With the UK basking in seriously hot weather in August, we all want to spend less time doing chores and spend more time with family and friends. To help the nation make the most of the sunshine, the cleaning experts at Kärcher have shared their top tips to keep the home looking spick and span for summer get-togethers.
Steam clean your outdoor rug
If you have been anywhere near Instagram over the last two years, you will know that adding a rug to your outside space has become a huge trend and shows no sign of going away any time soon. While outdoor rugs are made from tougher materials than regular indoor rugs and can withstand the various elements that Mother Nature has to throw at them, they do still need a bit of TLC to keep them looking as good as new.
A great way to do this is with your steam cleaner. First, sweep off any loose dirt and leaves and give it a good shake. Then you can run your steam cleaner over it to remove dust, dirt, and even the most stubborn BBQ grease and stains with no need for chemicals. The Kärcher SC 3 EasyFix Premium is a great option for this. Using nothing but tap water and the power of steam, it can kill 99.99% of common household bacteria and it’s ready to go in just 30 seconds. The machine comes with a large round brush, power nozzle and a carpet glider for breathing new life into carpets and rugs.
Once clean, it is recommended to also waterproof outdoor rugs by applying a specialist protector or water-repellent spray.
Help gardens thrive, but limit water usage where you can
With temperatures increasing in the summer months, regularly watering the garden may seem tempting, but be on the lookout for ways you can limit your water usage. If you live in an area not yet affected by a hosepipe ban, avoid watering the garden every day and when do you, aim to get it done in the early morning as it benefits the plants the most. You should never water your garden in the midday sun, as the water will evaporate quickly and possibly struggle to penetrate the roots, which could result in having to water twice.
Using an automatic watering system is an ideal solution for those who aren’t able to get out in the garden in the morning and takes away the hassle of having to remember to switch it off.
Care for more delicate outdoor furniture
According to Wayfair, the newest trend of the ’70s revival – mesh accents – are back with a twist. Metal cut-outs and finely woven rattan add texture to sleek frames, giving this retro style a modern feel that has become popular in garden furniture design.
However, this furniture is often delicate, so you shouldn’t take a one size fits all approach when it comes to cleaning your outdoor furniture. While a pressure washer is great for more hardy plastic, metal or solid wood patio sets, ones made from wicker or bamboo will need a gentler approach. Once again, the SC 3 EasyFix Premium steam cleaner would great for this as it would be great at removing dirty marks and small debris, but gentle enough not to damage those surfaces.
Keep neutrals looking neutral
Incorporating organic and natural materials such as wood, stone, and rattan into your home has fast become one of the biggest trends of 2022. Complementing organic accessories with neutral walls and furniture can be a great way to add layers and texture to your home, creating a calming space. However, it isn’t always easy keeping those creamy white and natural shades as bright as the day they were first purchased.
To help keep your sofa clean and bright, Kärcher recommends using a spray extraction cleaner, like their SE 4001 twice a month (unless you have pets or suffer from allergies then it is recommended more often). This machine cleans deep into the fibres of textile surfaces, applying pressure and extracting the dirty water using innovative nozzle technology. Used in combination with the RM 519, cleaned fabrics will dry 50% faster compared to with other regular detergents..
Let the fresh air in
With open plan living being a staple in modern homes, a bigger role is given to layout and flow of a space. If there’s one important thing to keep in mind in the summer, is being able to maximise spaces by using natural light and ventilation. Routinely opening windows, on days when you’re not out enjoying the sunshine will let air re-circulate and prevent rooms from locking in stale odours.
If the sun streaming through your windows has started to show up dirt, streaks, and rain marks, it may be worth investing in a window vacuum to quickly get them shining again. Millions have purchased one of Kärcher’s iconic yellow window vacuums, and their trusty WV 5 Plus N model is currently on offer with over 25% off. This rechargeable handheld vac has a powerful lithium-ion battery lasting up to 35 minutes (or approximately 35 window frames) and effortlessly sucks up moisture, leaving surfaces streak-free, clean and dry.
*When thoroughly cleaned with the Kärcher Steam Cleaner, 99.99 % of all common household bacteria will be killed on standard household hard surfaces.
Here’s some more recommended products by Kärcher:
VC 4 CORDLESS VACUUM CLEANER |
K 4 PREMIUM POWER CONTROL CAR & HOME PRESSURE WASHER
£299.99 |
|
SE 4001 CARPET CLEANER |
STEAM CLEANER SC 3 EasyFix Premium £174.99 |
|
£45.49 |
£39.99 |
£34.49 |