Month: July 2020

Sometimes things just need an extra level clean up, something beyond the everyday cleaning routines we all go through. Whether you need to fight grime or are working to slow the spread of viruses a deep clean is the solution. Perfect for all manner of cleaning needs for both residential and commercial properties a deep clean is amazing but many are unsure what it is. In this guide, we will show you the differences between domestic clean and a deep clean and when the former isn’t enough, and you will need the latter instead.

What Is Domestic Cleaning?

Domestic cleaning is the routine cleaning tasks carried out regularly. Whether daily or weekly, domestic cleaning is routine tasks like wiping down surfaces, emptying bins and mopping floors. Domestic cleaning is about maintaining cleanliness. It is about preventing cleaning needs from mounting up, but it is not about making sure every corner of the house is spotless and germ-free. Some commercial cleaning such as bin emptying in offices and cleaning bedding in hotels is also more akin to domestic cleaning than deep cleaning.

What Is A Deep Clean?

Deep cleaning, on the other hand, is a far more thorough clean often carried out less frequently or sometimes as a one-off. Using the highest quality products and cleaning tools, a deep clean can be used to clear a vacant building ready for workers or to clear up after construction or decorating. It can also be used on in-use buildings to deeply cleanse the property with the purpose of killing germs and preventing the spread of viruses. Deep cleans can be carried out in both commercial and residential properties.

Residential properties can usually get by with regular domestic cleaning except for the end of tenancy cleans – deep cleans which prepare the property for new tenants. From under the sink to behind kitchen appliances where grime can build up deep cleaning covers everywhere a domestic clean does plus everywhere, they don’t – so, everywhere.

When Do You Need A Domestic Clean?

Domestic cleans are part of most people’s regular routines. In addition to this, offices and hospitality services carry out some form of domestic cleaning. Even in large commercial kitchens where deep cleans are essential, regular domestic cleans including wiping down surfaces are also necessary.

When Do You Need A Deep Clean?

For commercial properties deep cleans are essential. In commercial kitchens where hygiene is a fundamental part of the businesses success deep cleans are must-have for ensuring cooking appliances and the overall kitchen environment is up to standard. During the Covid-19 pandemic as well as flu season offices and properties with many people also require deep cleans. A thorough clean using disinfectants which kill bacteria will prevent the spread of viruses significantly helping keep your workforce healthy.

Each routine cleans and one off deep cleans are essential to a well-rounded cleaning. From keeping things in order to limiting the spread of viruses, cleaning is vital, but you need a mix of domestic and deep cleans to tick all the boxes. Plus, some occasions call for something more than a regular clean. Whether you are a landlord making sure your property is ready for new tenants or a business making your office safe and protecting your employees, a deep clean will need a specialist deep clean team whilst you can either hire someone for domestic cleaning or take it on yourself. 

Damp is one of the worst parts of property maintenance. Unfortunately, damp is a common occurrence popping up seemingly everywhere. The second, we spot damp we want to deal with and in this guide will show exactly how to do that. From knowing where to look for it so you can fix it as soon as possible to clearing it and preventing it from coming back this guide covers everything you need to know.

Spotting Damp Early

Catching damp early will help you deal with it more easily. To spot damp before it grows into a larger scale problem you need to know where to look out for it. A good place to start is your walls, hold your hand on the wall and look for patches which feel cold or damp. Curling wallpaper and flaking paint can also be a sign of damp which is visible alongside specks of mould. For your ceiling look for discolouration particularly next to external corners. Bathrooms and kitchens are other prominent spots for damp and mould. Check the ceiling and walls as described above as well as grout and inside cupboards. Condensation and puddles of water on your window sills could be either a sign of damp or a potential cause. Mould can appear on window frames and on the sealant used around their edges.   

Removing Mould

To start your damp repair, use a mould removing solution and a sponge or cloth. Scrubbing away the mould is only part of the solution. You are still left with stains and the threat of the mould returning. Once you have cleared away the mould you should prioritise fixing the source. Damp occurs when warm moist air comes in contact with cold surfaces. Good ventilation and using a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture will take care of some of the problems. Secondly, keep your home warm to further mitigate damp occurring.

Repairing Damp Damage

Following this clear away any mould and allow the area to dry. Once dry you can repaint the area if applicable using damp seal paint. Stain blocker paint will help prevent any stains from coming through the new coat. For grout areas remove the mould, this may be sufficient. If, however, some mould stains remain on the sealant which cannot be removed, cut out the sealant. Replace the sealant with a mould-resistant alternative using a sealant gun.

Damp Proofing

More extreme damp proofing measures such as damp-proof membranes – a waterproof barrier placed under concrete floors – require specialist installation. Having a damp proof course was not placed into building regulations until 1875 so older buildings may not have them. However, more recent buildings have waterproof barriers in the external walls to prevent rising damp getting into the internal walls.  

Property Maintenance

Before we summarise this guide on repairing damp, it is important to mention that some of the tips in this post apply to a variety of property maintenance. Spotting damage early whether it is damp, or a kitchen sink leap is vitally important. Of course, repairs are specific to the situation and may require you to call a property maintenance company but, as with damp, taking preventative measures is often an option. 

Nobody wants to deal with damp (which is why we started with spotting it early before it becomes a problem) but sometimes it goes unnoticed and sneaks up on you. Leaving it unattended will only enable it to grow and for the damage to increase until you have a far bigger problem to deal with. With the tips in this guide, you will be able to spot, fix and prevent damp far easier in future.

Many handy DIY types like to do everything themselves. Some people can turn their hand to almost anything, but some things should be off-limits, even to them. In this post, we will point out some of the repairs you should leave to the experts, and a few you can try yourself.

Leave To A Professional

There are plenty of things that should be left to the experts; things that require years of training to fix and pose potentially huge consequences if mishandled. No matter how DIY-oriented you are, the three areas below should be left to people with the correct qualifications.

Wiring

Unless you are a professional NICEIC certified tradesman trained to deal with wiring, stay far away. If you go meddling with wiring you risk losing power to the whole house and more importantly electrocuting yourself. The risks of messing with wiring when you are not professionally trained are far too high.

Plumbing

Plumbing is another area you should leave to the specialists. We are not talking about clearing out a clogged sink, that is easy enough. More serious plumbing work like pipe alterations and shower or toilet installations should be left in the hands of a professional plumber. The risk of flooding your home and causing damage which requires far more expensive repairs should be enough to sway you away from putting your DIY skills to the test where plumbing is concerned.

Gas Appliances

Gas appliances are out of DIYers jurisdiction. Whether you need oven repairs, or your gas laundry dryer is experiencing problems you should call properly qualified professionals. Gas boiler repairs should only ever be carried out by GAS Safe engineers with gas safety certificates.

If you are having immediate problems with any of the above which need fixing quickly call an emergency electrician, emergency plumber or emergency boiler repair provider.

Do It Yourself

We understand that you are compelled to fix things, and the first half of this guide may have taken the wind out of your sails, but safety has to come first. With that said, there are a few things you can give a go yourself without risking catastrophe.

Painting

Get out your overalls and paint roller because painting is definitely on the can-do list. Whether you want to add a splash of colour to a feature wall or repaint every wall in the house you have free reign with this

one. Of course, put some sheets so you don’t get paint all over the floor and use some masking tape to protect your skirting boards – or don’t. After all, we can handle a little paint far more than a flood or being electrocuted.

Be aware though, that once dry, you’ll have a very hard time indeed getting some paints out of anything. If it’s windy, any excess paint will fly off your brush if it’s thin enough – giving anything in the vicinity that classic “splattered” look.  These factors combined mean you could spend twice as long clearing as you do painting, so be careful and plan what you’re going to do first.

Cleaning Gutters

Provided you are physically fit, comfortable on a ladder and take care, you may choose to take on clearing out your guttering yourself. Guttering can sustain damage if not cleared. Somebody needs to do it and if you are DIY-orientated it could be a great task. It’s a routine piece of maintenance which doesn’t require a certification, just knowledge of the task and a healthy degree of caution. Do not get going without fully assessing the risks first and seek advice if unsure.

Small Scale Landscaping

Some small-scale landscaping is also a great option if you want to take your DIY attitude and soak up some sun at the same time. Again, leave bigger tasks like felling trees to tree surgeons and the appropriate professionals. However, mowing the lawn, levelling, laying turf and adding basic water features are on the cards. Furthermore, whilst laying paving slabs should be left to landscapers you could help with moving the slabs, digging and other such tasks (if you are physically able to).

When it comes to DIY you may have a lot of skill but there are some things which should be left to the professionals. That’s both for the quality of the work, and for your safety. However, there are plenty of ways to put your DIY skills to use too!