Helping Your Customers Eliminate Fall Allergens

By Jotham Hatch

These tips can help homeowners think about seasonal home cleaning and routine maintenance during the fall season.

Fall often brings changes in weather, household routines, and time spent indoors. While outdoor conditions vary by season and location, homeowners can take practical steps to keep indoor spaces clean and organized.

Tips for Managing Dust and Debris

Carpet, upholstery, rugs, mattresses, and other soft furnishings can collect dust, pet hair, pollen, and everyday debris over time. Placing rugs or mats near entryways may help reduce the amount of dirt and outdoor debris tracked into the home.

Regular vacuuming of carpet, area rugs, upholstery, mattresses, and drapes can be part of a routine cleaning schedule. Washing bedding, grooming pets as appropriate, and changing furnace or air filters according to manufacturer recommendations are additional steps homeowners may want to consider.

Frequency of Cleaning

Professional cleaning schedules can vary depending on household size, foot traffic, pets, children, and how each space is used. Homeowners can speak with a professional cleaning company about a maintenance schedule that fits their home and cleaning goals.

How to Clean Upholstered Furniture

Cleaning upholstery requires care because fabrics, dyes, construction, and prior wear can vary. These general steps can help homeowners understand what may be involved:

Pre-test and inspect: Review the fiber content, color stability, pre-existing damage, wear, burn marks, pet damage, loose or missing buttons, tears, and manufacturer’s markings on the underside of the fabric. Test in an inconspicuous area before applying moisture or cleaning products.

Dry soil removal: Vacuum the item to remove loose dry soil and debris before applying moisture.

Wet cleaning: Apply a cleaner appropriate for the upholstery fabric and soil type. Always follow the product label and fabric care instructions.

Agitate: Use a soft brush where appropriate and avoid techniques that may distort or damage the fabric.

Rinse: Rinse according to the cleaner’s directions and the fabric’s care requirements.

Towel dry: Use a clean, dry towel to blot moisture and check whether additional cleaning may be needed.

Groom: If the fabric has a nap, groom it according to the fabric type and care instructions.

Drying: Allow cushions and pillows to dry according to the cleaning method used and the manufacturer’s care guidance.

Homeowners who are unsure how to clean upholstery, or who are dealing with delicate fabrics, heavy soil, or visible damage, may want to contact a professional cleaning company.

Selecting a Vacuum Cleaner

Choosing a vacuum depends on flooring type, household needs, pets, budget, and maintenance preferences. Homeowners may want to compare vacuum features and review manufacturer information before purchasing.

Common features to consider include:

• Filtration system: Review the type of filter included and the maintenance requirements.
• Adjustable brush or beater bar: Some vacuums offer adjustable settings for different flooring types.
• Dust containment: Compare bagged and bagless models based on convenience, cleaning preferences, and maintenance needs.
• Availability of repair parts: Consider warranty coverage, replacement parts, and service options before purchasing.

Brian Flaherty