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To prepare your upholstery for steam cleaning, start by vacuuming it clean. Pretreat any stains with a professional stain fighter or your own solution of dish soap and water. Pre-condition the fabric with the products of your choice, and be sure to include a shampoo if the fabric allows for shampooing. Start steam cleaning your couch or other piece of furniture with the cushions, then tackle the rest of the chair. Make sure you leave plenty of time to let it dry.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

The duration of mildew smell in carpets depends on several factors, including the extent of moisture, cleanliness, and ventilation. If promptly addressed, the smell can diminish within a few days to a couple of weeks after thoroughly drying and cleaning the carpet. However, in severe cases or if not properly treated, the smell might persist. Persistent odors could indicate deeper mildew growth, requiring professional cleaning or, in extreme cases, carpet replacement to completely eliminate the smell.

You can clean some mattresses with a carpet cleaner that has an upholstery attachment. Mattresses made out of memory foam or other foam generally should not be cleaned with a carpet cleaner, although many traditional spring mattresses can be cleaned this way. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure. If you do use a carpet cleaner, be aware that it will take much longer to fully dry and be careful not to oversaturate the mattress.