Upholstery Deep Clean: Pro Playbook

FurnitureStain RemovalLow-Moisture

How pros lift soil and refresh fibers without overwetting or residue.

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Tools & chemistry

Neutral pre-spray (pH 7–8); enzyme booster for proteins; oxidizer for tannins.
Horsehair brush / microfiber agitation towel; spotting kit (solvent gel, rust remover).
Low-moisture upholstery tool with flow control; white towels; air mover.

Assessment

Identify fiber & clean code (W/S/W-S/X); test colorfastness.
Check cushion foam type; pre-note wear, pilling, or seam stress.
Mask wood/metal trim; clear access path.

Process (30–60 mins per sofa)

Dry soil removal: thorough vacuum incl. crevices.
Pre-treat: light, even application; 3–5 min dwell (don’t let dry).
Agitate: with the nap; avoid circular scrubbing on open weaves.
Rinse/Extract: 1–2 slow wet passes → 1–2 dry passes; edge detail.
Groom & dry: set nap; add airflow; re-check for wicking.

Avoid: high heat/alkalinity and over-wetting. For water-sensitive foam, use encapsulation + towel extraction.

Maintenance: vacuum weekly, rotate cushions monthly, and consider fabric protector on light textiles.

Technician cleaning exterior windows with a pole system

Streak-Free Windows: Pro Checklist

WindowsPure WaterSafety

Inside/outside glass, tracks, and screens—plus when to use pure-water poles.

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Interior workflow

Lay towels under sills; brush loose dust from frames.
Apply solution with mop; squeegee top-down with overlapping pulls.
Detail edges with a dry microfiber; clean mirrors last.

Exterior workflow

Pure-water pole (RO/DI) for 2–3 stories; scrub then slow rinse.
Old paint or hard-water spots: mineral pad/cerium (test first).
Wash screens separately; wipe tracks and weep holes.

Safety & quality

Ladder standoff, levelers, and spotter for uneven ground.
Avoid sun-heated glass to reduce flash drying and streaks.
Final walk-through from multiple angles; touch up corners.

Frequency: 2×/yr minimum; quarterly for coastal or dusty regions.

Pressure vs. Soft-Wash: Pick the Right Method

ExteriorsChemistryPSI

Driveways, siding, decks—pair PSI, flow, and chemistry to the surface for clean results without damage.

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Surface pairings

Concrete/brick: 2500–3500 PSI + surface cleaner; pre-treat oil with degreaser.
Vinyl/stucco: soft-wash (low PSI) + surfactant; rinse thoroughly.
Wood decks/fences: 800–1200 PSI, wide fan tip; brighten with oxalic after clean.

Chemistry & runoff

Use dilution charts; dwell time 5–10 min; never let dry on surface.
Pre-wet plants, capture runoff where needed, neutralize delicate areas.
Protect outlets, door sweeps, and cameras; avoid forcing water behind siding.

Technique tips

Test a small inconspicuous spot; step up slowly in PSI/nozzle aggression.
Keep tip distance consistent; overlap passes to avoid zebra striping.
Rinse from top-down on verticals; post-treat organic staining when needed.

Pro move: Use a rotary surface cleaner on large flatwork to reduce streaks and time on site.

Technician clearing leaves from home gutters

Gutters: Clear Flow, No Overflow

GuttersDownspoutsSafety

Debris removal, downspout flush, safety checks, and what to inspect after heavy storms.

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Step-by-step

Set ladders with standoff; use gutter scoops or vacuum system.
Bag debris; rinse troughs to confirm slope and flow.
Flush downspouts top-down; rod stubborn clogs from the bottom.

Inspection points

Loose hangers/spikes, separated seams, pinhole leaks.
Fascia/soffit rot, staining on siding, pooling at foundation.
Screen/guard condition; clear valley leaves and roof granules.

After storms

Look for splash marks and mulch displacement—signs of overflow.
Ensure downspout extensions carry water 4–6 ft from the foundation.

Frequency: 1–2×/yr; quarterly under heavy tree cover. Consider guards after a professional evaluation.

Junk removal crew loading items into a truck

Junk Removal: Get Photo-Perfect Quotes

HaulingDonationsRecycling

What to photograph, access notes to include, and how pricing works (volume vs. weight).

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Quote-ready photos

Wide shot of entire pile + 2–3 close-ups of heavy items.
Show access path, stairs/elevator, parking distance, and gate codes.
Separate donate vs. recycle vs. landfill if applicable.

Pricing 101

Volume tiers (truck fractions) are most common.
Weight surcharges for concrete, dirt, tile, or roofing.
Extra fees: appliance handling, freon recovery, e-waste.

Day-of tips

Stage items together; remove personal documents and batteries.
Ask for donation receipts; request sweep-up of the cleared area.
For construction debris, consider bagsters or roll-off vs. crew time.

Pro tip: Coordinate with neighbors for a shared stop—often lowers per-house cost.

Carpet Refresh: From Traffic Lanes to Wow

CarpetProtectantDry Time

Choose between hot-water extraction and low-moisture methods; manage dry times and wicking.

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Method selection

HWE (steam): deep flush for heavy soils/allergens.
VLM/encap: low moisture, fast dry for maintenance.
Combo approach: encap on traffic lanes, HWE on spots.

Process

Dry soil removal → precondition → groom → rinse/extract.
Two dry passes; apply protector; groom to set pile.
Add airflow; verify edges and stairs where wicking appears.

Fiber notes

Wool: cool water, wool-safe chemistry; test for dye bleed; acid rinse.
Olefin/Polyester: oil-loving—pre-treat with solvent booster.
Nylon: responds well to protector; monitor pH.

Dry times: 4–8 hrs with ventilation; use fans/ HVAC to speed. Avoid replacing furniture pads until fully dry.

Home Services Articles

Home Services Articles

Upholstery Deep Clean: Pro Playbook

Streak-Free Windows: Pro Checklist

Pressure vs. Soft-Wash: Pick the Right Method

Gutters: Clear Flow, No Overflow

Junk Removal: Get Photo-Perfect Quotes

Carpet Refresh: From Traffic Lanes to Wow