Cleaning

How To Remove Paint Splatters From Your Mirror

by Jennifer | No Comments Thursday, February 14, 2013

Remodeling your bathroom can be a stressful and tedious job, whether you have hired someone to do it or you are going at it alone. But through that effort, you find yourself with a bathroom that you can be proud of. One common issue post-remodel is paint splatters on the mirror. Regardless of whether or not you have it covered, unless the mirror is taken out of the room altogether, there will likely be spots. Sometimes it is just a few, and sometimes it looks like someone filled a spray bottle with paint and went at the sides of your mirror. But there are some easy fixes to get your mirror back to its pristine appearance in no time.

There are three approaches to this, and it all depends on how long the paint has had to set. You always want to start with the most simple approach, and if that doesn’t work move on to the next method. One thing is for sure though: do not try to remove the splatters with your fingernail or any tools, you are more likely to scratch the mirror.

Approach #1: Clean It Off!

If the paint on your walls is freshly dried, often you can remove the splotches with the glass cleaner of your choice and a soft cloth (NOTE: Do not ever use an abrasive cloth or sponge to clean your mirror, it will etch it)

Approach #2: Nail Polish Remover

Make sure the area is well ventilated. Apply a generous amount of nail polish remover (acetone is preferred, but not necessary) to a soft cloth and gently work it into the spots in a circular motion. Once all the paint is removed, Use a new cloth with water to remove the polish remover, then use the glass cleaner of your choice to finish the job.

Approach #3: When All Else Fails

If you still can’t get the paint off, for instance you just moved into a house and it has likely been there for years, you will need paint stripper from your local hardware store. Make sure the area is well ventilated, and do a spot test in a small corner first to be sure it won’t damage the mirror in any way. If you are good to go, use a little at a time with a soft cloth (don’t forget to wear gloves!) and go in small, circular  motions. Once all the paint is removed, use a clean cloth with water to remove the paint stripper, then clean with your glass cleaner to finish.

How To Clean Your Wooden Floor: By Bona

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, January 22, 2013

We somewhat recently talked about how to care for your hardwood floors, but Bona has a great how-to and video on their website that we wanted to share. Bona is the product we use to clean all our client’s hardwoods, and we couldn’t be happier with it!

Go here – How To Clean Your Wooden Floor – Bona

On a side note: be sure and read about all the products and their recommendations, using them correctly is the key to great floors, and if used improperly can result in damage that only a professional can repair.

Using A Sh-Mop In Your Home

by Jennifer | No Comments Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Here at Bit a Bliss, our cleaning professionals use a Sh-Mop as opposed to a conventional mop. It is a greener, cleaner, and much safer alternative. As you can see above, it looks similar to a Swiffer mop, but there is a big difference between the two. The Sh-Mop is used as a wet mop, and comes with removable mop heads that are laundered, so there is less waste since they don’t get thrown away. Every home we go into gets a fresh mop head (and more as needed) so you won’t need to worry about having another home’s dirt brought into yours.

The way we use it, is we take the mop head and get it damp, then spray cleaner directly on it and mop the floor in an inward motion so that any dirt that is left behind can be delegated to a small area to be wiped up. If used correctly and with products that are designed for your floors, it will leave behind no streaks or smudges, and will leave your floors sparkling.

If you have never heard of this handy tool, you can get More Information Here. If you would like, you can purchase it on your own or through us. If you are a client and would like to get one through us, let us know and we can bring it to your home on your next cleaning and simply add the cost to your cleaning! If you are not a client, that is no problem at all, we can have it shipped to you.

Caring For Granite Countertops

by Jennifer | No Comments Tuesday, November 13, 2012


Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any home. If cared for properly, they will last a lifetime, which makes the hefty pricetag completely worth it if you can do it.

-Keep Your Countertops Sealed

Have you ever noticed that not long after cleaning the counters again, they feel a little grimy again? That is due to the sealant wearing down. Making sure your counters are properly sealed will keep that to a minimum. Check with your manufacturer, but most granite needs to be resealed at least every 6 months to a year. In most cases, if it’s just routine maintenance, you can buy products from your local home improvement store to keep it in good condition. If your counters are in bad shape, consult a professional and look into getting them buffed and resealed.

-Use Only pH Neutral Products

pH neutral products are very close to water in composition. If you can, always try to use something specifically made for it, such as Method Granite Cleaner, or you could use a little bit of mild dish detergent with plenty of water (just be sure and get all the soap off, or it will be left streaky!)

-DO NOT Use Acidic Or Otherwise “Heavy Duty” Products To Clean It.

Vinegar and lemmon juice are fantastic cleaners. However, granite, marble, and other natural stone surfaces cannot tolerate them and should never be used to clean them. It will eat away at the sealant and do a great deal of damage. Do not use anything formulated for soap scum, heavy disinfectants, undiluted ammonia, etc.

-Wipe Up Spills Immediately

It is always important to wipe up any spills immediately. Anything that’s not water can damage the surface. And even if it is water, if there are any cracks on your counters it can seep into those. Staining is also an issue, as they are not easily removed. The sooner you clean up the spill, the less of a chance of any damage being done.

 

7 Vacuum Maintenance And Safety Tips

by Jennifer | No Comments Friday, November 2, 2012

Having a good vacuum is essential in keeping your home clean and well maintained. But if you find yourself needing to buy a new one more than every few years, chances are it is not being properly cared for. Keeping your vacuum in great condition is relatively simple, and does not require a great deal of time. Safety is also a very important factor, as it can be very easy to hurt yourself, others, and your belongings if not used properly.

-Check The Beater Bar Regularly

The beater bar is the long round bar at the bottom of your vacuum with the bristles all over it. Check it often and make sure there isn’t a buildup of hair and string wrapped around it that can affect the efficiency of your vacuum.

-If Your Vacuum Is Bagless, Empty The Cannister After Each Use

Emptying the cannister after each use will keep your vacuum from building up unsightly smells, and in some cases bacteria that can be redistributed throughout your home. Yuck! Also, if your cannister gets full while you are vacuuming, stop to empty it out. The more full it is, the harder the motor will have to work, and that will wear it out quicker than it should.

-Keep Your Filters Clean

Having a filthy filter, like having a full cannister, will cause your vacuum motor to work harder and will wear it down faster. After every time you vacuum, take the filter(s) outside and shake them out. Every once in a while you will want to wash them, but be very careful to make sure they are 100% dry before putting back in, or they will mildew and make everything smell.

-Never Yank A Cord From A Distance To Unplug

Always unplug directly from the outlet. Yanking the cord can bend the plug and/or wear down the cord itself, exposing wires that could lead to electrical shock.

-Don’t Vacuum A Wet Surface

If there is a wet area on the floor, leave it alone! Vacuuming over a wet area can cause an electrical shock to you, and do damage to your vacuum that will need professional repairs.

-When Using The Hose Attachment, Hold The Vacuum At An Angle

Leaving your vacuum flat on the floor for any amount of time will run you the risk of burning the carpet and possibly the hardwood/tile. However, there are some models that will automatically turn off the beater bar when the hose is used, so if you have one of those you should be good to go. But just to be safe, turn the vacuum on its side when the hose is out to make sure it is still working properly.

-Last But Not Least: Keep Away From Children!

Do not let small children operate your vacuum, or be within close vicinity when you are using it. Their clothing can get caught in it, and best case scenario will just damage the clothes.

For more great tips on keeping your vacuum in top shape, Check Out About.com’s Vacuum Care and Maintenance Tips!