entire inventory will prevent such purchases. If you can hang it, hang it and keep it off the ground where it will collect dust and likely become part of a pile.

Don’t forget to keep your garage clean. A tidy garage that is swept monthly will aid in preventing unwanted clutter from gathering. Do you have other tips to share on keeping your garage clean? Share them in the comments here!