Limestone is an attractive and heat-resistant choice for kitchen countertops.  However, compared to other natural stone countertop options, such as granite and marble, limestone requires significant upkeep. It is far more porous than other stones, and usually light in color which can lead to stains as it does absorb liquids easily.  Knowing  how to properly care for and clean your limestone countertops can make all the difference. 

Limestone countertops should never be cleaned with traditional house cleaners or kitchen cleaners. Find a  cleaner designed specifically for limestone countertops.  The limestone cleaner should have a neutral pH or try mixture of warm water and mild detergent.  Always use a microfiber or other soft cloth to clean and prevent scratches.  Never use any sponges or other house cleaning supplies.

Yes, Limestone scratches easily. Avoid scratches by using cutting boards when using knives and placing dishes and utensils on trivets or place-mats.  For small scratches in your limestone, lightly buff them out with a fine steel wool.  A trick in the Maid and house cleaning service trade, use a small amount of polishing compound, designed to take scratches off car doors on the scratch.

Clean up all spills immediately to prevent staining.  Acidic liquids, like leamon juice or black tea, can mean ruin for your limestone countertops.  Use a trivet when placing hot pans on them as they may  create stains by burning or scorching.  There is no cleaning that!  Another, house cleaning tip to remove stains:

Make a simple poultice from flour and hydrogen peroxide. To make the poultice, mix 1 cup of flour with 2 to 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide

No matter who installs your limestone countertops, they should be professionally sealed. Thereafter, along with proper house cleaning, they should be sealed at least once a year to prevent staining. There is no one sealer that is 100-percent effective in preventing stains from damaging or seeping into your limestone.  But, water-based sealants seem to offer better protection. Using specific cleaning sprays that contain sealing properties may be used regularly {weekly or monthly} for added protection.

Sure we have all seen that box of baking soda in our Mom's fridge.  But, do you know that can also be used to deodorize drains and trash cans.  It is a must have pantry item for both carpet cleaning and house cleaning.  Carpet cleaning you say!  Yes, just sprinke on that carpet stain wait about 15 minutes and blot with clean damp white towel.  However, do this on neutral colors only.  The same cleaning tip goes for upholstery.  For carpet cleaning odors only, sprinkle, wait a few minutes and vacuum as usual.  Finally, if you have sweaty, stinky sneakers...you got it.  Sprinkle a little baking soda inside and leave in at least overnight.  Shake out before wearing.   The out-of-pocket expense is pennies. 

Let us hear from you.  Share your house cleaning tips.  Happy Cleaning! 

Don't worry about the mess that will ensue.  Make piles to donate to your favorite charity or prepare for a garage sale.  Garage sales are a great way to make extra money and house clean at the same time. 

Leave the house cleaning to the maid service.  Let us come in and dust, polish, shine, scrub and put everything in order for you.  Let your housekeepers put things back in place.  You relax.  Take a spa day with the money you make from your garage sale!  If your decide to do the cleaning yourself, take it room by room and work at your pace.  Now is also a perfect time to rearrange the furniture.   Nothing makes a room feel new again like rearranging things.

We are here to answer any questions and help in any way we can.  

Happy Cleaning in 2013!

Christmas Checklist: Clean House for the Holidays

These techniques should be safe for most washable fabrics, but be sure to test a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure there is no discoloring or damage to the fabric fibers.

1. Begin by blotting with a clean cloth to remove as much of the wine as possible. It's very important to BLOT throughout this entire process DO NOT SCRUB. Working from the outside of the stain towards the center will keep the stain from spreading.
2. Dab the stain with white wine and blot with a clean cloth.
3. If the stain still remains, try dabbing a little bit of club soda on the stain and blot to remove.
4. If the stain still persists, try pouring either salt, baking soda, talcum powder on the stain and letting it set. The powder should soak up the stain and remove it.
5. If your fabric can withstand boiling water, try the following method:
   1. Lay the stain across an large bowl
   2. Pour boiling water over the stain and let the water draw it out as it runs through the fabric into the bowl.
6. When the stain is removed, wash the clothing in cold water following detergent recommendations on the care tag.
7. You may want to air-dry the clothing to be sure the stain is not noticeable when it's dry. If you place it in the dryer and it's not completely gone, it will be set from the heat and impossible to remove.
8. Call White Gloves Kleaning Services for the post dinner house cleaning and maid service.  Mention you read this blog and get $10 off your maid service quote!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!